Sheffield Wednesday pulled off a massive upset by defeating Leeds United 3-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the EFL Carabao Cup second-round Yorkshire derby on August 26, 2025, at Hillsborough Stadium.
Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath starred with two saves, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed high for Leeds.
The win came amid a fan boycott protesting owner Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement, with only 7,801 attendees—fewer than Leeds’ 3,000 away fans.
This triumph lifts spirits for the troubled Championship side as of 10:45 AM IST today, Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
The game started evenly, with both teams making nine changes from their league openers.
Sheffield Wednesday, fielding a youthful squad with an average outfield age of 20—including five academy teenagers—held firm against Leeds’ possession dominance (80%).
Jamal Lowe’s cross led to Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s calamitous own goal in the 63rd minute, giving Wednesday the lead.
Leeds fought back, equalizing in the 81st minute when substitute Jayden Bogle slotted home from Willy Gnonto’s assist.
Extra time yielded no goals, leading to penalties where Horvath saved from Joël Piroe and Sean Longstaff, and Calvert-Lewin blazed over.
Barry Bannan and Ike Ugbo scored for Wednesday, with Liam Palmer sealing it. BBC Sport noted Leeds’ 25 shots but Wednesday’s resilience.
Key Players and Performances
Horvath, on his home debut, made crucial stops, including a double save on Noah Okafor, earning man-of-the-match honors.
Lowe captained the young side, nearly scoring a free-kick, while debutants Cole McGhee and George Brown showed promise before Gabriel Otegbayo’s halftime injury.
For Leeds, Bogle’s equalizer highlighted their fight, but Calvert-Lewin wasted three point-blank chances.
Manager Daniel Farke rotated heavily, introducing £50m summer signings, but the Premier League side faltered under pressure.
Fan Boycott and Club Crisis
The low crowd stemmed from a boycott urged by the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust to protest Chansiri’s ownership.
Fans, facing unpaid wages for the third month, player exodus, manager Danny Röhl’s departure, and EFL transfer embargoes, donated ticket money to Sheffield Children’s Hospital instead.
North and East stands closed partially, creating an away-like atmosphere. Trust chair Ian Bennett told Sky Sports, “We are trying to starve the owner of any ready cash… We would like him to sell up and go.”
Protests included prior banners like “Enough is Enough” and a mock funeral procession.
EFL urged Chansiri to fund or sell the club fairly. Despite the boycott, attending fans and watch parties celebrated the upset, showing unity.
Manager Reactions
Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen beamed with pride, telling Sky Sports, “Really, really proud. How they stayed together… big respect to our boys.” He hailed the “hunger and big heart” of his young squad.
Farke apologized to Leeds fans, saying, “It hurts as we were the favourites… You feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side.
We want to say sorry to our fans who made the trip.” He called Darlow’s own goal a “calamity” but praised Wednesday’s spirit.
Fan Reactions on X
Social media buzzed with surprise and support. One fan tweeted, “Troubled Sheffield Wednesday stunned Leeds United on penalties… The Premier League side missed all their penalties to lose 3-0 in the shootout after drawing 1-1”.
Others praised Horvath’s heroics, with posts like “Ethan Horvath is the hero! Owls advance despite the chaos off the pitch.”
The boycott trended, mixing joy at the win with calls for Chansiri’s exit.
What’s Next?
Wednesday advances to the third round, drawn live on Sky Sports post-Grimsby vs Manchester United.
Ties play September 15-22. Leeds focus on Premier League recovery after their opener loss.
For Wednesday, the upset boosts morale amid crisis, but fans demand change. The EFL Cup 2025 highlights underdog stories, with this derby a standout.
Stay tuned for more EFL Cup action!