Chelsea F.C. booked their place in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday, with Enzo Fernández scoring the decisive goal in a tense semi-final.
Fernández headed home in the first half to seal victory for Chelsea in their first match since the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior, a win that offers a brief lift after a turbulent run of form.
The result sends Chelsea into a final showdown with Manchester City F.C. on May 16, after Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Southampton 2-1 in their semi-final.
Chelsea, eight-time FA Cup winners, are through to their 17th final and their first since 2022. Interim manager Calum McFarlane, who stepped up from the club’s academy setup, oversaw the victory as the team showed improved cohesion following a difficult week.
Rosenior’s dismissal came after a string of poor results, including five consecutive defeats without scoring and a heavy loss to Brighton, which intensified internal tensions within the squad.
Against Leeds, Chelsea had early chances on both sides, with Robert Sánchez producing key saves as Leeds threatened through Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach.
However, Fernández’s goal in the 23rd minute proved decisive after Pedro Neto delivered a pinpoint cross following a defensive error from Leeds.
Leeds, appearing in their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, pushed for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to break through a disciplined Chelsea defence.
Despite late pressure and heated exchanges on the touchline, Chelsea held firm to secure a morale-boosting win and move one step closer to ending their FA Cup drought since 2018.
