Leeds stun West Ham on penalties to reach FA Cup semi-finals

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 3–2 penalty shootout victory over West Ham United following a 2–2 draw after extra time in a pulsating quarter-final clash.

The encounter delivered high drama from start to finish, with Leeds taking an early lead through Ao Tanaka before West Ham mounted a spirited comeback in the closing stages of regulation time.

Goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi appeared to have turned the tie in favour of the Hammers, but Leeds held firm to force extra time.

Both sides created chances in the additional period but were unable to find a decisive breakthrough, sending the contest into a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerged as the hero, producing crucial saves to deny Jarrod Bowen and Pablo, giving his side the advantage. Despite Tomas Soucek converting for West Ham, Leeds maintained composure from the spot.

The decisive moment came when Pascal Struijk converted the winning penalty, his effort bouncing in off the post to seal victory and spark celebrations among the Leeds players and supporters.

The result capped a resilient performance from Leeds, who showed composure under pressure to overcome their Premier League opponents and advance to the last four.

For West Ham, the defeat marked a bitter end to their FA Cup campaign, having fought back strongly in normal time but falling short in the penalty lottery.