Leeds went ahead in the 33rd minute after superb work from Brenden Aaronson who was able to tap the ball home into an empty net after brilliant pressing on keeper Edouard Mendy led to the Chelsea stopper losing possession barely one yard out.
Jesse Marsch's Whites then doubled their lead just four minutes later as the thriving Rodrigo headed home his fourth goal of the season from a Jack Harrison free-kick.
And Leeds capped a superb display and easily their best yet under boss Jesse Marsch when Harrison converted from close range following another rapid Whites break in the 69th minute.
Chelsea's afternoon then got even worse in the 85th minute when the already-booked Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off after hauling down substitute Joe Gelhardt which earned the Blues defender a second yellow.
Here, Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from a memorable afternoon at Elland Road, accompanied with live match pictures from Getty Images.
7. Marc Roca
7 - Got stuck in, played some smart football and looked after the ball. Started to fade just before he was replaced on the hour. Photo: Michael Regan
8. Dan James
7 - Loads of work, pressed with intensity and gave Leeds an option in the final third without a huge deal of reward until his involvement in the third. Photo: Michael Regan
9. Jack Harrison
9 - One of his best performances in a long time. Quick feet, good deliveries and a goal to boot. His footwork bamboozled a number of players. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Brenden Aaronson
9 - Deserved his goal for his early work-rate, which he maintained for most of the game. Tidy on the ball, got into good positions to try and hurt Chelsea. Photo: Catherine Ivill
11. Rodrigo
8 - Put in a shift, scored a lovely goal and nicked an assist for Harrison's. Ball didn't always stick with him but deserved his ovation. Photo: Catherine Ivill
12. Adam Forshaw (sub)
7 - Nothing flashy, just an injection of energy and covering space to frustrate Chelsea. Played a simple game in possession. Photo: Michael Regan