Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to the BBC: "This means a lot for us, also for our supporters. We can send them back happy. In our recent history we were not too good in the FA Cup, so it's good to go on a proper run - fifth round already. Such a scruffy hard fought win, sometimes these wins are the best for the spirit of the group. Lots of rotation today and also many players in the pitch that did not have that many minutes, but we were still able to find a way in this difficult away game against a Championship side in red hot form. To find a way in a scruffy game to win it is good for my team, good for my spirit and I'm delighted.
"Birmingham were the better side in the first half, no doubt about it, but we defended everything in the end and there were some good saves by Lucas Perri. We changed the set-up, brought our captain, our leader - Ethan Ampadu - in and won the momentum back in the game and scored with a fantastic goal from Lukas Nmecha.
"We were always convinced that we could do it on penalties and that we have done. And Lucas Perri, again, very good in the penalty shootout and a good win for the team."
Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff, speaking to TNT Sports about whether he was nervous stepping up to take the winning penalty: "I think it makes it easier knowing that if you miss there's more penalties to come. But I thought Lucas [Perri] was massive today, obviously in the shootout but in the game -the first half especially.
"We've ground out a result. It's never pretty in the FA Cup, but we're happy to get through.
"I think any time you get drawn away to a team in a lower division to you a lot of people expect you to rock up and win but it's never the case. I thought they were excellent today.
"Ultimately, it comes down to the moments and we were better in the bigger moments today and I'm really happy for Lucas because it's been sort of a tough time for him - but he deserves it today. I'm really happy for him."
Did you know?
- Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha is averaging a goal or assist every 101 minutes in all competitions this season (seven goals, two assists); only Erling Haaland (83 mins) has a better rate among Premier League central strikers in 2025-26 (those who have played a minimum of 500 minutes).
- Leeds United have won a penalty shootout for only the second time in their last six attempts, while it was only the second time they contested one in the FA Cup, after a 4-2 loss to Wolves in a third-round replay in 2005-06.