McFarlane hails ´fighter´ Fernandez after decisive FA Cup goal

Calum McFarlane lauded the performance of “fighter” Enzo Fernandez after the Chelsea vice-captain proved to be their FA Cup semi-final hero.

Fernandez’s 23rd-minute header was decisive at Wembley Stadium as the Blues beat Leeds United 1-0.

Chelsea, who have lost five straight Premier League games without scoring, will now face Manchester City on May 16.

McFarlane was overseeing his first game in interim charge since replacing Liam Rosenior earlier this week, and he paid homage to Fernandez, who captained Chelsea in Reece James’ absence.

“The most impressive thing about him is that he’s a fighter,” McFarlane told TNT Sports.

“You don’t have to have the perfect game plan in those moments; he will run and compete, and that is often the deciding factor.”

Fernandez was recently handed a two-game suspension following comments made about potentially leaving Chelsea.

But he was their standout performer this time out. As well as his goal, Fernandez led the game for chances created (three) and duels won (nine), while also having a team-high 79 touches.

INTO THE FA CUP FINAL! #CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/HCcn8fG4Nr

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 26, 2026

Fernandez has scored 13 goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season; the only midfielder to score more for Premier League clubs in 2025-26 is Morgan Gibbs-White (16).

Leeds struggled to create clear chances going the other way, registering just 0.9 expected goals, though Chelsea did need Robert Sanchez to make a couple of big saves, denying Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach.

“Robert Sanchez’s saves were massive for us. We haven’t kept enough clean sheets recently, so I’m really pleased for the whole team, especially the back line and Rob to get that,” McFarlane told BBC Sport.

“That’s Rob Sanchez at his best. That’s what we expect from him. That’s what he’s capable of doing. He’s one of the best in the world in those moments, and thankfully for us, he delivered.”

Asked what his overriding emotion was after the win, McFarlane said: “Relief is the correct word.

“We were confident going into the game. We had a good three days, but you never know. We wanted to shift the momentum; our form hasn’t been great.”

Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest on May 4, with the Blues at risk of missing out on European qualification.