Cardiff City 3-3 Swansea City
(Cardiff win 5-4 on pens)
- Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final
- Sunday, 19 April 2026
- Rodney Parade, Newport
Cardiff City retained the Bute Energy Welsh Cup after a remarkable comeback victory over Swansea City, eventually prevailing 5-4 on penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Rodney Parade.
Swansea made the perfect start and took the lead on 14 minutes when Chloe Chivers’ looping effort from wide on the right caught out the Cardiff defence and found the net via the far post. The Swans carried that momentum into the second half and struck twice in quick succession, Aimee Deacon doubling the advantage before Maisie Miller fired home from distance to make it 3-0 and seemingly put one hand on the trophy.
However, Cardiff responded in sensational fashion. Substitute Fiona Barry sparked the comeback on 65 minutes, lobbing the advancing goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. Just four minutes later, Shannon Evans rose highest to head home from a corner and suddenly the momentum had shifted.
With Swansea struggling to regain control, Cardiff continued to press and found a dramatic equaliser with nine minutes remaining. Under pressure from another corner, Jessica Williams turned the ball into her own net, levelling the contest at 3-3 and setting up a tense finale.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, sending the final straight to a penalty shootout. Both teams showed composure from the spot, but it was Cardiff who held their nerve, converting five of their kicks.
Stacey John missed her penalty for Swansea allowing Megan Bowen to step up and score the decisive spot kick. This sealed a 5-4 shootout victory completing one of the most memorable comebacks in the competition’s history to ensure Cardiff City lifted the trophy once again.
Match reaction & more
Cardiff City win the Bute Energy Welsh Cup
