Chelsea vs Leeds LIVE
- Chelsea defeat Leeds 1-0 to set up FA Cup final with Manchester City
- Interim boss Calum McFarlane leads Chelsea to final on 16 May
- GOAL! Fernandez heads Chelsea into early lead (24 mins)
- CHANCE! Leeds forward Aaronson's shot well-saved by Sanchez
- Leeds' first appearance in the semi-finals in 38 years ends in defeat
Chelsea beat Leeds to make FA Cup final
05:30 , Flo Clifford
Scheduling conflict strikes again
04:00 , Flo CliffordWith the FA Cup final set to be played on 16 May, Chelsea’s Premier League home game with London rivals will have to be moved from its current slot on 17 May.
Calum McFarlane on facing Man City:
03:09 , Flo CliffordHe continues: “You can come with a plan, but they're an exceptional side in really good form. It's going to be a massive challenge. We seem to raise our level, we saw that against PSG in the Club World Cup. It's more about the character.”
Calum McFarlane on interim charge:
02:08 , Flo CliffordCalum McFarlane tells TNT Sports on taking interim charge: “I did it for a week before, so I kind of knew what I was stepping into. It's easier this time because I have a relationship with the players and I've worked with them for three or four months now.
“I've been a part of the backroom staff, so I had a feel for what they needed psychologically. It's been intense.”
On the gameplan, he says: “We wanted to be really clear with how we wanted to set up and play against Leeds. We knew they'd think we were vulnerable. We wanted to give Robert [Sanchez] the option to go direct because we knew we were in a bit of a vulnerable place. We started to take control of the game.”
Daniel Farke: 'The boys were a bit too nervous'
01:06 , Flo CliffordDaniel Farke tells Match of the Day: “It was a tight game. They were able to find the back of the net. I think we nearly dominated at least one statistic, more shots on target, more expected goals, more big chances missed. But it's also fair to say that the football in the first half we didn't have our best days. You could feel the boys were a bit too nervous today to be at their free-flowing best and for that we had a few unnecessary loss of the balls and assisted more or less to their two or three chances in the first half.
“We were not played out of the park even though it wasn't our best game in the first half. Credit to my players. We went for it and pressed higher and dominated more. Of course, you always have to be switched on for counter attacks. But the goalkeeper was able to get two great saves. And the defensive flow of Chelsea was there, it was top defensive behavior. They always had an answer to all our questions that we asked. It's hard to take anyhow, but nevertheless, I'm proud of the cup run.”
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane on Enzo Fernandez:
00:00 , Kieran Jackson“He likes scoring at the back post for me! The timing of his runs and his ability to get good distance on his heading. He’s a winner, he’s got so much fight - the best thing about Enzo is he can do a bit of everything, he was exceptional today.
“He’s changed position a lot, He’s such a threat in the box but the higher up he plays, he can really cause opposition problems.”
Chelsea face Man City in final
23:00 , Flo CliffordSo Chelsea will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final, held at Wembley on 16 May.
It’s a case of eight-time winners the Blues against the seven-time winners, with inexperienced interim manager Calum McFarlane taking on the might of Pep Guardiola.
He took a point off City in their Premier League outing earlier this season - can he go one better this time?
Leeds boss Daniel Farke:
22:00 , Kieran Jackson“We come away disappointed, we gave our supporters so much to dream about. After a loss in a tight game, it’s always disappointing. It was a very tight game.
Expected goals, we were the better side but it’s also fair to say we weren’t at our free-flowing best, some unnecessary losses of the ball and sometimes a bit clumsy in the build-up, the players were a bit nervous. It was not the case that we were played off the park.
“Our deliveries, crosses and set-pieces were not that tidy today. You have to give credit to them.”
Slick Chelsea shut down Leeds but super-clubs’ FA Cup final is symptom of wider game’s malaise
21:05 , Flo CliffordFor an FA Cup semi-final that didn’t offer much to talk about beyond Enzo Fernández scoring the winner, Chelsea’s 1-0 win could provoke a lot of other discussion. Some of it served to quieten even this raucous Leeds United crowd by the end.
By that point, you wouldn’t have thought an FA Cup final appearance was at stake, given how quickly Wembley emptied. Another debate could, of course, be had about staging semi-finals here. Still, there’s something rather sorry about even the Leeds players saluting scores of empty seats.
More from Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney at Wembley:
Slick Chelsea shut down Leeds but superclubs’ FA Cup final is symptom of wider game
Leeds boss Daniel Farke:
20:00 , Kieran Jackson"There's lots of pressure on my players, and they're also not used to playing always on on such a big stage. You could feel it during the weekend.
"I think the boys were better in the last games, a bit more composed on the ball. Sometimes in the build up they were a bit too clumsy or not brave, not playing with too many long balls. We were not played out of park, but it was certainly not our very best day. And for that, yeah, it's disappointing, but for the players, it's a good experience.
"Going into a big game now, we will have learned from it, and we can then go with a bit more confidence and less nervousness into the game. And I think this is more than what we take out of it. We had nothing to lose today, just a lot to win. Upset we didn't win today, but that's what we have to accept."
MATCH STAT:
19:30 , Kieran JacksonChelsea have reached their 17th FA Cup final, and first since 2022, while only Manchester United (22) and Arsenal (21) have advanced to the final on more occasions than the Blues in the competition.
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane:
18:50 , Kieran JacksonOn the victory: “It was important to get the win and break the momentum and form we were in, that completely changes the feel within the group.
“We want to win every game for the fans in every competition. It’s just not extra motivation, we want to win the final Premier League games.”
A stat Leeds fans will not want to see:
18:20 , Kieran JacksonLeeds United have become the first ever club side to lose four successive matches without scoring at Wembley.
A tough one to stomach for the 35,000 or so Leeds fans...
TNT Sports pundit Steven Gerrard:
17:59 , Kieran JacksonOn Chelsea: “Impressed with second half even when Leeds looked like they were getting into it, the structure, shape, I thought Calum MacFarlane managed it really well.
“A lot of positives.”
VIDEO: Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on Chelsea's win
17:45 , Kieran Jackson“They deserve moments like this.” 🤝
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 26, 2026
Robert Sanchez reacts after Chelsea book their place in the FA Cup final by beating Leeds United.
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/hsugwHtf8p
Chelsea's Calum McFarlane:
17:28 , Flo Clifford“‘Relief’ is the correct word. We were confident going into the game – we had a really good three days leading into it – but you never know.
“I did the job for a week in January so I knew what I was stepping into. It’s actually been easier this time because I have a relationship with the players, I’ve worked with them for three or four months now, and I had a feel for what they needed psychologically.”
Chelsea's Robert Sanchez:
17:21 , Flo CliffordAsked about McFarlane’s impact, Sanchez says: “Like I said, keep it positive, focusing on the next games, we keep saying we’re going to win, keeping it positive, and it’s on us to try to get the Champions League and win the final. It would mean something great [to win the FA Cup] after a tough season, we’re going to go there, fight, put everything on the pitch."
Chelsea's Robert Sanchez:
17:16 , Flo CliffordChelsea keeper Robert Sanchez tells TNT Sports: “I think it’s amazing, the boys reacted the way they should have. We tried to keep it really positive in training. It’s another chance to win another final, the boys performed, it was amazing.”
Asked about his contribution, he says: “I’m happy, I always try to do my job. we go through ups and downs, I’m very happy with the season I’ve had, but now it’s very important to finish on a high.
“The fans deserve moments like this. It’s good to give a bit back after a tough period.”
Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah:
17:12 , Kieran Jackson“It’s been a difficult moment for us, but we’re over the moon.
“This is what we need, the fight every game. Hopefully, we can finish off strong.
“When you get to the final, you want to play the best. We’ll be ready.”
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
17:04 , Kieran JacksonRobert Sanchez comes out and punches clear - and that is all she wrote!
Chelsea are through to the final! Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header was the difference between the two sides and interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane will lead the club into a FA Cup final with Manchester City on Saturday, 16 May.
As for Leeds? They can be proud of their run but they came up short today. A few really good opportunities and how might the afternoon have been different if Aaronson had scored his early chance?
But he didn’t take it. Chelsea took theirs.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
17:00 , Kieran Jackson90+8 mins: One final long throw for Leeds - the keeper is up...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:59 , Kieran Jackson90+7 mins: Pedro OFF, Delap ON, for the final moments for Chelsea.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:57 , Kieran Jackson90+6 mins: The answer is yes... as Calvert-Lewin is found at the back-post - but it’s just beyond the Leeds forward.
Chelsea heading for the FA Cup final here...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:56 , Kieran Jackson90+5 mins: Nothing comes of it but Leeds now have a free-kick in a much better area.
Can they find a good delivery?
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:56 , Kieran Jackson90+3 mins: Bogle and Neto get into a battle - Neto tugs the Leeds defender’s shirt who then lashes out with a palm to the face.
Bogle booked. But Leeds get the free-kick....
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:52 , Kieran Jackson90 mins: The number on the board is 8.
Eight minutes for Leeds to find an equaliser here and take us to extra-time.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:50 , Kieran Jackson88 mins: Longstaff’s first involement is catching Caicedo after a sweet turn away.
The Chelsea midfielder is now on the floor, seemingly in some pain.
There’ll be a fair amount of stoppage-time here, me thinks...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:48 , Kieran Jackson86 mins: Final roll of the dice from Leeds boss Daniel Farke: Aaronson OFF, Longstaff ON.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:47 , Kieran Jackson85 mins: A loose touch from Nmecha after coming on and he’s in the book after a challenge on Caicedo - and he is late.
Bookings are really totting up at the end of this match...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:45 , Kieran Jackson83 mins: Anton Stach has certainly had his sights on goal since coming on at half-time.
The Leeds midfielder shoots from range this time, but it sails harmlessly over.
It’s looking like a Chelsea vs Man City final at this rate... unless?
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:44 , Kieran Jackson80 mins: Another break in play after a collision in the middle of the park.
Stadium attendance just announced: 82,542. The white half of the stadium are set to be heading back north empty-handed - can they muster something in these closing 10 minutes?
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:40 , Kieran Jackson78 mins: Ethan Ampadu the latest player in the book after he takes out Neto, who was away down the left.
This game is becoming a bit bitty now - and that will not help Leeds in their search for an equaliser.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:39 , Kieran Jackson77 mins: Palmer in the book now, for a needless punch of the ball back onto the pitch, looking to waste some time...
Foolish stuff.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:37 , Kieran Jackson75 mins: Clearest booking of the day for Leeds defender Pascal Struijk, as he cynically tugs back Joao Pedro - who had got away from him in the middle of the park.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:36 , Kieran Jackson73 mins: Leeds win a corner, but it’s so poor from substitute Stach, who can’t beat the first man.
Double Leeds sub: Tanaka and Okafor OFF, Gnonto and Nmecha ON.
Can Leeds - somehow, someway - find a goal here? It’s been a stagnant 10 mins or so now.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:33 , Kieran Jackson71 mins: Alejandro Garnacho makes way for Cole Palmer, to a chorus of massive cheers from the Chelsea fans.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:32 , Kieran Jackson70 mins: Chelsea have done well to take the sting out of the game in the last 5 mins, just retaining possession and making Leeds work hard off the ball.
Cole Palmer, meanwhile, is about to enter the fray....
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:27 , Kieran Jackson65 mins: Leeds very much on top now.
Ao Tanaka has an opening in the box, but scuffs his volley wide.
Meanwhile a change for Chelsea: Lavia OFF, Santos ON.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:24 , Kieran Jackson63 mins: After some hold-up, Anton Stach takes the free-kick and goes for goal around the world... but it’s comfortably wide!
Still, all that has raised the decibels somewhat!
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:23 , Kieran Jackson59 mins: Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo the first man in the book for a mistimed challenge.
And now Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is down in the box!
Leeds players, bench and fans are furious at the hold-up. Few aggressive exchanges of words between the opposition.
Proper FA Cup crunch match stuff!
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:20 , Kieran Jackson58 mins: Oh Calvert-Lewin shoud do better!
The Leeds No 9 is found deliciously in the box but he can only head straight at Sanchez!
Leeds are building some momentum here, roared on by their 40,000 fans!
Can they find an equaliser?
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:18 , Kieran Jackson56 mins: Gorgeous turn from Joao Pedro in the centre-circle - and Chelsea have a 4 on 4!
Pedro feeds Garnarcho on the left whose shot is blocked by Bogle, who does well!
Fernandez then whips a corner onto the roof of the net...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:14 , Kieran Jackson52 mins: Way more intensity from Leeds, both on the pitch and on the terraces!
Chelsea just struggling to retain the ball at the start of the second-half...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:10 , Kieran Jackson48 mins: Heroic defending from Ampadu in the box to deny Pedro an easy finish!
Somehow, he digs a boot and clears for a corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:09 , Kieran Jackson46 mins: And Anton Stach goes so close after jus tone minute!
The ball drops to him on the edge of the box and his shot is destined for the top-corner before Sanchez pulls out a brilliant save!
Good intensity from Leeds early on in the second-half...
SECOND HALF: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
16:08 , Kieran JacksonJoe Rodon and Anton Stach are on for Leeds, replacing James Justin and Jaka Bijol.
What can they do here?
VIDEO: Fernandez's goal
16:02 , Kieran JacksonEnzo Fernandez slots Chelsea ahead in the FA Cup semi-final ⚽
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 26, 2026
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/s869Tkq7Jk
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:52 , Kieran JacksonEnzo Fernandez’s goal is the difference at the interval - and Chelsea do deserve their lead on the whole.
Leeds have had openings, particularly Brenden Aaronson’s shot well-saved by Sanchez, but after that, the Blues have dominated.
Work to do for Leeds boss Daniel Farke at the break.
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:50 , Kieran Jackson49 mins: Neto gets in down the right but cuts in when he should have played it across the box!
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:46 , Kieran Jackson45 mins: Four minutes of added time.
Just as Leeds start dominating the ball...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:44 , Kieran Jackson41 mins: Leeds right wing-back James Justin is definitely their best outlet at the moment.
He looks threatening on the ball and wins a throw on the right. Leeds chuck it in the mixer and the ball breaks to Okafor (who’s had a few sighters in this first-half) but he can only shoot high and wide!
Better from the men in white though...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:39 , Kieran Jackson36 mins: Alejandro Garnarcho fires a ball across the box but there’s no takers in a blue shirt!
It feels like Leeds need half-time here...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:36 , Kieran Jackson35 mins: Pedro gifts the ball to Leeds’ Okafar outside the box but his goal-bound shot is well blocked by Tosin.
Bit better intensity from Leeds...
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:31 , Kieran Jackson30 mins: Chelsea almost bag a second!
Leeds architects of their own downfall as they lose the ball just outside their box, and Joao Pedro’s quick volley floats just wide of the far post!
Groans now emanating from the 40,000 Leeds contingent behind the goal!
Chelsea 1-0 Leeds
15:30 , Kieran Jackson29 mins: A brief pause in play as we check if Calvert-Lewin tugged Cucurella’s hair!
All fine. Leeds have responded well to going behind, though Chelsea do look the more composed on the ball.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Leeds (Fernandez 24')
15:25 , Kieran JacksonChelsea do take the lead this time!
It’s all too easy from a Leeds point of view. Pedro Neto clips in a simple cross from the right and Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez is in the box, completely unmarked, and heads firmly into the corner beyond Perri!
A perfect riposte from the much-criticised Argentine! The London club lead at Wembley...
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:23 , Kieran Jackson22 mins: Joao Pedro hits the post!
So close to an opener for Chelsea! Enzo Fernandez feeds Pedro in the box and his left-foot shot at the near-post has Perri beaten... but it hits the inside of the post and away!
Let-off for Leeds!
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:19 , Kieran Jackson19 mins: Pedro delays, delays and delays again to feed in an unmarked Pedro Neto on the right - and Leeds recover in numbers!
Why did he take so long to make the pass?
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:16 , Kieran Jackson15 mins: Huge chance for Leeds’ Aaronson!
Calvert-Lewin slips in a lovely through ball for the American, whose shot is destined for the bottom corner, but Sanchez saves well with his feet!
Sanchez also gathers from the subsequent corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:13 , Kieran Jackson12 mins: Chelsea dominating the ball early on here - Garnarcho steals a march on a defender in the box but his first touch lets him down and the ball rolls out of play.
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:07 , Kieran Jackson6 mins: First sight on goal for Chelsea, with Enzo Fernandez teed up outside the penalty area, but he shoots straight at Lucas Perri, who catches comfortably!
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:05 , Kieran Jackson4 mins: What a waste!
After a long old build-up, Leeds’ Ao Tanaka skies the free-kick well over!
Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:02 , Kieran Jackson1 min: And straight away, Leeds have a super chance!
A breakaway sees Caicedo bring down Noah Okafor just outside the box and Leeds have a free-kick just outside the penalty area!
At the other end, Joao Pedro is down in the Leeds half after an early coming-together.
KICK-OFF: Chelsea 0-0 Leeds
15:01 , Kieran JacksonChelsea then, in their usual blue kit, get us underway at a belting Wembley!
The teams are out
14:58 , Flo CliffordSpine-tingling stuff as the players walk out onto the pitch. It’s another gloriously sunny day at Wembley.
Countdown to kick-off
14:56 , Flo CliffordMoments to go at Wembley and the atmosphere is electric, with the Leeds fans making by far the most noise.
Daniel Farke: 'Just another chance to write the chapter of history'
14:55 , Flo CliffordLeeds boss Daniel Farke says: “For once in a good mood because there is nothing to lose, just another chance to write the chapter of history.
“We are used to playing teams of this calibre, we had many difficult games during the season, we have stayed unbeaten against top sides, two times unbeaten against Liverpool and Chelsea themselves. Four points against Man United.
“The games against Manchester City were tight. If we have a top day and we deliver in a perfect way then we have a chance against the reigning champions of the Club World Cup.”
Leeds snatch last-gasp equaliser at Bournemouth to move to brink of safety
14:42 , Flo CliffordLeeds are buoyed heading into this semi-final after nabbing a last-ditch equaliser at Bournemouth in their last outing, a Premier League clash which saw them more nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Substitute Sean Longstaff, who scored the equaliser, is on the bench again today - can he do it again?
Team news reminder
14:38 , Flo CliffordChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Leeds XI: Perri, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Chelsea demolish League One strugglers Port Vale to reach FA Cup semi-finals
14:36 , Flo CliffordAnd a reminder of how Chelsea got here, with Liam Rosenior still in the Blues’ technical area...
Chelsea ended another difficult week in their turbulent season on a high by reaching the FA Cup semi-finals with a 7-0 win over Port Vale.
Rosenior sent out a near full-strength XI against the League One strugglers with the notable exception of Enzo Fernandez, suspended internally over his flirtations with Real Madrid but present at Stamford Bridge to see his team book their place at Wembley.
Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro scored in the first half while Cole Palmer forced an own goal from Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel to make it three by the break.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Estevao added three more in the second half before Alejandro Garnacho converted a stoppage-time penalty, ensuring a path to silverware remained open amidst all the lingering doubts about the club’s present direction.
Daniel Farke ready to ‘fight for piece of history’ after ‘crazy’ FA Cup win over West Ham
14:29 , Flo CliffordDaniel Farke revelled in making history for Leeds after a “crazy” FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham.
The Whites reached the last four of this competition for the first time in 39 years – but only after a penalty shootout, having blown a two-goal lead in stoppage time.
A breathless Farke said: “At least I’m old enough that I was already born when there was the last semi-final for Leeds United in the FA Cup in the 80s.
“It was a crazy game and it has cost lots of energy, but in the FA Cup quarter-final both teams are able to fight for quite another piece of history for the club.
“To reach, for the first time since a while, the semi-final, the game should be like this with ups and downs and setbacks.
“We could have made our life a bit easier after an excellent start to the game. But West Ham is also a Premier League side who is of course giving everything and trying everything to come back into the game.”
Who is Calum McFarlane?
14:22 , Flo CliffordCalum McFarlane is back in the Chelsea dugout after Liam Rosenior’s sacking, having previously held the interim manager role in January after Chelsea sacked Enzo Maresca, coaching the team against Manchester City and against Fulham in the Premier League.
McFarlane joined Chelsea last summer from Southampton, where he spent two years overseeing their Under-21s and previously their Under-18s.
His extensive coaching career includes a three-year stint at Manchester City, working with their Under-15, Under-16, and Under-18 teams, between 2020 to 2023.
Prior to that, he spent three years at Tromso in Norway and held youth coaching roles at Fulham and Crystal Palace. He also served as assistant manager for non-league sides Croydon and Whyteleafe.
Team news - Chelsea
14:12 , Flo CliffordJoao Pedro is back after missing the last two matches, giving Chelsea a boost in front of goal after a serious drought.
Cole Palmer is fit enough for the squad but only for the bench.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Alejandro Garnacho are the other two changes in Calum McFarlane’s first match of this interim spell, with Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap dropping to the bench.
Team news - Leeds
14:06 , Flo CliffordDaniel Farke makes just the one change to the team that drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in the Premier League last time out.
Lucas Perri, who has impressed in this competition, replaces Karl Darlow in goal.
Chelsea XI
14:02 , Flo CliffordChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Palmer, Derry, Delap
Our XI to face Leeds United. 👊#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/uA4hzCzdVT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 26, 2026
Leeds XI
14:00 , Flo CliffordLeeds XI: Perri, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Substitutes: Darlow, Rodon, Bornauw, Longstaff, Stach, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha
📋 Your #LUFC XI... pic.twitter.com/ec9zrsYJDZ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 26, 2026
Chelsea suffer fresh blow as Estevao injury diagnosis puts World Cup hopes in doubt
13:56 , Flo CliffordWhile we wait for team news, an update on Chelsea’s latest injury blow:
Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow as scans confirmed the extent of the hamstring issue suffered by Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, with the 18-year-old set to miss the rest of the club season and potentially the 2026 World Cup.
Estevao was forced off just 17 minutes into the 1-0 loss to Man Utd last weekend after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, and subsequent scans have confirmed a strain, according to The Athletic.
The Brazilian has reportedly suffered a “grade four hamstring injury” and will miss Chelsea’s remaining four matches of the Premier League season, as well as the FA Cup final if the Blues manage to qualify. It is an issue that has plunged the club further into chaos on the day that the dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior was also announced.
How Chelsea could line up in FA Cup semi-final under Calum McFarlane after Liam Rosenior sacked
13:48 , Flo CliffordManagerless Chelsea have had a tumultuous week, with the club hoping for an interim-manager bounce today. Chris Wilson runs through how they might line up today:
Chelsea coach Calum McFarlane faces his second spell in charge of the first team this season after the 40-year-old was announced as the club’s interim head coach following the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
He will take charge of the Blues for the second time after briefly leading the club before Rosenior arrived, with his previous results including a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City and a 2-1 loss to Fulham.
Predicted Chelsea XI against Leeds: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro.
How Chelsea could line up in FA Cup semi-final after Liam Rosenior sacked
Chelsea v Leeds
13:40 , Flo Clifford
Routes to the semi-finals
13:33 , Flo CliffordHere’s a reminder of how both sides got here:
Derby 1-3 Leeds - Third round
Birmingham 1-1 Leeds (Leeds win 4-2 on penalties) - Fourth round
Leeds 3-0 Norwich City - Fifth round
West Ham 2-2 Leeds (Leeds win 4-2 on penalties) - Quarter-final
Routes to the semi-finals
13:25 , Flo CliffordHere’s a reminder of how both sides got here:
Charlton Athletic 1-5 Chelsea - Third round
Hull City 0-4 Chelsea - Fourth round
Wrexham 2-4 Chelsea (AET) - Fifth round
Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale - Quarter-final
Chelsea take on Leeds in echo of 1970 final
13:17 , Flo CliffordLeeds, who lifted the trophy in 1972, will face Chelsea after a dramatic conclusion to their quarter-final clash with West Ham.
The West Yorkshire club led 2-0 at the London Stadium, but saw the hosts score twice in added time to take it to an extra 30 minutes, only for the visitors to eventually triumph 4-3 on penalties and claim a place in the last four for the first time since 1987.
Chelsea, 7-0 victors over League One Port Vale, famously provided the opposition for Leeds in the 1970 final, which went to a replay eventually won by the Londoners, one of eight occasions on which they have won the FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Southampton as Man City scrape into FA Cup final
13:08 , Flo CliffordPep Guardiola paid tribute to plucky Southampton after Manchester City scraped into a fourth successive FA Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Wembley.
A slow-burner of a semi-final came alive 11 minutes from time when Finn Azaz put the second-tier Saints on course for a shock win by curling home a sublime goal.
Yet that served only to spark City into action and substitute Jeremy Doku quickly equalised with a deflected strike before Nico Gonzalez won it with an 87th-minute piledriver.
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Southampton as Man City scrape into FA Cup final
How Southampton’s euphoria was cut short by Man City’s treble charge in FA Cup semi-final
13:00 , Flo CliffordHere’s what awaits today’s winner, from Chief Sports Writer Lawrence Ostlere...
Manchester City are going to Wembley, again. City will return here on 16 May to meet either Chelsea or Leeds in what will be their fourth successive FA Cup final. If all goes to plan in these final weeks, in this strange crescendo of a season, it will be the second piece in a treble of trophies for Pep Guardiola’s side.
On a warm, hazy evening in London, City won this semi-final 2-1 but only after coming through an almighty scare by Southampton, who came desperately close to an upset.
How Southampton’s euphoria was cut short by City’s treble charge in FA Cup semi-final
Chelsea v Leeds
12:52 , Flo CliffordChelsea face Leeds at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final, with the winner to face Manchester City in the showpiece on Saturday 16 May.
A win over Leeds would be a crucial boost the Blues following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane returning to the interim hot seat bidding to turn around the club’s fortunes.
The Blues have endured a run of five successive Premier League games without scoring - their worst run in 114 years - and will need to prove less toothless in front of goal if they are to see off Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds meanwhile are still on a hot streak after snatching a last-gasp draw at Bournemouth, which took them to the all-important 40-point barrier in a huge boost to their Premier League survival bid.
Predicted line-ups
12:46 , Flo CliffordChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Delap.
Leeds XI: Perri; Struijk, Bijol, Rodon; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin.
Team news
12:38 , Flo CliffordMcFarlane confirmed that Estevao is out for the season after scans showed the extent of his hamstring injury. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are both “in a good place” after training but will face a late fitness test to see if either can be involved.
Leeds are without Ilia Gruev after he sustained a meniscus injury that has ruled him out for the season. Farke is hopeful that Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach will be included in Leeds’ semi-final plans.
How can I watch it?
12:31 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with coverage from 2pm BST.
When is Chelsea v Leeds?
12:27 , Flo CliffordChelsea face Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26 April, with kick-off at 3pm BST.
Chelsea v Leeds
12:22 , Flo CliffordChelsea will hope the sacking of Liam Rosenior was well-advised as they hope to go one step closer to silverware in their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds.
Rosenior was given the axe after less than four months in charge of Chelsea, with Tuesday’s hammering away at Brighton proving the final straw for the Blues hierarchy.
Calum McFarlane returns as interim boss having served following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca in January but is being thrown in the deep end, charged with overcoming an in-form Leeds side under the Wembley arch.
Daniel Farke’s team are on the brink of sealing Premier League survival after stunning Manchester United at Old Trafford, dispatching Wolves and snatching a late draw at Bournemouth. They’ll look to carry that momentum into what is their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.
Good afternoon
12:17 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Chelsea v Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The winner of today’s clash will face Manchester City after they squeaked past Southampton 2-1 in yesterday’s first semi-final.
Join us for build-up, team news and latest updates here.
