Raul Jimenez made an emotional return to Molineux and delivered when Wolves needed him most, scoring a stoppage-time penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers.
The Mexican striker came off the bench in the second half and looked set to endure a frustrating comeback after Blackburn had turned the game around. But with just minutes remaining, Jimenez kept his cool from the spot to earn Cesar Peixoto’s side a point.
It was a dramatic finish, although Wolves will know they were fortunate to escape with anything after Blackburn produced an impressive performance in front of 30,984 supporters.
Wolves Start Brightly but Blackburn Fight Back
Wolves made the better start and eventually found the breakthrough through Marshall Munetsi.
Fer Lopez played a clever pass through the Blackburn defence, allowing Munetsi to race into the area and calmly slot the ball beyond goalkeeper Balazs Hoth.
Blackburn, however, refused to be intimidated by the occasion.
Tony Mowbray’s side grew into the game and deservedly found an equaliser when Sean McLoughlin rose to head home Ryoya Morishita’s dangerous cross from the right.
The visitors then went one step further shortly after the restart.
Gudjohnsen Puts Blackburn Ahead
Just four minutes into the second half, Andri Gudjohnsen reacted quickest inside the Wolves penalty area to put Blackburn 2-1 ahead.
The goal stunned the home crowd and left Wolves chasing the game.
Peixoto turned to a familiar face in the 60th minute, sending Jimenez onto the pitch in the hope that the returning club hero could produce some magic.
For much of the remaining time, though, it looked as if Blackburn would hold on.
Wolves struggled to find their rhythm and became increasingly desperate in their search for an equaliser.
Jimenez Saves Wolves at the Death
The turning point finally arrived in stoppage time.
Jackson Tchatchoua delivered a cross from the left and the ball struck the hand of Blackburn defender Ryan Alebiosu inside the penalty area. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Blackburn players protested the decision, with Mowbray later suggesting that the incident appeared to have taken place outside the box.
Jimenez was unmoved by the controversy.
The 35-year-old stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 93rd minute, sending Molineux into celebration and securing a 2-2 draw for Wolves.
It was the perfect individual moment on an emotional return, even if the overall performance left plenty of questions for Peixoto to answer.
Jimenez: ‘We Need to Learn From This’
Speaking after the game, Jimenez admitted that the result was not what Wolves wanted but said the team must use the experience as a lesson.
“It’s amazing to be back, scoring in the first game of the season. It’s not the result we were looking for in our first home game of the new season, so we need to learn from this.”
The striker also spoke warmly about the reception he received from Wolves supporters.
Jimenez had handed out free ‘Si Senor’ scarves to fans before the match and said the gesture was his way of returning some of the affection supporters had shown him during his eight years at the club.
“It’s nice to give them back some love that they were showing me for the past eight years.”
Peixoto Admits Wolves Lost Their Heads
Peixoto was pleased with his players’ determination but acknowledged that Wolves lost their organisation after falling behind.
The Portuguese manager felt his side played with too much emotion instead of maintaining the structure that had served them well during pre-season.
“After that we played more with heart than with our heads or brain. We lost organisation and it was more difficult after that.”
Peixoto insisted, however, that the players deserved credit for continuing to fight until the final whistle.
Wolves are returning to the Championship with considerable expectations following their relegation, and the pressure was already noticeable on the opening night at Molineux.
The packed stadium created an electric atmosphere, but once Blackburn took control, Wolves appeared to become increasingly anxious.
That is something Peixoto will need to address quickly.
Mowbray’s Blackburn Answer the Doubters
While Wolves left disappointed, Blackburn can take plenty of encouragement from their performance.
Mowbray revealed that he had heard pundits tipping Blackburn for relegation before the season had even begun. His players responded in the best possible way by going toe-to-toe with one of the Championship’s biggest clubs.
The Blackburn boss believes his squad has enough quality to surprise people.
“I think we showed today there’s enough quality there to give teams problems, even better teams in the league.”
That may prove to be an important statement as the season develops.
Blackburn were unable to hold on for all three points, but their display at Molineux suggested they should not be written off.
For Wolves, meanwhile, the late penalty prevented an opening-day defeat — but Peixoto will know there is plenty of work to do if his team are to challenge at the top end of the Championship.
