Having failed to win any of their three prior midweek PL games this season (D1, L2), the Blues knew a positive start was needed on home soil.
Leeds acquitted themselves well in the early stages, though, with Brenden Aaronson drawing a clumsy challenge from Josh Acheampong as the American threatened to bear down on goal.
Despite that warning, it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, when Cole Palmer’s inch-perfect ball released Joao Pedro through on goal, and the Brazilian held his nerve to dink a superb finish over the onrushing Karl Darlow.
The hosts looked to build on that opener as the first half progressed, but they were unable to extend their advantage further, as Darlow saved a tame effort from Palmer before Pedro scuffed wide when well-placed in the box.
Determined to register a seventh successive H2H home victory in the PL, Chelsea remained on the front foot at the start of the second period, with Estevao firing narrowly wide of the target.
The Blues didn’t have to wait long to double their lead, however, as Jaka Bijol’s needless shove on Pedro in the box allowed Palmer to step up and confidently dispatch his third spot-kick in the space of four days.
Undeterred, the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own less than 10 minutes later when Moises Caicedo clumsily tripped Jayden Bogle, and Lukas Nmecha made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way.
That swung the contest in Leeds’ favour, and Daniel Farke’s men remarkably drew level in the 73rd minute, as calamitous defending from the hosts allowed Nmecha to set up substitute Noah Okafor for a simple finish.
Having seen their lead disappear in the space of six minutes, Chelsea tried to summon the energy for a winner with time heading into the final quarter-hour, and Pedro Neto very nearly found one when his inswinging delivery landed inches wide of the far post.
Liam Rosenior’s side continued to threaten deep into stoppage time, but an inexplicable close-range miss from Palmer with the goal at his mercy proved costly, as Leeds held firm to deny the Blues a fifth straight PL victory.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
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