FA Cup Semifinal Draw: Leeds Win 4-2 on Penalties to Face Chelsea at Wembley

Manchester City will face Southampton while Leeds United meet Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinal following a weekend of high-scoring results and penalty drama.

Manchester City secured a 4-0 victory over Liverpool to set up an FA Cup semifinal clash against Southampton, who advanced after a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening. The FA Cup semifinal draw also paired Chelsea, 7-0 winners against League One side Port Vale, with Leeds United. These high-stakes matchups are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. Leeds United booked their spot in the final four by defeating West Ham United 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.

Leeds United reached their first FA Cup semifinal in 39 years after surviving a late comeback from West Ham. Despite appearing to be cruising toward a win in regulation, the visitors conceded two late goals to the hosts, forcing the match into extra time. Following 30 scoreless minutes of additional play, the contest was decided from the penalty spot. Leeds converted four of their attempts to win the shootout 4-2. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Sky Bet Championship promotion hopefuls, whose path to the semifinals was analyzed by Don Hutchison and Nedum Onuoha following the dramatic conclusion in London.

Seven-time FA Cup winners Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 to earn their passage to the last-four. Pep Guardiola’s side is now bidding to reach the final for the fourth consecutive season. This pursuit follows a period of mixed results at this stage for the club; since their last trophy win in 2023, the Cityzens have suffered semifinal exits at the hands of Manchester United and Crystal Palace respectively. Their upcoming opponents, Southampton, reached this stage by producing a shock 2-1 result against Arsenal. The Saints will enter the Wembley tie looking to replicate the success of their 1976 campaign.

Chelsea entered the FA Cup semifinal draw on the back of a dominant performance, hitting seven goals past Port Vale without reply. The Londoners have won the FA Cup on eight occasions and now face a historic rival in Leeds United. This fixture serves as a rematch of the famous 1970 FA Cup final. That original meeting required a replay before Chelsea eventually secured the trophy. While Leeds arrives at Wembley as a Championship side, Chelsea carries the momentum of their 7-0 thrashing of lower-league opposition. The scheduling for these fixtures ensures a weekend of knockout soccer, with games split across the final Saturday and Sunday of April.

Southampton’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners on Saturday evening established them as a formidable underdog in the bracket. Their ability to navigate a tight match against top-flight opposition contrasts with Manchester City’s offensive display in their four-goal win over Liverpool. Meanwhile, West Ham’s late surge at the London Stadium nearly derailed Leeds United's ambitions, but the Championship side's composure during the 4-2 penalty victory preserved their postseason hopes. The inclusion of information from PA highlights the historical weight of these ties, particularly for a Leeds side that has waited nearly four decades to return to this stage of the competition. Chelsea’s pursuit of a ninth title remains a central storyline as the tournament moves to its neutral-site conclusion at Wembley.

The 4-0 scoreline at the Etihad Stadium underscored a tactical masterclass by the reigning champions, who limited Liverpool's attacking output throughout the ninety minutes. This result ensures that the blue half of Manchester remains in contention for domestic silverware, while the Reds must turn their attention back to league duties. Southampton's progression, fueled by a one-goal margin over Arsenal, proves that the South Coast club can dismantle elite defensive structures when playing under the lights on a Saturday night. Their upcoming trip to the national stadium represents a chance to disrupt the established order of the Premier League's top tier.

Leeds United's 4-2 success from twelve yards out followed 120 minutes of grueling physical exertion in East London. The 2-2 scoreline at the end of regulation time reflected a match of shifting momentum, where West Ham's resilience forced the visitors to dig deep into their tactical reserves. By converting four penalties, the Yorkshire club demonstrated a psychological edge that will be vital when they face a Chelsea squad that recently scored seven times in a single outing. The gap between the Championship and the top flight will be tested when these two sides meet on the Wembley turf.

Statistically, Chelsea's 7-0 demolition of Port Vale stands as one of the most lopsided results in the recent history of the competition's later rounds. This offensive explosion provides a stark contrast to the gritty 2-1 win managed by Southampton against Arsenal. Each of the four remaining teams has navigated a unique path to the semifinals, ranging from penalty shootout drama to high-scoring shutouts. The April 25 and 26 dates are now fixed in the footballing calendar as the penultimate step toward crowning a new champion in the world's oldest knockout tournament.

Don Hutchison noted that the 39-year wait for Leeds fans adds an emotional layer to the upcoming clash with Chelsea. The 1970 final replay is often cited as one of the most physical matches in English history, and while modern rules have changed, the rivalry remains potent. Nedum Onuoha highlighted Manchester City's consistency, pointing out that reaching four straight semifinals is a feat rarely achieved in the modern era. Southampton's role as the giant-killer will be the primary narrative as they prepare to face a City team that has already dispatched Liverpool with ease. The tactical battle between Guardiola and the Saints' coaching staff will determine if a major upset is possible on the Wembley grass.