Just two years ago Leeds were relegated out of the Premier League, but as of next season they will return to the top flight with a new sense of spirit and hope.
Leeds unveiled a sensational 6-0 thrashing over an in-form Stoke City on Tuesday as Daniel Farke’s men pushed their case for promotion into the Premier League.
The Championship club had to endure a gruelling wait for Burnley’s clash against Sheffield United to learn if their fate had been sealed, with celebrations kicking off in Leeds just seconds after the full time whistle was heard at Turf Moor.
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Burnley beat Sheffield United 2-1 to open unassailable leads in the second-tier Championship with only two games remaining.
The top two in the Championship gain automatic promotion and the next four go into the playoffs for the last remaining spot.
With two matches to go in the season and just six points separating sixth place and 11th, seven teams are a strong chance of taking the last playoff spots.
Leeds United players celebrate their side’s sixth goal. PA Images via Getty Images
The victories ensure another two US-owned clubs will enjoy the estimated revenue uplift of around $280 million AUD that comes with a place in England’s top tier.
Leeds is owned by the San Francisco-based 49ers Enterprises group, members of whom include American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
Red Bull, the energy drink company whose other football interests include owning Leipzig in Germany, bought a minority stake in the club last May.
Burnley, meanwhile, has been majority-owned since 2020 by the ALK Capita investment group. The New York group is fronted by U.S. businessman Alan Pace and counts former NFL star J.J. Watts as a notable shareholder.
Third-placed Sheffield United and fourth-placed Sunderland are guaranteed two of the four playoff spots and Bristol City and Coventry City are in pole position to join them.
Leeds United fans celebrate promotion to the Premier League. PA Images via Getty Images
Josh Brownhill scored both of Burnley’s goals in front of 21,000 fans at Turf Moor, while Dutch striker Joel Piroe was the star for Leeds, scoring four goals in a blistering first half which included a 20 minute hat-trick.
“It was fantastic fashion today against a side who were in fantastic form,” Leeds manager Farke said post-match.
“To score goal after goal, another clean sheet… perhaps we could’ve scored a few more.
“I wanted us to stay humble and stay focused on the (competition). I’m pretty proud of their mentality and their spirit.
“We have come through the last weeks with fantastic unity and everyone wanted to do well.
“It felt like we had so much energy. I was never in doubt that we would win but you have to bring it on the pitch.”
The promotion comes as a promising sign for fans, given the team at one point looked set to battle for a spot in the playoffs once again.
Leeds started the season with just one win in six games but managed to turn their season around to become the league’s top goal scorers with 89 goals.
Farke’s men will now focus on battling against Burnley to claim the Championship title, with Leeds currently the ladder leaders.
Leeds will next take to the field against Bristol City on Tuesday while Burnley face QPR on Saturday.
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