Semi Final, First LegElland Road, Leeds
9 April 1975
Attendance: 50,393
Referee: Vital Loraux
9 April 1975
Attendance: 50,393
Referee: Vital Loraux
The other semi-final saw a fascinating battle between Leeds and Barcelona. Barcelona were a team of all stars who had comfortably won the Spanish League a year earlier and were desperate to go one better than their last attempt to win the European Cup which had seen them surprisingly lose the final 14 years earlier. In charge was Rinus Michels, the man who had first guided Ajax to victory in this competition, and at the heart of the side were two men who had tasted victory with Michels, Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. These two veterans of the famous Dutch side that had ruled Europe so recently, along with the likes of Marinho, Asensi and Rexach, were the leading players in a team that was expected to make a strong challenge for the ultimate prize in European football.
Leeds, however, were a strong and skilful side who would not be intimidated by any players, no matter how famous. This was clear after just ten minutes of the first game at Elland Road as captain Billy Bremner got on the end of a Joe Jordan header and struck a fierce shot into the top corner of the net to put the English side ahead. Leeds continued to dominate throughout the first half, but Barcelona held firm and gradually got more of a foothold in the game. On 64 minutes, the Spaniards were awarded a free-kick and Cruyff’s cross was met by Asensi who scored a crucial equaliser. But Leeds were not to be denied and less than 15 minutes later, Clarke scored from Reaney’s cross to give his side a slim lead to take to Spain.(uefa.com)
Leeds extended their lead in the second leg when Lorimer tucked home a Jordan flick. Midway through the second half, Clares got one back for Barcelona and shortly afterwards McQueen was sent off for retaliation but, although Stewart in the Leeds goal was forced to make a number of impressive saves, the English side held out to reach their first European Cup Final. Barcelona were left frustrated at their failure in Europe’s most prestigious competition once more and Michels was soon sacked as a result.(uefa.com)
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