Two of Oxford's goals came from free-kicks, as Bristol City lost for the first time in in the Championship this season

Oxford stun Bristol City for first Championship win

Oxford Break Winless Run, Hand Bristol First Defeat – 3-1 Away Victory

Oxford United claimed their first Championship win of the season, defeating previously unbeaten Bristol City 3-1 at Ashton Gate. It was a clinical and determined performance from Gary Rowett’s side, who used set-pieces to devastating effect to frustrate the high-flying Robins.

Match Summary: Set-Pieces Punish Bristol City

Oxford opened the scoring on 32 minutes when Nik Prelec, making his first league start, headed home from a brilliantly curled free-kick by Brian De Keersmaecker.

Just before half-time, Przemyslaw Placheta doubled the lead with a stunning top-corner strike after Jason Knight’s poor clearance. Bristol City pulled one back early in the second half through Anis Mehmeti, who scored a thunderbolt from outside the box.

But in stoppage time, Greg Leigh sealed the win by getting a vital touch on another De Keersmaecker free-kick, handing Oxford a crucial 3-1 win.

Key Moments

32’ – Prelec scores first Oxford goal of the season from a free-kick.
45’ – Placheta smashes into top corner after failed Bristol clearance.
52’ – Mehmeti scores a stunner to give the hosts hope.
90’ – Leigh’s glancing touch on a late set-piece seals the three points.

Bristol City Stumble

This was the first Championship loss under new boss Gerhard Struber and a missed opportunity to go second in the table. The Robins looked disjointed in both boxes and were vulnerable from set-pieces — the source of all three goals conceded.

“In both boxes we lacked sharpness,” said Struber. “Set-pieces were decisive, and that was not our usual standard.”

Oxford’s Revival Underway?

Oxford’s win ends a run of three defeats and two draws, lifting them out of the bottom three and easing pressure on head coach Gary Rowett.

“We more than deserved it today,” said Rowett. “We’ve shown confidence and belief building up over the last two games.”

The U’s were sharper in every department and showed renewed intensity, especially in attacking set-plays — an area where they consistently threatened throughout the match.

Tactical Breakdown

Oxford’s Set-Piece Masterclass: 2 goals from free-kicks, 1 from a recycled corner.
Bristol’s Lack of Box Control: Mehmeti impressed, but the defence was repeatedly exposed.
Rowett’s System Shift: More compact midfield and focused delivery from wide areas led to efficient transitions and scoring chances.