18 memories from Leeds United's Champions League adventure during the 2000s

They were the Champions League nights Leeds United fans dared to dream of European glory.

By Andrew Hutchinson
Sunday, 26th January 2020, 6:00 am
Updated Thursday, 13th February 2020, 10:20 am
Enjoy this gallery of memories from Leeds United's Champions League adventure during the 2000s. PIC: PA
Enjoy this gallery of memories from Leeds United's Champions League adventure during the 2000s. PIC: PA

"Living the dream," was how Peter Ridsdale once famously described Leeds United’s thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals.The intoxicating atmosphere of European football at its highest level, brought out the best in David O'Leary's team as his side cut a swathe across the continent. For nine glorious months Leeds United really were the talk of Europe. This series of rarely-seen photos relives the journey game-by-game to stoke up those never to be forgotten memories. READ MORE: Your Leeds United first match memories in photos

Referee Costas Kapitanis took centre stage sending off Olivier Dacourt and Eirik Bakke who would be suspended for the 2nd leg. "I don't mean this as a joke, but I don't know what side I can field for that game," said O'Leary.
Were you one of the 700 Leeds fans in Munich's Olympic Stadium that Wednesday night as an Alan Smith goal proved the difference?

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Leeds United were given a painful lesson in the beautiful game in their opening match in the Nou Camp. Ian Harte hit the post and The Chief was stretchered off.
A catastrophic error from AC Milan's goalie Dida handed Leeds a priceless victory at waterlogged Elland Road. He fumbled a hopeful 30-yard drive from Lee Bowyer with just two minutes remaining to give Whites the win.
The night Leeds United made a huge statement at Elland Road with a rout of the Turkish champions. Pictured is Dom Matteo scoring the third. Do you remember the other scorers that night?
Leeds United fans under a heavy police cordon during the game at the Inonu Stadium in Istanbul.
Leeds came within 10 seconds of securing their place in the second phase of the Champions League and sending Barcelona crashing out. It took a goal from Rivaldo deep into stoppage time to deny the Whites after Lee Bowyer had scored
That headed goal on the stroke of half time from Dom Matteo proved sufficient for Leeds to get the draw needed to secure their qualification into the Champions League second phase. Remember who equalised for Milan that night?
Gary Kelly skips over Roberto Carlos as two goals in as many second-half minutes saw Real Madrid seal victory at Elland Road.
The Whites thoroughly deserved the victory over the Italian champions in Rome. An Alan Smith goal after a moment of brilliance from Mark Viduka gave Leeds the win.
A spectacular 30-yard free-kick from Ian Harte and a stunning goal from Lee Bowyer set Elland Road alight as the Whites survived a rigorous examination.
Leeds ruthlessly overpowered a Anderlecht side who had won their last nine European ties on home soil. The win also propelled them into the quarter-finals with two group matches to spare.
One of the great Leeds away days as 8,000 fans painted the Plaza Mayor white. Has anyone forgiven referee Ryszard Wojcik for missing that blatant Raul handball yet?
An under-strength Leeds side delivered a hugely impressive Elland Road show against Lazio, whose team included Fabrizio Ravanelli and Pavel Nedved.
The complete performance for many supporters thanks to a cavalier spirit and the inspiration of a five-star show from captain-for-the-night Rio Ferdinand.
Leeds United survived a 90-minute battering to reach the semi-final of Europe's main club competition for 26 years but needed a mixture of good fortune and fantastic defending to achieve it in a pulsating game.
Leeds were driven on by a crackling Elland Road atmosphere but could not find a breakthrough. Valencia almost snatched a win deep into injury time, but Rio Ferdinand headed off the line from substitute Vicente.
Champions League death by a thousand cuts finally brought Leeds' European adventure to an end in Spain. When Juan Sanchez used an arm to turn home Gaizka Mendieta's 15th-minute cross, the Whites had suffered one setback too many.
Share your memories of Leeds United's Champions League adventure with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN