Enzo Fernández scored the only goal as Chelsea defeated Leeds United 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, setting up a final against Manchester City next month. The win came just days after the club sacked manager Liam Rosenior, with interim boss Calum McFarlane guiding the team to their first domestic cup final since 2018.
Fernández, who had been dropped for two matches by Rosenior after reportedly flirting with a move to Real Madrid, headed home Pedro Neto's cross in the 23rd minute. It was Chelsea's first goal under McFarlane, who took over on Wednesday after Rosenior's dismissal following a series of poor results.
Leeds, backed by a large contingent of fans hoping to avenge their 1970 final defeat to Chelsea, pushed for an equaliser. However, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez produced several fine saves, including a first-half stop from Brenden Aaronson and a second-half denial of Anton Stach, to keep a clean sheet. The defeat extends Leeds' goalless run at Wembley to four visits since Eric Cantona scored in the 1992 Community Shield.
McFarlane, who was an assistant coach for Isthmian League side Whyteleafe eight years ago, becomes the first English manager since Frank Lampard to reach an FA Cup final. “Maybe at the end of the season reality will hit,” he said. “But there’s so much that’s coming thick and fast that you don’t even have time to take it in, honestly.”
Leeds had won seven matches unbeaten heading into the semi-final, but despite a positive start and chances for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and others, they could not breach Chelsea's defence. Daniel Farke's side will now focus on their Premier League survival battle, while Chelsea prepare to face treble-chasing Manchester City in the final.
