Gutted Leeds United came within 25 seconds of qualifying for the second phase of the UEFA Champions League and eliminating mighty Barcelona at a highly-charged Elland Road last night.

David O'Leary's battlers were desperately clinging on to a precious 1-0 lead when Brazilian superstar Rivaldo netted in the fourth minute of injury time to break United's hearts.

There had been roars of derision when the reserve official held up the board showing four minutes additional time as there had hardly been any second half stoppages in a game played at break-neck speed.

Having withstood a virtual Spanish seige in the second half Leeds seemed to be inching closer to a famous victory as the seconds ticked away.

But at the death Philip Cocu swung in a cross from the left, substitute Gerard rose to head the ball against the base of the post and the rebound was drilled home by Rivaldo.

Although the United camp were bitterly disappointed they are still in control of their destiny in Group H, knowing a point in the San Siro Stadium against AC Milan in a fortnight will put them through to the next stage even if, as expected, Barcelona beat Besiktas.

Milan's 2-0 win in Turkey last night sealed their qualification, while Leeds have the consolation of knowing that whatever happens in the final round of games they are guaranteed at least a seeded place in the UEFA Cup.

Despite the lateness of Barcelona's equaliser there was little doubt they merited it as United were kept in the match by a brilliant display by England Under 21 goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

He produced five world class saves, four from Rivaldo and one from Alphonso, as Leeds came under tremedous pressure, particularly in the second half.

But in the first period United more than matched their illustrious Spanish visitors after the boost of Lee Bowyer's fifth minute goal. After Mark Viduka was fouled on the left he bent in a direct free kick from 20 yards which found the top right of Richard Dutruel's corner.

The French goalkeeper then made a fine sprawling save to keep out an Alan Smith drive before Robinson made the first of his stunning saves, flinging himself to his left to claw away a Rivaldo header.

Smith and Viduka continued to stretch Barcelona's defence, the big Australian going close with a couple of headers before Rivaldo was denied by Robinson's athleticism just before the break.

Leeds simply defended too deeply in the second half as Barcelona's slick-passing midfield took control of the match, only to come up against a white-shirted wall of defenders.

Each United block and tackle was greeted with a tremendous roar, Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Mills were heroic in the heart of the defence and the midfield worked non-stop in the pouring rain to close down the Barca midfield.

Even when Barcelona did create an opening, young Robinson, only playing because of injury to Nigel Martyn, looked unbeatable.

On the hour he tipped over a fierce Alphonso header from point blank range then denied the ever-dangerous Rivaldo twice as he peppered the United goal with free-kicks.

When Rivaldo did find the net after 76 minutes it was ruled offside and it seemed brave United were going to ride their luck. But referee Terje Hauge's free-kick count against Leeds mounted and they simply could not get hold of

possession to relieve the pressure.

Last month United had enjoyed a last-gasp win over AC Milan, last night football's fates decreed that they would literally run out of time.