Millwall seized a commanding 2-0 win against QPR at The Den, a result that catapulted them back into the runner-up spot in the Sky Bet Championship. After a period of stagnation – just one triumph in their previous five outings – the Lions displayed an aggressive, early‑going performance that left little doubt about their intentions in this local derby. The opening minutes set the tone. Within three minutes, a low cross from Femi Azeez was cleared only to find Derek Mazou‑Sacko, who pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area.

The French midfielder’s effort flew past QPR keeper Joe Walsh and into the net, marking Mazou‑Sacko’s first goal for Millwall and instantly easing the anxiety of supporters who had endured two consecutive home defeats. The Lions continued to dominate, and by the seventh minute they threatened to double their advantage when Tristan Crama rose above the defense to head Casper De Norre’s delivery over the bar. Their relentless pressure in the opening quarter was evident, and the breakthrough came again in the 17th minute. Mazou‑Sacko recovered the ball, quickly slipped it to Camiel Neghli, who cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner, extending the lead to 2‑0.

Neghli nearly added a third just before the half‑hour mark, out‑pacing Jake Clarke‑Salter and finding himself one‑on‑one with Walsh. His attempt clipped over the crossbar, but the danger was clear: Millwall were creating chances at will. Further opportunities followed as Josh Coburn headed in from an Azeez cross, only to be denied by Walsh, and Zak Sturge struck the side netting with a powerful effort.

At the break, QPR manager Julien Stephan responded with four substitutions, hoping to inject fresh energy into a side that had been out‑classed. The first chance of the second half fell to the new‑look team when Rumarn Burrell rose to meet a Clarke‑Salter cross, but his header drifted wide. Morocco international Ilias Chair, returning from a long injury layoff, also got a look, curling a low shot from outside the area that missed the near post.

Millwall’s intensity dipped slightly after the interval, yet they remained a threat. In the 76th minute, Coburn linked up with Azeez inside the box, forcing Walsh into a desperate leg save that barely kept the scoreline intact. QPR finally managed a shot on target in the 89th minute when Nikolas Madsen unleashed a 25‑yard strike, only to be thwarted by Millwall keeper Anthony Patterson, whose calm performance had been a cornerstone of the victory. After the match, Millwall boss Alex Neil praised his side’s early aggression: "We needed to start fast, get the fans behind us, press high and keep the pressure on.

We achieved that, as we have done so many times at home this season. It’s not easy to win at this stage, but we got the monkey off our back today.

I felt we deserved a bigger lead at half‑time and we created the best chance in the second half with Josh Coburn’s effort, which the keeper saved brilliantly. Overall, we managed the game well and they never really threatened us." QPR’s Stephan reflected on the disappointing first half: "Our intensity was lacking, and Millwall’s early dominance was obvious. We won some duels and recovered second balls, but we couldn’t find a rhythm in the first half. The four changes at half‑time improved things slightly, but not enough to shift the momentum.

We have several players returning from long injuries, and managing their minutes will be crucial as we fight to the end of the season." The win lifts Millwall one point above Ipswich Town, who host promotion‑chasing Middlesbrough on Sunday, tightening the race for the coveted promotion spots alongside Coventry City. With the season entering its decisive phase, every three points become vital, and Millwall’s resurgence suggests they will remain serious contenders for a Premier League berth next year.

In addition to the on‑field drama, fans were reminded that a £250,000 prize pool is available through the Super 6 competition, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday. The promotion battle continues to heat up, and Millwall’s supporters can now look forward to a hopeful finish to the campaign.