Leeds United beat West Ham on penalties after a thrilling quarter-final to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987 and will face Chelsea at Wembley
John Cross and James Smailes
14:04, 06 Apr 2026
Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, acknowledges the fans following the teams victory in the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on April 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
Daniel Farke says reaching their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years will mean "the world to Leeds fans" after a breath-taking quarter-final victory.
Leeds triumphed in an extraordinary tie lasting three hours and six minutes, with Pascal Struijk netting the decisive penalty in a shoot-out, after West Ham scored twice in injury time to force extra time and penalties.
The victory sets up a blockbuster clash with Chelsea, following Manchester City being drawn against Southampton after the dramatic quarter-final at West Ham.
Leeds boss Farke said: "We always do it the tough way, never the easy way. It was a crazy game but we fought for this piece of history and I'm just proud of the boys. To keep the nerves and win the penalty shootout shows great mentality and character.
"This is reward for our fantastic fanbase with the first semi final for decades. You could see what it meant when you looked in the eyes of the supporters. It means the world."
Farke also revealed that upon arrival, Leeds were informed that, for safety reasons, they would not be permitted to shoot towards the away end where their 9,000 supporters were situated, should the tie reach penalties. Following a coin toss, the penalties were ultimately taken towards the West Ham end.
Farke added: "I was told that there was a document signed by the safety officer saying we could not shoot into our end. You have to stay classy and it's gone now. I won't comment but I think you can tell what I thought of it."
West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen struck the post twice and also faltered in the shoot-out, while thousands of supporters headed for the exits before full time with Leeds 2-0 ahead, only for a dramatic fightback to follow. The Hammers also found themselves relying on rookie goalkeeper Finlay Herrick, 20, between the sticks for the shoot-out.
Bowen said: "Gutted. It hurts a lot after being 2-0 down. I missed and I can only apologise to everyone involved for that. You never want to miss penalties but I have today and I have to face that.
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"It doesn't define who I am but I have to stand tall from that. We did a lot of good things in the game but it wasn't to be.
"It has to hurt. We are hurt as a team. We have to dust ourselves down and get back into training tomorrow for the Wolves game on Friday because we know what we have to do."
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