London: Leeds United booked their first FA Cup semi-final berth since 1987 after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over West Ham United in a thrilling quarter-final at the London Stadium.
Leeds looked in control for much of the match, taking a two-goal lead through a deflected strike from Ao Tanaka and a penalty by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, West Ham staged a dramatic late comeback, with Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi scoring in stoppage time to force extra time.
The game ultimately went to penalties. Young debutant Finlay Herrick, who replaced injured goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, saved from Joel Piroe to keep West Ham alive. But misses from Jarrod Bowen and a crucial save by Lucas Perri ensured Leeds stayed ahead before Pascal Struijk converted the decisive kick to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
Semi-Final Line-up Confirmed
Leeds will face eight-time winners Chelsea at Wembley on the weekend of April 25-26. The Whites last reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1987 and have lifted the trophy only once, in 1972.
The remaining quarter-finals on Saturday produced emphatic results. Defending finalists Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0, while Chelsea cruised to a 7-0 victory over Port Vale. Championship side Southampton pulled off a major upset by defeating Arsenal 2-1.
Southampton’s win secured their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 2021 and ensured Championship representation in the last four. They will now take on Manchester City in the other semi-final, completing a blockbuster Wembley line-up.
Source: BBC Sports
Photo credit: LUFC/X
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