Chelsea edge Leeds to set up FA final clash with Manchester City
By Luke Oluoch, April 26, 2026Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header settled a scrappy FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley as Chelsea made a winning start after Liam Rosenior’s sacking.
Calum McFarlane was put in interim charge until the end of the season and will now lead Chelsea out against Manchester City on Saturday, 16 May.
Pepe Guardiola’s side came back from a goal down to beat Southampton 2-1 in the first semifinal clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
They reached a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final, keeping alive their hopes of claiming a domestic treble.
Guardiola’s side has already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and will return to the capital on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as heavy favourites against the Blues.
Tight encounter
Leeds’ hopes of reaching a first FA Cup final since they lost to Sunderland in 1973 were dashed as they were left to regret missed chances that might have turned a tight game in their favour.
Daniel Farke’s side had the game’s first big opportunity when Brenden Aaronson raced clear from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s touch, but Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez made a crucial save with his legs.
Enzo’s breakthrough
It proved to be an expensive miss as Chelsea went ahead after 23 minutes, Fernandez meeting Pedro Neto’s cross with a firm header to give Lucas Perri no chance.
As Chelsea took control, Joao Pedro struck the foot of the post before Leeds finally forced their way into contention after the break.
Missed chances
Anton Stach, on at half-time, forced a diving save from Sanchez within seconds, then Calvert-Lewin missed a glorious opportunity when he headed straight at Chelsea’s keeper from close range.
The closing stages were tense as Chelsea closed out the win, a response to Rosenior’s dismissal after only 106 days, and they will now attempt to end a run of losing their last three FA Cup finals.