Enzo Fernández's first-half header sent Chelsea to their first FA Cup final since 2022, as they edged past Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley. The victory sets up a showdown with treble-chasing Manchester City next month.
McFarlane's Fairytale Continues
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who replaced the sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday, became the first English manager since Frank Lampard to lead Chelsea to an FA Cup final. Just eight years ago, McFarlane was an assistant coach for Isthmian League side Whyteleafe. The irony of Fernández scoring the decisive goal after being dropped by Rosenior for two matches due to flirting with Real Madrid was not lost on observers.
Leeds' Wembley Woes Persist
Leeds, backed by a large travelling contingent hoping to avenge their 1970 final replay defeat, fought valiantly but were thwarted by Robert Sánchez's inspired performance. The much-maligned goalkeeper produced a string of saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Brenden Aaronson early on. Daniel Farke's side have now failed to score in their last four visits to Wembley, with Eric Cantona's 1992 Community Shield strike remaining their most recent goal at the venue.
First-Half Dominance
After a bright start from Leeds, Chelsea seized control. Fernández threaded a clever ball to João Pedro, whose shot cannoned off the near post. The warning went unheeded as Pedro Neto exploited Pascal Struijk's failure to deal with a long ball, crossing for Fernández to head home. It was Chelsea's first goal since their 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale on 4 April, ending a four-match losing streak under Rosenior.
Second-Half Pressure
Leeds emerged with renewed vigour after the break. Substitute Anton Stach unleashed a piledriver that Sánchez tipped over, almost looping under the crossbar. Chelsea responded immediately when Fernández set up João Pedro, but the Brazilian could not get his shot away. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was next to be denied by Sánchez before tempers flared, with Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, and Ethan Ampadu exchanging words. The yellow card count reached five by full-time, but Chelsea's time-wasting tactics frustrated Leeds fans, who continue to wonder when their Wembley luck will change.
