Bristol City must match a 115-year-old record if they are to progress against Sheffield United

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Bristol City have a mountain to climb at Bramall Lane on Monday evening, with Sheffield United taking a 3-0 lead with them into the second leg of their Championship play-off tie.

Goals from Harrison Burrows, Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare gave the Blades a huge advantage from the first clash as Rob Dickie was sent off in controversial circumstances as he gave away a penalty that gave the visitors an opportunity to take the lead.

It was an excellent performance from Sheffield United as before the play-offs, Bristol City were the form team. Nevertheless, Liam Manning now has to mastermind one of the greatest comebacks in football history if his side are to have a chance of promotion to the Premier League.

The Robins know that the pressure is now off them after such a disappointing result at Ashton Gate, but if they are to progress, they may have to match a record that was set in 1910.

Bristol City may have to match their own record against Sheffield United to progress

With extra-time and penalties a possibility at Bramall Lane on Monday, Bristol City know that a 3-0 victory over the course of 120 minutes would give them a chance of going to Wembley on penalties.

However, if they are to do it before going to a shootout, they would have to match their record win over the Blades that was set back in 1910.

The Robins beat Sheffield United 4-0 at Bramall Lane 115 years ago, while they did run out 5-1 winners against the South Yorkshire outfit in 1957. However, they have not beaten their Championship play-off opponents by more than two goals for 15 years.

Bristol City have struggled against the Blades over the years, and the stats do favour the side with the lead heading into Monday’s second leg and Manning may have already accepted defeat.

Sheffield United know play-off history is on their side in the second leg

A home first leg defeat is not often overturned, with Derby County the only side to have done so in Championship history and Sheffield United know that history will back them on this occasion.

However, Sheffield Wednesday proved against Peterborough United in 2023 that a comfortable advantage can be extinguished quickly as they came back from 4-0 down to win on penalties after a 5-1 victory at Hillsborough in the second leg.

The Robins have to find a way through this rigid Blades side early if they are to have a chance at making it to Wembley, but they have potentially left themselves too much to do and Monday evening may just be a disappointing end to an excellent campaign.