The class gap was clear as League Two’s Bantams were no match for their Premier League counterparts at Wembley – despite their road to the final being marked by wins over top-flight clubs Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Bradford were the first club to make a final from the fourth tier since 1962.
Michael Laudrup’s Swansea were clinical as they dismantled the northerners and went to a comfortable two-nil lead at halftime through Nathan Dyer and Michu goals.
Dyer’s scored his second soon after the break leaving Bradford Everest to climb and a fourth on 60 minutes depleted them of any oxygen.
A heroic figure throughout the campaign, goalkeeper Matt Duke ended the game early, send off for bringing down Jonathan de Guzman, who scored from the resulting penalty.
Despite the result, Bradford’s huge support still gave them an ovation worthy of winners after defying all the odds.
Laudrup’s side will now play in next season’s Europa League.
The Dane who had an impressive playing career, acclaimed the victory as “the most important trophy I’ve won.”
Phil Parkinson’s team now resumes life as normal, vying for a place in the play-offs for promotion to League One.
Although disappointed with the send-off, the Bradford manager had nothing but praise for his lads.
“The lads have been magnificent,” he said.
“What Swansea did to us they’ve done to Premier League sides this season. They’re an outstanding side.”
“The highlight for me was the way the fans stayed behind the team throughout the game.”
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