Leeds United Triumph in Penalty Drama to Secure FA Cup Progress
Leeds United have booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after a hard-fought victory over Birmingham City in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Leeds prevailing 4-2 on penalties, thanks in part to a key save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
Late Equaliser Sets Up Shootout Showdown
Birmingham City pushed their Premier League opponents all the way, scoring a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser through Patrick Roberts to force extra time. However, in the shootout, Roberts blasted his penalty over the crossbar, while Perri saved Tommy Doyle's effort, allowing Sean Longstaff to score the clinching spot-kick for Leeds.
Birmingham's Resilient Display
Despite the defeat, Birmingham can take pride from a resilient performance. The Championship side, wearing retro-style shirts, dominated early on, with Jay Stansfield forcing a superb save from Perri in the 11th minute. They have only lost one league game at home in 40 matches, showcasing their strength at St Andrew's, now known as Knighthead Park.
New signing Carlos Vicente was a livewire for Birmingham, though he was booked for diving in the first half. The team made six changes from midweek league action but showed clear intent, buoyed by six January signings and a vociferous crowd that offered a standing ovation in support of chairman Tom Wagner, who is recovering from a stroke.
Leeds' Character Shines Through
Leeds, in their first season back in the Premier League, demonstrated depth of character after a poor start. They made six changes themselves, with Facundo Buonanotte struggling on his full debut and being withdrawn at half-time. However, substitutes like Ethan Ampadu helped shift momentum, leading to Lukas Nmecha's 49th-minute goal, capitalising on a defensive slip.
Despite Birmingham's pressure, Leeds grew into the game, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson adding threat on the counter. The match saw late drama, as Calvert-Lewin had a shot blocked and Ibrahim Osman hit the post, before Roberts' equaliser. In extra time, Calvert-Lewin came close again, but his effort was saved by Ryan Allsop.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks only one defeat in seven matches for Leeds, with their sights now set on a potential first FA Cup quarter-final since the 2002-03 season. Birmingham, though disappointed, can draw consolation from pushing a top-flight side to the limit, highlighting their playoff ambitions in the Championship.
