Brazilian ace Lucas Perri wants to beat Chelsea and some old friends in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final as Leeds United aim to reach the Wembley final
Daniel Farke aims to lead Leeds to their first FA Cup final since 1972
Lucas Perry thinks he will feel at home when Leeds face Chelsea in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final – because Wembley reminds him of the Maracanã.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been one of the team’s heroes in this season’s competitions. Peri’s penalty save in a dramatic shootout against West Ham helped keep Leeds’ FA Cup dreams alive. And Perry is now relishing the opportunity to be out in a stadium he believes rivals the iconic one in Rio where he has played.
Perri returned to Brazil and grew up watching English football on television, paying particular attention to the world’s oldest club competition.
He said: “I’m happy to be able to help the team with the opportunity I’ve been given and of course I’m looking forward to the semi-finals. It’s going to be like playing in the Maracanã and it’s going to be an incredible experience.”
“I remember watching the FA Cup, the Premier League and all of English football. I know the importance of this competition.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke insists it is unrealistic for his side to win the FA Cup and earn a surprise return to European competition.
But Perry begs to be different and dreams boldly.
“It’s going to be incredible for the club and we want it. It’s going to be a difficult game, but we can do it,” he said.
“We have to believe because anything is possible in football and this journey in the cup has been incredible.”
Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perrie had a great performance in the FA Cup (Image: 2026 Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
Perry could be up against some familiar faces when he takes on Chelsea. Although Estevao is injured, fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro could join the opposition team.
Perri trained with the duo when he was first called up to the Brazilian national team in September ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
He added: “They are great players. They are very good and I had the opportunity to train with them and the national team, so it will certainly be a great match and we will have to give our best.”
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