Lazio 0-1 Leeds

	Viduka: Set up the winner with a backheel (CliveMason/Allsport)

When the time came to put the boot into Sven Goran Eriksson, at least the Swede can be thankful for one thing: it was on an English foot.

Alan Smith struck one of the most significant goals in Leeds' history to beat Lazio in Rome's Stadio Olimpico - and the repercussions will be felt around Europe.

David O'Leary's side took a priceless Champions League win from the finest performance by a British side on Italian soil since Manchester United beat Juventus 3-2 in Turin on their way to lifting the trophy two seasons ago.

Leeds may be a long way from copying United's feat but, after their magical run in this competition so far, they could be forgiven for thinking anything is possible.

For Eriksson, all that is certain is that his departure to take up his new post as England manager will come sooner rather than later.

Eriksson might now cast his glance ahead to England's friendly with Spain in February and - when the controversy and the pain of defeat have died down - he will doubtless reflect on the sweet irony of his predicament.

Losing to Leeds at home was a disaster but the positive aspects for him are clear enough. Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer, Paul Robinson, Jason Wilcox and the indefatigable Smith, are all potential members of his new team.

Of the five, Woodgate was the outstanding performer last night, eclipsing even the sensational contribution of Smith.

He inspired Massimo Cragnotti, son of the Lazio president, to say: 'Woodgate is quite an exceptional defender. I knew he was quality. I just did not realise that I was going to be this impressed.'

What made Woodgate's display all the more brilliant was the standard of the opposition and the fact that he was able to forget the nightmare he suffered at Filbert Street just four days earlier.

Facing £50 million worth of talent in Marcelo Salas and Hernan Crespo is not the task you would choose after copping the blame for three goals against Leicester City and being substituted before half-time.

O'Leary had accused Woodgate of lacking concentration, and the arrival of Rio Ferdinand didn't appear to help him. All of which made the depth of character he exhibited in Rome so admirable.

Woodgate repelled everything which was thrown at him, beating off cross after cross to ensure that Robinson was protected before intervening with the most timely header of the match as the end of the first period approached.

Giuseppe Favalli collected Juan Sebastian Veron's pass, careered down the left flank and crossed at speed to the back post.

Lucas Radebe couldn' t get there and Salas must have thought he had finally broken Leeds' iron rearguard when his header beat the goalkeeper.

Before he could start to celebrate, Woodgate appeared on the goal-line to clear the danger and keep his side level.

The little bit of good fortune which O'Leary's side have garnered on their travels had already been used up before then when Giuseppe Pancaro headed against the woodwork when it looked easier to score.

	Simeone throws himself over an Olivier Dacourt challenge (StuForster/Allsport)

That danger averted, Leeds gained confidence from middle to front knowing that Woodgate and Lady Luck were playing a blinder behind them.

Bowyer started darting inside and the normally unflappable Alessandro Nesta never seemed to settle down after Mark Viduka clashed with him in the opening exchanges.

The Australian was booked for use of an elbow though the greater shame was that he could not make contact with the ball when Bowyer flighted it tantalisingly across Angelo Peruzzi's goal a few minutes later.

Smith and Woodgate threw themselves at the ball but the cross was cleared and Leeds hopes of causing an early upset disappeared.

Pavel Nedved emerged in the second period to trouble Robinson from long range but when Veron, the man they call La Bruja - The Witch - was taken off, Lazio seemed to lose their way and their magic.

With the fanatical home support becoming increasingly frustrated, Olivier Dacourt and then Woodgate raised the temperature on a bitterly cold December night with shots which narrowly missed their target.

Crespo didn't even manage that when he found himself one on one with the goalkeeper with only 13 minutes remaining. Robinson stood up, made himself big and parried brilliantly from the Chilean international's effort.

Perhaps stirred by memories of Harry Kewell's goal in this very arena against Roma last season, O'Leary sent the Australian into battle and with almost his first touch, Leeds were once again in ecstasy in the Eternal City.

Kewell's centre was touched by Smith to Viduka who produced a stunning trademark back-heel to confuse the Lazio defence. Smith had run on unmarked and finished in the coolest fashion.

The Leeds bench ran forward to acclaim the conquering hero's first goal in 11 games.

For Lazio, there was no way back and Eriksson sat silent in his billet, refusing to betray any emotion.

After the match Cragnotti Junior was more effusive, saying: 'The front two of Viduka and Smith are players I admire. Smith is young but they both played as if they were much more experienced than their years.'

Long after the final whistle, the joyful players, who have added to their growing legend in the eyes of the Elland Road fans, came back out of the dressing room to join - and lead - the celebrations.

Bowyer began the singing and the 500 or so Leeds supporters quietened to hear his voice.

Elsewhere in the cavernous stadium, there were much quieter mutterings of discontent.

For Eriksson, there looks likely to be no repeat of the scenes which marked the winning of the League title only five months ago.