EFL Championship playoffs 2025 schedule: Results, date and time of second legs as teams chase Premier League promotion

Context:

The EFL Championship playoffs are advancing to the second legs of the semifinals, where four teams vie for a coveted spot in the Premier League. Sheffield United is poised for success with a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage over Bristol City, thanks in part to a pivotal red card. Meanwhile, Sunderland holds a slight edge over Coventry City, leading 2-1 after a crucial late goal. The playoffs are structured based on league standings, with the higher-ranked teams hosting the second legs. The final showdown will take place at Wembley Stadium on May 24, offering the winners a chance at Premier League prominence.

Dive Deeper:

The EFL Championship playoffs are a high-stakes competition where four teams compete for promotion to the Premier League, with the semifinals currently underway leading to a decisive final at Wembley Stadium.
Sheffield United is in a strong position with a 3-0 aggregate lead over Bristol City, a result heavily influenced by a significant red card incident during the first leg, putting them on the brink of the final.
Sunderland leads Coventry City 2-1, a narrow advantage secured by Eliezer Mayenda's late goal following an error by Coventry's Milan van Ewijk; Sunderland hopes to overcome their recent inconsistent performance.
The playoff format is determined by the teams' league standings, where the third-place team faces the sixth-place team, and the fourth-place team competes against the fifth-place team, with higher-ranked teams hosting the second legs.
The final match will be held at the iconic Wembley Stadium on May 24, presenting a massive opportunity for the victorious team to ascend to the Premier League and enjoy its financial and competitive benefits.
Sheffield United, having finished third in the regular season, feels justified in their pursuit of the final, while Bristol City aims to defy the odds and stage a comeback in the second leg.
Sunderland's position as fourth in the league standings gives them a slight edge over Coventry, but their recent form casts doubt on their ability to maintain their lead and secure a spot in the final.
We're now heading into the second legs of the EFL Championship semifinals as the four teams in this hugely lucrative "mini-tournament" attempt to secure a place at Wembley Stadium.
The agony and ecstasy of the semifinals and final is almost unparalleled in domestic football given the prize for the winners: the grandeur and riches of the Premier League. That should make this week's action utterly gripping.
Sheffield United will believe they have one foot firmly in the final. The Blades hold a 3-0 aggregate lead over Bristol City heading into the second leg at Bramall Lane on May 12, Robert Dickie's first-half red card proving decisive in the first meeting.
United finished third in the regular season and will feel they are deserving of at least a spot in the final, but Bristol City will certainly not go down without a fight.
In the other semifinal, Sunderland take a 2-1 lead back to the Stadium of Light for Tuesday's second leg against Coventry City. Eliezer Mayenda's ruthless finish following a late mistake from Coventry's Milan van Ewijk secured the narrow win.
Sunderland were fourth in the regular-season standings, six points above Coventry, but their form over the final weeks of the campaign was poor. Frank Lampard and his players will believe they can produce a comeback.
Below are the key details on the matches, including the dates and times of each semifinal and final, and the results as they happen.
MORE: The teams dropping down from the Premier League to the Championship in 2025
EFL Championship playoffs 2025: Schedule, results
The playoffs are seeded based on the teams' league finishes this season. That means the team that places third in the final league standings will face the team in sixth, while fourth place takes on fifth. Those third- and fourth-place sides will play the second legs of their semifinals at home.

Championship playoff semifinals 2025: First legs

Match	Venue	Date	Time (local / ET)	Result
Bristol City vs. Sheffield United	Ashton Gate	Thur, May 8	8 p.m. / 3 p.m.	0-3
Coventry City vs. Sunderland	Coventry Building Society Arena	Fri, May 9	8 p.m. / 3 p.m.	1-2

Championship playoff semifinals 2025: Second legs

Match	Venue	Date	Time (local / ET)	Result
Sheffield United vs. Bristol City	Bramall Lane	Mon, May 12	8 p.m. / 3 p.m.	—
Sunderland vs. Coventry City	Stadium of Light	Tue, May 13	8 p.m. / 3 p.m.	—