Daniel Farke insisted Leeds United were out to achieve goals he described as "unrealistic" after watching his team reach the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday. 

Leeds came out on top in an entertaining quarter-final with West Ham, winning 4-2 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw in normal time. 

Ao Tanaka's fine finish and a penalty from Dominic Calvert-Lewin had put Leeds in control at London Stadium, only for the Hammers to score twice in second-half stoppage time through Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi. 

West Ham also had two goals chalked off for offside in extra-time and were ahead in the shoot-out after substitute goalkeeper Finlay Herrick saved Joel Piroe's first spot-kick. 

However, Leeds remained perfect from there, with Lucas Perri saving Jarrod Bowen and Pablo's attempts from 12 yards out as Pascal Struijk sent them into the next round. 

Leeds have now reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1986-87, 39 years ago. It's the biggest gap between semi-final appearances by any side since Leicester City in 2020-21 (also 39 years), who went on to win the competition that campaign.

And when asked if his side could go all the way in the FA Cup, Farke told TNT Sports: "I said [in the past] it's not realistic.

"We want to achieve unrealistic goals, and we are on the right path to do this. 

"Step by step we want to celebrate a few more points in the Premier League.

"If we have a chance to play a second time at Wembley in the FA Cup this season we want to grab the chance with both hands."

39 - Leeds United have reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1986-87 (39 years ago); the biggest gap between semi-final appearances since Leicester City in 2020-21 (also 39), who went on to lift the trophy that campaign. Dream. pic.twitter.com/iPPYugKIn7

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 5, 2026

Leeds progressed from an FA Cup tie against a Premier League opponent as a top-flight side themselves for the first time since beating Arsenal in the 1996-97 fourth round.

And their reward is a tie with eight-time winners Chelsea on the weekend of 25-26 April following Sunday's draw, a clash Farke acknowledged would be difficult to win. 

"We will be the underdog, that's for sure. It's a big name and a side full of top players. For that we are the underdog, but we have written history," Farke added.

"Nobody expected us to go through to the semi-final. And, of course, we are greedy to go to the next step.

"My focus now is on the Premier League. We are on such a good path and want to make sure we can celebrate there."

This was only the second match between two Premier League sides in all competitions this season to see both teams attempt 20+ shots, after Newcastle against Bournemouth in the FA Cup back in January.

But Leeds' attention will now turn swiftly to their Premier League survival bid, with a trip to rivals Manchester United up next on April 13. 

The Opta supercomputer has assigned Leeds, who are 15th in the table and four points above the relegation zone, a 6.5% chance of being relegated, and Farke believes their cup exploits will only instil confidence into his players. 

"In terms of points, it doesn't help at all but each win is good for confidence, to know we can deliver under pressure and deal with setbacks," Farke said.

"There was criticism about scoring goals in the last games, so it was good we put this to bed. It's good for confidence and belief and spirit."