The EFL Championship playoffs concluded with the final between Sheffield United and Sunderland on May 25.
The agony and ecstasy of the semifinals and final is almost unparalleled in domestic football given the prize for the winners: the grandeur and riches of the Premier League.
Sheffield United eased into the final thanks to a 6-0 aggregate victory over Bristol City. United finished third in the regular season and will feel they deserved at least a spot at Wembley Stadium.
In the other semifinal, Sunderland took a 2-1 lead back to the Stadium of Light for the second leg against Coventry City. Ephron Mason-Clark's second-half goal levelled the aggregate scores and, after USMNT forward Haji Wright missed a golden chance to win it in regulation, the match went to extra time. Sunderland's Daniel Ballard scored a last-gasp header to seal a 3-2 aggregative victory.
In the final, Sunderland went behind to a Tyrese Campbell goal in the first half, but Eliezer Mayenda equalised before Tom Watson struck a fine winning goal in the fifth minute of added time.
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EFL Championship playoffs 2025: Schedule, results
The playoffs are seeded based on the teams' league finishes this season. That means the team that places third in the final league standings faced the team in sixth, while fourth place took on fifth. Those third- and fourth-place sides played the second legs of their semifinals at home.
Championship playoff semifinals 2025: First legs
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (local / ET) | Result |
| Bristol City vs. Sheffield United | Ashton Gate | Thur, May 8 | 8 p.m. / 3 p.m. | 0-3 |
| Coventry City vs. Sunderland | Coventry Building Society Arena | Fri, May 9 | 8 p.m. / 3 p.m. | 1-2 |
Championship playoff semifinals 2025: Second legs
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (local / ET) | Result |
| Sheffield United vs. Bristol City | Bramall Lane | Mon, May 12 | 8 p.m. / 3 p.m. | 3-0 |
| Sunderland vs. Coventry City | Stadium of Light | Tue, May 13 | 8 p.m. / 3 p.m. | 1-1 a.e.t. |
Championship playoff final 2025
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (local / ET) | Result |
| Sheffield United vs. Sunderland | Wembley Stadium | Sat, May 24 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | 1-2 |
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