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Leeds and Burnley clinch Premier League promotion on dramatic Easter Monday
Leeds United's Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe celebrate after Wilfried Gnonto (not pictured) scored their side's sixth goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Elland Road, Leeds. PA Images/Alamy Images

Leeds and Burnley clinch Premier League promotion on dramatic Easter Monday

Easter Monday delivered a pulsating day of Championship soccer as both Leeds United and Burnley secured automatic promotion to the Premier League in emphatic fashion. 

With two games remaining, the pair sit joint-top of the table on 94 points, now mathematically out of reach of third-place Sheffield United.

Leeds set the pace with a dominant 6-0 victory over Stoke City at a jubilant Elland Road. Dutch striker Joel Piroe was the star of the show, scoring four times in a ruthless display that encapsulated the attacking flair Daniel Farke’s side has shown throughout the campaign. 

The result marked Leeds' fourth consecutive win and capped a superb late-season surge.

Later in the day, Burnley joined them in confirming a return to the top flight with a 2-1 win over promotion rivals Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Captain Josh Brownhill led by example, netting both goals in a gritty and determined performance. 

For the Clarets, it marked an immediate return to the Premier League just one year after relegation, achieved under the guidance of manager Scott Parker.

The promotions also signal significant personal achievements for both managers. Farke earned his third promotion to the Premier League, having previously guided Norwich City to the top tier on two occasions. Parker, meanwhile, matched that feat, adding Burnley to a list that already includes Fulham and Bournemouth.

While star players have delivered key moments, both clubs have relied on collective cohesion and tactical discipline. Leeds has been prolific going forward, with Piroe’s tally now standing at 19 league goals. 

Burnley, by contrast, built success on defensive solidity, conceding just 15 goals in 44 matches—a record bolstered by the consistent form of goalkeeper James Trafford.

As Sheffield United prepare for the playoffs, Leeds and Burnley can now turn their focus to Premier League preparations. Their return promises to re-energize the top flight, restoring two historic clubs to the highest level of English football.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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