What now for Leeds?

Leeds United's Champions League dream is over after they were beaten 3-0 by Valencia in Spain.

So can David O'Leary's side bounce back with another fine European campaign next year?

Or was their Champions League run simply a one-season wonder?

A contentious first half goal and two expertly second-half strikes just after half-time finally signalled the end of Leeds United's European adventure.

Did they deserve to lose, or were they unlucky in Spain?

Much was made of Lee Bowyer's enforced absence with a Uefa ban, so was it a major factor in their defeat?

Whether in the Champions League or Uefa Cup, Leeds will definitely be back in Europe next season.

So will it be a case of same again for the Elland Road side or do they need to improve in certain areas to go all the way?

Tell us what you think.

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You could say Leeds' luck ran out but they had no luck whatsoever to start with. To turn in a second half season performance like they have, and reach the semi finals of the Champions League is remarkable considering the injuries and the court case farce which must have affected the whole squad.

With a full strength squad and maybe a couple of more additions in the summer David O'Leary should be holding his first piece(s) of silverware next season.
Michael Caunce, Canada

Leeds have now made the semis in both European competitions in the last two seasons, so to suggest that this campaign was a one-off is way off the mark. I think everyone can see that O'Leary is building a formidable squad and I am convinced we will see the Whites lifting the silverware over the next few years.

I think it is a disgrace how people like Sanchez can get away unpunished for committing a serious cheating offence, like the handball he did

  Name Here

Where some teams have had short term success by buying big name stars, Leeds are building a team for the long term. Well done Leeds we're proud of you all.
Geoff, Australia

A complete fix! Lee Bowyer given an obscure three match ban without the opportunity to appeal before the semis....... then a handballed first goal for Valencia!

Leeds need to do nothing except hope that luck is on their side next time. I hope UEFA are happy that they got the final they were looking for...Money grabbers!
Jeff Scholey, UK

Leeds was the Cinderella story of the Champions League, and therefore, were not good enough to go all the way. To improve they need a better midfield. That is their weakness. Bowyer had a great tournament, but the rest need to be replaced with better players if Leeds want success in Europe.
Brady , USA

I think it is a disgrace how people like Sanchez can get away unpunished for committing a serious cheating offence, like the handball he did. Considering so much was at stake, is there nothing that can be done to stop this?
Scott Pearson, England

Leeds peaked too early. They've not been in good form since they beat Liverpool. They haven't a big enough squad (yet) to maintain the push up the League and go all the way in Europe. And they've ended up missing out in both.

Anyway - they'll be there or there about next season. UP THE WHITES!
Julian Bedford, Sydney - Oz

David O'Leary has told the facts about the defeat in Spain. Leeds are a young team, they will be in contention for the league next year.
David Smart, USA

I think Leeds deserve a massive amount of respect for what they have done this season.

I thought Leeds were inferior to Valencia in all aspects of the game; the scoreline truly demonstrates that.

  Andi Como

They have had a tremendous second half of the season and have been outstanding in Europe. They have been a credit to all English sides and with such a young team I really hope that they'll be just as good next year.
Dan Iggulden, England

Leeds were simply destroyed by a vastly superior Spanish outfit. Maybe now English football fans will accept that although there clubs can compete with most sides in Europe the very best are beyond them.

Man Utd fans especially are drastically guilty of underestimating European opposition.
Graeme Reid, United States

I think its clear that if Leeds, or anyone else for that matter, want to succeed in Europe simply sign Hector Cuper. Three finals in three years. Why the Valencianos aren't happy with him is the mystery of the season!
Santiago Alonso, UK

Leeds were completely outplayed both tactically and technically, as they were in most of their European games. Team spirit and bravado have seen them reach the semis, the negative side of which saw Bowyer suspended. Now Alan Smith will be lucky to see only a three match ban for his fighting spirit.
Frank, England

As a Liverpool fan I have to congratulate Leeds on a great run in Europe. I now look forward to the run-in for the final Champions League spot. Please don't be disheartened by this loss. You showed the grit and determination that is synonymous with the English game.
Jerome, United States

Leeds were outclassed by a more experienced and professional team. Let's not forget that Leeds had previously lost to Barcelona, Real Madrid (twice) and Deportivo in the same competition. There seems to be a gap in quality between Spanish and English teams.
Sue Edezi, Paris, France

I thought Leeds were inferior to Valencia in all aspects of the game; the scoreline truly demonstrates that. In fact Leeds were beaten soundly every time they travelled to Spain in campaign: 4-0 by Barcelona, 3-2 by Real Madrid, 2-0 by Deportivo and 3-0 by Valencia.

The difference in class should have been apparent from the start. I applaud Leeds for a gutsy performance in the competition.
Andi Como, US