Now the dust has settled, how are you feeling as Sheffield United or Bristol City supporters after the Blades made it through to the Championship play-off final?
Sheffield United supporters can you go all the way and return to the Premier League?
Bristol City fans where did it go wrong?
Come back to this page later on Tuesday to find out what some of you had to say.
Image source, Rex FeaturesLiam Manning said in March he wanted striker Nahki Wells to stay at the club next season
Bristol City head coach Liam Manning was unable to confirm whether striker Nahki Wells had played his final game for the club as they exited the Championship play-offs.
Wells, 34, is out of contract this summer but has led the Robins' forward line this season, scoring 10 goals.
Manning said in March he wanted the Bermuda striker to extend his stay with the club and that he was "hugely instrumental" within the playing group.
However, when asked following the 6-0 aggregate loss to Sheffield United whether Wells would be at the club in 2025-26, he said there was nothing he could say on the matter.
"I think I've made my point quite clear in what I think of Nahki and what I do with Nahki," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.
"They're the bits now that the discussions have to happen."
Gary Owers
Former Bristol City player and BBC Radio Bristol summariser
Image source, Rex FeaturesA bright start [and for] the first 30 minutes, Bristol City held their own. Scott Twine had a couple of opportunities but you always thought that it would be a struggle defending set plays and that's how it turned out really.
The first goal and the second goal came directly from corners and they just lacked that physicality throughout. That's one thing they might have to look at next season, how they defend set plays.
I think they got worked out late in the season - really weak defending at the far post because they defend the near post in numbers, but teams just bypass that.
You always felt there was an outside chance, [but] that City had to score the first goal and they didn't. Three goals, the game was probably won at Ashton Gate.
That was the end of the fairytale.
It's an achievement getting to the play-offs, but it's a massive gap to bridge.
They've got to be aiming for the top six again, they've got to get their recruitment spot on.
It's back to the start line isn't it? Everyone will go away, reflect on the season they've had, start the rebuilding process, competition to sign the same players, who's going to invest heavily?
It shows that we have been good enough to finish sixth.
There might be some reflection that if only we'd beaten Preston North End on the last day of the season and ended up playing one of the other teams it might have been different outcome, but it wasn't and we've taken a heavy beating in the semi-finals.
Image source, Rex FeaturesJoe Williams went off before half-time of the first leg play-off defeat by Sheffield United
Bristol City will be without midfielder Joe Williams and suspended centre-back Rob Dickie for Monday's play-off semi-final second leg against Sheffield United.
Williams hobbled off after 40 minutes of Thursday's 3-0 defeat at Ashton Gate in the first leg.
"Joe [is a] bad one, snapped a couple of ankle ligaments. It's incredible the fact that he tried to play on for a few more minutes and did a 40-yard sprint before coming off," boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.
Dickie was shown a straight red card in added time at the end of the first half for a challenge on Blades forward Kieffer Moore and the Robins' appeal against his sending off has been unsuccessful meaning he is unavailable.
Manning said there was a possibility Cameron Pring and Harry Cornick "could get minutes" after being unused substitutes on Thursday night.
Cornick has appeared in only three games this season due to injury, while Pring has been out with a hamstring injury.
"Pringy and Corns had an extra few days and are in a better spot than what they were for the home game," Manning said.
Sheffield United will aim to confirm their place in the Championship play-off final on Monday (KO 20:00 BST) as they carry a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their tie with Bristol City.
The Robins will need to record the second-best comeback in EFL play-off history if they are to overturn the deficit.
The biggest comeback was in League One in 2023 when Sheffield Wednesday came from 4-0 down to beat Peterborough.
After winning the first leg of this play-off tie 3-0 at Ashton Gate, Sheffield United are now unbeaten across their past eight games across all competitions against Bristol City (W6 D2). In that time, the Blades have kept five clean sheets in total.
Bristol City have failed to win any of their past four away games across all competitions against Sheffield United, though three of their past four victories overall against the Blades have come at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United have lost each of their past two home EFL play-off fixtures (2-1 vs Nottingham Forest in 2022 & 2-1 vs Swindon Town in 2015), after going unbeaten across their first seven matches at Bramall Lane beforehand (W5 D2).
In the history of the EFL play-offs, just 10 of 60 teams have progressed from the semi-final stage after losing their first leg on home soil, though no side has ever come back from a three-goal margin of defeat at home in the first leg to reach the final.
Throughout the regular season in the Championship, Sheffield United kept 12 clean sheets across their 23 home league games, with only the top two sides Leeds (14) and Burnley (15) managing more.
During the regular season, Bristol City won just four of their 23 away Championship games, with only five sides in the division managing fewer.
David Pottier, fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesCity's 3-0 home defeat in the play-off semi-final first leg has given them a Herculean task at Bramall Lane on Monday night if they are to progress to the final at Wembley on 24 May.
It got me thinking about when, if ever, City have recovered such a deficit or, for that matter, surrendered one of similar magnitude.
To give City fans some hope, you need to go back to November 2002 and a League One game at Field Mill against Mansfield.
With only three minutes left to play, City found themselves trailing 4-2 and that was after they had taken a 2-1 lead after 50 minutes through a Christian Roberts goal.
Home goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington conceded a penalty, which was converted by Brian Tinnion to make it 4-3, then Leroy Lita struck to make it 4-4.
City didn't shut up shop and went looking for a winner, which came from another Roberts strike to make it 5-4 and send the travelling supporters into raptures.
I did not attend that game as I was at Villa Park watching the home team demolish West Ham 4-1. I knew City were trailing as I had a friend at the game texting me score updates.
I left Villa Park shortly before the final whistle and felt the phone in my back pocket vibrate three times. I didn't check what the commotion was until I got back to the car when I then read City had achieved the impossible!
The other side of the coin is more recent and took place in February 2018. City were trying to maintain their promotion push built on an impressive first half of the season but which had faltered in the early stages of the new year.
Sunderland were involved in a relegation struggle. A much-needed win looked a certainty as City raced to a three-goal lead inside 40 minutes with an opener from Aden Flint then a couple from Famara Diedhiou.
It all went terribly wrong from the 70th minute when Josh Brownhill started the comeback putting through his own net. Ten minutes later, Aidan McGeady made it 3-2 before a second own goal, this time from Marlon Pack, in the 92nd-minute gave Sunderland a point as the game finished 3-3.
Sadly, I feel City will commence their 11th successive season in the Championship come early August.
You can hear more from David Pottier on the fans' podcast Forever Bristol City, external.
We asked you for your reaction to Sheffield United's 3-0 win against 10-man Bristol City in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at Ashton Gate.
Here are a selection of views from Bristol City fans...
Ian: The biggest football event in Bristol for 17 years, Ashton Gate rocking, two mins til half-time, penalty and a red card - City punished twice for a questionable penalty. Game over. 46 games all comes down to an over zealous referee! The decision decided the game! We will return stronger!
Matty: Red card and the injury to Williams changed the game. Once Sheff Utd went 1-0 up it was damage limitation. Can't have any complaints about the result. Proud of what Manning & co have achieved this season.
Jen: What ever happened to the double jeopardy rule? When the ref makes such a blatant error that potentially costs a club millions of pounds a post-match apology isn't really enough. What more can the FA do?
Paul: Really good and competitive game up to the penalty/sending off. I'm old school and it looked like a red to me but Dickie does get the ball and I understand in the rules that exist now that should have been a yellow. It's done in my opinion. Do City have 11 fit players for Monday?
Tim: Sending off and penalty changed the game but if it had been other way round we would have been fuming. After that it was going to be tough. Not sure subbing Nakhi was a great decision. Fair play to Blades they took advantage. We have overachieved this season. Board need to show real ambition now.
Cameron: Never a red. Possibly a pen but Rob Dickie played the ball as well so for me and many others it's not a red. It's in the laws of the game. I think personally that cost us the game. It's best to just to go all out in the away leg on Monday now.
Richard: The game was very open to begin with, the penalty and sending off killed this. It was disappointing as a Bristol City fan and it really spoiled the game and took away all the fun. I think, in that moment, Dickie could have and perhaps at this level, should have done better, given the guy was in on goal, better to let him go than risk the red and penalty.
Tom: Everyone is saying how we were well beaten by the better team, but until the red card it was a close game - a classic Championship game that felt like it could go either way. Unfortunately, the sending off changed that completely, and regardless of whether it was right or wrong, it was silly to give the referee the decision to make in such a crucial game. I genuinely believe that at 1-0 down with 11 v 11 we make a real go of it in the second half and potentially get something from the game. Such a shame, but pressure is off, stranger things have happened in football, so bring on Bramall Lane and something miraculous!
Blades fans also weighed-in...
Lola: Brilliant professional performance from the boys with subs making an impact when coming on. Got nothing to complain about. First foot in the final!
Rob: Brilliant performance. Moore caused them all sorts of problems. Even before the red card we had had the better chances. Has the playoff curse been lifted?
Thomas: That second-half performance is how we should've been playing all season. If we played like that when we lost against Millwall, Oxford or Plymouth we probably had a chance for promotion whether it was automatic or as champions.
Joe: Regardless of getting to the ball or not with his foot, the defender clearly had two arms pulling down the back of a striker that's one on one on goal 10 yards out. Even the most biased opinions can surely see this is a red card whether the Bristol City manager or fan base want it to be or not. Poor decision from the defender to get himself in that position knowing the costs of pulling down the attacker that would likely be at least a penalty.
Steve: Good, solid performance. Chris Wilder got his tactics right, especially when he took the team off early at the end to manage expectations. This is not over until the final whistle on May 24!
Alfie: I thought after the penalty and red card we showed how much we wanted to win and how much we wanted to end this play-off drought. If Wilder does do it it'll be his biggest achievement for us yet. I also think Andre and O'Hare were very big game changers for us when they got subbed on.
Ryan: I thought the Blades performance was professional, especially in the second half when Bristol City sat back. The red card ruined it as a contest but the decision was correct in my opinion. Not getting carried away as there is still a job to do on Monday.
Image source, Rex FeaturesPortsmouth are keen to bring defender Rob Atkinson back next season, but are in no rush to push a deal through.
Sporting director Richard Hughes told BBC Radio Solent that Pompey plan a conversation about the 26-year-old's future, but only after parent club Bristol City's Championship play-off campaign is over.
The defender made 14 league appearances, 13 of them starts, after arriving at Fratton Park on loan in January, and scored two precious goals against Derby last month to help keep the Blues away from trouble.
"We've loved having Rob, he's been brilliant and made a big impact," Hughes said. "He's Bristol City's player and we'll always be respectful of that.
"We'll probably have to let their season come to a natural conclusion and then there's a conversation to be had as to whether something works for everyone."
Hughes said "it's probably unlikely any other loanees return", adding: "They have all served purposes. I know Freddie Potts will want to test himself at the highest level. I spoke to Graham Potter… West Ham have been really pleased with his development.
"Adil Aouchiche and Isaac Hayden both came in in January and affected games in different ways and helped in that upturn in results post-January.
"We'll never say no but we're looking in a lot of different directions."
There are likely to be departures too, with Hughes admitting: "Some of them will have had a big impact on the team in the past two years but there are some players who need to go and play football, that's really important, for their development and to do the right thing.
"It's a natural evolution from going from a League One team to finishing in a relatively good position in the Championship. We want to keep getting better."
Hughes said he did not expect much movement on the transfer front until June and said Pompey would "take learnings" from signings which have not worked out, adding: "Players have to have an athletic profile, have to be able to handle the ball and have to be able to cope with the demands that John Mousinho's going to place on them.
"I think there'll be fewer players than we have seen in the last couple of summers. The board have always been open and respectful when we've put the right propositions in front of them. Invariably they have always backed us.
"We'll be looking to bring in some players who can affect the starting XI and better the club for the here and now but also the future."
Click here to listen to BBC Radio Solent's full interview with Richard Hughes.
Image source, Rex FeaturesBristol City have confirmed they will appeal against the red card shown to Rob Dickie in their 3-0 Championship play-off semi-final first leg defeat by Sheffield United.
Dickie was dismissed by referee Oliver Langford just moments before half-time for bringing Kieffer Moore down in the box.
Harrison Burrows scored the subsequent penalty to give the Blades a 1-0 lead at Ashton Gate.
The return leg at Bramall Lane will be played on Monday night.
Were you in the stands at Ashton Gate or following the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final from elsewhere? Wherever you were, we want hear from you.
What did you think of Bristol City's efforts?
Any thoughts on Sheffield United's performance?
Come back to this page later on Friday to find out what some of you had to say.
Image source, Rex FeaturesBristol City head coach Liam Manning said he was "hurt" and "disappointed" for the Robins' fans after his side saw Rob Dickie sent off right before half-time and went on to lose 3-0 to Sheffield United in their play-off semi-final first leg at Ashton Gate.
"Hurt, disappointed I think for the fans more so than anything, for the lads, because the game was decided by a huge error," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol of Dickie's sending off.
"Credit to Sheffield United – they still have to go and win the game and they did. There's bits we still need to do better, up until the decision [red card] I thought it was a really good game.
"I thought we showed really good control, bravery to go out and play, gave up a couple of chances, but I thought it was a really good spectacle for Championship football and then unfortunately a huge error goes and changes the way the game goes.
"We'll keep believing, we'll keep fighting. That's the beauty of sport if you look at the history of it there's been many comebacks. I know this group inside out, they're hurting right now, hugely disappointed, but at the same point once we're in tomorrow we'll be ready to go Monday."
Image source, Rex FeaturesBristol City boss Liam Manning has made important tactical adjustments to help the Robins reach the Championship play-offs, according to ex-Crystal Palace and Reading winger Jobi McAnuff.
City won 11 of their 24 games (D8 L5) after Christmas at a rate of 1.7 points per game compared to just six wins from their opening 22 matches (D9 L7) with a 1.22 points per game ratio.
The improved form in the second half of the season proved to be enough to secure sixth and a first play-off finish since 2007-08.
"He [Manning] made a little tweak at the turn of the year and it's really served them well," McAnuff told Football Daily 72+: The EFL Podcast.
"They've gone to three at the back but they're then really nice and narrow and compact in midfield. They go and press high and win the ball really aggressively in that final third.
"I think they're very well organised, certainly a well coached team. They're very difficult to play against and that run they've had in the new year is a big reason they're in the play-offs now.
"They're going to be a difficult prospect. I think they will be quietly confident of what they can do given that form they've been on for quite a long time now."
Former Huddersfield Town defender Tommy Smith said it has been an "unbelievable season" for Bristol City.
"You look at the Championship table, some of the teams they've finished above this year, it's a remarkable achievement and he [Manning] deserves full credit for it," Smith added.
Listen to the latest episode of Football Daily 72+: The EFL Podcast on BBC Sounds.
Bristol City host Sheffield United at Ashton Gate in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg on Thursday evening (20:00 BST).
The Robins have won just one of their past five games (D2 L2) on the way to finishing sixth, while the Blades - who finished third - have only won two of their past seven (D1 L4).
United have failed to win promotion via the play-offs on nine previous occasions since the format began in the late 1980s.
Bristol City are winless across their past seven games against Sheffield United in all competitions (D2 L5), since a 3-2 victory at Bramall Lane in the Championship in March 2019.
Sheffield United have won five of their past seven league trips to Ashton Gate (D1 L1), with each of their previous three victories via a one-goal margin.
Bristol City are unbeaten across their past eight home league games (W6 D2), their longest run at Ashton Gate in a single season since a nine-match stint between January and April 2023. In the 2024-25 Championship season, only Leeds United (58), Burnley (51) and Sheffield United (49) accumulated more points on home soil than the Robins (46 – W13 D7 L3).
Sheffield United will be competing in the play-offs in the second tier for the sixth time, failing to earn promotion on each of the previous five occasions. In that time, they've won just one of their five away semi-final legs (D3 L1), though it did come in their most recent such tie – a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in May 2022, before being eliminated on penalties.
Bristol City will be playing in their sixth EFL play-off campaign this season and their first since 2007-08 in the Championship. On that occasion, the Robins reached Wembley but lost 1-0 to Hull City; they've never earned promotion via the play-offs on any of the previous five occasions.
This season, Sheffield United became just the third side in the history of the second tier to win as many as 90 points yet still fail to get automatically promoted, after only Sunderland in 1997-98 and Leeds United last season.
Only four Championship players this season have created more chances than Bristol City's Max Bird (75), who also ranks fifth for expected assists (8.65).
In the Championship this season, only Burnley's James Trafford (29) recorded more clean sheets among goalkeepers than Sheffield United's Michael Cooper (21).
Image source, Rex FeaturesBristol City boss Liam Manning says there is a "slight possibility" wing-back Cameron Pring could be fit to face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
Pring missed the last two games of the regular season with a hamstring injury having started eight of the previous 10 league matches.
The Robins welcome the Blades to Ashton Gate on Thursday and have no fresh injury concerns, according to Manning.
"Everyone came through Saturday OK," he told BBC Radio Bristol.
"Cameron Pring, there is a slight possibility of him playing, we have to weigh up the risk of all of it. We will see how he responds.
"Most of our lads can play two positions which is important when you run a small squad."
Ross McCrorie started at left wing-back in Pring's absence and scored both goals in City's 2-2 draw with Preston on Saturday.
But McCrorie is naturally a right-sided player, while Yu Hirakawa also impressed filling in at right wing-back.
"I will be awake for the next few nights trying to pick a team," Manning added.
Image source, Rex FeaturesBristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary says reaching the Championship play-offs is a "special" opportunity to create history - but insists the Robins will approach the semi-final like any other game.
Liam Manning's side will face Sheffield United over two legs with a Wembley final at stake for the winner and a shot at promotion to the Premier League.
"To be on a good journey and trying to create some history is something pretty special," O'Leary told BBC Radio Bristol's Sound of the City show.
"It's quite a quick turnaround; we'll be in all week just preparing like normal. We've played against them twice this year, so we know what we're up against.
"It's just sticking to what we've done and our processes. Hopefully we can provide a good performance and, more importantly, the result to match it."
City had two hard-fought encounters against the Blades this season, narrowly losing 2-1 at Ashton Gate in November after two late goals for United before striking late themselves at Bramall Lane to draw 1-1 in March.
O'Leary hopes the Robins can play to their full potential in what is their first play-off tie since 2007-08.
"I think now the shackles should be off, and we should go out and try to express ourselves and play freely because we've done the hard part of getting here," he added.
"Now is the fun bit of actually trying to play for something, and if we show what we're about and have a bit of personality, then hopefully that takes care of itself and we can come out on top.
"It's an exciting time, but we prepare like we would normally and go out and give it a right go."
Listen to Max O'Leary's interview and much more on the Sound of the City show on BBC Sounds.
