Fer Lopez delivered a standout performance, finding the back of the net twice as Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrated their inaugural Championship triumph with a decisive 3-1 win over Preston North End at Deepdale. The Spanish forward opened the scoring early, unleashing a powerful strike in the eighth minute that left Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen stranded at his near post. His goal set the tone for a match in which Wolves displayed confidence and attacking flair throughout. The second goal arrived after the Wanderers introduced substitute Adam Armstrong in the second half.
Just four minutes after entering the pitch, Armstrong made an immediate impact, calmly slotting home in the 71st minute to double Wolves' lead. The Spaniard then capped off his personal brace with a poacher's finish in the 82nd minute, tapping in a rebound after a clever cross from Tommy Doyle was flicked on by teammate Mateus Mane. This third strike cemented the victory and highlighted Wolves' ability to capitalize on fleeting chances. Preston managed a consolation goal in stoppage time when substitute Jordan Thompson struck from 25 yards out, offering the home supporters a brief moment of celebration.
Despite the late goal, the visitors secured a much‑needed three points, easing the pressure on a side that had been relegated from the Premier League and was still searching for its first win in the new campaign. Conversely, Preston remain winless after two opening games in the Championship. From the kickoff, Wolves' supporters in the away end were on their feet, cheering as Lopez surged down the left flank, evading challenges and leaving Andrew Hughes behind.
His run culminated in the early strike that gave the Wanderers the lead. The team continued to press, with Marshall Munetsi forcing a wide effort from inside the box and Raul Jimenez attempting a back‑foot flick on a low delivery from Jackson Tchatchoua, only to see the ball sail wide of the far post. The home side fought back, with Ali McCann firing a shot from the edge of the area that narrowly missed the target just before the half‑hour mark.
A subsequent corner saw Toti Gomes heading away a header from Callum Lang, preserving Wolves' defensive shape. Preston's goalkeeper Iversen was called into action again, making a crucial save to tip away a low drive from Rodrigo Gomes during first‑half stoppage time, keeping the scoreline at 1‑0. The second half mirrored the intensity of the opening period. Iversen produced another important intervention, denying Mateus Mane a first‑time effort that had been set up by Gomes.
Recognising the need for fresh impetus, Wolves manager Ceasar Peixoto introduced Championship‑experienced striker Adam Armstrong in the 67th minute. Armstrong repaid the faith swiftly, linking up with Jimenez in a one‑two move before calmly finishing past Iversen to extend the lead.
Lopez's second goal came as a result of sustained pressure. Mane delivered a teasing cross that was flicked on by Doyle, finding Lopez at the back post where he slotted home his second of the match. The goal appeared to break any remaining resistance from Preston, and Wolves continued to dominate possession and create chances.
Even with the result effectively sealed, there was still room for individual brilliance. Substitute Jordan Thompson seized an opportunity, curling a well‑placed shot from outside the box past Iversen after a neat pass from Delano Burgzorg, adding a further layer to Wolves' attacking display. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom reflected on the defeat, acknowledging the quality and depth of the opposition. He noted that while his side attempted to execute a perfect game plan, Wolves' intensity and hunger made the contest challenging.
Heckingbottom highlighted specific moments where his players could have altered the outcome, such as earlier interventions from Liam Lindsay and Jordan Storey, and emphasized the need for a more proactive defensive approach. Wolves boss Ceasar Peixoto praised his team's performance, describing it as "amazing" and emphasizing the importance of creating space for his attackers. He commended Lopez's quality, noting that the challenge lies in maintaining that level throughout the full 90 minutes. Peixoto also praised the second‑half display, where his side managed the opponent's pressure effectively, exploited spaces, and varied the game's rhythm, resulting in two additional goals and the belief that more could have been scored.
Overall, the match showcased Wolves' offensive capabilities, tactical flexibility, and the impact of strategic substitutions. The victory not only provided three valuable points but also signaled a promising start to their Championship campaign, offering fans hope for a successful season ahead.