Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley, with Enzo Fernández scoring the decisive first-half header to settle a tense contest.
The win came just days after Chelsea’s managerial shake-up, but the team responded positively under interim boss Calum McFarlane, showing renewed intensity and organisation to end a difficult run of domestic results.
In contrast, Leeds were below their recent best and struggled to impose themselves for long spells.
Leeds actually threatened early on, with Ao Tanaka firing over from a set piece, while Brenden Aaronson was denied when he broke through on goal after a sharp pass from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, only for Robert Sánchez to make a crucial stop.
Chelsea, however, grew into the game and were unlucky not to score earlier when João Pedro struck the post.
Their pressure eventually told in the 23rd minute after Pascal Struijk was dispossessed in midfield.
The ball was worked quickly to Pedro Neto, whose precise cross was met by Fernández, who powered a header past Lucas Perri to register his 13th goal of the season.
From there, Chelsea controlled proceedings with greater sharpness and composure, though Leeds improved after the break following tactical changes that introduced Joe Rodon and Anton Stach.
Stach immediately tested Sánchez with a powerful strike that required a save.
Despite increased possession and territory, Leeds lacked cutting edge in the final third. Calvert-Lewin went close with a header, while late efforts from Stach and others failed to break through Chelsea’s defence, as frustration grew for Daniel Farke’s side.
Chelsea held firm to secure their return to Wembley for the final on May 16, where they will face Manchester City, marking their first appearance in the showpiece since their 2022 defeat to Liverpool.
The result also extends Chelsea’s rich FA Cup history, contrasting sharply with Leeds United’s long absence from the latter stages of the competition.
