Chelsea thwart 10-man Wrexhams star-backed FA Cup dream in gripping showdown
Chelsea mounted two comebacks to prevent Hollywood-backed Wrexham from securing a storybook victory in the FA Cup on Saturday, narrowly defeating the League One outfit 4-2 in an enthralling match to advance to the quarter-finals.
With owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in attendance at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham opened the scoring via Sam Smith, though Chelsea drew level thanks to an own goal just before the interval.
The second half proved intense, as Callum Doyle restored the hosts lead in the 78th minute, only for Josh Acheampong to level proceedings four minutes afterwards.
The contests momentum shifted decisively when George Dobson received a red card during added time, paving the way for Alejandro Garnacho to score with a volley in the opening phase of extra time, followed by Joao Pedros late goal that sealed a convincing win.
Manager Liam Rosenior of Chelsea, balancing duties in the Premier League and Champions League, rotated his lineup with nine alterations against the promotion-chasing Championship team.
The in-vogue Welsh side, having previously eliminated Premier League opposition Nottingham Forest from the tournament, struck first in the 18th minute after Doyle delivered a precise long ball to Smith.
Smith controlled the ball expertly and outpaced Tosin Adarabioyo before slotting past Robert Sanchez with composure.
Despite dominating possession, Chelsea struggled to break down Phil Parkinsons disciplined unit, who aim for a fourth straight promotion, this one into the top flight.
However, disaster struck Wrexham moments before the break as the ball deflected off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwos back and into his own net.
The visitors from Wales began the restart aggressively, testing Chelseas backline relentlessly amid fervent support from the local supporters.
Rosenior introduced attacker Marc Guiu in place of defender Mamadou Sarr around the hour, soon followed by Marc Cucurella and Dario Essugo.
Wrexham kept pressing the Club World Cup holders and regained their advantage in the 78th minute through Doyles clever instinctive finish on Josh Windasss effort.
Chelsea responded swiftly though, as Acheampong blasted into the top corner to restore parity.
Windass missed a golden opportunity to edge Wrexham ahead once more, nodding astray with Sanchez exposed, while Pedro Neto struck the crossbar for the Blues.
Red card
The matches balance tipped further when referee Peter Bankes dismissed Dobson following a VAR check in stoppage time.
This left Wrexham facing an uphill battle, compounded when Garnacho smartly converted Essugos delivery in the sixth minute of extra time.
Incredibly, Wrexham thought they had equalised again as Lewis Brunt tapped in Kieffer Moores header, but VAR disallowed it for offside.
Lewis OBrien came close with a shot that skimmed wide, but Parkinsons team ultimately exhausted their options, allowing substitute Pedro to notch Chelseas fourth.
Chelsea now prepare for their Champions League round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain midweek, as Wrexham refocus on their Premier League promotion campaign.