Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final after a narrow one nil victory over Leeds at Wembley, with Enzo Fernandez scoring the decisive goal in a dramatic semi final that came just days after major turmoil at the club.
The Argentine midfielder headed home in the first half to give Chelsea the lead and ultimately the win in their first match since the sacking of Liam Rosenior. The goal came from close range after a precise cross from Pedro Neto, and it proved enough to send the Blues through to face Manchester City in the final.
Fernandez has been at the center of attention in recent weeks following reports of tension within the squad, but he responded on the pitch with a match winning performance that helped steady a shaken team.
Chelsea had entered the game on the back of five straight defeats without scoring, a run that marked their worst form in more than a century. Rosenior was dismissed after a heavy defeat to Brighton, with concerns about dressing room unity and results leading to his exit after just over one hundred days in charge.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane, promoted from the Under 21 setup, oversaw a more organized Chelsea display. The team showed more balance and resilience, especially after Leeds threatened early through Brenden Aaronson, who missed a clear chance in the opening stages.
Leeds, appearing in their first FA Cup semi final in decades, grew stronger in the second half but could not break through Robert Sanchez, who made key saves despite an injury scare.
Chelsea now turn their attention to Manchester City and a chance to win their first FA Cup since 2018, offering a rare opportunity to end a difficult season with silverware.
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