Millwall Beat Queens Park Rangers To Boost Promotion Bid In Championship Clash

Millwall strengthened Championship promotion hopes with a controlled 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, while Derby County and Portsmouth also claimed important victories in matches affecting the play-off race and relegation fight. Alex Neil's team climbed to second, Derby stayed in touch with the top six, and Portsmouth increased the gap to the bottom three.

Millwall started sharply at The Den and went ahead inside three minutes. QPR cleared Femi Azeez's cross only partially, and Derek Mazou-Sacko collected the loose ball before striking from 20 yards past Joe Walsh. The early breakthrough settled the hosts and left QPR immediately under pressure.

The Lions doubled their advantage after 17 minutes, again from a cross QPR failed to clear. Camiel Neghli moved inside a defender and curled a precise finish into the far corner. The second goal gave Millwall a comfortable cushion and allowed Neil's side to manage the tempo for long spells.

Millwall continued creating chances in both halves, with Josh Coburn twice denied by sharp stops from Walsh. The hosts did not add a third, yet the two-goal lead proved secure. Millwall's place in the play-offs will be confirmed if eighth-placed Wrexham do not beat Stoke City later on 18 April 2026.

Derby County kept pressure on the top six with a tight 1-0 success over Oxford United at Pride Park. Jaydon Banel scored the decisive goal, moving the Rams to within two points of sixth-placed Hull City. Oxford stayed 22nd and remain deeply involved in the relegation battle.

Portsmouth also secured a 1-0 home win, beating Leicester City at Fratton Park to move seven points clear of the relegation zone. Ibane Bowat scored the winner against the 23rd-placed Foxes, who are five points from safety and have played one match more than 21st-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Millwall Championship statistics and relegation picture

Leicester now face the threat of a second straight relegation, following last season's drop. Depending on other Championship results, their demotion could be confirmed as early as Tuesday. The outcome at Fratton Park further tightened the survival battle, with Portsmouth edging closer to safety.

Millwall's win was their second in six league games and completed a Championship double over QPR for the first time since the 1988-89 season. QPR have now lost three consecutive league meetings with Millwall. The Hoops last endured a longer losing sequence in this fixture between 1937 and 1953, when they were beaten four times in a row.

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The latest round of Championship results left Millwall better placed in the automatic promotion race, with Derby County still chasing a play-off berth and Portsmouth easing immediate relegation fears. QPR and Leicester City, however, saw pressure increase, with both clubs sliding closer to unwanted outcomes at a decisive stage of the season.