The Foxes had previously failed four times at this level, most recently in 1969, but have now added to a growing trophy cabinet that includes the Premier League title in 2015-16.

After the late drama in which a marginal offside call ruled out Wes Morgan's own goal and sent Thomas Tuchel home empty-handed from the first of two Chelsea finals this month, Tielemans' long-range second-half strike proved enough.

The Blues must first qualify for next season's Champions League, which would almost certainly mean beating a resurgent Leicester side on Tuesday, who are in desperate need of a win at Stamford Bridge.

Leicester, on the other hand, would not trade victory in that crucial match for this priceless victory, which was played out in drizzly Wembley rain to the accompaniment of 21,000 returning supporters.

The ramifications of this tense match will be felt throughout the week, with Jonny Evans' return lasting just 34 minutes after feeling unwell in the warm-up against Newcastle United eight days prior.

Meanwhile, clear-cut chances were rare, and Kepa Arrizabalaga had yet to be tested 18 minutes into the second period when Tielemans took aim from at least 25 yards and smashed a nice drive into the top-left corner.

Leicester's attacking motive ended there, with the rest of the action taking place at the other end of the pitch.

With a powerful left hand, Kasper Schmeichel deflected Ben Chilwell's downward header and then instinctively repelled Mason Mount's blast.

With a minute remaining, Schmeichel was beaten by Chilwell, who reached to toe past his former teammate, and Caglar Soyuncu, who hacked a goal-line clearance against club captain Morgan, who had been added as a substitute seven minutes earlier.

However, the VAR spotted the tiniest of offside violations against Chilwell, denying Chelsea and crowning Leicester in the end.

What does this imply? Leicester has finally won a cup match.

The biggest post-pandemic crowd for a sporting event in the United Kingdom was present at Wembley, but they were not treated to a classic. It won't matter to any one of the Leicester persuasion.

Chelsea had reached their sixth final in five years, including four in this competition, while Leicester had not reached a major final since 2000.

When Leicester fans feared they would be denied a first-ever Premier League victory after Morgan scored into his own net, the much-maligned VAR technology came to their rescue.

Schmeichel was the last hero for the Foxes.

Despite the fact that Tielemans' goal will be replayed over and over, it was Leicester's only shot on goal. Schmeichel was just as important in this long-awaited victory.

Just three saves were made by the Denmark international, but two of them in the final 15 minutes were of exceptional quality.

Werner's Chelsea woes continue to mount.

Timo Werner plays an important position for Chelsea, occupying defenders with his speed and movement, but his goal-scoring ability has been inconsistent.

The Blues striker attempted four shots, but none of them were successful. Tuchel's team looked more dangerous in the closing minutes after Werner was substituted.

Despite the fact that he will almost certainly start the Champions League final, the former RB Leipzig midfielder cannot afford another performance like this.

What comes next?

While there will be no silverware awarded at the conclusion of the teams' next meeting on Tuesday, the stakes are just as high. As Liverpool closes in, Champions League qualification could be on the line.