Piroe’s early hat-trick sets the tone as Leeds United crush Stoke City 6-0, edging closer to Premier League promotion.

Leeds, UK – Joel Piroe struck a sensational first-half hat-trick as Leeds United dismantled Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road, moving the Whites to the brink of a return to the Premier League.

Piroe found the net three times in a devastating 20-minute spell to ignite a commanding performance that saw Leeds lead by five at half-time. Junior Firpo added a fourth, and Piroe capped off the half with his third before Willy Gnonto headed in a sixth after the break.

Leeds’ promotion could be mathematically confirmed as early as Monday evening if Sheffield United fail to beat second-placed Burnley. After this result, the sense of inevitability surrounding Leeds’ top-flight return has only grown stronger.

The match began with electric energy in front of a raucous home crowd. Piroe, goalless in his previous nine appearances, broke his drought in the sixth minute after a defensive lapse allowed him to coolly slot home. Just two minutes later, more poor defending from Stoke saw Jayden Bogle win the ball and feed Piroe for his second.

The Dutch striker, who now leads the Championship scoring charts, completed his hat-trick on 20 minutes, hammering in a rebound from a tight angle. Firpo bundled in a fourth soon after, and Piroe made it five just before the interval with another scrappy finish.

The second half saw Leeds ease off the tempo, but the damage was long done. Gnonto added gloss to the scoreline with a well-timed header from Manor Solomon’s cross, highlighting Stoke’s ongoing defensive struggles.

Stoke, who came into the fixture unbeaten in five, left Elland Road thoroughly dismantled. The heavy loss leaves them glancing nervously at the relegation zone with just a handful of matches remaining.

The match also featured a special moment for Leeds’ next generation, as 16-year-old Harry Gray—brother of Tottenham’s Archie Gray and great-nephew of club legend Eddie Gray—made his senior debut in the closing minutes.

All eyes now turn to events across the Pennines, where Burnley’s clash with Sheffield United could officially seal Leeds’ Premier League return with two games to spare.