Key Takeaways
- Enzo Fernández scored the decisive goal with a first-half header at Wembley Stadium.
- Chelsea will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16.
- The victory comes just four days after the club dismissed head coach Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea have secured their place in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley. Enzo Fernández scored the only goal of the match with a well-placed header in the first half. The London club will now compete against Manchester City for the trophy on May 16.
This triumph arrives only four days after the Blues sacked manager Liam Rosenior. Interim boss Calum McFarlane guided the team to a much-improved performance. The win ended a poor run of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring.
The decisive moment came in the 23rd minute. Leeds defender Pascal Struijk lost the ball in midfield. Pedro Neto then delivered an accurate cross from the right wing, and Fernández rose to head the ball into the net. This marked the Argentinian’s 13th goal of the season in all competitions.
Leeds created early opportunities to take the lead. Brenden Aaronson broke through on goal but saw his low shot saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Ao Tanaka also fired a free kick over the crossbar.
Chelsea looked sharper than in their recent defeat to Brighton. João Pedro struck the base of the post with a low drive before Fernández opened the scoring. Leeds made substitutions at half-time and improved their possession, with Anton Stach forcing a save from Sanchez. However, clear chances remained scarce.
Tempers flared briefly when Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu and Chelsea midfielder Romeo argued on the touchline while Stach received treatment. Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed straight at Sanchez, but Leeds could not find an equaliser. Struijk received a yellow card for a foul on João Pedro as frustration grew.
The match recalled the historic 1970 FA Cup final replay between these rivals. Since Leeds last reached the semi-finals in 1987, Chelsea have won the competition seven times. Leeds have not appeared in the final since 1973. Chelsea last contested the final in 2022, losing to Liverpool on penalties.