Millwall edge past Oxford 2-0 to seal third place, set up play-off semi-final against Hull

Key facts

• Millwall beat Oxford United 2-0 on the final day of the Championship season.
• Femi Azeez scored both goals for Millwall, the first in the 35th minute and the second early in the second half.
• Millwall finished third with 83 points, one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town.
• Ipswich's 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers secured automatic promotion for the Tractor Boys.
• Oxford United had already been relegated to League One before the match.
• Millwall will face sixth-placed Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final.

Lions' promotion dream shifts to play-offs

Millwall secured a 2-0 victory over relegated Oxford United at The Den on Saturday, but the result was not enough to snatch automatic promotion to the Premier League. The Lions needed Ipswich Town to drop points at home to Queens Park Rangers, but Ipswich's 3-0 win meant Millwall finished third, one point adrift of second place. Alex Neil's side now turn their attention to the play-offs, where they will face sixth-placed Hull City over two legs. The semi-final represents Millwall's best chance to end a 36-year absence from top-flight football.

Azeez double seals the win

Femi Azeez was the hero for Millwall, scoring twice to secure the victory. The first goal came in the 35th minute when he blasted past Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming at his near post after being played in by Mihailo Ivanovic. Azeez hit the upright four minutes later with a cross from a short corner. Early in the second half, Azeez doubled the lead. Barry Bannan twisted and turned on the left before laying a perfect pass to Thierno Ballo, whose low cross from the byline was converted by the unmarked Azeez at the far post. The winger's brace ensured Millwall dominated comfortably.

Millwall's pressure tells after early dominance

Millwall controlled the opening quarter of the game, with Thierno Ballo heading twice 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, forcing desperate clearances from the visitors. The pressure finally told when they broke down the left before Ivanovic played in Azeez for the opener. After the second goal, Casper De Norre saw a long-range effort fly just over in the 52nd minute, and 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 relegation confirmed, away woes continue

Oxford United's relegation to League One had already been confirmed before the final day. The U's have the second-worst away record in the Championship, with 18 points from 22 matches. They have failed to score in 18 of their 45 league games this season, a record only bettered by bottom side Sheffield Wednesday. Matt Bloomfield, who took over as Oxford manager in January, has suffered back-to-back relegations as a Championship manager. Despite six wins under his tenure, the damage was done early in the season.

De Norre eyes Premier League dream

Millwall midfielder Casper De Norre, who made his 28th Championship appearance of the season, expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in the Premier League. 'When I came to Millwall, I would say in the back of my mind, this is probably my only chance of playing in the Premier League in my career,' the 29-year-old Belgian said. De Norre, who joined from OH Leuven in 2023, signed a one-year contract extension last month. He is also studying to become a director of football after retirement. 'Even if I just play one game in the Premier League, it would be something amazing,' he added.

Play-off path and historical context

Millwall will now prepare for a two-legged play-off semi-final against Hull City, who finished sixth. The Lions have not played in the top flight since 1990, a 36-year absence they hope to end. Alex Neil's side have won two of their last three games but have lost their final Championship match in four of the past five seasons. Oxford, meanwhile, bid farewell to the Championship after a season that saw them win just six of their 45 league matches. Their final-day defeat at The Den was a fitting end to a campaign defined by poor away form and a lack of goals.

What lies ahead for both clubs

Millwall's focus now shifts entirely to the play-offs, with the first leg against Hull City at The Den. Victory would set up a final at Wembley for a place in the Premier League. For Oxford, the task is to rebuild under Matt Bloomfield and aim for an immediate return from League One. The final day of the Championship season delivered drama across the board, but for Millwall, the dream of automatic promotion slipped away. The play-offs offer a second chance, but the margin for error is razor-thin.

The bottom line

• Millwall finished third in the Championship after a 2-0 win over Oxford, but Ipswich's victory denied them automatic promotion.
• Femi Azeez scored twice for Millwall, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season.
• Oxford United were already relegated and have the second-worst away record in the division.
• Millwall will face Hull City in the play-off semi-finals, with a place in the Premier League at stake.
• Casper De Norre, a key midfielder for Millwall, is eager to play in the Premier League and has signed a contract extension.
• The play-offs represent Millwall's best chance to end a 36-year top-flight absence.