Leeds United Advances to the Championship Playoff Final

Match overview

Leeds United delivered a dominant performance at Elland Road, defeating Norwich City 4-0 to secure a spot in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final.

First half highlights

1. Early Lead: The Whites started strong, with Ilia Gruev netting a long-range free-kick into the bottom right corner, igniting the Leeds supporters.
2. Second Goal: Daniel Farke’s side relentlessly pursued a second goal and succeeded in the 20th minute with a Joël Piroe header.
3. Third Goal: Georginio Rutter added another goal five minutes before halftime, solidifying Leeds’ control over the match.

Second half highlights

• Continued Dominance: Leeds maintained control throughout the match.
• Final Goal: Top scorer Crysencio Summerville sealed the victory by scoring his 20th league goal of the season, rounding off a memorable night for the West Yorkshire club.

Key moments

Leeds United’s path to the Championship Playoff Final was marked by several pivotal moments that showcased their skill, strategy, and determination. Each key play contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance and ultimate victory.

Gruev’s opening goal

In front of a lively crowd at Elland Road, Leeds burst out of the gates with an electrifying start. Few expected deep-lying midfielder Gruev to be the one to break the deadlock. Leeds were awarded a free kick from around 25 yards out, and it appeared that Summerville would deliver a cross. However, he stepped over the ball, allowing Gruev to take the shot. Summerville’s movement disrupted Norwich’s ineffective two-man wall, which quickly dissolved, giving Gruev the opportunity to whip his free kick into the bottom corner.

ILIA GRUEV OPENED THE SCORING WITH A FREE-KICK GOLAZO!!!pic.twitter.com/MLY5lmr85S

— Football Report (@FootballReprt) May 17, 2024

He took advantage of goalkeeper Gunn’s poor positioning, and the ball found the back of the net. Elland Road erupted as Gruev celebrated his first goal for Leeds in his 33rd appearance since joining the club last summer.

Piroe’s header

The Canaries’ goalkeeper was exposed again by a brilliant delivery from Wilfried Gnonto, who, from a deep position on the right, sent a cross to the far post. Gunn hesitated, unsure whether to attack the ball or stay on his line, which allowed Piroe to time his run perfectly and head the ball home from close range.

Meslier’s crucial save

Leeds’ only significant mistake in the first half came from Ethan Ampadu, who slipped in possession, allowing Joshua Sargent a clear run at goal in the 23rd minute. Sargent attempted to chip the ball over Illan Meslier, but the Leeds goalkeeper quickly closed him down, making a superb save to deny the American.

Rutter’s goal

That missed opportunity proved costly for Norwich, as Leeds scored a third goal five minutes before halftime. Piroe charged down the left and passed the ball to Summerville, who nudged it across the box to Rutter. Rutter then smashed an emphatic side-footed shot in off the crossbar, putting Leeds firmly in control and rising the odds greatly.