Millwall's playoff journey was a rollercoaster, with a thrilling three-minute party in the sun turning into a deflating reality check. The Lions, with their hearts set on promotion, found themselves in a peculiar situation as Ipswich's early goal against QPR dashed their hopes of an instant return to the Premier League.
The atmosphere at The Den was electric, with the ground buzzing before kick-off. The Millwall fans, ever the optimists, were ready to celebrate, but their joy was short-lived. As the sun shone brightly, the trains trundled past, and the big screen displayed Alex Neil's grimace, it became clear that the party would last only three minutes.
The Oxford fans in the away end, with their bright teal attire, seemed to know the score, and the Dockers stand echoed with chants of 'You're going down.' The game settled into a strange rhythm, with Millwall players, mostly EFL veterans, feeling the weight of the occasion. Neil's pre-match demeanor was agreeably dour, emphasizing the importance of results elsewhere.
However, the real test came when Femi Azeez, a man having fun in the sun, scored both goals in Millwall's 2-0 win. With 55 minutes gone, Azeez even attempted a blocked Rabona cross, eliciting laughter and approval from the crowd. The game, played in an empty stadium against demotivated opponents, showcased Millwall's resilience and determination.
The author reflects on the shift in perception surrounding Millwall's promotion chances. Initially, there was an assumption that broadcasters and administrators were against it, but now they seem to embrace it. The club is on TV every other week, and the content era demands noise and eyeballs. The author questions whether the Premier League would want to showcase Deadpool or Selhurst Timber and Building Merchants, highlighting the importance of Millwall's unique appeal.
Millwall's playoff journey continues, with a second-leg match against Hull at the Den. The author believes that Millwall will fancy their chances, drawing on the pride and sense of achievement from what has been the club's best season in three decades. The final day's pitch invasion by local 10-year-olds and the subsequent celebration with the away fans showcase the unique and passionate nature of Millwall's support.
