Chelsea twice came from behind to secure a 4-2 extra-time victory over 10-man Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round, with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching on at a raucous Stok Cae Ras.
Wrexham took the lead through Sam Smith, who latched onto a long ball from Callum Doyle and fired beyond Robert Sanchez. Chelsea equalised fortuitously when Liam Delap's break led to a shot from Alejandro Garnacho that was hacked off the line by George Thomason and rebounded in off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The hosts regained the lead when Doyle improvised a finish from Josh Windass's shot, but Josh Acheampong levelled for Chelsea after George Dobson lost possession.
Dobson was sent off following a VAR review for a high challenge on Garnacho, and Chelsea made their numerical advantage count. Garnacho volleyed in from close range from Dario Essugo's cross, and Joao Pedro sealed the win with a confident finish from 15 yards. Wrexham thought they had equalised through Lewis Brunt from Kieffer Moore's header, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
Despite the defeat, Wrexham's performance marked another notable chapter in their remarkable rise, having been in the National League three years ago and now pushing for a fourth successive promotion.
