Marti Cifuentes' iconic 'two keepers' jibe revisited as QPR handed tasty West Brom Championship opener

QPR will kick off their Championship campaign for the 2024/25 season against West Brom in a tasty-looking encounter at Loftus Road.

The meeting between the R's and the Baggies in London last term was one of the season's most memorable fixtures as the 2-2 draw was shrouded in controversy. The two sides met in March at a crunch time in the season with West Brom challenging for a play-off place and QPR fighting relegation.

The points were shared on the Wednesday night under the lights at Loftus Road as Sam Field scored a brace for the home side. The midfielder opened the scoring in the 17th minute before the visitors pulled two back in the 25th and 27th minute thanks to Michael Johnston and Grady Diangana. Field then found his second with 10 minutes left to play.

However, the headline moment from the match came as Cedric Kipre managed to push a goalbound Field header over the crossbar shortly after half time. Leaping next to goalkeeper Alex Palmer, it initially looked as if the keeper may have saved the shot until a replay showed otherwise.

The incident went unnoticed by referee Geoff Eltringham. The infringement would undoubtedly had led to a red card for Kipre and a R's penalty.

Speaking after the game, Cifuentes joked: "I've been told West Brom were playing with two goalkeepers for a while. Football is a game with mistakes and the refs can make mistakes too. They have a very difficult job - the second most difficult job after being a manager.

"I just feel sorry as it's not only today but I remember a crucial game against Sheffield Wednesday when the second goal is offside. We're talking points here and points there.

"I'm not here to complain, I'm here to make sure my team is better than that. If today we have to play against two keepers, we need to practice playing against two keepers. That's all I'm going to say, we need to be better than those margins. We created a lot of chances and could have scored more than the two goals."

That injustice will no doubt linger fresh in the minds of QPR players and supporters come August 10 when the Baggies return to Loftus Road. That match will also see Cifuentes reunited with compatriot Carlos Corberan - the coaches are known to get on well and were both linked with the Burnley job this summer.

Speaking about his opposite number in March, the QPR head coach said: "I think he has done a fantastic job both at Huddersfield and West Brom. His side is a very competitive one. He's doing a great job."