Wrexham 2-4 Chelsea: Joao Pedro sends Blues to quarter-finals after FA Cup scare

Chelsea survived a major scare to defeat Wrexham 4-2 after extra time and secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Head coach Liam Rosenior made nine changes from the side that defeated Aston Villa, resting several key players ahead of the upcoming Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Wrexham strike first

The rotated Chelsea side struggled to find early rhythm at the Racecourse Ground and fell behind when Sam Smith raced onto a precise ball over the top from Callum Doyle and fired past Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea responded before the interval, though fortune played its part. Alejandro Garnacho saw his effort cleared off the line, only for the ball to rebound into the net off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Wrexham regained the lead when Doyle reacted quickest inside the area to divert Josh Windass’ shot into the net, but the advantage lasted only four minutes as Josh Acheampong thundered in an equaliser for Chelsea.

Extra-time decides tie

The contest shifted late in normal time when Wrexham midfielder George Dobson was shown a red card in stoppage time, leaving the hosts to battle through extra time with 10 men.

Chelsea eventually made their advantage count. Garnacho struck with a composed finish before Joao Pedro sealed the result with a superb strike.

The victory sends Chelsea into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic encounter in North Wales, where Wrexham pushed the Premier League side to the limit before fading in extra time.