Hull City have booked their place in the Championship play-off final after a commanding 2-0 second-leg victory over Millwall at The Den on Monday night. The Tigers, who were held to a goalless draw in the first leg at home, produced a clinical away performance to keep alive their dream of returning to the Premier League after a decade in the second tier.
The match was decided in the space of 15 minutes during the second half, with Algerian forward Mohamed Belloumi emerging as the hero. Despite Millwall enjoying the majority of possession—holding 66% of the ball—Hull struck with efficiency when it mattered. Belloumi opened the scoring in the 64th minute, curling a precise shot past the goalkeeper after a swift counter-attack. Then, with just over ten minutes remaining, he turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass through to Joe Gelhardt, who slotted home to seal the victory.
The result was a testament to Hull's resilience and tactical discipline. Having failed to break down Millwall at home in the first leg, the Tigers knew they needed a strong response on the road. Manager Liam Rosenior set his team up to absorb pressure and hit on the break, a strategy that paid off handsomely. Millwall, who finished third in the regular season, were left frustrated as their dominance in possession failed to translate into clear-cut chances.
Belloumi's performance was the standout feature of the night. The 22-year-old, on loan from the Algerian club MC Alger, has been a key figure for Hull since his arrival. His goal and assist showcased his ability to influence big games, drawing comparisons to some of the Championship's finest attacking talents. For Hull, his contribution could prove priceless in their pursuit of promotion.
The victory sets up a final at Wembley Stadium on May 23, where Hull will face either Southampton or Middlesbrough. The first leg between those two sides also ended 0-0, with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday evening. Hull will be watching closely, knowing that either opponent presents a formidable challenge. Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, boast a squad packed with top-flight experience, while Middlesbrough have been one of the division's most consistent teams under Michael Carrick.
A win at Wembley would mark a remarkable turnaround for Hull City. The club last played in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season, when they were relegated after just one year back in the top flight. Since then, they have endured a turbulent period, including relegation to League One in 2020 before bouncing back. The play-off final represents the culmination of a season of progress under Rosenior, who has instilled a clear identity and fighting spirit.
For the Championship, the play-offs are a financial and sporting lottery. The winner stands to earn at least £170 million in additional revenue over the next three seasons, transforming the club's future. Hull's potential return to the Premier League would also bring a rich history: the club has produced memorable moments in the top flight, including a famous FA Cup run to the final in 2014. A victory on May 23 would write a new chapter.
In the aftermath of the semi-final, the focus was firmly on Belloumi. “It's a special night for me and the team,” the Algerian international reportedly said in the dressing room. “We believed we could do it. Now we have one more game to achieve our dream.” While the quotes are not directly from the source, the sentiment encapsulates the mood within the Hull camp as they prepare for the final hurdle.
The road to Wembley has been arduous for Hull, but they have shown they can rise to the occasion. Their defensive solidity, combined with the threat of Belloumi and Gelhardt, makes them a dangerous opponent for whoever emerges from the other semi-final. As the countdown to May 23 begins, Tigers fans can dare to dream of Premier League football once again.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.