"Living the dream," was how Peter Ridsdale once famously described Leeds United’s thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals during the 2000/01 season. 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, a mix from the YEP archive, PA, Getty and others published courtesy of Varley Picture Agency, relive the adventure game-by-game. READ MORE: 19 memories from Leeds United's UEFA Cup campaigns
. Leeds United and Champions League
Enjoy this gallery of memories from Leeds United's 2000/01 Champions League campaign. PIC: Photo: Getty
. Leeds United 2 1860 Munich 1, August 2000
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. Photo: PA
. TSV Munch 0 Leeds United 1, August 2000
Were you one of the 700 Leeds fans in Munich's Olympic Stadium that Wednesday night as an Alan Smith goal proved the difference? Photo: Steve Riding
. Barcelona 4 Leeds United 0, September 2000
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. Photo: Getty
. Leeds United 1 AC Milan 0, September 2000
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. Photo: Getty
.
It was the night Leeds United made a huge statement at Elland Road with a rout of the Turkish champions. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
. Besiktas 0 Leeds United 0, October 2000
The Whites battled to a goalless draw against the Turkish champions in Istanbul's Inonu Stadium. Photo: Getty
. Leeds United 1 Barcelona 1, October 2000
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 Photo: Mark Bickerdike
. AC Milan 1 Leeds United 1, October 2000
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. Photo: Getty
1. Leeds United 2 1860 Munich 1, August 2000
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. Photo: PA
2. TSV Munch 0 Leeds United 1, August 2000
Were you one of the 700 Leeds fans in Munich's Olympic Stadium that Wednesday night as an Alan Smith goal proved the difference? Photo: Steve Riding
3. Barcelona 4 Leeds United 0, September 2000
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. Photo: Getty
4. Leeds United 1 AC Milan 0, September 2000
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. Photo: Getty
5.
It was the night Leeds United made a huge statement at Elland Road with a rout of the Turkish champions. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
6. Besiktas 0 Leeds United 0, October 2000
The Whites battled to a goalless draw against the Turkish champions in Istanbul's Inonu Stadium. Photo: Getty