West Ham fans (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United defeated West Ham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup after a dramatic game that was ultimately decided by penalties.
Ao Tanaka opened the scoring with a terrific goal after his quick footwork in the box gave him the half-yard he needed to get a shot off, which luckily for Leeds took a deflection and went in.
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Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after Brenden Aaronson was fouled inside the area.
However, two late goals in stoppage time from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi turned the game on its head and ensured it went to extra time before Lucas Perri made two decisive saves to help Leeds win the shootout.
West Ham fans were locked outside of London Stadium during clash with Leeds
When Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot, West Ham fans began to leave the London Stadium in their droves as their side looked dead and buried before their unexpected comeback.
However, following Fernandes’ goal in the 93rd minute, many supporters returned to their seats and witnessed Disasi’s equaliser live in the flesh.
This was not a luxury afforded to all the supporters who left early, with many West Ham fans being refused re-entry into the stadium as their side went into extra time against Leeds.
Social media footage posted by The Athletic on X showcases supporters gathering around a phone outside the stadium, even during the penalty shootout.
Before the game, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen claimed that Leeds fans were similar to West Ham’s for the passion and loyalty they show, but one thing is for certain: there would not be a mass exodus from Elland Road to this extent if Leeds were on the wrong end of a result.
READ MORE:Joe Cole and Jermaine Beckford defend under fire £15.6m Leeds United man following dramatic West Ham clash – The Leeds Press
Multiple reasons for Leeds fans to be happy with yesterday’s result
Whilst Leeds supporters will get a good kick out of watching those West Ham fans attempt to scurry back into the London Stadium just for their side to go on and lose, there are multiple reasons for Leeds fans to be happy.
They drew one of their biggest rivals in the semi-final of the FA Cup in Chelsea, with the two teams set for a blockbuster clash at Wembley.
However, another bonus for Leeds is Calvert-Lewin getting back to his goalscoring ways.
Prior to the West Ham game, Calvert-Lewin had not scored in seven appearances for club and country
This included a high-profile miss against Uruguay for England upon his return to the squad
Calvert-Lewin’s last goal for Leeds before the West Ham game came against Nottingham Forest at the start of February (Sofascore)
Daniel Farke and Co. will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin’s spot kick is the catalyst for another purple patch in front of goal, similar to the one he enjoyed in December to fire Leeds out of trouble in the Premier League and help keep them in the division.
READ MORE:“We need to work on that…” – Leeds United star delivers brutally honest assessment after dramatic West Ham win – The Leeds Press