Leeds face Chelsea in first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years

Leeds United are heading to Wembley for their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over West Ham. The draw has set up a showdown with Chelsea later this month, giving Leeds fans a long-awaited trip back to one of English football’s biggest stages.

Farke’s side took the lead against West Ham and looked to be cruising, going 2-0 up and holding that advantage deep into stoppage time. But West Ham struck twice, with goals in the 93rd and 96th minutes, forcing extra time after a tense 2-2 draw that left both sets of supporters on edge.

The drama only escalated from there.

As the match moved to penalties, Joel Piroe missed Leeds’ first spot-kick, putting the club’s hopes at risk. The players rallied, however, winning the shootout 4-2 and sealing their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. The result brought relief and elation to a fanbase that has waited nearly four decades for a return to this stage of the competition.

Shortly after Leeds’ triumph, the semi-final draw paired them with Chelsea. The match is scheduled for the last weekend of April at Wembley Stadium. For Leeds supporters, it’s a chance to see their team compete for a place in the final against one of English football’s giants.

Chelsea come into the tie as second favourites to lift the trophy, with odds reported at 11-4 following the draw. Manchester City remain frontrunners at 1-2 after being paired with Southampton in the other semi-final. Southampton booked their place by knocking out Arsenal, an upset that has added extra intrigue to this year’s competition.

Leeds’ odds have shortened since their shootout win, now standing at 10-1 with some bookmakers offering prices as short as 7-1, according to reports. That shift reflects growing belief around Daniel Farke’s squad and recognition of their resilience under pressure. They’ll need those qualities when they take on Chelsea under the Wembley arch.

For many Leeds fans, this cup run is already one for the history books. The club’s last appearance in an FA Cup semi-final came in 1987, a gap of 39 years that underscores just how much this moment means on Elland Road and beyond. Memories of previous near-misses and heartbreaks have been replaced by excitement and anticipation ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested tie.

Manchester City’s path sees them take on Southampton, whose elimination of Arsenal was one of the competition’s headline results so far. City go into their semi-final as strong favourites but will be wary of a Saints side that has already shown its giant-killing potential.

The spotlight now turns to preparations for both semi-finals as players chase their dreams of silverware and supporters plan trips to Wembley.

Leeds reached this stage after prevailing over West Ham on penalties with a final shootout score of 4-2 after conceding late goals in regulation time amid eleven minutes of stoppage time.