As underdogs snapping at the feet of well-heeled opponents, Leeds have developed a talent for feats of the unexpected, but, tonight in Estadio Riazor, they will be bartering from a rare position of strength.
David O'Leary and his team arrived yesterday knowing that their 3-0 lead from an imperious home performance 13 days ago has pushed Deportivo La Coruna to the brink.
To reach their first European Cup semi-final in 26 years Leeds will have to acclimatise to the unusual position of being favourites, but, having reached this lofty tier, O'Leary will not be unduly concerned.
Leeds' form - unbeaten in 11 games - dictates it is more probable than possible that their visit to La Coruna, the Crystal City, will provide them with a semi-final against Valencia or Arsenal. It is an enticing prospect, yet there lingers a nagging doubt that Deportivo may not be finished.
Spain's champions, currently second in La Liga, have lost once at home in 16 months and their remarkable comeback against Paris St-Germain in the second group phase, trailing 3-0 after 55 minutes only to win 43, remains the story of this season's competition.
"Anyone who has seen a video of that game will know this is a top-quality side who can score lots of goals," said O'Leary. "We want to finish the job off, but you only have to look at their home record to realise it is anything but over."
O'Leary is right to err on the side of caution, but, barring the most spectacular collapse, it is almost unthinkable that Leeds will capitulate, even with a knee injury to Gary Kelly reducing their squad to 16.
It promises to be a demanding night and the Leeds manager, his videos of Deportivo showing some less pleasing aspects to their nature, is after all the help he can get. "I am hoping for a very strong referee because, believe me, people seem to fall over very easily on this pitch."
To that end O'Leary should be satisfied with the choice of the Italian Stefano Braschi, who refereed well at last year's final between Real Madrid and Valencia and equally so at the 1998 Cup Winners' Cup final.
The normally cautious Deportivo coach Javier Irureta admits he will have to throw caution to the wind.
"We will have to take risks and our only option is to attack the whole match," Irureta said. "In a game like this we can't worry about defending."
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA (probable 4-1-41): Molina; Pablo Manuel, Naybet, Cesar, Romero; Mauro Silva; Victor, Djalminha, Valeron, Fran; Tristan.
LEEDS UNITED (probable 4-4-2): Martyn; Mills, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte; Bowyer, Batty, Dacourt, Kewell; Smith, Viduka.
