Hull City delivered a composed and clinical performance to defeat Millwall 2-0 in the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final, securing their place at Wembley.
After a tense first leg that ended goalless, the tie came alive in the second half at The Den. Mohamed Belloumi broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a superb shot into the far corner. Substitute Joe Gelhardt then doubled the lead just 15 minutes later, finishing a swift counter-attack by sliding a low effort through the grasp of Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
The result means Hull City will face either Middlesbrough or Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, May 23, with promotion to the Premier League at stake.
Hull’s journey to this stage is remarkable. They finished sixth in the regular season, becoming the first team in that position in seven years to win a play-off semi-final. Under manager Sergej Jakirovic, the Tigers only secured their Championship status on the final day of last season and operated under a transfer embargo this term. They also began the final day of this season outside the play-off places.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Jakirovic told Sky Sports. “We were fantastic today. It was a very difficult, demanding game. We knew they’d start well, but we responded well, and now we’re going to Wembley. Maybe this is the best thing that has happened in football in my life.”
Hull last played in the Premier League in 2017, and have since spent a season in League One. Now, they stand one win away from a return to the top flight.
The victory was built on a disciplined defensive display and sharp attacking transitions. Belloumi was instrumental, providing the opener and setting up Gelhardt’s decisive second. The away end erupted as the final whistle confirmed Hull’s place in the final, leaving the home sections of The Den devastated.
On the balance of play, particularly in the second leg, Hull were well worthy of the win.