Yorkshire | Sheffield Wednesday stun Leeds United

Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 0 Leeds United (Sheffield Wednesday win 3-0 on penalties)

Sheffield Wednesday delivered a shock in the Carabao Cup, knocking out Leeds United on penalties after the Premier League side failed to convert a single spot-kick in a shootout defeat.

Author | Oliver W

Stadium | Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday on the attack

The Yorkshire derby had swung in both directions, with Jamal Lowe giving Wednesday the lead before substitute Jayden Bogle equalised late on. In front of just 7,801 at Hillsborough, Henrik Pedersen’s youthful side, average age 21, produced a defiant display.

Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, on loan from Cardiff, was outstanding, making fine saves in normal time and stopping two penalties as Dominic Calvert-Lewin also blazed over, sealing a memorable upset.

Troubled Wednesday show fight

These are turbulent days for Sheffield Wednesday, yet their youthful side produced a performance full of resilience to humble Daniel Farke’s Leeds.

Supporters continue to call for Thai owner Dejphon Chansiri to sell, with wages unpaid for a third consecutive month and the club sanctioned repeatedly by the EFL. Financial strain has left Wednesday tipped to struggle in the Championship, but this display offered hope that the players have the spirit to defy expectations.

Against a Leeds team packed with top-flight recruits, Henrik Pedersen’s side fought bravely and are deservedly in the next round of the competition.

James Whaling, a Wednesday fan, told us: “I hated not being there, but I supported the boycott. It doesn’t mean I’m not delighted for those young players. I really hope for an away draw as I don’t want to miss another game.”

Penalties in front of an empty Kop

A difficult night for Leeds United

For Leeds it proved a frustrating night, not least for new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The former Everton striker has a strong record in this competition, with 12 goals in 16 appearances, but this was an outing to forget.

He ought to have settled it in stoppage time, only to fire wide with the goal at his mercy, and was then thwarted twice by Horvath. His evening ended in further disappointment when, at a ground where Leeds had not lost since 2017, he sent his penalty soaring over the bar in the decisive shootout.

Pete, a Leeds fan, was frustrated with the result and performance, saying: “I can only hope the team finds its rhythm again before the Newcastle game. Best of luck to Wednesday, and here is hoping the issues off the pitch are resolved soon.”