1981/82 FA Cup: Chelsea v Wrexham

It's all just a little bit of history repeating. As Chelsea travel to Wales to take on Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round it is interesting to revisit their last meeting in the competition. In 1982, Nottingham Forest and Hull City had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Wrexham and Chelsea respectively, as they have in 2026. But after a closer inspection, this coincidence is possibly where the similarities end.

Before their meeting in the 1982 FA Cup fourth round, the financial state of both clubs was as far removed from the current situation as possible. Both Division Two clubs were facing huge debts. With Chelsea reportedly £1.6 million in the red, the future of Stamford Bridge was in doubt as property developers hovered. Relegation-threatened Wrexham would spend the rest of the decade merely trying to survive.

Golden goals: Mark Hughes (1985)

The rising star of Mark Hughes showed no signs of fading as the 1984/85 season progressed. Establishing himself as a Manchester United regular, the Welsh forward scored 24 goals in all competitions, as he helped the club win the FA Cup. Awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year, Hughes had gained recognition for his aggressive and committed style.

1984/85 European Cup Winners Cup: Wrexham v Porto

The term David versus Goliath is often used in a sporting context. But when it came to the 1984/85 European Cup Winners' Cup first round tie between Wrexham and Porto, it was hard not to return to the often quoted tale from the bible. If it had been a boxing bout, the tale of the tape would have left you wondering if this was one of the biggest mismatches of all time.

In the blue corner was a heavyweight of European football, a club that had pushed Juventus close in the previous Cup Winners' Cup final, had won the Portuguese Cup final in 1984, and had provided Portugal with nine players of their squad that reached the 1984 European Championship semi-finals.

1984: Wales v England (Football)

England meet Wales at the 2016 European Championships, with Welsh fans hoping for a first win over their rivals since May 1984.