Chelsea 1
Fernandez (23′)
Leeds 0
Enzo Fernandez’s goal was enough to take Chelsea through to the FA Cup final.
With caretaker boss Calum McFarlane at the helm following the recent sacking of Liam Rosenior, the Blues ended their losing run by coming through a tricky semi-final at Wembley.
Chelsea, who will face Manchester City in the final, had lost their previous three matches and seven of their past eight – and have lost five league games in a row without scoring.
Fernandez netted midway through the first half with his 13th goal of the season.
Alejandro Garnacho robbed Pascal Struijk and played the ball down the right to Pedro Neto, whose cross was headed home.
The breakthrough came shortly after Robert Sanchez had saved with his foot to deny Brenden Aaronson when the Leeds man was through on goal – and after Chelsea striker Joao Pedro had fired against the inside of the near post from the left-hand edge of the six-yard box.
Leeds put Chelsea under pressure in the second half and keeper Sanchez produced another key save, this time to push over Anton Stach’s powerful strike.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia (Santos 66), Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho (Palmer 71), Joao Pedro (Delap 90’+8).
Subs not used: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Derry.
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