Wrexham’s Late Drama Sparks Hollywood-Style Celebration in LA
It’s not every day that a third-tier English football match gets the red-carpet treatment in Los Angeles, but when you’re Wrexham AFC, anything seems possible. On Tuesday night, the Welsh club, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory over Barnsley in League One. The win not only marked Wrexham’s third consecutive victory but also solidified their position in the automatic promotion spots, keeping them firmly in second place in the standings.
For much of the match, it seemed like the Red Dragons’ relentless effort would go unrewarded. That was until Oliver Rathbone stepped up in the second minute of injury time to unleash a stunning 20-yard strike, sending the Racecourse Ground into absolute pandemonium. The goal wasn’t just a game-winner; it was a moment of pure magic that reverberated far beyond the borders of North Wales.
Hollywood Meets Football: A VIP Viewing Party
While the fans in Wrexham erupted in celebration, the drama was also unfolding 5,000 miles away in Los Angeles. At the Cosm entertainment venue in Inglewood, Rob McElhenney hosted a “VIP viewing experience” for hundreds of fans. The match was broadcast on Cosm’s jaw-dropping 87-foot diameter 8k screen, creating an immersive experience that felt larger than life—much like Wrexham’s recent rise in the football world.
McElhenney, joined by his “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” co-stars Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson, was front and center for the action. When Rathbone’s goal hit the back of the net, McElhenney celebrated with high fives, muscle flexes, and fist pumps, embodying the passion of a true football fan. The Hollywood crew even mingled with stars from the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers before the game, including running back Kimani Vidal, long snapper Josh Harris, and kicker Cameron Dicker.
From Non-League to Championship Dreams
Wrexham’s victory over Barnsley keeps them just two points behind League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers, though the Dragons have played one more game than their title rivals. If Wrexham can maintain their current form and finish the season in second place, they’ll secure a third consecutive promotion, catapulting them from non-league obscurity to the Championship in just three seasons. It’s a meteoric rise that feels straight out of a Hollywood script—fitting, given the club’s ownership.
But the road ahead is anything but easy. Wrexham faces a grueling schedule with seven more league matches between now and January 4, along with an EFL Trophy second-round tie against Crewe Alexandra. The team’s resilience and depth will be tested as they push for promotion, but if Tuesday’s performance is any indication, they’re more than up for the challenge.
Could More Clubs Get the Hollywood Treatment?
The success of the Cosm watch party raises an intriguing question: Could other EFL clubs soon find themselves in the spotlight? Imagine Burton Albion or Cambridge United matches being broadcast on massive screens for watch parties in Los Angeles or beyond. It’s a tantalizing prospect that underscores the growing global appeal of English lower-league football, thanks in no small part to Wrexham’s Hollywood connection.
Key Takeaways from Wrexham’s Big Night
- Late-Game Heroics: Oliver Rathbone’s injury-time goal secured a crucial 1-0 win for Wrexham over Barnsley.
- Promotion Push: Wrexham remains in second place in League One, just two points behind Wycombe Wanderers.
- Hollywood Hype: Rob McElhenney hosted a VIP watch party in LA, complete with an 8k screen and celebrity guests.
- Upcoming Challenges: Wrexham faces a packed schedule with seven league matches and an EFL Trophy tie before January 4.
As the final whistle blew, Danny DeVito was spotted handing out celebratory high fives to fans in the auditorium—a surreal moment for anyone familiar with the gritty reality of English lower-league football. Almost four years after McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over the club, Wrexham continues to defy expectations, both on and off the pitch.
With their eyes set on the Championship and a growing global fanbase, Wrexham’s story is far from over. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just along for the Hollywood ride, one thing is clear: the Red Dragons are a team worth watching.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
