Almost 30,000 spectators watched in disbelief as Cardiff City missed two injury time penalties and lost their Championship crunch clash with leaders Wolves 1-0.
Gary Madine’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper John Reddy three minutes into injury time and then Junior Hoilett smashed his shot against the bar.
The Bluebirds are five points clear of third-placed Fulham, while Wolves need only just five points from five games to seal their return to the Premier League.
Fulham visit Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and, with the Londoners on an 18-game unbeaten run, Cardiff will be looking over their shoulders.
The 29,317 attendance was a Cardiff City Stadium record under the lights. Cardiff’s direct, dangerous approach was a real danger to Wolves, whose patient build-up was in stark contrast.
Leo Bonatini rounded goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and struck a post from a difficult angle, while Ruben Neves scored the winner from a deliciously curling free-kick from 25 yards.
Then came the injury time drama.
Wolves captain Conor Coady had his head in his hands when referee Mike Dean adjudged him to have fouled substitute Gary Madine in the area, though he was given an almighty reprieve when Ruddy saved the spot-kick.
Moments later Junior Hoilett blasted a second spot-kick against the bar as Wolves extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points.
The Bluebirds have a series of tough fixtures ahead against Aston Villa next Tuesday, Norwich way, Nottingham Forest (home), Derby County (away) and Hull (away).
Cardiff City are facing a massive test of their promotion resolve after a dramatic Championship defeat against leaders Wolves at home.
Cardiff City: Etheridge, Peltier, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Paterson (Mendez-Laing 51), Gunnarsson, Bryson, Wildschut (Madine 71), Zohore (Pilkington 84), Hoilett. Subs not used: Manga, Damour, Murphy, Traore.
Wolves: Ruddy, Bennett, Coady, Boly, Doherty, Saiss, Neves, Douglas, Jota (Cavaleiro 67), Afobe (N’Diaye 78), Bonatini (Costa 58). Subs not used: Batth, Gibbs-White, Hause, Norris.
Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance: 29,317.