Leeds United and Burnley clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League on Monday, leaving Sheffield United to battle through the Championship play-offs after a dramatic shift in fortunes.
Leeds, back in the second tier for just two seasons, made a resounding statement with a 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City at Elland Road.
Dutch forward Joel Piroe was the star of the show, netting four goals, including a hat-trick by the 20th minute, as Daniel Farke’s side dominated from the outset.
With their emphatic win, Leeds turned their attention to the evening kick-off, where promotion rivals Sheffield United faced Burnley.
The Yorkshire club knew that a slip from the Blades would send them back to the top flight—and that’s exactly what happened.
Burnley captain Josh Brownhill scored twice in a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor, sealing promotion for both Burnley and Leeds.
The two clubs now sit on 94 points, beyond the reach of third-placed Sheffield United, who trail with 86 and have managed just one win in their last five outings.
For Leeds, the victory was especially sweet after last season’s heartbreak in the play-off final against Southampton.
This time, their top-scorers status—89 goals and counting—proved decisive. Junior Firpo added the fourth goal against Stoke, while Wilfried Gnonto capped the rout in the second half.
Manager Daniel Farke, who previously guided Norwich City to Premier League promotion, celebrated on the Elland Road pitch, though the champagne was briefly on hold.
When the final whistle blew at Turf Moor, the celebrations began in earnest. Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu promised the team would now push for the Championship title.
After a shaky March run—just one win in six matches—Leeds have now won four straight, finding form at the perfect time.
Burnley, meanwhile, relied on their defensive solidity throughout the campaign, conceding just 15 goals all season, the fewest in the league. While not as high-scoring as Leeds, their consistency has been unmatched.
Monday’s win extended their unbeaten run to a club-record 31 games, earning them an immediate return to the top flight.
Brownhill opened the scoring in the 28th minute, but Tom Cannon equalised for the visitors nine minutes later.
Burnley regained the lead before halftime through Brownhill’s penalty and held on to secure promotion.
Leeds United.
Manager Scott Parker made history of his own—this marks his third successful promotion to the Premier League, having previously achieved the feat with Fulham and Bournemouth.
Sheffield United, once leading the table, have faltered in recent weeks and now face the high-stakes drama of the play-offs.
Although third place is assured, the battle for the final Premier League spot is far from over.
