Leeds beat West Ham in shoot-out to reach FA Cup semis for first time in 39 years
Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri reacts after saving a penalty against West Ham (CARLOS JASSO) 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. 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 join Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton in the semi-finals. The Yorkshire club are in the FA Cup 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. - Penalty drama - West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo made five changes as he prioritised Friday's vital showdown with bottom-of-the-table Wolves.