Leeds United progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew's. The Championship side forced extra time with a last-gasp equaliser from Patrick Roberts, but Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri made a crucial save to deny Tommy Doyle before Roberts blazed his penalty over the bar, allowing Sean Longstaff to seal the win.
The home side dominated the first half, with Jay Stansfield hitting the post and Ibrahim Osman also striking the woodwork. Leeds manager Daniel Farke admitted his side were outplayed initially, saying: 'No question Birmingham were the better side in the first half. We had rotated more players than we would normally do.' The introduction of Ethan Ampadu at half-time changed the game, and within four minutes Lukas Nmecha had put Leeds ahead after capitalising on a defensive slip.
Birmingham refused to wilt, and with a minute of regulation time remaining, Roberts unleashed a 25-yard shot that deflected off James Justin past Perri to send the tie to extra time. Both sides had chances in the additional period, but it was Leeds who held their nerve in the shootout.
Perri's save from Doyle proved pivotal, and after Roberts missed, Longstaff converted to send Leeds through. Farke praised his team's resilience, calling the display 'far from champagne football' but highlighting their character. Birmingham manager Chris Davies expressed pride in his players but admitted frustration: 'I thought we were deserved winners. We had all the grit, effort and determination but the quality to match.'
Leeds, who have lost only once in seven games, now look ahead to the fifth round with hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2003. Birmingham, two points outside the Championship playoff places, can take heart from a spirited performance against Premier League opposition.
