Raul Jimenez secured a last-minute victory for Wolves with a decisive goal against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, helping his side climb the Championship standings. The 35-year-old forward, who came off the bench, scored in the 90th minute to clinch a 1-0 win, marking his third goal of the season.
Jimenez, who had started the previous four league matches after returning to Wolves this summer, was omitted from the starting lineup for the clash with Sheffield United. The timing of his match-winning goal coincided with Mexico’s Independence Day, a fitting moment for the country’s national sporting figure.
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto praised Jimenez’s leadership and experience, emphasizing the need to manage his playing time carefully due to his age and the intense schedule following the World Cup. Peixoto said, “He is an important player. The players want to play all the time, I talked with Raul before. At 35, you have to manage his minutes. An intelligent player but with his age, the physicality, arriving later from the World Cup, it’s difficult to play three games in a week.” The coach added that it was preferable to use Jimenez sparingly to ensure high-level performances rather than risk fatigue.
The victory lifts Wolves into seventh place in the Championship, three points behind leaders West Ham, Swansea, and rivals West Brom, highlighting the competitive nature of the promotion race. Sheffield United remain 14th after the loss. United manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the effort of his players but expressed disappointment with the result, stating, “We went toe-to-toe with a good side. That’s why they played in the Premier League — they find those big moments. The players are giving everything. We’re in a good place, enjoyed the performance but didn’t enjoy the result.”
The match itself was a largely competitive and scrappy affair, with limited clear-cut chances. Early opportunities came for Wolves through Fer Lopez and Marshall Munetsi, but both efforts were either deflected or saved. Sheffield United’s new signing Jordan Ayew, 35, made his debut off the bench in the second half but was unable to influence the outcome. The decisive moment came when former Sheffield United player Tommy Doyle’s miskick allowed Jimenez to capitalize and score.
Jimenez reflected on the win, stating, “We never stopped believing and that’s our prize. It was important to win and keep fighting for the top of the league.” Wolves are scheduled to face Everton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before hosting West Brom in a league match on Sunday.