Leeds manager David O'Leary last night spoke of his pride at his brave side following their bold bid for Champions League glory which finally ended with a devastating defeat to Valencia.

Despite that, O'Leary was able to look back on a campaign which had previously seen Leeds defy all the odds until reaching this bridge too far in Valencia.

"Just look at the difficulties we have had to overcome," said O'Leary.

"I am proud of them and what they have done before this game in what has been our first year in the Champions League.

"To see how far we have come in the two and a half years I have been in charge, you just have to look at how much people are disappointed that we are out. But they have to remember this is our first attempt and we have raised the standard.

"I've now had two good seasons in Europe and been to two European semi-finals (after reaching the same stage in the UEFA Cup last season). I hope the next time I get to this stage it will be third time lucky."

O'Leary was left to reflect on an opening goal which certainly gave Valencia the early impetus from which Leeds never truly recovered.

Ironically, O'Leary studied video evidence before passing on this thoughts - just 24 hours after the same medium had sentenced Lee Bowyer to a three-match ban.

UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body handed out the punishment yesterday after reviewing footage of a stamping incident on Sanchez in last week's goal-less first-leg draw at Elland Road.

"We were punished just 24 hours before this game on video evidence," added O'Leary. "You see the video evidence of their first goal and you can't believe it. It was a disgraceful decision.

"But that's not taking anything away from Valencia because they are an excellent side, one which has now reached the final of the Champions League for a second successive year.

"They are fantastic and I wish them well in this year's final. I hope they do it this year. They deserve it."

O'Leary was ultimately left saddened by Smith's red card which will now rule him out of the first three European games of next season, either the Champions League or the UEFA Cup as their fate has yet to be decided.

It led to a rebuke from his manager who said: "It was stupid and silly. We'll most probably lose him for three games (in Europe) next season. He's a great lad but he's got to learn and I've certainly told him that in the dressing-room.

"It can obviously be frustrating getting beaten but you don't take out your frustrations like that. It was a disgraceful tackle and it didn't surprise me when he was sent off."