Queens Park Rangers secured their second victory in three fixtures in the Sky Bet Championship by overturning a deficit to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park. The match unfolded with a balanced first half, but the Rovers struck first when Ryoya Morishita unleashed a spectacular volley in the 49th minute to put the home side ahead. Within two minutes, QPR responded through Paul Smyth, whose calm finish levelled the score, and the visitors completed the comeback in the 74th minute when Jimmy Dunne headed a powerful ball into the net. Julian Stephan’s side displayed notable resilience, bouncing back from the setback to collect seven points from a possible nine, a haul that currently places them fourth in the league table at this early stage of the campaign.
Blackburn’s unbeaten streak was snapped, and while their effort was commendable, Tony Mowbray’s men were out‑matched on the bench, lacking the depth of options that QPR enjoyed. The opening phases of the game saw Blackburn create the first clear chance in the 21st minute when Ryan Alebiosu surged down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross to Todd Cantwell at the far post. Cantwell’s header glanced over the bar, but the move signalled Blackburn’s intent.
Nine minutes later Alebiosu’s second delivery missed everyone, yet Cantwell displayed excellent technique, stepping back before striking a bouncing ball that whistled past the far post, further testing the Rovers’ goalkeeper. QPR had an opportunity to take the lead when Rumarn Burrell slipped a pass to Ilias Chair, only for Balázs Tóth’s outstretched left leg to block the attempt. The game continued at a brisk tempo, with both sides generating chances. Ronnie Edwards forced another fine save from Tóth as the half‑hour mark approached, the goalkeeper diving full‑length to tip away a curling 20‑yard shot aimed for the bottom right corner.
The second half began dramatically for Blackburn. Andri Gudjohnsen’s flick‑on found Morishita, who controlled the ball before unleashing an astonishing left‑foot volley from about 20 yards that rocketed into the top corner, restoring the hosts’ lead. The goal was a testament to Morishita’s technical ability and left the Rovers stunned.
QPR’s reaction was swift. Burrell surged down the right wing, delivering a low, intelligent cross that met Smyth at the near post. Smyth’s composed finish sent the ball beyond Tóth, equalising the match and shifting momentum back to the visitors.
A few minutes later, Charles produced a superb reflex save, diving low to flick away an Alebiosu cross that threatened to give Blackburn the lead again in the 53rd minute. From that point on, QPR began to dominate possession and create opportunities. Burrell’s 64th‑minute header drifted wide, while substitute Kwame Poku’s cross from the left also missed its target.
Edwards continued to test the Rovers’ defence with a powerful shot that rattled the post, but the ball failed to find the net. The decisive moment arrived with 16 minutes remaining. After a clearance, QPR recycled the ball efficiently, and Tariq Lamptey delivered a superb cross that placed the ball perfectly for Jimmy Dunne. Dunne rose to meet the delivery and powered a close‑range header into the net, giving QPR a 2-1 lead that they would protect for the remainder of the match.
In the dying minutes, Blackburn’s Alfie Lloyd saw a late effort blocked, and QPR were able to see out the game, securing a second consecutive win at Ewood Park. Post‑match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray reflected on the performance: "I think there are lots of positives.
We played against a good team and managed them well, honestly. It was a very tight game. We had spells where we were dominant and they had moments too. The substitutions we made, like Glen Kamara and Kwame Poku, brought fresh attacking impetus.
It was tough, especially the last 20 minutes, but I’m proud of how we performed for most of the match." QPR boss Julien Stephan praised his side’s start and resilience: "We began well, controlling the first 15‑20 minutes with good football and strong positioning. I wasn’t happy with the drop in intensity in the last 20 minutes of the first half, but the players responded brilliantly after conceding that spectacular goal.
We were dominant overall and deserved to score more than the two we did; three or four would have been realistic." The victory not only lifts QPR’s points tally but also reinforces their status as early contenders for promotion, while Blackburn will look to regroup and address the bench depth that left them vulnerable in the latter stages. The match provided a thrilling showcase of attacking flair, tactical adjustments, and the importance of squad depth in the competitive environment of the Championship.