FA Cup Semi-Finals: Chelsea to Face Leeds, Manchester City to Play Southampton

The FA Cup semi-final draw has pitted Chelsea against Leeds United, while Manchester City will take on Southampton. Leeds secured their spot in the semi-finals for the first time in nearly four decades after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over West Ham, and they will now face Chelsea at Wembley. Chelsea had previously thrashed Port Vale 7-0 to advance. Meanwhile, Manchester City, who defeated Liverpool 4-0 to reach the final four for the eighth consecutive year, will face Southampton after the Championship side pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over Premier League leaders Arsenal. The semi-final matches are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on either April 25 or 26. For Southampton, who last won the FA Cup 50 years ago, stopping Manchester City from reaching the final for the fourth straight year will be crucial if they hope to replicate their 1976 success. Manchester City, a seven-time FA Cup winner, has not lifted the trophy since 2023 and has suffered back-to-back final losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Chelsea, an eight-time winner, last claimed the FA Cup in 2018 and will now face Leeds, a team they defeated in the 1970 final. Leeds rebounded from that loss to win the FA Cup in 1972 but have not advanced beyond the semi-final stage since 1987.