The hosts entered the contest on the back of four straight defeats, yet they looked the sharper side from the off, unsettling a Chelsea team that had arrived unbeaten in four league outings, three of them wins.

Leeds signalled their intent early, with Anton Stach's volley blocked and Ao Tanaka dragging a shot wide. Their bright start was rewarded in the 6th minute when Stach's corner found Jaka Bijol, who shook off his marker and headed past Robert Sanchez from close range.

Another Stach delivery created a chance for Pascal Struijk, while Tanaka spurned a further opportunity as Chelsea struggled to impose themselves.

Two minutes before the interval, Enzo Fernandez surrendered possession, allowing Jayden Bogle to slip the ball to Tanaka. The midfielder struck a superb effort from outside the box into the bottom corner to double the advantage.

Chelsea responded after the break, with substitute Pedro Neto converting a Jamie Gittens cross five minutes into the second half, moments after Sanchez had made a sharp save from Lukas Nmecha.

Cole Palmer returned to action for the first time since September and went close with a low effort, but Leeds restored full control in the 72nd minute.

Noah Okafor robbed Tosin Adarabioyo inside the Chelsea area, and although his shot squeezed beyond Sanchez, it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin who completed the move on the line to make it 3-1.

"We were so desperate to bring this club back to the top level, and Elland Road was tonight back to its best," Farke told the BBC.

"A great, great shift from my lads, great performance against one of the best sides in the world."

The defeat leaves Chelsea fourth on 24 points, three behind Aston Villa and nine adrift of leaders Arsenal. Leeds climb to 17th on 14 points, gaining vital momentum in their fight for survival.

"Absolutely, very poor night. They were better than us in every aspect. Will try to analyze and learn from this game and focus on the next one," said Maresca.

"It's not about possession. Possession, you need the purpose. Today they were better than us in every aspect and deserved to win. Congratulations to them.

"After the goal we scored, we had 1-2 chances very clear with Cole, with Joao, but the third goal completely killed the game. It's much more difficult."

Nkosinathi Sibisi: Orlando Pirates eager to clinch Carling Knockout Cup