Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Stoke City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday, 04 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, a result that reflects the competitive nature of the Championship. Blackburn, coming off a run of inconsistent form with two losses and a win in their last three games before this match, managed to salvage a point late in the game. The draw against a strong Stoke side, who had been unbeaten in their last three outings, was perhaps not entirely surprising given the recent performances of both teams. Blackburn's resilience was evident as they fought back to level the score, showing they can still compete despite their struggles this season.

Stoke City, on the other hand, continued their solid run of form with this draw, maintaining their unbeaten streak to four games. The Potters had been drawing their last three matches before this encounter, and this result against Blackburn did little to disrupt their momentum. The game was a testament to Stoke's ability to grind out results, even when not at their best. Both teams showed moments of quality, but ultimately, it was a fair result that keeps Stoke in the upper echelons of the league while Blackburn continue to search for consistency.

The statistics from the match between Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City provide an interesting insight into the game's dynamics. Despite Stoke having a slight edge in possession with 53% compared to Blackburn's 47%, the game ended in a draw, suggesting that possession did not dictate the outcome. Blackburn had a higher number of corners at 7 compared to Stoke's 6, indicating they had more set-piece opportunities. However, Stoke's superior dribbling success rate of 73% against Blackburn's 55% highlights their effectiveness in maintaining control of the ball when in possession.

Both teams received one yellow card each, indicating a relatively disciplined game. The number of substitutions was equal at four for each side, suggesting both managers were looking to make an impact from the bench. Overall, the statistics reflect a closely contested match where neither team dominated, and the draw was a fair reflection of the game's ebb and flow.

The key moments of the match were defined by the two goals scored by each team. Stoke City took the lead in the 49th minute, a goal that put them in a strong position to secure all three points. This early second-half strike would have been a significant blow to Blackburn's morale, but it also set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Blackburn Rovers responded with a crucial goal in the 82nd minute, levelling the score and ensuring they left the pitch with a point. This late equaliser was a testament to Blackburn's fighting spirit and their ability to stay in the game until the very end. The timing of the goals was pivotal, with Stoke's early second-half lead being cancelled out by Blackburn's late surge, ultimately resulting in a shared point for both teams.

Blackburn Rovers lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Balázs Tóth in goal and a back four of Ryan Alebiosu, Lewis Miller, Sean McLoughlin, and Yuri Ribeiro. The midfield was anchored by Sondre Tronstad and Taylor Gardner-Hickman, with Ryoya Morishita, Todd Cantwell, and Ryan Hedges supporting the lone striker Andri Gudjohnsen. The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of the substitutions was notable, with Blackburn making four changes throughout the game. These substitutions played a crucial role in the team's late equaliser, showing the depth and versatility of the squad. The performance of the players, particularly those who came off the bench, was key in securing the draw against a strong Stoke side.

Stoke City also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson between the posts and a defensive line consisting of Junior Tchamadeu, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, and Aaron Cresswell. The midfield duo of Tomas Rigo and Tatsuki Seko provided the base, while Million Manhoef, Jun-ho Bae, and Sorba Thomas supported striker Divin Mubama. The lineup was typical for Stoke, with no unexpected changes.

The four substitutions made by Stoke City throughout the match were aimed at maintaining their lead and securing the win. While the changes did not directly lead to another goal, they helped in maintaining the team's structure and resilience. The performance of the starting lineup, particularly the goal scorer, was crucial in earning a valuable point away from home.

Million Manhoef has been named Coral's Man of the Match for his performance against Blackburn Rovers. His contribution was pivotal, scoring the opening goal in the 49th minute, which set the tone for Stoke's performance in the second half. Despite not registering any assists or big chances created, his key pass and goal were crucial in earning Stoke a point. Manhoef's impact on the game was significant, and his performance justified his selection as the standout player.

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Stoke City (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Swansea City (H)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Charlton Athletic (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Watford (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Norwich City (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Birmingham City (H)

Blackburn Rovers find themselves in 21st place with 7 points after this draw. Their next challenge is a daunting one, as they face league leaders Coventry City on October 18, 2025, at 15:00. This result against Stoke might boost their confidence, but they will need to be at their best to take anything from the top team in the league.

Stoke City remain in 3rd place with 15 points following their draw against Blackburn. They will next take on Wrexham, who sit in 16th place with 10 points, on October 18, 2025, at 15:00. This result should keep their momentum going, and they will look to secure another positive outcome against a mid-table side.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.