Leeds United reached Wembley after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over West Ham United, following a 2-2 draw after extra time in an FA Cup quarter-final classic. Leeds led 2-0 entering the 93rd minute, then conceded twice deep into added time, yet still advanced to a first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years.

The shoot-out added another twist. West Ham introduced 20-year-old goalkeeper Finlay Herrick late on after Alphonse Areola suffered an ankle injury. Herrick immediately saved from Joel Piroe, but Leeds converted every later kick, while Lucas Perri stopped weak efforts from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo to settle a tense contest at London Stadium.

Regulation time ended chaotically. Leeds were two goals clear after strikes from Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, yet West Ham mounted a dramatic stoppage-time response. Bowen’s fierce shot struck the post in the third of 11 added minutes, leaving Mateus Fernandes to fire into an empty net. Moments later, Axel Disasi stretched to turn Adama Traore’s cross home.

The late turnaround sparked loud celebrations and even saw West Ham fans trying to re-enter the stadium after leaving early. That surge of momentum carried into extra time, when the hosts created the better openings. Leeds, who had appeared in control for most of the night, suddenly faced heavy pressure and needed composure to survive.

The match opened at a frantic pace. Within six minutes, both goalkeepers produced sharp saves, as Areola turned away Noah Okafor’s curling effort, while Perri reacted superbly to deny Valentin Castellanos. Leeds then began to dictate possession and territory, and the visitors eventually secured a deserved breakthrough in the 26th minute through Tanaka.

Tanaka started a sweeping attack, then produced the decisive finish. Tanaka spun away from Soungoutou Magassa on the edge of the box and shot towards goal. The attempt deflected off Disasi, looped against the underside of the crossbar and dropped over the line. West Ham almost answered when Castellanos headed Traore’s cross against the base of the post.

Leeds increased their lead in the 75th minute. Brenden Aaronson drew a lunging challenge from Max Kilman inside the area, and Calvert-Lewin stayed calm from the spot. Wilfried Gnonto then nearly added a third with a clever backheel that rolled narrowly wide. That miss proved crucial once West Ham produced their stoppage-time fightback through Fernandes and Disasi.

Extra time maintained the drama. Castellanos found the net with a composed finish after a mistake from Perri, but an offside flag cancelled the goal. Later, Pablo scored from close range following another Bowen strike against the woodwork, only for another offside decision to intervene. At the other end, Areola and Tomas Soucek somehow blocked James Justin’s effort on the line.

Areola’s injury late in extra time forced the introduction of Herrick for West Ham. The young goalkeeper saved Piroe’s first penalty, briefly suggesting another twist. However, Leeds stayed flawless from 12 yards afterwards, while Perri read Bowen’s and Pablo’s attempts. Leeds, led by Daniel Farke, left London feeling relief after letting a dominant position slip.

Leeds United FA Cup quarter-final stats and data debrief

Statistically, West Ham shaded the attacking numbers despite elimination. West Ham attempted 22 shots to Leeds’ 21, and also held a narrow advantage in expected goals, with 2.91 compared to 2.38. The balance of chances underlined how open the tie became, especially once Leeds lost control in the final stages of normal time and during extra time.

This quarter-final was only the second match between two Premier League clubs this season where both teams recorded at least 20 shots, matching Newcastle United versus Bournemouth in the FA Cup in January. The attacking volume reflected how stretched the game became, with both defences leaving space as fatigue increased across 120 demanding minutes.

Leeds’ late collapse continued a pattern. Leeds have conceded 11 goals in the 90th minute or later in all competitions this season, excluding extra time, more than any other Premier League side. The numbers support the feeling that Leeds effectively had to win the contest twice, first in normal time and again from the penalty spot.

Historically, this result carries weight for Leeds. Leeds will now appear in an FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1987, when Leeds lost to eventual winners Coventry City. For West Ham, the narrow defeat ended hopes of another deep domestic cup run, despite a spirited response that nearly overcame a two-goal deficit.