Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck a stoppage-time winner as Leeds dealt Brighton’s hopes of European football next season a blow with a 1-0 win at Elland Road.
Calvert-Lewin pounced on a mistake by Brighton defender Paul van Hecke in the sixth minute of added time to snatch victory for Leeds, who climbed up to 13th place in the Premier League table.
Daniel Farke’s side extended their unbeaten top-flight run to eight matches and left Brighton’s hopes of European football for just the second time in their history resting on the final game of the season.
Leeds failed to muster an effort on target until Calvert-Lewin pounced to score his 14th league goal of the season, but turned in a disciplined display to keep Brighton at bay.
There was a carnival feel at kick-off as balloons and a beach ball were cleared from the pitch, with home fans relaxed having guaranteed their top-flight survival seven days ago.
The Seagulls settled quickly and Carlos Baleba’s shot was easily held by Karl Darlow before Calvert-Lewin was denied at the other end by Van Hecke’s timely intervention.
Daniel James curled a 20-yard effort wide and Brighton defender Joel Veltman’s close-range shot following a corner was blocked as both sides traded early chances.
First-half possession was equally shared and although the game failed to ignite, both went close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time.
Darlow made a flying save to keep out a swerving effort from Pascal Gross and Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was forced to back-pedal and palm away a deflection off Lewis Dunk after Calvert-Lewin’s burst into the area.
Brighton stepped it up after the restart and Danny Welbeck’s shot was headed clear by Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu before Jaka Bijol sliced his clearance from Yankuba Minteh’s cross for a corner.
The visitors began to dominate possession, forcing Leeds to send on substitutes Willy Gnonto, Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff for James, Brenden Aaronson and Ao Tanaka.
Gnonto fired narrowly wide shortly afterwards and former Leeds forward Georginio Rutter was given a warm welcome when he replaced Welbeck.
Leeds were forced into further changes when Anton Stach left the field on a stretcher, the German unable to continue after appearing to turn his ankle.
His replacement Joel Piroe’s effort curled just off target before Brighton pinned Leeds back in search of a winner.
Charalampos Kostoulas’ header was saved by Darlow and fellow Brighton substitute Diego Gomez saw his shot blocked.
But in time added on Van Hecke’s back-pass was short and Calvert-Lewin darted in to nick the ball before rolling home a composed finish.
Cue the mad celebrations among the home fans, still basking in their side’s top-flight survival and remaining in their seats to cheer Farke’s players during a lap of honour after the final whistle.
