Substitute Pascal Struijk headed a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Leeds United came from behind to beat promotion rivals Sunderland and return to the top of the Championship.

The defender had levelled with 12 minutes to go when he glanced in Joe Rothwell's wicked free-kick and then won it in added time with another header from another Rothwell cross.

Sunderland had taken the lead against the run of play when French striker Wilson Isidor got on to defender Dan Ballard's clipped pass into the inside right channel and did excellently to spin Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu before lashing a low shot in off the far post.

The Whites had not been behind at the break in a league match at Elland Road since their only home defeat this season by Burnley in September.

But this time they turned it around in the most unlikely of endings and are now seven points clear of the third-placed Clarets with 13 games to play.

The win stretches their unbeaten run to 15 league games and they remain undefeated in front of their own fans since 15 September.

Sunderland's players dropped to the ground as Leeds' bench emptied to celebrate the late, late winner and their slim automatic promotion chances look distant now.

The visitors made a good start in West Yorkshire and could have led in the second minute when Enzo le Fee's cutback to the edge of the area was met by Jobe Bellingham but his low shot was too close to Illan Meslier, with the Frenchman then getting up quickly to thwart Patrick Roberts.

Leeds then got on top in terms of possession but struggled to break the well-drilled Black Cats down and were then caught with a sucker punch.

Ballard, who had also set Le Fee going for their early chance, was given too much time to clip a ball into the path of the rampaging Isidor and he showed Premier League quality with strength, skill and composure to score a 12th of the season.

Thereafter the Whites threatened through widemen Dan James and Manor Solomon but a James header hacked away from in front of the line by Luke O'Nien just before the break was as close as they came to levelling.

Barring a very early foray, the Wearsiders were pinned back for much of the second half but Anthony Patterson was only called upon for one fairly routine stop from Joel Piroe before Struijk headed in.

That lifted the energy among the home fans but Sunderland looked like they had done enough to at least claim the point they deserved.

However, with seconds remaining Rothwell collected Largie Ramazani's mishit shot out wide on the right and hammered a vicious cross-shot that beat Patterson's attempted punch and was headed in once more by Dutchman Struijk to spark chaos.

Skipper Ampadu gathered his team into a huddle in the centre circle after the final whistle blew on a night where Leeds showed a title-winning mentality.

Leeds now face second-placed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next Monday (20:00 GMT).

A win would send them five points clear at the top of the Championship and potentially as many as 10 points clear of third place.

Farke was shown a yellow card by Stuart Attwell, his third of the season, in the bedlam that followed his side's winning goal.

It means the German will serve a one-game touchline ban for the short trip to South Yorkshire.

Sunderland, who are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, host struggling Hull City on Saturday.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds:

"These type of wins are the best kind you can have in football for the supporters and the whole group.

"They are priceless points. It's a great night for everyone connected to Leeds United.

"We haven't won anything yet but to do this against one of the best sides in the league in a difficult game.

"We were there with almost 70% possession so it was well deserved but once they led it is so difficult and complicated.

"I had only one yellow card before this season and now I have had a couple of doubtful ones.

"If I miss the game at Bramall Lane because of a celebration to a 95th minute goal then I have to adapt to the rules. We live by the rules but I doubt if it makes sense. It is what it is."

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris:

"The crowd, the energy of the stadium was always increasing and we couldn't break it.

"We can be proud of our way of playing. We were brave and played as a team but without the small details that can change the dynamic.

"We need a bit more depth in our squad. We have three or four players who weren't fit but they can be back next week and make a difference. We are still in a good place and the team is still improving.

"You have to admit that Leeds were very good this evening. Sometimes you can't find solutions."