Leeds United booked their place in the next round of the EFL Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Nottingham, as second-half goals from Daniel James and James Justin settled the 1/32 finals encounter.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Leeds raised the tempo after the restart, with James breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute before Justin doubled the advantage 25 minutes later. Nottingham attempted to respond with a series of substitutions, but Leeds remained disciplined to protect their clean sheet and secure progression.
Goalless First Half Keeps Tie Open
The opening half proved tightly contested, with neither side finding a breakthrough.
Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka was cautioned for a foul in the 26th minute as both teams battled for control in midfield. Despite periods of attacking intent, neither side produced the decisive moment required to break the deadlock.
The teams consequently headed into half-time level at 0-0, leaving everything to play for after the interval.
Daniel James Gives Leeds the Breakthrough
Leeds returned for the second half with greater purpose, and it took them only five minutes to make their pressure count.
In the 50th minute, Daniel James found the net following an assist from Sean Longstaff, putting Leeds 1-0 ahead and completely changing the complexion of the cup tie.
The goal forced Nottingham to chase the game and prompted a major reshuffle from the hosts.
At the hour mark, Nottingham introduced Murillo, Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Luca Netz followed shortly afterward as the hosts looked for a route back into the contest.
Leeds responded with changes of their own. Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach entered the action before Jayden Bogle replaced goalscorer James in the 71st minute.
James Justin Seals Leeds Victory
Nottingham’s attempts to find an equalizer left opportunities for Leeds to exploit, and the visitors delivered the decisive blow in the 75th minute.
James Justin made it 2-0, giving Leeds valuable breathing room and putting them firmly in control of the tie.
Nottingham continued battling, introducing Omari Hutchinson in the closing stages after Neco Williams went off injured, but there was no way through a resilient Leeds defense.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also introduced for Leeds in the 83rd minute as they professionally managed the remaining minutes.
Nottingham 0-2 Leeds: What the Result Means
The victory sends Leeds United into the next round of the EFL Cup, while Nottingham’s cup campaign comes to an early end.
For Leeds, the performance was particularly encouraging because of their patience. They did not panic after failing to score during the first half and instead took control after the break, scoring twice while keeping their opponents off the scoresheet.
James provided the breakthrough when Leeds needed it most, while Justin’s 75th-minute strike effectively ended Nottingham’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
Full-time: Nottingham 0-2 Leeds United.
Key Match Highlights
- Half-time: Nottingham 0-0 Leeds
- 50′: Daniel James scores for Leeds, assisted by Sean Longstaff
- 60′: Nottingham make three attacking substitutions
- 71′: Jayden Bogle replaces the goal scorer Daniel James
- 75′: James Justin doubles Leeds’ advantage
- Full-time: Nottingham 0-2 Leeds
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Final Verdict
Leeds United ultimately proved too strong for Nottingham, turning a balanced first half into a convincing 2-0 EFL Cup victory.
Daniel James opened the door shortly after half-time before James Justin slammed it shut with the second goal. A clean sheet and two unanswered goals made it a professional cup performance from Leeds as they safely advanced to the next round.
