Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Leeds United: Struijk levels late on after McBride had fired hosts ahead

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa’s side held in pre-season friendly as defender Pascal Struijk levels late on after Connor McBride had fired the hosts ahead

  • Connor McBride put the hosts ahead with a deflected free-kick in 73rd minute
  • Pascal Struijk stroked home the equaliser for the visitors in the 81st minute
  • Around 5,000 Leeds fans made the trip to Ewood Park for the friendly 

Marcelo Bielsa’s side began their pre-season preparations with a draw at Championship Blackburn on Wednesday night. 

Connor McBride put the hosts ahead with a deflected free-kick in the second-half but defender Pascal Struijk levelled for the Whites.

Bielsa had watched an under-23 side claim a 3-2 victory at non-league Guisley on Tuesday night but this was the first sign of action for the first-team. 

Leeds defender Pascal Struijk (right) celebrates scoring the equaliser against Blackburn

John Buckley forced a smart save from Illan Meslier, while Raphinha has an effort from range held by Kaminski.

The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute by McBride, a few minutes after coming on as a substitute.

His free-kick from just outside the area deflected off the wall and wrong-footed goalkeeper Meslier.

Connor McBride put the hosts ahead with a deflected free-kick in the second-half

Connor McBride put the hosts ahead with a deflected free-kick in the second-half

Leeds levelled eight minutes later.

Luke Ayling ran down the wing and picked out Struijk, who stroked home into the back of the net with a slight deflection.

Around 5,000 Leeds fans made the trip to Ewood Park for the friendly.

Leeds United's Jack Harrison (left) battles for the ball with Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn

Leeds United’s Jack Harrison (left) battles for the ball with Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn

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