The Llorente derby
The most obvious connection between these two clubs before the match was Diego Llorente’s recent transfer. The 29-year-old spent three years with Real Sociedad prior to joining Leeds United after promotion.
Llorente was in his civvies at Elland Road on Friday night though. After fracturing a hand during the training camp in his homeland last week, he missed some full sessions, but was then seen in the thick of the action at Thorp Arch this week.
The defender naturally has many friends at the Basque side still. Based on the strength and repetition of his handshakes it’s clearly his left hand that’s been operated on.
READ MORE: Leeds United deliver squad injury update after Jack Harrison omission as Man City clash nears
Wave sums up a dragging first half
This may have been a long overdue return to Elland Road for tens of thousands of Leeds fans, but the first half was not the spectacle anyone was hoping for. It became such a drag after half an hour, the crowd turned on Jesse Marsch, in the most polite way.
“Jesse, give us a wave, Jesse, Jesse, give us a wave.” The Norman Hunter Stand faithful made their wishes known to the man on the touchline and he obliged with a calming, restrained palm in their direction.
Gnonto’s night summed up with a shove
In the 78th minute, just as Wilfried Gnonto was making his way to the bench after being substituted he took a hefty shove to the midriff. Rene Maric, beaming, could not stop himself.
It had been another match under the Elland Road lights where the teenager had shone for all of the right reasons. In what was a low-octane occasion, Gnonto’s dribbling, skill and power had lit up small moments.
The 22,826 attendance gave the Italian a very encouraging ovation as he came off and Maric was sharing that moment with him, ensuring the message was getting through on another job well done.
Gyabi’s mentor
In the moments immediately after the full-time whistle, there was little chance of Darko Gyabi slinking off for a shower after some applause for the supporters. Mark Jackson was straight over to him in the middle of the pitch, coaching him through various scenarios from his 30 minutes on the field.
Greenwood makes one fan’s night
While it may have only been a friendly in the grand scheme of a season, this was a rare chance for many fans to see their favourite team in the flesh at Elland Road. Sam Greenwood, with perspective beyond his years, took his shirt off and gave it to one young fan at the front of the John Charles Stand before making for the tunnel.
Gnonto flagged
One of the more unexpected moments of the evening came as the players made their way around the pitch before heading for the tunnel after full-time. Who had money on Gnonto finishing the night draped in an Italy flag? No, me neither.
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