Rumarn Burrell struck twice as Queens Park Rangers claimed a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City to climb to second in the early-season Championship table.
Rangers went ahead in scruffy fashion late in the first half when a corner was not cleared and Burrell’s shot deflected in off Yousef Salech.
Jamaica forward Burrell, who had not scored since January, then doubled the advantage with a much sharper finish as the hosts dominated for a spell at the start of the second period.
Cardiff gave themselves hope of a comeback when Perry Ng drilled home emphatically from just inside the area 15 minutes from time, but Rangers held on to make it 10 points from the first four league games of 2026-27.
While Julien Stephan’s team are only behind early leaders Swansea City on goal difference, Cardiff drop to 19th having seen their unbeaten league start come to an end.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s side are without a victory in four second-tier games following last season’s promotion from League One.
Rangers caused Cardiff plenty of problems during an open contest, with Jimmy Dunne heading narrowly wide and Alfie Lloyd also coming close before Nicolas Madsen’s corner brought the opening goal.
This time Dunne’s header hit Alex Robertson and Burrell benefited, with Salech’s inadvertent touch sending the ball into the net.
Cardiff had their moments too, with Jack Moylan and Perry Ng forcing saves from Pierce Charles and Cian Ashford heading wastefully wide before the break.