When Leeds needed a hero, their captain Pascal Struijk stepped up to lead his team to a first defeat of the Championship season for Sheffield United. After several of his attacking teammates failed to score, Struijk sparked a tense match by smashing home a corner. Mateo Joseph added another goal late in the game, propelling Leeds to second place in the table. The Dutch defender had kept Sheffield United quiet all night but made the decisive impact in Yorkshire before Joseph sealed the victory.

There was a minute of silence that transitioned into applause before kick-off, honoring former Sheffield United defender George Baldock, who passed away at 31 in Greece last week. A banner was displayed in the away end, and supporters sang his name to commemorate the full-back who played 219 times for the Blades over seven years at Bramall Lane.

The opening exchanges were intense, played at a high tempo, reflecting the confidence in both squads. Combined, they had lost only once in 18 league matches this season. The prospect of beating Yorkshire rivals in front of a lively Elland Road crowd heightened the stakes.

Sheffield United settled into the match quicker, with Kieffer Moore and Callum O’Hare forming a classic big man, little man partnership in the final third, though they failed to create a meaningful chance. The visitors had not conceded in their previous six matches, and Leeds quickly understood why. On paper, Leeds boasted four of the league’s most formidable attacking players, but they struggled to penetrate Sheffield United’s defense despite dominating possession.

Leeds’ front four came to life after Largie Ramazani hit the outside of the post from a tight angle. Moments later, Ramazani had another chance after a neat interplay with Brenden Aaronson allowed him to shoot from 25 yards. Michael Cooper made a fine save, but the Leeds fans’ excitement grew.

Leeds controlled the momentum, and Sheffield United tried to slow the pace to regain control. Despite their efforts, the Blades almost gifted Aaronson the opener when Cooper’s poor clearance went straight to the American on the edge of the box, but Vinícius Souza quickly closed him down and deflected the shot wide.

The second half saw Leeds continue to dominate early on. They managed to get several crosses into the box, and if Aaronson had been more composed, he might have scored, but instead, he sent his shot wildly over. Joël Piroe tested the fans behind the Sheffield United goal with a rushed shot from 30 yards out.

Chris Wilder acted first, sending on Alfie Gilchrist, Tyrese Campbell, and Sydie Peck at the hour mark to re-energize his team. The Blades immediately looked more dangerous but without reward. Eventually, Leeds found a clinical finish, with Struijk making a swift move at the front post to meet a Joe Rothwell corner and direct the ball into the top corner from six yards, lifting the roof off Elland Road.

Despite the talk of Sheffield United’s strong defense, their forward line offered little. They failed to get a shot on target in the 90 minutes, leaving Illan Meslier, who had made a grave error in a previous match, untested.

The result seemed certain, but Joseph kept his cool, going one-on-one after a smart pass from Piroe and beating Cooper.

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