How Leeds United have fared in their first game back after promotion or relegation since 2004

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As Leeds United prepare for yet another season back in the Premier League, fans will be eager for three points to kick off their campaign.

The Whites have had a busy summer saying goodbye to some players and bringing in some new faces.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has joined for free, new goalkeeper Lucas Perri has taken the number one spot and Lukas Nmecha has arrived in light of Patrick Bamford being told he is not part of the squad.

With all these new signings, Daniel Farke will be hoping for a win against Everton on Monday night, yet Leeds have had quite the mixture of results when it comes to first games back.

Leeds United relegated to the Championship (2004/05)

Leeds United’s first game back in the Championship after relegation was a 1-0 victory over Derby County on August 7, 2004, at Elland Road. The match marked the beginning of a new era for the club under manager Kevin Blackwell, who had inherited a team burdened by financial issues and the departure of key players.

The winning goal was scored by defender Frazer Richardson in the 19th minute. The game’s attendance was over 30,000, showing strong support from the fanbase despite the club’s recent troubles.

The victory provided a much-needed positive start to a difficult season for a club trying to find its footing after a significant fall from grace. It was a day that signified a new beginning, with a focus on rebuilding.

Leeds United promoted to the Championship (2010/11)

Leeds United’s first game of the 2010-11 Championship season, after their promotion from League One, was a 2-1 defeat to Derby County at Elland Road on August 7, 2010.

The game began with Derby taking an early lead, with a goal from former Leeds player Rob Hulse. However, a spirited comeback saw Leeds equalise through Luciano Becchio. The match was a hard-fought contest, but it was Derby who ultimately secured the winning goal.

The result was a disappointing start for Leeds, but it was a clear indication of the step up in quality from League One to the Championship. The game served as a wake-up call, showing the team and fans that they would need to be at their best to compete in the division.

Despite the loss, the performance showed glimpses of the fighting spirit that would help them to a strong finish that season.

Leeds United promoted to the Premier League (2020/21)

Leeds United’s first game after winning promotion to the Premier League was an absolute thriller. On September 12, 2020, they faced the reigning champions, Liverpool, at Anfield. The match ended in a 4-3 defeat for Leeds, but it was a performance that announced their return to the top flight in spectacular fashion.

The game was a chaotic affair, with both teams playing with an attacking intensity that left defences exposed. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool with an early penalty, but Leeds equalised twice through Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford.

Despite going down 3-2 at halftime, Marcelo Bielsa’s side refused to back down. Mateusz Klich scored a brilliant equaliser in the second half to make it 3-3, before a late penalty from Salah secured the win for Liverpool. While a loss on the scoreboard, the match was a clear statement that the squad were ready to compete at the highest level.

Leeds United relegated to the Championship (2023/24)

Leeds United’s return to the Championship following their Premier League relegation in the 2022-23 season began with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Cardiff City on August 6, 2023, at Elland Road.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. Leeds found themselves trailing 2-0 at halftime, a difficult start that could have seen their heads drop. However, showing the resilience that would become a hallmark of their season, they launched a spirited second-half comeback.

A goal from defender Liam Cooper sparked hope, and in the dying moments of the match, an injury-time equaliser from Crysencio Summerville sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The draw was a testament to the team’s fighting spirit under new manager Daniel Farke and proved they would be a force to be reckoned with in the Championship.