LONDON (Interstat) — Queens Park Rangers opened its English Championship season with a 2-1 victory over Watford at MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium on Friday.

Rayan Kolli put the hosts ahead in the 26th minute before Paul Smyth doubled QPR’s lead in the 63rd. Watford substitute Imran Louza pulled one back in the 85th minute, but the visitors could not find an equalizer.

The match defied a pregame projection from Interstat, which gave Watford a slight probability to win and forecast a 1-1 draw. The contest was marred by discipline, featuring 10 yellow cards issued.

The result gives QPR an early win, while Watford begins its campaign with a loss.