Millwall secured their place in the Championship playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Oxford United at The Den, a result that confirmed their third-place finish and set up a semifinal clash with Hull City. The win, achieved on a sun-drenched afternoon in Bermondsey, was powered by a brilliant performance from Femi Azeez, who scored both goals.
First Half Dominance
Millwall started brightly, with the crowd in full voice as the team sought to secure automatic promotion, though hopes were dashed early when Ipswich took a 2-0 lead against QPR. Despite the setback, Millwall continued to press. Azeez broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, showcasing his skill with a deft shift of feet before smashing the ball into the roof of the net. The goal was a reward for Millwall's persistent pressure, which saw them dominate possession and create several chances.
Azeez's Brilliance
Azeez was a constant threat to the Oxford defense, his pace and trickery causing problems throughout. He doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing neatly at the far post after a well-worked move. The forward's performance was a highlight, and he even attempted a Rabona cross later in the game, drawing cheers from the home fans. Manager Alex Neil praised his team's freedom and composure under pressure, noting that the result was a testament to their hard work.
Playoff Prospects
Millwall will now face Hull City in the playoff semifinals, with the second leg at The Den. Hull secured their spot with a comeback win over Norwich, while Southampton and others also finished strongly. Neil expressed confidence in his side, emphasizing their pride in achieving the club's best season in three decades. The atmosphere at The Den was electric, with fans celebrating the team's achievement, though the day ended with a pitch invasion by local youths, quickly dispersed by stewards.
Other Championship Action
In other matches, Sheffield Wednesday won their first home game of the season, beating West Brom 2-1 to erase their 18-point deduction. Southampton extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a 3-1 win at Preston. Coventry thrashed Watford 4-0, while Swansea beat Charlton 3-1. Sheffield United staged a comeback to win 2-1 at Derby, ending the Rams' playoff hopes. Portsmouth and Birmingham drew 1-1, and Bristol City defeated Stoke 2-0.
