Millwall Secure Third Place with 2-0 Victory 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 had already been relegated before the match.
• Millwall will face sixth-placed Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final.
• Ipswich Town's 3-0 win over QPR sealed their automatic promotion, leaving Millwall in the play-offs.

Lions Dominate from the Start

Millwall ensured a third-placed finish in the Championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over relegated Oxford United at The Den on Saturday. The Londoners' hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League hinged on Ipswich Town dropping points at home to Queens Park Rangers, but Ipswich's 3-0 win meant Millwall must now navigate the play-offs. From the opening quarter, Millwall asserted control. Thierno Ballo twice headed off target, and Zak Sturge saw an effort deflected over the bar. Oxford's only early chance came when Will Lankshear blazed over. The hosts won nine corners in the first 30 minutes, forcing desperate clearances from the visitors.

Azeez Breaks the Deadlock

The pressure finally told in the first half when Millwall broke down the left, finding Mihailo Ivanovic in a central area. The striker played in Femi Azeez, who got past his marker and crashed the ball past Jamie Cumming at his near post. Azeez hit the post four minutes later with a cross from a short corner that evaded everyone in the box. Early in the second half, Azeez doubled the lead. Barry Bannan twisted and turned on the left before laying a perfect pass to Ballo, whose low cross from the byline was converted by the unmarked Azeez at the far post. The second goal relaxed the hosts, as Casper De Norre saw a long-range effort fly just over, and Camiel Neghli and Ballo had good chances soon after.

Millwall's Dominance Continues

Millwall continued to boss the game after the second goal. Ryan Leonard had an effort well-saved by Cumming, and Luke Cundle shot straight at the goalkeeper. Oxford's only late threat came from a Mark Harris header that was well saved, as Millwall looked comfortable throughout. The victory capped a strong season for Millwall, who have been building towards this moment under manager Alex Neil. The team has shown resilience, particularly after injuries to key players like Casper De Norre, who missed four matches in March with a groin issue but still made 28 Championship appearances this term.

De Norre's Premier League Dream

Millwall midfielder Casper De Norre, who moved from Belgian club OH Leuven in 2023, 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,' De Norre told BBC Radio London. 'I am now 29, I was 26 when I came here. It was always my goal to achieve it through Millwall.' De Norre, who signed a new one-year contract extension last month, has been a hit with fans and staff. He is also studying to become a director of football after retirement, but his immediate focus is on the promotion push. 'Even if I just play one game in the Premier League, it would be something amazing, it would be the highlight of my career,' he added.

Oxford's Relegation Confirmed

Oxford United, already relegated before the match, arrived at The Den on the back of their biggest win of the season against Sheffield Wednesday. Manager Matt Bloomfield made only one change, with Yunus Konak in for Cameron Brannagan, who dropped to the bench. Jack Currie returned to the bench as United aimed to reach the 50-point mark on the final day. Despite their efforts, Oxford could not withstand Millwall's pressure. The visitors were forced into numerous desperate clearances and managed only a few chances, with Lankshear's early effort and Harris's late header being the closest they came. The defeat confirmed their relegation, and they will play in League One next season.

Play-Offs Await Millwall

Millwall now prepare for a two-legged play-off semi-final against sixth-placed Hull City. The Lions will be confident after their dominant performance, but they face a tough challenge against a Hull side that finished just below them in the table. The play-offs represent Millwall's best chance of reaching the Premier League for the first time in their history. For De Norre and his teammates, the dream is alive. 'We still have a lot of work to do but there is a chance that might happen so obviously that excites you,' De Norre said.

A Season of Progress

Millwall's third-placed finish marks a significant improvement from recent seasons. In the previous campaign, they finished eighth, two points outside the play-off places, after a damaging 4-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. The year before, they dramatically missed out on the play-offs on the final day when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 to Blackburn. Under Alex Neil, the team has taken a step forward, as De Norre noted: 'Ever since I've been here, the goal has always been getting into the top six. Especially since the gaffer came in, we've really taken a step forwards.' Now, Millwall have the chance to take the ultimate step.

The bottom line

• Millwall finished third in the Championship and will face Hull City in the play-off semi-finals.
• Femi Azeez scored twice to secure a 2-0 win over relegated Oxford United.
• Casper De Norre, a key midfielder, is eager to play in the Premier League and has been a consistent performer.
• Oxford United's relegation was confirmed before the match, and they will play in League One next season.
• Millwall's progress under manager Alex Neil has been steady, with the team improving on previous near-misses.
• The play-offs offer Millwall a historic chance to reach the Premier League for the first time.