Blues substitute Patrick Roberts struck an 89th-minute equaliser to cancel out Lukas Nmecha’s second-half strike but Leeds held their nerve in the shootout. Leeds quartet Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson and Longstaff all converted, while Tommy Doyle’s effort for Birmingham was saved and Roberts fired his effort over the crossbar. After Leeds had ridden a first-half storm, Nmecha’s thumping finish soon after the restart looked set to send them through, but Roberts’ late equaliser forced extra time. Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu replaced the ineffective Facundo Buonanotte at the interval and the visitors took the lead within four minutes of the restart. It was Leeds’ second effort on target.

Source: Express February 15, 2026 15:09 UTC