FA Cup
3:00 p.mFebruary 14, 2026
Round of 32
Referee: Matthew Corlett, England
Southampton
Leicester
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
408 (82%)
Accurate passes
527 (84%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
25
G
George Long
5.9
d
Ryan Manning (C)
101′
17
d
Joshua Quarshie
6.9
15
d
Nathan Wood
6.9
38
d
Elias Jelert
7.2
M
Cameron Bragg
86′
28
M
Oriol Romeu
7.3
23
M
Samuel Edozie
7.2
19
M
Cameron Archer
6.2
27
M
Kuryu Matsuki
6.3
1
G
Jakub Stolarczyk
6.9
16
d
Victor Kristiansen
6.5
d
Benjamin Nelson (C)
56′ d
Caleb Around
120+1′
56
d
Olabade Aluko
7.0
M
Louis Page
27′ M
Oliver Skipp
52′
10
M
Stephy Mavididi
6.2
29
M
Divine Mukasa
6.3
28
M
Jeremy As
6.0
9
F
Jordan Ayew
6.9
No ranking data available for this league
Southampton secured a dramatic 2-1 FA Cup victory over Leicester City, with James Bree’s extra-time goal proving the difference.
Southampton secured a dramatic 2-1 FA Cup victory over Leicester City on Valentine’s Day 2026. James Bree scored the decisive goal in extra time and thrilled the home crowd.
Both teams went into this FA Cup clash eager to progress, with the competition providing a welcome distraction from the potential challenges of the league. Leicester were looking to reassert their top-flight dominance, while Southampton were looking to prove their mettle against formidable opposition.
In the first half, both teams had a cautious attitude. The first exchanges were tight, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. The defenses remained well organized as the clock ticked down towards the break.
As halftime approached, the deadlock was finally broken. A late challenge inside the box resulted in a penalty for Southampton. Cyle Larin stepped up with confidence in the 45+1 minute, slotting home the spot-kick with precision and power to give his side a crucial 1-0 lead just before the break.
The Saints took their slender lead into the break, knowing Leicester would respond strongly in the second period. The visitors needed a tactical adjustment to break down Southampton’s resolute defense and find a way back into the tie.
Indeed, Leicester emerged with renewed vigor after the restart. Their mounting pressure quickly paid off as Oliver Skipp found the equalizer for the Foxes. Skipp scored a well-timed goal in the 52nd minute, leveling the scores at 1-1 and ensuring a tense finish to normal time.
Managers on both benches made a number of tactical substitutions, desperately looking for a winning lead. Oriol Romeu and Samuel Edozie came on for Southampton in the 63rd minute, while Leicester responded with changes such as Harry Winks and Victor Kristiansen. Despite extra efforts and a flurry of yellow cards, neither team could find a decisive goal in normal time, forcing the FA Cup tie into extra time.
Overtime continued the fiercely contested fight. The decisive moment finally came in the 109th minute when defender James Bree broke forward for Southampton. Bree then guided his shot past the Leicester goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations and giving Southampton a 2-1 lead with little time for the visitors to recover.
Leicester showed more attacking intent throughout the match, maintaining 56% possession and registering 17 total shots compared to Southampton’s 12. Both sides managed four shots on target, highlighting Southampton’s clinical advantage when it mattered most, securing their progress.
James Bree’s extra-time heroics secured Southampton’s place in the next round of the FA Cup. This hard-fought 2-1 victory provides significant momentum, reaffirming their cup ambitions and delivering a memorable Valentine’s Day triumph.
