Millwall's impressive start paved the way for a 2-0 victory over QPR in the Sky Bet Championship, propelling them back into second place in the standings. After a sluggish run of one win in their previous five games, the Lions' promotion push was revitalized by early goals from Derek Mazou-Sacko and Camiel Neghli, allowing them to dominate the London derby from the outset. As a result, Alex Neil's team moved one point above Ipswich, who are set to host fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough on Sunday, in the tightly contested race to join Coventry in the Premier League next season.
Millwall took the lead after just three minutes when Mazou-Sacko capitalized on a loose ball to score his first goal for the club, easing the nerves of the home supporters who had witnessed their team lose their last two home games. The hosts continued to press, with Tristan Crama heading over from a Casper De Norre cross, before Neghli doubled their lead with a beautifully crafted shot into the far corner in the 17th minute.
The chances kept coming for Millwall, with Josh Coburn's header being tipped over by QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh, while Zak Sturge shot into the side netting. At halftime, QPR boss Julien Stephan made four substitutions, and his side created their first chance of the second half through Rumarn Burrell, who headed wide from a Jake Clarke-Salter cross.
Ilias Chair, making his first appearance since November due to injury, nearly reduced the deficit with a low shot from outside the area. Millwall did not pose the same attacking threat in the second half but came close to a third goal when Coburn met Femi Azeez's cross, only for Walsh to make a remarkable save with his legs.
QPR finally registered a shot on target in the 89th minute through Nikolas Madsen, which was kept out by Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Millwall's Alex Neil reflected on the game, stating, 'I thought we needed to start fast, get the fans onside, and be aggressive.' He felt his team 'certainly got that monkey off our back' and managed the game well. QPR's Julien Stephan attributed his team's struggles to a lack of intensity in the first half, saying, 'We spoke about winning the duels and picking up the second balls before the game, but we didn't succeed in finding a way to compete.'