Wolves salvage point from Blackburn as Jimenez scores late penalty
Raul Jimenez’s stoppage-time strike from the spot secures a draw for Cesar Peixoto’s side after Andri Gudjohnsen had given Blackburn the lead.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers played out a 2-2 draw in the Sky Bet Championship at Molineux on Friday, 14 August 2026. The result leaves Wolves with a single point from their home opener, while Blackburn exceeded pre-season expectations by holding firm against the hosts for much of the contest.
Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring for Wolves when Fer Lopez threaded a pass through for him to finish beyond Balazs Hoth. Blackburn responded with a deserved equaliser as Sean McLoughlin nodded in from Ryoya Morishita’s right-wing cross, marking his first goal in English football.
The visitors stunned the 30,984 spectators inside Molineux when Andri Gudjohnsen converted from close range early in the second half. Despite Wolves turning to returning hero Jimenez off the bench, there was little sign of them finding an equaliser until the final moments of the match.
The turning point arrived in stoppage time when Jackson Tchatchoua’s left-wing cross struck the hand of Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu just inside the box. The referee awarded a penalty, which Jimenez held his nerve to convert, salvaging a point for Cesar Peixoto’s side.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray questioned the decision, stating that replays suggested the contact was outside the box. He noted that while modern football interpretations might penalise a hand away from the body, the incident remained debatable.
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto admitted the result was not what his team wanted, noting they were better in the first half but lost organisation in the second. He emphasised that while the players showed big heart, the side must improve and stay organised to satisfy their own standards.
Jimenez, speaking to Sky Sports, described it as amazing to be back and score in the first game of the season. He acknowledged that the draw was not the desired outcome for their first home game of the new season and stated the team needs to learn from the performance.
The striker also addressed the crowd, explaining his decision to give out free 'Si Senor' scarves to supporters in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand. He said it was the least he could do to return the love shown to him over the past eight years, even when he was not at the club.
Blackburn, unfancied going into the campaign, could not hold on for the victory but did exceed expectations by taking the lead. Wolves will need to improve significantly if they are to come close to satisfying their own ambitions for the season.
