Match Summary
Blackburn Rovers secured a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on the first away day of the Championship season. The hosts took the lead through a header from Todd Cantwell after a corner, before Andri Gudjohnsen equalised with a powerful header from a cross. Blackburn sealed the win with a second goal from Cantwell, who finished off a counter-attack. Middlesbrough opened the scoring with a 12th-minute strike from Jeremy Sarmiento, but the Rovers responded quickly.
Key Moments
- 12th minute - Jeremy Sarmiento gave Middlesbrough the lead with a well-placed shot.
- First half - Blackburn’s goalkeeper Radek Vitek made crucial saves to deny Middlesbrough’s Ryan Alebiosu and Kristi Montgomery.
- Second half - Andri Gudjohnsen headed in an Andri-style cross to level the score at 1-1.
- Late in the second half - Todd Cantwell scored his second goal, sealing a 2-1 win for Blackburn.
- Defensive actions - Blackburn’s Toth and Vitek made several key saves, while Middlesbrough’s defense struggled to contain the Rovers’ attacks.
Player Ratings
- Todd Cantwell (Rovers) - 8 - Scored both goals and was a constant threat on the flank.
- Andri Gudjohnsen (Rovers) - 7 - Delivered a decisive header to level the match.
- Jeremy Sarmiento (Middlesbrough) - 8 - Scored the opener and created chances.
- Radek Vitek (Rovers) - 8 - Made several important saves to keep Middlesbrough at bay.
- Toth (Middlesbrough) - 7 - Managed to keep the hosts from scoring early.
- Other Middlesbrough players - Mixed performances, with limited impact in the final stages.
The match showcased Blackburn’s resilience and attacking prowess, while Middlesbrough struggled to maintain their early advantage. The Rovers’ defensive solidity, led by Vitek and Toth, was key to securing the win.
