Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 6 April 2026 11:07, UK

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Jaka Bijol was in stunning form on Sunday as Leeds United beat West Ham United on penalties to reach the FA Cup semi-final.

The Whites had been two goals ahead as normal time drew to an end, with Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having scored either side of the break.

But Leeds looked nervous when Mateus Fernandes tapped in the rebound from Jarrod Bowen’s shot, and Axel Disasi got on the end of Adama Traore’s cross for the equaliser just minutes later.

Lucas Perri had looked shaky throughout the game but he would ultimately be the hero of the shootout, saving from Bowen and Pablo.

Leeds’ form had been worrisome before Sunday’s result, but they now await a trip to Wembley Stadium to play Chelsea for a place in the FA Cup final.

Jaka Bijol’s stunning stats vs West Ham

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Leeds will not accept a cut-price deal for Bijol this summer amid mounting interest elsewhere.

The 27-year-old arrived at Elland Road last season in a deal worth around £15million from Udinese and has proven himself to be a superb addition.

After initially struggling to get into the team, Bijol has since become a key man for Daniel Farke, and he showed why on Sunday.

The Slovenia international made a staggering 12 clearances throughout the game, also making two blocks and six recoveries.

In the duel, Bijol was imperious, winning all but two of the duels he contested. On the ball, his passing left a lot to be desired, although he still managed to complete three long balls.

The defender did not give away a single free-kick throughout the match, instead drawing four fouls himself.

Leeds’ man would have been frustrated not to win in normal time, but he was key to getting them to penalties.

Leeds to fight Bijol interest

Leeds find themselves in a strong position when it comes to Bijol this summer, despite mounting interest.

The defender is under contract until 2030, and is unlikely to attempt to force his way away from Elland Road.

Interest from the likes of Liverpool is more of a testament to the fine player Leeds signed last summer.

The 27-year-old has proven himself a fighter and a supreme defender, who will be key to any chances of delivering just the second FA Cup in Leeds history.