Leeds: Fans react to historic moment Barcelona legend came to Elland Road

Leeds United fans have looked back on the memorable European Cup tie at Elland Road against Barcelona in 1975.

The Whites were excellent in the 1974/75 edition of Europe’s top competition, advancing to the semi-final stage after beating Anderlecht, Ujpesti Dozsa and FC Zurich in the previous rounds.

Hosting the Spanish giants, Leeds welcomed just over 50,000 fans into Elland Road and they produced a superb first leg performance, which would ultimately help them progress to the final.

Half-way through his five year spell with Barca, Johan Cruyff arrived in Yorkshire to take on a Leeds side featuring the likes of Peter Lorimer, Allan Clarke and Billy Bremner.

And it was the latter who gave the English side the lead in the tie as early as the 9th minute, sending the Leeds faithful into wild celebration.

45 years ago today, Elland Road welcomed Yohan Cruyff’s Barcelona in the European Cup semi-final first leg. Goals from Billy Bremner and Allan Clarke gave us a 2-1 lead going into the second leg. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/1rJ6JrTaC3

— LUFCMOT (@LUFCMOTcom) April 9, 2020

Juan Manuel Asensi would level for the visitors just after the hour mark, but Clarke was on hand to seal a famous win and important first leg performance.

Two-and-a-half weeks later, Leeds would travel to Barcelona for the second leg and they sealed a passage to the final thanks to an away goal from Lorimer, who cancelled out Manolo’s goal for the home side.

Sadly for Leeds, they would come up against a Bayern Munich side that featured the likes of Gerd Muller and Franz Beckenbauer.

Despite losing in the final, Leeds fans have looked back on the semi-final clash with Barca with fond memories and here are just some of those via Twitter account @LUFCMOTcom.

I was there! On the Gelderd end! What. A. Night!

45 years though!

— Alan (@wakeyrule) April 9, 2020

Slept out to get a ticket for that game

— Tony Harrison (@Tonynumbereight) April 9, 2020

I was there. Boys pen

— Jon (@joncairns22) April 9, 2020

I was there Gelderd end what a game.

— Ray Holliday (@Rayholliday4Ray) April 9, 2020

Me and my Dad were in Lowfields at the front close to ‘cheese wedge’ corner. It was an amazing match!

— Paul Spink (@PaulSpink1) April 9, 2020

Was stood on my stool in the South Stand. Got autographs off Cruyff and Neeskens. Atmosphere and game amazing

— Martyn Daly (@fullfitmadforit) April 9, 2020