Enzo Fernandez Header Sends Chelsea to FA Cup Final with 1-0 Win Over Leeds

Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal with a header in the 23rd minute. The win sends Chelsea to the FA Cup final for the first time since 2022. They will face Manchester City in the final.

Key Points: Chelsea Beats Leeds 1-0 to Reach FA Cup Final

  • Chelsea beats Leeds 1-0 in FA Cup semi-final
  • Enzo Fernandez scores winning header in 23rd minute
  • Chelsea to face Manchester City in final
  • First FA Cup final appearance for Chelsea since 2022
2 min read

Enzo Fernandez secures FA Cup final spot for Chelsea after 1-0 win over Leeds United

Enzo Fernandez's first-half header secures Chelsea a 1-0 win over Leeds United, booking their spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

"Chelsea looked much improved under interim boss Calum McFarlane. - ESPN"

London, April 26

Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday to book their place in the FA Cup 2025-26 final, thanks to a first-half header from Enzo Fernandez, according to ESPN.

Coming into the match after a difficult run of form and the recent sacking of head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea looked much improved under interim boss Calum McFarlane.

They began the game with intent, applying early pressure and creating chances. Leeds had a few opportunities of their own, most notably when Brenden Aaronson broke through on goal, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea's breakthrough came in the 23rd minute after a mistake in midfield by Leeds. The ball was worked out wide to Pedro Neto, whose precise cross found Fernandez, and the Argentine midfielder made no mistake with a well-timed header.

Chelsea continued to look the more dangerous side for the remainder of the first half, nearly doubling their lead through Joao Pedro, who struck the post.

After the break, Leeds improved and saw more of the ball, with substitute Anton Stach testing Robert Sanchez from distance. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances as Chelsea's defence remained solid. Late efforts from Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to trouble the scoreline.

Despite a more spirited second-half showing from Leeds, Chelsea held firm to claim a narrow win. The result sends them into the FA Cup final, where they will face Manchester City, marking their first appearance in the final since 2022.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Finally some good news for Chelsea fans after that tough run. But let's be honest, Leeds deserved something from that second half. They dominated after the break. Chelsea were lucky to hold on, Sanchez made a crucial save from Aaronson early on. The FA Cup final will be a different story against City though. Let's see if McFarlane can keep this momentum going.
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Vikram M
As a neutral Indian football fan, this was a decent match. Enzo showing why Argentina won the World Cup - that header was perfectly timed! But Chelsea's midfield still looks shaky, they gave away too many balls in dangerous areas. Leeds will be kicking themselves for not converting those chances. Good to see an FA Cup final without the same old teams for once, though Man City will make it tough.
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James A
Chelsea back in the FA Cup final for the first time since 2022! That's a big achievement for interim boss McFarlane. But I'm worried about their attack - they should have scored more than one goal with the chances they created. Fernandez was the difference today, but against City you need to be clinical. Still, a win is a win in a semi-final. COYB! 💙
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Sarah B
Leeds fans must be gutted. They played well in the second half but just couldn't find that equaliser. Chelsea's defence deserves credit - they stood firm when it mattered. But honestly, if I'm a Chelsea fan, I'd be nervous about the final. Man City have been unstoppable this season. Fernandez was brilliant though, that header was inch-perfect. Let's see if Chelsea can pull off an upset!
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Ananya R
Chelsea fan here from Bangalore!

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