West Ham United booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in ten years, edging past Brentford 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time.
The tie saw West Ham’s hopes secured thanks to a dramatic shoot-out, with Konstantinos Mavropanos converting the decisive spot-kick.
Brentford forward Dango Ouattara became the only player to miss, his audacious Panenka attempt comfortably saved by Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
The match itself was a goal-fest. Jarrod Bowen scored twice for West Ham, including a first-half penalty, while Brentford’s top scorer Igor Thiago matched him with two strikes, the latter from the spot in the 81st minute to send the tie into extra time.
Bowen’s opener in the 19th minute gave the visitors an early advantage, but Thiago’s 20th goal of the season quickly drew Brentford level.
Bowen then doubled West Ham’s lead before Thiago’s late penalty forced extra time.
With this win, three-time FA Cup winners West Ham will host Leeds United in the quarter-finals, their first appearance at this stage since the 2015-16 campaign, Upton Park’s final season.
Brentford, meanwhile, remain on course for a first quarter-final since 1989, their hopes dashed by Ouattara’s miss in cruel fashion.
