Oct, 19, V7N-Leeds United secured a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United on Friday, propelling them to second place in the English Championship on goal difference. The win came at Elland Road, with second-half goals from defender Pascal Struijk and substitute Mateo Joseph.
The match remained goalless until the 69th minute, when Struijk broke the deadlock with a well-placed left-footed finish from a bouncing corner taken by Joe Rothwell. This goal marked the first time Sheffield United had conceded since August 24. Leeds doubled their lead in the 90th minute when Joseph capitalized on an assist from Joe Piroe, skillfully sliding the ball past goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
Struijk expressed the significance of the win, stating, "It's massive. Tonight we always knew that was going to be a tough game." He also highlighted the team's defensive strength, noting their impressive record of six clean sheets in a row.
With this victory, Leeds moved up from fifth to second place with 19 points, while Sheffield United dropped from second to third. The result ended Sheffield United's unbeaten record this season and extended Leeds' unbeaten league run to five matches.
Before the match, tributes were paid to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock, who passed away at the age of 31. A minute's silence was observed, which turned into a minute's applause from both sets of fans, while players wore black armbands in his honor.
As the Championship season progresses, Leeds will look to build on this momentum, while Sheffield United will aim to bounce back from their first defeat.
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