Leeds fans feel Wembley pain as FA Cup exit sharpens survival focus | OneFootball

Leeds United’s long-awaited FA Cup return to Wembley ended without a goal or a win, yet the day underlined a clear shift back to Premier League priorities.

Chelsea controlled early possession and went ahead midway through the first half, Enzo Fernandez heading in Pedro Neto’s cross after a Pascal Struijk error. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds rallied before the break and their backing never dimmed.

A tweak in shape after the interval brought a faster start, and substitute Anton Stach’s driving effort raised the noise again. Soon after, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, alerted by Fernandez, signalled an injury and Ethan Ampadu entered Chelsea’s touchline team talk. Chelsea then slowed the tempo and there was no release for the Leeds end, although many stayed on to applaud Daniel Farke’s squad at full-time.

This was Leeds’ first FA Cup visit to Wembley since 1973, the 1987 semi-final against Coventry City played at Hillsborough, making such occasions unfamiliar for 39 years. Around 34,000 Leeds supporters filled their side with voice, “Marching on Together” rolled round the bowl, a banner reading “at least until the world stops going round” and a sea of scarves.

From early trains out of Manchester, via Stockport and Crewe, to a buoyant crowd outside the stadium on London Marathon day, the mood was upbeat. Fans spoke of belief in the team and manager, even with no Leeds goal at Wembley since 1992.

The cup run fades, but momentum in the league remains. Attention turns to Friday and to Burnley.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk