Millwall can attribute their recent resurgence to a blistering opening performance, as they secured a 2-0 triumph over QPR at The Den, propelling them back into second place in the Sky Bet Championship. The Lions had endured a slump, managing only one win in their previous five outings, which had stalled their promotion aspirations.
However, early strikes from Derek Mazou‑Sacko and Camiel Neghli allowed them to dominate the London derby from the outset and re‑establish their momentum. Alex Neil’s side moved one point clear of Ipswich Town, who will host fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough on Sunday, tightening the race for the coveted promotion slots that will see Coventry join the Premier League next season.
The early lead came just three minutes in when a low cross from Femi Azeez was cleared only to land at the feet of Mazou‑Sacko. The French midfielder, arriving late into the box, unleashed a powerful shot from just outside the area that beat QPR keeper Joe Walsh. It was Mazou‑Sacko’s maiden goal for Millwall, instantly easing the nerves of a fanbase that had watched the Lions drop points at home in their two previous matches. The hosts continued to press, and by the seventh minute they were already threatening to double their advantage.
Tristan Crama rose above the defence to head Casper De Norre’s delivery, forcing a scramble that highlighted Millwall’s early dominance. Their relentless opening quarter set the tone for the rest of the first half. The second goal arrived in the 17th minute.
After winning the ball in midfield, Mazou‑Sacko quickly released it to Camiel Neghli, who cut inside and curled a beautiful strike into the far corner of the net. The goal not only extended the lead but also underscored Neghli’s growing influence in the attacking third. Shortly after, at the 24‑minute mark, Neghli came close to a brace. He out‑muscled Jake Clarke‑Salter, found space on the edge of the box and, after a deft touch, lifted a shot that sailed just over Walsh’s crossbar.
Millwall’s offensive pressure persisted. Josh Coburn headed in from an Azeez cross, only to see Walsh tip the ball over the bar. Later, Zak Sturge’s effort struck the side netting, further illustrating the Lions’ relentless attack. By halftime, QPR’s manager Julien Stephan had already made four substitutions, hoping to inject fresh energy into a side that had struggled to keep pace.
In the second half, the Hoops attempted a comeback. New‑look midfielder Ilias Chair, returning from a long injury layoff, tried to make an impact.
He unleashed a low drive from outside the area that drifted wide of the near post, offering a glimpse of what might come later in the season when he regains full fitness. While Millwall’s intensity dipped slightly after the break, they remained dangerous.
In the 76th minute, Coburn combined with Azeez inside the box, creating a chance that saw goalkeeper Walsh scramble to block the ball with his legs. The moment underscored the thin margin between a comfortable win and a tighter contest. QPR finally registered a shot on target in the 89th minute when Nikolas Madsen struck from 25 yards, only to be denied by Millwall’s keeper Anthony Patterson, who had a relatively quiet but efficient afternoon. Patterson’s save capped a performance that helped secure the three points for his side.
After the match, Alex Neil praised his team’s approach: “We knew we had to start fast, get the fans behind us, be aggressive and pin them back. We’ve done that at home all season, and it’s never easy to win at this stage.
I felt we removed a big weight from our shoulders today. I wish we had been two goals ahead at the break because we deserved it. In the second half we had the best chance – Josh Coburn’s effort that the keeper saved brilliantly – but overall we managed the game well and they never really threatened us.” Julien Stephan, reflecting on his side’s performance, admitted: “Our lack of intensity in the first half was obvious, and Millwall’s early pressure was not a surprise. Winning duels and second balls was a key focus, but we failed to execute in the first half.
The four changes at halftime improved things a bit, though not enough to create sustained momentum or a goal. We have players returning from long injuries, and managing their minutes will be crucial as we fight to the end of the season.” The victory not only lifted Millwall back into the promotion race but also highlighted the depth of their squad and the tactical acumen of Alex Neil.
With the season entering its decisive phase, the Lions will look to build on this performance, while QPR must regroup and find ways to regain their form as the battle for promotion intensifies. The £250,000 Super 6 prize remains up for grabs, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday, offering fans an extra incentive to stay engaged as the Championship drama unfolds.