Cardiff's Yakou Meite, coming off the bench, scored immediately to help the struggling Bluebirds secure a crucial 2-1 victory against Blackburn.
Despite entering the match after three straight losses, the visitors took an early lead with Yousef Salech's header in the fourth minute.
Yuki Ohashi equalized in the 16th minute, setting the stage for Meite to score his second goal of the season just 17 minutes from time, shortly after being substituted in.
There was a tense moment towards the end when Blackburn were awarded a penalty, which was later overturned. Cardiff managed to stay clear of the relegation zone with their second away win of the season.
Blackburn's hopes for a spot in the playoffs are dwindling, as they are now winless in five games under Valerien Ismael.
Cardiff's early lead was secured when Sivert Mannsverk delivered a precise cross to Salech, who scored with a header.
Blackburn responded with a goal from Ohashi, assisted by Tyrhys Dolan, and continued to pressure Cardiff throughout the game.
Cardiff's goalkeeper made a crucial save in the first half, while Blackburn missed chances to take the lead in the second half.
Meite's decisive goal in the 73rd minute, shortly after coming on as a substitute, left Blackburn stunned as they failed to recover in the remaining minutes.
Despite a late penalty scare for Blackburn, which was later overturned, Cardiff sealed a much-needed victory.