Match Centre

The 1-1 draw flattered Cardiff, who were outplayed statistically with Wrexham posting a superior xG (1.55 vs 0.90). Phil Parkinson's side were more clinical early, converting their first big chance through Kieffer Moore's 3rd-minute strike (assisted by Daniel Imray), while Cardiff needed a 98th-minute Ruben Colwill equaliser to salvage a point against the run of play.

Wrexham's lower 33% possession yielded higher-quality chances, outshooting Cardiff 18 to 11 (8 on target vs 3) and creating 12 shots inside the box to Cardiff's 7. Despite matching Wrexham's 9 corners, Cardiff's 67% dominance in possession (542 passes at 89% accuracy) rarely translated into danger – their xG per shot (0.08) trailed Wrexham's (0.09). The visitors' defensive discipline waned late, with Moore and Hyam booked before their triple 72nd-minute subs disrupted momentum.

The key stat: Wrexham's 0.65 xG advantage should have secured victory, but Cardiff's lone shot on target in open play found the net.