Leeds United took the lead in the fourth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup thanks to a goal from Lucas Nmecha, but conceded an equalizer in the second half. However, they ultimately prevailed 4-2 on penalties to advance to the round of 16. Leeds United manager Daniel Falk said the match was more intense than the team anticipated, but he was proud of his players' performance.

In the 49th minute of the second half, Okafor passed the ball to Lucas Nmecha, who then slotted it into the net from inside the box, giving Leeds United a 1-0 lead. In the 89th minute, Patrick Roberts scored to level the score at 1-1 for Birmingham.

With the score tied after regulation time, the match went to penalties. Joel Piro, Calvert-Lewin, Brendon Allensen, and Longstaff all scored in the penalty shootout. Ultimately, Leeds United defeated Birmingham City 4-2 to advance to the round of 16.

Leeds United manager Daniel Falk said, "First of all, I want to congratulate and praise Birmingham. They gave us a very difficult game. As expected, they played exceptionally well at home. Everyone could feel the team was in great form. The atmosphere in the stadium was very intense, and everyone was fully engaged."

"Without a doubt, Birmingham played better in the first half and should have taken the lead. When you can't control possession and the tempo of the game, you can be at a disadvantage in physical duels, and that was the case in the first half. There weren't many positive factors in the first half, but it's worth noting that despite being at a disadvantage, we still found a way to keep a clean sheet, and Lucas Perry made a couple of very good saves."

Daniel Falk pointed out, "In the second half, we changed our formation and brought on captain Ethan Ampadu to enhance our physical strength. We also adjusted our basic formation and overall style of play. Through these changes, we gradually regained control. We did better in both pressing and possession."

“Lucas Nmecha scored a brilliant goal, but Birmingham kept the score close. It was a very tight and competitive game, more intense than I expected, but we eventually found a way to win, and I want to give high praise to the players for that.”

In addition, when talking about goalkeeper Lucas Perry's performance, Daniel Falk said, "I am very happy for him. He fully deserves to be the focus of today's discussion. He is a very intelligent and thoughtful player."

“The last few weeks have not been easy for him, and he has also suffered two injuries in the past few months. But this game is the best way for him to regain his confidence and rhythm. He deserves praise and is fully deserving of the spotlight.”

Image source: Internet