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| Leeds and Burnley Players Celebrating |
Leeds United and Burnley have clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season, capping a thrilling day in the Championship with emphatic victories and jubilant celebrations across both clubs.
Leeds United set the tone early on Monday with a commanding 6-0 demolition of Stoke City at Elland Road. Dutch striker Joel Piroe was the star of the show, netting four first-half goals to take his season tally to 19, leading the Championship Golden Boot race. Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto added to the tally, sending Leeds fans into early celebration mode.
This result meant Leeds would be promoted if Sheffield United failed to win their later fixture against Burnley. The Whites, managed by Daniel Farke, now return to the Premier League after a two-year absence. Farke, who previously led Norwich City to the top flight twice, has guided Leeds to 94 points with two matches remaining, surpassing last season’s heartbreak of a playoff final defeat.
Burnley sealed their own promotion with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Captain Josh Brownhill scored both goals, ensuring the Clarets matched Leeds on 94 points and could not be caught by third-placed Sheffield United, who remain on 86 points with only two games left.
This marks Burnley’s third promotion to the Premier League in recent years, this time under the stewardship of Scott Parker, who has now achieved the feat with three different clubs (Fulham, Bournemouth, and Burnley).
Leeds fans packed Elland Road and local pubs, watching the drama unfold as Burnley’s result confirmed their return to the top flight. Players and staff celebrated together, with the city erupting in joy after two seasons away from the Premier League.
Both Leeds and Burnley have two league games remaining, with the Championship title still up for grabs as they are level on points. The final automatic promotion spot will be decided via the playoffs, with Sheffield United, Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry currently occupying the key positions. The playoff final is scheduled for May 24 at Wembley Stadium.