Charlton Athletic launched a second-half comeback to beat Derby County 2-1, securing their sixth opening-day league victory in eight seasons. Tyreece Campbell smashed in a delightful second-half winner as Charlton Athletic came from behind to beat Derby County and claim a sixth opening-day league victory in eight seasons.
What happened?
Charlton Athletic made a rapid start to the game but rarely threatened to go ahead before Sammie Szmodics scored following neat interplay with Morris. The outstanding Campbell was at the heart of Charlton's best moments, sending in several dangerous crosses, notably when Rams defender Charlie Taylor made a brilliant block to stop Dan McNamara's fierce half-volley.
Why it matters for Charlton
The result is a significant boost for Charlton Athletic, who are looking to build on their recent form. With a strong squad and a new manager, Charlton Athletic are hoping to challenge for a top-six finish in the Championship.
What comes next?
Charlton Athletic will look to build on this result as they face Bristol City away on 27 February 2027. The Addicks are currently 18th in the Championship, with 49 points from 42 games last season. They have scored 39 goals this season, but have conceded 51. They are 37 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 18th in Championship, 49 pts, 12W-13D-17L from 42 games, recent form LDLLD.
Goals this season: 39 scored, 51 conceded (-12 goal difference).
Title race: 37 points behind leaders Coventry.
Next fixture: vs Bristol City (away, 2027-02-27) (10th in the table).
Charlton manager Nathan Jones told BBC London: "I'm really pleased – the result is everything and we've bedded in a lot of new signings. We had a captain's goal where he gets over the back and scores a great header. With TC [Tyreece Campbell], he gets in those positions all the time and, one v one, he is a threat. We just want the outcomes from him.
Derby County head coach John Eustace told BBC Radio Derby: "I thought the attitude of the boys was fantastic today. We've come to a difficult place on the opening day of the season and to go 1-0 up with an excellent goal was perfect. Second half, we fought and stayed in there but unfortunately it just wasn't good enough. I'm really disappointed with the two goals we conceded. We didn't defend the box well enough.
Player of the match
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
