Wanderers edged NSW NPL outfit Blacktown City 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night.

But Wanderers were on the brink of a shock elimination, trailing 2-1 at half-time of the additional 30 minutes after scores were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Spanish striker Oriol Riera equalised on 111 minutes, before converting the decisive spotkick, with Blacktown failing to convert their first two penalties.

“You’ve got to give credit to Blacktown, they were excellent,” Popovic told Fox Sports.

“Tonight we saw what the cup is all about. There were numerous opportunities to put that game away and we didn’t.

“In the end, we had to find some character, a lot of heart, to come back when you’re down 2-1, tired legs, cramping players.

“The spirit was fantastic to come through in the end.”

Wanderers’ second-half performance left a lot to be desired as Blacktown fought back from a 1-0 half-time deficit.

Popovic said they’d take lessons from the game, with the new A-League season less than three weeks away.

“I think you learn that we started the game great and created chances.” he said.

“You learn that if you don’t put them away you can lose a game of football to anyone. In the end we got through.

“Tough opponent, tough pitch, the artificial pitch is something new for us, but we took our penalties with composure.

“We came back in extra-time after being a goal behind.”

Popovic also refused to be drawn on the prospect of a Sydney Derby final after the semi-final draw pitted the two clubs in separate fixtures.

Wanderers will host Adelaide United, although Popovic wasn’t fazed by the draw.

“At this stage it doesn’t really matter who you get,” Popovic said.

“I’m pleased we’re at home. This time we’ll have a home game, we haven’t had one since Wellington.

“We’re looking forward to the semi-final. We haven’t been there yet and we’re one step away from a final.”