Millwall

Millwall head coach Alex Neil spoke to BBC Radio London after his side were beaten 2-0 by Hull City in the Championship play-off semi-finals:

"[The feeling is] disappointment as much as anything else and I think frustration. I didn't think there was a lot in the game, I thought the first goal was always going to be a deciding factor in the game.

"We're the home team and we wanted to really force the issue. We rolled the dice a little bit early with putting on our striker [Mihailo Ivanovic] up front.

"But I still think we lacked quality in the game, I didn't think there was enough quality shown in terms of getting into good areas and crosses in the box.

"I put the two guys [Alfie Doughty and Barry Bannan] who you would probably say have got the quality in our squad onto the pitch to try to influence that and give us a bit of momentum, but unfortunately within 30 seconds or a minute of them coming on, the ball ends up in the back of the net.

"After that we start chasing our tail a little bit and from there it becomes difficult for us. The second goal - we try to keep the ball in play so we can sustain an attack and it costs us the second goal - they break and then they manage to score.

"At that stage, the game gets taken away from us."

Image source, Opta

Millwall and Hull City's promotion destiny will be decided when they meet at The Den in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Monday (20:00 BST).

The sides played out a goalless draw in the first leg at the MKM Stadium on Friday night and extra-time and penalties may be needed to determine which side progresses to the final at Wembley on 23 May to face either Southampton or Middlesbrough.

• Hull City have won on each of their past two trips to Millwall, both coming in the Championship in January 2025 (1-0) and December this season (3-1); it's as wins as in their previous 27 visits (D10 L15).

• Millwall have won four of their previous six home games (L2), keeping a clean sheet in all four victories, while they recorded more shutouts than any other side in the home Championship games in the regular season (11).

• Hull won just one of their final seven away league games to finish the Championship season (D2 L4), suffering as many away defeats in that run as in their first 16 away league matches of 2025-26 (W9 D3).

• Hull are aiming to become the first sixth-placed side to reach the Championship play-off final since Derby County in 2018-19, with each of the six seasons since seeing the side that finished third in the regular season at least reach the final.

• Millwall are aiming to reach the Championship play-off final for the very first time, and first play-off final of any sort since winning the League One final in 2017; Hull are looking to reach their third Championship play-off final, having won in both 2008 and 2016.

• In 2026, 11 of Millwall's 18 home goals in the Championship came via set pieces (5x free kick, 4x throw, 2x corner), with three of their first six shots in the first leg coming from throw-ins.

• Millwall's Jake Cooper created more chances than any other player in the first leg (3), as well as winning three of his four aerial duels; during the regular season only Bristol City's Rob Atkinson (74.6%) had a better aerial duel success rate than his 73.6% (271/368).

• Hull's Kyle Joseph was involved in three of their four goals against Millwall during the regular season (2 goals, 1 assist); he only has more goal involvements in the Football League against Burton Albion (4 goals).

Millwall boss Alex Neil on his side's 0-0 draw at Hull City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final:

"I'd be interested to see what the referee's thoughts on the disallowed goal are because I thought it was quite harsh.

"I thought all in all you could see that that [performance] should give us confidence to try and win the game on Monday.

"We didn't play as if we didn't want to lose, we played like we wanted to try and win the game.

"We need to remember that a lot of our lads haven't really played in this type of match before and the only chance of note they had was right at the start.

"I'm not naive, I think that when we go back to our place Hull are really comfortable soaking up pressure and playing on the counter-attack.

"I thought the atmosphere was good and that's what you get in the game for."

These two meet in the play-offs having shared the spoils across the season with each recording 3-1 away wins.

Hull City secured their play-off place on the final day of the season by coming from behind to beat Norwich City while Millwall confirmed third spot with a 2-0 victory over Oxford United.

The first leg of this tie is on Friday (20:00 BST) with the return in south London Monday, 11 May (20:00 BST).

• Hull have lost just one of their past five home games against Millwall (W3 D1), though it was a 3-1 defeat in March in this season's Championship campaign.

• Following that victory in March, Millwall are looking to win consecutive meetings with Hull in all competitions for the first time since April 2011.

• This is Hull's third appearance in the Championship play-offs, winning promotion to the Premier League on both previous occasions (2007-08 and 2015-16). However, the team finishing sixth has not won the Championship play-offs since 2009-10 (Blackpool).

• Millwall have reached the final in each of their past four Football League play-off appearances, with all of these coming in League One (2008-09, 2009-10, 2015-16, 2016-17). However, they have gone out in the semi-finals in all three of their second tier play-off campaigns (1990-91, 1993-94, 2001-02).

• Hull have won the first leg of their semi-final tie in all three of their previous appearances in the Football League play-offs, keeping a clean sheet each time.

• Millwall have not lost the first leg in any of their last six play-off semi-final ties (W2 D4), since a 2-0 loss at Derby in 1993-94.

Will momentum play a key role in deciding which teams meet at Wembley in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, 23 May?

Southampton enter the play-offs in the strongest form, unbeaten in the league since 17 January and accumulating 14 points across their past six games.

Millwall ended their regular season one point shy of the automatic promotion places and have earned 11 points in six games, while Middlesbrough have picked up nine and Hull City just six.

"I feel that momentum, wherever you finish – whether it's third, fourth, fifth or sixth – coming into it in a real feel-good factor is really important," Jobi McAnuff told the More Than the Score podcast.

"You look at Millwall or Saints this year and they are definitely the two coming into it with that – and of course they are third and fourth. I think if you are fans of those clubs, it's two factors there that are in your favour."

The play-off semi-finals begin on Friday with Hull City hosting Millwall (20:00 BST).

The Tigers secured their spot on the final day with a 2-1 win over Norwich City, but McAnuff is leaning towards the Lions to progress.

"I do favour Millwall to get through – their away form has been absolutely brilliant this season," he added.

"They are going to be a real hard nut to crack, very solid defensively, very organised, so for the semis I think that suits them well.

"It's a club that has been around the play-offs more often than not in the last few years and not quite able to get there."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nick Hart
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

So the play-offs it is then…

Last Saturday's routine 2-0 win over an already-relegated Oxford United was as much as the Lions could do in their chase for the final automatic promotion spot.

But in truth, it was always Ipswich Town's to lose - and the Tractor Boys were too good a side to allow the prize to slip from their grasp.

Two terrific goals from talisman Femi Azeez were enough, however, to seal the points, securing Millwall's highest league finish since 1993-94.

The Lions will approach their first Championship play-offs in 25 years with a largely fit squad, a highly experienced manager in Alex Neil and players such as Camiel Neghli and Azeez in great form.

There's every reason to feel confident going into the double-header versus Hull City and overall, this has been a tremendous season that has exceeded all expectations.

Is there still a story to tell about the 2025-26 campaign?

We'll know around 22:00 BST next Monday evening…

Come on you Lions!

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall, external

Image source, Shutterstock

Millwall manager Alex Neil has hailed their "unbelievable season" after beating Oxford United 2-0 - despite missing out on automatic promotion.

Ipswich pipped Millwall to second place in the Championship and Neil insists it is not a disappointment for the Lions to be in the play-offs.

Millwall will face Hull City in a shoot-out for a place at Wembley and Neil is well satisfied with their Championship campaign.

He told BBC Radio London: "I thought we deserved to win the game, I thought we were comfortable - my only frustration is we haven't scored more in the first half.

"But when you can hear the fans shouting it's 2-0 after 10 minutes, we've just got to remain focused and do our bit because you never know what's going to happen.

"Football lasts 90-odd minutes and we had to make sure that we didn't slip up and we got the job done.

"We did that, so now we're in the playoffs with an unbelievable season, but there's still a lot to play for."

Image source, PA Media

We asked for your thoughts and predictions before the final day Championship showdown in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League between Ipswich Town, Millwall and Middlesbrough.

The Lions have to win and hope the Tractor Boys fail to beat QPR at Portman Road to finish second and go up.

A draw would realistically not be enough for Millwall even if Ipswich lose, given the far superior goal difference for Kieran McKenna's side, while it would also require Boro not to beat Wrexham.

Here are a selection of your responses:

Andrew: I hold out absolutely no hope whatsoever that QPR will do us a favour at Ipswich. QPR were on the beach when they played us and I'd expect something similar on Saturday.

Anthony: Millwall could nick it if we play well and don't bottle it like last time. Going be a nervous Saturday watching them all play and wishing and hoping that they all fall at the last hurdle. This is like watching the Grand National over again.

Phil: Unfortunately after a great season my beloved Millwall will fall short of automatic promotion. But the play-offs was not what I expected, so come on Wall.

Dean: Millwall to go up on 83 points. Boro and Ipswich both will get 82.

Fozzie: I hope Millwall finally get some last game luck. A win for Lions and draw for Ipswich. Having missed out on play-off places in recent years, we really need some good fortune.

If we don't, we will look back at the home game against Blackburn as a major injustice. Very dodgy red card, which was overturned, strange refereeing decisions and three lost points. A good season could still turn out to be an amazing season.

Lee: Although I would love my beloved Lions take second spot, I can't see Ipswich losing to QPR. Can't see Boro beating Wrexham at the Racecourse either.

James: Wow, what a season. Millwall fans can be grateful whatever happens on Saturday. Can we do it?

If QPR do us the biggest favour and give a last day performance to spoil the Ipswich party, maybe they can get an F1 driver to bring the fireworks from Portman Road to The Den. Stranger things have happened.

But if it's the play-offs, then so be it. If you gave us the play-offs at the beginning of the season, we would have bitten your hand off for it. Come on you Lions.

Bob: [Zak] Sturge and [Femi] Azeez red cards cost us dearly otherwise we would be up there directly with Coventry. Consistent refs would help. Early season we had so many injured players. Well done Alex [Neil] for getting us where we are. Ipswich are classy but buckle under pressure so if they go up it will be interesting. Boro flattered to deceive, great to watch though.

Nick Hart
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Bermondsey will be abuzz with anticipation on Saturday, as the Lions enter the final day of the EFL season still with an outside chance of achieving automatic promotion to the Premier League.

After an incredible 2025-26 season, full of ups and downs, this is an amazing situation to be in.

Of course matters don't lie entirely in our own hands, but all that Millwall can do is hopefully despatch Oxford United - fingers crossed - and hope for the best from West London neighbours QPR at Ipswich.

The worst case scenario is that the Lions will be taking part in the post season play-offs for the first time in 25 years at Championship level.

Both on and off the pitch, this has been a campaign of real advancement for Millwall FC.

The squad has demonstrated a grit and resolve in the face of some key injuries, in the best traditions of the club.

This has been vociferously backed by the Lions' fanatical support, both home and away.

Such are the levels of optimism around SE16, that over 12,000 season tickets have been bought for next season.

Of course the potential allure of the top flight will be driving these record sales, but these are terrific times to have the privilege of calling yourself a Millwall supporter.

Let's see what drama tomorrow brings…

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall, external

Image source, Opta

Millwall's promotion destiny will be decided when they welcome already-relegated Oxford United to The Den for the Championship season finale on Saturday (12:30 BST).

After being held at Leicester last Friday, the Lions now lie a point behind Ipswich, who occupy the second automatic promotion place.

Alex Neil's men need a win, coupled with Town failing to beat QPR at Portman Road, to secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

If Ipswich win, three points for the Lions would still seal third place and home advantage in the play-offs.

Oxford's return to League One after two seasons in the Championship was sealed last Saturday, despite a home win over Sheffield Wednesday.

• Millwall are winless in four league meetings with Oxford United (D2 L2), this after winning six in a row beforehand.

• Oxford United have won both of their past two league visits to Millwall – the only time they have ever won twice in a row away to the Lions.

• Millwall have lost their final league game in four of the past five seasons, winning the other 1-0 at Swansea in 2023-24.

• Oxford United have won their final league game in five of their past seven second-tier seasons (D1 L1), although drew 3-3 with Swansea on the final day last season.

• Millwall have won 23 Championship games this season – it's their most at this level since they won 25 games in 1987-88 en route to winning the title.

And so, after 45 Championship games, it all comes down to the final day...

Tell us, Ipswich, Millwall and Middlesbrough fans, how are you feeling?

The Tractor Boys have the advantage going into Saturday's home game with QPR, knowing a win would seal automatic promotion.

But the Lions, one point behind in third place, will seek to keep the pressure on as they host Oxford United while fourth-placed Boro, two points back, head to Wrexham aiming for a win and hoping other results go their way to sneak back over the dotted line where they spent most of the season.

Do you think your side will reach the Premier League by 15:00 BST on Saturday? If not, how hard would it be for them to pick themselves up and go again in the play-offs?

Click here to have your say.

It is set to be an "absolutely brilliant" final day of the Championship promotion race on which "anything can happen", according to the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast team.

Tuesday's dramatic 2-2 draw between Southampton and Ipswich has left Town, Millwall and Middlesbrough to fight it out for the second automatic promotion place in the 46th and final round of games on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Ipswich are in pole position, a point ahead of Millwall, with a goal difference advantage of +17 on the Lions, but with Boro a point further back. Town know they must beat QPR at Portman Road to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough are at Wrexham, who need to secure a play-off spot, while Millwall host already-relegated Oxford United.

"It was a brilliant game," said EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff.

"We have spoken all season about how open the Championship has been. Coventry have been by far and away the best team, worthy winners, but for it to go into the last Saturday [is fantastic].

"Millwall, the team that just won't go away, they're still hanging in there, Middlesbrough, the team off the back of really poor form but with a couple of good results of late, anything can happen, it's going to be absolutely brilliant on Saturday."

Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 18 games, Saints bowed out of the race, sitting four points behind Ipswich, and will need to win the play-offs if they are to secure their own top-flight return.

"It's been a fantastic run. Everyone from afar was hoping they'd get in there, It's Roy of the Rovers stuff," said Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans.

"In fairness, probably the teams that have been more consistent and better over the course of the season, they're the ones who are going to fight the final day shootout."

Even though he believes Ipswich have been "underwhelming" this season, McAnuff said he expects the Tractor Boys to prevail.

He said: "I expect them to go and finish the job now at home. They have got through what was a tricky run of away games ,which has really been their Achilles heel.

"Big win at Charlton, [point at] West Brom on Saturday and follow up by getting a point at the form team [Southampton].

"I think Kieran McKenna would have taken that before - make sure they're going into the last game of the season very much in control.

"We associate McKenna and Ipswich with that all-out attacking free-flowing football, they haven't found that rhythm this season, they have been a bit underwhelming, I have to say, with the quality they have in their squad.

"I believe they will get over the line but with this squad that's the bare minimum they should be doing this season."

Evans fears for McKenna's future if he is unable to guide Ipswich back to the Premier League.

"If Ipswich turn up and play as they can at Portman Road they'll be in the Premier League," he said.

"If they drop to the play-offs and lose and Kieran McKenna doesn't lead them to the Premier League then he might not lead them anywhere, that's how ruthless football is."