Leeds rally to avoid FA Cup defeat at Derby

TOPSHOT - Leeds United's English defender #24 James Justin (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their third goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Derby County and Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, central England on January 11, 2026. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
DARREN STAPLES / AFP / Getty

Leeds needed a second half fightback to beat Derby County 3-1 and book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Premier League side have lost just once in their last nine games to pull clear of the relegation zone.

But they were headed for defeat at half-time to second-tier Derby after Chilean international Ben Brereton Diaz drilled a strike into the bottom corner.

Joel Piroe had seen a penalty saved by Jacob Zetterstrom before Leeds fell behind but the Dutch striker redeemed himself by playing a part in the comeback.

Jaka Bijol played the ball into the area and Piroe's neat step-over allowed Willy Gnonto to smash home a 55th-minute equaliser.

Just four minutes later Piroe's low shot was parried by Zetterstrom and Ao Tanaka slotted in the rebound.

The visitors made sure of victory in stoppage time when James Justin rounded off a slick counter-attack.

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