City fell to a narrow home defeat to Burnley, with three second half goals deciding a hard-fought game, which ended in unfortunate fashion for Neil Warnock’s men.
Pep Guardiola’s side took all three points at a wet and windy Cardiff City Stadium, showing just why they stormed to the Premier League title last season with a superb display against the Bluebirds.
Sol Bamba’s opening goal of the campaign wouldn’t be enough as a brave City side succumbed to a somewhat cruel 4-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Neil Etheridge’s penalty save ensured the Bluebirds picked up their first Premier League point, with a home draw against Rafa Benítez’s Newcastle United.
There would be no fairy-tale return to Premier League football for Cardiff City, but Neil Warnock’s men would leave the Vitality Stadium with their heads held high following a strong showing on opening weekend.
The Bluebirds opened their 2018-19 pre-season campaign with a comfortable 6-0 victory over South West Peninsula League Premier Division club, Tavistock AFC.