The final EFL Championship fixtures of 2025 delivered high drama and pivotal results in the race for promotion and the battle against relegation. The day's headline act saw Leicester City secure a vital 2-1 victory over East Midlands rivals Derby County at the King Power Stadium, a result with significant implications at both ends of the table.
Foxes Claim Bragging Rights in Tense East Midlands Derby
In a fiercely contested derby, Leicester City managed to hold their nerve to overcome a resilient Derby side. The Foxes took the lead in the first half through a well-worked team move, but Derby, fighting for their Championship survival, hit back after the interval to level the scores. The match looked destined for a draw until Leicester found a late, dramatic winner, sending the home supporters into raptures. The three points solidify Leicester's position in the automatic promotion spots, piling pressure on their rivals. For Derby, it was a heartbreaking defeat that leaves them deep in relegation trouble as the new year approaches.
Stalemate at the Riverside as Play-Off Hopefuls Cancel Each Other Out
Meanwhile, at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough and Hull City played out a 1-1 draw in a match that promised more than it ultimately delivered. Both sides, harbouring ambitions of a top-six finish, showed plenty of endeavour but lacked the cutting edge to claim all three points. Hull took the lead against the run of play, capitalising on a defensive error, but Boro responded strongly and deservedly equalised before half-time. The second half saw chances at both ends, but neither team could find a decisive goal, a result that does little to aid either's play-off push.
Elsewhere in the Championship
The day's other fixtures provided their own share of drama and talking points across the division.
Key results from around the grounds included:
- A significant win for a team at the bottom, shaking up the relegation picture.
- A surprise defeat for a side chasing promotion, altering the dynamic at the top.
- Several matches ending in draws, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
The results have caused a notable shift in the Championship standings. At the summit, the battle for automatic promotion has intensified, with every point becoming precious. In the play-off places, the pack has tightened, with several teams now separated by just a handful of points. Most critically, at the foot of the table, the fight to avoid the drop has been thrown wide open, with the defeat for Derby County dragging other clubs firmly into the mire.
As the final whistles blew across the country, the implications of this matchday were clear. For Leicester, it was a statement win that reinforces their credentials as genuine title contenders. For the likes of Derby, the quest for survival has become even more urgent. With the January transfer window about to open, managers up and down the division will be analysing these performances closely, knowing that the business they do could define their season.
