Leeds United Crowned 2024/25 Championship Champions with Dramatic 2-1 Victory over Plymouth
May 3, 2025 – Leeds United clinched the 2024/25 EFL Championship title in breathtaking fashion, staging a late comeback to defeat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 at Home Park on the final day of the season. Meanwhile, Burnley’s 3-1 win over Millwall at Turf Moor was not enough to overtake Leeds, who secured the crown with a superior points tally of 93, edging out Burnley’s 92. The Whites’ triumph marked a triumphant return to the Premier League as champions, capping a rollercoaster campaign with a moment of glory.
Leeds’ Heart-Stopping Triumph at Home Park
Entering the final matchday, Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, knew only a victory against relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle would guarantee the Championship title. Burnley, breathing down their necks with a better goal difference, were favored by some to pip Leeds at the post. However, the Elland Road faithful dared to dream, and their team delivered a performance for the ages.
The match began disastrously for Leeds when Plymouth stunned the visitors in the 12th minute. Morgan Whittaker, Plymouth’s talisman, capitalized on a defensive error to fire a low shot past Illan Meslier, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead and sending shockwaves through the Leeds camp. The goal silenced the traveling supporters, and Plymouth’s high-energy pressing frustrated Leeds’ attempts to find their rhythm in the first half.
Despite dominating possession, Leeds struggled to create clear chances, with Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard in inspired form. As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 1-0, and with Burnley level at 1-1 against Millwall, the title race hung in the balance. Farke’s halftime team talk proved pivotal, as Leeds emerged with renewed intensity and purpose.
The equalizer arrived in the 55th minute through Crysencio Summerville, the Championship’s standout star. Collecting the ball on the left, Summerville jinked past two defenders and unleashed a curling strike into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Leeds fans. The goal shifted the momentum, and Leeds began to lay siege to Plymouth’s goal.
The tension ratcheted up in the 78th minute when Joel Piroe’s header from a Georginio Rutter cross was controversially ruled out for offside after a VAR review. The decision incensed the Leeds bench, but their resolve only strengthened. The defining moment came in the 87th minute when Wilfried Gnonto, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a pinpoint through ball from Archie Gray. The Italian winger outpaced his marker and slotted a composed finish past Hazard to make it 2-1.
Home Park erupted in chaos as Leeds fans sensed the title was within reach. Seven agonizing minutes of stoppage time followed, but Leeds’ defense, led by the imperious Ethan Ampadu, held firm to secure the 2-1 victory. As the final whistle blew, confirmation came through that Burnley’s 3-1 win over Millwall had left them one point short, handing Leeds the Championship crown with 93 points.
Burnley’s Valiant Effort Falls Just Short
At Turf Moor, Burnley delivered a professional performance to defeat Millwall 3-1, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul Leeds. The Clarets, managed by Scott Parker, fell behind to an early Tom Bradshaw goal in the 20th minute but equalized through Josh Brownhill’s long-range strike before the break. Second-half goals from Lyle Foster and an own goal by Millwall’s Zian Flemming sealed a 3-1 victory, taking Burnley to 92 points.
Despite their dominance throughout the season and a superior goal difference, Burnley’s fate was sealed by Leeds’ late heroics. Parker’s side secured automatic promotion to the Premier League, a significant achievement, but the title slipped through their fingers in the final moments of the campaign.
The Road to Glory: Leeds’ Championship Journey
Leeds United’s 2024/25 Championship triumph was a testament to Daniel Farke’s tactical acumen and the squad’s resilience. Relegated from the Premier League the previous season, Leeds faced immense pressure to bounce back. The summer saw key departures, but signings like Archie Gray and the retention of stars like Summerville and Gnonto proved crucial.
The Whites’ campaign was defined by their attacking flair, with Summerville’s 20+ goals and assists earning him the Championship Player of the Season award. Their ability to grind out results, exemplified by the comeback at Plymouth, set them apart in a fiercely competitive league. Leeds finished with 93 points, winning 28 of their 46 matches, and their 2-1 victory on the final day encapsulated their never-say-die spirit.
What It Means: Promotion and Beyond
Leeds United’s title win secures their return to the Premier League as Champions, a statement of intent for the 2025/26 season. Farke will now focus on strengthening the squad to ensure they compete in the top flight, with potential reinforcements needed in defense and midfield. Summerville and Gnonto, likely to attract interest from bigger clubs, will be central to Leeds’ ambitions.
Burnley, despite missing out on the title, join Leeds in the Premier League, with Parker’s pragmatic style and young talents like Foster and Vitinho promising an exciting campaign. The playoff race, involving teams like Sunderland, West Brom, and Norwich, will determine the third promoted side, while Plymouth’s defeat confirmed their relegation to League One.
A Season to Remember
The 2024/25 Championship season will be remembered for its unrelenting drama, with Leeds United’s title-clinching victory at Plymouth serving as the defining image. From Whittaker’s early strike to Gnonto’s late winner, the match encapsulated the highs and lows of a campaign that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As Leeds lift the trophy, the Elland Road faithful can celebrate a return to the Premier League in the grandest style possible—crowned kings of the Championship.
