Aribo’s Southampton overcome Ajayi’s West Brom, set up Championship playoff final vs Leeds United

Southampton are through to the Championship playoff final after securing a 3-1 victory over Semi Ajayi’s West Brom at St Mary Stadium on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The first leg of the semifinal playoffs ended goalless on Sunday, May 12 at the Hawthorns but Southampton completely outclassed the Baggies in the return fixture.

Will Smallbone opened the scoring four minutes into the second half and Adam Armstrong bagged a fine double before Cédric Kipré netted a late consolation goal for West Brom.

Joe Aribo played for 90 minutes and Sam Edozie came on as a 74th-minute substitute while Semi Ajayi watched the entire game from the bench.

With the win, Southampton have advanced to the Championship playoff final, where they will trade tackles with Leeds United, who thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Elland Road on Thursday night.

Daniel Farke’s side sealed a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville.

The 2024 Championship playoff final between Leeds United and Southampton will be played on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Wembley Stadium.

It is a winner-take-all encounter has the Championship playoff final is widely acknowledged as the most lucrative match in professional football.

The winner of the highly anticipated clash will potentially receive over £100 million in television revenue and Premier League payments.