Raul Jimenez stepped up to convert a stoppage-time penalty and deny Blackburn a stunning opening-night win as Wolves were held to a 2-2 draw in their first Championship fixture in eight years at Molineux on Froday night. The result was not the statement Cesar Peixotos side needed on a night when the stadium crackled with expectation and Wolves made the brighter start. Their return to the second tier after a miserable relegation season in which they collected just 20 Premier League points was supposed to be the beginning of an immediate bounce-back campaign.Peixotos side went ahead in the 18th minute when Marshall Munetsi arrived from deep, collected a clever through ball from Fer Lopez and drove a left-footed strike past Balazs Toth.Blackburn had other ideas. Tony Mowbrays side, who narrowly avoided Championship relegation last season, have added quality in Sam Morsy to their midfield and showed the resilience that kept them up. Sean McLoughlin levelled in the 27th minute, rising to meet Ryoya Morishitas cross from the right following a corner and sending his header into the net.Blackburn stun MolineuxThe visitors then did something few would have predicted before kick-off: they took the lead. Three minutes into the second half, Oladapo Afolayan drove at the Wolves backline and squared for Andri Gudjohnsen, who swept a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Wolves chased the game in increasingly frantic fashion. Munetsi forced a save from range, Tommy Doyle lifted a gilt-edged chance over the bar when it seemed easier to score, and Kierian Trippier probed repeatedly down the right without finding the right ball. Mateus Mane was shown a yellow card for simulation in the 52nd minute and hauled off at the hour mark, replaced by Jimenez.The Mexicans presence proved was the needed boost, if not in the manner Peixoto might have scripted. With the clock deep into added time, Ryan Alebiosu stretched to block a low cross and the referee pointed to the spot after the ball struck his outstretched arm. Jimenez, ice-cold on his first competitive outing of the season, dispatched the penalty to earn Wolves a point and spare their blushes. Topics Blackburn Rovers F.C. Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read The Championship on TV: Full list for the first half of 2026/27 Ben Miller 14th August, 2026 How to watch the Premier League 2026/27: Full details of TV channel, confirmed online streams to follow English football Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Carabao Cup draw: Chelsea face Luton as Spurs host Charlton and West Brom visit Newcastle in second round Cian Cheesbrough 10th August, 2026 EFL Cup round-up: Wrexham dumped out by rivals Middlesbrough Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 Revealed: The top 10 most expensive Premier League signings of all time adjusted for inflation Ben Miller 27th July, 2026 Aston Villa snap up Joao Gomes from Wolves as midfield overhaul continues Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026
