Leeds United were crowned Championship champions in dramatic fashion after Manor Solomon’s injury-time goal secured a 2-1 win over Plymouth at Home Park. The victory saw Leeds edge Burnley to the title on goal difference, with both sides finishing on 100 points in an unforgettable season finale.
It was a tense day across the division. Leeds fell behind early when Sam Byram inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Meanwhile, Burnley also had a rocky start, conceding to Millwall’s Mihailo Ivanovic. But both promotion-chasing sides responded in determined fashion. Josh Brownhill levelled for Burnley, while Wilfried Gnonto restored parity for Leeds.
Jaidon Anthony then fired Burnley ahead, seemingly putting them on course for the title. But deep into stoppage time, Solomon cut inside and struck the decisive goal in front of the jubilant away supporters, clinching top spot for Leeds and breaking Burnley hearts despite their comfortable 3-1 win.
The celebrations at Home Park contrasted starkly with scenes at the other end of the table. Luton Town’s 5-3 defeat at West Brom condemned them to a second successive relegation, as Hull City’s 1-1 draw at Portsmouth was enough to preserve their Championship status. Luton briefly lifted themselves above the drop zone during the game but were ultimately undone by a rampant West Brom, who raced into a 5-1 lead by the hour mark. Though Jordan Clark and Millenic Alli struck late for Luton, it was not enough to spark a comeback.
Luton’s manager admitted it was a painful outcome, particularly after their recent resurgence, which had seen them win three consecutive matches. He acknowledged the fans’ disappointment and vowed that the club would bounce back stronger.
Elsewhere, the playoff race reached a dramatic conclusion. Coventry secured fifth place with a composed 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, setting up a semi-final showdown against Sunderland. The Black Cats stumbled into the playoffs with a fifth straight defeat, this time at the hands of QPR, raising questions about their form heading into the crucial knockout matches.
Bristol City completed the playoff lineup, sealing sixth place after a spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Preston. The result eliminated Blackburn, Millwall, and Middlesbrough from contention, with Sheffield United’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn proving pivotal. Anel Ahmedhodzic’s equaliser ensured the Blades held onto third place, setting up a semi-final against the Robins.
At the bottom, Derby County and Stoke City secured their safety with a goalless draw at Pride Park, a result that suited both sides given the chaos unfolding around them.
In other matches, Norwich ended their campaign on a high with a 4-2 win over Cardiff. The game saw Cardiff reduced to 10 men early on, and Norwich took full advantage. Their interim manager expressed his desire to take on the role permanently, feeling ready to contribute at this level.
Swansea and Oxford shared six goals in a lively 3-3 draw, providing entertainment in their final outing of the season. Sheffield Wednesday, meanwhile, achieved their best finish since 2019 by claiming a top-half spot following a 1-1 draw at Watford.
It was a final day full of late drama, elation, and heartbreak, perfectly encapsulating the intensity and unpredictability of the Championship.
