Leeds fans leave Wembley empty-handed as FA Cup run ends and survival focus sharpens | OneFootball

Leeds United’s long-awaited Wembley day ended without the win or even a goal, their FA Cup run halted by Chelsea. Their travelling support turned the stadium white, yellow and blue, but attention now returns to Premier League business.

Fans flooded morning trains to London, from Manchester at 8:05 and via Stockport and Crewe, cans popping and confidence building. As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds colours dotted Marathon-day crowds around Euston before becoming a majority on Olympic Way.

This was their first FA Cup trip to Wembley since 1973, with the 1987 semi-final played at Hillsborough, making 39 years of waiting. Many noted a lighter mood and optimism despite Leeds not scoring at the national stadium since 1992.

Inside, around 34,000 Leeds supporters roared Marching on Together. Chelsea controlled early play and led midway through the first half, Enzo Fernandez heading in Pedro Neto’s cross after a Pascal Struijk error. Farke’s side rallied before the break.

A tweak in shape lifted them after the interval and substitute Anton Stach drew a roar with a driven effort. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez then received treatment, alerted by Fernandez, while Ethan Ampadu joined Chelsea’s touchline discussion. Chelsea slowed the game from there and Leeds never found their release, although many stayed on to applaud a squad who were warmly received.

This will not knock them off course in the Premier League. Next up is Burnley on Friday, with 40 points on the board and four games left.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk