Birmingham
Leeds*How did the teams perform?
Birmingham
Leeds
Match Stats
Lineup
Birmingham
110' Handling
30' Unsportsmanlike conduct
42' Diving
46' Replaced by D. Gray
89'
74' Replaced by C. Vicente
74' Replaced by A. Priske
83' Replaced by B. Osayi-Samuel
91' Replaced by J. Panzo
114' Replaced by J. E. Solis Romero
Leeds
49'
49'
46' Replaced by F. Buonanotte
68' Replaced by W. Gnonto
68' Replaced by L. Nmecha
78' Replaced by A. Tanaka
82' Replaced by N. Okafor
No standings data available for this league
Leeds United advanced to the next round of the FA Cup after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Birmingham City, following a pulsating 1-1 draw after extra time. Patrick Roberts’ late equalizer for Birmingham forced the tie into extra periods, but it was Leeds who held their nerve from the spot.
The FA Cup fifth-round tie at St Andrew’s promised a classic cup battle. Both Birmingham and Leeds were eager to progress, adding tension to this encounter between competitive sides.
The first half unfolded as a cagey affair. Both teams adopted cautious approaches, nullifying attacking threats. Birmingham created early pressure, but solid Leeds defending kept chances at a premium.
Birmingham’s Jhon Solís Romero received a yellow card in the 30th minute. Teammate C. Vicente followed with a booking for diving just before halftime in the 42nd.
Despite Birmingham controlling 55% possession and firing 18 shots, only five tested the Leeds goalkeeper. The home side failed to convert, leaving the score goalless at the interval.
The second half demanded a shift in strategy. Managers looked to their benches to spark creativity, aiming for a more open contest.
Leeds United wasted no time after the restart. Just four minutes in, Lukas Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 49th. He slotted home from a precise Noah Okafor assist, giving visitors a crucial lead.
As the clock ticked down, Birmingham pressed relentlessly for an equalizer. Substitutions injected fresh energy. Leeds also made changes, but the game became stretched as Birmingham pushed hard.
The home side’s persistence finally paid off in the 89th minute. Substitute Patrick Roberts found the net to send the crowd wild. His late goal rescued Birmingham, forcing extra time.
Extra time saw both sides battle fatigue and caution. Birmingham’s Christoph Klarer picked up a yellow card in the 110th for handling. No further goals were scored, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Leeds displayed clinical precision. While Birmingham’s Tommy Doyle and Patrick Roberts missed their spot-kicks, Leeds converted four of five. Sean Longstaff scored the decisive penalty, securing a 4-3 victory.
Birmingham edged statistics, managing 18 total shots to Leeds’ 19, and five on target compared to Leeds’ three. Leeds’ goalkeeper made four crucial saves. Expected goals for both teams remained at zero.
The victory sees Leeds United progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals, keeping hopes alive for a memorable cup run. Birmingham City, despite a spirited performance, reflects on a valiant effort ending in heartbreak.
