Raphinha Walks The Length Of The Pitch On His Knees After Leeds Survive Relegation
Raphinha walked the length of the pitch on his knees after Leeds survived Premier League relegation with a crucial 2-1 win against Brentford. You can see that moment below.
Coming into the final day, Jesse Marsch's side needed two things; a positive result against Brentford, a team that have finished the season well, and in-form Newcastle to beat fellow strugglers Burnley.
To the delight of Leeds supporters, both of those scenarios played out.
Advert
Callum Wilson scored a brace to give Newcastle a deserved 2-1 win and the Whites picked up all three points thanks to a 93rd minute screamer from Jack Harrison. Just look at what it meant.
"OHHH JACK HARRISON!" ⚽⚡
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
LEEDS UNITED ARE STAYING UP! AND JUST LOOK WHAT IT MEANS!! ⚪ pic.twitter.com/THvTkJbrI7
It was a dramatic finale on all fronts. And at one stage, it looked like Burnley could have staged a comeback after Maxwel Cornet clawed one back with 20 minutes remaining at Turf Moor.
But Leeds put the game to bed in stoppage time as goals from Raphinha and Harrison gifted them a place in the Premier League next season.
Raphinha, meanwhile, capped off a brilliant individual campaign when he converted from the penalty spot. After the full-time whistle, he knee-crawled the full length of the pitch.
According to Twitter account @LeedsEverywhere, this is apparently a South American ritual to repay god for the wish you requested.
After walking the full length of the pitch on his knees, Raphinha decided to go up into the stands and celebrate with the travelling Leeds support.
Look at Raphinha!! 😂 #LUFC pic.twitter.com/3kBZxJOBsU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch proceeded to give an emotional dressing room speech to his players after their final day heroics.
“I told you guys before the game that you’re the best group I’ve ever worked with, the commitment you have to each other, and then we showed the video of these last-minute goals," he said.
“A group that shows belief and never says quit, that runs for each other, that fights for each other, that does everything we can and that is what got us here.
"It’s the character of you guys, I don’t want to stand in front of the fans and hear my name chanted, it’s us. It will always be us and we are staying in the Premier League, gents.”
🙌 Yes gaffer! @jessemarsch pic.twitter.com/iwwi6kd1wR
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 22, 2022
Topics: Leeds United, Brentford, Brazil, Premier League
Jack Kenmare