Leeds United booked a place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987 with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against West Ham at London Stadium. The visitors will now face Chelsea at Wembley later this month.
Penalty Drama Decides Quarter-Final
West Ham were forced to play the shootout with 20-year-old Finlay Herrick in goal after Alphonse Areola was injured late in extra time. Herrick, making his senior debut for the Hammers after a loan spell at fifth-tier Boreham Wood, saved Joel Piroe’s attempt.
However, the drama swung in Leeds’ favour when Jarrod Bowen missed his spot-kick for West Ham, and Lucas Perri denied Pablo before Pascal Struijk calmly converted the decisive penalty. Leeds won the shootout 4-2.
Match Overview
Leeds had looked in control for much of the match, taking a 2-0 lead late in normal time thanks to a deflected opener from Ao Tanaka and a penalty by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. But West Ham fought back in stoppage time, with goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi forcing extra time.
During extra time, West Ham had two goals disallowed—Taty Castellanos and Pablo, both ruled offside—keeping the visitors in contention. Leeds held their nerve in the penalty shootout to advance.
West Ham: A Missed Opportunity
For West Ham, sitting 18th in the Premier League and in danger of relegation, the match represented a chance to inspire their fans with a trip to Wembley. Captain Bowen had described the tie as an opportunity to make an underwhelming season memorable.
However, sloppy play in the first half and a failure to convert their chances ultimately cost them. The Hammers now must focus on their crucial league games, starting with a home match against bottom-placed Wolves on Friday.
Leeds: Wembley Awaits
Leeds’ supporters, 9,000 strong at London Stadium, can now look forward to Wembley, where they last played two years ago in the Championship play-off final. The club has struggled in recent Wembley appearances, with their last win dating back to the 1992 Charity Shield against Liverpool.
Leeds’ journey to the FA Cup semi-finals is historic, marking their first return since 1987 when they lost 3-2 to Coventry City. Manager Daniel Farke’s side showed resilience, particularly in extra time, to hold off a frantic West Ham fightback.
What’s Next
- West Ham: Host Wolves on Friday, 20:00 BST, followed by a London derby at Crystal Palace on Monday, 20 April.
- Leeds: Travel to Manchester United on Monday, 13 April, and face Wolves at home on Saturday, 18 April.
Wembley awaits Leeds on the weekend of 25 April, where Chelsea will stand between them and a spot in the final on 16 May.
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