Leeds United advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after defeating Birmingham City 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri made crucial saves, including one in the shootout, to secure the victory at St Andrew’s. The match highlighted strong performances from both sides in the fourth-round clash.
The FA Cup fourth-round match between Championship side Birmingham City and Premier League team Leeds United ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Leeds progressing via penalties on February 15, 2026, at St Andrew’s.
Leeds took the lead in the 49th minute through Lukas Nmecha, who finished a through-ball from Noah Okafor past goalkeeper Ryan Allsop. Birmingham leveled the score in the 89th minute with a long-range strike from Patrick Roberts, which took a deflection off James Justin. In the seventh minute of added time, Ibrahim Osman hit the post for Birmingham, but no further goals came in extra time.
The penalty shootout saw drama unfold. Perri, Leeds' goalkeeper who joined from Lyon in July, saved Tommy Doyle’s effort and saw Roberts send his shot over the bar. Birmingham's Jay Stansfield and Marvin Ducksch scored, but Leeds converted all four penalties, with Sean Longstaff scoring the decisive one.
Perri noted the challenge in the shootout: “We had a video but unfortunately, for the first two penalties, they didn’t have the numbers on the shorts so it was difficult for me to see.” He added about Doyle’s penalty: “For the third one, we didn’t know exactly where he would shoot. So I went with instinct and I’m happy to help the club.”
Longstaff praised Perri: “Lucas was excellent today... two or three massive saves.” Earlier, Perri tipped Jay Stansfield’s first-half drive onto the woodwork.
Birmingham made six changes due to injuries, including midfielder Paik Seung-ho’s shoulder issue, which manager Chris Davies called “concerning because he’s a massive player.” Leeds also rotated six players, resting those returning from injury.
Birmingham entered on an eight-match unbeaten run, while Leeds had one defeat in six games. Historically, Leeds have progressed from four of five FA Cup ties against Birmingham.
The fifth-round draw is on February 16. Birmingham next face Norwich City in the Championship, and Leeds visit Aston Villa in the Premier League.
