Leeds United’s 2025/26 season came to a disappointing end at West Ham on Sunday - but it did little to lessen their incredible achievements. Daniel Farke’s side finished 14th in the end, their 47-point tally leaving them eight clear of their final-day hosts who were relegated despite winning 3-0.
It ended up being pretty smooth sailing for Leeds come spring, but it didn’t always feel that way. The Whites have been through their fair share of ups and downs throughout the campaign, at times looking destined to drop back into the Championship before an impressive revival.
Each fan will have their own long-lasting memory from the first season back in the Premier League but some will be shared by many. Below, the YEP takes a look at 15 matches that defined the 2025/26 campaign.
It was a dream opening fixture for Leeds, with substitute Lukas Nmecha scoring a late penalty on debut to claim all three points. It was deserved, too, with the home side dominant from start to finish. Elland Road was something to behold that Monday night under the lights - a sign of things to come.
1. August 18: Leeds 1-0 Everton
It was a dream opening fixture for Leeds, with substitute Lukas Nmecha scoring a late penalty on debut to claim all three points. It was deserved, too, with the home side dominant from start to finish. Elland Road was something to behold that Monday night under the lights - a sign of things to come. | Getty Images
A 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage was arguably the first in which Leeds deserved more, but for Gabriel Gudmundsson's incredibly unfortunate own-goal. It's a pattern that would keep cropping up as Farke's side struggled for results. By this point, the feeling was either promise of being competitive or concern for falling the wrong side of fine margins.
2. September 13: Fulham 1-0 Leeds
A 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage was arguably the first in which Leeds deserved more, but for Gabriel Gudmundsson's incredibly unfortunate own-goal. It's a pattern that would keep cropping up as Farke's side struggled for results. By this point, the feeling was either promise of being competitive or concern for falling the wrong side of fine margins. | Getty Images
Barring a trip to eventual champions Arsenal, this was the first game Leeds lost and undoubtedly deserved to lose. Granted, they had a number of attacking injuries, but the failure to muster up any real chances at Burnley was a huge concern. It wasn't quite the low point though.
3. October 18: Burnley 2-0 Leeds
Barring a trip to eventual champions Arsenal, this was the first game Leeds lost and undoubtedly deserved to lose. Granted, they had a number of attacking injuries, but the failure to muster up any real chances at Burnley was a huge concern. It wasn't quite the low point though. | Getty Images
This felt like the low point. One week after a toothless 3-0 defeat at Brighton Leeds went to the City Ground and looked like a relegation side. A fourth defeat in five had Farke under immense pressure.
4. November 9: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds
This felt like the low point. One week after a toothless 3-0 defeat at Brighton Leeds went to the City Ground and looked like a relegation side. A fourth defeat in five had Farke under immense pressure. | Getty Images
Four defeats in five became six from seven, but the latter at the Etihad might now be the season-defining game. Leeds were 2-0 down at half-time and Farke's exit felt inevitable, but a change of formation sparked a spirited comeback and almost yielded a point. It would yield plenty of points going forward.
5. November 29: Manchester City 3-2 Leeds
Four defeats in five became six from seven, but the latter at the Etihad might now be the season-defining game. Leeds were 2-0 down at half-time and Farke's exit felt inevitable, but a change of formation sparked a spirited comeback and almost yielded a point. It would yield plenty of points going forward. | Local Library
Four days later a new-look Leeds would blow Chelsea away, with a two-goal half-time lead just rewards for their physical dominance. Elland Road was rocking under the lights and such a commanding victory set the tone for the rest of the season.
6. December 3: Leeds 3-1 Chelsea
Four days later a new-look Leeds would blow Chelsea away, with a two-goal half-time lead just rewards for their physical dominance. Elland Road was rocking under the lights and such a commanding victory set the tone for the rest of the season. | Getty Images