Leeds United Edge Past West Ham to Reach FA Cup Semi-Finals

Leeds United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a dramatic and emotionally charged victory over West Ham United, prevailing in a tense penalty shootout at the London Stadium.
The visitors looked in complete control for most of the match, holding a comfortable two-goal lead heading into the closing stages. Ao Tanaka opened the scoring in style, rifling a stunning effort into the top corner, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin calmly converted from the penalty spot to double the advantage.
At that point, Leeds United seemed destined for a routine win. But football, as ever, had other plans.
West Ham United produced a sensational late comeback deep into stoppage time. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back in the 93rd minute, sparking belief among the home crowd, before Axel Disasi struck in the 96th minute to level the score and force extra time in extraordinary fashion.
The additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, although Valentín Castellanos thought he had sealed it, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
The tie was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Leeds United held their nerve. Despite an early save from debutant goalkeeper Herrick, West Ham United faltered under pressure, with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals both missing crucial attempts.
2025-26, England - FA Cup
West Ham - Leeds United 2:2 (0:1), shoot-out 2:4
Goals: Tanaka A., 26 (0:1); Calvert-Lewin, 75 (penalty) (0:2); Fernandes M., 93 (1:2); Disasi, 96 (2:2)
West Ham: Areola (Herrick, 120); Walker-Peters; Kilman; Disasi; Magassa (Pablo, 46); Potts F. (Soucek, 46); Diouf Mal. (Scarles, 106); Traoré Ad. (Mayers E., 120); Fernandes M.; Castellanos (Kanté M., 106); Bowen
Substitution: Soucek (from 46); Pablo (from 46); Scarles (from 106); Kanté M. (from 106); Herrick (from 120); Mayers E. (from 120)
Bench: Lamadrid
Yellow Cards: Kilman 74; Walker-Peters 105
Leeds United: Perri; Bogle (Piroe, 106); Struijk; Rodon (Bornauw, 52); Bijol; Justin; Stach (Aaronson, 39); Ampadu; Okafor (Gnonto, 69); Tanaka A. (Gruev, 69); Nmecha L. (Calvert-Lewin, 69)
Substitution: Aaronson (from 39); Bornauw (from 52); Gruev (from 69); Calvert-Lewin (from 69); Gnonto (from 69); Piroe (from 106)
Bench: Darlow; Byram; Longstaff S.
Yellow Cards: Nmecha L. 40; Ampadu 47; Bogle 90
