Garnacho stars as Chelsea survive late scare at Wrexham to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals

Chelsea dug deep in extra time to beat 10-man Wrexham 4-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The hosts got off to a fast start and took the lead in the 18th minute after Sam Smith latched onto a long ball over the top and the striker finished past Robert Sanchez.

At the other end, Alejandro Garnacho could’ve restored parity for the Blues after he got onto Pedro Neto’s cross at the back post, but his volley flew wide.

In the 40th minute, the visitors drew level after Liam Delap found Garnacho on the left, and the Argentine’s low effort was cleared off the line, but it bounced off the back of Arthur Okonkwo and into his own net.

Shortly after the restart, Garnacho could’ve fired the visitors ahead after he teed up with Delap again, but the winger flashed his effort wide before Jorrel Hato dragged his effort wide minutes later.

Chelsea continued to push for a winner and almost got it in the 71st minute, but Garnacho’s curling effort was comfortably collected by Okonkwo before Neto found the side-netting from a tight angle minutes later.

In the 78th minute, the Red Dragons retook the lead after Callum Doyle flicked in Josh Windass’ strike from a distance.

Four minutes later, Josh Acheampong restored parity for Chelsea after he found the roof of the net from close range.

In the 84th minute, the host almost got their third after George Thomason had his sights on goal from range, but Sanchez denied the Englishman.

On the stroke of full-time, George Dobson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Garnacho, and the hosts were reduced to 10 men.

Deep into stoppage time, Max Cleworth could’ve won the game at the death for Wrexham, but his long-range effort was parried away by Sanchez.

Six minutes into extra time, Garnacho fired the Blues ahead after he got onto Dario Essugo’s inviting cross.

Moments later, the Argentine could’ve increased the margin from a free kick, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Okonkwo.

Deep into extra time, Lewis Brunt thought he had drawn the hosts level after he met Kieffer Moore’s flick-on at the far post. But after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.

João Pedro completed the scoring in the 131st minute after he found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.