Enzo Fernandez fired Chelsea FC into the FA Cup final with a decisive first-half header that secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday.
The Argentine midfielder struck in the 23rd minute of the semi-final, sealing Chelsea’s place in the showpiece match against Manchester City and providing a timely lift following a turbulent week at the club.
The win came just days after the dismissal of head coach Liam Rosenior, whose brief 106-day tenure ended amid a dismal run of five consecutive defeats without scoring—Chelsea’s worst sequence since 1912.
Rosenior’s exit followed a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion and growing tensions within the squad, reportedly fuelled by criticism of the players’ commitment and internal disagreements.
Chelsea started nervously but found their breakthrough midway through the first half. A costly error from Pascal Struijk allowed Pedro Neto to deliver a precise cross, which Fernandez converted with a composed header from close range.
The goal ended a prolonged scoring drought for Chelsea and proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
Leeds had earlier threatened to take the lead when Brenden Aaronson raced through on goal, only to be denied by Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea responded through Joao Pedro, who struck the post from close range as both sides traded early chances.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side improved after the break, with substitute Anton Stach nearly equalising moments after coming on, forcing a sharp save from Sanchez with a powerful long-range effort.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin also missed a key opportunity, heading straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper from a promising position.
Tempers briefly flared following a stoppage for Sanchez’s treatment, but Chelsea remained composed to see out the win.
Under interim manager Calum McFarlane, Chelsea will now look to salvage a difficult campaign when they face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16.
City booked their place with a 2-1 comeback victory over Southampton FC.
For Chelsea, the final offers a chance to claim their first FA Cup title since 2018 and restore pride after a troubled season that has seen their hopes of Champions League qualification fade.
Leeds, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities in their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1987.
AFP
