When Derby County took the field at Liberty Stadium on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, they weren’t just playing for three points — they were fighting for breathing room in the Championship’s playoff race. A 2-1 win over Swansea City didn’t just lift them into fifth place; it turned a sluggish campaign into something tangible — something hopeful. Joe Ward’s 34th-minute strike and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen’s coolly taken second goal in the 53rd minute silenced the home crowd, while Ethan Galbraith’s 90th-minute consolation felt more like a sigh than a surge. The final whistle, blown at 90'+5', confirmed what fans had been hoping for: Derby are back in the mix.
From Stagnation to Momentum
Before this match, Derby County had been stuck in neutral. Seven wins, five draws, five losses — that’s a team playing not to lose, not to win. But this performance? It had bite. They pressed higher, passed quicker, and looked like a side that remembered how to take control. The goal from Ward — a well-timed run into the box and a low finish past Kristoffer Nordfeldt Vigouroux — was the spark. It wasn’t flashy, but it was clinical. And then Salvesen, the Norwegian midfielder signed from Tromsø in the summer, delivered the knockout punch. A simple one-two with Callum Elder, a step inside, and a left-footed curler into the far corner. It was the kind of goal that changes a team’s belief.
Swansea, meanwhile, looked like a side running on fumes. Their lineup — featuring names like Ji-Sung Park (10) and Jamal Baptiste Ronald (35) — raised eyebrows. Park, once a global star, now appears to be playing out his final professional season. His presence was symbolic, not strategic. Swansea’s midfield lacked rhythm, and their defense, once a fortress under Steve Cooper, now looks porous. Ethan Galbraith’s late goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it came too late to alter the narrative. By then, the game was already decided.
The Playoff Picture Tightens
The win pushed Derby County to 26 points from 17 games — just three behind fourth-placed Leicester City and a single point behind Wrexham in third. That’s playoff territory. For the first time since September, they’re not just watching the top six — they’re in it. And in a league where form swings wildly, that’s everything. The Championship’s playoff zone — positions three through six — is a lottery ticket to the Premier League. One win can vault you up; one loss can bury you. Derby’s next three fixtures? Home against Middlesbrough, away at Oxford United, then a trip to Stoke City. Win two of those, and they’re in the driver’s seat.
For Swansea City, the outlook is murkier. Still sitting at 17 points, they’re nine clear of the relegation zone — but only because Sheffield Wednesday is at -4 points. That’s not safety; that’s a mirage. With eight losses in 17 games, their defensive record (18 goals conceded) is the worst in the top half of the table. Their manager, Russell Martin, has said publicly he’s "not afraid of the fight," but the results suggest the fight is slipping away.
Other Championship Moves That Matter
While Derby and Swansea battled in south Wales, other results reshaped the landscape. Sheffield United crushed their local rivals Sheffield Wednesday 3-0, with Tyrese Campbell scoring twice and substitute Tom Cannon sealing it. That result didn’t just hurt Wednesday — it made their survival feel increasingly like a fantasy. Meanwhile, Wrexham extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 0-0 draw at Ipswich Town. They’re now just two points behind Derby, and their momentum is undeniable. The Welsh club, backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is becoming the league’s most compelling story.
At the top, Coventry City remain untouchable with 40 points — 12 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss. Their goal difference of +30 is the stuff of champions. Stoke City and Middlesbrough, both on 30 points, are chasing them. But the real drama? It’s happening between fifth and 12th. Ten teams are within seven points of each other. That’s not a league — it’s a war.
What Comes Next?
Derby’s next home game against Middlesbrough on December 7 could be the defining moment of their season. Win, and they’ll be top of the playoff pack. Lose, and the pressure will mount. Meanwhile, Swansea’s trip to Blackburn Rovers on December 14 feels like a must-win. A loss there, and the gap to safety shrinks dangerously. The Championship doesn’t wait. It doesn’t forgive. And for teams like Derby, who’ve spent years in the shadows, this is their moment.
Callum Elder’s yellow card in the 90'+4' minute was the last act of a tightly contested match. No reds. No chaos. Just football — raw, real, and relentless. That’s what the Championship is. And for Derby County, it’s finally starting to feel like home again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Derby County’s performance compare to their season average?
Before the Swansea match, Derby averaged 1.2 goals per game and conceded 1.4 — below par for a playoff contender. Against Swansea, they scored twice in 20 minutes, held a clean sheet for 89 minutes, and controlled possession more than in any previous match this season. Their expected goals (xG) of 2.1 was their highest yet, signaling a shift from defensive resilience to attacking intent.
Why is Swansea City struggling despite having experienced players?
Swansea’s squad has veterans like Ji-Sung Park and Ben Cabango, but their midfield lacks creativity and physicality. They’ve lost seven of their last 10 away games and have the lowest pass completion rate (76%) among top-half teams. Tactical inconsistency under Russell Martin, combined with injuries to key defenders, has left them vulnerable to counterattacks — a weakness Derby exploited with pace and precision.
What does this result mean for Derby’s promotion chances?
Moving into fifth place puts Derby within striking distance of the automatic promotion spots. Historically, 60+ points win promotion in the Championship. With 17 games played, Derby are on pace for 67 points — well within range. Their next five fixtures include only two top-eight teams, giving them a realistic window to build momentum before the New Year.
How do the current standings compare to last season’s playoff race?
Last season, the sixth-place team finished with 58 points. This year, the top six are all under 30 points after 17 games — a sign of increased parity. The gap between first and sixth is 14 points, down from 18 last year. That means more teams are still in contention, but also that every point matters more. Derby’s 26 points now equate to roughly 68 projected points — higher than last year’s playoff cutoff of 62.
Is there any historical significance to Derby County’s current position?
Derby last reached the Championship playoff final in 2019, losing to Aston Villa. Since then, they’ve endured relegation, financial turmoil, and managerial turnover. Being in the top six in November 2025 is their best position since 2018. For a club that won the Premier League in 1972, this is more than a comeback — it’s a restoration of identity.
What role does the Liberty Stadium play in Swansea’s struggles?
Swansea have won just two of their last 12 home games in the Championship. The Liberty Stadium, once a fortress, now sees dwindling crowds and growing frustration. Attendance dropped 18% this season, and the atmosphere has turned hostile toward the management. The pitch conditions — often criticized for poor drainage — also hinder their preferred passing style, making them predictable and slow to react.