Leeds United faced defeat on their travels against Birmingham City in the Sky Bet Championship. Jutkiewicz’s stoppage-time penalty secured all three points for the Blues.
Manager Daniel Farke made five alterations from the Championship opening day draw with Cardiff City. Charlie Cresswell, Sam Byram, Joe Gelhardt, Ian Poveda, and Jamie Shackleton all joined the starting lineup.
Prior to kick-off, both teams paid their respects to the late Trevor Francis, following the unfortunate passing of the former Birmingham City player and England international in July.
Leeds initiated the first opportunity of the match within 11 minutes. Luke Ayling delivered an exquisite cross to the back post, and Dan James controlled skillfully before his shot was excellently blocked.
The Whites orchestrated another promising sequence, this time Ayling set up Ampadu on the edge of the Birmingham box, but his effort was off target.
Leeds displayed defensive solidity throughout the initial half, and Birmingham’s initial chance didn’t arrive until the 39th minute, as Kevin Long headed wide from a corner.
Both sides exhibited commendable build-up play during the opening period but struggled to generate creativity in the final third. The teams went into the interval on level terms.
Half-time: Birmingham City 0-0 Leeds United
Following the break, Birmingham came close as Siriki Dembele advanced down the left flank and into the box, then located Keshi Anderson, but his shot was well repelled.
On the opposing end, James fired a dangerous low cross-cum-shot that Ruddy deflected towards Gelhardt, but Birmingham managed to clear before the Leeds forward could unleash a shot.
Dembele sent a shot well over from distance for the hosts before Leeds introduced Georginio Rutter, who almost made an immediate impact. As Leeds earned a set-piece on the left flank, he was found at the back post and scuffed an effort before spinning and witnessing his second attempt brilliantly blocked.
Scott Hogan had a promising opportunity for Birmingham in the 70th minute, as he was located by a Dembele cross, but he could only volley over while in a good position.
Another well-executed Leeds move saw Ampadu, Poveda, and James combine, with the latter being played into the Birmingham box. His curling strike, however, deflected wide.
With 10 minutes of regular time remaining, the hosts had a significant opportunity when Long had a free header from a corner, but he directed the chance wide.
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was called into action when Juninho Bacuna unleashed a shot from 25 yards, and the Frenchman made a solid save.
Leeds then came close from a corner, with James delivering and Byram flicking on at the near post. Unfortunately, the ball bounced agonisingly wide of the post. Hogan subsequently fired wide for the hosts after a cross from Ethan Laird.
In the final moments, the hosts secured victory after James fouled Laird, leading to a penalty being awarded to the hosts. Jutkiewicz calmly converted from the spot.
Full time: Birmingham City 1-0 Leeds United
