Leeds Secures FA Cup Semi-Final Spot After Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win Over West Ham

Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over West Ham, after the match had ended 2-2 in regular time. The visitors had taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin but West Ham staged an incredible comeback, with Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi scoring in the 11 minutes of added time to force extra time. However, Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerged as the hero, saving two penalties in the shootout to secure a 4-2 win and send his team to Wembley for the first time in 39 years, where they will face Chelsea. The match was marked by a series of dramatic twists, including an injury to West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, which saw 20-year-old debutant Finlay Herrick come on in the shootout. Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised his team's mentality and character, while West Ham's Jarrod Bowen expressed his disappointment at missing a penalty. The focus now shifts to the Premier League relegation battle, with West Ham facing Wolves on Friday and Leeds taking on Manchester United on Monday.