QPR moved closer to relegation with a 3-2 defeat at local rivals Fulham. The home side took the lead on the 8^th minute.

Hoops centre-back Christopher Samba brought down Ashkan Dejagah in the penalty area and star striker Dimitar Berbatov rolled home the resulting spot-kick.

The Bulgarian doubled his and Fulham’s tally in the 22^nd minute, stealing the ball off Samba before slotting the ball past Julio Cesar in the QPR goal. It got even worse for the visitors on 41 minutes. John Arne Riise’s cross was turned into his own net by centre-back Clint Hill.

On the stroke of half-time midfielder Adel Taarabt fired low past Mark Schwarzer to bring the Hoops back into the game. The visitors came out like a different side in the second half. QPR were awarded a penalty in the 51^st minute.

Taarabt was brought down by Giorgos Karagounis in the penalty area, only for striker Loic Remy to see his penalty saved by Schwarzer. It didn’t take long for Remy to make amends though, as the French international lashed home an effort off the underside of the bar.

Fulham were reduced to ten men with 11 minutes remaining when Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell was dismissed for a late tackle on Armand Traore. The Hoops pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t find a way through the ten men.

Cup

Chelsea progressed into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in their quarter-final replay at Stamford Bridge. In truth the game was a damp squib. The only goal of the game came from a rare bit of quality from striker Demba Ba in the 79^th minute.

The Senegal international striker swivelled and looped a volley over David de Gea in the United goal. Chelsea will now face Manchester City in the semi-final at Wembley.

Can QPR escape the relegation zone?