Leeds United, Burnley seal Premier League return with crucial Easter Monday wins

Leeds United and Burnley have officially punched their tickets back to the Premier League following decisive victories in the Championship on Easter Monday.

Leeds, who have been out of the top-flight for two seasons, made a resounding statement with a dominant 6-0 win over Stoke City at Elland Road. Five of the goals came in a breathtaking first half, as the Whites thrilled home fans and confirmed their readiness for a return to the big stage.

Meanwhile, Burnley secured promotion after edging past third-placed Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor. The victory not only guaranteed their immediate return to the Premier League but also extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 31 games—an incredible feat that underlines their consistency throughout the campaign.

Despite the celebratory mood, Leeds’ return comes amid financial strain. The club reported a loss of £60.8 million ($81 million) for the 2023–24 season—nearly double their losses from the previous year when they were relegated.

Next season would have been their last receiving parachute payments, so failure to achieve promotion would have resulted in many players being sold. Daniel Farke’s side have the division’s best attack and Scott Parker’s Burnley, who saw 21 players leave last summer and 15 arrive, have the meanest defence.

To steady the ship in his first season in charge and overhaul Sheffield, who have been in the top two for the majority of the season, takes some doing.

Burnley have broken defensive record after defensive record this season. They are unbeaten at home in the league, made history when they recorded 12 clean sheets in the league in a row, and have conceded just 15 goals in 44 matches.

The record for fewest goals conceded (30) in a Championship season is currently held by Watford (2020-21) and Preston North End (2005-06), so the Clarets are set to smash that feat.

With round 44 of the Championship season now done and dusted, top of the table Leeds take on play-off hopefuls Bristol City next Monday, after Burnley travel to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Both sides have 94 points, so it will be a straight shootout in the final two fixtures to see who lifts the Championship trophy.