Can a last-minute goal change the course of a team’s season? For Queens Park Rangers, the answer was a resounding yes as Lucas Andersen’s stoppage-time winner against Preston oNrth End mathematically secured their Championship status for another season. The April 18, 2025 clash at Deepdale Stadium provided fans with a thrilling contest that showcased the competitive nature of these two historic clubs.
Match highlights: A tale of late drama
Preston North End started the stronger of the two sides and were rewarded for their efforts when Liam Lindsay found the back of the net in the dying moments of the first half. The home crowd erupted as Preston took a 1-0 lead into the break, giving them hope of climbing further away from the relegation zone.
However, QPR showed tremendous character in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Michael Frey equalized, silencing the Deepdale faithful. The match seemed destined for a draw until substitute Lucas Andersen produced a moment of magic in the fourth minute of stoppage time, scoring a sensational winner that sent the traveling QPR supporters into raptures.
The 2-1 victory was crucial for QPR, as it mathematically guaranteed their place in the Championship for the 2025-26 season. For Preston, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as they remained in 18th position, still looking over their shoulders at the relegation battle below them.
Recent history between the clubs
This victory continued QPR’s recent good form against Preston. In their previous encounter on April 20, 2024, QPR secured a 1-0 win with Lyndon Dykes scoring the decisive goal in the 20th minute.
The two victories have helped QPR narrow the gap in the historical head-to-head record between these clubs. Prior to these recent matches, Preston had enjoyed a slight edge in their encounters.
| Team | Wins | Draws |
|——|——|——-|
| Preston North End | 13 | 9 |
| Queens Park Rangers | 11 | 9 |
Championship implications
The match had significant implications for both teams in the Championship standings. QPR entered the fixture in 15th position, while Preston sat three places below in 18th. The three points gained from this victory provided QPR with the mathematical certainty of Championship football next season – a major relief for the London club.
For Preston North End, the defeat meant they remained uncomfortably close to the relegation zone with just a few matches remaining in the season. Manager Ryan Lowe will need to rally his troops for their remaining fixtures to ensure they don’t get dragged further into trouble.
The competitive rivalry continues
The Preston vs QPR fixture has developed into an intriguing Championship rivalry over the years, With 33 matches played between them resulting in 13 wins for Preston, 11 for QPR, and 9 draws, there’s rarely much to separate these sides.
This latest encounter perfectly encapsulated the competitive nature of their meetings – a close contest decided by moments of individual quality. While Preston may feel aggrieved not to have taken at least a point from the match, QPR’s resilience and determination ultimately proved decisive.
As both teams look ahead to their remaining fixtures this season and planning begins for the 2025-26 campaign, this match will be remembered as a pivotal moment – particularly for QPR, who can now approach their final games with the pressure of relegation lifted from their shoulders.