Football

Leicester City celebrated their triumphant return to the Premier League in style on Monday, securing the Championship title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Preston at Deepdale. The Foxes' promotion was confirmed after Leeds United's unexpected 4-0 defeat at QPR on Friday.Jamie Vardy, the 37-year-old captain and a key figure in Leicester's historic Premier League triumph in 2016, played a pivotal role in the title-clinching victory. He opened the scoring with a mishit effort that found the far corner in the 36th minute. Vardy doubled Leicester's lead in the second half, smashing the ball into an unguarded net after Wout Faes' shot rebounded off the post.Kasey McAteer sealed the title party with a header from Abdul Fatawu's cross 23 minutes from time. The victory ensured that Leicester would finish top of the Championship with a game to spare, ahead of Ipswich Town.Leicester's return to the Premier League is a welcome relief after their surprising relegation last season. The club has been facing financial challenges and was charged by the Premier League in March for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules. If found guilty, Leicester could face a points deduction upon their return to the top flight.The battle for the second automatic promotion spot will go down to the final day of the Championship season on Saturday. Leeds United currently sit second on goal difference ahead of Ipswich Town, who have a game in hand. Ipswich will host Huddersfield Town on the final day, while Leeds face Southampton at Elland Road. Only the top two teams will be automatically promoted, with teams finishing from third to sixth entering the playoffs for the third promotion spot.

Leicester City took a giant step towards securing an immediate return to the Premier League with a resounding 5-0 victory over Southampton on Tuesday. Abdul Fatawu's hat-trick, along with goals from Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy, propelled the Foxes to the brink of promotion.Leicester, who were relegated from the top flight last season, have been in impressive form throughout the Championship campaign. However, a recent dip in results had raised concerns about their ability to maintain their promotion push.But Brendan Rodgers' side responded in emphatic fashion against Southampton, who had been in contention for automatic promotion themselves. Fatawu opened the scoring in the 25th minute, racing onto Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's pass and slotting home.Ndidi doubled Leicester's lead just after the hour mark, heading in from close range. Fatawu then secured the points with a stunning individual effort, cutting inside from the right and unleashing an unstoppable shot across Alex McCarthy.Vardy, who has been in excellent form this season, showed his class with a clinical finish to make it 4-0. Fatawu completed his hat-trick nine minutes from time, assisted by Vardy.The victory moves Leicester four points clear of Leeds United with two games remaining. A win in either of their remaining fixtures against Preston North End or Blackburn Rovers will guarantee their return to the Premier League.For Southampton, the defeat ends their hopes of automatic promotion. They now face a battle to secure a playoff spot and maintain their hopes of reaching the top flight.

Leeds United reignited their hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday. The win, courtesy of a brace from Crysencio Summerville, propelled Leeds into second place, one point ahead of Ipswich Town.Leeds' recent struggles, which saw them winless in their previous three Championship matches, threatened to derail their promotion aspirations. However, they responded with a spirited performance at the Riverside Stadium.Middlesbrough drew first blood through Isaiah Jones' early strike, but Leeds rallied with Summerville converting a penalty and Patrick Bamford silencing the home crowd with a goal against his former club. Emmanuel Latte Lath equalized for Boro, but Leeds regained the lead through a controversial goal from Wilfried Gnonto, who was clearly offside.Summerville's stunning curling effort extended Leeds' advantage, but Latte Lath's late header set up a tense finish. Leeds held on for a crucial victory, keeping their promotion hopes alive."As defenders, we'd like to make it a bit easier, but at this stage, it's just a massive win," said Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu. "Still two massive games to go. For us, there is a lot of hard work to go."Leeds' triumph means that even if league leaders Leicester City defeat Southampton on Tuesday, they cannot mathematically secure promotion. The race for automatic promotion remains wide open, with Leeds and Ipswich battling it out for the top two spots.