Having not been able to celebrate an FA Cup semi-final appearance for 39 years, Leeds United supporters are now dreaming of their side lifting the trophy for the first time since 1972.
They were put through a range of emotions in a breathtaking quarter-final at West Ham on Sunday.
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Daniel Farke’s men led 2-0 going into the third of 11 minutes of injury time, only to then concede twice as the Hammers forced extra time at London Stadium.
The hosts then celebrated what could have been winning goals twice, only for them to both be ruled out for offside.
Leeds also missed first in the penalty shootout as 20-year-old reserve goalkeeper Finlay Herrick replaced the injured Alphonse Areola for his West Ham debut and blocked Joel Piroe’s spot-kick.
But Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri saved from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo, before Pascal Struijk kept his nerve to help Leeds win 4-2 on penalties and book a Wembley last-four tie against Chelsea.
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“It was a bit of a crazy game, lots of excitement and in a quarter-final both teams are fighting to make history for their club,” said Farke, who was only 10 when Leeds lost 3-2 to Coventry City in a dramatic 1987 semi-final that also went to extra time.
“I’m just proud of my boys, how we dealt with so many setbacks, not just the two late goals but injuries. We missed the first penalty but we stuck together and wanted to win.
“We have rewarded our fantastic fanbase with the first semi-final in decades so it’s a great night for Leeds United.”
‘You can see how much it means to our supporters’
Leeds have only won the FA Cup once in their history, beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley through Allan Clarke’s diving header 54 years ago, but they have lost in three finals, including to Chelsea after a replay at Old Trafford in 1970.
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They were beaten in the semi-finals by Manchester United in 1977 and Coventry a decade later, while losing in the quarter-finals in 1996, 1998 and 2003.
With Manchester City taking on Championship side Southampton in the other last-four tie, Leeds have the task of toppling eight-time FA Cup winners Chelsea.
But the Blues will hold no fear for Farke’s side after this season’s Premier League games, having beaten Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road in December and drawn 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in February.
Farke said it will be a special occasion on the weekend of 25-26 April.
“I feel pretty humble as you can see how much it means to our supporters to get to the first semi-final in decades – it has not been an easy time for the club,” said the German.
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“You can see it in the fans’ eyes, I know how much it means to them.
“We will be the underdog, that’s for sure. Chelsea are a big name and a side full of top players, but we have written history. Nobody expected us to go though to the semi-final and, of course, we are greedy to go to the next step.
“Now we will try to take over the capital with 30,000 people.”
‘Magic of the cup’ on dramatic afternoon
Before they head to north London, those present at the former Olympic Stadium will have fond tales to tell about Sunday’s experience.
Leeds sold out their entire 9,000 allocation, taking up all the space behind one of the goals and contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
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For most of the game, the Whites looked in complete control. Japan’s Ao Tanaka gave them a first-half lead, with England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubling their advantage with a 75th-minute penalty that looked to have killed the game off.
But in the 11 minutes of injury time, Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi scored to take the tie into extra time.
Taty Castellanos and Pablo both had goals ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR) in a breathless extra-time period, where Leeds also had two shots cleared off the line.
There was added drama as Areola suffered a leg injury, meaning Herrick – who was on loan at fifth-tier Boreham Wood as recently as January – was handed a first Hammers appearance in the 120th minute and just before the shootout.
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He saved from Piroe, but Perri ensured it was he who would be the goalkeeping hero with his two saves.
“This is the magic of the cup, anything can happen and today was a crazy and memorable game. Happy that we won the match and we are into the semi-finals now,” said Perri.
“For this fanbase it shows the magic of them, the love they have for this team. It is a pleasure to play for this team.”
Calvert-Lewin relishes career high
For Calvert-Lewin, it will be a quick return to Wembley after he played for England in the 1-1 international friendly draw with Uruguay on 27 March – his first Three Lions appearance in almost five years.
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Not only did he score in regulation time on Sunday, he also converted in the shootout. Playing in a Wembley FA Cup semi-final will be a new high in the 29-year-old’s club career.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to play at Wembley for club before, so for me it was a big chance,” said Calvert-Lewin, who scored within six minutes of coming on as a substitute.
“When it went to 2-2, I thought maybe it’s not meant to be, but thankfully, we stuck in there and got the win.
“It’s always going to be a difficult match against Chelsea. They’re a good side, but it’s the FA Cup, we’re going to Wembley. Excited.
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“I had a good feeling, particularly before I came on, that there was going to be chances to make an impact.”
Farke eyes ‘unrealistic’ success
Leeds last played at Wembley two years ago when they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, before winning the division the following season to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Like Sunday’s opponents West Ham, they are still in a fight to secure their Premier League survival, with Farke’s side 15th, only four points above 18th-placed West Ham in the relegation zone.
“We still have to win our points in the Premier League, but this will give us confidence and belief and how it feels to deal with pressure – and these experiences are priceless,” said Farke.
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“As a manager, even if you are 2-0 up, you know in a split second the whole world can change. I never doubted my players and always believe in them. They had setbacks but found a way to celebrate.
“It will be a big night for us. Getting to the FA Cup semi-final is a great step for this club and a great reward for everyone connected with this club.
“I said [before] it’s not realistic [to win the FA Cup], but we want to achieve unrealistic goals and we are on the right path to doing this.”
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