‘Never Had The Opportunity’ – Leeds United Star Opens Up On Result Importance
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admitted that he is relishing the prospect of playing at Wembley for the first time in his club career after helping Leeds United secure their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The Whites reached the last four of the competition for the first time since 1987 following a dramatic 2-2 draw and subsequent 4-2 penalty shootout victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The club have endured a testing campaign in the league of late, recording three draws and two losses in their last five Premier League fixtures, yet their FA Cup run has provided a timely source of momentum and belief at Elland Road.
Calvert-Lewin was back amongst the goals with two penalties, converting one in normal time and another in the shootout, as the club prevailed in a memorable quarter-final encounter in the capital.
The 29-year-old forward admitted that the nature of the tournament ensures every fixture presents a significant hurdle regardless of the opposition.
The former Everton man noted that he viewed the match against the Hammers as a vital opportunity to finally secure a club outing at Wembley, a feat he has never achieved before.
Calvert-Lewin also praised the mental fortitude shown by the team to regroup after conceding two goals in stoppage time and ultimately secure their passage through a shootout.
The striker said via Leeds United’s official site: “It is always going to be a difficult match, good side but it is the FA Cup.
“I have lost my voice a little bit but yes, excited.
“I have never had the opportunity to play at Wembley for a club before so for me it was a big, big chance today.
“Thankfully we stuck in there and got the win.”
Daniel Farke’s men are now preparing for a demanding schedule in the league that includes a return to action against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 13th April, followed by a home fixture against Wolves on 18th April.
The top-flight commitments precede the highly anticipated semi-final meeting against Chelsea at Wembley on 25th April, which marks the first time the Elland Road outfit have reached the last four of the FA Cup in 39 years.
The Whites will start as underdogs in the tie.
Leeds legend Jon Newsome though feels there is no reason for the Whites to fear Chelsea, while Tony Dorigo believes the togetherness of Farke’s men gives them an advantage.
The opportunity to compete for silverware at the national stadium marks a major step forward for the Whites, who remain on course to emulate the legendary 1972 cup-winning side as they look to conclude the season on a high.
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