Middlesbrough 3-1 Queens Park Rangers: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Middlesbrough 3-1 Queens Park Rangers in the Championship on Saturday, 13 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Middlesbrough won 3-1 against Queens Park Rangers. The hosts took control early, with David Strelec opening the scoring in the 30th minute assisted by Hayden Hackney, followed quickly by Morgan Whittaker’s goal in the 36th assisted by Sol Brynn. Riley McGree picked up a yellow card shortly after in the 32nd minute, but Middlesbrough extended their lead when Tommy Conway converted a penalty in the 50th. This performance built on their recent strong form, having won their last three league games before this, including a 4-1 thrashing of Hull City away.

Queens Park Rangers pulled one back through Nicolas Madsen’s penalty in the 70th minute, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Both sides made several substitutions around the hour mark, with Middlesbrough bringing on Alex Gilbert and Kaly Sène in the 64th, and Delano Burgzorg in the 65th, while QPR introduced Steve Cook and Karamoko Dembélé in the 60th, and Esquerdinha in the 61st. Later changes included Sam Silvera for Whittaker in the 83rd and Micah Hamilton for Hackney in stoppage time for the hosts, and Michael Frey and Kieran Morgan for QPR in the 72nd and 78th respectively. QPR had been in decent form with three wins in their last four before this loss, but Middlesbrough’s dominance here exposed their vulnerabilities on the road.

Middlesbrough’s 63% possession underlined their control of the game, allowing them to dictate the tempo and create more opportunities, as shown by their 10 corners compared to QPR’s four. The hosts also edged successful dribbles at 50 to 36, highlighting their ability to break lines and maintain pressure, while recording two assists against none for the visitors. Penalties played a key role with one taken and scored by each side, and both teams used all five substitutions, with Middlesbrough making changes like Alex Gilbert replacing Riley McGree and Kaly Sène coming on for David Strelec at 64 minutes to manage the lead.

Discipline was light, with just one yellow card for Middlesbrough and none for QPR, and no reds or injury-time goals disrupted the flow. These numbers reflect Middlesbrough’s overall superiority in building attacks, while QPR struggled to convert their limited chances into meaningful threats.

The game’s turning points came in quick succession for Middlesbrough, starting with David Strelec’s 30th-minute goal assisted by Hayden Hackney to break the deadlock, followed by Morgan Whittaker’s strike six minutes later assisted by Sol Brynn to double the lead. Riley McGree’s yellow card in the 32nd minute briefly interrupted their momentum, but Tommy Conway’s penalty in the 50th minute effectively sealed the win. Substitutions around the 64th and 65th minutes saw Alex Gilbert replace McGree, Kaly Sène come on for Strelec, and Delano Burgzorg take over from Conway, helping to freshen up the attack.

Queens Park Rangers responded with Nicolas Madsen’s penalty in the 70th minute, but their earlier substitutions like Steve Cook for Jake Clarke-Salter and Karamoko Dembélé for Koki Saito at 60 minutes couldn’t shift the balance. Further changes, including Esquerdinha replacing Rhys Norrington-Davies at 61 minutes and Michael Frey for Richard Kone at 72 minutes, aimed to chase the game, but Middlesbrough held firm.

Middlesbrough lined up in a 4-2-2-2 formation that emphasised attacking width and midfield control, with Hayden Hackney providing key assists and Sol Brynn contributing from the back. David Strelec and Morgan Whittaker formed a potent partnership up front, combining for early goals, while Tommy Conway’s penalty prowess added threat. Substitutes like Alex Gilbert, Kaly Sène, Delano Burgzorg, Sam Silvera and Micah Hamilton maintained the structure without disrupting the flow.

Queens Park Rangers set up in a 4-4-2 shape focused on solidity and counter-attacks, but they struggled to contain Middlesbrough’s pressure. Nicolas Madsen stood out by converting their penalty, while changes like Steve Cook replacing Jake Clarke-Salter, Karamoko Dembélé for Koki Saito, and Esquerdinha for Rhys Norrington-Davies aimed to bolster the defence and midfield. Later introductions of Michael Frey for Richard Kone and Kieran Morgan for Amadou Salif Mbengue sought more attacking impetus.

Morgan Whittaker earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his influential display, scoring one goal and creating a big chance alongside two key passes. His contributions were central to Middlesbrough’s attacking dominance, helping to build and maintain their lead. Whittaker was substituted in the 83rd minute, with Sam Silvera replacing him, but his earlier impact had already shaped the result.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Charlton Athletic (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hull City (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Derby County (H)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Coventry City (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Middlesbrough (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Norwich City (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)

Middlesbrough have just secured a 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers, continuing their push at the top with four straight league victories including successes against Charlton Athletic and Hull City. Sitting second on 42 points, they face Bristol City next on 20 December 2025 at 15:00, with the opponents currently 11th on 30 points. A win here could solidify their promotion credentials and widen the gap over mid-table sides.

Queens Park Rangers have just suffered a 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough, halting a run that included wins over Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion in their recent league outings. Currently ninth on 31 points, they host Leicester City on 20 December 2025 at 15:00, with the visitors eighth on the same points tally. This match offers a chance to bounce back and climb the table in a tight mid-pack battle.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.