Declan Rice's fantastic run past four Gent defenders and calm finish into the bottom right corner effectively put Wets Ham's Europa Conference League quarter-final tie out of sight on Thursday night.
While Michail Antonio put the cherry on top five minutes later to make it 4-1, it was Rice's goal that practically confirmed back-to-back seasons where the Irons had managed to reach European semi-finals under David Moyes.
Nonetheless, with Moyes' side still deep in a relegation battle in the Premier League, how likely is it that they actually suffer from this result to Leeds United's benefit? Not likely, according to the West Ham boss.
READ MORE: 'Crocodiles around us' - Leeds United and rivals on the latest relegation scrap twists and turns
READ MORE: Leeds United news as Jose Mourinho hails 'perfectly integrated' Diego Llorente after comeback
"Well I think if you look back, what's probably pulled this squad together more than anything is when we qualified for Europe in the first place a couple of years ago," Moyes said in his post-match press conference.
"We went on that journey together, into the semi-final against Frankfurt last year. I think this year it's the same - this competition has kept us positive, kept everybody going when we're obviously in the middle of a difficult season.
"When we've needed to, we've pulled out results and this is another one tonight."
While Moyes might look back on last season fondly, he'll be quick to forget the distraction it become for his squad last season and the resulting spiral in form his side suffered after winning their last European quarter-final however.
From their first leg against Ligue 1 side Lyon on April 7 last season onwards, their second-leg win in the quarter-final stage last season would be just one of two wins for the rest of the season - their only other coming a month later in a 4-0 win over already-relegated Norwich City.
Their other eight fixtures over that period resulted in six defeats and two draws, including both semi-final legs against Frankfurt Moyes mentioned.
The progress into a further stage of a big competition is certain to bring a feel-good factor to what has been a troubling season for the Hammers, but as history goes, it could prove fatal in their attempt to secure Premier League safety especially given how close the battle is towards the drop zone.
That could play perfectly into Javi Gracia's side's hands, with the Whites only two points and one spot behind West Ham in the league table.
If Leeds find some good results against fellow relegation rivals, including the Hammers who are their penultimate opponents for the season, it could mean survival for the Yorkshire side rather than a brutal drop into the Championship.
READ NEXT:
Marco Silva highlights Leeds United 'weaknesses' amid striker strategy admission
Leeds United's best and worst case scenarios ahead of another tense weekend in relegation battle
Leeds United's apparent leadership void best explained by dressing-room ties
Leicester City injury update as Leeds United bogeyman could return to face the Whites
Leeds United legend John Giles tears into 'defensive disasters' ahead of Fulham clash
