Enzo Fernández Header Sends Chelsea Into FA Cup Final
Scrappy semi-final win over Leeds United marks strong response after managerial change
- Enzo Fernández scores first-half header to secure Chelsea’s victory at Wembley
- Leeds United waste key chances, including a close-range miss from Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Chelsea hold firm late on to book place in FA Cup final against Manchester City
Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley, with Enzo Fernández scoring the decisive first-half goal in a scrappy semi-final.
The match came amid a period of change for Chelsea following the departure of Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane taking interim charge until the end of the season. He will now prepare the team for a final showdown against Manchester City on 16 May.
Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, were left to rue missed opportunities as they failed to reach their first FA Cup final since 1973. They started brightly and should have taken the lead when Brenden Aaronson raced through on goal after a clever touch from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez produced a crucial save with his legs.
Chelsea made them pay in the 23rd minute. Fernández rose well to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and powered a header beyond Lucas Perri to give Chelsea the lead.
The London side looked more dangerous before halftime, with João Pedro striking the post as they pushed for a second goal.
Leeds improved after the break and almost equalised immediately when substitute Anton Stach forced a sharp save from Sánchez. Moments later, Calvert-Lewin missed a golden chance from close range, heading straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.
As the match wore on, Leeds continued to press but struggled to convert their chances, while Chelsea managed the closing stages with growing composure.
In the end, Fernández’s header proved enough to send Chelsea through to the final, keeping alive their hopes of ending a three-final losing streak in the competition.
