Substitute Pascal Struijk nodded a dramatic 95th-minute decider as Leeds United overturned a deficit to defeat promotion challengers Sunderland and reclaim the summit of the Championship.
The defender had equalized with 12 minutes remaining when he flicked in Joe Rothwell’s vicious free-kick and then sealed victory in stoppage time with another header from a Rothwell delivery.
Sunderland had seized the advantage against the flow of play when French forward Wilson Isidor latched onto defender Dan Ballard’s lofted pass into the inside-right channel and did superbly to outmaneuver Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu before drilling a low effort in off the far upright.
The Whites had not trailed at halftime in a league fixture at Elland Road since their sole home loss this campaign against Burnley in September.
However, this time they turned it around in the most improbable of conclusions and are now seven points ahead of third-placed Clarets with 13 matches remaining.
The triumph extends their unbeaten streak to 15 league outings, and they remain invincible in front of their own supporters since 15 September.
Sunderland’s players collapsed to the turf as Leeds’ dugout erupted to celebrate the dramatic late winner, and their faint automatic promotion hopes appear remote now.
Super sub Struijk stuns Sunderland
The visitors made a promising start in West Yorkshire and could have gone ahead in the second minute when Enzo Le Fée’s cutback to the edge of the area was met by Jobe Bellingham, but his low strike was too central for Illan Meslier, with the Frenchman then reacting swiftly to deny Patrick Roberts.
Leeds then dominated possession but found it difficult to penetrate the well-organized Black Cats and were eventually caught by a sucker punch.
Ballard, who had also initiated Le Fée’s early opportunity, was afforded too much space to loft a ball into the path of the surging Isidor, and he exhibited Premier League caliber with power, finesse, and composure to notch his 12th of the campaign.
From then on, the Whites threatened via wingers Dan James and Manor Solomon, but a James header cleared from the goal line by Luke O’Nien just before the interval was the closest they came to equalizing.
Apart from a very early surge, the Wearsiders were pushed deep for much of the second period, but Anthony Patterson was only tested with one relatively straightforward save from Joel Piroe before Struijk headed home.
That injected renewed energy into the home crowd, but Sunderland appeared to have done enough to at least secure the draw they merited.
However, in the dying seconds, Rothwell collected Largie Ramazani’s scuffed shot out wide on the right and whipped in a ferocious cross-shot that evaded Patterson’s attempted punch and was nodded in once more by Dutchman Struijk, igniting pandemonium.
Skipper Ampadu gathered his teammates into a huddle in the center circle after the final whistle sounded on a night where Leeds exhibited a championship-winning mentality.
Farke to miss Yorkshire title clash
Leeds now face second-placed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next Monday (20:00 GMT).
A victory would propel them five points clear at the top of the Championship and potentially as many as 10 points ahead of third place.
Farke was issued a yellow card by Stuart Attwell—his third of the season—during the chaos that followed his team’s decisive goal.
As a result, the German will serve a one-game touchline suspension for the short journey to South Yorkshire.
Sunderland, who remain unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, host struggling Hull City on Saturday.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds:
“These sorts of victories are the best you can experience in football—for the fans and the entire squad.
“They are invaluable points. It’s an incredible night for everyone associated with Leeds United.
“We haven’t secured anything yet, but achieving this against one of the strongest teams in the division in a tough contest is significant.
“We had almost 70% possession, so it was well-earned, but once they went ahead, it became extremely difficult and complex.
“I had only received one yellow card before this season, and now I’ve picked up a couple of debatable ones.
“If I miss the match at Bramall Lane due to celebrating a 95th-minute goal, then I have to comply with the regulations. We abide by the rules, but I question if this particular one makes sense. It is what it is.”
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris:
“The atmosphere, the intensity of the stadium kept rising, and we couldn’t contain it.
“We can take pride in our style of play. We showed courage and unity, but we lacked the fine margins that can alter the momentum.
“We need greater depth in our squad. We had three or four players unavailable, but they should return next week and make an impact. We are still in a strong position, and the team continues to develop.
“You have to acknowledge that Leeds were exceptional tonight. Sometimes, solutions are just beyond reach.”
