Introduction

It was a memorable match. Stoke City vs Bradford City match in the 2025 EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) second round was an unforgettable match. Bradford City caused a major surprise, defeating the lower division Stoke City 3-0 in a spectacular away performance. The match showcased Bradford’s tenacity and ruthless finishing as Stoke City struggled to make the ball into goals. In this in-depth report, we’ll look at the most important moments in the game and details on performance of players, and the ramifications for both teams.

1. Match Overview: Stoke City vs Bradford City

• Date: 26 August 2025

• Competition: EFL Cup – Second Round

• Venue: bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent

• Final Score: Stoke City 0 – 3 Bradford City

• Key Goal Scorers for Bradford:

  • Will Swan – 12′

  • Brad Halliday – 31′

  • George Lapslie – 62′

• Results: Bradford City won 3-1 on aggregate and secured their spot to play in the final round of tournament.

The Stoke City vs Bradford City match was a tense affair and ferocious, the match was a battle of wills, Stoke City dominating possession, but failing to make an impact on the goal. Bradford however, on however, capitalised on their opportunities and displayed the utmost defensive discipline, resulting in an historic win.

2. Match Statistics: Stoke City vs Bradford City

The table below outlines the principal statistics of this match. Stoke City vs Bradford City match:

The most important takeaways from stats are:

• Stoke City had the most possession (57 percent) however they weren’t able to turn the ball into goals, with just two shots that hit the mark..

• Bradford City, even though they were not as possession-based they scored the most from their chances. They scored four shots that hit the targets and 2 goals coming from the open field.

This data confirms the notion that possession alone doesn’t guarantee success. Bradford’s effectiveness in attack as well as defense were the main factor in his victory.

3. Major Moments in Stoke City vs Bradford City

First Half: Bradford’s Early Lead

The game began with a goal by Will Swan in the 12th minute that set the tone for remainder of the game. Swan took a hold of the ball through the air, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Stoke for a 2-0 lead. Bradford an unexpected lead.

• Important Moment: Swan’s goal rattled Stoke who were in the middle of the game from the beginning.

Bradford’s Second Goal

Brad Halliday Doubled Bradford City’s lead in the 31st minute. After a well-crafted counter-attack Halliday scored a composed strike through Joe Hart, placing Bradford in total in control over the game.

• The highlight of the game: Halliday’s goal pushed the total score to the score of 2-0 which left Stoke City with an uphill climb.

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Second Half: Lapslie Seals the Victory

At the second half of the 62nd, George Lapslie added a third goal for Bradford and effectively bringing the game to an end. Stoke’s failure to capitalise on possession was apparent as they were found on the counter time, and Lapslie made mistakes in putting the game in danger.

• Important Moment: Lapslie’s goal was the decisive strike in the final game of Stoke City, ensuring Bradford’s progress into the next round by scoring the 3-1 aggregate victory.

4. Key Performances: Stoke City vs Bradford City

Stoke City

Despite having the upper hand in the ball, Stoke City struggled to score in front of the goal. Their defensive struggles were apparent and reflected in Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada failing to make the most of crucial chances. The team was not as sharp as well. Brendan Rodgers will have to work on their problems with finishing.

Bradford City

Bradford City were professional in their performances. Their defensive structure and their shrewd finishing of Swan, Halliday as well as Lapslie made sure they won comfortably. Temirlan Anarbekov The Bradford goalkeeper was a quiet night when it came to saves but showed great mental toughness in shooting the penalty.

5. What’s Next for Stoke City and Bradford City?

For Stoke City

Following this Stoke City vs Bradford City loss, Stoke will be forced to review their team. The defeat is a huge loss as well Brendan Rodgers faces the pressure of regaining his team and leading his team to a winning start both in the domestic league as well as European tournaments.

• The Next Steps Concentrate on completing opportunities and improving attack.

For Bradford City

This win is the start of a significant occasion in the history of Bradford City, which will see them advance into the EFL Cup Third Round. This is also a massive boost to the team’s morale and also its reputation.

• The Next Steps Bradford are looking to capitalize on the momentum, using this win to boost the team’s League One campaign and possibly target more cup success.

6. Conclusion: Stoke City vs Bradford City

It was a thrilling Stoke City vs Bradford City match was one of the most instructive matches in recent history. tactical lessons. Although Stoke had the upper hand in the possession battle, Bradford’s clinical finishing and disciplined defense helped lead to a convincing win. The team of Stoke to win, the goal is to improve their offensive game and turning their possessions into goal. In the case of Bradford this historic win will offer an excellent foundation to build on, with their impressive performance proving their ability at cup games.

EFL.com (official English Football League website).