Queens Park Rangers secured a vital 2-0 victory over Cardiff City in the Championship, with Slovenian forward Zan Celar finally finding his scoring touch.
Head coach Marti Cifuentes expressed high hopes for the striker, heralding his brace as a turning point in a challenging season for the club.
The West London outfit, struggling near the foot of the table, celebrated only their second league win of the season. Celar, who had endured a goal drought since joining QPR from FC Lugano in the summer, delivered a performance that electrified Loftus Road and lifted spirits both on and off the pitch.
The breakthrough came in the first half when Paul Smyth’s precise throw-in was flicked on by defender Jimmy Dunne. Celar controlled the ball delivered to him by the Irishman and unleashed a spectacular half-volley into the top corner, a strike that epitomized his quality as a finisher.
Deep into stoppage time, he then capitalized on a counter-attack, displaying composure with a deft chip over Cardiff goalkeeper Jak Alnwick to seal the result and his brace.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion with West London Sport, Cifuentes remarked: “For the whole group, this goal was like a victory for all of us. These two goals will hopefully boost his confidence and be the first of many. Inside the box, Celar has shown he can be a top player.”
The win comes at a crucial juncture for QPR, as the club battles relegation fears. While their position remains precarious, this result offers a glimmer of hope. Cifuentes highlighted the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, a quality that has eluded the team in earlier fixtures.
He added: “We’ve been working hard to create chances, and today we took them. It’s a testament to the players’ resilience during a tough period.” Fans at Loftus Road echoed their support for the manager, whose popularity has persisted despite the club’s struggles.
Celar’s journey with QPR has been fraught with challenges, including criticism over missed chances and a lack of goals. However, Cifuentes has consistently backed the 24-year-old, citing his proven ability in previous leagues and the need for patience as he adjusts to the demands of English football.
The head coach emphasized: “Celar’s courage to step up in difficult moments shows his character. Now, it’s about giving him the scenarios to thrive.”
As QPR look to build on this performance, the focus will be on sustaining momentum and improving consistency. The club’s next matches could prove pivotal in their bid to climb out of the relegation zone.
Celar’s resurgence may well be the catalyst for a turnaround, offering renewed belief for a squad and fanbase eager for better fortunes. Only time will tell if this win marks the start of sustained progress for the West London side.
Site Opinion
QPR have had a tough season so far with rumours circulating that Cifuentes was, and possibly still is, hanging onto his job by a thread. However, this result, and the overall performance, will give fans hope that their is light at the end of the tunnel.
Although, with two tough fixtures coming up, with Norwich City and Watford the sides they face next, consistency will need to be key if they have any chance of being out of the relegation zone come the start of the January transfer window.
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