In a season full of ups and downs, Leicester found a moment of much-needed relief as they thrashed QPR 6-2 in the FA Cup, igniting hope for a revival.
This dominant win was a significant morale boost after a series of disappointing defeats in the Premier League, and it was a performance that suggested better things might be on the horizon for the Foxes.
Leicester Takes Control Early in the Game
Leicester came out with high energy and struck early.
In just the eighth minute, James Justin opened the scoring with a calm finish from Facundo Buonanotte’s free-kick, catching the QPR defense off guard.
However, QPR responded quickly, leveling the game at 1-1 through Jonathan Varane’s spectacular strike from 25 yards just 10 minutes later.
The Foxes, not to be deterred, regained control of the match.
Stephy Mavididi played a key role, intercepting a loose pass and finishing from close range after a well-timed cut-back by Bilal El Khannouss.
Then, Mavididi turned provider, sending in a perfect cross for Buonanotte to head home, giving Leicester a 3-1 lead.
QPR Fights Back, But Leicester Responds Strongly
As the first half neared its end, Leicester found themselves vulnerable.
A poor back pass from Harry Winks and a sluggish response from Wout Faes allowed QPR’s Rayan Kolli to sneak through and score, making it 3-2 just before halftime.
The game was far from over, but Leicester was determined to bounce back.
Jamie Vardy and Justin Secure Victory for Leicester
The second half saw Leicester ramp up their performance, and on his 38th birthday, Jamie Vardy converted a penalty in the 51st minute after QPR’s Harrison Ashby handled the ball in the box.
Then, Justin sealed his own brace in the 63rd minute with a perfectly struck low shot, much to the delight of his manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who praised Justin’s response to recent criticism.
The final nail in the coffin came in the dying moments of the match when Faes rifled home a thunderous strike from outside the box, securing the 6-2 victory for Leicester.
QPR Left Reeling After Heavy Defeat
While Leicester celebrated their comprehensive win, QPR manager Marti Cifuentes was left frustrated.
“We knew we were playing against a Premier League side, but by giving them chances, we know they have the quality to punish us,” he said after the match.
This defeat extended QPR’s record of third-round exits in the FA Cup, a bitter pill for the club and its supporters.
Leicester’s Ambitions Remain Alive
For Leicester, this win served as a reminder of their potential. With their FA Cup journey still alive, the dream of emulating their 2021 triumph is firmly in their sights. The result also lifted the spirits of the team and their supporters, providing hope that brighter days might be ahead despite a challenging season so far.
MATCH FACTS:
Leicester (3-4-3): Stolarczyk 6, Justin 8, Faes 6, Coady 5.5, Kristiansen 6, Soumare 6, Winks 4.5 (Skipp 60’ 6), Buonanotte 7.5 (De Cordova-Reid 81’ 6), El Khannouss 7 (Ayew 60’ 6), Mavididi 7 (McAteer 65’ 6), Vardy 6.5 (Daka 60’ 6.5)
Goals: Justin 8’, 63’; Mavididi 35’, Buonanotte 38’; Vardy 51’ (P); Faes 90+3’
Manager: Ruud van Nistelrooy 7
QPR (4-2-3-1): Walsh 4.5, Ashby 3.5, Edwards 6, Clarke-Salter 6, Paal 5.5 (Colback 72’ 6), Field 5.5 (Morgan 70’ 6), Varane 7, Saito 6.5 (Frey 81’ 6), Madsen 6, Chair 6 (Smyth 70’ 5.5), Kolli 7 (Lloyd 72’)
Goals: Varane 18’, Kolli 45+2’
Manager: Marti Cifuentes 5.5
Referee: David Webb 6
Attendance: Not provided
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn