Millwall can attribute their recent resurgence to a blistering opening period that saw them claim a 2-0 win over QPR at The Den, a result that propelled them back into second place in the Sky Bet Championship standings. After a disappointing spell in which the Lions managed just one win from their previous five fixtures, the early strikes from Derek Mazou‑Sacko and Camiel Neghli allowed them to dominate this London derby almost from the first whistle and re‑establish themselves as serious promotion contenders. The triumph moved Millwall one point clear of Ipswich Town, who host fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough on Sunday, tightening a race that now looks increasingly like a battle for the two automatic spots that sit just ahead of Coventry City’s Premier League berth for next season.
The victory also marked a crucial psychological boost for a side that had suffered defeats in their last two home games, erasing doubts and restoring confidence among the supporters. The match opened with Millwall on the front foot within the first three minutes.
A low cross from Femi Azeez was cleared only as far as Mazou‑Sacko, who pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a powerful finish from just outside the penalty area. The French midfielder’s strike flew past QPR keeper Joe Walsh and into the net, giving the Lions an early lead.
It was Mazou‑Sacko’s first goal for Millwall, a moment that instantly eased the nerves of fans who had been worrying about the team’s recent dip in form. The early dominance continued, and by the seventh minute Millwall were already threatening to double their advantage.
Tristan Crama rose to meet a cross from Casper De Norre, heading the ball towards goal, though his effort was ultimately cleared before it could become a second goal. The relentless pressure in the opening quarter set the tone for the rest of the half. The second goal arrived in the 17th minute. After winning the ball in midfield, Mazou‑Sacko quickly passed it to Camiel Neghli, who cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner of the net.
The goal was a testament to Millwall’s fluid attacking play and left QPR scrambling to regain composure. Neghli nearly added a third just seven minutes later; after slipping past Jake Clarke‑Salter, he took a shot that floated over Walsh and cleared the cross‑bar, underscoring how close the visitors came to narrowing the margin. Despite the increasing pressure, QPR managed to create a few chances of their own.
Josh Coburn headed in a cross from Azeez, only to see Walsh tip the ball over the bar. A subsequent attempt from Zak Sturge struck the side netting, further illustrating the Hoops’ inability to convert opportunities. At halftime, QPR manager Julien Stephan made four changes in an attempt to revive his side’s fortunes.
The second half began with QPR’s substitute Rumarn Burrell heading wide from a Clarke‑Salter delivery, while Morocco international Ilias Chair, making his first appearance since November after a lengthy injury layoff, unleashed a low drive from outside the box that drifted wide of the near post. Millwall’s attacking intensity dipped slightly after the break, but they remained dangerous.
In the 76th minute, a promising move saw Coburn meet Azeez’s ball in the box, only for Walsh to make a spectacular leg save to deny a third goal. QPR’s only genuine shot on target came in the 89th minute when Nikolas Madsen struck from 25 yards.
Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who had enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, produced a comfortable save to preserve the clean sheet. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 2-0 victory for the Lions. After the match, Millwall boss Alex Neil praised his team’s approach: "We knew we had to start fast, get the fans behind us and press aggressively.
We wanted to pin QPR back and sustain the pressure. We achieved that, especially at home where we’ve been strong all season. It felt good to get that monkey off our back and to attack the way we wanted.
I was disappointed we didn’t extend the lead at half‑time because we deserved it. In the second half we had the best chance with Josh Coburn’s effort, which the keeper saved brilliantly, but overall we managed the game well and they never really threatened us." QPR manager Julien Stephan reflected on his side’s performance: "Our start was flat, lacking intensity, and it wasn’t a surprise that Millwall took control early.
Winning duels and second balls was a key point for us, but we couldn’t find a way to compete in the first half. We made four changes at half‑time, which improved things slightly, but not enough to create momentum or score.
Some of our players are returning from long injuries, and managing their minutes will be a challenge as we fight to stay competitive until the season’s end." The win not only lifted Millwall back into the promotion race but also highlighted the impact of new signings like Mazou‑Sacko, whose debut goal could prove pivotal as the season approaches its climax. With the championship table tightening and only a handful of games remaining, every point will be vital for both Millwall and their rivals as they vie for the coveted spots that lead to the Premier League.