Leeds Star Shines in FA Cup Penalty Win vs Birmingham 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United defeated Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round at St Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon, progressing to the round of 16 after a penalty shoot-out.
• Leeds striker provided an early lead with a goal from Nmecha.
• Birmingham City equalised in the 89th minute, forcing extra time.
• The match went to penalties following a tense 30 minutes of extra time.
• Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri delivered a standout performance, saving penalties to secure the 4-2 shoot-out victory.
• Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager, praised Perri as a quality shot-stopper who the club couldn’t afford to lose.
• A Leeds United star caught the eye of his former manager during the match.
• The Whites travelled to face Championship side Birmingham City in a competitive FA Cup tie.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 16, 2026 – Leeds United secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon, following a 1-1 draw that extended into extra time. The Whites, led by an early strike from their forward, faced a late scare when the Blues levelled in the 89th minute, but goalkeeper Lucas Perri’s heroics in the shoot-out – saving crucial penalties – ensured progression to the round of 16. Amid the tension, one Leeds star’s performance reportedly caught the eye of his former manager, highlighting individual brilliance in a team effort.

What Happened in the FA Cup Fourth Round Clash?

The match began with Leeds United asserting early dominance. As detailed in the original report from Inside Futbol, the Whites travelled to St Andrew’s to face Championship side Birmingham City, with their forward firing them into an early lead through Nmecha. This goal set the tone for Leeds’ attacking intent in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Birmingham City, however, mounted a resilient comeback. Blues struck in the 89th minute to force extra time, turning what seemed a straightforward win for Leeds into a nail-biter. After a tense further 30 minutes of extra time, where neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, the tie was settled on penalties.

Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerged as the hero. His standout display, including key saves during the shoot-out, ensured Leeds progressed. As reported by Inside Futbol, Perri has been backed by Daniel Farke as a quality shot-stopper, with Farke stating in a prior interview that if he was in a position to make transfers, the club couldn’t afford to lose such a player (referencing a December 2025 article on Inside Futbol).

Who Was the Standout Leeds United Star Praised by His Former Manager?

The headline-grabbing moment came from a Leeds United star whose performance on his day caught the eye of his former manager. While specific names beyond Nmecha and Perri are highlighted in the match coverage, the praise underscores the individual flair amid team resilience. Inside Futbol’s coverage emphasises how this player’s display stood out, drawing attention from a past boss familiar with his capabilities.

Daniel Farke’s endorsement of Perri adds depth to the narrative. In a piece dated 18 December 2025 by Inside Futbol, Farke made clear his high regard:

“If he was [available], [we] couldn’t afford [to point on Leeds United star],”

positioning Perri as indispensable. This backing from the current Leeds manager amplifies the goalkeeper’s impact in the penalty drama.

As per The New York Times Athletic analysis on 15 February 2026,

“Birmingham 1 Leeds 1 (2-4 pens) – Perri the hero as Leeds United finally book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.”

The report details how it took time, but Leeds prevailed 4-2 on penalties after extra time.

How Did Lucas Perri Secure Victory for Leeds?

Perri’s performance was pivotal. English outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, in their 14 February 2026 article titled

“Leeds Survive Birmingham Scare to Reach FA Cup Fifth Round,”

noted:

“Leeds survived an FA Cup scare to reach the fifth round with a penalty shoot-out victory against second-tier Birmingham on Sunday.”

The goalkeeper’s saves were decisive, turning potential defeat into triumph.

Inside Futbol provided the foundational account:

“with a standout display from Lucas Perri… ensuring Leeds progressed to the round of 16.”

No detail was spared on the tension of extra time, where Perri’s composure shone.

Farke’s prior comments, as attributed in Inside Futbol’s 18 December 2025 feature, reinforce this: the manager has long viewed Perri as a top shot-stopper. This match validated that trust, with Perri denying Birmingham in the shoot-out.

Why Did Birmingham City Force Extra Time So Late?

Birmingham’s 89th-minute equaliser was a testament to their fighting spirit. The original Inside Futbol snippet captures it precisely:

“Blues struck in the 89th minute to force extra time.”

This late drama shifted momentum, punishing Leeds for not converting their early advantage.

The Championship side’s resilience nearly derailed Leeds’ cup run. As per The Athletic’s 15 February 2026 match report, the game was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, encapsulating Birmingham’s refusal to yield on home soil at St Andrew’s.

No sources contradict this sequence; all align on the timing and impact, with Inside Futbol leading the detailed timeline.

What Role Did Nmecha Play in Leeds’ Early Lead?

Leeds’ forward Nmecha was instrumental from the outset. Inside Futbol reports:

“with Nmecha firing them into an early lead.”

This strike, shortly after kick-off on Sunday afternoon, gave the Whites a platform they held until the final moments.

The goal exemplified Leeds’ quality against lower-tier opposition. While broader coverage from Asharq Al-Awsat focuses on the shoot-out, the early dominance via Nmecha set the context for the eventual victory.

How Has Daniel Farke Backed Lucas Perri in the Past?

Farke’s faith in Perri predates this match. As reported by Inside Futbol on 18 December 2025, the Leeds manager stated unequivocally about the goalkeeper:

“If he was [available], [we] couldn’t afford [to point on Leeds United star].”

This quote, embedded in a feature on Perri’s value, underscores Farke’s strategy of retaining key talent.

The endorsement positions Perri as a cornerstone. Post-match, this backing proved prophetic, with Perri’s penalties sealing progression.

What Does This Victory Mean for Leeds United’s Season?

Progression to the FA Cup round of 16 keeps Leeds’ season alive on multiple fronts. Facing Championship opposition like Birmingham tested their mettle, and emerging victorious boosts morale amid league commitments.

Inside Futbol links to broader Championship context, noting Birmingham’s status. The Athletic’s analysis highlights relief: “Leeds United have booked their place… beating Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties.”

Asharq Al-Awsat frames it as surviving a “scare,” signalling potential for deeper cup success.

Who Is the Former Manager Impressed by the Leeds Star?

The intrigue centres on the Leeds star catching his former manager’s eye. Inside Futbol’s headline “On His Day” implies a specific player – likely tied to Nmecha or another standout – whose performance resonated with a past coach. While not naming the ex-manager explicitly in the snippet, the praise aligns with the match’s narrative of individual excellence.

Sources like The Athletic focus on team effort but nod to stars like Perri. Further context from Inside Futbol’s Championship tags suggests familiarity from prior spells.

What’s Next for Leeds in the FA Cup?

Leeds now eye the fifth round draw. Having navigated this tie, the Whites join the round of 16 contenders. Inside Futbol confirms: “ensuring Leeds progressed to the round of 16.”

The penalty drama adds lore to their campaign. As Farke’s side balances league and cup, Perri’s heroics provide momentum.

Broader Context: Leeds United’s FA Cup Campaign

This win follows Leeds’ typical cup trajectory under Farke: gritty progression. Birmingham, as a Championship rival, made it competitive, per Inside Futbol’s tagging.

The Athletic’s 15 February 2026 piece details the shoot-out specifics: 2-4 on pens. Asharq Al-Awsat echoes the scare narrative.

No source omits the late equaliser or Perri’s saves – all attribute the facts consistently.