Charlie Webster’s stunning brace gave Burton a 2-1 victory over Mansfield at the Pirelli Stadium.
The former Chelsea youngster fired home twice from distance as Albion recorded a first opening-day win since 2021.
Mansfield made a rapid start and should have gone ahead inside the first 30 seconds, Will Evans scuffing a good chance straight into the waiting arms of Jordan Amissah.
Albion hit the front when Webster scored from 25 yards midway through the half after some strong work from Kyran Lofthouse on the right.
Webster doubled his tally five minutes after the break.
A lovely one-two with Fabio Tavares left the midfielder with time to pick out the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Rhys Oates went close to reducing the deficit with a difficult chance that looped on to the roof of Amissah’s net as Nigel Clough’s side looked for a way back into the contest.
Baily Cargill gave them a lifeline with a close-range header at the back post from Steven McLaughlin’s teasing cross after 77 minutes.
Substitute George Maris headed over the bar late on as Mansfield threatened to grab a point, but Albion were not to be denied.
