Leeds United booked a place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout victory against West Ham United on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The match that unfolded was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a shootout that saw Leeds triumph 4-2 after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Second-Half Drama: From Lead to Level
Leeds were cruising 2-0 in the final minutes, seemingly in control and poised for a straightforward win until West Ham pulled off a stunning comeback. The West Ham vs Leeds United quarterfinal match entered extra time after the Hammers scored two goals in stoppage time, shattering Leeds' dreams of a comfortable victory. Following that, the drama shifted to the penalty shootout, where nerves were tested to the limit.
Penalty Shootout: Leeds United's Unlikely Heroes
Leeds United secured their place in the FA Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory, marking their first semi-final appearance in the competition since 1987. In the nail-biting shootout, West Ham's Finlay Herrick, and Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin were the stars of the show. Herrick missed his penalty, giving Leeds the edge, but Calvert-Lewin's composed finish sealed the 4-2 victory for the Yorkshire side.
Semi-Final Thoughts
Leeds United, who last reached the semi-final stage in 1987, now find themselves on the cusp of a possible FA Cup final. The drama of this match has set the stage for a thrilling semi-final clash. West Ham United fans, meanwhile, will be left to ponder what might have been in a match that came down to the wire.
So, what's next for Leeds United? They will face either Manchester City or Liverpool in the semi-finals. Will West Ham's heroic comeback in the dying moments of the match be enough to silence the critics or will Leeds United's dramatic turnaround haunt the Hammers as they gear up for the next round of the FA Cup?
“It was a game of two halves, and then some. The drama in the second half and the penalty shootout was unbelievable. Leeds deserved the win. They were the better side and more clinical," - Sky Sports.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's composed finish in the penalty shootout was decisive.
