London, England — Millwall pushed their Championship play-off hopes forward with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Portsmouth at The Den on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The match saw Mihailo Ivanovic score twice, helping the Lions secure crucial points in their chase for a playoff spot.
The game started with a lively pace, yet the first half ended without any goals, despite both teams’ attempts. Millwall’s George Saville had a close chance, but his volley went wide. Portsmouth’s Colby Bishop also tried to break the deadlock but his volley was saved by goalkeeper Lukas Jensen.
Ivanovic finally opened the scoring just before the hour mark, converting a header from a George Honeyman corner, pushing Millwall into the lead. Alex Neil, Millwall’s manager, emphasized the importance of capitalizing on setpieces, stating, “We were dominant in the first half. It’s all about final third decision making for us, and we made that count today.”
Portsmouth reacted swiftly, making three substitutions that initially paid off. Andre Dozzell struck an equalizer in the 80th minute, firing through a crowded defense after a well-crafted build-up involving sub Harvey Blair and Christian Saydee. Manager John Mousinho expressed frustration, saying, “We started poorly and switched on too late, especially after conceding.”
However, Ivanovic was not finished. Just three minutes before the end of regulation, he found himself in the right spot to head home another cross from Caper De Norre, securing the win for the Lions. With this goal, Ivanovic solidified his place as a key player for Millwall, boasting eight Championship goals.
This result sees Millwall sitting ninth in the league, inching closer to the playoff zone, just six points shy of sixth-placed Bristol City. With only six games remaining, their playoff ambition remains alive. Millwall’s next match is against automatic-promotion contenders Sheffield United on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s form continues to falter, with this loss marking their tenth in eleven away games. They now face a crucial match against Coventry City, aiming to improve their position above the relegation zone.
As the season progresses, both teams must seize every opportunity to secure points in this competitive league. Millwall’s win not only boosts their title chase but brings excitement to their fans as they continue to strive for a playoff place.
