QPR’s struggling season took a dramatic turn for the better as striker Zan Celar unleashed a stunning double to secure a vital 2-0 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Cardiff City. This win not only marked Celar’s first goals for the club but also propelled QPR out of the relegation zone, a significant boost for the team’s morale and league standings.
Celar’s journey to this pivotal moment has been one of perseverance. Since his July arrival from Lugano, where he amassed an impressive 40 goals in 95 games, the 25-year-old Slovenian international had endured a challenging time adapting to English football. His confidence took a hit after missing a penalty against Stoke just days before the Cardiff match, adding to the pressure he faced to break his goal drought.
However, all that changed in the 40th minute at the Cardiff City Stadium. Following a long throw flicked on by Jimmy Dunne, Celar showcased his incredible skill and composure. With his back to goal, he expertly swivelled, unleashing an unstoppable shot that rocketed into the top corner, leaving the Cardiff goalkeeper with no chance. The goal was a testament to his skill and a turning point in the game.
Celar’s brilliance didn’t end there. In stoppage time, he capped off a remarkable performance with a second goal. He expertly outpaced the Cardiff defense, calmly chipping the ball over goalkeeper Jak Alnwick to seal the victory. This decisive win, QPR’s second of the season and their first since August 30th, moved them above Portsmouth, whose match against Millwall was postponed due to a power cut at Fratton Park.
The game itself was a testament to QPR’s resilience. They arrived in the Welsh capital with the lowest goal tally in the Championship (13 goals in 16 games), highlighting their previous attacking struggles. Early in the match, QPR’s initial attacking efforts lacked precision, but their defensive solidity kept Cardiff at bay. Cardiff, too, had their chances, with several near misses, but Paul Nardi, QPR’s goalkeeper, stood firm.
The introduction of Koki Saito, the on-loan Japanese midfielder, added energy and dynamism to QPR’s midfield, but it was Celar’s electrifying goals that proved to be the difference. After a shaky start and a goal drought, Celar’s performance demonstrated not just his exceptional skill, but also his mental fortitude to overcome adversity. This significant victory offers QPR a renewed sense of hope as they navigate the challenges of the Championship season.
Cardiff, meanwhile, remain in 21st place, one point above the relegation zone, after a disappointing run of form. Post-match comments from both managers, Omer Riza (Cardiff caretaker) and Marti Cifuentes (QPR), are awaited. The win highlights a stark contrast in fortunes, with QPR buoyed by their star striker’s double while Cardiff face an uphill battle to escape the relegation zone.
