Emirates FA Cup
Leeds United 0
Chelsea 1 (Fernández 23’)
Leeds: Perri (GK), Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu (C), Struijk, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson (Longstaff 86’), Bijol (Stach 46’), Okafor (Gnonto 74’), Tanaka (Nmecha 74’), Justin (Rodon 46’). Subs not used: Darlow (GK), James, Piroe, Bornauw.
Chelsea: Sánchez (GK),Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Neto, Fernández (C), Pedro (Delap 90'), Chalobah, Caicedo, Gusto, Lavia (Santos 66’), Garnacho (Palmer 71’). Subs not used: Sharman-Lowe (GK), Essugo, Hato, Fofana, Acheampong, Derry.
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Attendance: 82,542
Booked: Struijk, Ampadu, Nmecha, Bogle (Leeds) Caicedo, Palmer, Neto (Chelsea)
Leeds United’s memorable Emirates FA Cup journey came to an end after a narrow defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition.
The players emerged from the tunnel to a sea of yellow scarves with the travelling fans in superb voice having taken over the capital for the trip to Wembley.
Despite the ultimate result, Daniel Farke’s team were on the front foot from the off. The in-form Noah Okafor raced to the edge of the Blues’ penalty area where he was sent tumbling to the floor, presenting an early opportunity for Ao Tanaka from 20 yards.
Up stepped the Japanese international but the midfielder lashed a powerful drive narrowly over the upright from the set piece.
The opposition’s first sight of goal came through skipper Enzo Fernández, stinging the palms of keeper Lucas Perri with a strike from distance.
After a quarter of an hour, a clever flick from Dominic Calvert-Lewin released Brenden Aaronson into the area who forced a superb diving save from Chelsea stopper Robert Sánchez as Daniel Farke’s team searched for the opener under the arch.
Down the other end, the London outfit rattled the woodwork when João Pedro latched onto a pass and struck low, cannoning off the foot of the post and away. Chelsea did, however, take the lead moments later through Fernández’s close-range header.
Pedro went close to adding a second with a volley that flashed wide of the upright but the Whites still threatened a leveller approaching the break.
Okafor skewed a left-footed attempt wide under pressure from several blue shirts before referee Jarred Gillett’s half-time whistle sounded.
HALF TIME: Leeds United 0-1 Chelsea
United emerged from the interval having made two alterations to the personnel. Anton Stach marked his return from injury in place of Jaka Bijol whilst James Justin made way for defender Joe Rodon.
German midfielder Stach almost drew Leeds level within seconds, arrowing a thunderous drive from 30 yards that Sánchez, at full stretch, tipped over the crossbar.
Crucial defending from Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu and Tanaka then managed to smother the ball behind as Pedro shaped to shoot inside the area.
The 30 thousand plus Leeds contingent amassed inside Wembley continued to roar the team on and that support was very nearly repaid as Calvert-Lewin rose highest to head towards goal, forcing another good save by the busy Sánchez.
Shortly after the hour mark Stach went close, whipping a dangerous free kick around the Chelsea wall but narrowly wide of the post with Tanaka then dragging a volley off target.
Further changes from the dugout arrived in the form of Lukas Nmecha and Willy Gnonto, replacing the Japanese international and Okafor respectively before Aaronson also made way for Sean Longstaff.
Leeds threw everything at the opposition in search of an equaliser but the Blues’ stubborn defence stood firm with the Whites unable to force extra time.
United return to Premier League action next weekend as they welcome Burnley to Elland Road under the Friday night lights.
FULL TIME: Leeds United 0-1 Chelsea
