Leeds United and Burnley Celebrate Promotion to the Premier League
Leeds United and Burnley have secured their places in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season after impressive performances on Monday. Leeds dominated Stoke City with a staggering 6-0 victory at Elland Road, while Burnley clinched their promotion with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Leeds, who spent the last two seasons in the Championship, delivered a remarkable display, with Dutch forward Joel Piroe scoring four goals, including a hat-trick by the 20th minute. Junior Firpo added a fourth before Piroe netted again just before halftime, solidifying his position as the club’s leading scorer this season. Wilfried Gnonto capped off the rout with a sixth goal in the 59th minute.
Following their triumph, Leeds knew they would be promoted if Sheffield United failed to secure a win against Burnley later in the day. Burnley’s captain, Josh Brownhill, ensured that Leeds’ ascension was confirmed as he scored twice, including a penalty, leading his side to victory and further solidifying their position alongside Leeds at the top of the table.
Both teams finished the season with 94 points, far ahead of third-placed Sheffield United, who remain at 86 points after a disappointing run that saw them win just one of their last five matches. Sheffield will now have to navigate the play-offs to earn a spot in the Premier League.
Leeds had a tumultuous start to March, winning just one of six matches, which raised concerns about their ability to secure automatic promotion. However, their recent resurgence, including four consecutive victories, has reignited their hopes. Captain Ethan Ampadu expressed pride in the team’s achievement while hinting at their desire to clinch the Championship title as well.
“Very proud. A lot of positives,” Ampadu told Sky Sports. “The celebrations are amazing. We’ve worked all year for this. Not to put a dampener on it, we’ve still got another target we want to achieve, so we’re going to enjoy tonight and then we’re going to try and do the full thing.”
Burnley, under manager Scott Parker, showcased a formidable defense throughout the season, conceding just 15 goals. Brownhill reflected on their journey back to the Premier League, dismissing criticisms of their playing style. “We’ve been written off so many times, people calling us boring. We’ve bored our way to the Premier League,” he stated.
Parker, who has successfully led three different clubs to promotion, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s journey. “It means everything,” he said. “Set on a mission at the start of this year to get promoted. Early on in the season, there were a lot of ups and downs, and the journey we’ve been on is nothing short of incredible.”
