Since 2011, no Premier League side had started the final day in the bottom three and lived to tell the tale.
Eighteenth-placed United were tied on points with Burnley but, with their horrible goal difference dragging them below the dreaded dotted line, the West Yorkshire side had not only to match but better the Clarets' result in the last game.
Though the sides' fixtures were relatively evenly-matched - both against mid-table teams - Burnley had the advantage over Leeds. Not only would they decide their own fate, they would do so on home soil at Turf Moor, while United were forced to battle for safety on foreign ground, playing at the Brentford Community Stadium for the first time since it opened at the start of the 2020/2021 season.
It was a final day that did not fail to meet expectations, with plenty of drama, twists and turns right up until the final whistle.
Here is the story of the game which sealed Leeds United's Premier League spot for the 2022/2023 season....
1. All smiles
Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts, returning to the Whites' matchday squad after an 11-week injury lay-off, are relaxed ahead of kick-off at the Brentford Community Stadium. Photo: Alex Davidson
2. In at the deep end
Leeds United attacker Sam Greenwood is trusted by Jesse Marsch to make his first Premier League start in the Whites' all-important Brentford clash. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Trouble for Burnley
18' - Clarets defender Nathan Collins handles the ball in his own box and, following a VAR review on the pitchside monitor, referee Craig Pawson points to the spot at Turf Moor. Photo: Gareth Copley
4. Dream start?
19' - Joe Gelhardt is sent through by Jack Harrison and buries the ball in Brentford's net.... the travelling fans go bananas but the youngster is offside and the goal is chalked off. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
5. Advantage Leeds
20' - Over in Lancashire, Callum Wilson scores the penalty to put Burnley 1-0 down and take Leeds out of the drop zone with a one-point advantage as it stands. Photo: Ben Hoskins
6. Forcing the matter
54' - Under pressure from Joe Gelhardt, Bees 'keeper David Raya makes a poor clearance which is collected by Raphinha. As the Brazilian charges forward, Raya acts rashly and fouls him in the box. Referee Paul Tierney points to the spot. Photo: Alex Davidson