Chelsea fought back twice before eventually overcoming 10-man Wrexham in a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash, securing their place in the quarter-finals after extra time in Wales.
The Premier League side looked in danger of a major upset as Wrexham twice took the lead in front of their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
However, Alejandro Garnacho’s extra-time volley finally put Chelsea ahead for the first time in the match, before substitute Joao Pedro sealed the victory late on.
The underdogs made a fearless start and were rewarded when Sam Smith broke the deadlock.
Exploiting Chelsea’s high defensive line, he raced through before squeezing a shot inside the near post to send the home crowd into celebration.
Chelsea responded before the break in fortunate fashion.
Garnacho’s effort was cleared by George Thomason but struck goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and bounced into the net for an unfortunate own goal, bringing the visitors level.
The contest remained open after half-time as both sides pushed forward.
Chelsea made several changes following a disappointing first-half display, but Wrexham regained the advantage when Josh Windass fired a half-volley from the edge of the box that Callum Doyle cleverly redirected into the net.
Their lead lasted only four minutes.
Josh Acheampong powered a shot inside the near post to restore parity, while Pedro Neto nearly put Chelsea ahead moments later with a fierce effort that rattled the crossbar.
The pivotal moment arrived deep into stoppage time when VAR prompted referee Peter Bankes to review a challenge by George Dobson on Garnacho.
After consulting the pitchside monitor, the official showed Dobson a red card for a high and forceful tackle, leaving Wrexham to face extra time with 10 men.
As fatigue set in, Chelsea began to dominate the additional period.
After attempts from Andrey Santos and substitute Marc Guiu, Garnacho finally gave the visitors the lead, arriving unmarked at the back post to convert Dario Essugo’s lofted cross.
Wrexham thought they had forced another dramatic twist when substitute Lewis Brunt found the net in the 114th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Despite late efforts from Kieffer Moore and Windass, Wrexham could not find another breakthrough.
Chelsea capitalised on the hosts’ tired legs in the closing moments as Joao Pedro finished off a swift counter-attack to put the result beyond doubt.
Although far from convincing, the win extends Chelsea’s unbeaten run against lower-league opposition in the FA Cup to 25 matches and sends them into the quarter-finals for the first time since their last triumph in the competition in 2019.
