Chelsea went into the FA Cup round of 16 match against AFC Wrexham as clear favorites. But the second-division team from Wales put up a great fight against the Blues and was the better team for long stretches of the game. In the end, only time and VAR were not on the home side’s side.
Chelsea, fifth in the Premier League, went into the FA Cup match against second division side AFC Wrexham as the clear favorites. But as easy as the task seemed, it turned out to be difficult in the end. Wrexham put up a tough fight, took the lead twice and only had to admit defeat in extra time. The Welsh hosts never gave the impression of being the challengers, instead showing no difference in class. On the contrary, coach Phil Parkinson’s team, which is fighting for third to sixth place in the Championship and thus for the Premier League play-offs, was the better team for long stretches. Their extremely high pressing, coupled with strong backward movement after losing the ball, made it very difficult for the static Blues. And so the hosts took the lead: A pinpoint long ball from Doyle deep in his own half found striker Smith, who couldn’t be caught by Badiashile and slotted home unmarked in front of Sanchez to make it 1-0 (18′). It was a cold shower for the Londoners, but one that didn’t initially lead to a reaction. Instead, Wrexham remained sharp and allowed few chances. It wasn’t until the 40th minute that coach Liam Rosenior’s team, which had made nine changes after the 4-1 win at Aston Villa in the league, got lucky when the ball found its way into the home side’s net off Okonkwo’s back – a flattering equalizer (40′).
Wrexham takes the lead again with a backheel
If the first half was entertaining, the second half was even more so. Wrexham, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, maintained their energetic play. However, chances were few and far between until the 78th minute, when the impressive Doyle scored a spectacular goal to put his side back in front. After a corner, substitute Windass shot from the back and Doyle beat Sanchez with a backheel to make it 2-1 (78′).
However, the ecstasy did not last quite as long this time, as hopes of a victory against a Champions League participant were dampened just four minutes later. This time it was Acheampong who equalized again from the right side of the goal. The game went into extra time at 2-2, but not without further highlights in the closing stages of regular time. After Windass (85th minute) and Cucurella (with a thunderbolt off the crossbar) had both missed chances to take the lead, Dobson did his hard-fighting home side a disservice. He flew into Garnacho with a sliding tackle that was far too reckless, which earned him a red card after VAR review (90+3). Nevertheless, Parkinson’s team managed to hold on to the draw and take the game into extra time.
Garnacho redeems Chelsea
It was only then that Chelsea showed their favorite side and brought disillusionment to the Racecourse after just six minutes. After a silky cross from Dario Essugo, the hosts let Garnacho slip behind them, allowing him to slot home with ease a few meters in front of goal (96′).
Wrexham almost countered this result again in the second half of extra time, but Brunt was a toe’s width offside when he thought he had made it 3-3 (116′). After Joao Pedro sealed the deal with the final whistle (120+5), the Blues finally advanced to the quarterfinals with a lot of effort.
Chelsea now continue their Champions League campaign with the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Paris St. Germain on Wednesday (9 p.m.). Wrexham, meanwhile, face fellow promotion contenders Hull City on Tuesday (8:45 p.m.).
