The FA Cup semifinal draw has been finalized. The last team to secure a semifinal spot was Leeds United. Led by Japan national team midfielder Tanaka Ao's opening goal, Leeds beat West Ham United 4-2 on penalties after an extended battle in extra time, reaching the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in 39 years.
Leeds faced West Ham United in the quarterfinal held on the 6th (Korean time). In the 26th minute of the first half, Tanaka's left-footed opening goal put them ahead, and in the second half Calvert-Lewin extended the lead with a penalty kick. They wobbled after conceding an equalizer late in the match, but ultimately prevailed in the penalty shootout. Tanaka, whose playing time had recently diminished, proved his worth in the most important match.
Immediately after Leeds' victory, the semifinal draw was held, and Leeds were paired with Chelsea. The other semifinal was set as a clash between Manchester City and Southampton.
The Chelsea-Leeds match draws attention as a traditional rivalry. Leeds will challenge for a first final appearance in 39 years, and Chelsea looked like a title contender after thrashing Port Vale 7-0 to reach the semifinals.
On the opposite side of the draw, Manchester City is considered the strongest favorite. Manchester City reached the semifinals by routing Liverpool 4-0 in the quarterfinal. Their opponent is Southampton, the biggest upset story of this tournament. Southampton beat Arsenal 2-1, shattering Arsenal's last hope of pursuing the quadruple.
Arsenal, shaken by the League Cup final defeat and FA Cup elimination, will now focus solely on the Premier League and European competitions.
The two FA Cup semifinal matches for the 2025-2026 season will be held at Wembley Stadium on the 25th and 26th. Chelsea vs. Leeds, Manchester City vs. Southampton. Only one step remains to the threshold of the title.
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