A wondrous stoppage-time goal by Victor Camarasa and defiant displays from Neil Etheridge and Sol Bamba gave Cardiff a victory that felt like more than three points.
It was the kind of winter win, snatched gloriously and so very late, that can relight determination for the challenges ahead. Neil Warnock and his players certainly celebrated as such.
For the first time this season they could enjoy a win away from home in the Premier League, and that should breed confidence that Warnock's methods also work outside of South Wales. He made five changes from the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace and was given full commitment in response.