Sean Longstaff scored the decisive spot-kick as Leeds edged into the FA Cup last 16, beating Birmingham 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Patrick Roberts came off the bench to fire an 89th-minute equaliser, cancelling out Lukas Nmecha’s second-half opener. But Leeds kept their composure in the shootout.
Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson and Longstaff all converted for Leeds. Tommy Doyle saw his effort saved for Birmingham, while Roberts blasted over the bar.
Leeds survived a fierce first-half spell before Nmecha’s thunderous finish early in the second half looked set to send them through. Roberts’ late strike, which deflected off James Justin, forced extra time.
Daniel Farke’s side, who won 3-1 at Derby in the previous round, will now target a first FA Cup quarter-final since 2002-03.
Birmingham nearly struck after 11 minutes when Jay Stansfield’s rising drive forced Lucas Perri into a superb fingertip save onto the crossbar.
Home fans unveiled a ‘get well’ banner for chairman Tom Wagner, who is recovering from a stroke, and applauded in the 13th minute in tribute to their American owner. Leeds also sent their best wishes on X before kick-off.
The Blues dominated the opening 20 minutes. Jhon Solis and Kai Wagner tested Perri, while Christoph Klarer saw a header blocked. Perri then produced another full-length save to deny Demarai Gray just before the break.
Leeds improved after the interval. Captain Ethan Ampadu replaced Facundo Buonanotte, and within four minutes the visitors led.
Klarer lost possession on the edge of the area, allowing Nmecha to smash home his seventh goal of the season. It marked Leeds’ second shot on target.
Birmingham responded with urgency. Stansfield fired wide, August Priske saw an effort blocked, and the hosts won a series of corners.
Leeds carried greater threat on the counter, but Roberts struck late to level the tie. His shot from distance took a deflection and flew past Perri.
Calvert-Lewin, who replaced Nmecha, nearly won it in normal time, but a deflection sent his effort over. In a frantic finale, Ibrahim Osman hit the post and Kanya Fujimoto’s follow-up was blocked.
Osman missed another chance at the far post in extra time. At the other end, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin and Ampadu all went close as the tie swung from end to end before penalties settled it.
