Chelsea 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.
(AP)
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 19:30
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane:
On 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.”
(Getty)
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 18:50
A stat Leeds fans will not want to see:
Leeds 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…
(AP)
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 18:20
TNT Sports pundit Steven Gerrard:
On 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.”
(The FA via Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 17:59
VIDEO: Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on Chelsea’s win
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 17:45
“‘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.”
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 17:28
Asked 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.”
(AP)
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 17:21
Chelsea 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.”
Flo Clifford26 April 2026 17:16
“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.”
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 17:12
Robert 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.
(AP)
Kieran Jackson26 April 2026 17:04