And so to the Champions League.  United were away to Real Madrid.  I have read some of the reports saying United should have lost.  "Steve McManamen played his best game for Real so far, Roberto Carlos and Raul are class".  I must have been watching a different game on Tuesday!  OK Steve McManaman should have scored but let's face it, he is a mediocre player and the sheer fact that he didn't score underlines his mediocrity.  Roberto Carlos had four or five free kicks and didn't trouble the keeper once.  David Beckham had one free kick and hit the post.  I agree United were a little naive to give Carlos four or five chances (or was it him/them deceiving the referee?), however, if David Beckham had had those chances, class would have told!  Giggs was deliberately brought down when he was the last man but the referee didn't sent the Real man off.  Roberto Carlos has basically said he thought Beckham was PANTS!  Well I hope on the return leg he will be made to eat his shorts!  Mark Bosnich can't go without a mention, it was probably his best performance for us so far, but the jury is still out on him.  The out come a 0 - 0 draw.  A prediction for the return leg, 2 - 1 for us.

The UEFA Cup.  Leeds.  I asked in my previous notes, "could the Leeds lads handle the atmosphere of Galatasaray?"  What I, nor anybody else could anticipate, was what happened on the Eve of the match.  Two Leeds fans died that night.  We are all fanatics and want nothing more than to win a football match, but at what cost?  Two lives?  No.  United, Chelsea and Ireland know that this is probably the worst place to go for a football match, all three matches not going without incident.  Should the Turks be kicked out of European competition?  I think so.  Leeds lost 2 - 0.  For the fist time in my life I hope Leeds win the return match 3 - 0 to put them out.

Champions League - Chelsea.  I was at work so listened to the commentary on the radio and I couldn't believe what I was hearing!  Chelsea 3 - 0 against Barcelona at half time!  The final result was 3 - 1.  Barcelona still have a mountain to climb but it's not insurmountable.

The UEFA cup.  Arsenal.  Not much to say really. Arsenal won 1 - 0 against Lens.  Not the best result for them but I think they'll get through.

Now a brief summary.  Leeds lost to Villa 1 - 0.  (are we suprised considering.)

Liverpool beat Tottenham 2 - 1 which puts them in front of Leeds but still eight points behind us.