Sandro marked his return from exile with a break as QPR came from a goal down to progress in the EFL Cup at Rochdale's expense.
Rangers, who had trailed to Matthew Lund's fifth minute opener, took time to get going and equalised when the Brazilian bundled home Tjaronn Chery's corner four minutes before the break.
And that same combination combined with 16 minutes left on the clock to book QPR's place in round three.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink handed debuts to Ariel Borysiuk and youngster Osman Kakay, while Grant Hall returned in the centre of defence after serving his suspension as the Dutchman made eight changes from the side beaten by Preston on Saturday.
Here are five things that QPR fans can take away from the contest.
Sandro is back (for now)
After seemingly being frozen out by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Sandro returned to the starting XI.
He struggled with the pace of the game in the first half, picking up a yellow card for dissent, but that all changed after he turned home Tjaronn Chery's corner before half time.
His form picked up and he started to help Rangers boss the midfield duel and he had his second 16 minutes from time when he turned home Chery's corner.
Whether this will have done enough to help him move on from QPR it remains to be seen but, if he is to stay at Loftus Road, he will be an option for Hasselbaink.
Chery on top
Tjaronn Chery has been QPR's best player so far this season. The Dutchman has been at the forefront of everything Hoops do well.
His introduction after Nasser El Khayati's unfortunate injury changed the game in QPR's favour.
Chery's pace caused the Rochdale defence problems.
It was his corners that led to QPR scoring both goals with Sandro the man to turn both home.
Youngsters shine
Osman Kakay impressed on his QPR debut while Olamide Shodipo goes from strength to strength.
Rangers fans have been desperate to see youngsters coming through to the first team and, in those two, QPR have exciting talents.
There were also places on the bench for Reece Grego-Cox, Brandon Comley and Chris Paul.
The question will be whether they can eventually break into the first team week in week out. Only time will tell on that score.
Borysiuk debut
Ariel Borysiuk made his long awaited QPR debut after an injury-hit pre-season and the winger looked the part.
He was happy to run up and down the wing as well as put a tackle in. It was a gentle start for the Pole but there are encouraging signs to be had.
Strength in depth?
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink made eight changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Preston, with Jake Bidwell, Nedum Onuoha and James Perch the only survivors, and Rangers do have some quality in their back-up players.
However, going forward, they are increasingly more reliant on Tjaronn Chery and Sebastian Polter to cause problems.
Conor Washington has the talent but is lacking confidence in front of goal. The fact Hasselbaink stuck with three of his back four from the defeat to Preston suggests Rs are lacking bodies in that department, especially if Steven Caulker leaves.
