Hull City produced a clinical second-leg display to defeat Millwall 2-0 at The Den and book their place in the Championship play-off final. Mohamed Belloumi broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, and substitute Joe Gelhardt added a second 15 minutes later to seal a 2-0 aggregate victory. The Tigers will now face either Middlesbrough or Southampton at Wembley on Saturday, May 23, with a return to the Premier League at stake.
This marks an extraordinary turnaround for Hull City, who only secured their Championship survival on the final day of last season. Under manager Sergej Jakirovic, the club has operated under a transfer embargo throughout the campaign, yet they have defied expectations to reach the final. They are now one game away from returning to the top flight for the first time since 2017, having also spent a season in League One in the interim.
The deadlock in the semi-final was finally broken after 64 minutes of the second leg. Matt Crooks found Belloumi on the right wing, and the Algerian cut inside before curling a brilliant shot into the far corner. The away end erupted, and the goal gave Hull a crucial lead that Millwall could not respond to.
Fifteen minutes later, the tie was put beyond doubt. Another counter-attack saw Belloumi race forward before sliding a low cross across the box. Gelhardt, who had just been introduced as a substitute, showed composure to steer a low shot that squirmed through the grasp of Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and over the line. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Hull supporters behind the goal.
On the balance of play, especially in the second leg, Hull were well worthy of the win. They became the first sixth-placed side to win a Championship play-off semi-final since 2017, a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline under Jakirovic. Millwall, who had finished fourth in the regular season, struggled to break down a well-organized Hull defense and rarely threatened in the second half.
For Millwall, the defeat ends a promising season that saw them challenge for automatic promotion until the final weeks. They will now look to regroup for another attempt next season. For Hull, the focus shifts entirely to Wembley, where they will face one of two strong opponents in Middlesbrough or Southampton. Both sides possess Premier League experience, but Hull will draw confidence from their remarkable run.
The implications for Hull City are enormous. Promotion would not only bring financial rewards but also validate the club's long-term project under Jakirovic. After years of instability, including a relegation to League One, reaching the Premier League would be a historic achievement for a club that has been out of the top division for nearly a decade.
As the final approaches, Hull City will prepare for the biggest game in their recent history. The players, staff, and fans will dare to dream of a return to the elite, inspired by a season that has already defied all odds. Whatever happens at Wembley, this campaign will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the club's proud history.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.