Chelsea 1-0 Leeds Highlights, FA Cup: Enzo Fernandez Goal Takes Blues Into Final

Good evening and welcome, everyone. We are building up to the start of the FA Cup last-four encounter between Chelsea and Leeds United. Stay with us for pre-match info, team news and live updates.

The match will kick off at 7:30pm IST. The Chelsea vs Leeds United, FA Cup 2025-26 semi-final will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and website in India. It will be televised live on the Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) TV channels in the country.

Manchester City came from behind to seal a late 2-1 win over Southampton yesterday, booking their place in the FA Cup final for the third consecutive year. After a goalless first half, Southampton took a shock lead in the 79th minute with a brilliant finish by Finn Azaz that beat James Trafford.

City responded within four minutes, with Jeremy Doku's deflected shot going past Daniel Peretz. Nico Gonzalez scored the winner in the 87th minute with a stunning strike from 30 yards out, sealing the deal for Pep Guardiola's men. 

Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.

Leeds United starting XI: Perri, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Previous meetings: 111

Leeds United wins: 41

Chelsea wins: 39

Draws: 31

It must be noted here that most of Leeds' wins in this fixture came during the 20th century, and Chelsea have lost just three of their last 16 matches against the Whites, winning eight of their last 13 clashes.

Play is underway at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea kicking from right to left and Leeds the other way in the first half. It's a cracking start to the game, with the Whites starting strongly and earning a free-kick in a potentially dangerous position, though nothing comes off it.

Chelsea are dominating possession in the early exchanges, and also creating more chances, the Leeds free-kick notwithstanding. Blues' caretaker-manager Calum McFarlane is watching closely from the sidelines.

Chelsea take the lead after coming close several times! Enzo Fernandez shuffles nicely to adjust to Pedro Neto's cross and head the ball in emphatically. The Blues gain a well-deserved advantage at Wembley.

Leeds need to regroup urgently. Chelsea are finding a lot of space to move the ball forward through the midfield, and could easily double their lead before half-time. Just as we say that, the Whites surge ahead to earn a corner, though nothing comes of it.

After four added minutes, the referee brings the first half to a close. Chelsea have been the better side by far, in terms of possession, progression, chances and also the scoreline. Still just a one-goal cushion though, so Leeds can definitely fight back in the next 45 minutes.

The players are back from the lemon break and the second half is underway. Chelsea now kicking from left to right and Leeds in the opposite direction. The Whites come close to scoring right away, and it takes a brilliant save from Robert Sanchez to deny substitute Anton Stach.

Moises Caicedo fouls Anton Stach and is shown the first yellow card of the evening. Robert Sanchez goes down soon after and receives treatment, even as Calum McFarlane speaks animatedly to his players. Leeds do not like it one bit, claiming that Sanchez is not injured and it's a tactical move to waste time.

Two more yellow cards, and in quick succession at that. Leeds defender Pascal Struijk is booked first for a foul and then it is his teammate Ethan Ampadu's turn. It is perhaps a sign of the Whites getting desperate in their quest for an equaliser as the minutes tick away.

Eight minutes have been added as stoppage time to the second half and Leeds continue their fervent search for a leveller. It is Chelsea's game to lose at this point.

The referee brings the match to an end, as Leeds fail to equalise. Chelsea end a three-game losing, scoreless streak to beat Leeds 1-0 and book a ticket to the FA Cup final, where Manchester City await.

The FA Cup 2025-26 final will be played at the Wembley Stadium on May 16, with kick-off at 7:30pm IST (3pm local time). We will cover that game live as well, so come back for what should be an engrossing title clash. Until then, goodbye!