Marcelino Nunez' stunning volley helped Norwich City on their way to a 3-1 victory over Birmingham to start a big week in their push for the Championship play-offs. 

The Chilean's brace, which included a stunning first-time volley from a cleared corner to open the lead, proved enough to secure a consecutive home victory for David Wagner's men which has taken them closer to the top six. 

Nunez added a second from a teasing cross from Kenny McLean just 10 minutes later to put City firmly in control of the contest. 

A slow start to the second half allowed Maxime Colin to score from the edge of the box. The right back latched onto a cleared Grant Hanley's cross to smash a strike into the net. 

Christos Tzolis netted his first goal since August 2021 in added time, latching onto Nunez' pass before beautifully curling a ball beyond John Ruddy. 

Norwich host struggling Cardiff on Saturday hoping to record another crucial win in a pivotal week for their promotion prospects.

NORWICH CITY (4-2-3-1):

The Pink Un: Norwich City's starting line-up for their Championship match against Birmingham City.Norwich City's starting line-up for their Championship match against Birmingham City. (Image: Newsquest)

Substitutes:

1. Krul (GK)

4. Omobamidele (on for Dowell, 87)

13. Marquinhos

15. McCallum

18. Tzolis (on for Hernandez, 72)

19. Sorensen (on for Giannoulis, 76)

46. Gibbs

Head Coach: David Wagner

Goals: Nunez (27, 36), Tzolis (90+4)

Bookings: McLean (15)

BIRMINGHAM CITY (3-5-2)

The Pink Un: Birmingham City's starting line-up for their Championship match against Norwich City.Birmingham City's starting line-up for their Championship match against Norwich City. (Image: Newsquest)

Substitutes:

1. Etheridge (GK)

3. Friend

10. Jutkiewicz (on for Bacuna, 45)

11. Graham

12. Dean

19. James (on for Chong, 86)

20. Gardner (on for Chang, 78)

Head Coach: John Eustace

Goals: Colin (53)

Bookings: Chang (5), Bacuna (45)

KEY MOMENTS

8 – Idah tees Dowell up for a cross and it appears to be blocked by the hand of Longelo, but the referee gives nothing.

13 – Idah’s flick finds Nunez, but his low drive flies just wide.

19 – Hogan heads Mejbri’s free-kick just over.

27 – GOAL NORWICH (Nunez): The ball falls for Nunez on the corner of the box, and his world class volley opens the scoring from 20 yards.

36 – GOAL NORWICH (Nunez): McLean’s cross finds Nunez unmarked in the Blues box, and he taps beyond Ruddy for 2-0.

42 – Idah is sent through by Sara, but sees his chip saved well by Ruddy to keep the score at 2-0.

Half time: Norwich City 2-0 Birmingham City

53 – GOAL BIRMINGHAM (Colin): Hanley’s clearance falls to the feet of Colin, whose arrowed strike flies beyond Gunn.

65 - McLean pokes beyond Ruddy after Idah's flick-on, but Long chases back to clear off the line.

82 - Long meets a free-kick well, but directs his header straight at Gunn who holds.

90+4 - GOAL NORWICH (Tzolis) - Tzolis cuts in and smartly curls beyond Ruddy for 3-1.

Full time - Norwich City 3-1 Birmingham City

PLAYER RATINGS

Gunn 6, Aarons 7, Hanley 6, Gibson 8, Giannoulis 6, McLean 8, Sara 6, Dowell 7, Nunez 8, Hernandez 6, Idah 7. Subs: Tzolis 7, Sorensen 5, Omobamidele 5.

MATCH STATISTICS

Possession: 69pc-31pc

Shots: 14-9

On target: 6-2

Corners: 6-1

Fouls: 12-9

Injury time: 2 mins/6 mins

ATTENDANCE: 25,657

REFEREE: Jarred Gillett