Leeds returned to winning ways at 10-man Cardiff as the two clubs remembered their former player Sol Bamba.
It was a red-letter day for Largie Ramazani as the diminutive Leeds winger scored a first goal in English football following his August move from Spanish club Almeria.
Substitute Joel Piroe wrapped up a 2-0 victory three minutes from time after Pascal Struijk’s second-half penalty was saved by Cardiff goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
Leeds’ rebound win – which came on the back of home defeat to Burnley – had a helping hand as Cardiff defender Joel Bagan received a straight red card after 23 minutes for ending Willy Gnonto’s burst on goal.
Ramazani struck on his first Leeds start seven minutes later, and the contest was as good as over with struggling Cardiff bereft of confidence and ideas.
The Bluebirds’ defeat leaves them rooted to the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table with a solitary point, and speculation over the future of manager Erol Bulut is certain to intensify after a fifth defeat in six league games.
Bamba – a popular figure during spells at Leeds and Cardiff – died last month at the age of 39 while working as technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor.
Both sets of fans paid tribute to him before kick-off as friends, family and officials from both clubs laid wreaths on the centre-circle.
A banner honouring Bamba was raised behind the Canton Stand goal, with his former Cardiff manager Neil Warnock – under whom the Ivory Coast international won promotion to the Premier League in 2018 – among those paying tribute.
Leeds coasted to a 3-0 victory here in January and Daniel Farke’s side appeared keen on a repeat show before Bagan’s dismissal.
Ilia Gruev twice fired wide and after all sections of the ground stood to applaud Bamba on minute 14 – which represented his Cardiff shirt number – the contest took a decisive twist.
Gnonto’s run was halted by Bagan and referee Josh Smith ruled that the challenge with no cover around was worthy of a red card.
Alnwick pushed aside Brenden Aaronson’s free-kick. but it was a short reprieve as Leeds hit the front on the half-hour mark.
Mateo Joseph slipped in Ramazani and the Belgium Under-21 international made no mistake with a cool finish.
Rubin Colwill fizzed a low free-kick at Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal, but the visitors should have doubled their lead before half-time.
Alnwick pushed out Gruev’s 20 yard-effort and then denied Ramazani with a fine stop.
Leeds’ largesse continued in the second half as Aaronson skewed wide from close range and Struijk was denied after Callum O’Dowda tripped Jayden Bogle.
Cardiff’s lifeline lasted until Piroe, reminded by home fans of his Swansea connections when arriving as an 84th-minute substitute, capitalised on a Calum Chambers mistake to smash home an angled finish and enjoy the last laugh.
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
Samson Tijani joins Dukla Prague from RB SalzburgCzech First League side Dukla Prague have signed Nigeria international Samson Tijani on a free transfer from RB Salzburg.The 23-year-old midfielder joined the topflight club after completing a loan spell with Norwegian side Fredrikstad."The move to Dukla is an important step for me. At this stage of my career, I want to focus on growth, development ...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 7 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 8 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 9 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 10 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN