FA Cup thriller at Pride Park: Leeds United overcome Derby County 3-1

DERBY: The FA Cup produced yet another memorable tie as Derby County hosted Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium in the 3rd Round. Despite hopes of a home upset, Derby County fell 3-1 to their Premier League visitors, continuing their recent struggles against the Yorkshire side.

Derby, currently mid-table in the Championship, entered the match with mixed form, having won just one of their last five league games. Their home record offered little encouragement, with only one victory in the previous six Pride Park matches, and history further favoured Leeds, who had won the last three encounters.

The match started with promise for the hosts. Ben Brereton Díaz gave Derby the lead in the 35th minute, sparking hopes of an upset. However, Leeds quickly asserted their Premier League pedigree in the second half. Wilfried Gnonto equalised in the 55th minute, and Ao Tanaka put the visitors ahead just four minutes later, making it 2-1. James Justin sealed the win deep into stoppage time, leaving Derby unable to find a late equaliser.

The stats reflected the gap in quality. Leeds dominated possession with 67 per cent, outshooting Derby 21 to 6, and registering 10 shots on target to the hosts’ single effort. Derby tried to stay compact and rely on set pieces, but Leeds’ attacking quality proved decisive. Despite Derby’s physical approach and key threats like Patrick Agyemang, the Premier League side managed to control the game, even with some squad rotation.

The defeat adds to Derby’s woes, highlighting their continued struggles against top-tier opposition. Leeds, meanwhile, advance comfortably to the next round, with their attacking players demonstrating why they remain a step above Championship competition.

Set-piece battles, defensive lapses, and moments of individual brilliance shaped the contest, and while Derby showed heart, it was Leeds United who ultimately walked away with a deserved victory.