Chelsea FC eventually overcame Wrexham AFC in a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round encounter in Wales, recovering twice before securing victory in extra time against a spirited side reduced to ten men.
The Premier League team, eight-time winners of the competition, endured a difficult evening and spent much of the match struggling while the teams were at full strength. The game unfolded in front of Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who watched as their club pushed the favourites to the limit.
The hosts struck first when Sam Smith exploited Chelsea’s defensive line and squeezed an effort inside the near post to give Wrexham the lead. The response came before the interval through Alejandro Garnacho, whose attempt resulted in a fortunate equaliser after George Thomason’s clearance deflected off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and rolled into the net.
The opening period therefore ended with the teams level after an energetic and unpredictable start to the tie.
Second-half drama and late red card shift momentum
The contest remained wide open after the restart as both sides traded attacks. Chelsea introduced several changes following an underwhelming first half, but Wrexham regained the advantage through a well-worked move.
Josh Windass struck a half-volley from the edge of the area, which was cleverly redirected by Callum Doyle, putting the hosts back in front and igniting hopes of a major cup upset.
That advantage lasted only four minutes. Josh Acheampong responded for Chelsea with a powerful finish inside the near post, restoring equality before Pedro Neto rattled the crossbar with another fierce strike shortly afterwards.
The decisive moment of the match arrived deep into stoppage time when referee Peter Bankes consulted the pitch-side monitor following advice from the Video Assistant Referee. After reviewing the footage, he dismissed George Dobson for a high and forceful challenge on Garnacho in the 93rd minute.
Extra-time heartbreak as VAR denies late equaliser
With Wrexham reduced to ten players, the additional period gradually swung in Chelsea’s favour as the home side began to tire. Attempts from Andrey Santos and substitute Marc Guiu signalled increasing pressure.
Chelsea eventually moved ahead for the first time when Garnacho arrived unmarked at the far post to finish Dário Essugo’s clipped delivery with a controlled volley.
Wrexham thought they had produced a dramatic equaliser in the 114th minute when substitute Lewis Brunt found the net, but the goal was ruled out after another VAR review confirmed an offside offense. Even so, the hosts continued to threaten through further attempts from Kieffer Moore and Windass.
Chelsea eventually secured the result when João Pedro caught the exhausted defense on a counter-attack late on, adding a fourth goal shortly before the final whistle.
The London club, therefore, advanced to the quarter-finals and extended their record to 25 consecutive FA Cup matches without losing to lower-division opposition while also progressing in the competition they have not lifted since 2019.