Blackburn Rovers were left frustrated as Raúl Jiménez’s stoppage-time penalty denied them a deserved victory against Wolves in their Championship opener. Despite leading 2-1 through goals from Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen, a controversial handball call against Ryan Alebiosu allowed Wolves to snatch a late equaliser. The result leaves Rovers seeking their first win of the season after finishing 20th in the 2025 Championship table with 52 points (13W-13D-20L), trailing leaders Coventry by 43 points.
What happened in the match?
Wolves took an early lead through Marshall Munetsi, but Blackburn fought back with McLoughlin’s header and Gudjohnsen’s finish. The game seemed set for a Rovers win until Jiménez converted a disputed penalty in added time. Tony Mowbray’s side had controlled much of the match, but Wolves’ late pressure paid off.
Why was the penalty controversial?
The penalty was awarded after Ryan Alebiosu was adjudged to have handled the ball. Replays suggested he may have been outside the box, and Mowbray argued that the decision was harsh. The late equaliser left Rovers feeling aggrieved, as they had dominated for long periods.
What does this mean for Blackburn Rovers?
Despite the disappointment, Rovers showed resilience and attacking threat. With key players like McLoughlin and Gudjohnsen in form, they will look to build on this performance in their next fixture. The draw keeps them in touch with the mid-table pack, but they will need to convert chances more efficiently to climb the table.
