Ilias Chair made a remarkable start in the Championship. Scoring two goals and providing an assist, the Moroccan international was involved in all of Queens Park Rangers’ achievements during their victory on Saturday against Portsmouth (3-1) in the opening match of the season.
QPR had initially conceded the opening goal in the 15th minute from a long-range shot by Terry Devlin. Already a threat moments earlier, Chair brought his team back into the match in the 33rd minute. Perfectly positioned in the box, the Atlas Lion scored from close range off a cross from Harvey Vale to equalize.
Seven minutes later, the Moroccan turned into a provider. After regaining possession in the center, he set Koki Saito through on goal. The Japanese player’s shot, deflected by two defenders, fooled Nicolas Schmid and allowed the Londoners to take the lead. Chair then scored his second goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+2), finishing off a low cross from Amadou Mbengue.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder could have even completed a hat-trick after the break, but his new attempt was saved by the Portsmouth goalkeeper. Named man of the match by Sky Sports, he was the key architect of the success for Julien Stéphan’s players, who scored all three of their goals in just fifteen minutes.
Chair’s performance was also highlighted by the EFL. In just one match, the Moroccan has already matched his total of goal involvements recorded during his 15 appearances in the Championship last season. With two goals and one assist on the opening day, QPR’s number 10 is ideally launching his 2026-2027 campaign.
This victory also marks Queens Park Rangers’ first win at Fratton Park since May 2000. A historic success driven by Ilias Chair, who is already proving decisive and seems determined to regain his best form this season.
