Cardiff look to build on derby win in bid for survival

Two days before Cardiff City's stirring 3-0 win over arch rivals Swansea City, manager Omer Riza was asked what victory could do for the Bluebirds.

As well as striking a blow against their oldest enemies, who have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning this particular derby would be even more valuable given Cardiff's perilous position in the Championship.

"We know the impact of a win against the Jacks," Riza said on Thursday. "The history of the two clubs is out there for everyone to see.

"Whether it's bragging rights – and we know how important it is for the fans – it's about how you make other people feel. That's probably more important than anything else.

"Three points on Saturday against Swansea, this whole stadium will be rocking. People will feel a sense of togetherness. These moments can really help steer where you move forwards towards the back end of the season."

It was remarkable that Riza was there on Saturday. Just a few hours after that interview on Thursday, he was in London to be with his father Josh, who died that evening.

With Cardiff 3-0 up, fans sang "This one's for your dad" to Riza, who responded with a wave, a hand on his heart and applause to the crowd.

It was a touching moment on an emotional day for Riza, who was not able to celebrate on the pitch with his players after the final whistle as he had been sent off late in the game for a confrontation with Swansea midfielder Goncalo Franco.

But this was Riza's day, and he was given a standing ovation by the Bluebirds' faithful after he was shown his red card and banished from the dugout.

Now he and his squad will be revisiting that final line from his pre-match media interviews on Thursday, which represents the next challenge for Cardiff: to build on this momentous win.

Cardiff are up to 20th place in the Championship table, still only one point above the relegation zone.

Much as they enjoyed the win over Swansea, they visit 17th-place Millwall on Tuesday before hosting Derby, who are 19th, next Saturday.

There is still plenty of work to be done if Cardiff are to avoid the drop to League One, and their inspired performance against Swansea could be the catalyst for a sustained run of good form.

Riza had been encouraged by his team's recent displays – they are now unbeaten in six games in all competitions – and the hope now is that the demolition derby of the Swans can elevate Cardiff to new heights.