London, 27 April 2026 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - 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.

Chelsea 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.

The Blues 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 semi-finals.

Chelsea, unrecognisable from their shambolic defeat at Brighton in midweek, were denied by the woodwork as Joao Pedro’s low effort struck the base of a post before the Londoners took a 23rd-minute lead.

Leeds defender Pascal Struijk gave the ball away in midfield and when the ball was quickly played wide, Pedro Neto’s inch-perfect cross was headed home by Fernandez for his 13th goal of the season in all competitions.

Joao Pedro flashed another effort wide as Chelsea, sharper in all areas, continued to dictate and they were worthy of their half-time lead.

Playing towards 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.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances and as Leeds grew increasingly frustrated.

Daniel Farke’s side lacked the same cohesion that had lifted them to with touching distance of top-flight safety in recent weeks as their bid for a first FA Cup final appearance since 1973 fell short.

Photo: EPA