Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has described his side as 'the underdog' ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley later this month. The Championship outfit secured their place in the last four for the first time in 39 years after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Farke's men appeared to be cruising after Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled their lead from the penalty spot, following Ao Tanaka's opener. However, a stoppage-time fightback from West Ham saw Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi score in quick succession to force extra-time. With the scores level after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to send Leeds through.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the win, Farke acknowledged the challenge ahead. 'We will be the underdog, that's for sure. It's a big name and a side full of top players. For that we are the underdog but we have written history. Nobody expected us to go through to the semi-final. And of course we are greedy to go to the next step.'
Calvert-Lewin, who scored his spot-kick after missing his previous penalty against Crystal Palace, expressed his excitement at playing at Wembley for the first time at club level. 'It's always going to be a difficult match against Chelsea. They're a good side, but it's the FA Cup, we're going to Wembley. Excited.'
The semi-final ties are scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, with the final taking place on May 16. Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals with a 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale, while Manchester City will face Southampton in the other semi-final.
