Ryan Reynolds showed genuine excitement when Wrexham was drawn to host Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round, marking a significant moment for the Welsh club. The draw revealed the fixture would take place at Wrexham’s home ground, intensifying anticipation for the high-profile match.
The 49-year-old actor, who co-owns Wrexham, was joined by fellow Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman, 57, as they watched the draw on a tablet. The pair’s reactions captured the tense yet thrilling atmosphere surrounding the announcement of the fixture.
Actors’ Reactions Reveal the Intensity of the Moment
Initially, Reynolds showed signs of nervousness, clenching his teeth while checking the screen for the draw’s result. When Jackman bumped him in prompt, Reynolds’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he clasped his hands together, overwhelmed by the outcome.
“Wait, wait we’re at home?” Reynolds exclaimed directly to the camera, underlining the unexpected advantage. Jackman responded with a playful jab, saying,
“
To Chelsea that’s what you wanted,
”
which prompted a shared double high five between the two entertainers. Their enthusiasm peaked with both men exclaiming, “what the f***?!,” expressing disbelief and excitement at the prospect of hosting a top-flight club.
Wrexham’s Historic FA Cup Run and Recent Successes
This will be Wrexham’s first appearance at the fifth round of the FA Cup since 1997, marking a rare deep run in the competition for the Welsh club. Their journey so far has been impressive, having knocked out Championship side Nottingham Forest after a dramatic 3-3 draw in the third round that went to penalties.
The club handled their fourth-round fixture with more ease, securing a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town to reach the last sixteen. A win over Chelsea would propel Wrexham within one game of a coveted semi-final spot at Wembley Stadium, an extraordinary achievement for a lower-league team.
Wrexham’s Ownership and Club Revival
Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the North Wales club five years ago, Wrexham have experienced a remarkable transformation. Their leadership coincided with three consecutive promotions, lifting the club through the English football pyramid and revitalizing its status at the Racecourse Ground.
Currently, Wrexham sit eighth in the Championship, narrowly outside the play-off places by one point. Their form suggests the potential for a historic fourth successive promotion, which would be unprecedented for the club.
Despite a recent 2-0 home loss to Millwall, marking their first game of the season without scoring on home turf, the team approaches the Wrexham Chelsea fixture with confidence that they can cause another upset in the cup.
Chelsea’s Form and Managerial Challenges Ahead
Chelsea, boasting eight FA Cup titles, are favorites heading into the tie but must be wary of Wrexham’s inspired form and tactical leadership. The London team prepared for the upcoming clash with an authoritative 4-0 victory against Hull City in the fourth round, where Pedro Neto notably scored a hat-trick.
Wrexham’s manager, Phil Parkinson, has a history of pulling off shocks against stronger opponents, having led Bradford City to a 4-2 FA Cup victory over Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the 2014/15 season—the same year the Blues won the Premier League.
Upcoming Fixtures for Both Teams Before the Encounter
Before facing each other, Wrexham will compete in several Championship matches against Bristol City, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, and Watford. Chelsea’s schedule includes important Premier League games hosting Burnley, followed by away matches at Arsenal and Aston Villa.
This busy fixture list means both sides must carefully manage their squads to maintain momentum going into the FA Cup showdown.
The Significance of the Match for Wrexham and Its Owners
The tie against Chelsea represents a landmark occasion for Wrexham and its owners, highlighting the club’s rapid rise under their stewardship and their ability to challenge established teams. Hosting a powerhouse club like Chelsea on their home ground offers a valuable opportunity to showcase how far the Red Dragons have come.
Should Wrexham advance, it would not only underline the club’s progress but also bring national and international attention to the Racecourse Ground and North Wales football. As the club seeks to maintain promotion momentum, this high-profile cup run could further elevate their profile both on and off the pitch.
