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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC faced each other at Wembley Stadium in the 2025–26 FA Cup final, with both clubs entering the match under very different circumstances. Chelsea arrived after a turbulent campaign that included managerial changes and inconsistent league form, while Manchester City continued chasing another major domestic trophy under Pep Guardiola.

The final put significant pressure on Chelsea, who viewed the match as a chance to rescue their season and secure European football.

Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Context

The buildup to Chelsea vs Manchester City focused heavily on City’s dominance in recent meetings between the clubs. Manchester City entered the final unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Chelsea across all competitions, recording 10 wins and three draws during that run.

Chelsea had not defeated City since the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, a result still remembered strongly by supporters. Recent meetings during the 2025–26 season also favored City. In April, City secured a convincing 3–0 win at Stamford Bridge through goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guéhi, and Jérémy Doku. Earlier in January, the teams played out a 1–1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Key Players and Final Stakes

Manchester City entered the final aiming to complete a domestic cup double after already winning the EFL Cup earlier in the season. Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden remained central to City’s attack.

Chelsea, led by caretaker coach Calum McFarlane, looked toward players such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández to inspire an upset.

With silverware and European qualification on the line, this Chelsea vs Manchester City final carried massive significance for both clubs at Wembley Stadium.

Chelsea vs Manchester City: First Half

Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC went into the break level at 0–0 after a tense first half in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Manchester City controlled much of the early possession and pressed aggressively during the opening stages. Erling Haaland thought he had opened the scoring in the 27th minute after finishing into an empty net, but the goal was disallowed after Matheus Nunes was ruled offside in the buildup.

Chelsea gradually improved as the half progressed and looked more dangerous on the counterattack. One of their best moments came after Cole Palmer won possession with a sharp tackle before launching a quick break. João Pedro got through on goal but slipped while attempting his shot, allowing James Trafford to make a comfortable save.

The match also became increasingly physical. Enzo Fernández received a yellow card in the 28th minute, while Marc Cucurella was booked shortly afterward in the 31st minute.

Despite City’s control of possession, Chelsea defended with more organization after the opening stages, leaving the final finely balanced heading into the second half.

Full-Time: Manchester City Defeat Chelsea to Win FA Cup

Manchester City FC defeated Chelsea FC 1–0 at Wembley Stadium to win the 2025–26 FA Cup, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive second-half goal.

The breakthrough arrived in the 71st minute after a well-worked City move. Erling Haaland turned away from Wesley Fofana before linking with Bernardo Silva. Haaland then received the ball back on the right side and delivered a low cross that Semenyo finished brilliantly with a backheel into the far corner.

Earlier in the second half, Pep Guardiola made a tactical switch by introducing Rayan Cherki for Omar Marmoush. Chelsea later responded with changes of their own, bringing on Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, and Alejandro Garnacho in search of an equalizer.

Chelsea pressed intensively after conceding and almost equalized in the 74th minute when Enzo Fernández volleyed over from close range after a flick by Levi Colwill.

The match also included controversial moments, with Chelsea appealing unsuccessfully for a handball and later a foul involving João Pedro inside the penalty area.

Late pressure from Chelsea was not enough to break City’s defense. Moisés Caicedo received a yellow card deep into stoppage time as City managed the final minutes and secured another domestic trophy under Guardiola.