Birmingham 1-1 Leeds United (2-4 pens): Whites progress after penalty shootout at St. Andrew’s
Leeds United edged past Birmingham in a tight FA Cup fourth-round tie at St. Andrew’s, advancing to the fifth round after a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. The game delivered drama late on and a crucial save that swung the shootout in Leeds’ favour, leaving the hosts to rue missed chances in front of a large travelling contingent.
Late drama and a shootout decided by a key save
The match finished level after 120 minutes, with Birmingham taking an early lead through a composed finish from their forward before Leeds hauled themselves back into the contest. In extra time both sides pushed for a decisive goal, with a couple of nervy moments at either end, but neither could find the winner.
The shootout proved to be the decisive chapter. Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri produced a match-turning stop, denying one of Birmingham’s spot-kicks and giving his side the platform to convert enough penalties to win 4-2. Perri, reflecting on the aftermath, described the team’s effort as an “incredible fight” and praised the collective performance that carried them through.
Birmingham frustrated despite control for long periods
Birmingham will be left disappointed. Observers at the ground judged the hosts to have been the better side for large portions of the 120 minutes, creating chances and pressing Leeds, but ultimately they could not convert that dominance into a winning goal. The sense of frustration was palpable in and around St. Andrew’s as home supporters contemplated what might have been.
From the opening whistle the hosts looked organised and dangerous in the final third, but a combination of resolute defending, timely intervention from the visitors’ keeper and a handful of wayward attempts kept the scores level until the penalty shootout. When it came down to spot-kicks, a miss and a crucial save proved decisive.
Supporters, logistics and what’s next
The fixture attracted a sizeable away contingent, with more than 5, 000 fans making the journey to the Midlands. Supporters were encouraged to arrive well ahead of kick-off — ideally at least 60 minutes before the match — and to follow steward and policing instructions around road closures and stewarding. The heavy away presence added to the voltage inside the stadium as both sets of fans played their part in a classic cup atmosphere.
For Leeds, progression means a fifth-round tie and the chance to build momentum in both cup and league competitions. For Birmingham, attention quickly returns to the league, where consistency and finishing will be central if they are to avoid more cup heartbreak. Both teams will take different lessons from a fixture that had everything a traditional cup tie should: tension, drama and a final that was settled only from 12 yards.
Match notes: St. Andrew’s hosted the fourth-round tie, which finished 1-1 after extra time before Leeds won the penalty shootout 4-2. Key moments included the hosts’ opener, a late response from the visitors, and a decisive save in the shootout that swung the tie.
