Chelsea reach FA Cup final

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Chelsea 1 - 0 Leeds United 

Enzo Fernández’s first-half header proved decisive in a scrappy FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley

Author | Lauren W

Stadium | Wembley Stadium

Following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge until the end of the season and will now lead Chelsea into a final against Manchester City on Saturday 16 May.

Leeds, chasing a first FA Cup final appearance since their 1973 defeat by Sunderland, were left to rue missed opportunities that might have shifted the balance of a tight contest.

Watch | Key moments of the match from Emirates FA Cup YouTube account

Daniel Farke’s side carved out the first clear chance when Brenden Aaronson broke through from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s touch, only for Robert Sánchez to deny him with an important save low to his legs.

That miss quickly proved costly for Leeds

Chelsea took the lead after 23 minutes when Fernández met Pedro Neto’s cross with a firm header that gave Lucas Perri little chance.

Chelsea grew into the game thereafter, with João Pedro striking the foot of the post, before Leeds forced their way back into contention after the interval.

Reaction to the other FA Cup semi-final on GM Super News

Manchester City 2 - 1 Southampton Manchester City avoided an FA Cup upset, coming from behind to edge past Southampton and book a place in a fourth consecutive final, sustaining their pursuit of a domestic treble. gmancsupernews.blogspot.com/2026/04/city...

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— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 26 April 2026 at 12:17

Anton Stach, introduced at half-time, tested Sánchez within seconds with a diving effort, while Calvert-Lewin squandered a gilt-edged chance by heading straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

The closing stages carried a sense of tension, but Chelsea held on to secure the win, offering a response to Rosenior’s brief 106-day spell in charge and setting up another opportunity to end a run of three consecutive FA Cup final defeats.

Location: Wembley, UK

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