QPR Edge Out Fiorentina in Entertaining Friendly Clash

Queens Park Rangers made a strong start to their pre-season preparations with a convincing home victory over Fiorentina on a warm afternoon at Loftus Road. The friendly attracted a decent crowd keen to see their side in action ahead of the new campaign, and they were treated to an open, entertaining contest that swung back and forth throughout the 90 minutes. Both teams showed plenty of attacking intent early on, with chances created at both ends as the players built their match sharpness.

The hosts broke the deadlock from the penalty spot when Nicklas Madsen converted from 12 yards in the 30th minute, sending the home crowd into voice. QPR extended their lead nine minutes later when B. Kemper added a second, and Rangers appeared to be taking control of the affair. However, Fiorentina pulled one back before the interval when A. Atta scored in the 45th minute to make it 2-1 at half-time, setting up an intriguing second half.

The Italians showed real character after the break and equalised through R. Piccoli in the 65th minute, levelling the score at 2-2 and giving themselves genuine hope of claiming an away result. The momentum had clearly shifted towards the visitors, but Queens Park Rangers regrouped and found a winner through P. Smyth in the 54th minute. That goal proved crucial in securing the victory, giving the hosts breathing room they would not relinquish as the match drew towards its conclusion.

For QPR, the win provided an ideal platform on which to build their pre-season programme, though they will know tighter defending is required if they are to replicate this result against stronger opposition. Fiorentina showed they possess genuine attacking threats but will feel they could have done more to capitalise on their second-half momentum. Both sides will take plenty from the fixture as they continue their preparations for the season ahead.