In the last 3 matches, 2 goals; it is the second goal on the European stage. Yang Min-hyuk (19, Queens Park Rangers) silenced criticism with his performance.

Queens Park Rangers (QPR) defeated Oxford United 3-1 in the 41st round of the 2024-2025 season of the English Championship (second division) away game held at Kassam Stadium in Oxford, England, on the 10th (Korean time).

With this victory, QPR escaped a winless streak of 7 matches (2 draws and 5 losses) and sits in 15th place in the league with 49 points (12 wins, 13 draws, and 16 losses). Although promotion competition is already distant, it was a valuable 3 points to increase the gap from the relegation zone.

Yang Min-hyuk started on the bench. Coach Martín Si Fuentes first chose Paul Smith and Nicolás Madsen as the wings in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

QPR scored the first goal just 7 minutes into the game. In a corner kick attack, center-back Ronnie Edwards finished off Madsen's cross with a header. The score was a shot that found the top left corner of the goal.

A lucky additional goal followed. Although QPR was somewhat outmatched by Oxford, they took a 2-0 lead thanks to an own goal from the opposing forward, Ole Romany, in the 42nd minute. Romany, a Dutch heritage forward, currently plays for the Indonesian national team.

Oxford scored one goal back. In the 62nd minute, Stanley Mills found the net with a header off a cross.

The QPR bench moved as they needed to extend their lead again. In the 64th minute, Coach Si Fuentes summoned Sam Field and Daniel Beni, bringing on Yang Min-hyuk and Lucas Andersen for changes.

Yang Min-hyuk actively moved and showed his presence. In the 80th minute, he received a pass from Madsen and took a left-footed shot inside the box, but it was blocked by the goalkeeper. Yang Min-hyuk's quick speed often stood out in counter-attacking opportunities.

The added time in the second half was an impressive 11 minutes. Yang Min-hyuk did not miss his chance. In the first minute of stoppage time, he received a pass from Karamoko Dembélé and pierced the corner of the goal with a superb non-stop shooting. It was a perfect score that rolled low, hit the opposite goalpost, and entered the net.

This was a scene that showcased Yang Min-hyuk's clever movement and shooting sense. He moved well into open space, drawing the opposing defense’s dynamic action, and after waiting for the pace of the pass to slow down slightly, he pierced the goalkeeper with an accurate left-footed shot. Although he is right-footed, the left-footed finish was perfect.

Yang Min-hyuk scored his debut goal on the European stage with a low left-footed shot during the match against Stoke City in the 39th round. Once again tasting the goal with his left foot, he celebrated with a knee sliding ceremony to relish his joy. The match ended in a victory for QPR.

With this goal, Yang Min-hyuk has paved the way for a resurgence. He signed a contract with Tottenham Hotspur last summer until the summer of 2030 and officially joined the team last January. However, he chose to loan to QPR during the winter transfer window after not receiving opportunities under Coach Ange Postecoglou.

Since then, Yang Min-hyuk has consistently received opportunities. In the early stages, he showed sharpness and even provided one assist. It seemed that Tottenham's intention to have him gradually adapt to English football in the second division was coming true. Previously, Coach Postecoglou had noted that 'the K League and the Premier League are entirely different levels' and that Yang Min-hyuk needed a lot of time to adapt.

However, Yang Min-hyuk's standing at QPR began to shrink. Unable to show significant impact, he lost his starting position to Smith, who was a backup option, and with Dembélé returning from injury, he faced even more competition.

In particular, Yang Min-hyuk did not avoid criticism in the previous round against Cadiz City. He was back in the starting lineup and played for 61 minutes but struggled with 2 shots, 0 chances created, and 0 successful dribbles.

Fortunately, Yang Min-hyuk managed to turn the evaluation around with a splendid score in just one game. West London Sport remarked, 'He scored really well. It was an excellent cameo role after some poor performances recently,' giving Yang Min-hyuk a rating of 7.

Currently, Yang Min-hyuk has recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 12 league matches for QPR. After this season, he is expected to return to Tottenham for preseason and plan the next step.

'Football London' reported that 'this summer's friendly matches will provide Yang Min-hyuk with his first opportunity to play in a Tottenham uniform,' noting that 'despite having started against Tottenham while part of Team K League last July, he is still waiting for his debut with Tottenham.'

If Yang Min-hyuk performs well for the rest of the season, there is a possibility that he may continue with QPR. It appears that QPR will remain in the Championship next season. If Yang Min-hyuk needs to gain experience through another loan, QPR, which has already adapted, could be a good choice.

[사진] ⓒGettyimages(무단전재 및 재배포 금지), QPR 소셜 미디어.

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