QPR 1-0 Leeds: Visitors denied top spot as Luke Freeman’s cheeky flick boosts Steve McClaren’s men

Leeds squandered their chance to return to the top of the Championship as they failed to defeat Steve McClaren’s out-of-form Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

QPR had lost their last seven league games in succession and only a win would do for Leeds if they were to leap above Norwich and Sheffield United.

Yet a fine flick from Luke Freeman saw the visitors suffer a surprise loss in west London as QPR secured their first Championship victory since Boxing Day.

Luke Freeman (third from left) put the home side ahead just after the break on Tuesday night

The QPR man turned in a cross by Massimo Luongo in the 49th minute to give his side the lead

QPR sat within touching distance of the play-offs at Christmas. Their horrific run of form had left them sitting a lowly 18th position as Leeds came to town on Tuesday night.

Their supporters have not lost their sense of humour, at least. One was spotted with a pair of binoculars, poking fun at the Leeds ‘Spy-gate’ saga.

Bielsa, with his trusty bucket in the dugout, saw his side dominate the first half but they failed to get the breakthrough they craved.

Patrick Bamford unleashed a powerful strike towards goal which appeared to be blocked by the arms of Toni Leistner in the 13th minute but no penalty was awarded.

Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips then got his head to Ezgjan Alioski’s corner but Joe Lumley flicked it over.

Half-chances continued to go begging for Bamford and he was inches from getting a killer touch to Pablo Hernandez’s cross before the break.

Striker Patrick Bamford was agonisingly close to scoring for Leeds in the first-half

Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United tackles Nahki Wells of Queens Park Rangers

In the second half Leeds would be shooting towards their 3,105 visiting supporters, who were in fine voice all night, but they conceded the opener in the 49th minute.

Massimo Luongo produced a low cross and a clever flick from Freeman beat Kiko Casilla. It was against the run of play but QPR’s desperate fans did not care.

Nahki Wells should have made it 2-0 on the hour mark when the ball fell to him eight yards out but Casilla was quick to smother his shot.

An outstanding double save by Lumley somehow denied Leeds their leveller. First he saved a low shot from substitute Stuart Dallas before stopping Bamford’s follow-up header.

Sportsmail reported on the eve of this encounter that Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani would have to consider selling the club if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League.

There would certainly be question marks over the future of Bielsa and this was a serious set-back for the visitors, who face West Bromwich Albion next. 

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips heads at goal under pressure from Pawel Wszolek

Leeds winger Ezgjan Alioski attempts an acrobatic cross into the box during the first-half

Captain Liam Cooper required treatment for a nasty gash above his eye against QPR