16th September 1992
The 1992–93 season saw Leeds United AFC compete in the inaugural season of the FA Premier League. As winners of the 1991-2 Football League, First Division title, United also competed in the UEFA Champions League. On this day in 1992 Leeds United became the first English club to play in the Champions League but in their first match were hammered 3-0 by Stuttgart in Germany. They went on to win the return leg 4-1 to go out on away goals but the Germans had broken the rules and Leeds were re-instated and won a play-off match. But in the next round they were beaten in both legs by Glasgow Rangers. It got worse!
Leeds suffered something of a reversal the following season: as well as being eliminated from the Champions League by Rangers, Leeds finished in 17th place in the Premier League. Although their home form was amongst the best in the Premier League – they lost only once at home,1-4 to a Nottingham Forest side that finished the season last, and managed to put 5 goals past both Blackburn and Tottenham, both of whom finished in the top eight – a failure to win away from home all season, cost Leeds dearly. As the season drew to a close Leeds were in danger of being only the second team to be relegated a season after winning the League title, but managed to secure safety with a few matches to spare, although they did finish only two points away from relegation.
Stuttgart would have won on away goals; however, it was realised that in the second leg between Leeds United and Stuttgart, Stuttgart had substituted a fourth foreign player. At the time, a maximum of three foreign players was allowed. The game was awarded to Leeds United with a score of 3–0, making it 3–3 on aggregate with no difference in away goals. A play-off match in Barcelona was ordered, which Leeds United won 2–1
They did win the Charity Shield, 4-3 over Liverpool. Leeds also beat Charlton Athletic in the Third Round of the FA Cup following a replay (1-1 and 3-1); then in the 4th Round surrendered to Arsenal 2-3 aet at home, after a 2-2 draw in London. Imagine the pain!
Their League performance went no better, with a 3rd Round victory over Scunthorpe Utd after two legs, 4-1 at home and 2-2 away. In the 4th Rd however, they lost to Watford away 2-1.
Leeds squad:
- GK:
John Lukic RB: Jon NewsomeCB: Chris Fairclough - CB: Chris Whyte LB: Tony DorigoRM:
Gordon Strachan - CM: Gary MacAllister CM: David Battye LM:
Gary Speed - CF: Lee Chapman CF: Rod Wallace
No comments:
Post a Comment