"Promotion rivals" refers to teams or individuals who are competing for a similar goal or prize, specifically aiming to move up to a higher league, division, or position. Full definition
They currently sit in fifth place with a two - point cushion over seventh - place Middlesbrough, but crucially have a game in hand to play against promotion rivals Cardiff City. (espn.com)
Villa have five points to make up on Fulham, which is a tough task with four matches remaining, but it remains achievable following their dramatic 1 - 0 success over promotion rivals Cardiff on Tuesday. (soccerbase.com)
Despite an impressive win over promotion rivals Cardiff I think it is safe to say that chances of automatic promotion are all but over. (avillafan.com)