Pablo Hernandez leaves Leeds United with everlasting legacy and strike for Big Jack

Thirty-six goals to be precise in his five years at the club, and not many of his contributions were tap-ins.

But it was the Spaniard’s goal against Swansea City of July 2020 that will always prove his lasting legacy and a strike that is widely regarded as the one that sent Leeds on their way up.

United kicked off their fourth-last game of the campaign sitting top of the Championship table but only one point clear of second-placed West Brom.

More to the point, third-placed Brentford were just three points back in third and threatening to take the automatic promotion race to the wire.

But Hernandez had other ideas and struck in the 89th minute to net the goal from which Leeds never looked back; three straight wins followed to seal promotion in the ultimate style, finishing 10 points clear as champions.

The game fell just two days after the passing of United’s all-time record appearance holder, Jack Charlton, and Leeds and Swansea paid their respects with a minute’s silence followed by applause in front of the empty Liberty Stadium stands amidst the ongoing battle with coronavirus.

Both sides had chances in a first half that ended goalless as Illan Meslier proved equal to a low shot from Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster.

Jack Harrison, Stuart Dallas and Patrick Bamford all threatened for Leeds.

Bielsa then opted to make what proved a crucial double change during the interval, Hernandez replacing Tyler Roberts and Gjanni Alioski coming on for Dallas.

However, only a fine save from Meslier kept the score goalless as the Leeds ’keeper tipped a ferocious rising drive from Conor Gallagher over.

United then squandered a glorious chance in the 64th minute when a fantastic first-time cross from Jack Harrison following a raking Hernandez pass created an opening for Bamford, whose diving header from close range was kept out by Woodman.