Queens Park Rangers bounced back emphatically to claim a 2-1 triumph over Blackburn Rovers, marking their second win in three matches in the Sky Bet Championship. The encounter at Ewood Park unfolded as a tightly contested affair, with both sides displaying moments of quality before QPR ultimately turned the tide in the second half. After a balanced first half, Blackburn seized the initiative in the 49th minute when Ryoya Morishita unleashed a spectacular volley that left the goalkeeper with no chance, putting the visitors ahead.
However, the home side responded almost instantly; within two minutes, Paul Smyth calmly slotted home a well‑placed finish to level the scores. The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Jimmy Dunne rose above the defense to meet a cross with a powerful header, restoring QPR’s lead and sealing the win. The comeback highlighted QPR’s resilience and tactical adaptability.
Under manager Julian Stephan, the team demonstrated the mental fortitude required to recover from a deficit, earning them seven points from a possible nine and propelling them to fourth place in the league table at this early stage of the season. Blackburn’s unbeaten streak, which had been a source of confidence, was abruptly halted.
While their effort was commendable, Tony Mowbray’s side struggled to match the depth and variety of options available on the bench compared to their opponents. The match narrative began with Blackburn carving out the first clear opportunity in the 21st minute. Ryan Alebiosu surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross that found Todd Cantwell at the far post.
Cantwell’s header, however, sailed over the bar. Nine minutes later, the same duo combined again; Alebiosu’s centre missed everyone, and Cantwell showcased excellent technique by stepping back and striking a volley that whistled past the far post, narrowly missing a goal.
QPR appeared to be on the verge of taking the lead when Rumarn Burrell slipped a pass to Ilias Chair, only for Balázs Tóth’s outstretched left leg to deny him. As the first half progressed, Blackburn’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Tóth producing several crucial interventions.
Ronnie Edwards forced a fine save from Tóth as the half‑hour mark approached, with the keeper diving full‑stretch to tip away a curling 20‑yard effort destined for the bottom right corner. The deadlock was finally broken after the interval when Andri Gudjohnsen’s flick‑on found Morishita, who controlled the ball and unleashed an astonishing left‑foot volley from 20 yards that rocketed into the top corner, giving Blackburn a 1‑0 lead.
QPR’s response was swift and decisive. Burrell surged down the right wing, delivering a low, intelligent cross that met Smyth at the near post. Smyth’s composure was evident as he guided the ball beyond Tóth, equalising for the visitors. Blackburn threatened to retake the lead when Charles made a superb reflex save in the 53rd minute, diving low to flick away Alebiosu’s cross.
Nevertheless, QPR began to dominate possession and create chances. Burrell’s header in the 64th minute drifted wide, and substitute Kwame Poku’s cross from the left also missed its target, while Edwards unleashed a piledriver that rattled the post. The decisive blow came with 16 minutes remaining.
After a Blackburn clearance, QPR recycled the ball efficiently, and Tariq Lamptey delivered an exquisite cross that found Jimmy Dunne unmarked in the box. Dunne powered a close‑range header into the net, restoring QPR’s lead and ultimately sealing the win. Late in the game, Alfie Lloyd’s shot was blocked, but the scoreline held, allowing QPR to celebrate a second consecutive victory at Ewood Park. Post‑match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray reflected on the performance, acknowledging the positives despite the loss: "We played against a good team and managed them well for large periods.
There were spells where we were dominant, but the changes we made at half‑time, especially bringing on Glen Kamara and Kwame Poku, positively impacted the game. I’m proud of how we performed for most of the match." QPR boss Julien Stephan praised his side’s early dominance and their reaction after conceding: "We started well, controlling the first 15‑20 minutes with good positioning and dominant play.
The second half began with a top‑class goal from Morishita, but the players’ response was fantastic. We scored quickly and maintained pressure, showing quality throughout.
We could have added another two or three goals, but the performance was solid." Overall, the match showcased the unpredictable nature of the Championship, where tactical adjustments, bench depth, and individual brilliance can swiftly alter the outcome. QPR’s ability to recover from a setback and secure three points demonstrates their growing confidence and ambition for the season, while Blackburn will need to address their bench options and defensive resilience if they hope to return to their unbeaten ways. The result also underscores the importance of momentum in a tightly contested league, where a single victory can significantly influence a team’s position and morale as the campaign progresses.