"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
13. Real Madrid 3 Leeds United 2, March 2000
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? Photo: Getty
14. Leeds United 3 Lazio 3, March 2001
An under-strength Leeds side delivered a hugely impressive Elland Road show against Lazio, whose team included Fabrizio Ravanelli and Pavel Nedved. Photo: Getty
15. Leeds United 3 Deportivo La Coruna 0, April 2020
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. Photo: Getty
16. Deportivo La Coruna 2 Leeds United 0, April 2001
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. Photo: Getty
17. Leeds United 0 Valencia 0, May 2001
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. Photo: Getty
18. Valencia 3 Leeds United 0, May 2001
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. Photo: Getty