Southampton wins the ‘most valuable single match in world football’ to secure promotion to Premier League

CNN - Southampton won what has been dubbed the “most valuable single match in world football” to secure its promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.

Adam Armstrong scored the only goal of the game in the first half as Southampton defeated Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium to book its return to the top-flight of English soccer. According to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Southampton will receive at least £140 million ($177 million) across the next three seasons through “projected increases in matchday, broadcast and commercial revenue.” That would increase to more than £305 million ($386 million) if the club avoids relegation in its first season. Southampton joins both Leicester City and Ipswich Town in securing promotion to the Premier League this season.

After the game, Southampton’s captain Jack Stephens struggled to control his emotions as he summed up his elation, calling it “the best feeling I’ve ever had in football.” “I’m so proud to be captain of this club. I’m so proud of the boys today, I think they’ve been unbelievable,” Stephens told Sky Sports. “I think we probably didn’t play our best game today but we showed a different side. A few people have doubted us over this season. Can we defend? Can we dig in? I think we really showed that today.”