Burnley, Leeds United secure automatic promotion to Premier League

Burnley and Leeds United confirmed their return to the Premier League on Saturday after decisive wins left Sheffield United facing the playoffs.

Burnley sealed automatic promotion with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor, a result that also confirmed Leeds United's top-two finish following their earlier 6-0 rout of Stoke City.

Leeds moved top of the Championship with 94 points after Joel Piroe struck a hat-trick in the opening 20 minutes and added a fourth before halftime in a dominant first-half performance at Elland Road.

With two matches left, Leeds needed Burnley to avoid defeat against third-placed Sheffield United to confirm promotion.

Scott Parker’s Burnley side did just that. Josh Brownhill scored twice, either side of Tom Cannon’s equaliser, to join Leeds on 94 points. Sheffield United remain on 86, now confirmed for the playoffs.

Leeds return to the top flight after a one-year absence, having been relegated in 2023 following three seasons in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Sunderland remain in playoff contention despite a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, who still have slim hopes of a top-six finish.

Fifth-placed Bristol City lost 3-1 at relegation-threatened Luton Town but stay above Coventry City on goal difference after Coventry also fell 3-1 to bottom side Plymouth Argyle.

Middlesbrough, who began the day seventh, failed to capitalise on the losses above them as they let a lead slip in a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

With two rounds remaining, the playoff race remains tight. Bristol City sit on 67 points, Coventry have 66, and Middlesbrough are close behind on 63. Millwall and Blackburn, with 63 and 62 points respectively, are also in contention.