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.
1. Illan Meslier
9 - Made several huge saves, some of which were rendered futile by the offside flag but he had to make them. A tremendous performance in net. Photo: Michael Regan
2. Rasmus Kristensen
7 - Recovered from a shaky start. Accuracy wasn't always there with his channel balls. Photo: Michael Regan
3. Robin Koch
8 - Solid, reliable. Did a good job against Sterling. Couldn't keep him completely silent but was there when needed and always recovered well. Photo: Catherine Ivill
4. Diego Llorente
8 - Almost as good as his partner. Dependable, played a sensible game, got himself in the way of everything. Photo: Michael Regan
5. Pascal Struijk
8 - Came under a lot of pressure and stood up to it for the most part. Tried to get forward to support attacks. Won big headers. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
6. Tyler Adams
9 - Immense. A bundle of disruptive energy. Just kept tackling and tackling, helping Leeds to win the ball back time and time again. Photo: Michael Regan