Fulham secured a 2-1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on 17 January 2026, thanks to a brace from Raúl Jiménez. The win lifted the Cottagers from ninth to eighth place, sharpening their push for a Europa League spot, while Leeds slipped further toward the relegation zone. The result also gave manager Marco Silva a vital boost ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Match Overview
Leeds United hosted Fulham in a tightly contested Premier League clash. Both sides fielded near‑full strength line‑ups, with Leeds using a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation and Fulham deploying a 4‑3‑3.
First Half Highlights
Leeds dominated early possession, but Fulham broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Jiménez received a through‑ball from João Cavaleiro and fired a low left‑footed shot into the bottom corner.
Leeds equalised at the 28th minute from a corner, with centre‑back Ciaran Miller flicking the ball to striker Kelechi Nwankwo, who tapped in from close range.
Second Half Turning Point
Midfield maestro João Pedro took control of the middle third, supplying Jiménez with a perfect pass in the 62nd minute. The Mexican striker finished clinically, placing the ball in the top‑right corner to restore Fulham’s lead.
Leeds pressed for another equaliser, but Fulham’s disciplined defense, led by Rodrigo Grimaldo’s timely interceptions, preserved the 2‑1 advantage.
Player Performances
Raúl Jiménez (Fulham) – Scored both goals, displayed intelligent movement and high shot accuracy. Earned a top rating for his decisive impact.
Jack Harrison (Leeds) – Created several chances and forced a spectacular save early on; his work rate earned a solid performance score.
Statistical Summary
- Possession: Fulham 61% (second half), Leeds 39%.
- Shots: Fulham 14 total (6 on target); Leeds 19 total (7 on target).
- Pass Completion: Fulham 58% overall.
- Key Interceptions: Rodrigo Grimaldo (Fulham) and Ciaran Miller (Leeds).
Implications for Fulham
The victory propels the Cottagers into eighth place, just two points shy of the Europa League qualification spots. Jiménez’s eight‑goal haul positions him among the league’s top scorers, and the emerging partnership of João Pedro and João Cavaleiro adds balance to the midfield as the season approaches its climax.
Implications for Leeds
Leeds remain in 16th place, nine points from safety. The defeat highlights defensive frailties against quick transitions. Upcoming matches against Southampton and West Ham will be crucial, and a tactical shift toward a more compact formation could provide the necessary stability.
Looking Ahead
Fulham’s next test is a high‑profile derby against Chelsea, a fixture that could cement their European ambitions or expose lingering defensive doubts.
Leeds will travel to face relegation rivals Norwich City, a match that will serve as a litmus test for their survival hopes.
