It is genuinely difficult to put into words what this week has felt like as a Leeds fan, but I will try.
We started the week on such a high after impressive wins against Manchester United and Wolves, where the team played with confidence, energy and real attacking intent. In both matches, Leeds looked like a side full of belief, capable of taking control and dictating the game against strong opposition. That momentum carried into what was always going to be a tough away fixture at Bournemouth.
Credit has to go to Bournemouth, who played very well and made it a challenging contest throughout. Looking at the game honestly, it is hard to say Leeds fully deserved all three points, but coming away from home with a draw against a quality side is still a positive result. Moments like the scenes after Sean Longstaff's contribution gave fans something to celebrate and kept spirits high. At that point, all roads were leading to Wembley, and the excitement was building with every passing day.
The trip to London for the semi final was something special. I feel incredibly fortunate to have seen Leeds at Wembley a few times before, but experiencing a cup semi final there felt completely different. It carried more weight, more emotion, and meant so much more on a personal level. The anticipation, the atmosphere, and the belief among the fans made it feel like anything was possible.
That is what makes the result so hard to take. There is a real sense of disappointment and frustration.
It felt like Leeds allowed the opposition too much control and showed them a level of respect that ultimately worked against us. The team never quite imposed themselves on the game in the way we have seen recently. At times, it almost seemed too relaxed, as if the intensity that had driven previous performances was missing. Perhaps recent form played a role, with Leeds riding a wave of confidence while Chelsea had been less convincing in the weeks leading up to the match. It may have created a sense that the game would be more straightforward than it actually was.
To come away from such an occasion without the result we hoped for is devastating. Opportunities like that do not come around often, and it felt like a real chance to achieve something special. The disappointment will linger, but as always in football, there is no time to dwell for too long.
Attention now turns to Friday night, which feels like the biggest game of the season. Securing Premier League safety has to be the priority, and there is still plenty to play for. Climbing above Newcastle would be a huge step and a real statement after everything that has happened this week. The focus has to be on responding in the right way and showing the resilience that this team has demonstrated before.
It has been an emotional week, full of highs and lows, but the journey continues.
Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds – find all their audio here
