Middlesbrough tighten grip on second with clinical win over Queens Park Rangers | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Middlesbrough beat Queens Park Rangers 3-1 in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium. In the 30th minute David Strelec slotted in after Hayden Hackney's through ball. Morgan Whittaker then swept in a second from a fast break (36.). After the restart, Tommy Conway converted from the spot (50.). Nicolas Madsen pulled one back with a penalty (70.), Boro stay second and visit Bristol City next, while Queens Park Rangers host Leicester next.

Player of the Match: Hayden Hackney dictated midfield for Boro with an assist, four key passes and 21 successful final third passes, plus two shots on target.

Stat of the Match: Sol Brynn recorded four saves and an assist, a rare goalkeeper double that underlined Boro's control at both ends.

Three Things We Learned: Hayden Hackney's creativity powered Boro's attack, delivering four key passes and four accurate crosses. Callum Brittain shaped the game at both ends for Boro, drawing their penalty before conceding one later. Queens Park Rangers produced five shots on target from 13 attempts, but Brynn's four saves kept them at arm's length.