By Francis Onyach - Reporter
4 December 2025 - Leeds United shocked Chelsea on Wednesday night at Elland Road, beating the blues 3–1 to deliver a major blow to Chelsea’s recent form.
The hosts battling relegation rose to the occasion to register a vital win that lifts them out of the drop zone, while Chelsea’s confidence and league ambitions were dealt a harsh reality check.
From the first whistle, Leeds were sharp and aggressive. Just six minutes in, defender Jaka Bijol powered home a header from a corner to put Leeds ahead.
Enzo Maresca’s men looked organised and likely to score the next goal, but never managed to find the net.
Before the break, midfielder Ao Tanaka made it worse for the Blues, unleashing a spectacular long-range strike that found the bottom corner, doubling the lead and sending the home crowd into raptures.
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Chelsea tried to regroup after half-time. Early in the second half, substitute Pedro Neto pulled a goal back, turning in a cross at the far post to make it 2–1 and briefly revive hope.
However, Leeds refused to fold. In the 72nd minute, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin capitalised on a defensive lapse, a loose pass inside Chelsea’s box, to tap in and seal the win at 3–1.
For Chelsea, the result was harsh but revealing. Despite dominating possession, they created few clear chances and were repeatedly undone by poor defending and inability to control Leeds’ energy. For Leeds, the win is a timely lift as they escape the relegation zone, and a reminder of what disciplined defence and clinical finishing can achieve.
As things stand, Chelsea’s title challenge takes another hit, sitting fourth on the table, six points behind League leaders Arsenal, while Leeds, under pressure before the game, leave the pitch positive after moving 3 points out of the relegation zone.
