sports
Millwall's curse continues as Mohamed Belloumi sends Hull into Championship playoff final
Millwall’s Championship playoff curse continues. It is now four times they have come within touching distance of reaching the promised land of the Premier League only to fall at the semi-final stage. After defeats in 1991, 1994 and 2002, this one will be especially hard to take given that Alex Neil’s side finished 10 points clear of Hull, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion on the final day. But on a night when Millwall were heavy favourites to make it to Wembley, instead it was Mohamed Belloumi who stole the show for Sergej Jakirovic’s side with a stunning opening goal before fellow substitute Joe Gelhardt rubbed their noses in it.
TL;DR
- Millwall lost in the Championship playoff semi-finals for the fourth time, extending their "curse."
- Hull City defeated Millwall, with goals from substitutes Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt.
- Millwall narrowly missed automatic promotion and were considered heavy favorites in this tie.
- Hull becomes the first team since 2019 to finish sixth and reach the playoff final.
- Manager Alex Neil has a history of playoff success with Norwich and Sunderland.
- The match involved pre-game tensions and a disallowed goal for Millwall in the first leg.
- Hull's manager Sergej Jakirovic employed a surprise back five formation.
- Key moments included goal-line clearances and strong saves from both goalkeepers.
- Joseph limped off with an ankle injury for Hull.