Dundee United take only the most slender of leads to the Nou Camp Stadium m two weeks ... but they cannot yet be counted out of the UEFA Cup. The Taysiders will be bitterly disappointed that they could not build on a dream start. Kevin Gallacher made a claim to become as famous as his grandfather-Celtic immortal Patsy Gallacher - with a magnificent goal in only two minutes. They failed to repeat that fabulous moment, but United can still reach the semi-finals with another professional performance in Spain on March 18. For Terry Venables' side looked to be short changed on the millions it cost to bring them together at the world's richest club. United boss Jim McLean had forecast Barcelona would be hit by the jitters after a 4-0 defeat at home to Sporting Gijon last Saturday. That was an under statement, particularly in the first half.

And when the fans chanted "what a waste of money" near the end as the £6 million strike-force of Gary Lineker and Mark Hushes failed to produce an equaliser, it was hard to argue. United are still in with a chance as long as Paul Sturrock can reproduce the tantalising form he displayed in this first leg. He was always prepared to take un men and his tireless running deserved a greater reward. The goal that set Tannadice alight came in a sparkling opening-and it was similar to one scored by Billy Hainey when United beat Barcelona 21 years ago in their very first European tie. A throw on the right was puhed on by Sturrock to Gallacher, who struck a curling lob with the outside of his right foot. Zubizarreta, rated the best goalkeeper in Europe, was horribly positioned and could only turn to watch the ball finish in the far corner. IT WAS GALLACHER'S EIGHTH GOAL IN NINE GAMES, BUT HIS FIRST IN EUROPE. Zubizarreta could easily have been caught again shortly afterwards, but Sturrock's attempt to beat him with another curler went beyond the far post and was narrowly missed by Gallacher. Billy Thomson was forced to make splendid first half saves from Caldere and Carresco, but it seemed much more likely that United would add to the lead.

Then came an amazing let-off in 40 minutes. Glittering Gary Lineker. top scorer in the World Cup and the new golden boy of' Europe, hung his head in shame after a dreadful miss. Fernandez allowed the ball to run through to the Englishman in space only four yards from goal. He dithered, shot with no conviction and Thomson saved with his legs. Italian referee Paolo Casarin in-furiated the United players and the crowd when he refused them three penalties. Eamonn Bannon twice played the ball into the box where it appeared to be handled, and an another occasion Iain Ferguson was brought down. This time the whistler booked the United striker, saying he took a dive. However, United also could have given away a penalty near the end when John Holt charged into Migueli. There was one other booking-Car-rasco for a foul-on Sturrock early in the second half. THE KEY SPANIARD NOW MISSES THE RETURN LEG. United can certainly take heart from last night's display. They played disciplined, attractive-football and kept their record of not having lost a goal in four European home ties this season. Every player attributted to victory, but John Clark deserves special mention for his power in defence and Jim Mcinally for his midfield work rate. Billy Thompson's handling was agasin superb and the spaniards know it will take something special to beat him. Hopefully they won't.