Full-Time: Cardiff City 2, Watford 1 – Championship Match Result
The Bluebirds set the tone early, taking the lead after just 55 seconds when Callum Robinson deftly maneuvered through the Watford defense to slot the ball unerringly into the bottom corner.
Despite dominating possession with a staggering 75% in the first half, the Hornets found themselves level as Giorgi Chakvetadze latched onto a loose ball at the back post, leaving Jak Alnwick stranded.
Yet, just when it seemed momentum had shifted, Cardiff snatched back the advantage before half-time. Cian Ashford’s intelligent square pass set up Robinson for a straightforward tap-in, notching his second goal of the match.
As the second half unfolded, Watford persisted in their possession-dominant strategy; however, they continually faltered in breaking down Cardiff’s resolute backline, failing to test Alnwick effectively.
This essential away victory elevates Cardiff to 22nd place, while Watford suffers their first home defeat of the season, remaining in a play-off spot at sixth.
Tom Cleverly introduced four changes to the side that had clinched a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth on Boxing Day, looking to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
Rocco Vata, fresh off his heroics, received a starting nod in place of the suspended Kwadwo Baah, who was sent off after taunting Portsmouth fans post-match.
Meanwhile, Cardiff made three adjustments from their recent 3-2 setback against Oxford United, granting young Ashford a chance to shine on the big stage.
And what a statement the Bluebirds made, seizing the lead within just a minute of the first whistle.
Robinson received a pinpoint ball from Callum O’Dowda, executing a slick turn to unleash a shot that found its way to the bottom corner—an early goal that left the Watford faithful gasping.
Stunned, Watford took a staggering 18 minutes to fashion their first opportunity, only for Vata’s shot from the edge of the area to sail over the bar.
As the match progressed, the Hornets grew into their rhythm, pressing relentlessly, yet Cardiff remained a potent threat on the counter.
The visitors didn’t register their second shot until the 34th minute, with Robinson nearly turning provider for Ashford, whose effort was disappointingly wayward.
Moments later, Cardiff’s failure to capitalize would haunt them as Vata’s cross met Chakvetadze unmarked, allowing him to take one touch before coolly beating Alnwick.
However, just as the hosts began to gather momentum, Cardiff struck back with remarkable poise.
Chris Willock cleverly intercepted the ball and initiated a swift counter, threading a pass through to Ashford, who exhibited remarkable composure to set up Robinson for the simplest of finishes.
Despite Watford’s insistence on controlling possession, they could not convert it into tangible pressure on the Cardiff goal.
On the other side of the pitch, Cardiff almost added a third when Manolis Siopis struck from distance, only to see his effort deflected narrowly wide.
Cardiff remained on the offensive as another chance materialized when Ollie Tanner capitalized on a defensive lapse, but Daniel Bachmann flashed across to thwart the attempt spectacularly.
Watford’s best hope for an equalizer came late in the match as substitute Daniel Jebbison squandered a golden opportunity, failing to connect with a header after a flick-on at the front post.
With an intense seven minutes of stoppage time, the tension rose palpably at Vicarage Road, as Watford sent wave upon wave of crosses into the Cardiff box, yet the visitors showcased extraordinary resilience to cling to a vital three points—an essential boost in their battle against relegation.
In the aftermath, Cardiff City manager Omer Riza remarked:
“It was an important win, it doesn’t matter where it comes from.
“It’s good to get a result against Watford who haven’t lost at home in 17. It’s a tough place to come, a top six team.
“The boys had to put in a performance. They knew how important it was and I think they’ve done that today.”
