If proof were needed that Leeds have finally come of age this season, tonight's performance against Lokomotiv Moscow was it. Everyone - me included - was expecting an onslaught from the Russians. However, with the exception of the first ten minutes, we totally dominated the match, winning 3-0, thanks to a scintillating first half display.

Unsurprisingly, O'Leary opted for a slightly more defensive line up than usual, playing five across the midfield and leaving Michael Bridges to lead the front line alone. However, it was Moscow who started the game in control. They came at us with real pace and aggression and could have taken the lead as early as the second minute. Bulikin found himself one on one against Martyn but, from a slight angle, blasted his effort wide of the goal.

Then, just moments later, Batty committed a foul only yards outside the area and the United supporters held their breath as Loscov stepped up to take the free kick. The Lokomotiv midfielder had proved himself a real handful from dead ball situations, at Elland Road, but this time he blasted his effort straight into the Leeds wall.

Lokomotiv continued to make several half chances as they pressed us back. However, slightly against the run of play, the tie was as good as decided, as we took the lead. Kewell was needlessly chopped down on the left hand side of the box and hate stepped forward to slot the ball coolly home from the penalty spot.

With Lokomotiv now requiring four goals, we went for the jugular and assumed complete control of the game. In the 26th minute, Harte's long throw caused havoc in the Russian's penalty area and, with Bakke unsettling the keeper, Bridges just failed to reach a goal line tap in.

However, the ex-Sunderland man didn't have to wait long to get his name on the scoresheet. A minute later, Harte's left wing cross was expertly headed back at the far post for Bridges to power the ball in from close range.

Two minutes later, we had the ball in the net for a third time. However, Bakke's crisply hit shot was ruled out, rather harshly, for an earlier foul on the keeper. Still, though, we continued to press forward, and just seconds from the half time whistle, completely killed off any lingering doubts about the result. As we broke on yet another counter attack, a long ball was played up to Bridges. He took it in his stride, pushed aside the Lokomotiv defender before toe poking the ball under the hapless keeper.

The damage had been well and truly done and, although it destroyed the game for any neutral, the second half was still notable for the professional way the United youngsters went about their business. Lokomotiv again started brightly but were soon pinned back themselves. Indeed, for a ten minute period round the half hour mark we played some exhilarating possession football - and could have added another couple of goals to our tally. Bridges produced a stinging drive which the keeper could only parry away and Woodgate almost tapped in on the line.

At the back, we looked extremely solid, with the only slight disappointment being bookings to Radebe and Kelly. Unfortunately, the former will now miss United's next game in Europe.

With an important Premiership game coming up on Sunday, away to Wimbledon, O'Leary took the opportunity to give his key players a rest. Bowyer had been replaced at half time by Haaland - and Kewell and Bakke were replaced by Huckerby and Hopkin respectively during the second period. Bridges had a good opportunity in the 68th minute to get his hat trick when Huckerby made an excellent run down the left. From close to the by line, he cut the ball back to Bridges, who scooped the ball over the bar from close range.

Overall, though, this was an outstanding European performance. Despite the size of the winning margin, Lokomotiv were nobody's mugs. They would have given most Premiership sides a run for their money and, in recent seasons have had good runs in European competitions. The fact that we beat them so comprehensively over two legs is a real testament to David O'Leary and Eddie Gray - who will now hope we can avoid the real big guns in tomorrow's draw in Zurich (Some chance!)

United Star Man: Michael Bridges.