Leeds United ended a 39-year wait for an FA Cup semi-final after beating West Ham United 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw. The Whites were two goals up before an added-time collapse but gathered themselves to send 9,000 travelling fans into rapture.
The Whites enjoyed a strong start at the London Stadium and went ahead on 26 minutes through Ao Tanaka, but ended the half with an injury concern as Anton Stach limped off after a heavy challenge on his ankle. Leeds doubled their lead when Dominic Calvert-Lewin buried a penalty on 76 minutes to put Wembley within touching distance.
But with a massive 11 minutes added on, Leeds crumbled as Matheus Fernandes and Axel Disasi both scored to send the game into extra time. A chaotic 30 minutes saw two West Ham efforts through Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe ruled out for offside while a Whites effort was cleared off the line, with it ending level and going to penalties.
Joel Piroe’s opener was saved but after that, Leeds were perfect with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Willy Gnonto and Pascal Struijk on target. And goalkeeper Lucas Perri produced two great saves to send his side to Wembley after an all-time FA Cup classic.
YEP Chief football writer Graham Smyth was at the London Stadium to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
1. GK: Lucas Perri
7 Made three really smart, important stops. Little he could do about the goals. Got away with his extra-time howler and subsequent shaky moments, then saved two penalties. | Getty Images
2. CB: Joe Rodon
7 Was having his customary steady game when he went off injured. | AFP via Getty Images
3. CB: Jaka Bijol
6 A couple of shaky moments but put himself in harm's way to win headers. Passing wasn't always as good as it can be. | Getty Images
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
6 Very comfortable on the ball, not so comfortable when Traore was running at him in that first half move. Beaten to the cross for the equaliser. Great penalty. | Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
6 Got up and down all afternoon but came under pressure from Bowen and then Traore, wasn't able to dominate. Couldn't stop the crosses, one of which led to the equaliser. Final ball wasn't there. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
7 Lots of stirring stuff in midfield, carrying under pressure and being physical but wasn't able to keep control of things. Ran a yellow card tightrope well. | Getty Images