Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday to advance to the FA Cup final, setting up a meeting with Manchester City on May 16. The decisive goal came in the 23rd minute when midfielder Enzo Fernandez headed in a cross from winger Pedro Neto.

The match marked Chelsea’s first game following the dismissal of head coach Liam Rosenior, who was sacked on Wednesday after overseeing a disastrous run of five consecutive Premier League losses without scoring, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Rosenior’s tenure, which lasted just 106 days after his appointment from Strasbourg in January, was marred by tension within the squad, highlighted by his public criticism of players’ effort levels and a breakdown in relations with key players including Fernandez. Reports surfaced of leaked team selections and dissatisfaction over the departure of Rosenior’s predecessor, Enzo Maresca, further destabilizing the club.

Fernandez had been a controversial figure during Rosenior’s period in charge, having been suspended earlier in April following comments in a press interview suggesting he was considering a move to Spain at the end of the season. Despite this, he returned to influence Chelsea’s campaign in a critical moment, providing the team’s first goal in nearly 300 minutes of play since their recent FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale.

Interim manager Calum McFarlane, who stepped up from his role with the Under-21 squad to assist after Rosenior’s dismissal, guided Chelsea to a more cohesive performance. The club hopes to salvage what has been a difficult season plagued by poor form and a near miss on qualifying for next season’s Champions League, with Chelsea currently ten points adrift of fifth place and only four Premier League matches remaining.

Leeds, competing in their first FA Cup semifinal since 1987 and aiming to reach the final for the first time in 53 years, put up a stronger fight in the second half following tactical changes by manager Daniel Farke. German midfielder Anton Stach came close to equalizing with a long-range effort, which was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Leeds forward Brenden Aaronson also had an early chance but failed to convert after breaking clear. Despite these opportunities, Leeds were unable to break through.

The match saw moments of heightened tension, including a brief altercation on the touchline after Sanchez required treatment for injury, with Leeds players questioning whether the goalkeeper was feigning to gain a tactical pause.

Chelsea’s victory moves them into their 17th FA Cup final and first since their defeat to Liverpool in 2022. A win over Manchester City would secure their ninth FA Cup title and mark a notable achievement for McFarlane, who has inherited a challenging situation at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Manchester City earned their place in the final after a 2-1 comeback win against Championship side Southampton.