Leeds United delivered an emphatic six-goal demolition of Stoke City on Easter Monday, a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and set the stage for momentous celebrations. The victory, coupled with later results, confirmed Leeds' highly anticipated return to the Premier League, sending fans into rapturous parties that lasted long into the early hours.

The star of the show at Elland Road was undoubtedly Joel Piroe, who exploded back into goalscoring form after a nine-game drought, netting a sensational hat-trick within the opening 20 minutes. His first came on just six minutes, calmly slotting home after Stoke carelessly lost possession near their own box. Just two minutes later, Piroe doubled his tally, finishing neatly after Jayden Bogle's interception. With the Stoke defence in disarray, the Dutch striker completed his treble in the 20th minute, pouncing on a rebound to make it 3-0.

The goals continued to flow. Junior Firpo bundled in his fourth of the season, before Piroe added his fourth of the afternoon, making it a staggering 5-0 by halftime and compounding a miserable first half for the visitors.

While the intensity dropped slightly after the break, Leeds maintained control. Willy Gnonto added the final touch, heading in a whipped cross from Manor Solomon to complete the 6-0 rout, a fitting end to a dominant display. For Stoke City, who had arrived unbeaten in five matches, this heavy defeat was a significant setback. It pushes them back towards the relegation threat ahead of a crucial Friday fixture against Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, the party at Elland Road was just beginning. The 6-0 hammering was a sign of intent, and later that day, confirmation arrived when Burnley's victory over Sheffield United mathematically sealed Leeds' promotion. The scenes of joyous fans turning their attention from the pitch to scoreboards across the country marked the culmination of the club's aspiration to return to the top flight.

The match highlighted not only individual brilliance like Piroe's but also the collective determination that has driven Leeds United back to England's elite. As they look ahead to next season, the focus will be on carrying this momentum into the Premier League.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper
	2	Bogle, Jayden Defender
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	6	Rodon, Joe Defender
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder
	22	Tanaka, Ao Midfielder
	14	Solomon, Manor Midfielder
	11	Aaronson, Brenden Midfielder
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	10	Piroe, Joel Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	17	Ramazani, Largie Midfielder
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	33	Schmidt, Isaac Defender
	45	Gray, Harry Forward
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	39	Wober, Max Defender		Unused Sub
	23	Guilavogui, Josuha Midfielder		Unused Sub
	19	Joseph, Mateo Forward		Unused Sub

		Debuts	Nat	DOB	Joined
		Gray, Harry Forward		08/10/2008 (16)	01/07/2024

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2024/2025
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2024-25
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2024/25