Leeds advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout win against West Ham, following a 2-2 draw at the end of regular time.
Leeds appeared to be in control with a 2-0 lead in stoppage time, thanks to goals from Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, West Ham staged an incredible comeback, scoring twice in the 11 minutes of added time through Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi, which took the match to extra time.
With penalties approaching, West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola suffered an injury, leading to 20-year-old Finlay Herrick making his debut for the club as a replacement.
In the shootout, Leeds’ Lucas Perri made pivotal saves from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo, helping Leeds secure a 4-2 victory on penalties. This marks the first time in 39 years that Leeds will compete in an FA Cup semi-final, where they are set to face Chelsea.
The match was emotionally and physically exhausting, as attention shifts back to the Premier League’s relegation battle. West Ham will play Wolves on Friday night, while Leeds will face Manchester United on Monday, with both matches broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Tanaka opened the scoring for Leeds with a well-placed shot that struck the underside of the crossbar. West Ham came close after halftime, hitting the post through Pablo, but Leeds doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining, aided by VAR.
In a dramatic finish, West Ham’s Max Kilman fouled Brendan Aaronson without getting the ball, which was missed by referee Craig Pawson but caught by VAR. Calvert-Lewin, who had started on the bench, converted the penalty. With many West Ham fans leaving early, the team executed a thrilling comeback with late goals from Fernandes and Disasi, pushing the match into extra time.
Herrick saved the opening penalty taken by Joel Piroe, but Leeds’ Perri denied both Bowen and Pablo’s attempts, securing Leeds’ passage through the shootout.
A Historic Moment for Leeds
Daniel Farke shared his thoughts with TNT Sport: “We always do it the tough way, but today’s victory is huge for everyone involved with Leeds United. Keeping our nerves through the shootout shows great character. Reaching the semi-finals is a significant milestone for our club.”
Reflections from West Ham’s Bowen
Jarrod Bowen, speaking to TNT Sports, expressed his disappointment: “I’m gutted. It hurts a lot, especially after leading 2-0. Missing my penalty weighs heavily on me. We need to regroup and focus on the upcoming match against Wolves.”
