Cardiff City secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Wrexham in a highly anticipated match on October 28, 2025. The match marked the first meeting between the two Welsh clubs in over 21 years. Will Fish's stunning volley in the 71st minute proved to be the decisive goal, earning Cardiff the win after Wrexham failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

The League One side Cardiff City took an early lead in the 13th minute when Yousef Salech tapped in a rebound after Wrexham goalkeeper Callum Burton saved Omari Kellyman's effort. Cardiff continued to press, with Rubin Colwill hitting the woodwork with a free-kick. Wrexham, who have enjoyed three straight promotion seasons to reach the Championship, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and were booed off the pitch at halftime.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson made a double substitution at the break, bringing on Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass, in an attempt to spark their attack. The change paid off in the 52nd minute when Moore, against his former club, headed in a Ryan Longman cross to level the score. However, Cardiff responded strongly, and after sustained pressure, Will Fish connected with a Joel Bagan cross to unleash a powerful volley into the near corner, making it 2-1. Despite Moore's late header, Wrexham were unable to find another equalizer, and Cardiff progressed to the quarter-finals.

Brian Barry-Murphy, the Cardiff head coach, acknowledged the toughness of the game, but was proud of his team's character and skill. The Bluebirds dominated from the start, with four shots on target in the opening 20 minutes, which the home support booed. According to Wrexham's club archive, Cardiff has won 39, Wrexham has won 24, and 14 draws in their 77 meetings.

The victory marks Cardiff's first appearance in the quarter-finals since they reached the final in 2012. For Wrexham, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time since 1978.