The tie was decided on penalties, and Leeds reached the semi=finals for the first time this century. Londoners, with Nuno Espírito Santo, Mateus Fernandes, and Pablo, forced extra time in epic fashion.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham were knocked out in the Cup quarter-finals, losing at home to Leeds (2-2, 4-2 after penalties). On Sunday afternoon, midfielder Mateus Fernandes (formerly of Sporting) started for the Londoners, while forward Pablo (formerly of Gil Vicente) came off the bench at half-time.
The scoring opened in the 26th minute, courtesy of Japanese midfielder Tanaka.
Facing a deficit, the Hammers dominated during the second half, but shots were thwarted by Leeds defenders and, on one occasion, hit the post. In contrast, midfielder Aaronson was fouled in the area and forward Calvert-Lewin converted the penalty in the 75th minute.
As hundreds of fans left the Hammers’ stronghold , Bowen hit the post again, but Mateus Fernandes pounced on the rebound to reduce the deficit. 90+3 minutes had passed when the Portuguese international scored his fourth goal of the season. This moment prompted a gradual return of fans to the stands, a flow that intensified in the 90+6th minute when defender Disasi acrobatically restored parity.
At the start of extra time, in the 91st minute, Castellanos completed the comeback, but was offside. In the following minute, Leeds threatened to regain the lead, reflecting a frantic and unpredictable game. Shortly before halftime, Bowen sent his third shot against the post and Pablo scored on the rebound, but was offside.
With penalties looming, goalkeeper Finlay Herrick – a 20-year-old Englishman – made his debut for West Ham’s first team, filling in for the injured Areola.
In the penalty shootout, young Herrick even saved Leeds’ first penalty, but Bowen missed for West Ham. In back-and-forth action, Pablo missed West Ham’s fourth penalty and the visitors triumphed (4-2).
In this way, Leeds prevents West Ham from returning to Wembley – something that hasn’t happened in 20 years – and joins Southampton, Chelsea and Man City in the FA Cup semi-finals. This historic club hadn’t reached the semi-finals since 1987.
It is worth remembering that Crystal Palace are the current holders of the trophy, having beaten the “Citizens” a year ago.
Upon returning to the Premier League, West Ham (18th) host Wolves (20th) on Friday (8pm), while Leeds (15th) visit Manchester United (3rd) on April 13 (8pm).