When Femi Azeez rose above the defense in the 71st minute, heading home the only goal of the game, it wasn’t just a goal—it was a lifeline. The strike sent Millwall soaring into the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship, while Sheffield Wednesday sank deeper into relegation despair. The match, played on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, before 13,958 fans at The Den in New Cross, London, ended 1-0 and delivered a stark contrast in fortunes between two clubs with shared histories but diverging destinies.
A moment of magic from the bench
Azeez hadn’t started a match since October. A hamstring injury had sidelined him for five weeks, and his return as a 61st-minute substitute felt like a gamble. But within ten minutes, he turned that gamble into gold. A precise cross from Jed Wallace floated into the box, and Azeez, despite being marked tightly by Liam Palmer, outjumped him with a textbook header that curled just inside the far post. "He’s got that instinct," said Millwall manager Gary Rowett afterward. "Not many strikers can do that on half a leg. He’s got the nose for it." The goal wasn’t just about technique—it was about timing. Sheffield Wednesday had weathered the storm for 70 minutes. They’d blocked 18 shots, cleared 12 crosses, and kept Millwall’s attack at bay. But the Lions, hungry after three winless games, finally broke through. ESPN’s match timeline noted that Azeez’s goal came just 32 seconds after he entered the pitch. It was a moment of pure instinct, the kind that changes seasons.Two clubs, two stories
Millwall’s victory lifted them to fourth in the Championship table with 28 points from 17 games—eight wins, four draws, five losses. They’re now just two points behind third-placed Burnley and one point ahead of fifth-placed Nottingham Forest. The top six are now a tight cluster, with automatic promotion within reach. For a club that narrowly avoided relegation last season, this is a dramatic turnaround. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday remain rooted to the bottom. Their 1-5-11 record leaves them with just eight points and a -4 goal difference. They’ve gone 11 matches without a win. Their last victory? A 2-1 home win against Luton Town back in September. Since then, it’s been a blur of missed chances, defensive errors, and mounting pressure. "We’re not bad players," said Wednesday captain Liam Palmer post-match. "But we’re not winning. And that’s what matters." The Owls’ struggles are compounded by the fact that they’re now 14 points adrift of safety. With only 21 games left, survival looks increasingly improbable. Their home form is especially alarming: just one win in 10 at Hillsborough. And the financial strain? It’s starting to show. Ticket sales have dropped 18% since October. The club’s owner, Dejphon Chansiri, hasn’t commented publicly—but insiders say he’s weighing options.Behind the scenes: The Den’s pulse
The atmosphere at The Den was electric—not loud, but intense. Fans had waited weeks for a win. The last time Millwall won at home? October 12. Since then, draws against Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers had left supporters anxious. But when Azeez scored, the stadium didn’t roar—it held its breath for a second, then exploded. A 13-year-old fan in the East Stand told me: "I’ve never seen Dad cry after a goal. Not even when we beat Leeds in 2019." The team’s structure reflects their ambition. Goalkeeper Jordan Crocombe, 23, made three crucial saves, including a fingertip stop from a late Brendan Galloway free-kick. Midfielders Ryan Tunnicliffe and Josh Onomah controlled the tempo with 87% pass accuracy. And up front, Matt Smith, though quiet, held up play brilliantly—creating space for Azeez’s run.What’s next? The road ahead
Millwall’s next fixture? A trip to Wigan Athletic on December 1. Wigan, sitting just above the relegation zone, will be desperate for points. If Millwall win, they’ll move into the top three. If they draw? The pressure stays. "We’re not thinking promotion yet," said Rowett. "We’re thinking about Wigan. One game at a time." For Sheffield Wednesday, the schedule doesn’t get easier. They host Barnsley on December 4, then travel to Cardiff City—a team that’s won four of their last five. Their next home win? That might be the hardest goal of the season.Why this matters beyond the table
This result isn’t just about points. It’s about identity. Millwall, a club built on grit and community, are showing signs of returning to their roots. Their academy has produced four first-team regulars this season. Their wage bill is among the lowest in the top half. They’re doing it with heart, not cash. Sheffield Wednesday, by contrast, are a club in crisis. Once a powerhouse—FA Cup winners in 1935, European Cup semi-finalists in 1966—they now struggle to attract decent crowds. Their last top-flight season? 2000. Their last playoff appearance? 2018. And now? They’re staring at a third consecutive season in the Championship’s basement.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Femi Azeez’s injury impact Millwall’s attack before this match?
Azeez’s absence left Millwall without their most clinical finisher. In the five games he missed, they scored just three goals total—two of them from set pieces. His return brought back aerial threat and movement in the box, which had been missing. His 12 goals last season made him the club’s top scorer, and his presence lifted the entire forward line’s confidence.
Why is Sheffield Wednesday struggling so badly this season?
Sheffield Wednesday’s issues are multifaceted: poor recruitment, a lack of defensive cohesion, and managerial instability. Manager Darren Moore has used 32 different starting XI combinations this season—more than any other Championship side. They’ve conceded 29 goals in 17 games, the worst defensive record in the league. Key players like Joe Worrall and Kieran Lee have been sidelined by injuries, and the squad lacks depth.
What’s the significance of Millwall reaching fourth place?
Fourth place puts Millwall in the automatic promotion zone—meaning they avoid the playoffs entirely. Only the top two teams get automatic promotion, but the third and fourth spots are the safest routes to the Premier League. With 28 points, they’re now in the mix with established clubs like Burnley and Forest. A top-six finish would also bring an estimated £15 million in broadcast revenue.
How does this result affect the playoff race?
Millwall’s win has tightened the playoff race dramatically. With six teams now separated by just five points between fourth and ninth, every match matters. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are lurking just behind. Sheffield Wednesday’s loss, meanwhile, makes it harder for teams like Hull City and Rotherham United to catch them, keeping the relegation battle even more volatile.
What’s the historical context between Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday?
The two clubs have met 89 times since 1920, with Millwall holding a slight edge: 34 wins to Wednesday’s 27, with 28 draws. Their most famous clash was the 1993 FA Cup semi-final, which Millwall won 2-1 after extra time. Wednesday fans still remember the 2006-07 season, when both clubs were in the Championship and fought for promotion—Wednesday finished 4th, Millwall 10th. This result flips that script.
What’s the financial impact of this result on both clubs?
For Millwall, a top-six finish could mean £10–15 million in additional broadcast and commercial revenue. For Sheffield Wednesday, another season in the bottom half could cost them over £5 million in lost TV money and sponsorship. With gate receipts down 22% since last season, their financial situation is becoming unsustainable. The club’s debt remains at £24 million, and creditors are growing impatient.
Sports
Sanket Sonar
November 30, 2025 AT 04:51Femi Azeez just turned a hamstring into a highlight reel. That header? Pure predator instinct. No fancy footwork, no drama-just elevation and timing. Millwall’s whole season pivoted on 32 seconds of chaos.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s defense looked like a spreadsheet with missing columns.