Chelsea twice came from behind to defeat a spirited Wrexham side 4-2 in extra time, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic match marked by VAR controversy. The Premier League visitors trailed twice but Alejandro Garnacho's extra-time strike and a late goal from Joao Pedro sealed victory, while Wrexham had a stoppage-time equaliser controversially disallowed.
Wrexham took the lead when Sam Smith latched onto a long ball, beat the offside trap and placed a finish past Robert Sanchez. Chelsea equalised fortuitously when Garnacho's effort was cleared off the line by George Thomason, only for the ball to cannon off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and into the net.
The home side regained the lead after a corner when Josh Windass' low drive was flicked in by Callum Doyle. Chelsea responded immediately as Josh Acheampong smashed into the roof of the net from a tight angle. The momentum shifted when George Dobson was sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Garnacho.
In extra time, Garnacho volleyed Dario Essugo's cross in at the back post to make it 3-2. Wrexham thought they had equalised when Lewis Brunt scored from a corner, but VAR replays showed he was offside when Kieffer Moore flicked the ball on. Joao Pedro then settled the tie with a fine finish into the bottom corner in the dying moments.
Sanchez's goalkeeping came under scrutiny for Wrexham's opener, while the cameras frequently focused on owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Reynolds seen on a video call after Smith's goal. Garnacho, booed throughout, had the last laugh with his decisive contribution.
