BLACKBURN, England (Interstat) — Charlton Athletic rallied from a late deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship season opener for both clubs Sunday at Ewood Park.

Blackburn’s Charlie Kelman opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Charlton’s Moussa Baradji equalized nine minutes later. Baradji then struck again in the 77th to secure the point for the visitors after Rovers had reclaimed the lead. The match defied a pregame projection that heavily favored Blackburn.

Five players received yellow cards in a physical contest. The result leaves each team with a draw in league play and across all competitions to start the 2025-26 campaign.