Yorkshire | League One Bradford City beat Championship Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 2 Bradford City

League One Bradford City stunned Championship side Blackburn in the Carabao Cup, scoring twice inside the opening five minutes.

Author | Oliver W

Stadium | Ewood Park

Bradford City fans celebrate

Ibou Touray put the home side ahead with a thunderous volley inside two minutes, and shortly afterwards Tyreik Wright dispossessed teenage Blackburn goalkeeper Nicholas Michalski 25 yards out, allowing Will Swan to slot into an empty net after four minutes.

Blackburn pulled one back before half-time when Dion de Neve converted from a long throw, but the visitors could not find an equaliser. Sam Walker produced a fine late save to deny Yuki Ohashi, securing Bradford’s first win at Ewood Park since 1921.

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The victory underlines Bradford’s strong start to the season following their promotion from League Two in 2024-25. The Bantams arrived at the match with four points from two games and caught their higher-level opponents off guard with two early goals.

Blackburn, who made eight changes from their defeat at West Brom on Saturday, improved as the match progressed but exited at the first hurdle for only the second time in 10 seasons.

Home and away fans watch on

The reaction from both sets of fans

One Blackburn fan told us, “After making 8 changes to the team, that was always going to disrupt our performance. A cup run is always nice, and that was a poor performance. However, I suppose our attention can now permanently switch to the league again.”

Will, a Bradford fan, added: "A historic win for Bradford, our first at Ewood Park in 104 years, backed by excellent support from the travelling fans. Blackburn fought back, but crucial saves from Sam Walker secured the victory. Blackburn showed quality in parts, and Ewood Park remains an impressive ground. Best of luck to Rovers for the rest of their Championship campaign.

Who impressed in defeat for Blackburn?

Scott Wharton

Dominated in the air and was easily the strongest performer in the backline. This marked his first full competitive 90 minutes since a serious injury.

Sidnei Tavares

Blackburn’s most influential player on the night. He grew into the game and was at the heart of most of their promising moves.

Which players stood out for Bradford City?

Sam Walker 

Bradford’s goalkeeper produced two strong saves from Makhtar Gueye in the first half and then made a crucial stop at the end, pushing Yuki Ohashi’s header onto the bar.

Jenson Metcalfe

Metcalfe produced a mature performance in midfield. He is going to be a key player this season as Bradford looks to compete in multiple positions.

The next fixtures

Valerien Ismael’s side will host Birmingham City on Saturday, while Bradford welcome Luton.