Chelsea FC advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a 4–2 extra-time victory over Wrexham AFC in a dramatic fifth-round clash on March 7, 2026. The Premier League sidb e twice recovered from deficits before sealing the win against the 10-man Championship club. The result ended Wrexham’s push for a historic cup upset at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Sam Smith controlled a long pass and finished calmly past the goalkeeper after breaking clear of the defence. Chelsea restored parity shortly before half-time when the ball deflected into the net off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo for an own goal.
The home side regained the lead in the 78th minute through Callum Doyle, who reacted quickly to turn the ball home from close range. Chelsea responded four minutes later as Josh Acheampong struck into the roof of the net to level the score at 2–2.
Momentum shifted in stoppage time when midfielder George Dobson was sent off following a VAR review by referee Peter Bankes. With a numerical advantage, Chelsea took control in extra time.
Alejandro Garnacho put the visitors ahead in the first period of extra time, finishing crisply from a cross to make it 3–2. A late goal from Joao Pedro extended the lead and confirmed Chelsea’s progression.
Wrexham thought they had equalised during extra time when a headed effort was turned into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after another VAR check. Late pressure from the hosts failed to produce a response as chances narrowly missed the target.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior rotated his squad heavily, making nine changes with domestic and European fixtures ahead. Despite controlling possession for long periods, the visitors faced sustained resistance from a disciplined Wrexham side.
Wrexham, co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, had eliminated top-flight opposition earlier in the competition and remain focused on their league campaign. The Welsh club is pursuing promotion to the Premier League.
Chelsea now shift attention to their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, while Wrexham continue their domestic promotion chase.
