Leeds United reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in nearly four decades, edging past West Ham on penalties at the London Stadium, and now they’ll take on Chelsea FC for a place in the final.
Ao Tanaka marked his return to the starting XI with a first-half goal, showing exactly why he deserves more opportunities in the Premier League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked to have sealed the win after the break with a well-taken penalty, but West Ham struck twice deep into stoppage time to force extra time.
In the end, Lucas Perri proved the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to send Leeds through and seal a place in the semi-finals for the first time in 39 years.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin reacts to FA Cup semi-final draw
Leeds will face Chelsea at Wembley later this month, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expecting a tough encounter against a quality side.
However, he is more excited about playing in the semi-finals at Wembley and conceded that he is looking forward to playing in that stadium for the first time in club football.
Calvert-Lewin said on TNT Sports: “It’s always going to be a difficult match against Chelsea, they’re a good side.
“We’re going to Wembley, I’ve lost my voice a little but yeah, excited, I’ve never had the opportunity to play Wembley for my club before… thankfully we stuck in there and got the win.”
Leeds will fancy beating Chelsea
Chelsea have not enjoyed playing against Leeds this season. They were hammered 3-1 at Elland Road towards the end of last season and were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in February.
Leeds enjoyed playing against one of their traditional rivals and picked up four points from a possible six in the Premier League.
A Wembley semi-final will be a different atmosphere, and Chelsea have more players who are used to playing in such big occasions.
However, they will also have bruising memories of playing against Leeds this season, and the Whites will feel they have a major chance to be in an FA Cup final this season.
