Championship leaders Leeds United have moved a step closer to promotion to the Premier League following their late 1-0 win over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.
The west Yorkshire outfit had come into the game on the back of convincing victories over Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, but they had to work hard to come up with the three points in south Wales.
The hosts had the opening chance to find the net after Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster fired his shot from 20 yards out, but it was saved by on-loan goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Meanwhile, Leeds created their first clear-cut chance in the 32nd minute when Patrick Bamford was put through on goal, but disappointingly, he could only guide his shot into the hands of shot-stopper Freddie Woodman.
Prior to the break, Helder Costa attempted to find the goal from an acute angle after driving from the right wing, but Woodman ensured that the scores remained level with a brave save.
Early in the second half, Meslier denied Swansea from taking the lead after catching Conor Gallagher’s shot. It appeared that the game could be heading for a goalless stalemate until Hernandez’s late heroics.
The Spaniard bagged the winner in the 89th minute against his former employers with a low shot in the box, which just about beat Woodman on his right. His attempt hit the woodwork before rolling over the line.
With the victory, Leeds have moved three points clear of West Bromwich Albion behind them, but most importantly, six points ahead of third-placed Brentford in the pursuit of the automatic promotion spots.
They require a maximum of four points from the remaining three games to be crowned as the champions and hence end their 16-year hiatus from the English top-flight.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side could celebrate promotion as early as Thursday with a victory over Barnsley, suppose Brentford are unable to beat Preston North End at home on Wednesday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
