Chelsea beat Wrexham 4-2 after extra time in the FA Cup fifth round as Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro seal a dramatic victory.
Chelsea FC survived a major scare to defeat Wrexham AFC 4-2 after extra time in the FA Cup fifth round. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro eventually secured progress.
The Premier League side twice came from behind before finishing the job in extra time. It was a thrilling contest at STōK Cae Ras in front of a passionate crowd.
Wrexham began the tie with energy and confidence. Their pressing unsettled Chelsea early in the match. The hosts were rewarded with the opening goal in the 18th minute.
Callum Doyle sent a long pass over the Chelsea defence. Sam Smith ran onto the ball and calmly finished past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The early goal sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium.
Chelsea struggled to respond for much of the first half. Their heavily rotated lineup looked disjointed and lacked attacking rhythm. Wrexham appeared the more dangerous side during long stretches.
Chelsea eventually found a way back into the match shortly before half time. The equaliser arrived in unusual circumstances after a quick attacking move.
Garnacho carried the ball forward and fired a shot towards goal. George Thomason cleared the attempt off the line, but the rebound struck goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The ball bounced into the net for an unfortunate own goal in the 40th minute.
The goal made it 1-1 at the interval despite Wrexham’s strong performance. Chelsea had escaped the first half with the tie level.
The second half remained lively and competitive. Both teams looked capable of scoring as the pace of the match increased.
Wrexham regained the lead in the 78th minute through Callum Doyle. Josh Windass fired a powerful effort from the edge of the box. Doyle reacted quickly and flicked the ball past Sanchez from close range.
The home side sensed a famous upset was within reach. However, Chelsea responded almost immediately with another equaliser.
Chelsea restored parity just four minutes later. Midfielder Josh Acheampong finished a loose ball with a powerful strike into the roof of the net. The quick response shifted momentum back toward the visitors.
Drama followed late in stoppage time. Wrexham midfielder George Dobson was sent off after a VAR review upgraded his challenge on Garnacho to a red card. The hosts were reduced to ten men before extra time began.
Chelsea finally took the lead in the 96th minute. Dário Essugo delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Garnacho met the ball at the back post and volleyed home from close range.
Wrexham thought they had equalised late in extra time. Lewis Brunt turned in a header after a corner routine. However, VAR ruled the goal offside after a review.
The decision proved decisive. Deep into stoppage time of extra time, João Pedro sealed the result with a calm finish on the counter attack.
Garnacho played a decisive role throughout the contest. The winger helped create Chelsea’s first equaliser and later scored the crucial extra time goal. Essugo also impressed with his assist and energy in midfield.
For Wrexham, Callum Doyle delivered an outstanding performance. He provided the assist for the opener and scored the second goal. Sam Smith’s early strike also highlighted the hosts’ fearless approach.
The statistics reflected how competitive the match was. Wrexham recorded 19 shots with an expected goals total of 1.8. Chelsea produced 21 attempts and generated 1.62 expected goals.
Chelsea also extended an impressive record in the competition. They have now progressed from their last 25 FA Cup ties against teams from lower divisions.
Chelsea next travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
Wrexham return to Championship action with a home match against Hull City AFC on Tuesday, followed by a Welsh derby against Swansea City AFC on Friday.
