Ilija Gruev signed and Leeds thrashed Norwich 4-0 in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final and are now just one win away from returning to the Premier League. The first match, played a week ago at Carrow Road, ended 0:0.
It was Gruev who opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a nice goal from a direct free kick, which was also his debut goal with the English team.
By the break, Piru and Rüter added two more goals in Norwich's goal. In the 20th minute, Wilfred Gnonto received the ball and advanced in earnest as he crossed into the box to Pirou who was left alone. Piru managed to score with a header for 2:0. In the 40th again, Piru broke away on the left flank and looked for a combination with Somerville, who, from a fallen position, continued to Rüter. He took the ball and fired a ruthless shot past Angus Gunn to make it 3-0. Seconds before the break, the visitors miraculously got away with a fourth goal.
In the second half, Crisencio Somerville also scored to make the victory even more convincing. In the 68th minute, a powerful shot from Wilfred Nyonto made it difficult for Angus Gunn, and the onrushing Junior Firpo fed the ball to Somerville, who easily scored to make it 4-0.
Ilia Gruev gave way to the experienced Liam Cooper in the 87th minute.
Leeds' opponent in Wembley's Premier League promotion play-off final will become clear today when Southampton welcome West Bromwich Albion after a goalless draw in the first leg. /BGNES
