Leeds United vs West Ham: Leeds march into FA Cup semi finals after dramatic shootout win

The tension was real as Leeds United faced off against West Ham United in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal. Both sides delivered a high-intensity performance, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the match headed into the break locked at 2-2.

🚨 Ao Tanaka brilliant finish!

West Ham 0-1 Leeds.pic.twitter.com/p5ShsOTF1C

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) April 5, 2026

Leeds struck first through Ao Tanaka, who found the net in the 28th minute to give his side an early advantage. The momentum continued when Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead in the 75th minute, putting West Ham under serious pressure.

However, West Ham responded dramatically in stoppage time. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back in the 93rd minute, before Axel Disasi equalised just minutes later in the 97th, bringing the Hammers level and turning the match into a thrilling encounter.

High foot or not? ⬇️ Do you think Axel Disasi’s equaliser for West Ham should have stood?

VAR had a look, goal given ✅ pic.twitter.com/U8jDPOikqg

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 5, 2026

West Ham controlled much of the game, enjoying 53% possession and maintaining an impressive 84% passing accuracy. Their composure and attacking intent helped mount a late comeback, despite Leeds committing multiple fouls in an effort to disrupt their rhythm.

📸 – Jarrod Bowen is drinking some well deserved orange juice ahead of the second half of extra time.

Exactly what you wanna drink with Easter! 🐰🐣💐 pic.twitter.com/GdEKH6RGCM

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) April 5, 2026

With the score tied at 2-2 after 120 minutes, the outcome was decided by penalties. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened for Leeds with a calm, precise strike. Brenden Aaronson followed, maintaining the team’s momentum, and Wilfried Gnonto added another successful shot. When Pascal Struijk stepped up for the final kick, he sealed the victory, sending Leeds into the semifinals with a 4-2 penalty triumph.

West Ham battled valiantly, but missed opportunities in the shootout proved costly. Leeds’ nerves of steel and precise finishing secured their spot in the next stage, joining Manchester City, Chelsea, and Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals, and setting up a historic push for both clubs.