Millwall Regains Second Spot in Championship with Victory Over QPR

Millwall's blistering start paved the way for a 2-0 win over QPR in the Sky Bet Championship, propelling them back into second place in the standings. Following a slow run of one win in their last five games, the Lions' push for promotion had stalled, but early strikes from Derek Mazou-Sacko and Camiel Neghli allowed them to dominate the London derby from the outset. Alex Neil's team moved a point ahead of Ipswich, who are set to host fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough on Sunday, in the tight race to join Coventry in the Premier League next season. The hosts took the lead after just three minutes when Mazou-Sacko capitalized on a loose ball to score his first goal for the club, powering a fine finish past QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh from outside the area. Millwall's relentless opening quarter saw them double their lead in the 17th minute, with Neghli bending a lovely shot into the far corner after being set up by Mazou-Sacko. The Lions continued to create chances, with Josh Coburn's header from Femi Azeez's cross tipped over by Walsh, and Zak Sturge shooting into the side netting. QPR boss Julien Stephan made four half-time substitutions in an attempt to turn the game around, and his side did create the first chance of the second half through Rumarn Burrell's header. Morocco international Ilias Chair, making his first appearance since November due to injury, nearly pulled one back with a low shot from outside the area that went wide of the near post. Millwall did not pose the same attacking threat in the second half but came close to a third goal when Coburn met Azeez's ball into the box, only for Walsh to make a stunning save with his legs. It was not until the 89th minute that QPR registered a shot on target, with Nikolas Madsen's effort from 25 yards kept out by Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Millwall manager Alex Neil reflected on the win, stating, 'I thought we needed to start fast, get the fans onside, and be aggressive.' QPR's Julien Stephan acknowledged his team's lack of intensity in the first half, saying, 'We struggled a lot and it was not a surprise to see the intensity of how they started the game.'