Burnley and Leeds United have secured their automatic promotion to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season after a thrilling conclusion to their Championship campaigns. Burnley sealed their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sheffield United, while Leeds’ 6-0 demolition of Stoke City earlier in the day set the stage for Burnley to clinch the top two spots. This marks a triumphant return to the top-flight for both clubs, who will now compete in the Premier League after impressive seasons.
Burnley Clinch Promotion with Victory Over Sheffield United
In what was a dramatic Monday evening, Burnley sealed their automatic promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Burnley had already made significant strides this season, and this victory was the final piece of the puzzle needed to confirm their promotion.
The match was set up as a high-stakes encounter, with both teams fighting for crucial points. Burnley captain and top scorer, Josh Brownhill, played a starring role, scoring both goals in the match. His first came early in the first half, as he slotted home a cool finish to give Burnley the lead. His second came after the break, when he was in the right place at the right time to finish off a cross and double Burnley’s advantage.
WE ARE BACK! pic.twitter.com/RayO23ctGE
— Burnley FC (P) (@BurnleyOfficial) April 21, 2025
Despite Sheffield United’s best efforts, including a second-half goal from Sander Berge, Burnley held on to claim a crucial 2-1 victory. With only two games left in the season, Burnley have now confirmed their place in the Premier League. With a stunning defensive record, having conceded only 15 goals all season, Burnley’s promotion was fully deserved.
Josh Brownhill Reflects on Burnley’s Triumph
After the final whistle, Brownhill spoke with Sky Sports about his emotions and the significance of the promotion. “I’m speechless. All that hard work this season,” Brownhill said. “We’ve been written off so many times, people calling us boring. We’ve bored our way to the Premier League.”
Brownhill’s words were a testament to the grit and determination that has been the hallmark of Burnley’s campaign. Manager Scott Parker has led the team with great success, and the club will now look forward to testing themselves against the best in the Premier League next season.
“This group is special. It gives me a reason to wake up every day.”
An emotional Scott Parker talks promotion back to the Premier League
— Burnley FC (P) (@BurnleyOfficial) April 21, 2025
Leeds United Celebrate with Huge Win Over Stoke
Leeds United, who had an equally impressive season, celebrated their return to the Premier League with a dominant 6-0 victory over Stoke City. This comprehensive win sent Leeds into the Premier League, as they finished the season level on points with Burnley but with a superior goal difference.
Daniel Farke, who took charge of Leeds this season, was full of praise for his team after the victory. “To deliver such an emphatic performance is really amazing, and all the credit goes to the boys for the way they have handled the situation,” Farke told BBC Sport.
Leeds’ performance was led by Joel Piroe, who had been in a goal drought but finally broke his scoring run with a well-taken goal. “It’s a bit like shaking a bottle of ketchup – all of a sudden, everything comes out,” Farke added. This victory was part of a strong late-season run, as Leeds won their last four league games to seal their return to the top flight.V
OUR PREMIER LEAGUE FANS! pic.twitter.com/IgiLecp8Rj
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 21, 2025
A Neck-and-Neck Race for the Top Two Spots
Both Burnley and Leeds finished the season tied on 94 points, with Leeds having the edge in goal difference. However, it was Burnley’s more solid defensive record, conceding just 15 goals, that saw them hold their nerve in a season filled with pressure. Both teams will be looking forward to returning to the Premier League, where they will face off against the best clubs in the world.
As Burnley celebrate their automatic promotion, Sheffield United—who had been in the hunt for promotion for most of the season—will now look to the playoffs. Despite their defeat, Sheffield United are still in contention to earn a Premier League spot through the playoffs.
Playoff Drama to Come
With Burnley and Leeds confirmed for automatic promotion, all eyes now turn to the remaining playoff spots. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry are the teams vying for a playoff place, with Middlesbrough, Millwall, and Blackburn still mathematically in with a chance.
The playoff race is set to be an exciting one, with teams desperate to join Burnley and Leeds in the Premier League next season. The playoffs offer a thrilling chance for clubs to fight for the final spot in the top flight, with the final match of the Championship playoffs always a highly anticipated event.
A Look at the Bottom of the Table
At the other end of the table, Plymouth kept their survival hopes alive with a vital 3-1 win against Coventry. Mustapha Bundu scored twice, giving Plymouth a glimmer of hope in their fight to avoid relegation.
Derby County and Luton Town also secured important 3-1 victories, with Portsmouth almost sealing their safety with a crucial 1-0 win against Watford, who were reduced to 10 men.
Final Days in the Championship
The final weeks of the Championship season will be filled with drama, as teams continue to battle for playoff places, relegation survival, and automatic promotion. With just a few games remaining, the stakes could not be higher.
Key Highlights from the Day:
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Burnley secured automatic promotion with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.
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Leeds United won 6-0 against Stoke City to join Burnley in the Premier League.
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Josh Brownhill and Joel Piroe were instrumental in their teams’ victories.
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Sheffield United, Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry are vying for the final playoff spots.
As the Championship season nears its end, the battle for promotion and survival is set to continue, with all eyes on the final push for the playoffs and automatic places in the Premier League.
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