Bristol City made a strong start to the 2025-26 Championship season by defeating Sheffield United 4-1 at Bramall Lane. Scott Twine was instrumental, scoring twice, including a remarkable free-kick just five minutes into the match. This victory placed Bristol City at the top of the early league standings, providing new manager Gerhard Struber with an excellent debut.
Twine's first goal came from a 25-yard free-kick that left goalkeeper Michael Cooper helpless. Despite Sheffield United equalising through Tyrese Campbell after Callum O'Hare's assist in the 14th minute, Bristol City regained control. Ross McCrorie scored in the 26th minute, followed by Anis Mehmeti's goal seconds into the second half, making it 3-1.

The fourth goal for Bristol City arrived in the 52nd minute when Twine's shot deflected off Tyler Bindon and looped over Cooper. This result marked a disappointing start for Ruben Selles as Sheffield United's manager, who addressed his team on the pitch post-match.
Elsewhere, Stoke City staged a thrilling comeback against Derby County, winning 3-1 with two stoppage-time goals. Carlton Morris initially put Derby ahead, but Lewis Baker equalised before Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas secured Stoke's victory in added time.
West Brom also enjoyed a successful start under Ryan Mason with a narrow 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Isaac Price scored the decisive goal despite West Brom finishing with ten men after Darnell Furlong was sent off late in the game. Blackburn struggled offensively, managing only one shot on target.
Middlesbrough claimed a narrow victory against Swansea City thanks to Dael Fry's goal. Meanwhile, Millwall triumphed over Norwich City with Macaulay Langstaff scoring an important winner in the 81st minute at Carrow Road. Portsmouth also secured three points with a win over Oxford United.
Bristol City's triumph was particularly sweet given their previous season's disappointment against Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals. The Robins had lost heavily on aggregate but took their chance for redemption this time around. Twine's performance was pivotal; his free-kick prowess remains unmatched since the start of the 2020-21 season.