European Super Football

They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them.  Let's explore some of their greatest matches. They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them. Let's explore some of their greatest matches. This is the place for all the latest EFL news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Sheffield Wednesday 5 - 1 Peterborough United  (The match finished 5-5 on aggregate, Sheffield Wednesday won 5-3 on penalties.) Sheffield Wednesday pulled one of the greatest playoff comebacks in English Football League history to beat Peterborough United on penalties. After losing the first game 4-0, very few people believed they would progress to Wembley. That's exactly what happened. They reached the final and eventually gained promoted to the Championship. This match was the highlight on that journey. Just after the match, James, a S...

Another eventful day in the Championship awaits After nine gruelling months and 540 matches, the Championship season reaches its climax on Saturday. Just two final hours will determine who celebrates, who falls short, and who survives. Author - Ajay In a division famous for its unpredictability, this season has been no different. Momentum has shifted time and again, providing a campaign full of drama and unexpected twists. Yet, with one round of fixtures remaining, much remains undecided. The title race, two play-off places, and one relegation spot are still up in the air. Twelve clubs, half the league, approach the final day with everything to play for. We begin at the foot of the table, where the pressure is the most intense.  The relegation fight Stoke City, Derby County, Preston North End, Luton Town and Hull City all go into their final matches needing something to secure safety. Plymouth Argyle, currently 23rd, are clinging to hope, but only a remarkable set of resul...

Burnley 5 - 0 Cardiff City Burnley maintained their perfect start to the Championship season with a commanding 5-0 victory over Cardiff City, capitalising on a series of errors by the Bluebirds. The match got off to a disastrous start for Cardiff when a routine backpass slipped under goalkeeper Ethan Horvath’s foot, resulting in an own goal that gifted Burnley the lead after just nine minutes. Things went from bad to worse as Dimitrios Goutas's poor defending allowed Jay Rodriguez the space to cross, leading to Luca Koleosho smashing in a second goal. Cardiff’s hopes of a second-half comeback were quickly dashed when a precise pass from Vitinho split their defence wide open, allowing Josh Brownhill to race through and score. EFL: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Championship: Wednesday thrash Plymouth (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Cardiff City latest news and stories Burnley didn’t let up, adding two spectacular late goals as Zeki Amdouni and Johann Berg Gudmundsso...

 We all love the drama of the playoffs.  They are a series of matches contested by the four football teams that finish below the automatic promotion places in the second, third and fourth tiers of English football. They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them. Let's explore some of their greatest matches. <Click here to find more news and stories from the English Football League> Reading 2-4 Swansea: 2011 Championship play-off final. Swansea stormed into a 3-0 lead come the end of the first half. However, a two-goal comeback from Reading after half-time tested the nerve of the Welsh side. A young Scott Sinclair then bagged a hat-trick to ensure Swansea became the first Welsh side to play in the Premier League. This would mark the start of a memorable period for the club. In 2013, they won the EFL Cup.  Nottingham Forest 2-5 Yeovil: 2007 League One play-off semi-final.  One t...

Leeds United 3 - 3 Portsmouth Brenden Aaronson salvaged a dramatic late point for Leeds United on their opening day, as they were pushed to the limit by Championship newcomers Portsmouth. Leeds took the lead when Pascal Struijk coolly converted a penalty after Daniel James was brought down. However, Pompey equalised through Elias Sorensen. Portsmouth then seized the advantage just before half-time with a stunning long-range strike from Callum Lang, but Leeds responded almost immediately after the break, with Willy Gnonto slotting in an equaliser. The drama intensified in stoppage time when Portsmouth were awarded a penalty after Jayden Bogle’s challenge on Christian Saydee. Lang calmly converted the 92nd-minute spot-kick, giving Pompey what seemed to be a late victory. But Aaronson had other ideas, firing in a low shot to ensure Leeds claimed a point. MOT: More Leeds United news and stories A closer look at what happened For Portsmouth, it was a tough return to the Championship af...

Leeds United 4 - 0 Bristol City  The home side, already assured of Premier League football next season, delivered a commanding performance at Elland Road to sweep aside play-off hopefuls Bristol City. Author - Oliver W Goals from Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto set the tone, before substitute Largie Ramazani struck twice late on to complete a comprehensive victory in front of a jubilant home crowd. Promotion had been secured the previous Monday, and the mood in the stands was celebratory. Supporters were rewarded with a performance that reflected their team’s dominance throughout the season. Tanaka opened the scoring with a measured finish from Manor Solomon’s deep cross. Leeds remain in pursuit of the Championship title and a 100-point haul. They showed no sign of easing off, although Bristol City, who remain in contention for a play-off spot, made a determined effort to stay in the contest. READ MORE: EFL news from the 2024/2025 season READ MORE: Leeds United 6 - 0 Stoke City The ...

The race for automatic promotion to the Premier League is shaping up to be a nail-biter. Last season's relegated teams Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton are all eager to make a swift return to the top flight.  However, Kieran McKenna's Ipswich side currently holds the lead at the top of the table in a tense four-way contest. As the new year rolled in, Enzo Maresca's Leicester seemed destined to secure promotion straight back to the Premier League. They were sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table, boasting a commanding 13-point lead over Southampton in third place. However, after Southampton's victory over Preston on Tuesday, the promotion battle has tightened considerably, with four teams now in the mix and only a handful of games left to play. The best place to find more news from the Championship  What do the fans think? Jamie, a Leicester City fan, said: "The league has been so unpredictable that making any predictions is foolish. I d...

Oxford United 2 - 0 Norwich City Oxford United marked their return to the Championship after more than two decades with a well-earned 2-0 victory over Norwich City. Striker Mark Harris, a key player for Oxford, scored their first goal in the second tier this century. He capitalised on a mistake by Norwich captain Grant Hanley, skilfully cutting inside Shane Duffy and slotting the ball through Angus Gunn’s legs. Cameron Brannagan doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a beautifully curled shot from the edge of the box, following a precise cross from Sam Long. Norwich's best opportunity came late in the game, but Jack Stacey’s shot was bravely blocked by Oxford’s left-back, Joe Bennett, capping a tough first match for new City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. EFL: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) More Oxford United news and stories Oxford fans created a fantastic atmosphere. Thorup’s day got off to a bad start when winger Jonathan Rowe withdrew from the squad ...

Leeds United 0 - 1 Southampton Southampton defeated Leeds in the Championship play-off final, ensuring a swift return to the Premier League and the £140 million prize that comes with it. The Saints’ 11-year tenure in the top flight ended after a dismal campaign last season . Despite finishing one place and three points behind Leeds in fourth, it’s Southampton who join Leicester and Ipswich in promotion. Adam Armstrong scored the decisive goal with a clinical finish after being set up by Will Smallbone. Leeds substitute Dan James hit the crossbar late on as they pressed for an equaliser, but Russell Martin’s team held on through nearly 12 minutes of added time. This defeat means Leeds face another season in the Championship and have now lost their past three finals at Wembley without scoring, remaining unsuccessful in all six of their play-off campaigns. This is the place for all the latest EFL news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) EFL: Leeds United reach Championship Pl...

Hull City 0 - 2 Sheffield United Sheffield United extended their unbeaten start to the season with a strong performance, scoring twice on the counter-attack to hand Hull City their second consecutive Championship defeat, keeping the Tigers winless this season. United. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SArAPHazDT — Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 14, 2024 The Blades took the lead when Callum O'Hare intercepted a pass from Hull's debutant Mohamed Belloumi, 30 yards from goal. O'Hare advanced unchallenged before setting up Gus Hamer, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. After the break, two United substitutes linked up for the second goal. The visitors cleared a Hull corner past the halfway line, where Andre Brooks cleverly backheeled the ball to Sam McCallum, who powered it into the net. Hull had a chance to respond when Marvin Mehlem sent a free header crashing against the crossbar from six yards out, but that was as close as they came. Despite dominatin...

Peterborough United 1 - 2 Birmingham City  Birmingham City have secured an immediate return to the Championship, wrapping up promotion from League One with six matches still to play following a hard-fought win away at Peterborough. Author - Craig H Stadium - London Road Alfie May gave the visitors the lead, nodding in from a fine Taylor Gardner-Hickman cross, only for Kwame Poku to level the score just three minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a corner wasn't properly cleared. Gardner-Hickman had the final word before the break, drilling home what proved to be the winner after latching onto Marc Leonard’s pass and finishing smartly beneath Posh keeper Nicholas Bilokapic. It was a result that confirmed the Blues' dominance of the division. Relegated last season and bolstered by significant investment, Birmingham have set the pace throughout the campaign under new manager Chris Davies, who is enjoying a remarkable debut year in the dugout. READ...

We have some good news for Ipswich fans Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract to stay as the manager of Ipswich Town, following the club's remarkable rise to the Premier League. We are delighted to announce that Manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new long-term contract at Portman Road. — I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 30, 2024 The 38-year-old's new agreement at Portman Road was confirmed a week after it seemed likely he might decline the club's offer. McKenna had been linked to the managerial vacancy at Brighton and was shortlisted by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino. However, he withdrew from the race for the Stamford Bridge role on Sunday. EFL: Ipswich promoted to Premier League (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) This is the place for all the latest EFL news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Under McKenna's leadership, Ipswich achieved consecutive automatic...

Southampton 1 - 4 Leicester City Jamie Vardy scored after 21 seconds to set Leicester City up for a comfortable victory at Southampton. Leicester went in at half-time 3-1 in front after goals from McAteer (18'minutes) and Ndidi (45'+3minutes) put them in a comfortable position. A goal from Edozie gave them some brief hope as they temporarily reduced the deficit. Former Juventus forward Mavididi missed a huge opportunity just after the hour but made amends with the night's best goal. Many Southampton fans are concerned about the goals they were conceding. Their miserable night ended with Kamaldeen Sulemana receiving a straight red card in the closing seconds of the game for a clumsy tackle on James Justin. Highlights You can watch highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from  EFL YouTube account @gavintsang5778 commented on these highlights: "I expect both Southampton and Leicester will be fighting for promotion come end of the season.  But having wat...

Let's explore a couple more match reports from another dramatic weekend in English football's 2nd tier. QPR 3 - 0 Norwich City Author - Ajay  Teenager Rayan Kolli stole the spotlight with his first senior goals as Queens Park Rangers ended their long wait for a home victory, defeating Norwich City at Loftus Road. The Algeria Under-20 international, who made his debut against Norwich in last season's EFL Cup, was introduced early as a 13th-minute substitute for the injured Zan Celar. QPR took the lead when defender Jimmy Dunne punished some dismal defending, and Kolli made it 2-0 with a well-taken header deep into first-half stoppage time. EFL: 2024/2025 news and stories Norwich, struggling to make an impact in challenging conditions, offered little threat. Kolli then sealed the win in the second half, capitalising on more defensive uncertainty to score his second and Rangers’ third of the game. It was a Saturday to remember for Kolli and a much-needed boost for QP...

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds United Manor Solomon struck in stoppage time to seal the Championship title for Leeds United, as they edged a dramatic 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season.  Author - Oliver W Stadium - Home Park The result also confirmed Argyle’s relegation to League One. With Burnley defeating Millwall 3-1, Leeds finished top on goal difference, having already secured promotion back to the Premier League last month after a two-year absence. A closer look at the conclusion of an amazing season for Leeds The home side struck first when Mustapha Bundu’s shot rebounded off the post and ricocheted in off Sam Byram, shortly after the lively forward had struck the upright. Leeds, who started the day at the summit, struggled to break down a determined Plymouth defence until early in the second half, when Willy Gnonto converted from close range after Solomon’s low delivery from the byline. Joel Piroe thought he had put Leeds ahead with 17 minutes to pla...

Preston North End 0 - 3 Leicester City  Two goals from Jamie Vardy helped Leicester City sealed the Championship title as the Foxes cruised to a crowning victory at Preston North End. Leicester kept the majority of possession in the game’s early stages and created the first chance of note in the 15th minute when Freddie Woodman came out to deny Vardy an opening goal. Jamie  Vardy's goals had previously fired the Foxes to a Premier League title and FA Cup glory. He eventually added to his reputation as a Leicester City icon with a goal in each half to take his overall season tally to 20 in all competitions. Kasey McAteer then added a third with for a Leicester side that has almost dominated this match from start to finish. They have become the fourth club – after Burnley, Fulham and Norwich - in as many years to make an immediate return to the Premier League Championship title winners following relegation. Click here to read all the latest EFL news from European Super F...

Leeds United 0 - 1 Burnley Luca Koleosho's goal helped Burnley return to winning form, as Leeds United suffered their first Championship defeat of the season. Koleosho capitalised on Manor Solomon’s unfortunate slip, sprinting 70 yards before firing a low shot across goal that beat goalkeeper Illan Meslier, ending Burnley's two-game winless run in the league. A closer look at what happened Leeds United v Burnley. Two teams who should be in the promotion picture next spring. Leeds are unchanged and unbeaten so far this season. #lufc #burnleyfc #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/tM0ck4C6I0 — Ross Heppenstall (@rosshmediaman) September 14, 2024 Despite Burnley’s poor record at Elland Road, with seven losses in their last nine visits, goalkeeper James Trafford played a key role in securing the victory, making crucial saves from Wilfried Gnonto and Ethan Ampadu. The visitors finished the match with 10 men after Bashir Humphreys was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow ...

What next for an English football legend? Head coach Wayne Rooney has parted ways with Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent. Author - Peter Grainger The video below shows Rooney’s reaction after a recent defeat against Norwich City. The 39-year-old former England captain managed only four league victories while suffering 13 defeats in 23 Championship matches since taking charge of the Pilgrims in May. His departure leaves the club rooted to the bottom of the table. Rooney arrived at Home Park just four months after being sacked by Birmingham City, where his short 83-day tenure saw nine defeats in 15 games. Sunday's 2-0 loss to Oxford United , which extended Plymouth's winless run to nine matches, was met with boos from the crowd. It marked their sixth defeat in that run, which began in early November. Under Rooney’s leadership, Plymouth have struggled at both ends of the pitch. They’ve scored the joint-fewest goals in the Championship and conceded mor...

Cardiff City 2 - 0 Portsmouth Cardiff City continued their revival under interim boss Omer Riza, cruising past Portsmouth with another impressive attacking display to secure their second home victory in just four days. Author - Sean M Fresh off their 5-0 thrashing of Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, the Bluebirds hit the ground running once more. They found themselves 2-0 up within 13 minutes, thanks to an own goal from Regan Poole and Callum Robinson’s close-range strike. A closer look at what happened Despite squandering several opportunities to extend their lead either side of half-time, Cardiff kept Portsmouth’s substitute goalkeeper Jordan Archer busy, with David Turnbull and Anwar El Ghazi testing him throughout the match. Although Portsmouth showed signs of life in the second half, they struggled to break down Cardiff’s defence, with their rare attempts on goal thwarted by captain Jak Alnwick in the Bluebirds' goal. The win sees Cardiff move out of the Championship relegatio...

Ipswich Town 1 - 2 Wolves Wolves moved a step closer to securing their Premier League status with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, leaving the hosts in serious danger of relegation to the Championship. Author - Marcus  Stadium - Portman Road Second-half goals from Jørgen Strand Larsen and Pablo Sarabia overturned Liam Delap’s early opener, deepening the troubles for Kieran McKenna’s side . Ipswich remain third from bottom and now sit 12 points from safety with just seven matches left to play. Victory for Wolves, who have now won three league games in a row, means they are almost certain to avoid the drop with 21 points still available. Ipswich made a promising start and went ahead after 16 minutes. Liam Delap scored his 12th goal of the season , reacting quickly to finish from Dara O'Shea’s knockdown inside the box. The goal gave Ipswich early momentum, but their composure soon faded. Goalkeeper Alex Palmer nearly handed Wolves a gift when he mi...