Leeds 2-2 Cardiff: Thrilling Late Superstrike by Crysencio Summerville Saves the Day for Championship Heroes under Daniel Farke
Leeds snatch late draw with thrilling Summerville strike, securing a valuable point against Cardiff
Leeds secured a point thanks to Crysencio Summerville's thrilling 95th-minute equalizer against Cardiff at Elland Road. Josh Bowler, making his debut for the Bluebirds, calmly put them ahead with a well-executed finish in the 23rd minute. Ike Ugbo then extended Cardiff's lead before half-time, capitalizing on Aaron Ramsey's deflected shot.
Leeds skipper Liam Cooper leaped to redirect a corner into the net, reducing the margin shortly after the second half began, seemingly hurting his ankle in the process, resulting in him being carried off on a stretcher.
And, following the relentless assault that ensued, the Whites were finally rewarded in the 95th minute, as Summerville's instant strike found the back of the net after Luis Sinisterra's initial shot was deflected.
Leeds rescue a draw from the jaws of defeat
The penultimate game of the opening weekend took some time to gain momentum, but once it did, Leeds took the initiative. Young debutant Archie Gray had his two shots blocked in quick succession, and then Willy Gnonto smashed a volley wide of the post from Luke Ayling's delicately cushioned header.Cardiff, against expectations, took the lead in the game. Callum O'Dowda found himself in a wide-open space on the left and delivered a cross to Bowler, whose initial attempt was blocked. Ugbo then took control and set up Bowler for a successful shot on his second try.
In their attempt to equalize, Leeds faced another setback as Summerville's powerful shot required a diving save from Jak Alnwick. Unfortunately for Leeds, just moments later, they conceded a second goal. Aaron Ramsey's shot took a deflection towards the goal, and from close range, Ugbo was able to finish off the play.
Just under three minutes into the second half, the home team managed to score a goal. Summerville provided a well-placed corner kick from the right side, and Cooper was able to score a header by jumping the highest. Unfortunately, he landed in an awkward manner and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher due to the intense pain he was in.
Daniel Farke's team was deprived of an equalizer when Alnwick brilliantly deflected a low shot from Daniel James, sending it away from the goalpost. Shortly after, James successfully put the ball into the net, but his effort was disallowed as Ayling was offside during the play leading up to it.
