Koki Saito scores as QPR defeat Portsmouth in Championship opener

Koki Saito scored a goal for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in their Championship opening match against Portsmouth, helping the team secure a 3-1 away victory.

After conceding an early goal in the 15th minute, QPR equalized through Ilias Chair in the 33rd minute. In the 40th minute, Saito capitalized on a counter-attack, driving into the penalty area and striking a shot that deflected off a defender and past goalkeeper Nicholas Schmidt to put QPR ahead. Chair added a second goal before halftime, and QPR maintained their lead through the second half.

This victory marks QPR's first win at Portsmouth's home since 2000. QPR manager Julian Stephan praised his players' composure and ability to execute their game plan. Conversely, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho described the match as “really strange,” noting that his team dominated the early stages but lost focus following the conceded goal.