BIRMINGHAM, England (April 3, 2026) (Interstat) — Blackburn Rovers opened the English Football League Championship season with a 1-0 road victory over Birmingham City on Friday. Substitute Todd Cantwell scored the game’s only goal in the 69th minute at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The decisive play came when fellow substitute Adam Forshaw provided the assist for Cantwell’s finish. Forshaw had earlier received a yellow card in the 21st minute. The result defied pregame projections, as statistical models heavily favored Birmingham City to win.

With the victory, Blackburn begins its Championship campaign with a 1-0 record, while Birmingham starts 0-1. Both clubs see their overall season records mirror those marks.