The first leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs ended in a goalless draw:
Norwich City 0
Leeds United 0
Norwich lined up with Gunn in goal, supported by Stacey, Gibson, Sainz, Sargent, Sara, McLean (C), Duffy, Nunez, Rowe (substituted by Fassnacht at 60'), and Giannoulis (replaced by McCallum at 75'). The unused substitutes were Long, Hanley, Sorensen, Batth, Fisher, and Welch.
Leeds' lineup featured Meslier guarding the goal, with Firpo, Ampadu (C), Kamara, Summerville (substituted by James at 87'), Rodon, Gray, Georginio (replaced by Piroe at 70'), Byram, Gnonto (substituted by Anthony at 70'), and Gruev. Unused substitutes were Darlow, Cresswell, Cooper, Shackleton, Roberts, and Joseph.
The match took place at Carrow Road, with a crowd of 26,982 spectators, including 1,959 away supporters.
Refereeing duties were handled by Josh Smith, who issued bookings to Duffy, Giannoulis, and Fassnacht from Norwich, and to Gnonto from Leeds.
Leeds United embarked on an away journey for the first leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final, clashing with Norwich City.
At Carrow Road, the initial ten minutes saw both sides acclimating to the game's rhythm, probing each other's defenses.
A notable early incident occurred when Willy Gnonto seemed to be fouled in the box, but no penalty was given. From a subsequent set-piece, Crysencio Summerville's shot was deflected out for a corner, which led to an opportunity at the edge of the box. Gnonto connected with the loose ball brilliantly but his attempt on goal was blocked and cleared.
Norwich's first real threat to Illan Meslier's goal arrived from their own free-kick, with Gabriel Sara's shot navigating the wall, but Meslier dealt with it comfortably.
Around the half-hour mark, Leeds found the net, only for the offside flag to deny them. Georginio Rutter's run and a defensive mix-up saw Junior Firpo seemingly score, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The first half was characterized by a fierce battle, with both teams seeking to advance. While Leeds enjoyed more possession, clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides.
As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0, with both teams retreating to their dressing rooms at a sunny Carrow Road.
HALF TIME: Norwich City 0-0 Leeds United
As the second half commenced in front of a crowd of 26,982, neither side made changes to their starting lineups.
Norwich had the first chance after the break, but Sara's attempt from the edge of the box sailed wide.
Defensively, Norwich received two early bookings in the second half, with Shane Duffy and Dimitris Giannoulis cautioned for late challenges.
Leeds then had a promising opportunity as Glen Kamara and Firpo combined to set up Summerville, but Angus Gunn made a crucial save at the near post.
With 20 minutes remaining, Norwich made changes, introducing Jaidon Anthony and Joel Piroe into the attack.
Leeds pressed in the final moments, with Archie Gray's effort blocked for a corner and Anthony testing Gunn again.
Despite both teams' efforts, the match ended goalless. The full-time whistle signaled the conclusion of a hard-fought first leg, setting the stage for an intense battle at Elland Road on Thursday.
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