Wolves' Lopez Shines as They Beat Preston 3-1

Fer Lopez scored twice as Wolves beat Preston North End 3-1 in a league match. The win marked Wolves’ first away victory in 489 days, their first since April 2025 against Manchester United.

Opening Fire

Lopez opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a superb individual effort, picking up possession in his own half before finishing past Daniel Iversen. He had struggled in his first season, returning on loan to Celta Vigo, but the Spanish midfielder has quickly found his feet this term, opening his account in the League Cup earlier this month.

The second goal came in the second half. After a slow start, Wolves’ defense held firm, but a moment of over-commitment by Preston allowed Lopez to leave defender Liam Lindsay for dust before carrying the ball into the box and powering past Iversen. Raul Jimenez almost grabbed the second goal in his second spell at the club, but a flick from close range went the wrong way.

Second Half Momentum

In the 71st minute, Adam Armstrong emerged from the bench to double the lead, after a one-two with Jimenez set him free inside the area. Lopez then finished off another slick move to double his tally from the edge of the box with eight minutes remaining. Jordan Thompson scored a consolation in injury time from outside the area.

Preston’s attack was largely contained. Marshall Munetsi headed Callum Lang’s effort off the line after a spell of pressure from the hosts, who had started slowly. Rodrigo Gomes almost doubled Wolves’ lead on the stroke of half-time, but Iversen was at full stretch to get a hand to his low strike from the edge of the box.

Aftermath and Quotes

Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire: “Tough one. We huffed and puffed and really tried and competed. When they opened us up in the first half, it was when we over-committed and we made a rash decision. Credit to the players, they carried on. Even at 3-0 we carried on. We would need everything 100% right to beat them.”

Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto told BBC Radio WM: “I’m happy with the performance. In the first half we had more chances, but in the second half we managed the pressure of the opponent and played like I want with the ball. I think we can score more. I want a clean sheet, but it was a good game for us.”

The result leaves Preston North End open the league campaign with two defeats from two, while Wolves celebrate a long-awaited away victory and the return of Lopez’s form after a challenging first season.