Leeds United boosted their Premier League campaign and dealt a major setback to Brighton & Hove Albion’s European hopes after a dramatic 1-0 victory at Elland Road.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalised on a weak backpass from Jan Paul van Hecke before rounding goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to score a dramatic 96th-minute winner.
Remarkably, it was Leeds’ first shot on target of the match.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, Brighton & Hove Albion FC failed to convert any of their 19 attempts on goal and were ultimately punished for their wastefulness.
The result leaves Brighton seventh on 53 points ; currently enough for a Europa League place but only one point ahead of Brentford FC and two clear of Sunderland AFC before the final round of fixtures.
Leeds United, meanwhile, climb to 13th place with 47 points.
The first half produced few clear-cut chances until the closing moments before the break.
Pascal Gross forced Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow into a full-stretch save before Van Hecke missed a golden opportunity from close range on the rebound.
Moments later, Verbruggen had to react quickly to prevent an own goal after Joel Veltman’s clearance deflected dangerously off Lewis Dunk.
Brighton increased the pressure after halftime and came close through Danny Welbeck, whose effort was cleared off the line by Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu.
Diego Gomez also threatened, while Leeds substitute Joel Piroe narrowly missed with a curling effort from outside the box before Calvert-Lewin finally delivered the decisive blow.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler will now face a tense final day as his side attempt to secure European qualification when they host Manchester United FC at the Amex Stadium.
For Leeds and coach Daniel Farke, the victory represented another sign of the club’s progress after already securing Premier League survival.
Leeds will conclude their campaign away to West Ham United FC on the final day of the season.
