Lucas Perri stars in shootout as Leeds beat West Ham after a 2-2 draw to reach FA Cup semi-finals and set up a Wembley clash with Chelsea.
Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over West Ham. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, but Leeds held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties. It was a chaotic and emotional night at the London Stadium.
The visitors looked in control for most of the contest before a late collapse forced extra time. However, goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerged as the hero when it mattered most.
Leeds started brightly and almost scored inside two minutes through Noah Okafor. West Ham responded with a chance of their own, but Perri stood firm. The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute through Ao Tanaka.
The midfielder finished a flowing move after combining well with Okafor. His shot took a deflection and flew in off the underside of the bar. Leeds grew in confidence and controlled possession for long spells.
West Ham struggled to build momentum, often giving the ball away cheaply. The home crowd grew restless as Leeds dictated the tempo.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Leeds looking the more dangerous side. West Ham came close through a header that struck the post. That miss proved costly moments later. A VAR review awarded Leeds a penalty after Max Kilman fouled Brenden Aaronson. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up and calmly converted in the 75th minute. At 2-0, the tie looked over.
Leeds continued to press for a third goal but could not find the finish. That would soon prove a turning point.
The game exploded into life deep into stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Jarrod Bowen hit the post and Mateus Fernandes reacted quickest to score. Suddenly, belief returned to the home side. Just three minutes later, Axel Disasi converted Adama Traore’s cross to make it 2-2. The stadium erupted as Leeds lost their grip on the tie. Extra time was now required.
West Ham carried momentum into the added period and even found the net twice. However, both goals were ruled out for offside. Leeds survived a tense spell and pushed the game to penalties.
The shootout brought fresh drama as West Ham introduced debutant goalkeeper Finlay Herrick. He saved the opening penalty from Joel Piroe, giving the hosts hope. But that hope quickly faded.
Perri saved from Bowen to swing momentum back to Leeds. He then denied Pablo with another crucial stop. Pascal Struijk calmly converted the winning penalty to seal a 4-2 shootout victory.
This was a game of fine margins and relentless swings in momentum. Both sides registered over 20 shots, highlighting the open nature of the contest. West Ham edged the expected goals 3.85xG to 3.09xG, but Leeds proved more clinical under pressure.
Leeds have now conceded 11 goals in the 90th minute or later this season. Yet they showed resilience to recover and win. Perri’s composure defined the night, while Tanaka and Calvert-Lewin impressed earlier on.
Leeds looked comfortable at 2-0. West Ham’s late double changed everything in minutes. The disallowed goals in extra time kept Leeds alive.
Ultimately, the shootout decided the tie. Perri’s saves and Leeds’ composure proved decisive.
Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley later this month. It is their first appearance at this stage since 1987. Meanwhile, West Ham must refocus on their relegation battle. They host Wolves next in a crucial league fixture. Leeds also return to Premier League action against Manchester United. Both sides now shift focus back to survival.
