Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s game week one post-match review of Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday, 09 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Loftus Road, a result that might not surprise given both teams' recent form. QPR, coming off a strong win against Toulouse in a friendly, managed to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship to two games. The match was defined by an own goal from Preston's Benjamin Whiteman just before halftime, which was quickly cancelled out by Milutin Osmajic's strike early in the second half. This draw keeps QPR's momentum going, while Preston will feel they did well to come away with a point after a string of less favourable results.

The game was a testament to both teams' resilience, with neither side able to break the deadlock after the equaliser. QPR, who had been on a rollercoaster of results with a heavy loss to Burnley and a narrow defeat to Swansea at home, showed they could hold their own against a determined Preston side. For Preston, this draw breaks a run of three games without a win, offering a glimmer of hope as they look to climb the Championship table. Both teams made multiple substitutions in search of a winner, but ultimately, the points were shared in a match that showcased the competitive nature of the league.

The statistics from the match between Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End reflect a closely contested game, with QPR holding a slight edge in possession at 58% compared to Preston's 42%. Despite this, Preston managed to secure a draw, which is somewhat surprising given QPR's dominance in ball possession and successful dribbles, where they achieved a 71% success rate compared to Preston's 36%. The corner count was close, with QPR taking five and Preston four, indicating both teams had their moments in the attacking third.

The most notable statistic was the disparity in yellow cards, with Preston receiving three and QPR none, suggesting a more disciplined performance from the home side. The assist count, with Preston registering one and QPR none, aligns with the result as it was Osmajic's goal that secured the draw for the visitors. Overall, the statistics suggest that while QPR controlled the game, Preston's efficiency in front of goal and their ability to stay in the match despite fewer opportunities were key to earning a point.

The turning point of the match came just before halftime when Preston's Benjamin Whiteman inadvertently scored an own goal, giving QPR the lead. This moment shifted the momentum in favor of the home side, who would have been hoping to hold onto their advantage until the final whistle. However, the game took another dramatic turn early in the second half when Milutin Osmajic found the back of the net for Preston, leveling the score and setting the stage for a tense final 40 minutes.

Both teams made multiple substitutions in an attempt to find a winner, with QPR making five changes and Preston matching that number. For QPR, the introduction of Kealey Adamson, Rayan Kolli, and Rumarn Burrell in the 67th minute was a clear signal of their intent to push for a victory. Meanwhile, Preston's substitutions, including the likes of Mads Frøkjær-Jensen and Pol Valentín Sancho, helped them maintain their structure and eventually secure a valuable point on the road

Queens Park Rangers lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Joe Walsh in goal and a back four of Kieran Morgan, Liam Morrison, Amadou Salif Mbengue, and Esquerdinha. The midfield was anchored by Sam Field and Nicolas Madsen, with Kwame Poku, Ilias Chair, and Karamoko Dembélé supporting striker Zan Celar. The lineup was largely as expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of the substitutions was notable, with QPR making five changes in an attempt to break the deadlock. Kealey Adamson, Rayan Kolli, and Rumarn Burrell were brought on in the 67th minute, followed by Steve Cook and Harvey Vale in the final stages of the game. Despite these changes, QPR couldn't find a winner, but the effort to push for a victory was evident in their late-game strategy.

back three of Jordan Storey, Lewis Gibson, and Andrew Hughes. The wing-backs were Thierry Small and Ali McCann, with Ben Whiteman, Stefán Teitur Thórdarson, and Andrija Vukčević in midfield. Up front, Michael Smith partnered with Milutin Osmajic, who proved to be a key figure in the match.

The lineup was typical for Preston, with no major surprises in the starting XI. The substitutions made by manager Ryan Lowe were tactical, with Mads Frøkjær-Jensen and Pol Valentín Sancho coming on in the 60th minute to help maintain the team's shape and push for a winner. The late changes, including Liam Lindsay and Alfie Devine, helped Preston secure a valuable point away from home, with Osmajic's goal proving to be the difference in their performance

Milutin Osmajic is Coral’s Man of the Match for his crucial contribution in the game against Queens Park Rangers. Scoring the equalising goal in the 48th minute, Osmajic's strike was the difference between a loss and a draw for Preston North End. Despite not registering any assists or key passes, his goal was a testament to his clinical finishing and ability to make an impact when it mattered most.

Recent matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Preston North End (H) - Championship

Recent matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A) - Championship

QPR sit in 12th place with 1 point after their 1-1 draw against Preston North End. They face Watford, in 22nd place with 0 points, on August 16, 2025, at 15:00. The draw, with Michael Frey’s goal, highlights their attacking potential but urges them to improve goal conversion to secure a first win against a struggling Watford side.

Watford V QPR - Game Week 2 Championship

Preston North End are in 10th place with 1 point following their 1-1 draw with QPR. They take on Leicester City, in 15th place with 0 points, on August 16, 2025, at 15:00. Milutin Osmajić’s equaliser boosts their confidence, and they’ll aim to build on this resilience and sharpen their attack to secure a victory against Leicester.

Preston north End V Leicester City Game Week 2 Championship

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