Leeds United and Burnley clinched promotion to the Premier League on Monday after Sheffield United failed to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.
Leeds delivered a stunning 6-0 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road, powered by a four-goal performance from Dutch striker Joel Piroe. The emphatic win set the stage for celebrations, but promotion was only confirmed after Sheffield United faltered in the evening fixture against Burnley.
Daniel Farke’s side, who last played in the top flight in the 2022/23 season, were in dominant form. Piroe, who had not scored since February, completed a hat-trick inside 20 minutes. Junior Firpo added a fourth before Piroe netted his fourth goal of the evening. Wilfried Gnonto added a sixth in the second half to complete the rout.
Farke praised his squad for their resilience and spirit, saying:
“To deliver such an emphatic performance is really amazing. All the credit goes to the boys for the way they have handled the situation and the spirit they have shown in recent weeks.”
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, sealed their own return to the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Captain Josh Brownhill scored twice, including a penalty before the break, ensuring the Clarets could not be overtaken in the standings.
With both Leeds and Burnley sitting on 94 points, they are now out of reach for third-placed Sheffield United, who have collected 86 points after managing just one win in their past five games. Leeds will now battle Burnley for the Championship title in the final fixtures of the season.
Despite Leeds’ earlier struggles in March — winning just one of six games — the league’s top scorers have now won four consecutive matches. Burnley, while less prolific in attack, boast the best defence in the division, conceding only 15 goals throughout the campaign.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Mustapha Bundu’s brace gave bottom side Plymouth a 3-1 win over sixth-placed Coventry, keeping their survival hopes alive. Derby and Luton also picked up crucial 3-1 victories in their respective battles against relegation. Portsmouth secured safety with a narrow 1-0 win against a 10-man Watford side.
Middlesbrough’s play-off ambitions suffered a setback following a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
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