The 1965-66 season proved to be a landmark campaign for Leeds United, solidifying their status as a force in both domestic and European football. Under the astute management of Don Revie, Leeds showcased their prowess and resilience, delivering one of their finest seasons to date.
Domestic Dominance and Title Challenge
The season began with high expectations after a solid showing in the previous campaign. Despite a rocky start, including a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and a series of postponed games due to severe weather, Leeds United demonstrated remarkable consistency. Their tactical adjustments and robust performances propelled them up the league table, culminating in a fierce challenge for the First Division title.
A standout moment came on December 11 when Leeds dismantled third-placed West Bromwich Albion 4-0 at Elland Road. This resounding victory highlighted the strength and depth of the squad, with goals from Johnny Giles (twice), Mike O’Grady, and Jim Storrie. The burgeoning partnership between Giles and Billy Bremner in midfield was particularly influential, adding creativity and dynamism to Leeds’ play.
Leeds faced significant competition, with Liverpool taking the lead in the league following their win at Stamford Bridge on December 4. However, Leeds’ ability to bounce back from setbacks and their strong performances against top teams kept them in the title race. An important 2-1 victory over Burnley, a team packed with potential match-winners, was a testament to Leeds’ resilience and quality.
European Triumphs in the Fairs Cup
In European competition, Leeds United made a remarkable impact in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Their journey through the tournament began with a challenging tie against East German side SC Leipzig. Despite the harsh conditions and a physically demanding match, Leeds emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in the first leg. Goals from Peter Lorimer and Billy Bremner gave Leeds a crucial advantage, and although Leipzig managed to secure a 0-0 draw in the second leg, Leeds advanced to the next round with their resilience and tactical acumen on full display.
The semi-final saw Leeds face Spanish side Real Zaragoza in a fiercely contested tie. In the first leg, played on April 20, 1966, at La Romareda, Zaragoza, Leeds suffered a 1-0 defeat, with Carlos Lapetra scoring a penalty. The second leg, held at Elland Road on April 27, saw Leeds stage a dramatic comeback with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Johanneson and Jack Charlton. However, the aggregate score was level at 2-2, and a replay was required.
In the replay on May 11, 1966, Leeds were unable to maintain their form and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road. Despite a goal from Charlton, Real Zaragoza’s Marcelino, Violeta, and Brito secured their place in the final. Leeds’ exit from the Fairs Cup marked a bittersweet end to their European campaign, but their performances throughout the competition were a testament to their growing stature on the European stage.
| Leg | Date | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Goalscorers | Venue | Attendance | Referee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Leg | 20 April 1966 | Real Zaragoza | Leeds United | 1–0 | Carlos Lapetra 60′(pen) | La Romareda, Zaragoza | 35,000 | Marcel Bois (France) |
| Second Leg | 27 April 1966 | Leeds United | Real Zaragoza | 2–1 | Johanneson 23′, Charlton 63′ – Canário 60′ | Elland Road, Leeds | 45,008 | Piet Roomer (Holland) |
| Replay | 11 May 1966 | Leeds United | Real Zaragoza | 1–3 | Charlton 80′ – Marcelino 1′, Violeta 5′, Brito 13′ | Elland Road, Leeds | 43,046 | Hans Carlsson (Sweden) |
The Christmas Double Header
The festive period brought a pivotal double header against Liverpool, which would play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the title race. Leeds approached these matches with determination and focus, understanding the importance of the fixtures in their quest for league glory. The intense battles against Liverpool underscored Leeds’ ability to rise to the occasion and showcased their resolve in high-stakes encounters.
Season Highlights and Legacy
The 1965-66 season was defined by Leeds United’s ability to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe. Their impressive performances and resilience throughout the campaign solidified their reputation as one of England’s top clubs. Don Revie’s managerial brilliance, combined with the exceptional talent of players like Giles, Bremner, and Lorimer, ensured that Leeds United were a formidable force on the footballing stage.
Leeds United’s successful season was characterized by their strong league challenge, memorable European performances, and the emergence of a talented squad capable of competing with the best. The campaign remains a significant chapter in the club’s history, representing a peak in Leeds’ achievements and a testament to their enduring legacy in English and European football.
As the season drew to a close, Leeds United had firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the country and on the continent. Their success in the 1965-66 season set the stage for future achievements and ensured that the club’s place in football history was well and truly secured.
Division One 1965-66 Season Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 42 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 79 | 34 | 2.324 | 61 | |
| 2 | Leeds United | 42 | 23 | 9 | 10 | 79 | 38 | 2.079 | 55 | |
| 3 | Burnley | 42 | 24 | 7 | 11 | 79 | 47 | 1.681 | 55 | |
| 4 | Manchester United | 42 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 84 | 59 | 1.424 | 51 | |
| 5 | Chelsea | 42 | 22 | 7 | 13 | 65 | 53 | 1.226 | 51 | |
| 6 | West Bromwich Albion | 42 | 19 | 12 | 11 | 91 | 69 | 1.319 | 50 | |
| 7 | Leicester City | 42 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 80 | 65 | 1.231 | 49 | |
| 8 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 75 | 66 | 1.136 | 44 | |
| 9 | Sheffield United | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 56 | 59 | 0.949 | 43 | |
| 10 | Stoke City | 42 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 65 | 64 | 1.016 | 42 | |
| 11 | Everton | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 56 | 62 | 0.903 | 41 | |
| 12 | West Ham United | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 70 | 83 | 0.843 | 39 | |
| 13 | Blackpool | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 55 | 65 | 0.846 | 37 | |
| 14 | Arsenal | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 62 | 75 | 0.827 | 37 | |
| 15 | Newcastle United | 42 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 50 | 63 | 0.794 | 37 | |
| 16 | Aston Villa | 42 | 15 | 6 | 21 | 69 | 80 | 0.863 | 36 | |
| 17 | Sheffield Wednesday | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 56 | 66 | 0.848 | 36 | |
| 18 | Nottingham Forest | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 56 | 72 | 0.778 | 36 | |
| 19 | Sunderland | 42 | 14 | 8 | 20 | 51 | 72 | 0.708 | 36 | |
| 20 | Fulham | 42 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 67 | 85 | 0.788 | 35 | |
| 21 | Northampton Town | 42 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 55 | 92 | 0.598 | 33 | |
| 22 | Blackburn Rovers | 42 | 8 | 4 | 30 | 57 | 88 | 0.648 | 20 |
Leeds United Fixtures and Results – 1965-66 Season
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 1965 | Leeds United v Sunderland | W | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 23 Aug 1965 | Aston Villa v Leeds United | W | 0-2 | League Division One |
| 28 Aug 1965 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 01 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 04 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | W | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 08 Sep 1965 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 11 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 15 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 18 Sep 1965 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 3-3 | League Division One |
| 22 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Hartlepools United | W | 4-2 | League Cup |
| 25 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 29 Sep 1965 | Leeds United v Torino | W | 2-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 06 Oct 1965 | Torino v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | Fairs Cup |
| 09 Oct 1965 | Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 13 Oct 1965 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | L | 2-4 | League Cup |
| 16 Oct 1965 | Leeds United v Northampton Town | W | 6-1 | League Division One |
| 23 Oct 1965 | Stoke City v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 30 Oct 1965 | Leeds United v Burnley | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 06 Nov 1965 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 13 Nov 1965 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 20 Nov 1965 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 0-0 | League Division One |
| 24 Nov 1965 | Lokomotiv Leipzig v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | Fairs Cup |
| 01 Dec 1965 | Leeds United v Lokomotiv Leipzig | D | 0-0 | Fairs Cup |
| 11 Dec 1965 | Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion | W | 4-0 | League Division One |
| 27 Dec 1965 | Liverpool v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 28 Dec 1965 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 01 Jan 1966 | Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 08 Jan 1966 | West Bromwich Albion v Leeds United | W | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 12 Jan 1966 | Leeds United v Manchester United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 15 Jan 1966 | Leeds United v Stoke City | D | 2-2 | League Division One |
| 22 Jan 1966 | Leeds United v Bury | W | 6-0 | FA Cup |
| 29 Jan 1966 | Sunderland v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 02 Feb 1966 | Leeds United v Valencia | D | 1-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 05 Feb 1966 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 5-0 | League Division One |
| 12 Feb 1966 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | FA Cup |
| 16 Feb 1966 | Valencia v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 19 Feb 1966 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | W | 0-4 | League Division One |
| 26 Feb 1966 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
| 02 Mar 1966 | Leeds United v Ujpest Dosza | W | 4-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 05 Mar 1966 | Northampton Town v Leeds United | L | 2-1 | League Division One |
| 09 Mar 1966 | Ujpest Dosza v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 12 Mar 1966 | Leeds United v Leicester City | W | 3-2 | League Division One |
| 19 Mar 1966 | Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United | W | 2-3 | League Division One |
| 26 Mar 1966 | Leeds United v Blackpool | L | 1-2 | League Division One |
| 28 Mar 1966 | Blackpool v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | League Division One |
| 04 Apr 1966 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 08 Apr 1966 | Fulham v Leeds United | W | 1-3 | League Division One |
| 12 Apr 1966 | Leeds United v Fulham | L | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 16 Apr 1966 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 4-1 | League Division One |
| 20 Apr 1966 | Real Zaragoza v Leeds United | L | 1-0 | Fairs Cup |
| 27 Apr 1966 | Leeds United v Real Zaragoza | W | 2-1 | Fairs Cup |
| 30 Apr 1966 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | W | 3-0 | League Division One |
| 05 May 1966 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 0-3 | League Division One |
| 07 May 1966 | Burnley v Leeds United | W | 0-1 | League Division One |
| 11 May 1966 | Leeds United v Real Zaragoza | L | 1-3 | Fairs Cup |
| 16 May 1966 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | L | 2-0 | League Division One |
| 19 May 1966 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 1-1 | League Division One |
