Leeds United secured their passage to the FA Cup fifth round following a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over a resilient Birmingham City side at St. Andrew's. The Championship hosts pushed their Premier League visitors to the limit, demonstrating why they remain firmly in the playoff hunt this season. The dramatic conclusion saw goalkeeper Lucas Perri emerge as the hero for Leeds, while Sean Longstaff converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a 4-0 triumph in the shootout after the match had finished 1-1 following extra time.
The encounter began with Birmingham asserting their authority, making a mockery of the 20-place gap between the two divisions. The home side dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities during the opening exchanges, displaying the tactical organization that has made Chris Davies' side one of the Championship's most difficult opponents this campaign. Their aggressive pressing and fluid attacking movements consistently troubled Leeds' defense, leaving spectators struggling to identify which team belonged to the top flight.
Birmingham's early superiority nearly yielded a goal when Jay Stansfield unleashed a ferocious half-volley that seemed destined for the top corner. However, Perri demonstrated remarkable reflexes, producing a fingertip save that diverted the ball onto the woodwork and away from danger. This moment encapsulated the hosts' first-half dominance, as they repeatedly breached Leeds' defensive lines with incisive passing and intelligent movement.
Leeds, having made six changes to their starting lineup, struggled to find rhythm in the opening 45 minutes. Their most promising moment arrived when Sean Longstaff tested Birmingham goalkeeper Ryan Allsop from distance, though the effort lacked sufficient power to truly trouble the Championship shot-stopper. The Premier League side appeared disjointed, with their rotated squad failing to replicate the cohesive performances that have characterized their league campaign under Daniel Farke.
The second half witnessed a transformed Leeds side, as the introduction of Ethan Ampadu at the interval provided the midfield steel and leadership that had been conspicuously absent. The Welsh international almost made an immediate impact, charging down an Allsop clearance that narrowly missed the target. This moment signaled Leeds' renewed intent and set the stage for their breakthrough.
The opening goal arrived in the 49th minute through Lukas Nmecha, who continued his impressive scoring form this season. The German striker latched onto a precise pass from Noah Okafor before firing a powerful shot past Allsop at the near post. The finish showcased Nmecha's predatory instincts, marking his seventh goal of the campaign across all competitions. Television replays suggested the striker may have been marginally offside, but with VAR not operational until the competition's next round, the goal stood, much to Birmingham's frustration.
Rather than capitulate, Birmingham responded with characteristic determination. The hosts launched a sustained assault on Leeds' goal, creating a flurry of chances that had the Premier League side scrambling. Stansfield, August Priske, and Carlos Vicente all tested Perri in quick succession, with the Leeds goalkeeper forced into multiple saves to preserve his team's slender advantage. The pressure intensified as the clock ticked down, with Birmingham throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer.
Just when it appeared Leeds would escape with a narrow victory, Patrick Roberts produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 89th minute. The Birmingham winger collected the ball on the left flank before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed rocket that flew past Perri and into the far corner. The shot took a slight deflection off Leeds defender James Justin, but the power and accuracy belonged entirely to Roberts, who had been his team's most dangerous attacking threat throughout the encounter.
The drama escalated in stoppage time as both teams had opportunities to win the contest. Birmingham came agonizingly close when Ibrahim Osman's shot struck the far post, with Kanya Fujimoto's follow-up effort bravely blocked by Jaka Bijol. At the other end, Leeds threatened through Calvert-Lewin and Ampadu, but neither could convert, sending the tie into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes failed to separate the sides, though not for lack of trying. Both teams created half-chances but fatigue and tension seemed to affect the quality in the final third. Birmingham's supporters, who had earlier shown their appreciation for owner Tom Wagner as he continues his recovery from a stroke, roared their team forward, creating an electric atmosphere that spurred their players to continue pressing.
The penalty shootout proved decisive, with Leeds demonstrating superior composure from the spot. Birmingham's misery began when Tommy Doyle stepped up first, only to see his effort saved by Perri, who had clearly done his homework on the Championship midfielder's tendencies. The pressure then mounted on Roberts, whose earlier heroics counted for nothing as he blazed his penalty over the crossbar.
Leeds, by contrast, displayed ice-cold precision. Longstaff, Nmecha, and two other teammates converted flawlessly, leaving the midfielder with the opportunity to seal victory. He made no mistake, sending Allsop the wrong way and triggering celebrations among the traveling supporters.
The result extends Leeds' impressive recent FA Cup record, with this marking their third advancement to the fifth round in four years. For a club with a historically poor recent showing in the competition, this represents significant progress under Farke's management. The German coach will be relieved to have navigated this tricky tie, particularly given Birmingham's excellent home record this season.
For Birmingham, the defeat represents only their third home loss of the campaign, underscoring how competitive they proved against superior opposition. The performance will give Davies and his players confidence as they return to Championship action, where they sit just two points outside the playoff positions. Their primary objective remains ending a 15-year exile from the Premier League, and displays like this suggest they possess the quality and mentality to achieve that ambition.
The match also highlighted the fine margins that define cup football. Without VAR, Nmecha's potentially offside goal stood, while Roberts' stunning equalizer demonstrated the individual quality that exists throughout English football's pyramid. Birmingham's ability to compete so effectively against top-flight opposition should concern their upcoming Championship rivals.
As Leeds turn their attention to the fifth round draw, they can reflect on a character-building victory that tested their resolve and mental fortitude. The performance may not have been their most fluent, but cup success often requires different qualities. Their ability to win ugly, particularly in hostile environments, could prove crucial as they pursue a deep run in the competition.
The FA Cup's magic was on full display at St. Andrew's, where a Championship side pushed their Premier League counterparts to the absolute limit. While Leeds progress, Birmingham depart with heads held high, their cup dream extinguished but their promotion hopes very much alive.