The competitive timeline between Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town is a storied narrative of English football, spanning nearly 70 years of league and cup action. As of January 2026, the two sides have faced each other in over 50 competitive matches, with the all-time record remarkably balanced: Ipswich Town has secured 23 victories, Blackburn Rovers has won 17, and 19 matches have ended in a draw. This fixture has frequently shifted between the Premier League and the EFL Championship, reflecting the fluctuating fortunes of these two former top-flight champions.
In this exhaustive guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the 2025-2026 season results, a decade-by-decade look at their historical encounters, and a deep dive into the statistics that define this rivalry. From the early meetings in the 1950s to the high-stakes Championship battles of the modern era, this timeline provides the ultimate authoritative resource for fans and sports analysts alike.
Recent 2025-2026 Season Results
The 2025-2026 EFL Championship campaign has seen Ipswich Town assert dominance over Blackburn Rovers in their two primary league meetings. On January 17, 2026, Ipswich Town secured a convincing 3-0 victory at Portman Road, highlighted by an early own goal and clinical strikes from Jack Taylor and Sammie Szmodics.
Their earlier encounter in the season, held on December 2, 2025, at Ewood Park, resulted in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Blackburn took the lead through an Andri Gudjohnsen header in the 85th minute, only for Ipswich’s Sindre Egeli to snatch an equalizer in the 94th minute, maintaining the “Tractor Boys” unbeaten streak in this fixture for the current calendar year.
Historical All-Time Head-to-Head
The historical timeline began on October 9, 1954, with a 4-1 victory for Blackburn Rovers in League Division Two. Since that first whistle, the clubs have met across the top four tiers of English football, though the majority of their clashes have occurred in the second tier and the Premier League.
| Statistic | Ipswich Town | Blackburn Rovers |
| Total Wins | 23 | 17 |
| Total Draws | 19 | 19 |
| League Wins | 21 | 15 |
| Cup Wins | 2 | 2 |
| Biggest Victory | 3-0 (2026) | 4-1 (1955/1995) |
Statistically, Ipswich Town has enjoyed more recent success, winning three of the last five meetings. However, Blackburn Rovers dominated the timeline during the mid-1990s, particularly during their Premier League title-winning era when they secured multiple high-scoring victories over the Suffolk-based side.
The Premier League Era (1992–2002)
During the inaugural decade of the Premier League, Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town met 14 times, with Blackburn holding a slight edge in performance. The most iconic match of this period was on January 28, 1995, where Blackburn dismantled Ipswich 4-1 at Ewood Park, a result that propelled them toward their historic league title.
Ipswich Town’s best performance during this era came in November 1993, when they secured a 1-0 away win against a star-studded Rovers side. These matches were characterized by high intensity and served as a benchmark for both clubs’ ambitions to remain at the pinnacle of English football before their respective relegations.
Modern Championship Rivalry (2012–2026)
Since 2012, both clubs have spent significant time in the EFL Championship, leading to a surge in frequent and high-stakes meetings. The timeline in the 2020s has been particularly explosive, including a seven-goal thriller on September 23, 2023, where Ipswich Town emerged 4-3 victors in a match widely regarded as a modern classic.
Tactically, the modern era has seen a shift toward high-pressing systems. Under managers like Kieran McKenna for Ipswich and the various tactical regimes at Blackburn, the games have transitioned from defensive stalemates to end-to-end spectacles, often decided by late goals in “Rovers Time” or “McKenna Time.”
Iconic Match Highlights
- 1954 First Meeting: Blackburn’s 4-1 win set the tone for a rivalry that would span generations.
- 1995 Title Push: A 4-1 Blackburn victory solidified Alan Shearer’s legendary status and moved Rovers closer to the Premier League crown.
- 2023 Goal Fest: The 4-3 Ipswich win at Portman Road showcased the attacking depth of the modern “Tractor Boys” squad.
- 2026 Portman Road Shutout: The recent 3-0 victory for Ipswich emphasized the current gap in league standings between the two sides.
Ewood Park: Matchday Guide
Ewood Park has been the home of Blackburn Rovers since 1890 and boasts a capacity of 31,367. For fans visiting for a Blackburn vs Ipswich clash, the Jack Walker Stand offers the most modern facilities, while the Bryan Douglas Darwen End typically houses the vocal visiting support.
The stadium is renowned for its traditional feel and proximity to the pitch. Visitors can explore the statue of Jack Walker outside the stadium, which commemorates the man who funded the club’s rise to the Premier League title in 1995.
Portman Road Stadium Guide
Portman Road is a 30,311-capacity stadium located in the heart of Ipswich, known for its incredible atmosphere and “Old School” English football charm. The Sir Bobby Robson Stand is the focal point of the home support, providing a wall of sound that has become a nightmare for visiting Blackburn teams.
The stadium underwent significant technological upgrades in 2024 and 2025, including high-speed Wi-Fi and improved hospitality suites. It remains one of the few stadiums in England located within a five-minute walk of a major railway station, making it highly accessible for traveling fans.
Practical Information and Planning
- Ticket Prices: Championship tickets for this fixture generally range from £25 to £40 for adults, depending on the stand and booking time.
- Transport to Ewood Park: The stadium is served by Blackburn railway station, with a shuttle bus service (the “Rovers Return”) operating on matchdays.
- Transport to Portman Road: Ipswich railway station is approximately 400 meters from the stadium, making rail the preferred method of travel.
- Stadium Entry: Gates usually open 90 minutes before kick-off. All Premier League and Championship venues now use digital ticketing and are predominantly cashless.
- Visitor Tips: If visiting Ewood Park, try the local “Rovers Pie.” At Portman Road, the local fan zones provide excellent pre-match entertainment for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches between Blackburn and Ipswich?
As of 2026, Ipswich Town has won 21 times, Blackburn Rovers has won 18 times, and 13 matches have ended in draws.
When was the last time Blackburn Rovers beat Ipswich Town?
Blackburn’s last win in this fixture was a 2-0 victory on January 19, 2019, during a Championship meeting at Ewood Park.
Where is the away end at Portman Road?
Away fans are typically located in the Cobbold Stand, which offers an elevated view of the pitch.
How do I buy tickets for Blackburn vs Ipswich?
Tickets can be purchased via the official websites of Blackburn Rovers (rovers.co.uk) or Ipswich Town (itfc.co.uk).
Is there parking at Portman Road?
There is no official stadium parking, but several public car parks (such as NCP Portman Road) are located within walking distance.
Are there stadium tours available?
Yes, both clubs offer stadium tours on non-matchdays. It is recommended to book these at least two weeks in advance.
Which manager has the most wins in this fixture?
Historically, Sir Bobby Robson for Ipswich and Kenny Dalglish for Blackburn have some of the most iconic wins in this timeline.
Is the Blackburn vs Ipswich match a local derby? No, the two clubs are roughly 230 miles apart. Blackburn is in Lancashire (North West), while Ipswich is in Suffolk (East Anglia).
Final Thoughts
The timeline of Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town serves as a barometer for the health of English football outside the “Big Six.” Both clubs have tasted the ultimate success of top-flight titles and European nights, yet their modern encounters in the Championship remain just as fierce and unpredictable. As the 2025–2026 season continues, Ipswich Town currently holds the momentum, but history suggests that Blackburn Rovers are never far from a resurgence.
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