I n a match that could define their season, Leeds United took a massive step toward Premier League promotion with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Sunderland at Elland Road on Monday night. Dutch defender Pascal Struijk emerged as the unlikely hero, netting a dramatic 95th-minute winner to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Sunderland struck first through Wilson Isidor, who notched his 12th goal of the campaign before halftime. With promotion stakes high, Leeds found themselves trailing and in need of inspiration. Enter Pascal Struijk—a substitute introduced in the final 20 minutes, who would go on to define the night.
Struijk’s Late Heroics Stun Sunderland
Leeds' comeback began in the 78th minute, when Joe Rothwell’s pinpoint free-kick found Struijk, who rose highest to head home the equalizer. But the real drama unfolded deep into stoppage time.
With the final whistle looming, Rothwell delivered another perfect cross, and once again, Struijk was there—this time nodding the ball into an empty net to seal an unforgettable victory. The 38,000 fans inside Elland Road erupted, sensing how crucial this moment could be in Leeds' promotion push.
Leeds Tighten Grip on Automatic Promotion
This victory cements Leeds' place at the top of the Championship table, two points clear of Sheffield United. More importantly, they now hold a seven-point cushion over third-placed Burnley and a ten-point lead over Sunderland in fourth, with only 13 games remaining.
For Sunderland, the defeat is a bitter blow to their automatic promotion hopes, while for Leeds, Premier League football is now within touching distance.
As the Championship season reaches its climax, Leeds fans can start to dream again, but the battle isn’t over yet. Stay tuned to Glide News Media for the latest updates on Leeds’ road back to the top flight.
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