Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Ao Tanaka was presented with a chance to open the scoring from a free kick four minutes into the game, but he dragged his effort wide.
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At the other end, Enzo Fernandez mustered Chelsea’s first attempt on goal from distance, but his effort was comfortably collected by Lucas Perri.
Moments later, Brenden Aaronson could’ve fired Leeds ahead after he was found by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he was denied by the outstretched leg of Robert Sanchez before Joao Pedro hit the post at the other end.
In the 23rd minute, Fernandez opened the scoring after he headed home Pedro Neto’s pinpoint cross to give Chelsea the lead.
Moments later, Chelsea appealed for a red card after Calvert-Lewin appeared to pull Marc Cucurella’s hair, but VAR stuck with referee Jarred Gillett’s decision.
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On the half-hour, Joao Pedro volleyed narrowly wide before Noah Okafor blazed his effort over the bar at the other end.
Two minutes into the second half, Anton Stach almost restored parity for the Whites with an effort from 25 yards out, but Sanchez palmed away his strike.
At the other end, Joao Pedro had a chance to double the Blues’ lead after neat work from Malo Gusto and Fernandez, but he failed to get his shot off before Leeds cleared.
On the hour mark, Calvert-Lewin went close again to equalising for Leeds after he met Okafor’s cross, but Sanchez denied him before Stach dragged his effort wide of the near post.
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In the closing stages, the Whites pushed hard for an equaliser, but Chelsea stood firm to book their place in the final.
Chelsea are set to take on Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on May 16.
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