Leeds Advance to FA Cup Fifth Round After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win

Manager Daniel Farke praises his side's resilience and ability to 'write a new chapter' in the club's 'special history'.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Leeds United secured a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round after the match finished 1-1 after extra time. Lukas Nmecha had given Leeds the lead in the second half, but a late equalizer from Patrick Roberts sent the tie to penalties, where Leeds prevailed. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was full of praise for his team's performance, particularly the leadership of captain Ethan Ampadu, and said the win was an important step in writing a new chapter in the club's 'special history'.

Why it matters

Leeds have not reached the FA Cup quarter-finals since 2003, so this victory represents an important milestone for the club as they look to make a deep run in the historic competition. The win also showcases the resilience and character of Farke's squad, which was able to grind out a result despite falling behind late on against a tough Birmingham side.

The details

Leeds took the lead in the second half through a goal from Lukas Nmecha, but Birmingham equalized late on through Patrick Roberts to send the match to extra time. The tie was eventually decided on penalties, where Leeds prevailed 4-2. Farke praised his team's defensive effort and the leadership of captain Ethan Ampadu, who helped Leeds regain control of the match after a difficult first half.

  • The match was played on February 15, 2026.
  • Leeds have not reached the FA Cup quarter-finals since 2003.

The players

Daniel Farke

The manager of Leeds United, who praised his team's resilience and ability to 'write a new chapter' in the club's 'special history'.

Ethan Ampadu

The captain of Leeds United, whose leadership Farke credited with helping his team regain control of the match.

Lukas Nmecha

The Leeds United player who scored the opening goal in the second half.

Patrick Roberts

The Birmingham City player who scored the late equalizer to send the match to extra time.

Lucas Perri

The Leeds United goalkeeper who made good saves in the penalty shootout.

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What they’re saying

“There's always a chance to write a chapter of very special history and I don't say it's realistic to speak about it right now but in games like this, difficult away games, scruffy games, you have to find a way to get into the next round.”

— Daniel Farke, Manager, Leeds United (Yahoo Sports)

“Birmingham were the better side in the first half, no doubt about it. But we defended everything in the end and there were some good saves by Lucas Perri.”

— Daniel Farke, Manager, Leeds United (Yahoo Sports)

“Such a scruffy hard fought win, sometimes these wins are the best for the spirit of the group. Lots of rotation today and also many players in the pitch that did not have that many minutes, but we were still able to find a way in this difficult away game against a Championship side in red hot form.”

— Daniel Farke, Manager, Leeds United (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Leeds will now face the winner of the fourth round match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The takeaway

This dramatic penalty shootout victory showcases the resilience and character of Daniel Farke's Leeds squad, as they were able to grind out a result against a tough Birmingham side and take another step towards ending their long wait to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.