The Bluebirds concluded the 2024/25 campaign with defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Captain Joe Ralls returned to the starting XI for City, while there were also starts for David Turnbull, Will Alves and U21 defender Ronan Kpakio, who made his first league start.
The Bluebirds forced goalkeeper Angus Gunn into action twice in the opening five minutes. Firstly, Cian Ashford found space on the right to power an effort at goal, before Ralls fired a volley on target, with both efforts being saved. Aaron Ramsey’s side continued to pose a threat, as Calum Chambers was found at the back post and volleyed at goal, leading to Gunn making another early stop.
Despite some early opportunities, it was the hosts who took the lead after 13 minutes, with Marcelino Núñez firing in from close-range. Minutes later, Josh Sargent looked to burst through on goal and was brought down by Chambers, who was shown a straight red card. From the resulting free-kick, Núñez struck the Canaries’ second.
Sargent then went close to adding a quick-fire third, as he broke into the box and hit the post. The Canaries added to their lead in the 23rd minute through Sainz, who fired into the bottom corner. U21 defender Dylan Lawlor was then introduced for his first league involvement. The woodwork was hit for a second time by the hosts, as Ruairi McConville went close with a header.
At the start of the second period, the ball fell kindly to Sainz in the box, who fired just over. The Bluebirds got on the scoresheet through Yousef Salech, whose brilliant direct run into the box led to him being felled, earning City a penalty, which he dispatched into the bottom corner.
With 67 minutes on the clock, a header from Shane Duffy into the bottom corner saw the hosts restore their three-goal advantage. Salech got his second of the afternoon with six minutes left of the contest, converting from Callum O’Dowda’s knock-down. Despite the striker’s brace, it was the hosts who took the points on the final day.
FINAL SCORE: NORWICH CITY 4–2 CARDIFF CITY
Norwich City: Gunn (Reyes 90'), Stacey (Hernandez 59’), Duffy (Cordoba 90'), Doyle, Sainz, Sargent, McConville (Sorensen 59’), Wright, Forson (Schwartau 68’), McLean, Nunez. Subs not used: Gibbs, Crnac, Slimane, Jones.
Cardiff City: Horvath, Kpakio (Willock 69’), Fish, Chambers, O'Dowda, Ralls (C) (R Colwill 46’), Turnbull (Bagan 20’), Robertson (Nyakuhwa 69’), Ashford, Alves (Lawlor 32’), Salech. Subs not used: Turner, Daland, Perrett, Simic.