Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final at Wembley with a narrow victory over Leeds United, marking a winning start for interim boss Calum McFarlane, who will now lead the Blues against Manchester City on Saturday, May 16.
- +Fernandez fires Chelsea into FA Cup final against Man City
Enzo Fernandez’s first-half strike proved decisive as Chelsea edged a tight contest, ending a poor run of form just four days after Liam Rosenior’s dismissal barely three months into his six-year contract.
Enzo Fernandez’s first-half strike proved decisive as Chelsea edged a tight contest, ending a poor run of form just four days after Liam Rosenior’s dismissal barely three months into his six-year contract.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Fernandez rose to meet Pedro Neto’s cross with a firm header after Pascal Struijk had conceded possession in a dangerous area.
Leeds had earlier threatened to seize control when Brenden Aaronson broke clear from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s touch, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez produced a vital save with his legs to keep the scores level.
That miss proved costly as Chelsea capitalised soon after, with Fernandez’s clinical finish leaving Lucas Perri with no chance.
Chelsea nearly extended their advantage before the break, with Joao Pedro striking the foot of the post, as McFarlane’s side began to assert control.
Leeds responded after the interval, with substitute Anton Stach forcing an immediate diving save from Sanchez, while Calvert-Lewin squandered a golden opportunity by heading straight at the Chelsea keeper from close range.
Despite late pressure from Daniel Farke’s side, Chelsea held firm through a tense closing period to secure their place in the final, where they will aim to end a run of three consecutive FA Cup final defeats.
