Millwall advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2019, courtesy of a Femi Azeez double and a remarkable penalty save from Liam Roberts in a 2-0 win over a rotated Leeds United at Elland Road.
Azeez opened the scoring in the first half of the all-Championship clash, capitalizing on a deflection to beat goalkeeper Karl Darlow. After the break, the midfielder struck again, firing a long-range effort past Darlow to double Millwall’s lead.
Leeds, the Championship leaders, made ten changes from their previous league victory against Coventry, with Ethan Ampadu the only starter retained. Despite creating numerous chances, they struggled to find a clinical edge in the final third. Their best opportunity to narrow the deficit came from a penalty, but Roberts made a stunning low save to deny Pascal Struijk, preserving Millwall’s two-goal advantage.
The Lions, under the guidance of Alex Neil, showcased discipline and resilience to record their fourth consecutive win across all competitions, ending Leeds’ 15-game unbeaten streak.
Missed Opportunities for Leeds
Leeds, who remain five points clear at the top of the league with only three losses in 31 matches, looked unsteady with their heavily rotated lineup. While Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Rothwell, and debutant Sam Chambers all tested Roberts, none could find the back of the net.
Leeds also contributed to their own struggles, with both of Azeez’s goals originating from errors in possession. Azeez nearly had a third before halftime when his effort hit the crossbar, but Luke Cundle failed to convert the rebound with a close-range header.
Millwall’s Defensive Brilliance
Azeez’s second goal, only his third of the season, came ten minutes into the second half. Roberts then cemented his status as the hero of the night with a spectacular diving save to deny Struijk’s penalty, awarded after Cundle’s foul on Gnonto.
From that moment, Millwall expertly managed the game, denying Leeds any further chances to mount a comeback. The Lions’ impressive display sends them into the next round with momentum and confidence.