Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge. The hosts came from behind twice to snatch the win in the dying minutes, thanks to a late goal from Conor Gallagher. Leeds gave a spirited performance and scored two stunning goals, but it was not enough to stop Chelsea from advancing to the next round.
Leeds stun Chelsea with early opener
The visitors started the game with high intensity and pressed Chelsea hard, forcing them to make mistakes. Leeds took advantage of one such error in the eighth minute, when they intercepted a sloppy pass from Antonio Rudiger and launched a quick counter-attack. The ball was played to Patrick Bamford, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that flew past Edouard Mendy and into the top corner. It was a stunning strike that silenced the home crowd and gave Leeds a shock lead.
Chelsea respond through Jackson
Chelsea were rattled by the early setback, but they gradually regained their composure and started to create chances. They equalized in the 15th minute, when Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal for the club. The young winger, who was making his debut in the FA Cup, received a cross from Reece James and headed it past Illan Meslier from close range. It was a simple finish, but a crucial one for Chelsea and Jackson, who celebrated with his teammates.
Chelsea take the lead before half-time
The hosts grew in confidence after the equalizer and dominated the possession and territory. They took the lead in the 37th minute, when Timo Werner scored his 15th goal of the season. The German striker, who had missed a couple of chances earlier, made no mistake this time, as he latched onto a through ball from Hakim Ziyech and slotted it past Meslier with a cool finish. It was a well-worked goal that gave Chelsea a deserved advantage at the break.
Leeds level with another wonder goal
Leeds came out in the second half with renewed energy and determination, and they stunned Chelsea again with another spectacular goal in the 58th minute. This time, it was Raphinha who produced a moment of magic, as he curled a sublime free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner, leaving Mendy helpless. It was a brilliant strike that brought Leeds back into the game and delighted their fans.
Gallagher seals the win for Chelsea
The game became more open and frantic, as both teams searched for the winner. Leeds had a couple of chances to take the lead, but they were denied by Mendy, who made some crucial saves. Chelsea also had some opportunities, but they were frustrated by Meslier, who kept them at bay. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute, when Conor Gallagher scored the winner for Chelsea. The midfielder, who had come on as a substitute, pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired it into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Chelsea players and fans. It was a dramatic end to a thrilling game, and a cruel blow for Leeds, who had fought valiantly.
