Burnley Clinches Promotion Alongside Leeds After Victory Over Sheffield

Burnley secured their automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday, triumphing over Sheffield United with a 2-1 victory. This result also confirmed Championship leaders Leeds United’s promotion.

Leeds United had previously overwhelmed Stoke City with a 6-0 win, claiming the top spot in the Championship with 94 points and two matches remaining. Their promotion hinged on Burnley avoiding defeat against third-placed Sheffield United.

Burnley succeeded, with Josh Brownhill scoring twice either side of Tom Cannon’s leveller at Turf Moor.

Scott Parker’s team, relegated last season, joined Leeds with 94 points, leaving Sheffield United with 86 points and a playoff opportunity.

Joel Piroe scored a remarkable hat-trick within the initial 20 minutes for Leeds at Elland Road, adding another before halftime, propelling the hosts to a 5-0 lead by the interval.

Leeds are returning to the Premier League after being demoted in 2023, following a three-season stint.

Sunderland, in fourth place, have secured a playoff spot despite a 1-0 defeat at home against Blackburn Rovers, who maintained their slim chances of a top-six finish.

Bristol City, in fifth place, lost 3-1 to relegation contenders Luton Town but remained ahead of Coventry City, who also succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against bottom-ranked Plymouth Argyle.

Middlesbrough, in seventh place, will rue their missed opportunity to capitalize on Bristol and Coventry’s defeats, falling 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday despite an early lead.

With two matches left, Bristol City holds 67 points, Coventry has 66, and Middlesbrough has 63.

Millwall and Blackburn, with 63 and 62 points respectively, are also contenders in the playoff race.