There’s nothing quite like the unadulterated drama of the play-offs. A season’s work comes down to a set of crucial games, with the pressure at its maximum.
Leeds face Southampton in the Championship play-off final this weekend in what is often billed as the most lucrative game in football.
The winners will return to the top table of English football to dine with the Premier League heavyweights, while the losers could face an exodus of their top talent.
Ahead of their clash at Wembley, we’ve remembered five of the best Championship play-off moments ever.
Hopkins hits late wonder goal to send Eagles up
Crystal Palace snuck into the play-offs during the 1996/97 campaign, with the Eagles edging out Portsmouth to claim sixth spot and a place in the promotion mix. Steve Coppell’s side beat Wolves over two legs to reach Wembley and faced Sheffield United for a place in the Premier League. A tight encounter looked to be heading towards extra-time with the game goalless, as the two teams cancelled each other out in the final.
In the final minute of the contest, Sheffield United looked to have cleared the danger from a set-piece.
Almost, but not quite.
David Hopkins retrieved the loose ball and checked inside with his first touch. His second, however, was something special as the Crystal Palace captain bent an unstoppable finish into the top corner from distance to send the Eagles up and leave the Blades floored.

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