Burnley secured automatic promotion to the English Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in a thrilling Championship encounter.
Burnley’s win also confirmed that Championship leaders Leeds United will join them in the top flight. Leeds had earlier dominated Stoke City with a resounding 6-0 victory, reaching 94 points with two games remaining. Josh Brownhill scored both goals for Burnley.
Scott Parker’s Sheffield United, with 86 points, now face a challenging path through the playoffs after their loss.
Leeds’ Joel Piroe delivered a stunning performance at Elland Road, scoring a hat-trick within the first 20 minutes and adding a fourth before halftime. This victory marks Leeds’ return to the Premier League after being relegated in 2023.
Sunderland, despite a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers, secured a playoff spot. Blackburn’s win keeps their own playoff hopes alive.
Bristol City lost 3-1 to relegation-battling Luton Town but remain just ahead of Coventry City in the standings. Coventry also lost 3-1 to Plymouth Argyle, who are at the bottom of the league.
Middlesbrough’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday leaves them trailing in the playoff race.
With two games remaining, the playoff race is tight: Bristol City have 67 points, Coventry 66, and Middlesbrough 63. Millwall and Blackburn are also in contention with 63 and 62 points, respectively.
