Norwich 0 – 0 Leeds
Norwich and Leeds have their Championship play-off semi-final balanced on a knife edge after a goalless draw in the first leg.
Despite a 17-point chasm between the two of them in the league table, they could not be separated at Carrow Road.
Leeds may feel they possess the edge as they play the second leg at home, but will be wary of their own poor play-off record – failing to seal promotion on all five occasions they have been in them in their history.
The second leg takes place at Elland Road on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports Football.
Leeds will feel aggrieved they weren’t awarded an early penalty as Willy Gnonto tumbled on the edge of the box under a challenge from Borja Sainz – and that was the only major incident of a highly-energetic, but chance-light first half.
And the second half became more tentative as it dragged on, with both sides unwilling to really open up and risk falling behind in the tie.
A concern for Norwich arose late on, however, as striker Josh Sargent hobbled off with injury. They will hope he is fit for the second leg.
But overall you feel that Norwich will still be pleased to be in this tie. David Wagner has navigated these play-offs before and knows that while you can only really lose the tie in the first leg, the second is where it’s won.
Leeds have the edge: But who will be happier?
Sky Sports’ Simeon Gholam at Carrow Road:
“On paper it is Leeds’ tie to lose, now. Undoubtedly the more complete side, and now a goalless draw to take back to Elland Road. A win at home, in any form, and it’s job done. Don’t lose, and they’ll at least have penalties.
“But Norwich may also be fairly content. You cannot win the tie in the first leg, but you certainly can lose it, or put yourself in real trouble. With the counter-attacking threat they possess, they know they can cause a stir.
“David Wagner has been through this all before. Famously, his Huddersfield side didn’t even score a goal of their own as they won promotion in 2017. Although he may be concerned that Josh Sargent hobbled off late on, and that Jonathan Rowe didn’t look quite fully fit as he stepped up his return from a long-term injury with an appearance that only lasted an hour.
“This one could go any way back in West Yorkshire.”
What’s next?
Thursday 16th May 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Norwich and Leeds will face off against one another in the second leg at Elland Road at 8pm on Thursday May 16, live on Sky Sports Football.
The winners will advance to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final, which will be played at Wembley on Sunday May 26.
How to book Fury v Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office
It’s one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide for the undisputed world heavyweight championship on Saturday May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Book the fight now
