Norwich City fought back to defeat Millwall 2-1 at The Den, a result that damaged the hosts’ automatic promotion hopes and moved Norwich up to ninth in the Championship table, with Middlesbrough now just one point behind Millwall.

Millwall’s position grew more fragile because this latest defeat came at home and after scoring first. Norwich, who had trailed to Mihailo Ivanovic’s opener, showed greater composure in both penalty areas and made better use of key attacking moments.

Norwich began on the front foot, setting the tempo in the early exchanges. Mathias Kvistgaarden forced a simple save from Anthony Patterson, while Jack Stacey then flashed a low drive across goal, as Millwall struggled to gain control before half-time.

Millwall responded after the interval and adjusted with a change. Half-time substitute Mihailo Ivanovic met Casper De Norre’s accurate cross and headed in from close range, punishing Norwich’s missed first-half chances and briefly lifting the mood among the home supporters.

The lead did not last long. Six minutes later, Mohamed Toure picked out Pelle Mattsson in space and Mattsson hammered a rising strike into the roof of the net. Norwich continued to press, sensing Millwall’s unease in defensive areas.

The decisive moment arrived on 76 minutes, after Norwich broke forward at speed. Toure exchanged passes with Oscar Schwartau before slipping the ball back. Schwartau stayed calm and curled a low shot beyond Patterson, completing the turnaround for the visitors.

Norwich’s improved attacking efficiency showed in the numbers, as they created clearer chances than Millwall despite fewer spells of pressure. The shot and expected goals data underlined how David Wagner’s side made their openings count more effectively.

{TABLE_1}

Millwall’s defeat also continued a worrying pattern at The Den. They have now lost two straight home league games, both after scoring first. It was the first time since August that Millwall suffered back-to-back home losses in the Championship.

This result also ended a long unbeaten Easter Monday run. Millwall had not lost on that day since a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in April 1990, going W6 D6 in the 12 Easter Monday fixtures between that match and the Norwich contest.

The official Norwich account captured the mood among travelling supporters after the comeback victory.

The post reflected a crucial win for Norwich and a damaging setback for Millwall’s promotion push.

Elsewhere in the Championship relegation fight, Portsmouth finished with 10 players yet still drew 2-2 with Oxford United. Andre Dozzell struck in the 87th minute, earning Portsmouth a valuable point against a direct rival near the bottom of the table.

The round of matches left Millwall’s promotion target under real pressure, with form at The Den becoming a clear concern, while Norwich gained momentum in the race for higher positions and Portsmouth and Oxford United collected a point each in their survival battle.