Perri keeps Leeds alive as instinct overrules preparation in FA Cup shootout

• Lucas Perri makes decisive saves as Leeds edge Birmingham on penalties
• Goalkeeper forced to abandon notes and rely on instinct
• Victory restores confidence after difficult spell

Lucas Perri emerged as Leeds United’s unlikely hero as they survived a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round tie against Birmingham City, winning a penalty shootout despite the goalkeeper being unable to rely on his carefully prepared research.

The Brazilian had entered the shootout armed with a sheet detailing Birmingham players’ preferred penalty directions, only for that plan to unravel in the moment. With the hosts not displaying squad numbers on their shorts, Perri struggled to identify the takers as they stepped up.

“Unfortunately for the first two penalties, since they don’t have their numbers on their shorts, it was difficult for me to see,” Perri told TNT Sports. “And the third one, we didn’t know exactly where he would shoot, so I used instinct. I am happy to help the club.”

That instinct proved decisive. Perri denied Tommy Doyle with a strong save before watching Patrick Roberts blaze his effort over the crossbar, allowing Leeds to secure progress after Sean Longstaff converted the winning spot kick. Earlier, Lukas Nmecha’s second–half goal had been cancelled out by Roberts late on, forcing extra time and then penalties.

The performance marked a significant moment for Perri, who has endured an unsettled season since arriving as Leeds’ first choice goalkeeper following their promotion. Criticism after a January defeat to Newcastle saw Karl Darlow take over between the posts, but manager Daniel Farke restored Perri for the FA Cup and was rewarded with a commanding display.

He made a superb first half stop to deny Jay Stansfield and remained composed throughout a tense afternoon before delivering when it mattered most.

Longstaff praised his teammate’s resilience. “Lucas was excellent. He was massive in the shootout, but also in the whole game. He made two or three massive saves,” he said. “Any time you go away in the FA Cup, people expect an easy win, but it’s never like that. They were excellent. I’m really happy for Lucas. It’s been up and down.”

For Perri, the shootout heroics represented both personal vindication and a timely boost of belief. “It’s always good to have a good game,” he said. “The most important confidence is to have with myself. It doesn’t depend on the result, but obviously it’s nice to have a game like this. I hope to keep going.”

Leeds march into the fifth round having navigated a stern test, with their goalkeeper’s nerve and intuition proving the difference on a gripping afternoon.