Millwall secured a commanding 2-0 win against QPR at The Den, a result that lifted the Lions back into the runner‑up spot in the Sky Bet Championship. After a sluggish spell that saw them win just one of their previous five fixtures, the team responded with a blistering start, scoring early and maintaining pressure throughout the London derby. The match opened with a flash of brilliance from French midfielder Derek Mazou‑Sacko. Just three minutes in, a low cross from Femi Azeez was cleared only to land at Mazou‑Sacko's feet.
He surged forward, collected the ball and unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area that slipped past QPR keeper Joe Walsh. It was Mazou‑Sacko's first goal for Millwall, instantly easing the nerves of a home crowd that had endured two successive defeats at The Den.
The Lions continued to dominate the opening exchanges. By the seventh minute, Tristan Crama rose above the defence to head Casper De Norre's delivery, threatening to double the lead, but the ball was cleared before it could find the net.
Millwall's relentless tempo paid off again in the 17th minute. After winning a loose ball, Mazou‑Sacko quickly fed Camiel Neghli, who cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner, making the score 2‑0. Neghli nearly added a third just before the half‑hour mark. He broke free of defender Jake Clarke‑Salter, found space inside the box and attempted a delicate chip over Walsh, only to see the ball sail over the cross‑bar.
The momentum kept rolling as Josh Coburn headed an Azeez cross, which Walsh managed to tip over, while Zak Sturge struck the side netting with a low effort. At the interval, QPR manager Julien Stephan introduced four fresh legs, hoping to inject some energy into a side that had been out‑classed for most of the first half. The changes produced a fleeting chance when substitute Rumarn Burrell headed a Clarke‑Salter cross wide. Later, Morocco international Ilias Chair, making his first appearance since November after a long injury layoff, fired a low drive from outside the area that 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, delivering a low ball that forced Walsh to scramble his legs in a desperate save.
QPR finally managed a shot on target in the 89th minute when Nikolas Madsen struck from 25 yards, but Millwall keeper Anthony Patterson was equal to the task, keeping a clean sheet on a night that highlighted his reliability. Post‑match, Millwall boss Alex Neil praised his side's early aggression: "We knew we had to start quickly, get the fans behind us and press high. We wanted to dominate, and we did that at home again, which is crucial this late in the season. I felt we deserved a bigger lead at the break, but we managed the game well and limited their chances." He also highlighted Coburn's near‑miss as the best chance of the second half, noting the keeper's impressive save.
QPR manager Stephan reflected on his team's performance, acknowledging the lack of intensity in the opening period: "We struggled to match their energy from the start. Winning duels and securing second balls were issues we discussed before the game, and we couldn't find a solution in the first half.
The halftime changes helped a bit, but we still couldn't generate enough momentum to threaten the goal. Managing returning players' minutes will be a big challenge for us as the season draws to a close." The victory not only restored Millwall to second place, one point clear of Ipswich Town, but also kept the promotion race tight as Coventry City sit at the summit.
With the season entering its decisive phase, both clubs will be looking to capitalize on any slip‑ups from their rivals in the quest for a coveted Premier League spot. In other news, the Super 6 competition continues with a £250,000 prize pool up for grabs, and entries remain free of charge until 3 pm on Saturday.