Klich double earns Leeds win over Rotherham

Posted Sunday, January 27, 2019 by PA

A second-half double from Mateusz Klich helped Championship leaders Leeds come from behind to beat Rotherham 2-1.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men had trailed from the 28th minute when Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for the Millers.

But they bounced back as Klich took his tally for the season to seven goals.

The Millers, who are battling at the other end of the table, harried Leeds and made it difficult for them in an energy-sapping display which dents their chances of survival.

Rotherham, who set up with Ajayi in a defensive midfield position, managed to nullify Leeds in the opening 25 minutes with neither chance carving out a clear opportunity.

It was the makeshift midfielder who then burst forward to break the deadlock.

Following a swift exchange of passes Ajayi fired an unstoppable 25-yard strike into the top corner which left Leeds’ debutant goalkeeper Kiko Casilla helpless.

Jack Harrison gave Marek Rodak his first save to make after he glided in from the right flank and fired straight at the Rotherham goalkeeper.

Leeds struck back out of nowhere after 50 minutes when Klich bundled the ball over the line from close range following a defensive mix-up. The Rotherham defence questioned whether the ball had been handled before it crossed the line but referee Tim Robinson awarded the goal.

The visiting side improved immeasurably after the goal and set about taking the lead but Pablo Hernandez fired a free-kick disappointingly into the wall from the edge of the box.

Casilla was then called into action at the other end as Millers skipper Will Vaulks tried his luck from 25 yards out. Casilla was able to tip the effort past the post for a corner.

Rotherham’s Rodak then had to be alert as Harrison’s cross-cum-shot bounced dangerously across the box.

Leeds’ top scorer Kemar Roofe then headed wide after the visitors had worked a slick move around the edge of the box.

Ezgjan Alioski found a clearer path to goal but his rushed effort drifted harmlessly wide of Rodak’s goal.

Roofe had another sniff of goal but watchful defending from Sean Raggett ensured he could not get a shot away.

The winning goal finally came in the 85th minute with Klich found space in the box and slotted the ball precisely into the bottom corner.

Leeds then survived a late aerial onslaught from the Millers.