April 26, (THEWILL) — A first-half header from Enzo Fernandez gave Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, setting up a final against Manchester City on May 16.
The Argentine struck in the 23rd minute to settle the contest, moments after Joao Pedro had rattled the post. Chelsea were the more purposeful side in the opening half, with Fernandez’s contribution coming under interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who took charge following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal.
Leeds found more purpose after the break, aided by Anton Stach’s introduction at half-time. Dominic Calvert-Lewin went close with a header that Robert Sanchez gathered, having earlier been cleared by a VAR review for a potential hair pull on an opponent.
Sanchez was equally decisive in dealing with efforts from Brenden Aaronson and Stach, producing a string of saves to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
Leeds’ collective pressure, however, did not yield enough chances for an equaliser across the full 90 minutes.
Manchester City, who dramatically beat Southampton on Saturday, will meet Chelsea in the final. For McFarlane, the result represents a significant early marker in his tenure.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
