Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years as they survived a dramatic penalty shoot-out after squandering a two-goal lead in a thrilling clash with West Ham on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s side were moments away from victory at the London Stadium after Ao Tanaka’s first-half goal and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half penalty put them in control.
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But West Ham staged a stoppage-time rally as Mateus Fernandes reduced the deficit before Axel Disasi’s equaliser forced extra time.
With the score still level at 2-2 after the additional period, Leeds keeper Lucas Perri emerged as their shoot-out hero.
Joel Piroe missed Leeds’ first penalty, but Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto, and Pascal Struijk all converted their kicks.
Perri saved Jarrod Bowen’s opening effort for West Ham and also denied Pablo as Leeds won 4-2 on penalties.
It was their second shoot-out victory in the competition this season, following their fourth-round success at Birmingham.
Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley later in April.
“We always do it the tough way, never the easy way. We could have made our lives easier,” Farke said.
“We had a late sucker punch when the whole stadium was buzzing. To keep the nerves and win the penalty shoot-out shows great mentality and character.
“A chapter of Leeds history. It will be a big night for us at Wembley. It’s a great step for this club and a great reward for everyone.”
The Yorkshire club is in the semi-finals for the first time since 1987, when they lost to eventual winners Coventry at Hillsborough.
Leeds have lost on their past three trips to Wembley: in the 2024 Championship play-off final, the 2008 League One play-off final, and the 1996 League Cup final.
FA Cup winners for the only time in 1972, Leeds’ last victory at Wembley was a 4-3 success against Liverpool in the 1992 Charity Shield.
Their win over West Ham was a welcome lift in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle for both clubs.
Third-bottom West Ham are one point behind fourth-bottom Tottenham with seven games left.
Leeds, four points above the Hammers, face a return trip to West Ham for a potentially decisive clash on the last day of the season.
