Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header proved decisive as Chelsea edged past Leeds United at Wembley to book their place in the FA Cup final, marking a positive start following Liam Rosenior’s departure.
With Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim manager, Chelsea will now face Manchester City in the final, while Leeds were left to rue missed opportunities in a tight and scrappy semi-final.
Leeds started brightly and had the best early chance when Brenden Aaronson broke through on goal, but Robert Sanchez produced a vital save to keep Chelsea level.
That miss proved costly.
Midway through the first half, Fernandez rose to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and powered a header past Lucas Perri to give Chelsea the lead.
Chelsea nearly extended their advantage before the break, with Joao Pedro striking the post, but Leeds grew into the game in the second half.
Anton Stach forced an immediate save after coming on at half-time, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin squandered a golden chance, heading straight at Sanchez from close range.
Despite late pressure, Chelsea held firm to secure their place in the final and end a turbulent week on a high.
After a difficult spell that led to Rosenior’s exit, Chelsea showed renewed energy and resilience.
Fernandez’s goal ended a long scoring drought against top-flight opposition and capped an influential display.
Sanchez, who has faced criticism this season, also played a key role with several important saves to preserve the lead.
Leeds will look back on missed chances as the difference.
Aaronson’s early opportunity and Calvert-Lewin’s second-half header could have changed the outcome, but a lack of clinical finishing cost them dearly.
While their league campaign has been solid, this defeat will sting as a chance to reach a first FA Cup final in over 50 years slipped away.
