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):
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)
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
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