Leeds United rose to the top of the Championship for the first time this season after defeating Millwall at Elland Road.
Wilfried Gnonto put Leeds ahead with a spectacular drive from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark.
Georginio Rutter should have extended their lead after the break, forcing a save from Lions goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, but his rebound was diverted onto the post.
Dan James, a second-half substitution, sealed the game with a close-range finish after latching on to Rutter’s superb ball across the face of goal with 11 minutes left.
Leeds now lead Leicester on goal differential after playing one more game than the Foxes, with Ipswich trailing by one point in third place.
This weekend, Enzo Maresca’s side did not play in the league, instead falling 4-2 to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Millwall remain in 16th place, four points above relegation, after a four-game unbeaten streak under new manager Neil Harris came to an end.
Leeds dominated the first half and were rewarded for their efforts when Italy forward Gnonto got the ball in the 33rd minute and turned before hitting a left-footed shot past Sarkic from distance.
Sarkic kept the visitors in reach with a spectacular diving stop to deny Crysencio Summerville, but Leeds should have been awarded a penalty shortly after.
Jake Cooper, who was already booked, moved in high with his knee and appeared to strike Joe Rodon in the face, but referee Stephen Martin did not point to the spot.
Daniel Farke’s side controlled proceedings, with the Lions thanking Sarkic for keeping them in contention.
Rutter’s quick couple of chances on goal, both of which were saved by Sarkic, were the closest Leeds came to extending their lead.
Michael Obafemi did find his way into the Leeds box as the visitors made a rare surge forward late on, but his solo attempt ended with him shooting high and wide under pressure from Ethan Ampadu.
Patrick Bamford also came close at the other end and would have finished coolly if it hadn’t been for Japhet Tanganga’s outstanding defense.
However, James maintained his cool to secure the home team’s 12th win in 13 games.
“I’m really pleased of the boys since it was a different task. In recent weeks, we’ve had to play every two to three days.
“Now we’ve got nine or ten days between games; we’re not used to it, so it’s difficult to start such a game against such a competitive team.
“There were two great team goals. Dan James could have added a few more points, but it was critical not to give anything away because they are so dangerous. Overall, it was a pretty mature performance
