Chelsea 1-0 Leeds United: Enzo Fernandez sends Blues into FA Cup final

Chelsea returned to winning ways, booking their place in the FA Cup final with a narrow win over Leeds United, as Enzo Fernandez scored the decisive goal in a tightly contested semi-final at Wembley.

The result marks an immediate response following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, with interim boss Calum McFarlane overseeing a disciplined performance to secure progression.

Early chance punished

Leeds started with intent and created the first clear opening when Brenden Aaronson broke through on goal after a touch from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez produced a key save to keep the scores level.

That moment proved decisive. In the 23rd minute, Chelsea capitalised as Fernandez rose to meet Pedro Neto’s cross, directing a firm header past Lucas Perri to give his side the lead.

Chelsea grew into the game after the breakthrough, with Joao Pedro striking the post as they pushed to extend their advantage before the interval.

Chelsea hold firm under pressure

Leeds responded strongly after the restart, with substitute Anton Stach testing Sanchez almost immediately. Calvert-Lewin then squandered a major opportunity, heading straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper from close range.

Despite late pressure, Chelsea maintained their composure to see out the result.

The victory sends Chelsea into their first FA Cup final in recent seasons, where they will face Manchester City on May 16.

For Leeds, it represents a missed opportunity to reach their first final since 1973, with inefficiency in front of goal ultimately proving costly.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will aim to end a run of three consecutive FA Cup final defeats as they pursue silverware to salvage an otherwise inconsistent campaign.