Leeds United need to avoid defeat against Derby County if they are to reach the play-off final.
Dominic Matteo has urged the Leeds United supporters to get Elland Road ‘bouncing’ when they take on Derby County for the second leg of their play-off semi-final showdown on Wednesday night.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side hold a one-goal advantage against the Rams as a place in the final and a trip to Wembley is in their own hands.
It has been over 10 years since Leeds last played in the play-off final and reaching it once again will only increase their chances of ending their near two-decade wait to reach England’s top-flight.
Before they take on Derby County under the lights, club legend Matteo sent this message to the supporters on his personal Twitter account.
Despite holding the advantage, it will no doubt be a nervy occasion for the Whites, who will be well aware that Frank Lampard’s side can still turn over the deficit.
An early goal will surely kill off the tie, but the longer it stays goalless or if Derby do open the scoring then the Leeds United players will be severely tested.
In the first leg, Bielsa’s side dominated possession and more than deserved the 1-0 lead as Derby failed to test their defence, but now they have nothing to lose.
Away goals don’t count in the playoffs and just like Aston Villa’s penalty shootout victory against West Brom on Tuesday night, spot-kicks may just decide the outcome of this fixture.
If it does go that far then the nerves of every single person inside Elland Road and those supporting those clubs around the world will be tested to the maximum.
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