Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late winner as Leeds United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at Elland Road, dealing a significant blow to the Seagulls' European ambitions. The England striker pounced on a defensive error from Jan Paul van Hecke, whose underhit backpass allowed Calvert-Lewin to round goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and slot home.
Brighton dominated large spells of the contest and created the better chances, with Danny Welbeck seeing a goalbound effort cleared off the line by Ethan Ampadu and substitute Diego Gómez blazing over from close range. However, they were unable to convert their superiority into goals, and were punished for a single mistake.
The defeat leaves Brighton needing to beat Manchester United on the final day to guarantee European football of some description. Even then, Champions League qualification remains a distant hope, dependent on results elsewhere, including Bournemouth slipping up against Manchester City and Aston Villa winning the Europa League.
Leeds, meanwhile, continue their impressive second-half-of-season form under manager Daniel Farke, who has steered the club clear of relegation and into contention for a top-half finish. The victory was their only shot on target, but epitomised their resilience and efficiency.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler acknowledged the error proved costly. 'We controlled the game and created plenty of chances, but in the end it's all about errors. We made one and got punished,' he said. 'It's still in our hands, but we have to be better.'
