Leeds United have done something special and one man has played an integral part during the cup run
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
07:00, 06 Apr 2026
Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri (centre left) celebrates with team-mates after winning the penalty shoot-out
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Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri (centre left) celebrates with team-mates after winning the penalty shoot-out(Image: PA)
Leeds United are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 39 years with a trip to Wembley booked in the diary. This is something to be embraced, enjoyed and with every moment soaked in.
It is a once-in-a-generation event that many supporters - fathers, mothers, sons, daughters - have never seen in their lifetimes. There, they will meet an old foe in Chelsea. More than 30,000 Leeds fans will descend on the capital to try and beat the Blues in their own city.
“You just have to look in the eyes of our supporters to see what it means. It means the world to them,” Daniel Farke said at full-time. “It’s crazy times in the world, so it’s great to bring some light and joy. Hopefully we can bring more joy.”
Leeds are clearly underdogs for the contest but they have beaten Chelsea before this season and drew with them away from home. There will be belief. But even if they do not reach the final, this has been a cup run to remember.
Perri and saving penalties
This was the first time that Lucas Perri had faced Premier League opposition since being dropped in January and, aside from one big blip in extra time, showcased himself well. He will be one of the first players fans think of when reflecting on this cup run, having saved spot kicks against Birmingham City in the fourth round and again on Easter Sunday.
He also produced some fine in-play stops, the Brazilian making two great saves from close range in the first half to prevent Leeds from going behind at West Ham. Farke himself recognised that 2026 has not been the easiest period for the £15m summer signing but Perri is putting in a good account of himself.
Leeds will still have a goalkeeper decision to make in the summer - whether to dip for a new face or stick with what they have got. All Perri can do is keep producing and limit his errors. He might not be at the point of return just yet amid his few errors but he is certainly making strides along that path.
Scoring again but old habit emerges
Leeds ended their run of four games without a goal against a Premier League team when Ao Tanaka found the net in-off the bar. And Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have been delighted to have banished the demons of his missed penalty at Selhurst Park by finding the net from the spot - twice, when the shoot-out is included. He had gone six games without a goal so that was timely.
Yet on the other foot, Leeds conceded late yet again, this time twice a la Newcastle United away. Leeds lost their heads after the first goal went in amid 11 minutes of added time, looking open at the back - albeit still did create chances.
Conceding late has been a theme of the season. It is now 11 goals conceded after 90 minutes, the most out of any Premier League team across all competitions.
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Injury outlook
Anton Stach looked in an invigorated mood in the first half following his cap for Germany during the international break, producing turnovers and sparking the transition. He won the ball back for the one-on-one chance that was saved on 34 minutes.
The effort would cost him, the midfielder going off with injury in what was a big blow for Leeds and Farke. He walked back to the dressing room very gingerly, unable to keep his gait and was later seen in a foot brace.
He is due to be assessed with the midfielder thought to have damaged his ankle ligament, Farke explained afterwards. It remains to been seen whether eight days - when Leeds play Manchester United on Monday - will be enough time for recovery.
Joe Rodon also sustained an ankle issue and, although he played on for a few minutes after his knock, Farke decided against risking him and brought him off for Sebastiaan Bornauw, showing where his competition priorities lie. Noah Okafor had to come off in the second half too, but only with suspected cramps.
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