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What are the Championship play-off dates as dark horses sneak in on final day

Leeds United are the 2024-25 Championship winners after a dramatic final day in the second tier with play-off places confirmed for clubs dreaming of the Premier League

[Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and star Sam Byram celebrate being crowned champions]

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and star Sam Byram celebrate being crowned champions(Image: PA)

The final day of the Championship season was a rollercoaster ride, with joy and despair felt across the nation. Daniel Farke's Leeds United are toasting a thrilling title victory, while Coventry City and Bristol City have clinched play-off spots. On the flip side, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town face the disappointment of relegation, set to compete in League One next season.

Leeds gave Burnley a glimmer of hope after conceding an early own goal by Sam Byram against Plymouth, only for Burnley to fall behind themselves when Mihailo Ivanovic struck for Millwall. However, both title contenders were back on level terms before the hour mark, thanks to Josh Brownhill's swift equaliser for Burnley and Willy Gnonto's early second-half goal for Leeds.

Burnley then temporarily regained the top spot in the live standings when Jaidon Anthony put them ahead, and they extended their lead with Brownhill netting his second. Leeds remained deadlocked as they entered injury time, but Manor Solomon produced a moment of magic to secure the title for them in the dying moments.

Frank Lampard's Coventry City drew first blood against fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough, with Jack Rudoni netting just before half-time. His late second goal sealed the deal, but Bristol City, also eyeing a top-six finish, left the door ajar for their rivals, reports the Mirror.

[Coventry City players celebrating Jack Rudoni's opener against Middlesbrough]

Coventry City players celebrating Jack Rudoni's opener against Middlesbrough(Image: PA)

Emil Riis put Preston ahead at Ashton Gate, a goal that could have had repercussions at the other end of the table if not for Luton Town's collapse against West Bromwich Albion, who bagged their fifth goal just past the hour mark.

Hull City needed to grab a point to capitalise on Luton's loss. The Tigers took the lead away to Portsmouth, spelling trouble for Luton, but Pompey levelled the score at Fratton Park thanks to substitute Chris Saydee, leaving Hull biting their nails.

They managed to hang on through a nail-biting final few minutes as Luton clawed back to 5-3 but fell short of a miraculous comeback.

Leeds United started the day sitting pretty at the top of the table on goal difference, with Bristol City and Coventry City in line to join Sheffield United and Sunderland in the play-offs. Wins for both would secure a shot at promotion via the play-offs, but several teams were ready to pounce if they faltered.

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Down at the bottom, Cardiff City were already doomed to relegation before the first whistle, while Plymouth Argyle, sitting in 23rd place, needed a goal difference miracle to avoid the drop. Five other teams were still in the danger zone, with Hull City starting the day in the bottom three.

At Ashton Gate, Preston were aware that a victory would secure their survival and they extended their lead through Milutin Osmajic on the 60-minute mark. A loss for City could see either Millwall or Blackburn overtake them with a win, but Ryan Manning's squad weren't keen to leave it to fate as Ross McCrorie netted one before bagging his second to level the score at 2-2 - leaving Preston breathing a sigh of relief thanks to Luton's woes.

As Luton continued to leak goals, Hull's mission was straightforward. They clung on for the crucial point they needed, sending Luton tumbling down to the third tier.

For the teams in the play-offs, there's little time to regroup. The semi-final first legs are slated for May 8-9, followed by the second legs on May 12-13, while the final is set for May 24.

The final Championship lowdown

Champions: Leeds United

Promoted: Burnley

Play-offs: Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City, Bristol City

Relegated: Cardiff, Plymouth, Luton.

Play-off dates:

Thursday, May 8: Bristol City vs Sheffield United (8pm)

Friday May, 9: Coventry City vs Sunderland (8pm)

Monday, May 12: Sheffield United vs Bristol City (8pm)

Tuesday, May 13:Sunderland vs Coventry City (8pm).

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