Cardiff City secured a deserved place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with an impressive 2-1 victory over Welsh rivals Wrexham at the Stok Cae Ras on Tuesday evening. Goals from Yousef Salech and Will Fish saw the League One promotion candidates overcome their Championship opponents in the first meeting between the two clubs in over 21 years, booking their spot in the last eight of the competition for the first time since reaching the final in 2012.
The Bluebirds dominated proceedings from start to finish, registering 23 shots compared to Wrexham’s 14 and creating twice as many shots on target. Despite Kieffer Moore’s equaliser early in the second half for the hosts, Brian Barry-Murphy’s young side showed impressive composure to regain the lead through Fish’s volley and see out a memorable victory in front of over 1,000 traveling supporters. The result represented another scalp for Cardiff following their previous round triumph over Premier League Burnley.
Cardiff’s Dominant First-Half Display
The opening 45 minutes at the Racecourse Ground were a masterclass in controlled possession and incisive attacking play from the visitors. Cardiff made five changes from their disappointing defeat at Bolton, with Ronan Kpakio, Calum Chambers, Ryan Wintle, Joel Colwill and Cian Ashford all coming into the starting line-up. The alterations proved inspired as the Bluebirds seized control of the contest from the opening whistle.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had made seven changes to his side with Friday’s crucial Championship clash against leaders Coventry City in mind, and his weakened team struggled to cope with Cardiff’s intensity and quality. Former Wales international Iwan Roberts described the first-half performance as “men versus boys,” with Wrexham unable to match the visitors’ pressing game and fluid passing movements.
Cardiff’s dominance was rewarded in the 13th minute when they opened the scoring following a Wrexham mistake. George Thomason’s poor pass under pressure was intercepted deep in the home side’s territory by the impressive Rubin Colwill, who immediately played a smart ball across to Omari Kellyman. The on-loan Chelsea star's shot was superbly saved by Wrexham goalkeeper Callum Burton, but Salech was perfectly positioned to tap home the rebound and send the traveling support into raptures with chants of “there’s only one team in Wales.”
The goal opened the floodgates as Cardiff poured forward in search of a second. Ryan Wintle saw an attempt blocked, while Kellyman forced another near-post save from Burton, who was keeping his side in the contest almost single-handedly. The Wrexham goalkeeper produced an even better stop to deny Cian Ashford after Joel Bagan had shrewdly played the young forward through on goal.
💙#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/DrekLSHYIQ
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 28, 2025
Moore’s Equalizer Provides Brief Hope
Phil Parkinson knew drastic action was required if Wrexham were to turn the tie around, and he made a triple substitution at the interval. On came Matty James, Josh Windass and former Cardiff striker Kieffer Moore, three experienced players who immediately changed the complexion of the contest. The impact was almost instant as Wrexham found a new spark and energy that had been completely absent in the opening period.
Seven minutes into the second half, the hosts drew level through their talisman Moore. Ryan Longman delivered a firm cross from the left flank that deflected off Fish and looped up fortunately for the towering Welsh international. Rising above Cardiff captain Calum Chambers, Moore powered a header into the net from close range to send the Racecourse into celebration.
It was Moore’s sixth goal of the season in all competitions and continued his impressive record of scoring against his former club. The 33-year-old has proven irreplaceable for Wrexham since joining from Sheffield Utd, providing the aerial presence and scoring instincts that make him a dangerous proposition in the Championship. His introduction at halftime had sparked a shift in momentum, and suddenly Wrexham looked capable of completing an unlikely comeback.
However, Cardiff showed precisely the kind of character and composure that Barry-Murphy has been instilling in his young squad. Rather than panicking after conceding the equaliser, the Bluebirds responded immediately. Ryan Wintle struck just over the bar as Cardiff attempted to reasserted their dominance. Cian Ashford also had another effort saved by Burton as the visitors refused to be intimidated by Wrexham’s brief resurgence.
Kieffer Moore scores against his former side Cardiff to bring Wrexham level! 💥 pic.twitter.com/7zKCXJpyQk
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 28, 2025
Fish Seals The Deal
The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when Cardiff regained their lead through an unlikely source. A free-kick was played short to Joel Bagan on the left flank, and the Welsh left-back whipped a dangerous delivery towards the back post. Will Fish, the 22-year-old defender who previously was at Manchester United, arrived with perfect timing to meet the cross and unleashed a smart volley that flew past Burton at the near post.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the 1,000-plus traveling Cardiff supporters who had made the journey from south Wales to witness this game. For Fish, it represented his first goal in Cardiff colours and capped a commanding performance.
The final 20 minutes saw Cardiff expertly manage the game to protect their precious lead. Barry-Murphy introduced Perry Ng for Joel Bagan in the 82nd minute and brought on Gabriel Osho for Cian Ashford in the 88th minute to shore up the defence. Wrexham, despite introducing Issa Kaboré and Ryan Hardie late on, could not find a way through as Cardiff’s defensive organisation held firm under pressure.
🐟#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/qeZFRzHT5q
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 28, 2025
Quarter-Final Draw Awaits
Cardiff now eagerly await Wednesday night’s draw for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they could face some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Barry-Murphy expressed his hope that the Bluebirds would be drawn at home, allowing their passionate supporters to witness another memorable cup tie at Cardiff City Stadium. “It would be fantastic to return to our home stadium after our supporters travelled long distances to Burnley and now Wrexham midweek."
The last time the Bluebirds mustered up a meaningful cup run, they went all the way to the final at Wembley Stadium in the 2011-12 season before losing to Liverpool. That magical run captured the imagination of supporters and remains a bittersweet highlight in the club’s recent history. This current crop of young players will be desperate to emulate those achievements and create their own legacy.
Having already eliminated Premier League opposition in Burnley and now Championship Wrexham, Cardiff have demonstrated they possess the quality and mentality to compete with teams from higher divisions. The blend of youthful exuberance and technical ability makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the draw. With Premier League giants like Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, potentially involved, Cardiff could face a glamorous home tie that would generate significant revenue and the opportunity to dream.
