London, Britain : Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri starred in a penalty shootout as his side defeated West Ham United 4-2 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987.
Leeds looked set for a comfortable win after taking a 2-0 lead, but West Ham staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice in stoppage time to force extra time and eventually penalties after a 2-2 draw.
West Ham debutant Finlay Herrick, who replaced the injured Alphonse Areola late on, saved the opening penalty from Joel Piroe.
However, Perri proved decisive, denying Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals before Pascal Struijk converted the winning spot-kick to send Leeds through to face Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Leeds had taken the lead in the 26th minute when Ao Tanaka finished a flowing move involving James Justin and Noah Okafor.
They doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a penalty after Max Kilman fouled Brenden Aaronson.
West Ham responded late, with Mateus Fernandes scoring in the 93rd minute after Bowen’s shot hit the post, before Axel Disasi equalised moments later from a cross by Adama Traore.
Despite dominating extra time, West Ham failed to find a winner, with two goals ruled out for offside. Injured goalkeeper Areola was replaced before the shootout, but Perri’s heroics ultimately sealed a memorable victory for Leeds, FA Cup winners in 1972.
