Chelsea survived a major scare in Wales before eventually overcoming Wrexham 4–2 after extra time to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. London side were pushed to the limit by the spirited lower-league hosts and had to come from behind twice during a dramatic fifth-round encounter.

Wrexham stunned the visitors early on when Sam Smith punished Chelsea’s high defensive line, racing through to finish clinically and send the crowd into celebration. However, the London club restored parity before the break in fortunate fashion, as a defensive mix-up resulted in an own goal from Arthur Okonkwo, bringing the visitors level.

Wrexham refused to back down and regained the lead after the interval when Doyle struck to reignite hopes of a famous upset. Yet Chelsea responded almost immediately. Acheampong unleashed a powerful drive into the near corner, dragging the Premier League side back into the contest and setting up a tense finale.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. On the 93rd minute, Dobson was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, leaving Wrexham a man down at the worst possible time.

With the numerical advantage and fresher legs, Chelsea finally took control in extra time. Alejandro Garnacho met a precise cross from Dário Essugo to put the visitors ahead for the first time in the match. Moments later, João Pedro sealed the victory with a clinical finish on the counterattack.

Brunt thought he had pulled one back late on, but his effort was ruled out for offside, ensuring Chelsea held on for a hard-fought 4–2 win.

2025-26, England - FA Cup

Wrexham - Chelsea 2:4 (1:1)
Goals: Smith S., 18 (1:0); Okonkwo, 40 (own goal) (1:1); Doyle C., 78 (2:1); Acheampong J. K., 82 (2:2); Garnacho, 96 (2:3); João Pedro, 120 (2:4)

Wrexham: Okonkwo; Doyle C. (Brunt, 106); Cleworth (Keillor-Dunn, 112); Hyam; Vyner (Broadhead, 76); Dobson (till 90); Thomason G.; Rathbone (Windass, 66); O'Brien; Longman (Barnett R., 91); Smith S. (Moore Ki., 66)
Substitution: Windass (from 66); Moore Ki. (from 66); Broadhead (from 76); Barnett R. (from 91); Brunt (from 106); Keillor-Dunn (from 112)
Bench: Ward; Scarr; Rodriguez
Yellow Cards: Dobson 90; Thomason G. 101; Moore Ki. 120
Red cards: Dobson 90'

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Adarabioyo; Badiashile B.; Sarr (Guiu Marc, 58); Hato (Cucurella, 65); Acheampong J. K. (Gusto, 85); Lavia (Essugo, 65); Andrey Santos; Garnacho; Pedro Neto; Delap (João Pedro, 85)
Substitution: Guiu Marc (from 58); Cucurella (from 65); Essugo (from 65); Gusto (from 85); João Pedro (from 85)
Bench: Sharman-Lowe; Chalobah; James R.
Yellow Cards: Lavia 23; Andrey Santos 110; Garnacho 120