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Championship: Jimenez penalty rescues Wolves in dramatic Blackburn draw
15th August, 2026 07:48 AM
Wolverhampton Wanderers were forced to settle for a point in their opening Championship fixture after Raul Jimenez converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Molineux on Friday night, August 14, 2026.
Wolves appeared on course for victory after Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring in the 18th minute. However, Blackburn responded through Sean McLoughlin, who headed in his first goal for the club nine minutes later.
The visitors then completed their comeback shortly after half-time when Andri Gudjohnsen struck from close range, leaving Wolves chasing the game.
Jimenez, returning to Molineux after three years away, was introduced from the bench in the 60th minute. His decisive moment came deep into added time when Ryan Alebiosu was penalised for handball after Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross struck his arm.
The decision was contentious, with replays suggesting the incident was extremely close to the edge of the penalty area. With no VAR available in the Championship, the referee’s decision stood.
Jimenez kept his composure from 12 yards, sending goalkeeper Balazs Toth the wrong way to rescue a point for the hosts.
The Mexican’s return had already generated considerable excitement before kick-off. He and his wife had arranged for 5,000 black scarves bearing the words ‘Si Senor’ to be distributed to supporters, while his name was repeatedly sung by the home crowd.
Managers’ reactions
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto admitted afterwards that his team lost its discipline and structure after the interval.
Peixoto said: “One point is not what we want, we want three points. We lost some organisation in the second half and played more with our hearts and not our heads and brains.
“We have to keep our mental stability during the 90 minutes because we’re better when we’re organised. We need to play our way with our identity. It’s a lesson for us to understand when we lose organisation it’s more difficult for us and more easy for the opposition.
“We’re working hard to bring more solutions [into the club] but we need to work hard with the players we have. It’s the first game, there’s a lot to work on and a lot to improve.”
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray was understandably disappointed after seeing his side surrender victory in the closing stages.
He said: “Ultimately, it feels like a defeat, it’s a bit disappointing and a bit frustrating. I just felt a lot of decisions were starting to swing their way. It’s harsh to take, I don’t think they deserved a second goal. We asked the players to be brave and we were collectively very strong.
“Everybody has us relegated, probably on the back of finishing 20th last season and losing a couple of our better players and not spending much money, which is a good motivation for the team. We deserved to win the game, we showed there’s enough quality to give teams problems and I hope there’s help on the way [in the transfer window].”
Match highlights
Blackburn created the first clear opportunity when Alebiosu delivered from the right, but Oladipo Afolayan headed wide from close range.
Wolves subsequently took control of the scoreboard. Fer Lopez found Munetsi with a precise pass through the Blackburn defence, and the midfielder finished first time from the edge of the area.
The lead lasted only nine minutes. Ryoya Morishita sent a dangerous cross towards the near post and McLoughlin rose above the defence to guide his header into the far corner.
Wolves threatened before the interval, with Lopez sending a curling effort narrowly over before teenager Mateus Mane also came close from distance.
Blackburn made the stronger start after the restart and were rewarded in the 48th minute. Afolayan’s deflected delivery fell into the path of Gudjohnsen, who reacted quickly to finish from close range and put the visitors ahead.
Peixoto turned to Jimenez from the bench, hoping the experienced forward could inspire a response. Despite his introduction, Blackburn remained comfortable for much of the second period and Wolves struggled to create clear chances.
The hosts eventually found their opportunity in added time. Tchatchoua’s cross struck Alebiosu’s arm near the edge of the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Jimenez accepted the responsibility and calmly converted, ensuring Wolves avoided defeat on their return to the Championship.
Blackburn nearly snatched all three points moments later, but Garrett’s effort was pushed over the crossbar by Dan Bentley.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw, leaving both teams with a point from the opening night.
Wolves finished with 55 per cent possession and 18 attempts, compared with Blackburn’s 10. However, the visitors registered five shots on target to Wolves’ three.
For Blackburn, the result was particularly frustrating given their strong performance and the fact that they had led for much of the second half.
Mowbray’s side had entered the match after finishing 20th last season, while Wolves were seeking an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation.
The dramatic conclusion ensured the new Championship campaign began with an entertaining contest at Molineux, although both managers will have plenty to address before their next fixtures.
