Twenty one years ago today, Leeds United claimed one of the greatest victories in the club's 100-year history with a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final win over Deportivo La Coruna. It was a memorable night at Elland Road as the Whites edged ever-closer to the last-four, having comfortably defeated the current La Liga champions.
Following a bright start from Deportivo, the Whites grew into the contest and came close when Ian Harte saw a strike saved by Francisco Molina, before Harry Kewell fired just over after weaving his way through the Deportivo defence. Leeds continued to create openings, Mark Viduka found Smith with a header, but his effort was easily kept out by Molina.
However, the Whites' persistence paid off when Harte fired home a wonderful free kick from long-range, smashing the ball into the back of the net via the crossbar, leaving Molina routed to the spot. And Leeds continued to push for a second goal after half-time, with Molina denying Smith to his left-hand side.
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Smith would end up adding his name to the scoresheet, though, as Harte's cross was met by the midfielder who steered the ball into the corner for his fifth Champions League goal of the campaign. The Whites scored a third goal to wrap up a convincing victory when Rio Ferdinand powerfully headed home to spark jubilant scenes amongst the Leeds faithful.
After the game, Leeds manager David O'Leary was delighted with his side's performance. He said: "They were all heroes. I only pick the team and they go out and do it. I'm delighted and so proud for them.
"We played good football from the very start. For a young side I thought they showed a lot of maturity and experience. I'd have been delighted with that result before the game. I'd have taken 1-0 to be honest, just as long as we didn't concede an away goal.
"This is possibly the best night in Europe for us this season. But it's only half-time and the important thing is not to go there and concede a goal. I've seen leads like these turned round, PSG got beaten there after leading 3-0 as we know. I know people are jumping on my back for talking us down all the time. We've come a long way, long may the adventure continue."
Olivier Dacourt, who was outstanding in midfield, added: "We aren't surprised by this result as we've done well in the Champions League. We've learned a lot along the way after watching Rivaldo, Patrick Kluivert and co in that first game back in the Nou Camp.
"We knew we had not to concede a goal and we were always confident we could score against Deportivo. We played with passion and played like a big team.
"When we played Anderlecht we showed that people shouldn't speak before a game. Another manager did and once again we have proved him wrong. I must say thank you very much to the manager of La Coruna for saying things like he did and we are very happy!"
Ferdinand capped off a marvellous individual performance with a well-taken goal and said: "Everything went just as we planned it. This was the first time I had captained Leeds in a European tie and to score my first goal for the club was extra special on a terrific night.
"To be honest I can't remember my goal it is a bit of a blur it was definitely the most important of my career because I've only ever scored two. This was the first with my head but hopefully they'll be a few more to come.
"The tie is not over yet but to score three goals in a game like this is brilliant but we have the second leg to play and Deportivo have come back from there down before against PSG. To get three goals was a dream result. We had to work very hard for this but the important thing was not to concede a goal."
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