Hull City and Millwall left their Championship play-off semi-final finely balanced after a goalless first leg at MKM Stadium. Both clubs struck the woodwork, while Ryan Leonard had a late finish disallowed, leaving everything resting on the return match at The Den on 11 May 2026.

Millwall created more openings and attempted 15 shots, yet the expected goals for both teams were level at 0.56. Hull City struggled to build pressure for long spells, and neither attack found enough composure in key moments during a tight contest between two Premier League hopefuls.

The visitors believed they had secured a narrow advantage five minutes from time. Leonard volleyed in from close range after a set-piece situation, but referee Gavin Ward ruled the goal out. Tristan Crama was penalised for an infringement on Charlie Hughes inside the penalty area, frustrating Millwall’s travelling support.

Hull City almost struck very early in the evening. Within two minutes, Mohamed Belloumi collected possession on the left and drove infield. Belloumi beat Leonard and Tristan Crama with sharp footwork, but the final effort thudded against the frame of the goal, denying an ideal start for the hosts.

Millwall also went close through quick counters, especially after the interval. The best of those chances fell to Camiel Neghli in the 69th minute. Neghli advanced to the edge of the box and fired low, but the shot clipped the outside of the right post with the keeper beaten.

Earlier, both sides had half-chances without testing the net. Thierno Ballo and Femi Azeez each shot wide for Millwall in the first period. Belloumi then forced a save from Anthony Patterson, yet clear sights of goal were scarce, with defences largely on top and blocks limiting dangerous moments.

Hull entered this tie with a strong history in play-off semi-finals. The club had previously won the first leg in all three earlier Football League play-off semi-final appearances. That sequence ended here, as Millwall’s organised defending and compact shape stopped Hull City from building sustained momentum on home turf.

Millwall extended a long-standing record in this competition. The London side have now avoided defeat in the first leg of each of their last seven play-off semi-final ties, with two wins and five draws. The previous first-leg loss came against Derby County, a 2-0 defeat in the 1993-94 campaign.

Despite the stalemate, Millwall may feel a goal was there for the taking. The team produced more shots than Hull City, but decision-making in the final third was inconsistent. Several promising attacks ended with rushed attempts from distance, which helped keep the overall expected goals numbers evenly matched.

Key match numbers from the Hull City vs Millwall play-off semi-final first leg are shown below.

{TABLE_1}

Sergej Jakirovic tried to change the rhythm during the second half. The Hull City head coach introduced Kyle Joseph and Yu Hirakawa from the bench. Hirakawa almost made an immediate impact, as a cross delivered just 49 seconds after coming on was headed narrowly wide by Oliver McBurnie.

The tie now moves to The Den with nothing separating Hull City and Millwall. Hull will look for more creativity in attack, while Millwall aim to convert pressure into goals. With both defences disciplined in the first leg, small details and set plays may decide who reaches the Premier League.