Cardiff City booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over rivals Wrexham in their first meeting for 21 years.
The Bluebirds took an early lead through Yousef Salech, before Kieffer Moore equalised for the hosts, but Will Fish’s composed finish sealed progression for Brian Barry-Murphy’s side at Racecourse Ground.
Bluebirds dominate early stages in long-awaited derby
The contest between Wrexham and Cardiff City had been eagerly anticipated across Wales, but it was the visitors who settled faster and dictated the tempo. Yousef Salech put the Championship outfit ahead after 13 minutes, reacting quickest to convert a rebound after Omari Kellyman’s effort was parried by goalkeeper Callum Burton.
Limbs in the away end for Cardiff fans with Will Fish scoring against Wrexham! pic.twitter.com/JtpZC2pKde
— 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 (@away_tours) October 28, 2025
Barry-Murphy’s men looked sharper in every department during a one-sided first half. Rubin Colwill rattled the crossbar with a free-kick, and Cian Ashford drew a fine save from Burton as the visitors repeatedly carved through the League One side. The boos from home supporters underlined Phil Parkinson’s side’s lethargic opening, with the visitors enjoying 4 shots on target inside the opening 20 minutes.
The atmosphere, initially buoyant, turned flat as Cardiff’s dominance continued. Wrexham’s only real chance before the break came from Nathan Broadhead, who miscued a shot from close range following a rare counterattack.
Moore’s equaliser sparks life before Fish nets decisive winner
Parkinson made a triple substitution at the interval, introducing Kieffer Moore, George Dobson, and Ryan Longman, and the changes made an instant impact. Within 7 minutes, Longman’s dangerous delivery from the right found Moore, who rose highest to power a header beyond Jak Alnwick, bringing Wrexham level and reigniting the home crowd.
The momentum briefly shifted, with Wrexham pressing higher and showing renewed energy. Yet, their resurgence was short-lived.
As the game entered its final stages, Cardiff regained control through greater composure in possession and sharper transitions. The winner arrived with 19 minutes remaining when Joel Bagan’s deep cross from the left found Will Fish unmarked at the back post, and the defender’s strike beat Burton at his near post.
🗣️ “To play the way we did throughout the course of the game, in front of so many of our supporters who made the journey, it felt like a really special game.”
📺 📖 👉 https://t.co/ULwUrvRI45#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/IhbfjhS34q
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 28, 2025
Barry-Murphy praised his side’s character afterwards.
“It was exhausting but very satisfying,” said the Cardiff boss. “We played in the way we wanted to from minute one, and the players showed their quality throughout. I’m immensely proud of the whole club.”
For Parkinson, it was another reminder of the fine margins at higher levels.
“We were off the pace first half, that’s probably an understatement,” he admitted. “We didn’t press with enough intent, and it made life too easy for them.”
The final whistle brought jubilant scenes among the 1,200 travelling fans, who celebrated as Cardiff City moved one step closer to Wembley.
For Wrexham, the focus now turns back to League One, where consistency will be key after their cup dreams ended at the hands of their oldest rivals.
