Match Report | Cardiff City 0-3 Leeds United
Cardiff City were defeated by Leeds United at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Patrick Bamford, Daniel James and Georginio Rutter gave the visitors all three points.
City boss Erol Bulut made two changes from our last league match against Queens Park Rangers, with Josh Bowler and Karlan Grant coming into the starting XI.
The Whites started strongly and took a control of possession before taking the lead in the 13th minute, as Bamford found the net from close-range. The Leeds United striker had two chances to double his tally, as he raced through twice, only for City goalkeeper Jak Alnwick to produce two fantastic saves.
As the Bluebirds searched for an equaliser, winger Josh Bowler cut inside and delivered a promising ball into the area looking for striker Kion Etete, but Whites centre-back Joe Rodon managed to clear the danger. With 31 minutes on the clock, Crysencio Summerville squared the ball in the area to James, who turned the ball home to send the visitors into the break with a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, James had an opportunity to add to the Whites' lead, as he broke into the box following Archie Gray's pass. The winger lifted the ball over Alnwick, but his effort landed over the woodwork. City's Rubin Colwill then had a chance to fire at goal after cutting inside from the right, firing wide of the post.
The visitors were awarded a penalty, as Rutter was adjudged to have been fouled in the area by Mark McGuinness. With Summerville stepping up, the Dutchman hit the post. In the 88th minute, Daniel Farke's side ensured victory, as Rutter fired home from inside the area.
City return to league action on Saturday, January 20th with an away fixture against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, 3pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-3 LEEDS UNITED
Cardiff City: Alnwick, Ng, McGuinness, Goutas, Collins, Wintle, Ralls © (R. Colwill 44’), Siopis (Rinomhota 46’), Grant, Bowler (Tanner 74’), Etete (Méïté 46’) Subs not used: Rúnarsson, Romeo, Sawyers, J. Colwill, Ashford.
Leeds United: Meslier, Gray, Firpo (Byram 84’), Rodon, Ampadu ©, Gruev, Kamara (Shackleton 90+3'), Summerville (Anthony 90’), James (Gnonto 90+3), Rutter, Bamford (Piroe 89’) Subs not used: Klaesson, Poveda, Gelhardt, Joseph.
