Hull put in a clinical performance against Millwall, winning the second leg 2-0 and progressing to the Championship play-off final.
The first leg ended goalless, but Mohamed Beroumi finally broke the deadlock midway through the second half at The Den. Substitute Joe Gerhart then added another goal to lead the Tigers to Wembley, with the final on Saturday 23 May.
Hull City continued their impressive run, reaching the semi-finals as the sixth-placed team for the first time in seven years.
They only made it to the final day of last season and are currently under a transfer ban this season under manager Sergei Yakilovic.
They started the final day of the season outside of the play-offs and are just one game away from returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. Since then, they have had a poor season in League 1.
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Mohamed Bellomi’s classy strike finds the back of the net to give Hull City the lead against Millwall in the Championship semi-final!
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In the play-off semi-final, Joe Gerhart came off the bench to score immediately to give Hull City a 2-0 lead against Millwall.
It took until the 64th minute of the second leg before the deadlock was finally broken. Bellomi found Matt Crooks and cut into the box to score the first goal.
Then, 15 minutes later, they tied the score. This time it’s a clinical counter. Once again, Bellomi was at the center of the action, darting forward and letting Gerhard slide the ball across the box.
Although he had just been brought on as a sub, he showed incredible composure as he fired a low shot through the hands of Anthony Patterson and over the line.
The away end behind the goal got excited. Three home stands were destroyed. However, the balance of play, especially in the second leg, meant Hull deserved the win.
Jakilović: Probably the best thing that happened to me in football in my life.
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Hull City manager Sergei Yakilovic has reacted to his team reaching the Championship play-off final and what it means to get this team back where they belong.
Hull Director Sergei Yakilovich told Sky Sports:
“It feels great. We were great today. It was a very difficult, tough game.
“We knew they were going to get off to a good start, but we responded well and now we head to Wembley.
“So far I’ve had great success as a coach, winning championships and everything else, but this might be for the best because we’ve had so many problems throughout the season, including so many injuries and, like I said, suspensions.
“This is probably the best thing that’s happened to me in football in my life.”
Neil dismisses Hull opener’s substitution mistake
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Millwall manager Alex Neil was unimpressed with his side’s performance against Hull City, who are expected to remain in the Championship for another season.
Millwall manager Alex Neil dismissed the idea that the introduction of Alfie Doughty could cost them a draw.
The left-back was brought on for Zak Sturge midway through the second half and was immediately brought down by Beloumi to score the vital opening goal.
“What do you do without taking anyone in?” the Millwall manager told Sky Sports when asked if Doughty was able to cope with the speed of the game when he was introduced.
“You know what I mean? Your job as a player is to do your job properly and at the speed of the game.
“You wouldn’t do the opposite, right? If they came in and scored right away, you wouldn’t say, ‘Oh, he couldn’t have gotten up to speed.’
“That doesn’t enter my mind. The players on the field and the players who start the game should be healthy, ready and ready to play.”
‘Magnificent’ Hull deserves a day at Wembley
Hull win at The Den and are one game away from the Premier League.
Sky Sports’ Andy Hinchcliffe at The Den:
“Many observers would have thought that Millwall were home and it was obvious they would win and go to Wembley.
“But the way Hull plays, it’s not about dominating the ball, it’s about individuals who can change the course of the game.
“They’ve worked hard all season. That’s why they got into the playoffs, that’s why they got through this second leg. They were great tonight.
“They were a bit sticky in the first half, but I thought they controlled the midfield and when the subs came on they were devastating and fully deserved their day at Wembley.
“Southampton and Middlesbrough will do their homework on Hull, but we have to be very wary of them. They’ve shown all season. If you underestimate them or don’t plan how they’re going to play, you’re going to get stuck.”
“This has been our most open year and I don’t think people will take Millwall for granted next season.”
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Curtis Davies and Gary Rowett discuss what Millwall need to do next season to ensure they compete for a play-off spot again.
Curtis Davis talks about Sky Sports Football:
“It’s Millwall and they’re always going to be realistic. If Femi Azeez is offered £15m to £20m he’ll go. In my opinion you have to accept it.”
“If you want to build a team with that money, that’s fine, but unfortunately we’re talking about teams that are already falling out of the Premier League. Wolves and Burnley are falling and it could be Spurs or West Ham, but they’ve got a big budget and we don’t know where it’s going to go. Can Millwall compete with them? No.
“This has been the best year for everyone. This has been the most open year. Sheffield United will never be as bad as they are this year. Norwich will be better next year. All these teams will improve.”
“They could be back so it’s not a missed opportunity, but next season people will be looking at Millwall so they’ll have to build on their quality and they won’t take Millwall for granted.”
