Post match Blackburn reaction

Last Updated : 16-Mar-2025 by

"It was a much-needed win", said Omer Riza. "Mentality and approach now is about getting the job done. To a man, the boys did that and we got the result we deserved.

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We felt after Luton Town we had nine finals to play for the remainder of the season. One is down with a win. We have eight to go now.

"It was disappointing to concede but we showed great character. In the first half, we set up with a five in defence and a midfield three to try and stay strong against a good team. We knew we had creative and pacey options off the bench for when we wanted to change shape. All of the subs made an impact.

And on the late drama that saw Blackburn awarded a penalty before the decision was overturned:

"I was surprised when a penalty was given. From our view, the Blackburn Rovers man got up and caught the ball with his hands, so it didn’t feel like the right decision. Thankfully, for us, the officials have discussed it, realised and overturned it.

"There have been other games where penalties and goals have been given against us late on that have been brutal.

"We got the three points. That’s what matters.”

Blackburn head coach Valerien Ismael:

"This one is the most disappointing [of Ismael's four results]. We played well with belief and conviction. It was a step forward, especially in the first half.

"This one is tough to take. The first Cardiff goal we defended badly and the second one we just lost the ball. At the end you get punished. Details make the difference."

On the penalty decision: "The referee is five yards away and has a clear view. It's difficult to take. At the moment, decisions are not going our way but we have to accept it."