Swansea City’s Five Greatest Away Performances (Excluding Wembley Wins!)

We made a tweet yesterday about Valencia being our “best trip ever” and it sparked some debate on whether it was indeed worthy of that description.  So we asked Jack Bot to do what he does best and come up with his best five best trips which we have included below.   Our only stipulation was not to include Wembley wins as they go without saying as great days.

Over to Jack Bot…

Swansea City has a rich history filled with memorable moments, and some of their most iconic triumphs have come on the road, silencing hostile crowds and etching themselves into the club’s folklore. Beyond the hallowed turf of Wembley, these five away performances stand out as truly exceptional.

1. European Dream: Valencia 0 – 3 Swansea City

Date: September 19, 2013

Competition: UEFA Europa League Group Stage

Venue: Mestalla Stadium, Valencia

In what many consider one of the club’s most famous results, Swansea City, under Michael Laudrup, produced a stunning display to dismantle Spanish giants Valencia in their own backyard. This was a true fairytale for a club that had been in the lower leagues just over a decade before. The Swans seized control early when Valencia’s Adil Rami was sent off in the 10th minute. Wilfried Bony opened the scoring just five minutes later, and the Swans never looked back. Goals from Michu and Jonathan de Guzmán sealed an unforgettable 3-0 victory, sending shockwaves across European football and announcing Swansea’s arrival on the continental stage with a flourish. The composure, tactical astuteness, and clinical finishing against a renowned European opponent made this a performance for the ages.

2. Promotion Glory: Preston North End 1 – 3 Swansea City

Date: May 2, 1981

Competition: Football League Second Division

Venue: Deepdale, Preston

This match is deeply ingrained in the memories of Swans fans as the day the club achieved promotion to the top flight of English football for the first time in their history. Under the legendary John Toshack, Swansea travelled to Deepdale needing a win to secure their place in Division One. A massive contingent of travelling Jacks made the long journey north, and they were rewarded with a magnificent performance. Goals from Leighton James, Tommy Craig, and Jeremy Charles secured a thrilling 3-1 victory. The scenes of jubilation on the pitch and in the stands after the final whistle are etched in history, marking the culmination of a meteoric rise through the divisions.

3. Premier League Statement: Queens Park Rangers 0 – 5 Swansea City

Date: August 18, 2012

Competition: Premier League

Venue: Loftus Road, London

Kicking off their second season in the Premier League, Swansea City delivered an emphatic statement of intent with a sensational 5-0 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. This was no ordinary victory; it was a performance that showcased the beautiful, fluid passing football that Laudrup’s side would become renowned for. Michu scored twice on his debut, while Nathan Dyer also bagged a brace, and Scott Sinclair added a fifth. The result sent shockwaves through the league and immediately instilled confidence that Swansea were not just there to make up the numbers but to genuinely compete and entertain at the highest level.

4. The Anfield Upset: Liverpool 1-2 Swansea City (FA Cup Quarter-Final)

Date: Saturday, February 29, 1964

Competition: FA Cup

Venue: Anfield

In one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of its era, then-Second Division strugglers Swansea Town travelled to Anfield to face a formidable Liverpool side, who were closing in on a league title. Few gave the Swans a chance, but they produced a defiant performance. The Swans emerged victorious, securing a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1926. This victory remains a legendary moment in the club’s history, showcasing their ability to punch above their weight.

5. London Calling: Fulham 0 – 3 Swansea City

Date: March 17, 2012

Competition: Premier League

Venue: Craven Cottage, London

In their debut Premier League season, many expected Swansea to struggle on their travels. However, this impressive 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage against Fulham was a testament to their unwavering belief in their playing style. Gylfi Sigurðsson was the star of the show, bagging a brace with two superb strikes, and Joe Allen added a third. It was a performance that combined defensive solidity with clinical attacking play, demonstrating Swansea’s ability to not only hold their own but also dominate opponents away from home in the top flight. This result was a clear sign that Brendan Rodgers’ side was a force to be reckoned with and played a significant part in securing their comfortable mid-table finish.