Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored deep into stoppage time as Leeds United boosted their Premier League finish with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Brighton at Elland Road, denting the Seagulls’ hopes of qualifying for European football next season.
The decisive moment came in the sixth minute of added time when Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke under-hit a back-pass, allowing Calvert-Lewin to race through and calmly slot home his 14th league goal of the campaign.
The win lifted Leeds to 13th in the table and extended Daniel Farke’s men’s unbeaten run in the top flight to eight matches, while Brighton’s push for a second-ever European qualification now goes down to the final day.
Despite enjoying less possession for large spells, Leeds produced a disciplined defensive display and frustrated Brighton throughout the contest.
The hosts failed to register a shot on target until Calvert-Lewin’s late intervention, but their resilience ultimately paid off.
Elland Road was in celebratory mood from kick-off after Leeds secured survival last weekend, with fans creating a carnival atmosphere before the action began.
Brighton settled quickest, with Carlos Baleba forcing an early save from Karl Darlow, while Calvert-Lewin was denied at the other end by Van Hecke’s well-timed challenge.
Daniel James curled an effort narrowly wide for Leeds, while Joël Veltman saw a close-range attempt blocked as both teams exchanged chances in an evenly balanced first half.
Just before the break, Pascal Gross tested Darlow with a swerving strike that required an acrobatic save, while Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen reacted sharply to tip away a dangerous deflection following Calvert-Lewin’s burst into the area.
The visitors increased the pressure after half-time as Danny Welbeck’s effort was headed clear by Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu before Yankuba Minteh’s dangerous cross forced another scramble in the Leeds box.
Farke introduced Willy Gnonto, Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff in a bid to inject fresh energy, with Gnonto soon firing narrowly wide.
Brighton suffered a setback when Anton Stach was stretchered off after appearing to twist his ankle, while substitute Joël Piroe later sent an effort just past the post.
The Seagulls continued to push for a breakthrough, with Charalambos Kostoulas denied by Darlow and Diego Gómez seeing his strike blocked.
However, with the match seemingly heading for a draw, Van Hecke’s costly error handed Leeds a dramatic winner as Calvert-Lewin capitalised to spark wild celebrations inside Elland Road.
