COVENTRY, England (Interstat) — Coventry City opened its English Football League Championship season with a 3-2 victory over Derby County on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Coventry Building Society Arena.

Frank Onyeka powered the hosts to an early lead with two goals in the 12th minute. Derby substitute Ben Brereton Díaz cut the deficit in the 38th, but Coventry’s Jack Rudoni scored twice in the second half, sealing the win in the 80th minute. Lewis Travis assisted one of Rudoni’s goals but also received a yellow card.

The result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 draw by Interstat, which gave Coventry an 85.2% win probability. Derby begins its campaign with a loss.