RELEGATION DOMINATES the Leeds United agenda. For Blackburn Rovers, talk of European football at Ewood Park next season is merely a whimsical afterthought. If, for some doubters, the game was not sufficient evidence of the power shift that has taken place within these two clubs, at least the ambition should sway the unconvinced.

On May 2, 2001, Leeds were harbouring hopes of a European Cup final appearance, nourished by a creditable goalless draw at home to Valencia in the first leg of their semi-final tie. On the same evening, Graeme Souness, the Blackburn manager, saw Matt Jansen secure a victory over Preston North End at Deepdale with a solitary goal that secured promotion from the Nationwide League first division.

Two years can be an awfully unforgiving period in football, though, as the diametrically opposed direction of these teams confirms. “We are not thinking about Europe. If it happens, it happens,” Souness said after the three points ensured that sixth position, and a Uefa Cup place, occupied by Everton, remains a realistic target.

“There are two games to go and we are capable of winning them but Everton play Manchester United on the last day of the season. By then Man United might have won the championship. Who knows what might happen?” Europe, a football dynasty nurtured by Don Revie, and even that glorious draw with one of Spain’s finest a couple of seasons ago are but dim and distant succour for Leeds supporters. Souness talked of “progress” at the weekend. In West Yorkshire, the word is decline.

“When we started the season, our priority was being in the Premiership the following year,” Souness said. If only Terry Venables, the previous managerial incumbent before Peter Reid at Elland Road, had reasoned so rationally after his appointment.

The Uefa Cup, consistently damned by his faint praise, is a familiar Souness rant, although given the consolidation of the East Lancashire club in the Barclaycard Premiership, it is not without some justification. Contrast that improvement with Leeds, where underachievement has reached epidemic proportions among some of the most lavishly rewarded players in the domestic game.

More than £75 million in debt despite the departure of several high-profile personnel this season, it is inevitable that the likes of Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and other tangible assets will be sold this summer. It might be for the best. Players such as Viduka — his remarkable renaissance has elicited 12 goals in the past eight games — are an expensive luxury if the best is delivered only when spring, a new manager and rumour of an impending move to Europe is in the air.

His twentieth goal this season should have been the foundation for a win that would have put safety beyond reasonable doubt, but Michael Duberry’s senseless handball allowed David Dunn to equalise from the penalty spot. Andrew Cole, relishing hostilities with Danny Mills and Dominic Matteo, forged Blackburn ahead in the 68th minute and Andy Todd applied a finishing side-foot volley after Paul Robinson had misjudged Damien Duff’s corner ten minutes later. Alan Smith’s headed goal in injury time was meaningless.

“Our defensive frailty was there for all to see,” Reid said. “How many goals do we have to score to win a game?” It was a genuine, heartfelt piece of rhetoric. If only some of the squad had performed with similar passion this season.

Leeds United (4-3-3): P Robinson 6 — D Mills 4, M Duberry 3, D Matteo 4, I Harte 3 — G Kelly 4, E Bakke 4 (sub: S Johnson, 72min), J Wilcox 4 — H Kewell 5, M Viduka 5, A Smith 5. Substitutes not used: N Martyn, L Radebe, R Bravo, N Barmby. Booked: Duberry, Matteo. NEXT: Arsenal (a). FORM: LWLDWL

Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): B Friedel 6 — L Neill 6, M Taylor 7, C Short 6 (sub: A Todd, 65 6), V Gresko 5 — D Dunn 6 (sub: N-E Johansson, 51 5), G Flitcroft 5, Tugay 8, D Duff 7 — H Sükür 4 (sub: D Yorke, 61 6), A Cole 7. Substitutes not used: A Kelly, E Ostenstad. Booked: Cole.

NEXT: West Bromwich Albion (h). FORM: WDLWWL

Shots on target: (h) 11 (a) 8. Fouls: (h) 12 (a) 18. Offsides: (h) 3 (a) 0