Ryan Reynolds' Stunned Reaction to Wrexham's FA Cup Draw with Chelsea
Wrexham owner and Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds was left nearly speechless as his team were drawn against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round. The Welsh club will host the Premier League giants at the Racecourse Ground next month, competing for a spot in the quarter-finals of the world's oldest cup competition.
Live Reaction Captured on Video
Reynolds was filmed watching the draw live alongside fellow actor Hugh Jackman, with his reaction quickly going viral. As the draw was announced, Jackman exclaimed, "Ohhh, Chelsea", while Reynolds stared open-mouthed at his tablet screen in disbelief.
"Wait, wait, wait, we're home to Chelsea," were the first words from the Deadpool star. Jackman responded, "That's what you wanted," prompting Reynolds to clap before uttering more colourful language: "Yes. What the ****?"
Posting the video on social media platform X, Reynolds added: "Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap."
Wrexham's Path to the Fifth Round
Wrexham secured their place in this stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the Racecourse Ground on Friday evening, thanks to a goal from Josh Windass. Meanwhile, Chelsea comfortably dispatched Hull City 4-0 in their fourth-round match.
This marks another significant achievement for Phil Parkinson's side, who already defeated Premier League opposition Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout in the previous round. However, Chelsea are expected to provide a stiffer test for the Championship club.
Historical Context and Previous Encounters
Parkinson has previous success against Chelsea in the FA Cup, having led Bradford City back from two goals down to defeat them 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in 2014. Wrexham last played Chelsea competitively in 1982 in Division 2, after three FA Cup meetings that same year ended with the London side prevailing 2-1 in a third tie.
More recently, the clubs met in friendly matches in the United States following Wrexham's high-profile takeover. They faced off in front of 50,596 supporters at Kenan Stadium in North Carolina in 2023 and again at Levi’s Stadium in California in 2024.
Parkinson Savours the Moment
Speaking after the victory over Ipswich, manager Phil Parkinson expressed his delight at creating history. "We spoke before the game about our chance to create a bit of history. We've done it and I'm so pleased because it was always going to be a tough game against a very good side," he said.
Parkinson added: "Every season in football is special, you've got to savour it and the FA Cup is part of that. It was important that we backed up the Nottingham Forest win with another win. This season, with the challenge of being in the Championship and now an FA Cup run, we want to enjoy it and we certainly did tonight."
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, blending Hollywood glamour with football tradition as Wrexham aim to continue their remarkable cup run against one of England's most storied clubs.
