Millwall advanced to the Championship playoff final after a tense 1-0 victory over Hull City in the second leg at The Den, securing a 3-2 aggregate win. The decisive goal came from Jake Cooper in the 67th minute, heading home from a corner to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
First Half: Cautious Start
The opening 45 minutes were tightly contested, with both sides wary of conceding. Hull, needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, controlled possession but failed to create clear-cut chances. Millwall defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski making a crucial save from Mallik Wilks just before the break.
Second Half: Millwall Break Through
The hosts grew into the game after the interval, and their pressure paid off when Cooper rose highest to meet Jed Wallace's corner. The goal silenced the traveling Hull fans and put Millwall in control. Hull pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Millwall held firm to secure their place at Wembley.
Key Moments
- 67th minute: Jake Cooper scores the only goal of the game with a powerful header.
- 82nd minute: Hull's Tom Eaves sees a shot cleared off the line by Murray Wallace.
- 90+4 minutes: Full-time whistle confirms Millwall's victory.
Millwall will now face either Sheffield United or Nottingham Forest in the final, with a place in the Premier League at stake. Manager Gary Rowett praised his team's resilience: "The lads showed incredible character to get the job done. We're one step away from our dream."
Hull City, who finished the regular season in sixth place, will rue missed opportunities but can be proud of their campaign under manager Shota Arveladze.
