Captain Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Leeds.Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.
Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.
Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
ByPAUpdated: Apr 26, 2026, 01:25 pmFacebookFacebook MessengerTwitterEmail
Enzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
However, they put their poor recent form and off-field turmoil behind them to produce an improved display under interim head coach Calum McFarlane and as Leeds fell short of their recent standards, Fernandez’s effort proved decisive.
Chelsea will return to Wembley on May 16 to face Manchester City in the final — their first since 2022 when they lost to Liverpool on penalties.
After a run of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring — their worst since 1912 — Chelsea’s decision to dismiss Rosenior earlier in the week appears to have been vindicated, for now.
This clash evoked memories of Chelsea’s win in a brutal FA Cup final replay between the two rivals in 1970, while they could hardly have a more contrasting FA Cup pedigree.
Since Leeds last reached the last four in 1987, Chelsea have lifted the trophy seven times and have featured in 13 finals and 17 semifinals.
Ao Tanaka wasted an early chance for Leeds as his free kick sailed over the crossbar and Chelsea captain Fernandez fired straight at goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
Leeds were on the back foot for the first 15 minutes, but should have taken the lead when Brenden Aaronson ran clear on to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s superb pass, only to see his low shot saved by Robert Sanchez’s outstretched leg.
Chelsea, unrecognizable from their shambolic defeat at Brighton in midweek, were denied by the woodwork soon after as Joao Pedro’s low effort struck the base of a post before the Londoners took a 23rd-minute lead.
João Pedro flashed another effort wide as Chelsea, sharper in all areas, continued to dictate and they were worthy of their halftime lead.
Leeds replaced James Justin and Jaka Bijol with Joe Rodon and Anton Stach during the break and the German midfielder made an instant impact as his thumping drive forced Sanchez to parry.
Playing toward their own fans, Leeds upped their game and enjoyed more possession, but were given another scare when Alejandro Garnacho’s shot was deflected over the crossbar.
Calvert-Lewin headed straight at Sanchez and after Moises Caicedo was booked for his challenge on Stach, Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu and Romeo squared up on the touchline as the German received treatment.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances and as Leeds grew increasingly frustrated, Struijk was booked for his foul on Joao Pedro.
Daniel Farke’s side lacked the same cohesion that had lifted them to touching distance of top-flight safety in recent weeks, and they were unable to mount sustained pressure.
Stach was wayward with a speculative effort and Calvert-Lewin failed to latch on to a deep cross to the far post in time added on as Leeds’ bid for a first FA Cup final appearance since 1973 fell short.
Wembley Stadium10:00 AM, April 26, 2026Coverage: ESPN2/ESPN+London, England Attendance: 82,542
Wembley Stadium10:00 AM, April 26, 2026Coverage: ESPN2/ESPN+London, England Attendance: 82,542
Wembley Stadium10:00 AM, April 26, 2026Coverage: ESPN2/ESPN+London, England Attendance: 82,542
Wembley Stadium10:00 AM, April 26, 2026Coverage: ESPN2/ESPN+
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.
Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup win
Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. Leeds
Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup final
Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.
Craig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.
Enzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
2025-26 English FA Cup, SemifinalsChelseaChelseaCHE1FTLeeds UnitedLeedsLEE0Enzo Fernández – 23′
2025-26 English FA Cup, SemifinalsChelseaChelseaCHE1FTLeeds UnitedLeedsLEE0Enzo Fernández – 23′
2025-26 English FA Cup, SemifinalsChelseaChelseaCHE1FTLeeds UnitedLeedsLEE0Enzo Fernández – 23′
Wembley Stadium10:00 AM, April 26, 2026Coverage: ESPN2/ESPN+London, England Attendance: 82,542Chelsea interim Calum McFarlane relieved with FA Cup winChelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt “relief” after guiding the club to the FA Cup final days with a 1-0 semifinal win against Leeds United, three days after replacing Liam Rosenior following his dismissal after just 106 days in charge.Burley: Chelsea avoided a disaster in FA Cup semifinal win vs. LeedsCraig Burley reacts to Chelsea’s narrow FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds, highlighting areas for improvement.Enzo Fernandez goal sees Chelsea down Leeds to reach FA Cup finalEnzo Fernandez headed a first-half winner as Chelsea beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to seal their place in the FA Cup final four days after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior.
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Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyYour US State Privacy RightsChildren’s Online Privacy PolicyInterest-Based AdsAbout Nielsen MeasurementYour Privacy ChoicesContact UsDisney Ad Sales SiteWork for ESPNCorrectionsGAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.Copyright: © 2026 ESPN Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved.