Leeds praise 'best fans in England'

Leeds' hopes were dashed by an early penalty

Leeds' two-goal hero Eirik Bakke has paid tribute to the club's fans for their support throughout the difficult Uefa Cup semi-final with Galatasaray.

"It was brilliant in the ground and the fans were just incredible. When we are 2-1 down and they are shouting it is incredible and I think they are the best fans in England," said Bakke.

When they got the first goal we were disappointed, and just were not able to come back from that

Leeds' Eirik Bakke

"We gave 100% on the pitch, but it was not enough today."

The big Norwegian twice pulled Leeds back into the second leg at Elland Road with a headed goal in each half, but the West Yorkshire club was defeated 4-2 on aggregate.

The match was marked by a minute's silence and the wearing of black armbands by both sides following the murders of Leeds fans Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight before the first leg in Turkey.

Eirik Bakke admitted Leeds were bitterly disappointed after bowing out of the UEFA Cup at Elland Road tonight despite a battling display against Galatasaray.

Eirik Bakke paid tribute to fans

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the home side's hopes of staging a comeback were dealt a massive blow when they conceded a penalty after just five minutes.

Although man of the match Bakke found the net with a header in each half, Hakan Sukur's curling effort just before the break effectively ended the tie as a contest.

"When they got the first goal we were disappointed, and just were not able to come back from that," said Bakke.

"We tried hard but then we got Harry Kewell sent off so it was hard, but when you concede in Europe you get punished."

It was always going to be a difficult night for the Yorkshire outfit following the deaths of two Leeds fans in Istanbul a fortnight ago.

Leeds now have to pick themselves up to face Newcastle on Sunday if they are to preserve hopes of securing a place in next season's Champions League.

"We want that second or third place so we are going to fight hard for that," said Bakke.