logo
Championship playoff: Lampard's Coventry join Sheffield United, Bristol City, Sunderland in semifinals

Championship playoff: Lampard's Coventry join Sheffield United, Bristol City, Sunderland in semifinals

NBC Sports03-05-2025

The race for the Football League Championship's final two playoff spots went down to the wire, with one goal at any of three games capable of changing the picture altogether.
Sheffield United and Sunderland had sealed third- and fourth-place on the table prior to kickoff, but the former had a huge role to play in the other two spots as they faced Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane.
The day began with Bristol Rovers and Coventry City in charge of their destinies, and Jack Rudoni's goal before halftime boosted Coventry into fifth place with a 1-0 lead over Middlesbrough.
And it got more tense when Bristol City went down 2-0 at home to Preston North End, opening the door for Blackburn Rovers and Millwall in seventh and eighth. But Ross McCrorie scored twice and Bristol took a tenuous sixth-place in the second halves, putting them two points clear of Blackburn and Millwall.
Blackburn had scored after halftime through Yuki Ohashi, but Anel Ahmedhodzic found a quick equalizer to keep the Rovers out of a playoff spot for the moment. With just one more goal, Blackburn would reach the playoff, as Millwall's early lead at already-promoted Burnley sank into a 2-1 deficit at Turf Moor.
Coventry essentially sealed their place when Rudoni made it a brace in the 88th minute, leaving it between Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers unless there was a major swing at Burnley vs Millwall. The Clarets scored again late to doom Millwall to eighth after a 3-1 decision.
Eight minutes stoppage were signaled at Bramall Lane for Blackburn to find a winner. Bristol City would have six minutes to keep their point or find two more against Preston.
They kept the point, and Blackburn fans were left hoping their side could defend a corner, counter and find a winner within 2-3 minutes.
Championship playoff semifinal match-ups
Sheffield United (3) vs Bristol City (6)
Sunderland (4) vs Coventry City (5)
How to watch the Championship playoffs
When: May 8-9 (first legs), May 12-13 (second legs)
Stream online: Paramount+
When are the Championship playoffs?
The first legs of the semifinals will be held on May 8 and 9, with the return legs being played on May 12 and May 13.
When and where is the Championship playoff final?
The 'richest game in sports' — the Championship playoff final — will be held on Saturday, May 24 at Wembley Stadium

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford to fight in Las Vegas for unified super middleweight title
Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford to fight in Las Vegas for unified super middleweight title

Associated Press

time10 hours ago

  • Associated Press

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford to fight in Las Vegas for unified super middleweight title

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Boxing's most-anticipated fight in years, Canelo Alvarez against Terence Crawford, will be in Las Vegas on Sept. 13 after much speculation that it would take place in Saudi Arabia. The fight for the unified super middleweight championship is part of Alvarez's reported $400 million, minimum four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. One of those fights can be in another location, and Las Vegas has become the boxing home for the Mexican champion. Riyadh Season is working with UFC CEO Dana White to promote the fight. This is White's first foray into boxing as part of an effort to become a major player in the sport. 'Are you kidding me that the first boxing fight I'm going to get to promote is Canelo vs. Crawford?' White said in a statement. 'It's literally a once in a lifetime fight.' Alvarez (63-2-2) unified the division by defeating William Scull by unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 3. Crawford, who is from Omaha, Nebraska, attended that bout, and the four-division champ who is 41-0 announced in the ring with Alvarez that they would meet in September. 'I'm ready to show once again that I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,' Alvarez said in a statement. Added Crawford: 'My perfect record speaks for itself. I am the best fighter in the world and no matter the opponent or weight class, I have always come out on top. On September 13, my hand will be raised once again as the world watches greatness.' ___ AP boxing:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store