Leeds threw away a two-goal lead in second-half injury time and conceded two disallowed goals in extra time before going on to beat West Ham in a penalty shootout and reach the FA Cup semi finals for the first time since 1987.
Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi struck in the 93rd and 96th minutes as West Ham levelled the score at 2-2 at London Stadium and forced extra time, which saw no more goals before Leeds won the penalty shootout 4-2.
In the shootout, West Ham debutant Finlay Herrick saved a penalty from Joel Piroe but Leeds eventually prevailed with Pascal Struijk scoring the winning penalty.
READ MORE: Broncos rocked as star trio ruled out for weeks
READ MORE: Trophy mishap puts dampener on Kings NBL celebrations
READ MORE: Joey fires up amid calls for Dragons coach to be axed
And when asked if his side could go all the way in the FA Cup, manager Daniel Farke admitted, “I said [in the past] it’s not realistic.”
“We want to achieve unrealistic goals, and we are on the right path to do this.
“Step by step we want to celebrate a few more points in the Premier League.
The Leeds team watch on during the penalty shootout. Offside via Getty Images
“We will be the underdog, that’s for sure. It’s a big name and a side full of top players. For that we are the underdog, but we have written history,” Farke added.
“Nobody expected us to go through to the semi final. And, of course, we are greedy to go to the next step.
“My focus now is on the Premier League. We are on such a good path and want to make sure we can celebrate there.
“If we have a chance to play a second time at Wembley in the FA Cup this season we want to grab the chance with both hands.”
West Ham had been the most attacking team in extra time with two goals ruled out for offside.
Football’s new home, Stan Sport, is the only place to watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, WSL, European World Cup qualifiers, J.League, NSWL and K League
Leeds United celebrate their victory in the penalty shootout. Offside via Getty Images
The 20-year-old Herrick came on as a replacement for Alphonse Areola, who left the field during extra time to receive treatment.
Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had previously built a 2-0 lead for Leeds.
Leeds will play Chelsea in the semi finals in a repeat of the 1970 FA Cup final, which Chelsea won after a replay.
Manchester City and second-tier Southampton meet in the other semi final match with games to be played at Wembley.
The draw was held after Leeds’ victory.