Stoke City defeated Queens Park Rangers (QPR) 3-1 in their Championship clash at the Bet365 Stadium on March 29, 2025. The victory marked Stoke’s second consecutive home win and pushed them four points clear of the relegation zone, providing much-needed breathing room in their battle for survival.
Match highlights and goalscorers
Bae Jun-Ho opened the scoring for Stoke in the 21st minute, setting the tone for what would become a commanding performance from the home side. Junior Tchamadeu doubled the advantage just before halftime, netting his first goal for the club in the 44th minute.
The Potters continued their momentum after the break, with Million Manhoef adding a third in the 54th minute to effectively seal the result. QPR managed a consolation goal through Yang Min-Hyeok in the 78th minute, but it proved too little too late for the struggling visitors.
Early in the match, QPR had a chance when goalkeeper Paul Nardi’s long kick created an opportunity for Kader Dembele, but his tame effort was easily saved by Viktor Johansson. Stoke nearly scored earlier when Manhoef’s deflected cross strcuk the crossbar in the 18th minute.
Team performance and lineup
Stoke City fielded a strong starting eleven featuring Viktor Johansson in goal, with a defensive line including Ben Wilmot, Ashley Phillips, and Junior Tchamadeu. The midfield comprised Lewis Baker, Wouter Burger, and Ben Pearson, while the attack was led by Bae Jun-Ho, Million Manhoef, and Sam Gallagher.
The home side displayed determination and clinical finishing throughout the match. Their organized defensive structure limited QPR’s attacking opportunities, while their counter-attacking play repeatedly threatened the visitors’ backline.
QPR, meanwhile, continued to struggle with injuries and poor form, This defeat marked their fifth loss in six games, highlighting their recent difficulties in the Championship.
Championship implications
| Team | Record (W-D-L) | Points | Position |
|——|—————-|——–|———-|
| Stoke City | 10-12-17 | 42 | Outside relegation zone |
| QPR | 11-12-16 | 45 | Mid-table |
The victory carries significant implications for Stoke City’s Championship survival hopes. With this win, they’ve created a four-point buffer between themselves and the relegation zone, easing the pressure on the squad as they enter the final stretch of the 2024-25 season.
For QPR, the defeat continues a concerning downward trend. Despite sitting relatively comfortably in mid-table with 45 points, their recent form suggests they cannot afford to become complacent about their Championship status.
Stadium atmosphere and attendance
The Bet365 Stadium was alive with 23,192 spectators witnessing Stoke’s impressive performance. The home crowd provided vocal support throughout the 90 minutes plus four minutes of added time, celebrating each goal with increasing confidence as their relegation fears continued to ease.
The atmosphere reflected the importance of the match, with Stoke fans recognizing the significance of securing back-to-back home victories at this crucial stage of the season. The win not only provided three valuable points but also boosted morale and momentum as the team continues its fight to secure Championship football for next season.