Luton win $360m match

Luton Town FC was promoted to the Premier League after defeating Coventry 6-5 in a penalty shootout, in the most expensive match on the planet at a cost of 360 million USD.

Scorers: Clark 23 - Hamer 66

After 120 minutes of a 1-1 draw, Luton Town and Coventry City went to penalties and there was no mistake in the first five kicks. In the sixth, while Luton captain Daniel Potts hit the net, defender Fankaty Dabo shot over the bar, denying Coventry their chance to return to the Premier League after 22 years.

The moment Luton Town players celebrate their promotion to the Premier League 2022-2023. Photo: Reuters — The moment Luton Town players celebrate their promotion to the Premier League 2022-2023. Photo: *Reuters*

Luton will play in the Premier League for the first time, with a thrilling victory at Wembley. They last played in the top flight in 1991-92, just before the league changed to the Premier League. It is an achievement beyond expectations for Luton, who nine years ago were playing in the fifth tier of English football, the semi-professional league.

Luton finished the 2022-23 Championship season in third place, securing a place in the play-offs for promotion to the Premier League. They beat Sunderland 3-2 over two legs to set up a final game against Coventry at Wembley. Luton opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through midfielder Jordan Clark, with a powerful left-footed shot to the near post.

Midfielder Jordan Clark (second from right) scores with his left foot to open the scoring for Luton Town at Wembley Stadium, London, England on May 27, 2023. Photo: PA

Coventry equalised in the 66th minute from a counter-attack, with midfielder Gustavo Hamer firing through the legs of a Luton defender into the net. At the end of extra time, Coventry conceded a goal from Joseph Taylor, but referee Michael Oliver disallowed the goal due to Taylor's handball.

During the penalty shootout, spectators from both teams were visibly nervous before their players took the shot. Many even covered their faces and did not dare to watch these moments. However, the players appeared confident and did their job well, until Dabo - a defender who grew up in Chelsea - failed.

According to Deloitte analysis, Luton are expected to receive $211 million over the next three seasons from the Premier League for winning the play-off. If they stay in the Premier League in their first season, that amount could rise to $360 million. Therefore, this match is considered the most expensive in the world.

Previously, the first two teams to secure promotion to the Premier League for 2023-2024 were Burnley and Sheffield United, having finished top of the English First Division. Burnley and Sheffield are both regulars in the Premier League, with next year being their ninth and sixth seasons in the competition respectively.

The Premier League has confirmed one relegation spot for Southampton. The remaining two spots belong to Everton, Leeds United or Leicester, based on the results of the final round of the tournament on May 28.

Hoang An

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