Ryan Alebiosu assist sends Blackburn Rovers into Carabao Cup second round

Blackburn Rovers overturned an early deficit to beat Burton Albion 2-1 and reach the second round of the Carabao Cup, with Super Eagles right-back Ryan Alebiosu providing the decisive assist late in the match.

The victory marked Tony Mowbray’s first competitive game in charge since his reappointment in June. Alebiosu began the game for Blackburn, as did Dapo Afolayan, who is hoping to establish himself as a Super Eagles player.

Burton made the stronger start and went ahead in the 14th minute through Zac Scutt. The youngster reacted quickest after Lofthouse’s effort had been parried into his path, calmly finishing to put the hosts in front.

Blackburn gradually began to create opportunities, with Alebiosu playing an important role from the right side. The defender came close to setting up an equaliser in the 25th minute when he delivered a looping cross towards Afolayan.

Afolayan attacked the ball with a diving header, but his effort flew narrowly wide of the top corner. Burton retained their advantage as the match moved into the second half, leaving Blackburn needing a late response to avoid an early Carabao Cup exit.

That response came in the 81st minute. Substitute Andri Gudjohnsen met Todd Cantwell’s cutback from close range and converted to bring Blackburn level.

The visitors then completed the turnaround two minutes before the end of normal time. Afolayan was replaced by Jayden Fevrier, who made an immediate impact by curling the ball beyond the Burton goalkeeper after being teed up by Alebiosu.

The assist capped a significant contribution from Alebiosu, whose delivery had already created one of Blackburn’s clearest earlier chances. Fevrier’s finish secured a 2-1 victory and ensured Blackburn progressed to the next stage of the competition after trailing for much of the contest.

For Burton Albion, Scutt’s opener ultimately proved insufficient as Blackburn’s late pressure changed the outcome. The result also gave Mowbray a winning start in his first competitive match since returning to the club in June.

Blackburn Rovers will now turn their attention to the Championship. Their next fixture is on Friday night, when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their league opener.

The Carabao Cup win provides Blackburn with momentum before that meeting, while Alebiosu’s match-winning contribution gives the Super Eagles right-back an early positive moment under Mowbray.