Cardiff City secured their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Wrexham in a hotly anticipated all-Welsh encounter on Tuesday night. Will Fish's stunning second-half volley proved to be the difference between the two sides, sending the Bluebirds into the last eight for the first time since their run to the final in the 2011-12 season.
The match, the first meeting between the two clubs in 21 years, crackled with the intensity of a long-standing rivalry, amplified by Wrexham's recent rise under Hollywood ownership. However, it was Cardiff who started the brighter, eager to assert their dominance. They took the lead in the 13th minute when Yousef Salech reacted quickest to slot home a rebound after Wrexham goalkeeper Callum Burton had parried Omari Kellyman's initial effort. Cardiff continued to press, with Rubin Colwill, a standout performer throughout the match, striking the crossbar with a free-kick. Wrexham struggled to gain a foothold in the game, and the home fans voiced their displeasure at halftime.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson introduced Kieffer Moore at the break, and the substitution had an immediate impact. Seven minutes into the second half, Moore rose highest to head home from close range after a Ryan Longman cross deflected off Fish, bringing the Racecourse Ground to life. However, Cardiff responded resiliently. In the 71st minute, a Joel Bagan cross from a free kick found Fish at the far post, and the former Manchester United defender unleashed a thunderous volley into the near corner to restore Cardiff's lead.
Wrexham pushed for an equaliser, with Moore coming close with another header, but Cardiff defended resolutely to see out the victory. The final whistle was met with contrasting emotions: jubilation from the travelling Cardiff fans and frustration from the Wrexham faithful.
Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy praised his young team's performance, highlighting their response to Wrexham's equaliser. Colwill's creative influence was also pivotal in Cardiff's victory. Despite Wrexham's ambitions and recent success, it was Cardiff who emerged victorious in this renewal of a classic Welsh rivalry, securing their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
