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XAVIER STRIKE CLINCHES TITLE FOR LEEDS!
BEARDED PORTUGUESE INTERNATIONAL THE HERO

Leeds United were left absolutely thrilled after Abel Xavier struck the all important goal to clinch the Soccer All Stars Championship in a sensational match against Manchester United that saw the Yorkshire club come back from two goals down to win the game 3-2!

A delighted Martin Smutov was ecstatic on the sidelines as his team performed heroics, and also had luck go their way with Coventry City drawing 1-1 with Bradford City to gift Leeds the title on goal difference.

It was such a tight finish, more nail biting than last season's epic final day encounter, which Derby County hung on to win the title, also by goal difference.

Smutov had guided his Leeds side into second spot last season, and they were disappointed not to have taken the title last time around, after they dominated for such long periods, enjoyed good fortune this time around, and deservedly took all the glory at the final whistle in front of a packed house.

Ironically, Xavier, whose 82nd minute strike put his side 3-2 up was about to be substituted for £12.5 million striker Nicolas Anelka. As the Leeds dugout were preparing the substitution, Xavier popped up from a corner to fire his side into the SAS Champions Cup for the first time in their history.

The scenes erupted and Elland Road turned into chaos as fans celebrated this marvellous occasion.  Xavier, mobbed by teammates and fans who had scrambled onto the field later went on to say:  "I knew it was me coming off.  We had talked about who would be on the field and who wouldn't in certain situations.  When I saw Nicolas getting stripped, I said to myself: go for it."

The Portuguese player has been an impressive fixture to the Leeds United lineup this season, and his goal will be remembered forever as possibly the most valuable goal in the clubs history.  The new big boys of Soccer All Stars are Leeds United, and Xavier can milk all the acclaim as the man who handed Leeds their first ever SAS Championship.

Xavier afterwards said:  "I am thrilled for the fans.  They have been wonderful to me since I have been here and at times it has not been easy.  This goal was for them and of course my family.  I am just so happy."

After a high night of drama, barely a whisper has come out of the Soccer All Stars community, many partying after a gruelling season, and many consolling themselves with what could have been.

Smutov, who stated very little as he sped off to be with his players simply said: "Thank you!  I am really glad I achieved this."  However despite his players going off for a bout of celebrations, Smutov was already eyeing the future.  His only other words were: "Can you tell me when the Champions Cup starts?".  A true professional manager, who has worked tirelessly over the last year to turn Leeds into the most powerful club in the country... on this evidence he has achieved that.

Smutov though knows that to achieve the real status, he must conquer the three other Champions in Soccer All Stars.  Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town were joined by Everton in the Soccer All Stars Champions Cup after the Merseyside club clinched the Division Three Championship in a fascinating game against Charlton Athletic which ended 2-2.

The line up for the Champions Cup Semi Final is as follows:

1st leg - Wednesday February 7th

Ipswich Town v Leeds United
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur

2nd leg - Saturday February 10th

Leeds United v Ipswich Town
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Many are already banking on Leeds United or Ipswich Town to win the competition, with some touting their Semi Final clash as the final.  It's a glowing tribute to Ipswich Town, a Division Four side who are remarkably still on course for the most astonishing treble act.  Last season Tottenham Hotspur came close, reaching the SAS Cup Semi Final... Ipswich though have gone one better by getting to the final, and face Liverpool on Wednesday.

However, Leeds United are now the Kings of Soccer All Stars, and will be regarded as the biggest team in Soccer All Stars for at least another season.  They will believe they can continue their excellent success, and will be hoping to add more silverware to their cabinet as time passes.  With Martin Smutov at the helm, the Leeds faithful know that it is quite possible.