Cardiff City were beaten 3-1 by Middlesbrough on Sabri Lamouchi's home debut.
The Bluebirds are firmly in the talons of a relegation scrap now, there is no two ways about that, with each of the three teams below them able to leapfrog above them by winning their games in hand.
Here, we take a look at some of the talking points following the defeat by Boro.
Boro class showed how far Cardiff have to go
Saturday's game, especially the first half, showed the gulf in quality between the two sides. At one point, it genuinely looked like a Championship side taking on a League One team.
To their credit, in the second half, Cardiff improved drastically. But, again, as has so often been the case this season, it simply was not enough.
The visitors had a crisp, slick style of play. They pounced on every mistake and produced quality moments in the final third, something which has evaded Cardiff all season. That was why it was such a surprise when Callum Robinson did so well to capitalise on Zack Steffen's error to set up Sory Kaba for the Bluebirds' goal.
But, looking at those two teams for the first time, without any context as to where they were in the table, you could pick out the team challenging for the Premier League and the club battling to avoid a drop to League One within minutes of the first whistle.
It is to Cardiff's credit that they managed to stay in the tie for so long and, perhaps, could count themselves unlucky to lose by two goals in the end. But good teams at this level hurt you.
The problem for Cardiff is, if Middlesbrough is the standard for play-off or promotion-chasing sides, this Bluebirds squad is so far away from it. And it doesn't appear to be a gap which can be closed in a summer transfer window, if they do stay up - especially if they are unable to spend a fee.
That is the reality of the situation facing this club at the moment. Boro recruited strongly and have nailed down a style of play which is exhilarating and potent. Cameron Archer, Chuba Akpom and Marcus Forss were a formidable front line and looked so dangerous in every attack. Cardiff's goal, by comparison, came as an utter surprise. That's the difference.
Cardiff were not awful, of course. Most supporters concede that. But the trouble is, when Cardiff play averagely, they lose. Whether that is confidence or a lack of quality at both ends of the pitch - likely a bit of both - who knows? But playing well just isn't good enough anymore. They cannot eke draws or even wins out unless they are at their absolute best and that might be the most troubling thing of all at the moment.
Lamouchi: I'm no magician but we have enough quality
Despite three defeats on a bounce in the Bluebirds dugout, Lamouchi is still adamant his Cardiff side have enough quality to avoid relegation.
The new-manager bounce that we usually see when a new boss is installed has sadly evaded Cardiff. They've played well, in parts, but mistakes or lack of cutting edge in the final third has belied their good work up until that point.
It's not been in ideal start for Lamouchi, following a dismal end to the transfer window and three losses in a row, and he insists he is "no magician". But, still, he has seen enough from his players in the two weeks he has been in charge to be confident over their survival hopes.
"I remember some faces (from the media) from the first day I came here. I know about the challenge," he said. "I said I am not a magician. I remember very well I said it was a tough challenge, but there is enough quality to do it. So I am still thinking we will do it.
"But we just have to believe in our quality and do not give to the opponent easy goals or mistakes. Luton was probably because, physically, we were a little bit down. But we understand the keys of the games. We were close to making a clean sheet and one point in Luton, a positive point.
"Hull, we start and missed a penalty, if you score first.... this team just needs the small details to change. To be more confident. To get points. We need to make results. We need to look forward and work hard."
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Sory Kaba's mixed bag
So, what to make of Kaba's home debut and full debut, after coming on as a substitute in the second half against Hull City last week.
It's clear he has a presence up top, something we have not seen since Jordan Hugill and Uche Ikpeazu returned to their parent clubs last summer. He has a wider frame than Kion Etete and won seven aerial duels against Boro.
But much of his first half was blighted by his poor hold-up play. After the second or third time Kaba lost the ball with his back to goal, assistant manager Sol Bamba raced to the tip of the technical area and animatedly urged the striker to shield the ball better and to keep possession in order to help Cardiff get further up the pitch.
Lo and behold, just minutes later, Kaba was dispossessed near the half-way line and Boro broke, scoring within seconds as Archer belted the ball into the roof of the net.
He did score, though, which is a positive - and not a feat to be taken lightly within this Cardiff squad. Most of the 19,000 in the stadium would have finished that chance, mind, after Robinson put it on a plate for him, two yards out, with an open goal in front of him. Nevertheless, a goal is a goal and Cardiff will take everything they can get.
In the second half, Kaba was far better. He won more of his duels, linked up play better than in the first half and looked more of a threat. He even tried an acrobatic overhead kick which he belted into the stands - but kudos must be given for the effort.
Some encouragement, but still a lot to work out. Etete looked good when he came on, so it will be interesting to see how Lamouchi balances the two - or whether he feels he can start both of them at some point.
But on Kaba, Lamouchi said: "He is a different player. We don't have this type of player in our squad. Kion is different, Robbo is different, so we needed one more option.
"I'm happy for him. I prefer to get some points and he scores another time - but he scored, so it's good for him. Keep going, we will see."
Wickham transfer update
Lamouchi hopes the Connor Wickham deal will be completed "very quickly" and he might even be available for Birmingham City on Tuesday.
WalesOnline revealed last week that Cardiff were interested in signing the former Crystal Palace and Sunderland striker and it appears they are closing in on his signature.
It likely means that will have a knock-on effect for others. Isaak Davies was left out of the squad for Hull City, while Mark Harris was axed for the Boro game. Another striker coming into the fold likely means less game time for those and others.
But Kaba coming in and scoring, making that impact, is perhaps a sign that fresh blood can bring new fortunes. Lamouchi will certainly hope Wickham does that.
On the prospect of the 29-year-old signing, the Bluebirds boss said: "I hope he will sign very quickly. I hope to have him for Birmingham City.
"Let me talk about the players who are available for the club. As soon as he signs we will put him in the squad. How he can help us. He is just a Championship player, with his experience, his goals and he is strong and has quality as well.
"That's why we are trying to sign him."
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