Under-pressure Leeds boss Terry Venables hailed his team following a brave 0-0 draw against Malaga on Thursday.

But having watched his side create a handful good chances, he was left to rue the lack of an away goal to take back to Elland Road for the second leg.

"That was an all-round team performance," he said afterwards.

"In the first half we played well and had the lion's share of the game, but as it wore on, and in particular in the second half, Malaga played well.

Smith and Kewell worked hard and we defended from those two - they set the standard Terry Venables Leeds manager

"But we did go for it. We didn't sit back and I felt that, without a doubt, we deserved a goal.

"It didn't happen, and maybe that is the one disappointing aspect of the game, but to come here and get a draw against a strong Malaga side is still a very good result.

Venables defended Italian referee Alfredo Trentalange's decision not to send off Alan Smith in one of the game's more controversial moments.

Smith lunged into a 50-50 challenge with Contreras, but television replays confirmed no contact was made although the Malaga player went to ground in pain.

"I felt Smith had put his foot up and although the goalkeeper ran on to him, he didn't make contact," said Venables.

"We all know the situation. He has already got a yellow card and you don't want to lose Alan, particularly as he had a terrific game.

"He and Harry worked hard and we defended from those two. They set the standard."

Malaga optimism

Malaga coach Joaquin Peiro had his own thoughts on the Smith incident.

"He got the yellow card, but then the referee showed a little bit of compassion."

Despite Malaga now having scored just three goals in their last seven matches, Peiro believes his team are still in the tie.

"I am happy with 0-0 because we still have a chance to score in Leeds, with my players ambitious to do so".