Hull City Defeats Millwall 2-0 to Reach Championship Play-off Final
Hull City secured a historic 2-0 victory over Millwall in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg at The Den on May 11, 2026. Goals from Mohamed Belloumi and substitute Joe Gelhardt sealed an aggregate win, propelling the Tigers to the final at Wembley Stadium. This achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the club, which faced a transfer embargo and narrowly avoided relegation the previous season. Manager Sergej Jakirovic hailed the result as a career highlight as Hull aims for Premier League promotion for the first time since 2017.
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Belloumi Redeems Himself with Goal and Assist in Hull City's Play-off Victory
Hull City winger Mohamed Belloumi delivered a standout performance in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Millwall, turning initial frustration into triumph. Substituted into the match just before half-time due to an injury to Kyle Joseph, Belloumi initially irritated manager Sergej Jakirovic by delaying his entry to tie his boot laces. However, the Algerian international quickly silenced any criticism with a decisive contribution on the pitch. In the second half, Belloumi scored a superb curling goal to break the deadlock and later assisted Joe Gelhardt for the second goal, securing a crucial victory for the Tigers. His efforts ended a long goal drought in the semi-final ties and propelled Hull City to the play-off final. Striker Oli McBurnie praised Belloumi's brilliance and adaptability, noting that the manager's tactical substitutions proved effective. Hull City will now face either Southampton or Middlesbrough in the final on May 23, with a place in the Premier League at stake. This match highlighted Belloumi's ability to perform under pressure and his significant impact on the team's success.
BBC SportJakirovic Hails Hull City's Wembley Final as Career Highlight
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has described guiding his team to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final as potentially the greatest achievement of his football career. Following a decisive 2-0 victory over Millwall in the semi-final second leg, with goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt, Hull secured their place at Wembley Stadium. Jakirovic emphasized the strong team chemistry and resilience displayed despite facing significant challenges, including a transfer embargo and numerous injuries throughout the season. He noted that reaching the final exceeded initial expectations of a top-ten finish, calling it a dream come true for both himself and the squad. Hull City will face either Southampton or Middlesbrough in the final on May 23, with promotion to the Premier League at stake. This achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the club, which narrowly avoided relegation just over a year ago. Captain Lewie Coyle also praised the team's belief and performance, highlighting their dramatic journey to securing a play-off spot on the final day of the regular season.
SkySports | NewsHull City Defeats Millwall 2-0 to Reach Championship Play-off Final
Hull City secured a historic victory over Millwall with a 2-0 win in the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final at The Den. Following a goalless first leg, Mohamed Belloumi broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a skillful strike after receiving a pass from Matt Crooks. Substitute Joe Gelhardt sealed the aggregate victory fifteen minutes later, converting a low shot from Belloumi's cross shortly after entering the match. This triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for Hull City, who avoided relegation on the final day of the previous season and operated under a transfer embargo this term. They have become the first sixth-placed team in seven years to reach the Championship play-off final. The Tigers will now face either Middlesbrough or Southampton at Wembley Stadium on May 23, 2026, for a chance to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. The match, attended by 17,768 spectators, highlighted Hull's clinical efficiency and defensive resilience against a devastated Millwall side.
SkySports | NewsSubstitute Joe Gelhardt Scores to Double Hull City's Lead Against Millwall
In a pivotal moment of the Championship play-off semi-final, Hull City striker Joe Gelhardt made an immediate impact after coming off the bench. The young forward scored almost instantly upon entering the pitch, effectively doubling Hull City's lead to 2-0 against Millwall. This crucial goal significantly strengthens Hull's position in the high-stakes match, bringing them closer to securing a place in the final. The event took place on May 11, 2026, as reported by Sky Sports. Gelhardt's quick reaction and clinical finish were highlighted as a decisive factor in the game's momentum shift. The match is part of the intense competition for promotion to the Premier League, making every goal critical for both clubs. Millwall now faces a challenging task to recover from the two-goal deficit. The atmosphere surrounding the play-off semi-final reflects the high tension and importance of the fixture for both teams and their supporters. This development marks a significant turning point in the encounter, showcasing Gelhardt's value as a strategic substitute for Hull City's management.
SkySports | NewsBelloumi Strike Gives Hull City Lead in Play-off Semi-Final
Hull City has taken the lead against Millwall in the Championship play-off semi-final thanks to a sensational goal by Mohamed Belloumi. The match, taking place on May 11, 2026, saw Belloumi deliver a classy strike that found the back of the net, shifting the momentum in favor of Hull City. This crucial moment in the semi-final clash highlights Belloumi's significant contribution to his team's offensive efforts. As a high-stakes encounter in the English Football League Championship, this game determines which team will advance to the final, with the ultimate prize being promotion to the Premier League. The goal marks a pivotal point in the contest, showcasing the intensity and quality of play characteristic of the play-offs. Sky Sports reported the event with enthusiasm, emphasizing the skill involved in Belloumi's finish. The outcome of this match remains critical for both clubs, with Hull City currently holding the advantage following this impressive display of footballing prowess during the semi-final fixture.
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