Millwall continued their rapid climb up the Championship table with a slick 2-0 victory over Stoke City at The Den, as early goals from Femi Azeez and Tristan Crama settled a meeting between two of the division's form sides. The result, Millwall's third straight league win, lifted Alex Neil's team above Stoke and into third place.
Stoke arrived in south London unbeaten in four and boasting the Championship's meanest defence, but they were torn open twice in the opening 21 minutes by a Millwall side fuelled by Thierno Ballo's wing play and relentless energy across the pitch. The Lions also extended their run to five consecutive home victories over the Potters, while a series of saves from visiting goalkeeper Viktor Johansson ensured the scoreline remained respectable.
Breakneck Opening Sets the Tone at The Den
The match began at a breathless pace, with both goalkeepers forced into action almost immediately. Johansson produced a superb double save, first beating away Casper De Norre's drive from the edge of the box and then reacting brilliantly to block Ballo's close-range follow-up as Millwall signalled their intent down the left flank.