Leeds Edge Through in FA Cup Thriller After Penalty Drama
Leeds United survived a major FA Cup scare to secure a place in the competition's last 16, defeating Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. The Championship side Birmingham had equalised in the 89th minute of normal time, setting up a tense finale that was ultimately decided from the spot.
Late Equaliser Forces Extra Time and Shootout
Leeds appeared to be heading for a straightforward victory after Lukas Nmecha's powerful second-half strike gave them the lead. However, Birmingham substitute Patrick Roberts had other ideas, firing home a dramatic equaliser with just minutes remaining in regulation time. This late intervention forced an additional 30 minutes of extra time, where both teams created chances but could not find a decisive goal.
The match had begun with Birmingham dominating proceedings, putting Leeds under significant pressure during the opening exchanges. Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves including a brilliant fingertip stop to deny Jay Stansfield's rising drive in the 11th minute, which rattled the crossbar.
Penalty Shootout Decides Tense Encounter
When the match proceeded to penalties, Leeds displayed remarkable composure. All four of their takers—Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, and Sean Longstaff—successfully converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Birmingham's Tommy Doyle saw his effort saved by Perri, while Roberts, who had earlier scored the equaliser, blasted his penalty over the crossbar.
Longstaff's successful conversion proved to be the winning penalty, sending Leeds through to the next round where they will aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002-03 season. This victory follows their 3-1 win at Derby County in the previous round, demonstrating their cup pedigree this campaign.
Emotional Atmosphere at St Andrew's
The match was played against an emotional backdrop at Birmingham's St Andrew's stadium. Prior to kick-off, home fans unfurled a massive 'get well' banner in support of chairman Tom Wagner, who is recovering from a stroke. A minute's applause was also observed in the 13th minute as a tribute to the American owner, with Leeds sending their best wishes via a social media message earlier in the day.
On the pitch, Birmingham started strongly, with Jhon Solis and Kai Wagner testing Perri early on. Skipper Christoph Klarer also saw a header blocked during this dominant opening period. Perri continued his impressive form just before halftime, making another full-length save to keep out Demarai Gray's low shot.
Second Half Transformation and Late Drama
Leeds manager made a tactical change at halftime, introducing captain Ethan Ampadu in place of the ineffective Facundo Buonanotte. This substitution had an immediate impact, with Nmecha scoring just four minutes after the restart following a defensive error from Klarer.
Birmingham mounted a spirited response, forcing a series of corners and creating several opportunities. Stansfield fired wide while August Priske saw his effort blocked during this period of sustained pressure. Leeds themselves carried more threat in the second half with Ampadu influential in midfield.
The drama continued right until the final whistle of normal time. After Roberts' equaliser, Calvert-Lewin—who had replaced goalscorer Nmecha—saw his goalbound shot deflected over. In a frantic finish, Birmingham hit the post through Ibrahim Osman's low drive, with fellow substitute Kanya Fujimoto's follow-up effort blocked.
Extra Time Fails to Separate Determined Sides
Extra time provided further excitement as both teams pushed for a winner. Osman spurned another chance at the far post during the first period, while Piroe, Calvert-Lewin, and Ampadu all had opportunities for Leeds in the second period of additional time. The thrilling cup tie flowed from end to end before the inevitable penalty shootout decided this captivating FA Cup encounter.
