Leeds United are heading back to the Premier League in style after a crushing 6–0 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road on Championship Matchday 44. A first-half hat-trick from Joel Piroe and a relentless attacking display sealed automatic promotion with two games to spare, marking a triumphant return to the top flight after just one season away.
Dominant from the First Whistle
Leeds came out flying and wasted no time putting Stoke to the sword. Joel Piroe capitalised on two early defensive errors to score in the 6th and 8th minutes, before completing his hat-trick by the 20th minute. By halftime, Leeds were five goals up thanks to further strikes in the 26th and 41st minutes, a ruthless performance that left Stoke with no answers.
The second half saw Wilfried Gnonto add a sixth with a header in the 59th minute, wrapping up a performance that will long be remembered by the Elland Road faithful.
Back in the Big Time and Breaking Records
The win lifts Leeds to 94 points, confirming their promotion and setting a new club record for points in a single Championship season. Both clubs are officially promoted, with Burnley winning their latest fixture.
This promotion is more than just a footballing achievement; it brings significant financial benefits, with an estimated £100 million in revenue expected over the next three years through TV rights, sponsorships, and prize money.
A Club Built on Resilience and Revival
Founded in 1919, Leeds United’s journey filled with highs and lows. After their Premier League exit in the early 2000s, the club spent years in the lower leagues battling financial troubles and inconsistency. But in recent years, Leeds have shown remarkable resilience, backed by strong leadership, an emphasis on youth development, and the unwavering support of their fans.
Last season’s near-miss via the playoff route was a heartbreak, but Leeds made no mistake this time.
Eyes Still on the Championship Title
With two matches left to play, Leeds trail Yorkshire rivals Burnley at the top of the table by a narrow margin. The 2024–25 Championship title race is still alive, and Leeds will be pushing to end the campaign on a high by overtaking their rivals.
No matter the final standings, all attention now turns to preparing for life back in the Premier League — from squad reinforcements to tactical fine-tuning. The mission is clear: stay up, compete, and re-establish Leeds as a top-tier force in English football.
