Raúl Jiménez's Injury-Time Penalty Saves Wolves vs Blackburn 2026

Raúl Jiménez's injury-time penalty saved Wolves from an embarrassing start to their Championship campaign, as the Mexican striker marked his return to the club with a dramatic equaliser against Blackburn Rovers. The 35-year-old, who had bought scarves for all supporters in the South Bank, converted from the spot after a handball decision that sparked debate.

Match Overview: A Rollercoaster at Molineux

Wolves, newly relegated from the Premier League, were expected to dominate, but Blackburn proved stubborn. Marshall Munetsi gave the hosts an early lead, but goals from Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen turned the game on its head. Just as defeat seemed inevitable, Jiménez stepped up in stoppage time to rescue a point.

The Penalty Decision

Ryan Alebiosu was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, though replays were inconclusive. Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray expressed frustration: "I've just been shown an angle where he is outside the box; another angle shows he's just inside. More and more decisions are going against us." The lack of VAR in the Championship added to the controversy.

Jiménez's Impact

Jiménez, who scored against England at the World Cup, showed his class with a coolly taken penalty. Wolves head coach César Peixoto praised him: "He's an important striker. He lives for scoring and making goals. Raúl is a key player for us. We have to go slowly with him because he is 35 and just back from the World Cup."

Key Takeaways

• Jiménez's first goal for Wolves in 1,311 days secured a valuable point.
• The penalty decision will be debated, with no VAR to clarify.
• Wolves' new coach faces pressure after a shaky start.
• Blackburn showed they can compete at this level.

FAQ

FAQ

Was the penalty decision correct?

The decision was controversial. Replays showed the ball struck Ryan Alebiosu's arm, but it was unclear if he was inside the box. Without VAR, the referee's call stood.

How did Raúl Jiménez perform?

Jiménez came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring the equaliser and showing his experience. His movement and composure were vital for Wolves.

What does this result mean for Wolves' season?

The draw avoids an early crisis, but Wolves need to improve defensively. With a new coach and key players like Jiménez, they remain favourites for promotion.

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Wolves will hope this point sparks a turnaround, while Blackburn can take heart from a strong performance. The Championship promises more drama.

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