Cardiff City's push for an immediate return to the Championship is tantalizingly close. After a commanding 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers last weekend solidified their grip on second place, the Bluebirds' promotion party was put on hold by a dramatic late draw at Huddersfield Town. A stoppage-time equalizer from Yousef Salech salvaged a point, meaning the champagne must stay on ice for now.

The equation for Cardiff is now straightforward. A win this Saturday at Reading would all but mathematically seal their promotion. If they secure three points and fifth-place Stockport County drops points in either of their two games in hand, the celebration will be official. Even a draw could be enough, depending on results elsewhere in League One.

While the finish line is in sight, the chasing pack hasn't completely disappeared. Bolton's emphatic 5-1 win over Stevenage ended one rival's hopes, but they and fourth-place Bradford City remain mathematical possibilities, requiring near-perfect finishes and a Cardiff collapse. Stockport, with six games left, presents the most plausible threat, but they would need Cardiff to earn no more than three points from their final four fixtures—a tall order given the Bluebirds' form and commanding goal difference.

With four games remaining, Cardiff's destiny is firmly in their own hands. The path to promotion is clear, and for the Bluebirds faithful, the long-awaited return to the second tier is now a matter of when, not if.