After the draw for the semifinals of the Champions League was announced, Fleet Street eagerly anticipated a Millwall vs. Manchester United final—an all-English showdown. If this dream were realized, it would mark the first time in Champions League history that two teams from the same league faced off in the final.
However, after Millwall's elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, the mood changed dramatically.
Forget an all-English final; on a more pessimistic note, there is a good chance that not even an English team will make it to the Camp Nou.
Manchester United managed only a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg, allowing Juventus to score an away goal. Who could still believe in United making it to the final?
However, in Turin, Manchester United worked magic.
In the second leg against Juventus, Inzaghi scored twice, putting Juventus 2-0 ahead and leading 3-1 on aggregate. At that moment, no one could have imagined that by the end of the 90 minutes, Manchester United would miraculously overturn the deficit with a 3-2 victory, a comeback that stunned everyone, even more so than Millwall's last-minute win against Juventus the previous season.
While home watching the match on TV, Aldrich immediately texted Ancelotti to offer his condolences after the game concluded.
Before he went to sleep, he received a reply from Ancelotti .
The message essentially said: "We're both in the same boat!"
Interestingly, before the semifinals kicked off, the two had agreed via text that they would battle in the final. Instead, both found themselves stuck at home watching the final unfold.
Why did Aldrich make it a priority to lift his team's spirits right away?
Because he needed to ensure that the players didn't crumble under the weight of their loss.
They had a tough road ahead, one match after another. The season was not over yet; the treble was out of reach, but they couldn't afford to give up entirely on the league or the FA Cup.
In the weekend league match, Aldrich fielded a backup squad. Two key players—Schneider and Ronaldinho—were definitely out and, given their midweek battle against Bayern Munich, the available players couldn't muster much strength.
They faced a challenging opponent in a team that had previously bested them at Elland Road—Leeds United.
David O'Leary led his well-drilled squad with high spirits into the Lions' Den.
Leeds were 10 points behind Millwall but only 8 points off second-placed Manchester United and Arsenal. With four matches remaining in the league, there was still a theoretical chance for them to break into the top three.
Before the match, Aldrich played a psychological game—not by provoking Leeds but by showing weakness.
He openly stated that his first team had expended too much energy in midweek, and to prepare for the upcoming derby against Chelsea, he would be fielding a backup lineup against Leeds.
O'Leary wasn't fooled.
He understood that regardless of whether Millwall played their starters or substitutes, if they chose to attack, they increased the chances of conceding to counterattacks.
He performed better than Graham, earning a reputation as the "second young coach," with Aldrich obviously being the first.
At the Lions' Den, his tactics mirrored those from their previous encounter—defend and counter, apply intense midfield pressure, and keep the forwards buzzing around.
Despite Millwall's elimination by Bayern, the fans remained passionate, especially since the atmosphere in the Lions' Den was filled with cheers, even in adverse conditions for the home team.
Leeds stood firm defensively, relying on Kewell, Smith, and Hasselbaink, with even touted prodigy Bowyer doing hard work in midfield.
Although Millwall's substitutes did not use up much energy during the week, the long journey took its toll on them. In contrast, Leeds United looked sharp and energetic under O'Leary's leadership.
When the 90 minutes were up, the fans in the stands applauded the performance, despite the score being 0-0.
"Millwall was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League semifinals in midweek and then held to a draw by visiting Leeds United in this crucial league match. This result is a double-edged sword! Manchester United and Arsenal both earned narrow victories at home against Aston Villa and Derby County respectively, with the top three teams sharing identical points. Millwall has relinquished its top position to Manchester United, slipping to third place in the standings. They trail Arsenal by one goal on goal difference and three goals behind United. With this draw, Leeds has widened the gap to 10 points from the top three, virtually eliminating their chances of European competition. Chelsea defeated Everton 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, making it so that three of the top four teams are level on points, with Chelsea just two points off the top! This is not only the most intense title race since the Premier League's inception but perhaps the most thrilling season in the history of English football. With three rounds remaining, who will seize the title? The answer may not come until May 15!"
After the match, O'Leary wore a smug smile, approaching Aldrich to shake his hand and eager for a bit more conversation.
Aldrich, never one to pass on a friendly face, likely sensed that O'Leary's hopes weren't too high. Achieving a win and a draw against Millwall in a single season was no small feat, and both O'Leary and Leeds fans felt a sense of pride. Ridsdale, in attendance, seemed euphoric, as if envisioning the white rose of Yorkshire in full bloom.
Aldrich stood on the sidelines, chatting with O'Leary, saying some trivial gossip. He just wanted to see the smug expression on O'Leary's face.
When he beat Newcastle United in his first Premier League season and indirectly helped Manchester United win the league title, he was not as excited as O'Leary is now.
As their chat wound down, Aldrich jokingly remarked, "Maybe Manchester United will have Leeds to thank."
O'Leary looked as if struck by lightning.
Shit!
Absolutely!
Leeds had pulled the rug out from under Millwall, sending them down to third place, but who was now at the summit?
Leeds' fiercest rivals—Manchester United!
When Aldrich entered the locker room, he didn't berate the substitutes. In fact, he encouraged them.
He believes there is no need to be overly critical of the young players, especially with only three league games and an FA Cup final left this season.
He is bound to send out his key players for all four matches ahead, with only Ronaldinho's position switched out for a substitute due to his injury.
In the post-match interview, Aldrich appeared unfazed by the fall to third in the standings.
"Such is the nature of league football; you never know the outcome until the final whistle. With three matches left, if Manchester United wins out and maintains their goal difference, then the title is theirs. Since February, they've lost only once—in the FA Cup semifinal. Their performances deserve praise, and if they win the title, it would show their strength and merit."
At that moment, Newcastle manager Gullit came forward with scathing comments aimed at Millwall.
"A treble? Haha, perhaps after their next match against Chelsea, they won't even qualify for the Champions League next season. Millwall will pay for their youth; youth means passion but also inconsistency. Who will take the title? I hope it's Chelsea."
Even though Gullit had his conflicts with Vialli, his hatred for Millwall ran even deeper. The image of being ruthlessly beaten by Millwall at Stamford Bridge was etched in his memory, a moment he'd likely never shake off.
Additionally, he was aiming to uplift Newcastle United's spirits in the face of their foes.
In the FA Cup final, Millwall would be facing Gullit's Newcastle United.
When asked about Gullit's comments earlier in the week, Aldrich replied blandly, "I don't pay much attention to the voices of certain people. Millwall will always defeat many teams; losers will bear grudges, get angry, and respond to winners in different ways. This is, quite frankly, a display of cowardice and sadness. If every team that Millwall has beaten were to mock us and shame us, and I spent my time replying to each one, then I'm sorry, I simply don't have that time to waste. We're here to play football, not to bicker like children."
In the lead-up to the weekend's derby against Chelsea, Aldrich stressed an important message within the team: strive for victory, but don't focus on goal difference!
Millwall was now on the same points as Manchester United and Arsenal but lagged behind on goal difference.
He wasn't scared of his players lacking motivation, but rather worried they might lose their composure.
In the final three matches, they faced Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal.
Even Everton, fighting against relegation, would give their all.
No one will give them the chance to pad their goal difference; such actions can seriously affect morale and dignity. Even mid-table teams with no relegation worries and no hopes for European competition won't simply let them have free shots!
Nevertheless, most players cared about the standings since their fate was out of their hands.
The match against Chelsea was set for Sunday, while Manchester United's was scheduled for Saturday.
All of Millwall's first-team players gathered at home to watch the match live.
The atmosphere was tense.
Manchester United was away at Elland Road, challenging Leeds.
As the 90 minutes concluded, not only were Leeds fans cheering, but Millwall players and fans also applauded Leeds.
O'Leary had undoubtedly won the hearts of all Leeds fans.
Not only did he earn a win and a draw against Millwall, but he also managed to undermine United's title hopes during such a heated race!
1-1.
Ferguson left Elland Road with a furious expression, his players facing a hostile crowd that had taunted and mocked them from start to finish.
United's lead over Arsenal and Millwall had shrunk to just one point.
Simultaneously, Millwall and Arsenal were set to kick off.
O'Leary wore a triumphant air, while his Leeds side astounded everyone with their displays!
They were undeniably the biggest disruptors in this final stretch of the title race.
Bringing down Millwall from atop and stalling Manchester United's momentum in the process.
In a private box at Elland Road, witnessing such good results, Ridsdale was finally convinced.
That very night, he sought out his assistant and started plans for the summer transfer window.
After the match, Aldrich was awakened by a phone call.
Andrew's somber voice came through the phone.
"Leeds United will make offers for Ferdinand, Duff, Mills, Neil, Lampard, Klose, and van Nistelrooy."
"And then?"
"They can't buy all these players at once, but one is better than none. From the news I've received, Leeds is preparing at least £30 million for the summer transfer window."
"Are they trying to go bankrupt?"
"I have no idea."
"Just turn down the offers."
"Then you're going to have to draft up new contracts for Ferdinand and those players. Leeds is ready to offer them twice what they're making now."
Aldrich sprang upright from the bed, fuming, "Really?"
"Ferdinand told me directly. He didn't spell it out, but if Millwall offers him the same deal Leeds does, he'll stay."
"Shit! Let him walk!"