Neil Harris admits Leeds United "outclassed" Cardiff City at Elland Road before "crazy" momentum switch

Cardiff City boss Neil Harris says his side were "outclassed" by Leeds United at Elland Road but admitted that a "crazy" momentum switch helped secure his team a 3-3 draw.

The Bluebirds fought back from a three-goal deficit at Elland Road to head back to South Wales with a point to show for their afternoon's work in West Yorkshire.

Helder Costa and a Patrick Bamford double - with one coming from the penalty spot in the second half - put Marcelo Bielsa's men in control in LS11 before a frantic final half an hour saw United throw away three points.

Lee Tomlin made the most of a poor Kiko Casilla punch before Sean Morrison ensured a nervy finish with a diving header.

The City skipper was handed his marching orders for a foul on substitute Eddie Nketiah moments later but the dismissal failed to halt the change in impetus.

The Bluebirds managed to haul themselves level two minutes from time with the Whites defence caught napping as Robert Glatzel made no mistake from inside the box to spark wild celebrations for the visitors.

Harris, though, admitted that despite his sides improbable fightback against Leeds his team had been second best compared to their counterparts for most of the afternoon.

"Firstly, Leeds are a very, very good side, full respect to that," Harris said.

"We shot ourselves in the foot too many times, giving too many opportunities away. It's a hard one because Leeds were better than us.

"As bad as we were at times defensively to give away poor goals, I have to praise my players for the character to come back and score the goals.

"I'm very happy with a point and very pleased with the thought process of the team to come from behind. For us to move forward we've got to be better and stop conceding poor goals.

"I thought Leeds outclassed us. As much as we've conceded, we've had four very good chances and could have scored four goals."

Asked about the second half penalty for the Whites and his captain's sending off, Harris added: "Has he bought it Patrick? He's clever in those situations, maybe there's contact and it's a foul.

"I knew the crowd would get a bit edgy at 3-2. I thought the referee did his best to help Leeds this afternoon.

"I've seen the red card, I think we'll appeal it, I've seen it from different angles, I don't think it's particularly dangerous, it's late. The kid is just quicker than him. I've no issue with the foul and a yellow card but dangerous, reckless?

"I think momentum in football is key. Even at 2-0, 3-0 you never feel particularly comfortable.

"As soon as a goal goes in, the home fans get a bit edgy, the players on the bench get a bit nervous. We've got players with ability to change a game in a heartbeat and presence at set-plays.

"We showed we could be a good team. Momentum is crazy in football."