Leeds United crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to a youthful Sheffield Wednesday side in one of the shocks of the round. The Premier League club dominated possession but could not convert their superiority, and in the end, it was the Championship strugglers who celebrated a famous win at Hillsborough.
The Owls, battling financial uncertainty and fan unrest, named a squad largely made up of academy graduates, with the average age of their outfield players just 20. Despite this inexperience, they displayed spirit and resilience throughout. For debutants Cole McGhee and George Brown, it was an unforgettable baptism under the Hillsborough lights.
Leeds looked set for a straightforward night after fielding several summer signings worth over £50m, yet the tie turned against them in the second half. A nightmare moment for goalkeeper Karl Darlow handed Wednesday the lead, as he spilled Jamal Lowe’s angled effort into his own net. That calamity breathed life into the home side and gave them belief.
Wednesday’s goalkeeper Ethan Horvath was central to the upset. He produced a stunning double save to deny Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto as Leeds pushed forward desperately. Eventually, Leeds found a way back when Gnonto set up Jayden Bogle for a low finish in the 81st minute, forcing the game into penalties after Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed chances late on.
The shootout brought high drama. Horvath saved from Joël Piroe and Sean Longstaff, while Calvert-Lewin ballooned his effort over the bar. The Owls converted calmly, sealing a 3-1 shootout victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the small but vocal crowd of 7,801.
For Wednesday, it was a moment of pride and unity after a turbulent summer that included staff payment delays, transfer restrictions, and continued protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri. Many fans had boycotted the fixture, but those who attended witnessed a night that will be remembered for years.
Leeds, on the other hand, were left embarrassed. Manager Daniel Farke admitted his side had fallen short, citing the number of changes but also acknowledging the disappointment of losing to such an inexperienced opponent. He apologised to travelling supporters, conceding that the result was unacceptable for a Premier League side.
For the Owls, the result represents hope that spirit and hunger can still triumph over financial and structural difficulties, while Leeds are left to regroup after a humbling exit.
