Sport 02-12-1999 Leeds Lose To Spartak Moscow who: Leeds United what: Defeated 2-1 away to Spartak where: MOSCOW when: Yesterday snippet: "Leeds Lose Battle But Not The Cold War" says The Mirror. United "Caught Cold in Sofia" says The Times. It seems it was the conditions more than the football which weighed most heavily on reporters` minds as they watched Leeds United go down 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Cup third round clash against Spartak Moscow. "After the frosty relations of the last week and the frozen pitch in Moscow it was ironic that Leeds were finally undone by the only Brazilian in Russian football," reports The Mirror. Leeds took the lead after only fourteen mintes with a goal by Harry Kewell, who notably wore tights to fend off the cold. But Alexander Schirko put the first one by goalkeeper Nigel Martyn from a corner and struck the brilliant through-ball to give Brazilian Luis Robson the winner. Leeds "squandered a superb start" says the BBC but The Mirror blames Spartak`s "dirty tricks campaign" of "pre-match hostilities" and there`s reason to be hopeful of a home win in the second leg next week. [... more]

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