A goal at the beginning and the end of the match saw visitors Manchester City claim all three points at Ewood Park.
In the opening game of the 2009/10 season, Rovers got off to the worst possible start when Emmanuel Adebayor fired City in front after just three minutes. But the home side's heads didn't drop and they laid siege to Shay Given's goal for long periods.
Emmanuel Adebayor set them on their way, lashing home Shaun Wright-Phillips' cut-back after just three minutes. City's goal had come on the counter-attack following a Blackburn corner and it soon became evident the home side were going to enjoy a long period of dominance.
Steven Nzonzi could have marked his debut with a goal but for a timely tackle from Micah Richards. Jason Roberts fired over when well placed.
The second half saw less clear-cut chances, Given denying Jason Roberts from close range, whilst Benni McCarthy lashed a free-kick narrowly over the bar.
But with Rovers pouring men forward it was perhaps inevitable that they would be caught on the break and that proved to be the case when in stoppage time Stephen Ireland wrapped up the game for Mark Hughes' side.