Millwall can attribute their recent surge up the Championship table to an explosive opening period that saw them secure a 2-0 win over QPR at The Den, restoring their position to second overall. After a disappointing spell in which they managed just one win from five outings, the Lions finally found the momentum they needed, with early strikes from Derek Mazou‑Sacko and Camiel Neghli allowing them to dominate the London derby from the first minute. The three points moved Alex Neil's side one place above Ipswich Town, who are set to host fellow promotion contenders Middlesbrough on Sunday.
The battle for the final promotion slot, which will join Coventry City in the Premier League next season, is tightening as the season reaches its climax. The opening goal arrived a mere three minutes after kickoff. Femi Azeez delivered a low, driven cross that was cleared only to fall to Mazou‑Sacko, who reacted swiftly, latching onto the loose ball and unleashing a powerful finish from just outside the penalty area.
The strike sailed past QPR keeper Joe Walsh and into the net, marking the French midfielder's first goal for Millwall and instantly easing the anxiety of fans who had endured two successive home defeats. Millwall continued to press, and by the seventh minute they were already threatening to double their lead. Tristan Crama rose to meet a cross from Casper De Norre, directing a header that forced the QPR defense to scramble.
Although the ball did not find the back of the net, the early pressure underscored Millwall's intent. The Lions' relentless approach paid off again in the 17th minute. Mazou‑Sacko won a challenge in midfield, quickly released the ball to Camiel Neghli, who cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner of the goal. The goal was a showcase of technical skill and composure, further cementing Millwall's dominance.
Neghli almost added a second of his own just seven minutes later. He slipped past Jake Clarke‑Salter, found space on the edge of the box, and attempted a delicate chip over Walsh. The effort, however, rose over the bar, leaving the score unchanged at 2‑0. The first half continued to be peppered with chances for the home side.
Josh Coburn rose to meet an Azeez cross, only to see his header tipped over by Walsh. Shortly after, Zak Sturge struck the side netting with a powerful shot, but it was insufficient to alter the scoreline. At the break, QPR manager Julien Stephan made four substitutions in an effort to revive his side.
The changes produced a fleeting moment of promise when substitute Rumarn Burrell headed wide from a Clarke‑Salter delivery. Later, Morocco international Ilias Chair, returning from a long‑term injury, attempted a low drive from outside the area, which drifted wide of the near post. The second half saw Millwall's attacking intensity dip slightly, but they remained dangerous. In the 76th minute, Coburn linked up with Azeez inside the box, creating a scramble that forced Walsh to make a desperate leg save.
The save prevented a third goal and highlighted the continued threat posed by the Lions. QPR's only genuine shot on target came in the 89th minute when Nikolas Madsen unleashed a long‑range effort from 25 yards.
Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who had enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, made a crucial intervention to keep the clean sheet intact. After the match, Alex Neil praised his team's early aggression: "We knew we had to start quickly, win the fans over, and press hard.
We wanted to dominate and we did that, as we have so often at home this season. It’s not easy to win at this stage, but we finally got the monkey off our back.
I felt we deserved a bigger lead at half‑time, and we managed the game well in the second half despite a few chances for them." Julien Stephan reflected on his side's performance, noting the lack of intensity in the opening half: "We struggled from the start and the intensity of Millwall was evident. Winning duels and second balls was a key issue for us. The half‑time changes improved things, but we still couldn’t create a sustained momentum or score.
Managing players returning from injury will be a challenge as we push to the end of the season." The win not only solidified Millwall's position near the top of the table but also provided a psychological boost ahead of the final run‑in. With the promotion race tightening, every point becomes crucial, and the Lions will look to build on this performance as they aim to secure a coveted place in the Premier League.
The match also featured a promotional element: a £250,000 prize pool associated with the Super 6 competition, which remains free to enter, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday.