Football

Fortuna Duesseldorf is on the cusp of returning to the Bundesliga after a 3-0 victory over Bochum in the first leg of their relegation playoff. The win puts Duesseldorf in a commanding position ahead of the second leg on Monday, where they need only avoid defeat to secure promotion.Duesseldorf's triumph was built on a calamitous start for Bochum. Just 13 minutes into the match, Cristos Tzolis' quickly taken corner rebounded off Philipp Hofmann's leg and into the goal. The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half through Felix Klaus, who finished off a lightning-fast counterattack.Yannik Engelhardt sealed the victory with 18 minutes remaining, pouncing on a rebound from a Tzolis free-kick. The result gives Duesseldorf a significant advantage in their bid to return to the top division for the first time since 2019-20.Historically, the top-league side has held a clear advantage in the end-of-season playoff. However, Duesseldorf is one of only three second-flight teams to have won promotion via the playoff since its reintroduction in 2008-09.Duesseldorf's triumph over Hertha Berlin in 2011-12 is a testament to their ability to overcome the odds. Union Berlin, who leapfrogged Bochum out of the third-last spot on the final matchday, was the last second-division team to win promotion via the playoff, doing so on away goals in 2019.With the away goals rule abolished, Duesseldorf will secure promotion on Monday by winning, drawing, or losing by fewer than two goals. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the relegation playoff, with Duesseldorf poised to make a triumphant return to the Bundesliga.

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.