Castellanos Strike Sends West Ham Past QPR and Buys Nuno Breathing Space

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time in the FA Cup, securing a much-needed 2-1 win and temporary relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers were pushed hard by Championship opposition and required extra time, underlining ongoing concerns despite ending a 64-day winless run. The decisive moment came when new signing Taty Castellanos headed home the winner from a cross by Crysencio Summerville, who also scored West Ham’s opener in one of his stronger displays for the club. QPR had levelled through Richard Kone, briefly raising hopes of an upset. While the victory papered over deeper Premier League worries and fan unrest, Nuno welcomed the lift in mood and pointed to encouraging signs from January signings. West Ham now progress in the Cup, knowing far greater improvements are needed to avoid an unwanted slide toward the second tier.