Queens Park Rangers took a major step toward Championship safety with a 3-1 win at Oxford United, securing three valuable points thanks to a mixture of early control and a decisive finish under pressure.
In a match that began with fireworks — literally — as the home side aimed to ignite their supporters with music and flame throwers, it was the visitors who stole the spotlight just minutes in.
Despite the carnival-like atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford were behind before many fans had settled. Nicolas Madsen’s delivery from the corner flag found Ronnie Edwards, who made no mistake with his close-range header. The 22-year-old, on loan from Southampton, has quickly made his mark in west London colours.
QPR dominate first half but Oxford fight back
The goal came as part of a dominant early showing from QPR, who controlled possession and tempo. As Oxford tried to regroup, their problems deepened with Ciaron Brown’s injury, forcing a defensive change.
Just before the interval, the visitors struck again. A high ball into the area was nodded across to Sam Field, who unleashed a low shot from the middle of the box. The effort clipped Ole Romeny, wrong-footing goalkeeper Simon Eastwood and doubling the advantage through an own goal.
Gary Rowett’s side needed a spark, and they found it after the break. The home crowd was rewarded for its patience with a slick team move that began with Przemyslaw Placheta’s clever ball down the flank. Siriki Dembele reacted quickly, swinging in a first-time cross which Stanley Mills expertly met with a glancing header — a fine finish from the substitute who had only just entered the action.
Oxford pressed high in search of a leveller, and QPR were made to defend deeper as the hosts turned up the intensity. However, a swift counterattack in stoppage time ended their hopes. Jack Colbeck broke up an attack and passed to Kader Dembele. He fed the ball into the stride of Yang Min-hyeok, who powered into space and tucked a clinical low strike into the far corner.
“I don’t want to take anything away from QPR, but we just didn’t show any energy in the first half… we played like we just didn’t have a spark like we had against Sheffield United,” admitted Oxford manager Gary Rowett.
QPR manager Marti Cifuentes reflected on the result with pride, praising the personality shown by his side in what has been a challenging campaign.
Site opinion
QPR showed they are not only capable of controlling matches but also punishing teams on the break when it counts. Their blend of youth and tactical clarity paid off once again. Meanwhile, Oxford’s struggles are compounded by their inability to maintain consistent energy levels, something Rowett will need to urgently address with five crucial matches remaining.
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