Cardiff City vs Sunderland represents one of the competitive fixtures in English football’s Championship division. With 15 matches played between these sides since 2003, tehir head-to-head record reveals a closely contested rivalry that continues to deliver entertaining football for fans of both clubs.
Historical head-to-head record
The rivalry between Cardiff City and Sunderland spans 15 matches since 2003, with Sunderland holding a slight edge in the overall record. The Black Cats have secured 7 victories while Cardiff City have won 6 matches, with just 2 games ending in draws. The goal-scoring record is similarly close, with Sunderland netting 18 goals (1.2 per game) compared to Cardiff’s 17 goals (1.1 per game). This narrow margin highlights the competitive nature of matches between these two clubs.
The historical data reveals a pattern of tight contests, with neither side able to establish clear dominance over an extended period. These statistics underscore why Cardiff vs Sunderland fixtures are often anticipated by supporters of both teams.
Recent form and performances
In their last five encounters, both teams have shown contrasting form. Sunderland’s record stands at 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring at a rate of 1.4 goals per match while conceding 1.2. Cardiff City, meanwhile, has demonstrated greater resilience with 3 wins, 2 draws, and no losses, though their scoring rate is lower at 0.8 goals per match with the same defensive record of 1.2 goals conceded.
The most recent clash between these sides took place on March 8, 2025, at the Stadium of Light in the Sky Bet Championship. Sunderland emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Cardiff City, continuing their slight historical edge in this fixture. This result proved significant in the context of both teams’ current league ambitions.
Current league positions and ambitions
The 2024-25 season has seen these two clubs pursuing vastly different objectives in the Championship table:
- Sunderland is currently in the promotion hunt, aiming to return to the Premier League
- Cardiff City is fighting to avoid relegation to League One
- The Black Cats have shown stronger consistency throughout the season
- Cardiff has demonstrated resilience with recent away victories
- The gap in league positions adds extra significance to their matchups
This stark contrast in league objectives has added an extra dimension to their rivalry this season. While Sunderland looks upward toward promotion possibilities, Cardiff City’s focus remains on securing enough points to ensure Championship survival.
Impact of home advantage
The venue has historically played a significant role in Cardiff City vs Sunderland encounters. Sunderland’s recent 2-1 victory came at their home ground, the Stadium of Light, where they have traditionally performed well against the Bluebirds. Cardiff City’s Cardiff City Stadium has similarly provided them with a boost when hosting Sunderland.
Home advantage statistics show that both teams perform significantly better when playing in front of their own supporters. The passionate atmospheres generated at both stadiums contribute to the intensity of these matches, with away wins being relatively rare in this fixture. This factor remains crucial when analyzing past results and predicting future encounters between these sides.
Key players in the rivalry
Several standout performers have influenced recent Cardiff City vs Sunderland matches. Both teams feature players who have consistently made an impact in this fixture, whether through goal-scoring contributions or defensive solidity. These individual battles often determine the outcome when these teams meet.
The tactical approaches of both managers have also evolved in response to previous encounters. Sunderland’s attacking style, yielding 1.4 goals per match in recent games against Cardiff, contrasts with Cardiff’s more defensive setup that has nonetheless proven effective in avoiding defeats. This tactical chess match adds another layer of intrigue to their competitive history.