It was a debut to forget for Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Leeds United crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Manager Daniel Farke’s side made the short trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday, but it was a night full of missed opportunities and heartbreak for the new Elland Road striker.
Early Drama and Own Goal
The first half was cagey, with neither side able to break through.
Calvert-Lewin, who had only just joined Leeds on a free transfer last week, came on shortly before the hour mark to try and change the game.
Unfortunately, Leeds fell behind almost immediately when Jamal Lowe’s driven effort was inadvertently fumbled into the net by Karl Darlow.
Leeds Fight Back
Leeds showed resilience, though, as Jayden Bogle netted an equaliser in the 80th minute.
With ten minutes left, the Whites looked poised to snatch a winner.
Anton Stach delivered a low free-kick across the six-yard box straight to Calvert-Lewin—but the new forward somehow side-footed wide, much to the disbelief of the travelling supporters.
Missed Chances Keep Mounting
Calvert-Lewin had multiple opportunities to redeem himself.
Willy Gnonto sent a perfect cross for him in front of goal, yet he failed to convert.
Even in stoppage time, a Daniel James flick found him inside the six-yard box, but he again couldn’t finish, sending the tie to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Heartbreak
The penalty shootout proved just as cruel. After Joel Piroe missed for Leeds, Calvert-Lewin stepped up for the second spot-kick—and blasted it over the bar.
With Leeds eventually losing 3-0 on penalties, it capped off a night that the striker would rather forget.
Manager Reflects on Missed Opportunities
Speaking after the match, Daniel Farke blamed the defeat on missed chances and addressed the extent of Ao Tanaka’s injury, revealing the midfielder would be out for several weeks due to an MCL issue, similar to Ethan Ampadu’s recent absence.
Farke added: “We feel a bit embarrassed that we don’t win such a game.
The fans made the trip and wanted to celebrate, and we would have wished to give them a better outcome and get into the next round. Sadly, we missed too many chances.”
Looking Ahead
Leeds will now turn their attention back to the Premier League, hosting Newcastle United at Elland Road this weekend.
Fans will be hoping for a more clinical performance from Calvert-Lewin and the Whites as they aim to bounce back from a frustrating Carabao Cup exit.
