The 2012–13 season was Leeds United F.C.'s third season back in the second tier of English football which saw a minor flirtation with play-offs and later with relegation, but ended with a mid-table finish. In other competitions, the squad recorded their best finish in the League Cup for 18 years, reaching the quarter-finals only to be knocked out by rivals Chelsea. Similar progression was seen in the FA Cup as the team reached the 5th round for the first time since the 1999–00 season.