Fer Lopez scored a brace as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Preston North End 3-1 on 22 August 2026 at Deepdale. The Spaniard opened the scoring with an eighth-minute rocket, and Adam Armstrong added a 71st-minute goal for Wolves.
Early Dominance
Lopez’s first goal came from the flank, leaving defender Andrew Hughes stranded before he slotted past goalkeeper Daniel Iversen at the near post. Wolves nearly doubled their lead twice in the opening 15 minutes, with Marshall Munetsi pulling wide from inside the box and Raul Jimenez back-flicking a low delivery from Jackson Tchatchoua that missed the far post. Preston’s Liam Lindsay hit the edge of the box, but the shot deflected narrowly wide. From the resulting corner, Toti Gomes headed Callum Lang’s header off the line.
The first half ended 1-0 to Wolves. Iversen made a crucial save to keep out a first-time effort from Mateus Mane, who combined with Gomes. In stoppage time, Iversen tipped Rodrigo Gomes’ low drive away.
Second-Half Surge
Wolves began the second half with the same intensity, and Cesar Peixoto sent on 29-year-old Adam Armstrong in the 67th minute. Armstrong, who had played a one-two with Jimenez, coolly slotted beyond Iversen in the 71st minute. That goal seemed to break the game, and Lopez prodded in his second after a cross from Tommy Doyle was flicked on by Mateus Mane.
Wolves’ dominance continued. Jordan Thompson, a substitute, caught out Jose Sa with a well-placed 25-yard shot in the first minute of stoppage time, giving Preston a consolation but not enough to change the result.
Managerial Comments
Preston’s Paul Heckingbottom admitted the team had to play 100 per cent to beat Wolves. "We were going to make changes just before they scored their second," he said. "The quality they're bringing on and the depth they've got is different at the minute."
Wolves’ manager Cesar Peixoto praised his team’s performance. "I am happy with the performance. In the first half it was a little more difficult because we had the better chances but we only scored one goal," he said. "In the second half we managed the pressure of the opponent well and we played like I wanted with the ball, tracked the team, exploiting the space, and changing the rhythm of the game."
The win was Wolves’ first of the Championship season and a much-needed victory for the relegated Premier League side. Preston remain winless in their opening two Championship matches.
