Leeds vs Norwich LIVE: Championship play-off semi-final result and reaction as hosts run rampant
Leeds 4-0 Norwich: The hosts dominated from the off and now have a trip to Wembley to look forward to
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Your support makes all the difference.Leeds United are the first team to make it to Wembley after a dominant and brilliant display to defeat Norwich City in their Championship play-off semi-final second leg.
With home advantage, Leeds came out of the traps quickly, forcing Norwich to defend and pressing high up the pitch. They won a free kick just outside the box and Ilia Gruev curled it past Angus Gunn to open the scoring. Joel Piroe, returned to the starting XI for this one, then met a cross from Wilfried Gnonto and powered a header into the back of the net to double the lead.
In what was perhaps the turning point of the match, Ashley Barnes threaed Josh Sargent into space but his one-on-one with Illan Meslier was kept out by the goalkeeper.
Georginio Rutter added a third before the break and Crysencio Summerville put the icing on the cake with a second half tap-in to send the Whites to Wembley.
Relive the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Leeds vs Norwich
Here come the teams. They make their way out onto the pitch at Elland Road.
This is a one game shootout for a spot in the Championship play-off final. Who will get there, Leeds or Norwich?
Kick off is up next...
Leeds vs Norwich
Leeds United have lost both of their last two home games, last losing more in a row at Elland Road in all competitions in March 2022 (four, all in the Premier League).
They last did so when competing outside of the top-flight in October 2017 (three in a row).
Leeds vs Norwich
In what is their third time in the Football League play-offs, Norwich are looking to reach the final for the third time, previously doing so in 2002 and 2015.
Should they do so, they’ll be just the sixth team to reach the final in 100% of their appearances (min. three appearances).
Leeds vs Norwich
Leeds are looking to progress to a Football League play-off final for a fourth tie, and first since the 2007/08 season in League One.
However, the Whites have been eliminated at the semi-final stage in both of their last two play-off participations (2008/09 in League One and 2018/19 in the Championship).
Both those occasions saw them play the second leg at home.
Leeds vs Norwich
The goalless draw in the first leg of this tie between Leeds and Norwich saw just 13 shots (Norwich 7, Leeds 6) and 0.76 expected goals (Norwich 0.51, Leeds 0.25).
Only four Championship matches in 2023/24, including the play-offs, saw fewer shots and only four had a lower total xG.
Leeds vs Norwich
Leeds United have won both of their last two homes games againsr Nowrich City in all competitions. Only from 1962-1972 have they ever won three in a row at home to the Canaries.
Leeds boss previews second leg
Daniel Farke is still aware of the threats Norwich pose but is pleased to see his side returning to home turf where they should have the advantage going into this crucial second leg. He said: “Everything is still possible.
“Norwich is just a really good side and also a threat on the counter attack. If you’re too greedy and open too many spaces, then they could punish you. We have to make sure that we find a good fine margin.
“Obviously we like to play at home, there’s no doubt about this. We have overall a really good home record in the season, but it’s no guarantee.
“So still 50-50 and then both sides have the same chance to earn their spot in the final. I’m pleased with the performance [in the first leg], also overall happy with the result but nothing is done yet.
“So it’s still a tight game and we have to make sure that we keep going because Norwich are really, really dangerous.”
Farke on Elland Road atmosphere
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is expecting an electric atmosphere when his players take to the pitch at Elland Road tonight.
“I think it will definitely be an amazing atmosphere, probably much whiter than yellow,” the manager stated, “I think it will be a pretty, pretty impressive atmosphere on Thursday.
“But, we also have to make sure that we are again not overexcited. So to show a good mental strength in this moment will be also quite important.”
More from McLean
McLean also highlighted the Norwich supporters and their fantastic support at Carrow Road last Sunday saying: “It was incredible.
“Coming off the bus, it gives you that extra bit of motivation. The support has been unbelievable all season. We thank the fans for that,
“It was really special and I think that’s why we started the game so well. When we came out, the atmosphere was electric.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t really give them that moment to cheer but it sets us up nicely. We’re still confident we can do it.”
Second leg set up perfectly says McLean
Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean says the play-off second leg is set up perfectly for his team to go out and attack Leeds this evening. .
“Obviously, we wanted to try and take an advantage to the away fixture,” McLean said, “We’ve not managed to do that. It was a tough game, they’re a good side.
“We felt that there were moments that we could’ve done better, we created chances but the final pass wasn’t there. Second half, we could’ve been a bit better with the ball. It’s something we’ll look at, and it sets up for a good one on Thursday.
“I think we were in more control in the first half, we were probing a little bit but not really creating massive chances, and could’ve done better in some situations.
“They seemed a bit happy to keep the ball at the back, and we stayed in a good shape. It’s always a cagey first leg in these games, nobody wants to lose the first game.
“It sets us up for a really big game, and it’s one that we look forward to. We’ll rest and recover and tomorrow, we’ll prepare as best as we can.”
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