Wrexham leads twice, takes Chelsea to extra time before losing 4-2 in FA Cup
Against the world champion, Wrexham came agonisingly close to another spectacular plot twist.
Substitute Lewis Brunt was a matter of inches offside when he headed in what looked like an equalizing goal in a thrilling FA Cup fifth round clash against Premier League giant Chelsea on Saturday. Wrexham — in front of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac — led twice at the Racecourse Ground and, even down to 10 men in extra time, pushed Chelsea right down to the wire before eventually losing 4-2. “Proud of the team today and every day,” Mac posted on Instagram. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro in extra time ultimately proved the difference between Club World Cup champion Chelsea and a Wrexham team that was playing non-league soccer just three years ago.
But even in defeat, Wrexham issued a statement of its potential as it aims to secure a fourth straight promotion this season and face the likes of Chelsea on a regular basis in the Premier League. “It was one of the hardest games of the season so far,” Garnacho told the BBC. That was some admission, considering Chelsea has played Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Napoli in the Champions League this season. But it was a measure of just how close Wrexham came to a famous Cup upset in front of its fans.
Reynolds and Mac — formerly known as McElhenney — were up on their feet and applauding Phil Parkinson’s players when the drama was finally brought to an end.
The actors have witnessed some spectacular moments since their $2.5 million takeover in 2021 transformed the fortunes of the once down-on-its-luck Welsh club. And, even in defeat, this was another match that will live long in the memory of Wrexham supporters.
“It’s been a great cup run. Tonight was a great spectacle and we were competitive against a very good side. We will take a lot of positives from it,” said Parkinson, the Wrexham manager. The home crowd erupted in the 18th minute when Sam Smith chased a long ball from Callum Doyle and fired low past Robert Sanchez to put Wrexham in front.
There were more chances to extend the lead, but Chelsea leveled in fortuitous circumstances before the break. George Thomason denied Garnacho an equalizer when clearing his goal-bound effort off the line. But his clearance hit the back of the goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and rebounded into the net.
Wrexham led for the second time in the 78th when Doyle produced a clever backheeled flick from Josh Windass’ shot from distance.
Four minutes later the game was tied again — Josh Acheampong firing powerfully past Okonkwo from close range. A red card for George Dobson in added time meant Wrexham had to play out extra time with 10 men and Chelsea took advantage through Garnacho’s goal in the 96th.
Brunt thought he’d leveled the game again with his header from Kieffer Moore’s flick on - but VAR showed he was fractionally offside.
With time ticking down, Lewis O’Brien fired narrowly wide and Chelsea could finally breathe easily when Pedro killed off the game in the fifth minute of added time.
