Pascal Struijk relishes Wembley second chance as Leeds draw Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Pascal Struijk says Leeds United’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea will be a second chance at Wembley after past heartbreak, and his first time playing there. He sent Leeds through by burying the decisive penalty in the shootout at West Ham.

As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds raced 2-0 up at the London Stadium before the Hammers levelled to force extra time. Lucas Perri saved two penalties, then Struijk sealed a 4-2 shootout win.

Wild celebrations followed as the players sprinted to the far end to join around 9,000 travelling supporters.

Struijk called the moment incredible, saying the players and fans were ready for it and that the club deserved a second chance at Wembley. Having missed the last visit through injury, he said finally stepping onto that pitch will feel special.

He spoke of the relief after 120 minutes and a setback before extra time, adding that sometimes winning in that way might even be better.

Just before speaking in the mixed zone he learned Chelsea await on the weekend of 25 April. He said he thinks a home win over Chelsea and a fightback to draw at Stamford Bridge after going two down give Leeds confidence, and they will go with nothing to lose.

The 26-year-old arrived from Ajax on a free in 2018. His eight years have spanned Marcelo Bielsa’s behind-closed-doors title, a Premier League debut, and a stint at left-back under Sam Allardyce during relegation.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk