Queens Park Rangers Rise Continues With Key Victory

Jack Colback’s emphatic late winner fired Queens Park Rangers to a crucial 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, moving them within three points of the Championship play-off places.

Colback’s Impact Off the Bench

Michael Frey gave QPR the perfect start with an early header, but Tyrhys Dolan’s second-half penalty brought Rovers level. With just 14 minutes left, Colback, introduced as a substitute five minutes earlier, struck a fierce left-footed shot from the edge of the box to earn Rangers their first points in three matches.

The win lifts Marti Cifuentes’ side to 13th in the table, but crucially within touching distance of the top six. Fifth-placed Blackburn remain a point above West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, both of whom have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Early Lead and Missed Chances

QPR made the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes when Frey glanced in a header from Ilias Chair’s pinpoint free-kick. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage in a dominant spell, with Chair at the heart of their attacking play.

The Moroccan playmaker produced moments of brilliance but was unable to find the net, dragging a shot wide after beating his marker and later being denied from close range by Aynsley Pears.

Blackburn, however, posed a threat of their own. Owen Beck rattled the crossbar before Dolan’s rebound was kept out by Paul Nardi in the QPR goal. Their pressure eventually paid off after the break.

Dolan’s Spot-Kick and QPR’s Response

Blackburn were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute when Koki Saito clipped Callum Brittain in the area. Dolan stepped up and confidently sent Nardi the wrong way to level the contest.

Moments earlier, Rovers had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Saito challenged Lewis Travis. At the other end, QPR had their own claims waved away after Jimmy Dunne’s shirt was pulled by Danny Batth.

Colback’s Decisive Moment

With the game finely poised, Cifuentes introduced Yang Min-Hyeok for his home debut, along with Alfie Lloyd and the returning Colback. The trio played a key role in the winning goal.

Steve Cook’s cross into the box sparked chaos as Saito nodded the ball back into danger. Lloyd challenged for possession amid suspicions of handball, Min-Hyeok was tripped, and the loose ball fell for Colback. His powerful strike proved too much for Pears, who got a hand to it but could not keep it out.

Writer’s View

QPR’s victory reignites their play-off hopes, with Colback’s return proving crucial. While Blackburn remain in the top six mix, their failure to build on their equaliser leaves them vulnerable to teams below them. With momentum now swinging back in their favour, Rangers will look to push on in the race for promotion.

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