Leeds United's FA Cup journey came to an abrupt end this weekend as they were defeated by Millwall at Elland Road. A brace from Femi Azeez secured the victory for the visitors, marking Leeds' first home loss since September. The Whites struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, delivering an uncharacteristically lackluster performance. Manager Daniel Farke made nine changes to the starting lineup, providing opportunities for fringe players to prove their worth. However, only Sam Chambers and Isaac Schmidt emerged with any significant credit.

Azeez opened the scoring for Millwall after half an hour, cutting in from the left and unleashing a shot that took a deflection off Josuha Guilavogui, leaving goalkeeper Karl Darlow rooted to the spot. Moments earlier, Azeez rattled the crossbar, followed by Luke Cundle heading the rebound wide with the goal at his mercy.

Leeds attempted to mount a comeback, however, their attacking efforts left gaps in defense, which Millwall were able to exploit. In the 55th minute, De Norre teed up Azeez, who cut back and beat Darlow at the near post, extending Millwall's lead. The Whites responded immediately, winning a penalty when Luke Cundle fouled Largie Ramazani. However, Pascal Struijk's tame effort from the penalty spot was saved by Roberts, further dampening Leeds' hopes of a comeback.

With a two-goal lead, Millwall adopted a defensive approach, frustrating the Leeds forwards for the remainder of the match. Despite the disappointing result, Leeds fans may not be too disheartened, as automatic promotion remains the club's top priority this season. The FA Cup exit may allow the team to focus their efforts on achieving their primary goal in the Championship.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper
	33	Schmidt, Isaac Defender
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	5	Struijk, Pascal Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	8	Rothwell, Joe Midfielder
	23	Guilavogui, Josuha Midfielder
	17	Ramazani, Largie Midfielder
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	42	Chambers, Sam Midfielder
	19	Joseph, Mateo Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	22	Tanaka, Ao Midfielder
	14	Solomon, Manor Midfielder
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	10	Piroe, Joel Forward
	37	Debayo, James Defender
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	2	Bogle, Jayden Defender		Unused Sub
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder		Unused Sub
	11	Aaronson, Brenden Midfielder		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2024/2025
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2024-25
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2024/25