Enzo Fernández's first-half header was enough to send Chelsea into the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City, after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley. The win came just days after the sacking of head coach Liam Rosenior, with interim manager Calum McFarlane guiding the team to their first FA Cup final since 2022.
A Tale of Two Managers
McFarlane, who was an assistant coach for Isthmian League side Whyteleafe just eight years ago, became the first English manager since Frank Lampard to reach an FA Cup final. Despite lacking a pro licence, his tactical acumen and ability to inspire the squad were evident. In contrast, Rosenior's departure was hastened by a lack of commitment from his players, a problem that seemed absent under McFarlane's brief tenure.
Fernández's Redemption
Fernández, dropped for two matches by Rosenior after reportedly flirting with Real Madrid during the international break, proved decisive. His 23rd-minute goal, a powerful header from Pedro Neto's cross, gave Chelsea the lead. The irony was not lost on the Chelsea faithful, who had seen the midfielder struggle under his previous manager.
Leeds, buoyed by a massive travelling support hoping to avenge their 1970 final replay defeat to Chelsea, started brightly. Brenden Aaronson forced a fine save from Robert Sánchez early on, but the goalkeeper's heroics kept Leeds at bay. Sánchez, often criticised this season, produced a string of saves to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, and others, ensuring Leeds' winless streak at Wembley extended to four visits without a goal since Eric Cantona's strike in the 1992 Community Shield.
Match Highlights
After Fernández's goal, Chelsea grew in confidence. João Pedro hit the post from a clever Fernández pass, and the Blues dominated the remainder of the first half. Leeds improved after the break, with Stach forcing another top-class save from Sánchez, but they could not find an equaliser. Tempers flared as Moisés Caicedo was booked, and five yellow cards were shown in total. Chelsea employed time-wasting tactics late on, frustrating the Leeds fans.
What's Next?
McFarlane now has the chance to win his first domestic trophy since Chelsea's 2018 FA Cup triumph, when he was still in non-league football. "Maybe at the end of the season reality will hit," he said. "But there's so much that's coming thick and fast that you don't even have time to take it in." For Leeds, Daniel Farke's side must regroup as they focus on Premier League survival, while Chelsea prepare for a final against treble-chasing Manchester City.
