Cardiff City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in the first home match of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Goals from Sinclair Armstrong and Kenneth Paal put the visitors ahead, with Iké Ugbo on the scoresheet for City.
Manager Erol Bulut made one change to the side that claimed a 2-2 draw against Leeds United in the previous league match, with Ebou Adams replacing Joe Ralls.
After the opening ten minutes, City went close to taking the lead through a Ramsey corner, which the visitors managed to clear away following a goal-mouth scramble.
In another chance for the Bluebirds, defender Mark McGuinness headed the ball down to Ugbo, who fired just wide of the post from close-range.
The visitors replied with a chance of their own, as centre-back Steve Cook headed powerfully towards goal, only for City’s Jak Alnwick to produce a fantastic save. Moroccan international Ilias Chair also had an opportunity, as he cut inside from the right and fired wide.
In the 34th minute, Queens Park Rangers took the lead, as Paul Smyth squared to Armstrong, who converted from close-range.
City reacted well, applying a spell of pressure before the break. Winger Josh Bowler cut inside from the right and found Ryan Wintle in space, whose accurate effort from distance was tipped wide by Asmir Begović.
City started well in the second-half, going close through Ramsey. The Wales international picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled an effort onto the woodwork.
As the Bluebirds continued to apply pressure, a ball to the back post found Karlan Grant, who couldn’t quite make sufficient contact with the ball.
As City pushed forward, the visitors found space on the break and doubled their lead in the 66th minute. Armstrong broke down the right and squared to Paal, who fired into the net.
The Bluebirds responded in the 79th minute, as Callum O’Dowda squared the ball to Ugbo in the box, who tapped home.
Applying late pressure, City’s Perry Ng crossed dangerously into the area, with McGuinness’ close-range effort rattling the woodwork. Despite pushing forward in added-time, the visitors held on to claim the points.
City are back in action next weekend, travelling to Leicester City on Saturday, August 19th, 3pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 1-2 QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Cardiff City: Alnwick, Ng, McGuinness, Goutas, O’Dowda, Wintle, Adams (Robinson 54’), Ramsey © (R. Colwill 84’), Bowler (Collins 84’), Grant (Tanner 73’), Ugbo (Etete 84’). Subs not used: Luthra, Romeo, Simpson, Rinomhota.
Queens Park Rangers: Begović, Kakay, Cook, Field, Dykes, Chair (Richards 88’), Smyth (Adomah 77’), Fox, Dozzell, Paal, Armstrong (Dixon-Bonner 73’). Subs not used: Archer, Larkeche, Duke-McKenna, Gubbins, Aoraha, Kolli.