Leeds have kept their hopes of a first FA Cup triumph since 1972 alive with a narrow victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s men went into the fixture as favourites given their status as a Premier League club.
They went ahead through Lukas Nmecha in the 49th minute, with the 27-year-old converting after good work from Noah Okafor.
However, Birmingham were able to force extra-time when Patrick Roberts’ deflected strike sailed into the net.
In that period, both sides missed chances.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin came close to firing Leeds through, only to see his effort saved at the death.
With nothing to separate the two teams, it was left to the dreaded penalty shootout to decide which of the sides would be in Monday’s draw for the fifth round.
Patrick Roberts scored at the death to force extra-time in Birmingham’s match with Leeds
|GETTY
The first four spot-kicks were all scored, only making the atmosphere inside St Andrew’s even more tense.
However, the fifth penalty of the shootout ultimately swung the pendulum in Leeds’ favour.
Tommy Doyle, who had enjoyed a terrific match in the middle of the park for Birmingham, saw his effort saved by Lucas Perri – with the Leeds star diving to his right to spark wild celebrations in the away end.
Sean Longstaff seals the win for Leeds on penalties! 💥
And breathe…
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2026
Brenden Aaronson then stepped up and kept his composure to put the visitors 3-2 up.
Birmingham proceeded to squander another of their efforts from 12 yards to their peril, however.
Roberts, who had done so well to force another 30 minutes with his deflected strike at the end of normal time, fired his effort over the bar.
Sean Longstaff when duly stepped up to fire Leeds through.
For Birmingham, this defeat will sting. Chris Davies’ men pushed their Premier League opponents all the way, managing 17 shots across the match with five of them on target.
They also edged the possession stats, too, with the visitors forced to dig deep at times.
But Leeds are a Premier League team for a reason and, when the pressure was on, they were able to step up.
Lucas Perri saved from Tommy Doyle in the shootout as Leeds beat Birmingham to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup
|GETTY
Former Birmingham star Clinton Morrison, reacting to the result, expressed sympathy for Roberts after the Blues ace had fired his effort over the bar.
“It’s a bad penalty from Patrick Roberts. He’ll be heartbroken,” he said.
“Birmingham were outstanding. That shows if they do get promoted they can compete.
“You never like to see teams knocked out on penalties but good luck to Leeds in the next round.”