Chelsea reached the FA Cup quarterfinals after targets in further time from Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro sealed a 2–0 win over hosts Wrexham on the Racecourse Floor on Saturday.
The match was tightly contested, with Wrexham placing in an unbelievable effort to maintain the rating stage throughout regular time. The breakthrough got here in further time when Garnacho rose to fulfill a exact cross and powered the ball into the web, giving Chelsea the lead. João Pedro later added a second to safe the win.
The sport was additionally marked by a dramatic VAR second. Wrexham midfielder George Dobson was initially proven a yellow card for a excessive sort out on Garnacho. Nevertheless, after a evaluate prompted by Video Assistant Referee Paul Howard, referee Peter Bankes upgraded the choice to a straight crimson card for critical foul play.
“After evaluate, Wrexham No 15 catches his opponent excessive with depth,” Bankes introduced to the gang. “The ultimate resolution is a crimson card for critical foul play.”
The incident highlighted the distinction between Wrexham’s common Championship video games, which don’t use VAR, and top-tier matches the place video expertise is in play.
Regardless of the setback, Wrexham continued to problem Chelsea all through the match however have been unable to discover a aim. Chelsea’s victory units up a quarterfinal conflict as they proceed their pursuit of FA Cup glory.
Garnacho’s efficiency, together with the successful aim, underlined his rising affect for Chelsea, whereas João Pedro’s late strike confirmed the Blues’ spot within the subsequent spherical.
