Hull City Edge Swansea In Gritty Championship Battle

Hull City continued their impressive charge in the EFL Championship with a gritty 2-1 victory over Swansea City at the MKM Stadium on January 24, 2026, further cementing their status as promotion contenders in a fiercely competitive season. With the win, the Tigers notched their eighth victory in eleven league matches, keeping the pressure on the top teams and maintaining a firm grip on fourth place in the standings.

The encounter was billed as a significant test for both sides. Hull, fresh off notable away wins at Southampton and Preston North End, returned home brimming with confidence. Swansea, meanwhile, arrived with a patchy away record under new head coach Vitor Matos but buoyed by recent form and the hope of turning their fortunes around on the road.

The opening stages saw both teams cautiously probing for weaknesses, with midfield battles dominating the early minutes. Hull gradually asserted themselves, and the breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. Swansea captain Ben Cabango inexplicably handled Amir Hazdiahmetovic’s curling free-kick inside the box, leaving referee Josh Smith with little choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Oli McBurnie, a former Swansea striker who has found a rich vein of form this season. McBurnie coolly dispatched the penalty, sending goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux the wrong way and notching his twelfth goal of the campaign—his eleventh in Championship play. The striker didn’t hold back in celebrating against his old club, a moment that set the tone for a lively contest.

“It was a very difficult game for us, especially the third game in seven days,” Hull head coach Sergej Jakirovic admitted after the match. “We are very happy because I think that was a battle from the first minute and we used our chances. Swansea especially first half didn’t use theirs, through [Zan] Vipotnik.”

Indeed, Swansea’s leading scorer Zan Vipotnik endured a rare off day in front of goal. Twice in the first half, the Slovenia international found himself perfectly placed to convert inviting crosses from Josh Tymon, only to guide both efforts agonizingly wide of the far post. With the visitors unable to capitalize, Hull made them pay before halftime. In the 39th minute, Ronald’s clearance fell invitingly to Regan Slater at the edge of the box. Slater took a touch and unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike that flew past Vigouroux, doubling Hull’s lead and sending the home supporters into raptures.

“Hull started the first half really well, aggressive. Second half was much better. I think we reacted well to a tough result [at half-time],” said Swansea boss Vitor Matos, reflecting on his side’s response after the break.

Swansea emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, pushing Hull back and creating several promising opportunities. Their pressure finally paid off in the 59th minute. Josh Tymon’s well-flighted corner was met by Liam Cullen, whose deft flicked header crossed the line before Jay Fulton could apply a finishing touch at the far post. It was Cullen’s third goal of the season and gave the visitors hope of salvaging a point.

The goal injected momentum into Swansea’s play, with substitutes Marko Stamenic and Melker Widell testing Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur with sharp efforts. Pandur, however, stood tall, making crucial saves that preserved Hull’s slender advantage. On the counter, Hull’s Yu Hirakawa and Kyle Joseph both came close to extending the lead, but neither could find the net as the contest remained finely poised.

As the clock ticked down, Hull’s resilience was tested to the limit. Swansea threw men forward, even introducing an extra striker in a bid to snatch an equalizer. In the final minutes, Hull responded by dropping deep, deploying a double back four to protect their lead. The Tigers’ defensive discipline and tactical awareness were on full display as they repelled wave after wave of Swansea attacks.

“Football is about efficiency. Football is about that, about creating chances as well and scoring them. Unfortunately, we didn’t and that, I would say, can summarise a little bit the game,” Matos conceded. “Vipotnik has given and gives so much to us that it’s about a moment. He didn’t score. He scored so many before, so there’s no one more unhappy than him on this moment. I think most important, and I said when he scores as well, is what he offers to us in terms of the team—how we press, how we push the team up, how he puts his heart in everything he does. He missed these ones but for sure he will score more.”

This result marked Hull’s third consecutive Championship victory, a run that has seen them collect more points than any other side in the division over the last nine games. Their home form has been particularly strong, with the Tigers unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches at the MKM Stadium. For Swansea, the defeat continued a troubling trend on their travels—five losses in six away games since Matos took charge in November. The Swans now sit 16th in the league, seven points clear of the relegation zone, a position that reflects both their potential and their inconsistency.

Despite the loss, Swansea’s performance was not without positives. The side showed resilience in the second half, and the return of key players like Ethan Galbraith and Joel Ward offers hope for improved results in upcoming fixtures. However, the inability to convert chances remains a concern, especially for a team looking to climb the table.

For Hull, the focus remains on the promotion race. Jakirovic’s men are just five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, and the head coach is keen to keep his squad grounded. “It’s the Championship. We will try to push there. We are now there. Maybe you can dream about second place. If it’s your target second place, in my opinion you will finish in the top six. 100 per cent. But there is no pressure. We have to enjoy this moment and just continue like this,” Jakirovic told reporters.

As the final whistle blew, the sense of satisfaction was palpable among the Hull faithful. Their team had once again demonstrated grit, quality, and unity—ingredients essential for any side with ambitions of reaching the Premier League. With momentum firmly on their side and key players firing, the Tigers look set to remain in the thick of the promotion hunt as the season enters its decisive phase.

For Swansea, the challenge is clear: turn promising performances into points, especially away from home. The journey continues for both clubs, but on this chilly January afternoon in Hull, it was the Tigers who roared loudest.