Leeds FA Cup Semi-Final Win vs West Ham 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years after a 2-2 draw and 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over West Ham United at London Stadium on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
• Leeds led 2-0 with goals from Ao Tanaka (26th minute, deflected off Axel Disasi) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (75th minute penalty).
• West Ham mounted a dramatic stoppage-time comeback: Mateus Fernandes (90+3′) tapped in rebound after Jarrod Bowen hit the post, Axel Disasi (90+6′) volleyed from Adama Traore cross.
• Extra time scoreless; West Ham had two goals disallowed for offside (Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe).
• Penalty shoot-out: Leeds’ Joel Piroe missed first, but Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto, Pascal Struijk scored; West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Pablo missed, saved by Lucas Perri; Finlay Herrick (West Ham debutant) saved Piroe’s but Leeds won 4-2.
• Leeds’ second shoot-out win this season (after Birmingham in fourth round).
• Leeds face Chelsea in semis at Wembley (April 25-26); other semi: Manchester City vs Southampton.
• Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised team’s mentality: “We always do it the tough way… great character.”
• West Ham made five changes prioritising league vs Wolves; manager Nuno Espirito Santo disappointed: “Unfortunate… we generated opportunities.”
• Match context: Both in Premier League relegation fight; Leeds four points above West Ham, final day clash ahead.
• Referee Craig Pawson; attendance 62,260; VAR involved in penalty and offsides.
• 9,000 Leeds fans; some West Ham fans locked out after leaving early.
• Leeds’ Wembley history: Lost last three (2024 play-off, 2008, 1996); last win 1992 Charity Shield; FA Cup winners 1972.

London (The Leeds Times) April 6, 2026 – Leeds United survived a heart-stopping late collapse and triumphed in a penalty shoot-out against West Ham United to secure their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987, igniting hopes of a historic run amid their Premier League survival scrap.

How Did Leeds Take the Lead?

Leeds United dominated early proceedings at the London Stadium, breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute through Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka.

As detailed in ESPN’s match report, Tanaka twisted cleverly inside the penalty area, his shot deflecting off West Ham defender Axel Disasi and bouncing in off the crossbar past Alphonse Areola.

The second goal came in the 75th minute after a VAR intervention. Brenden Aaronson was felled by Max Kilman’s reckless challenge in the box; referee Craig Pawson, after pitch-side review, awarded the penalty. Dominic Calvert-Lewin confidently converted, sparking wild celebrations among the 9,000 travelling Leeds supporters behind the goal.

Leeds appeared destined for victory, but as Leeds United’s official site noted, their focus waned in the closing stages.

What Sparked West Ham’s Dramatic Comeback?

West Ham, under boss Nuno Espirito Santo who made five changes ahead of their league clash with Wolves, staged a stunning rally in stoppage time. Mateus Fernandes reduced the deficit in the 93rd minute, tapping in the rebound after Jarrod Bowen’s shot struck the post, as reported by Sportnation.

Three minutes later, Adama Traore delivered an inswinging cross, which Disasi volleyed home despite protests over a high boot on Pascal Struijk. ESPN highlighted Leeds’ stunned reaction to 11 minutes of added time.

Thousands of West Ham fans had departed prematurely, with hundreds locked out upon returning, according to multiple accounts.

Why Did Extra Time Remain Goalless?

No further goals came in extra time, but drama persisted. West Ham thought they had taken the lead immediately when Taty Castellanos capitalised on a Lucas Perri error, only for VAR to disallow it for offside. Jarrod Bowen later hit the crossbar, with Pablo Felipe’s rebound ruled offside too.

Alphonse Areola suffered an injury late on, forcing 20-year-old reserve Finlay Herrick—recently loaned to non-league Boreham Wood—into a debut for the shoot-out.

Who Were the Heroes in the Penalty Shoot-Out?

Leeds keeper Lucas Perri emerged as the shoot-out star, saving Jarrod Bowen’s opener and denying Pablo Felipe. Joel Piroe missed Leeds’ first penalty, but Herrick’s save was in vain as Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Gnonto, and Struijk all scored for a 4-2 win.

Fotmob described it as Leeds winning a

“classic FA Cup quarter-final twice over.”

This marked their second shoot-out success this season, following Birmingham.

Controversy arose as the shoot-out wasn’t held in front of Leeds fans due to “safety concerns,” per ESPN.

What Did Daniel Farke Say About the Victory?

Leeds manager Daniel Farke hailed his side’s resilience post-match. As quoted by BBC Sport,

“We always do it the tough way, never the easy way. We could have made our lives easier… To keep the nerves and win the penalty shoot-out shows great mentality and character.”

Farke added,

“A chapter of Leeds history. It will be a big night for us at Wembley. It’s a great step for this club,”

according to the Leeds United site. ESPN reported him revelling in “another piece of history.”

How Did Nuno Espirito Santo React?

West Ham’s Nuno Espirito Santo expressed frustration to BBC Match of the Day. As reported by BBC Sport,

“It’s unfortunate how it concluded, particularly because we generated opportunities in the second half and extra time… The fans demonstrated how much reaching Wembley meant to us, yet it wasn’t our fate.”

What Is Leeds’ Path to Wembley Glory?

Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley on April 25-26, a repeat of the 1970 final which Chelsea won on replay. Manchester City meet Southampton in the other semi, per Sportnation.

This is Leeds’ first semi since 1987, when they lost to Coventry. Their Wembley record is grim: losses in 2024 Championship play-off, 2008 League One play-off, 1996 League Cup final. Last win: 1992 Charity Shield vs Liverpool. FA Cup triumph: 1972.

Why Does This Boost Both Relegation Battles?

The victory provides respite for Leeds, four points above West Ham (third-bottom, one point behind Tottenham) with seven Premier League games left. A pivotal final-day clash awaits at West Ham.

BBC noted the tie’s intensity amid the scrap. Farke dismissed distraction claims, with ESPN affirming its value.

Were There Any VAR Controversies?

VAR dominated: Kilman’s penalty on Aaronson (awarded after review); no spot-kick for Stach earlier; two West Ham extra-time offsides; 11 minutes added time sparking ire.

ESPN questioned if decisions were right in this “VAR-filled rollercoaster.”

Fan and Atmosphere Highlights?

Over 62,260 attended, with raucous Leeds away support. Early West Ham exits turned to chaos outside. BBC video captured the “thrilling tie.”

Leeds fans now dream of ending 39-year semi drought.