Have email Major League Baseball news delivered to your mailbox. Despite an impressive European adventure, which has taken them past Lazio, AC Milan, Anderlecht and Deportivo La Coruna, Leeds face a difficult semi-final against Spanish outfit Valencia. And should they oust the Arsenal's conquerors in the two-legged semifinal, Leeds would face the winners of the tie between holders Real Madrid of Spain and German giants Bayern Munich. But before their first leg encounter at Elland Road next Wednesday, Leeds tackle old foes Chelsea, who are themselves hungry for European success. A top six place should book a UEFA Cup place for 'the Blues', but a win on Saturday would revitalize their bid for a Champions League place.
Emotions normally run high when the two teams meet.
The bad blood between them stems from their meeting in the 1970 FA Cup final. Chelsea won the replay 2-1 in an equally brutal confrontation and their relationship has been fractious ever since. The latest chapter in a 30-year feud came last season when Chelsea's France defender Frank Leboeuf was sent off for stamping on Australia striker Harry Kewell. Leeds went on to win the match 2-0 and effectively ended the Londoners championship hopes. Leeds currently lies fourth in the table with 59 points, three less than third-placed Ipswich, but O'Leary's men have a game in hand.