Returning Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray was denied a winning start to his second spell at the club after a late Raul Jimenez penalty earned Wolverhampton Wanderers a 2-2 draw in the Championship season opener at Molineux.
Wolves, widely regarded as strong promotion contenders, made a bright start and took the lead in the 18th minute when Marshall Munetsi fired home to put the hosts ahead.
Blackburn responded nine minutes later as Sean McLoughlin scored his first goal for the club to restore parity. Rovers then completed the comeback three minutes after the restart, with Andri Gudjohnsen finding the net to make it 2-1.
Mowbray’s side defended resolutely for much of the second half and appeared on course for a memorable victory. However, their hopes were dented when Ryan Alebiosu handled the ball inside the box, prompting referee Farai Hallam to award a penalty.
Second-half substitute Jimenez stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, despite a lengthy and stuttering run-up, sending his effort into the bottom-right corner to secure a point for Wolves.
The result leaves both sides with a share of the spoils, while Blackburn will feel they missed an opportunity to claim a major opening-day victory away from home.
