Enzo Fernandez's first-half header settled a scrappy FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley as Chelsea made a winning start to life after Liam Rosenior's sacking and booked a final against Manchester City on Saturday, 16 May.
Calum McFarlane, placed in interim charge until the end of the season, will now lead Chelsea out at Wembley again next month, while Leeds' hopes of a first FA Cup final since their 1973 defeat by Sunderland were undone by missed chances at both ends of the pitch.
Aaronson chance and the turning point
Daniel Farke's side had the game's first big opportunity when Brenden Aaronson raced clear from Dominic Calvert-Lewin's flick after Trevoh Chalobah gave the ball away cheaply. Robert Sanchez stuck out a leg to make a crucial save, with Farke holding his head in anguish on the touchline.