Leeds United 2-2 Stoke City: Stoke win 5-4 on pens
- Published
Jack Butland made an error in the game but made up for it with his spot-kick heroics
Stoke City advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout win over Leeds to ease the pressure on manager Nathan Jones.
Jack Harrison missed the decisive penalty for Leeds after England goalkeeper Jack Butland - back in the Stoke City goal after being dropped for Saturday's league defeat against the same opponents - had put the visitors 5-4 up in the shootout.
Butland had previously allowed Leeds back into the game after striking a goal-kick against his own defender, allowing on-loan Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to halve a 2-0 deficit created by Danny Batth and Sam Vokes' quick-fire goals at the end of the first-half.
Helder Costa headed in Leif Davis' cross from close-range with ten minutes remaining to force the shootout, but Harrison fired his penalty against the post as Stoke went through.
The young hosts, who made eight changes from Saturday's match, exerted early pressure on a potentially vulnerable Stoke side, with Barry Douglas firing a half-volley narrowly over from just inside the box and Nketiah striking the post with a curling strike from distance.
However, they found themselves going into the break two down courtesy of Batth's powerful header from a Sam Clucas corner and Vokes' finish from Tyrese Campbell's strong run and cross.
Marcelo Bielsa responded by making three half-time changes, with the more experienced trio of Adam Forshaw, Jack Harrison and Ben White coming on for Jack Clarke, Alfie McCalmont and Jamie Shackleton as Leeds went on the offensive.
Butland's error, which came minutes after he had pulled off an excellent save to deny Mateusz Bogusz, put Stoke under immense pressure, and they succumbed when Helder Costa headed home to set up a nail-biting shootout.
Stoke, epitomised by Butland, were nerveless from the spot amid a raucous atmosphere at Elland Road as they continue their progress in a competition which has provided welcome respite from a disappointing start to the league season.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa:
"The team played better in the second half than we did in the first, but overall, we didn't play with enough clarity.
"We played much better in the second half. We had a physical difference in the team after the break."
Stoke City manager Nathan Jones:
"We played really well and had energy. We weathered the storm tonight and showed great character. When Leeds pen you in, it can be difficult to get out.
"The shank kick by Jack (Butland) gave them a chance and after that we showed real character. I think their subs at the break made a difference but we defended very well.
"I'm proud of the boys because they showed desire and bottle. They are a brave group."