Wolves 2-2 Blackburn: Everything that happened in dramatic Championship opener

Tony Mowbray’s return to the Blackburn Rovers dugout almost ended with a perfect start, but a late Raúl Jiménez penalty rescued a point for Wolves in a thrilling Championship opener at Molineux.

Wolves were expected to challenge for promotion after dropping out of the Premier League and started brightly, taking the lead through Marshall Munetsi.

Blackburn responded strongly, however, with Sean McLoughlin scoring his first goal for the club before Andri Guðjohnsen completed the turnaround early in the second half.

Mowbray’s side looked set to hold on for a memorable victory until a late handball decision gave Wolves the opportunity to equalise.

Munetsi gives Wolves the perfect start

Wolves began with plenty of attacking intent and eventually found the breakthrough after 18 minutes.

Summer signing Kieran Trippier picked out Fer López with a clever pass from the right. López then turned his marker before sliding the ball into the path of Munetsi.

The midfielder raced through and calmly finished left-footed beyond Blackburn goalkeeper Balázs Tóth.

The goal reflected Wolves’ bright start, with César Peixoto’s side creating several openings during an impressive first half.

López and Mateus Mané both came close to extending the hosts’ advantage, but their efforts flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Blackburn hit back

Blackburn did not remain behind for long.

Nine minutes after Munetsi’s opener, Rovers equalised from a corner.

The visitors kept possession after the initial delivery before Ryoya Morishita produced an excellent cross from the right.

McLoughlin got the faintest of touches with his head, sending the ball across Dan Bentley and into the bottom corner for his first Blackburn goal.

The equaliser changed the momentum and gave Mowbray’s side renewed confidence.

Guðjohnsen completes Blackburn turnaround

Blackburn stunned Molineux just three minutes after the restart.

Dapo Afolayan burst forward down the right before creating an opportunity inside the penalty area.

Andri Guðjohnsen reacted quickest at the near post to turn the ball home and put Blackburn 2-1 ahead.

The striker, son of former Chelsea and Bolton forward Eidur Guðjohnsen, had given his team a lead that looked increasingly difficult for Wolves to overturn.

Wolves struggle to find an equaliser

Peixoto introduced Jiménez in an attempt to change the game, but Wolves struggled to produce the same attacking threat they had shown during the opening 45 minutes.

Blackburn defended resolutely and appeared increasingly comfortable as the clock ticked down.

Mowbray’s team even looked capable of scoring a third as Wolves became frustrated.

Then came the decisive moment.

Late penalty rescues Wolves

Jackson Tchatchoua sent a cross into the Blackburn penalty area, with the ball striking Ryan Alebiosu’s outstretched arm.

Referee Farai Hallam immediately pointed to the spot.

Blackburn players protested the decision, but there was no change to the referee’s call.

Jiménez stepped forward with the pressure firmly on his shoulders.

The Mexican striker used a long, stuttering run-up before calmly placing his penalty into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-2.

The goal sparked huge celebrations inside Molineux and ensured Wolves avoided defeat on the opening night.

It was an especially memorable moment for Jiménez, who had marked his return to league football at Molineux in style.

He and his wife had arranged for 5,000 supporters to receive black scarves bearing the words “SI SENOR”, a reference to the chant that became synonymous with the striker during his previous spell at Wolves.

The scarves were raised around the stadium as Jiménez celebrated his equaliser.

Mowbray frustrated by late penalty

The result will feel like two points dropped for Blackburn after they had worked so hard to protect their lead.

Mowbray was particularly unhappy with the penalty decision and felt his side were capable of adding a third goal before the late drama.

“I didn’t think they were going to score,” Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire. “If anything, I thought we were going to get a third.”

He also questioned whether Wolves deserved the opportunity to equalise.

“I’m not sure they deserved a second goal, but he gave a penalty.”

Despite his frustration, Mowbray praised his players and said the criticism surrounding Blackburn’s prospects could provide additional motivation.

Peixoto demands more organisation

Wolves boss César Peixoto was pleased with his team’s first-half performance but admitted they lost their structure after falling behind.

“In the first half we created better chances, we had the ball with us and we attacked more,” Peixoto said.

He felt Wolves became too emotional after conceding.

“In the second half when we conceded we played more with our heart than our brains. We lost some organisation and made it difficult.”

However, the Wolves boss praised his players for fighting until the final whistle.

“The players showed a big fight to the end which is what I want.”

What’s next?

Wolves will return to Championship action on Saturday, August 22, when they travel to Deepdale to face Preston North End.

Blackburn will also be at home that day, with Mowbray set for an emotional return to Ewood Park when Middlesbrough visit.

Both managers are still looking to strengthen their squads before the transfer window closes.

Wolves have been strongly linked with Wales international Jordan James, who currently plays for Rennes after previously spending time on loan at Leicester City.

For now, though, both sides leave Molineux with a point after an entertaining opening-night battle.