Millwall secure third place with 2-0 win over relegated Oxford United

Key facts

• Millwall beat Oxford United 2-0 on the final day of the Championship season.
• Femi Azeez scored both goals for Millwall, one in each half.
• Millwall finished third in the Championship table.
• Oxford United were already relegated before the match.
• Ipswich Town's 3-0 victory over QPR denied Millwall automatic promotion.
• Millwall will face sixth-placed Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final.
• Millwall won nine corners in the first 30 minutes.
• Mark Harris had a late header saved for Oxford.

Lions roar to victory but fall short of automatic promotion

Millwall ensured a third-placed finish in the Championship after a commanding 2-0 victory over relegated Oxford United at The Den on the final day of the season. The win, however, was not enough to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, as Ipswich Town's 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers meant Alex Neil's side must now navigate the play-offs. Femi Azeez was the star of the show, scoring twice to cap a dominant performance from the hosts. The Londoners controlled the game from the outset, piling on pressure that forced Oxford into desperate clearances.

Azeez double breaks Oxford resistance

Millwall's pressure finally told in the first half when Azeez blasted past Jamie Cumming at his near post after being set up by Mihailo Ivanovic. The winger hit the upright soon after with a cross from a short corner, but made no mistake early in the second half. Barry Bannan twisted and turned on the left before laying on a perfect pass to Thierno Ballo, whose low cross from the byline was converted by the unmarked Azeez at the far post. The second goal relaxed the hosts, who continued to create chances.

Dominant display from start to finish

Millwall had the better of the opening quarter, with Thierno Ballo twice heading off target and Zak Sturge having an effort deflected over. Will Lankshear blazed over for Oxford's only early chance. The Lions won nine corners in the first 30 minutes as the visitors struggled to contain them. Casper De Norre saw a long-range effort fly just over in the 52nd minute, while Camiel Neghli and Ballo had good chances soon after. Ryan Leonard forced a fine save from Cumming, and Luke Cundle shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Oxford's late threat comes to nothing

Oxford's only real chance of the second half came late when Mark Harris directed a header goalward, but it was well saved by the Millwall goalkeeper. The visitors, already relegated, offered little attacking threat throughout the match, managing just a handful of attempts. The defeat confirmed Oxford's fate as they prepare for life in League One, while Millwall's focus shifts to the play-offs.

Play-off path set: Hull City await

Millwall will now face sixth-placed Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final. The first leg is expected to take place at The Den, with the return at Hull's MKM Stadium. The winner will advance to the final at Wembley for a chance to join Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Alex Neil's side will be confident after their dominant final-day performance, but Hull City, who secured their play-off spot on the last day, will pose a stern test.

Ipswich's victory seals automatic promotion

Ipswich Town's 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers ensured they leapfrogged Millwall into second place, securing an immediate return to the Premier League. The result left Millwall needing to win the play-offs to achieve promotion. The Tractor Boys' triumph capped a remarkable season, while Millwall must now regroup for the play-off challenge ahead.

The bottom line

• Millwall finished third in the Championship, missing automatic promotion by one place.
• Femi Azeez scored twice to secure a 2-0 win over relegated Oxford United.
• Ipswich Town's win over QPR sealed their Premier League return and condemned Millwall to the play-offs.
• Millwall will face Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final for a chance at promotion.
• Oxford United ended the season relegated to League One after a poor campaign.
• Millwall's dominant performance included nine corners in the first half and numerous chances.