‘Leeds United deserved to win, but a one-goal lead scares me’

Leeds United's Jack Harrison takes on Derby County's Richard Keogh. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa insisted the best team won as his side opened their Championship play-off campaign with a 1-0 victory over Derby County in the semi-final first leg.

Leeds led through Kemar Roofe’s 55th-minute strike - a goal that was ultimately enough to see Leeds leave Pride Park with the win.

The Rams were given a spot-kick with 12 minutes to go at Pride Park, following a collision between Jayden Bogle and Jack Harrison in the box.

But referee Craig Pawson then changed his decision following discussions with assistant Eddie Smart.

Bielsa said: “We always play to win and I think it was a deserved win. I am really pleased with the performance.

“Apart from the first minutes of the first half and then 10 or 15 minutes in the second half, when we dominated the ball, we defended well when we had to defend well and we attacked well when we had to attack.

“I did not have a clear view of the penalty. We are very far away from the action and have many players in front of us, so I can’t give an opinion.”

The Argentinian pointed to events elsewhere this week as good reason not to take anything for granted.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa at Derby. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

“The Champions League games this week are a warning of what could happen,” he added. “A 1-0 lead is not enough to be comfortable going into the second leg.

“It (the win) is an advantage, but we still have 90 minutes to play.”

‘Leeds United deserved to win, but a one-goal lead scares me’ - Marcelo Bielsa