The EFL Playoff Finals brought drama, tension, and redemption across the divisions. With promotion on the line, Sunderland, Charlton, and Wimbledon rose to the occasion. Each sealed their return with hard-fought victories that capped a gripping weekend in English football.
Championship Final: Sunderland A.F.C. 2 - Sheffield United 1
The Black Cats made their luck late, scoring in the 95th minute to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 and return to the Premier League for the first time in 8 years.
Sheffield United, strong throughout the season and masterful in the semi-finals, took command from the opening whistle, capturing the lead in the 25th minute. A floundering Sunderland corner led to a snap counterattack, with Tyrese Campbell knocking home a cross from Gustavo Hamer, the Championship's Player of the Year.
The Blades scored again before the half- soul-crushing for Sunderland. But the goal was waved off after VAR — not used during the regular season — issued a marginal interference call to keep the game dangling within Sunderland’s grasp.
Fortunate to be down only one, The Black Cats were on their heels for the most of the second half, when they suddenly wrested an equalizer on a counter-attack with a quarter-hour left. Eliezer Mayenda, powering through the middle of the pitch, latched onto a stellar pass from substitute Patrick Roberts and the Spanish striker doinked it over the keeper.
Sheffield, dominant throughout the game, now felt The Fear, while the faithful from The Wearside found new hope.
The match remained deadlocked into stoppage time, with victory- and promotion- teetering on every pass, shot and foul.
Then, in the 95th minute, a glorious finish, courtesy of a late Sunderland substitute. Winger Tommy Watson-19 years old and already signed by Brighton for next season — collected an errant back pass near midfield, drove to the top of the box and curled home a perfect slider, low into the right bottom corner.
The final seconds ticked away: mania and mayhem for The Black Cats and their fans; heartbreak for The Blades and South Yorkshire.
Sunderland’s victory propels them into the top flight, joining already-promoted Leeds United and Burnley.
Jibber-jabber all over northeast England regarding the renewal of the Tyne–Wear Derby between Sunderland and Newcastle- two historic clubs 19 km apart who love to hate each other.
League One Final: Charlton Athletic 1 - Leyton Orient 0
Charlton took out cross-town rival Leyton Orient on a first half free kick by defender Macaulay Gillesphey.
The east Londoners never found the net, despite desperate pressure and whisker-close opportunities, as the game — and their season — wound down.
Charlton returns to Championship football after a five-year absence; also promoted are league champs Birmingham City and Welsh firm Wrexham.
League Two Final: AFC Wimbledon 1 - Walsall F.C. 0
Myles Hippolyte scored for The Dons just before halftime, collecting a deflection that he fired past Saddlers keeper Tommy Simkin.
Walsall struggled all game against the staunch Wimbledon defense, who chalked up their 24th clean sheet of the season.
