Leeds’ Premier League dream is one point away from becoming a reality as they stuttered to a 1-0 win over Championship strugglers Barnsley.
A first-half own goal by Michael Sollbauer was all that separated the two sides but the leaders were outplayed by their opponents for large parts of the contest.
Moments before the deadlock was broken, Mads Juel Andersen missed a huge chance for the visitors.
In the second half, a nervous Leeds continued to be troubled by their Yorkshire neighbours, with Conor Chaplin and Callum Styles going close.
Patrick Bamford should have doubled Leeds’ advantage, while Illan Meslier helped a Cauley Woodrow effort over the bar.
But there was huge relief among the Elland Road faithful as the final whistle was blown, meaning Leeds just need a point from their final two games to make a top-flight return.
No fans were present but the tension inside Elland Road could be cut with a knife as Leeds continued their pursuit of Premier League football after a 16-year absence.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side didn’t dominate like they usually did and were in trouble on ten minutes when Jacob Brown’s cross almost hit Liam Cooper.
Andersen then missed a glorious opportunity to test Meslier, heading a corner from the left wide. Leeds went in front on the next attack.
Bamford found space in the box and cut the ball back just before it went past the byline and Sollbauer put it into his own net as he failed to sort his feet out.
So an undeserved lead for Leeds at half time but that didn’t deter Barnsley who started the second half strongly. Chaplin’s left-footed effort bounced just past the goal, while Styles fired the ball just past the post but when sliding Chaplin in would have been the better option.
Sollbauer headed straight at Meslier but Bamford should have made it 2-0 as he collected Ezgjan Alioski’s delicious pass but Jack Walton was equal to his right-footed attempt.
Barnsley, who are now four points off safety with two games to go, continued to probe but failed to carve out any more meaningful chances as Leeds held on for the win needing just one more point from their final two matches.
