Match Report: Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham | News | Official Site

Christopher Nkunku’s first-half strike had given the Blues the lead at Levi’s Stadium before goals from Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott in the second period put the League One side in front.

But Lesley Ugochukwu equalised in the final ten minutes to ensure Chelsea’s first game of their USA tour ended in a 2-2 draw.

Debutant starts

Robert Sanchez was named in goal and captain Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill were in defence.

One of the trademarks of Maresca’s systems is the inverted full-back, which saw James play in midfield when in possession alongside Romeo Lavia, with Carney Chukwuemeka and Nkunku in more advanced central roles.

New signing Marc Guiu led the line up front, with academy graduate Tyrique George on the left flank and Noni Madueke on the right.

Early chance

The first opportunity came in the fifth minute when Guiu showed strength to win a free-kick 20-yards out and James’ curled effort hit the outside of the post.

Chelsea dominated possession from the off but initially struggled to break down a well set-up Wrexham side.

The Blues enjoyed several dangerous set-pieces, with Guiu agonisingly close to reaching an Nkunku flick-on on one occasion and Badiashile unable to make a clean connection when unmarked at another.

Wrexham had to wait until the 29th minute for their first chance but when it came, James McLean forced Sanchez into a good save at his near post.

Deadlock broken

The opening goal arrived seven minutes later though when George’s long-range effort was blocked and Guiu controlled the ball, leaving Nkunku to fire into the bottom corner for 1-0.

Guiu almost set Nkunku up for a second moments later when he partially rounded the goalkeeper and passed to the French international. But this time, Wrexham’s defence were able to get a tackle in.

Almost all change

Half time saw Maresca make ten substitutions, with Chukwuemeka the only player to retain his place, as academy graduate Josh Acheampong came on and Wesley Fofana made his first appearance since June 2023.

Chelsea continued to dominate possession, as Raheem Sterling forced a near post save and Chukwuemeka fired over the bar inside the first ten minutes of the second half.

But Wrexham equalised just before the hour when Seb Revan crossed from the left and whilst Ollie Palmer was unable to apply the finish, Bolton was there at the far post to score the equaliser.

And Wrexham made it 2-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining when substitute Marriott won the ball back in Chelsea’s half and after receiving it back, ran to the edge of the area and found the far bottom corner with a left-footed strike.

Marriott almost made it 3-1 when he slid in to connect with Dobson’s cross but this time Lucas Bergstrom was able to make a good save.

And the equaliser arrived in the 82nd minute when a slick move ended with Armando Broja laying the ball back to Ugochukwu and he side-footed the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

The Blues dominated the rest of the match and Acheampong went close with a long-range drive as we had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Next up for Chelsea is a game against Celtic on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium, with tickets still available here.

The teams

Chelsea first half XI: Robert Sanchez; Reece James (C), Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill; Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku; Noni Madueke, Marc Guiu, Tyrique George

Chelsea second half XI: Lucas Bergstrom; Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell; Andrey Santos, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka; Angelo, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling

Unused substitutes: Eddie Beach, Renato Veiga

Goals: Nkunku 35, Ugochukwu 82

Wrexham: Okonkwo; Cleworth, Brunt, O’Connor, Bolton; Jones, Dobson, Lee, Revan; Palmer, McClean

Substitutes: Howard, Burton, Boyle, Barnett, James, Forde, Evans, Ashfield, Cannon, Davies, Bickerstaff, Waters, Dalby, Marriott

Bookings: Dobson 23

Goals: Bolton 58, Marriott 71