Sergej Jakirović guided Hull City into the Championship play-off final after a superb 2–0 away victory over Millwall, sealing progression with a 2–0 aggregate win and moving one step away from promotion to the Premier League. The achievement marks one of the biggest stories of the English season. When Jakirović arrived at Hull City, the club was under transfer restrictions and unable to sign new players, with many predicting the Tigers would spend the campaign battling relegation in the Championship. Instead, the Croatian manager transformed the team into genuine promotion contenders and has now taken them to Wembley for the richest match in football. Mohamed Belloumi of Hull City caught the eye with a 8.7 rating, making him the best player on the pitch. Hull started brightly at The Den and controlled the opening stages, putting early pressure on the Millwall defence. However, the home side gradually settled into the game and created several dangerous chances of their own, only to be repeatedly denied by outstanding goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. The Croatian shot-stopper produced a series of crucial saves and confident interventions outside his area to keep Hull level during difficult moments. The visitors also threatened from crosses and set-pieces before suffering a major setback shortly before halftime when Kyle Joseph was forced off with a serious ankle injury following a heavy challenge. Jakirović’s tactical changes proved decisive after the break. Substitute Mohamed Belloumi, who replaced the injured Joseph late in the first half, broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a sensational strike. Cutting inside from the right wing onto his stronger left foot, Belloumi unleashed a powerful effort off the post and into the far corner to silence the home crowd. Hull City then delivered the decisive blow in the 79th minute through another substitute. Belloumi led a rapid counterattack down the right before squaring the ball for Joe Gelhardt, who had only just entered the pitch moments earlier. Gelhardt’s shot slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and into the net to send the travelling supporters into celebration. Despite Millwall dominating possession with 66% of the ball, Hull City looked far more dangerous throughout the contest and finished with more shots and greater attacking intent. Hull will now face either Middlesbrough or Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 23 — a match often described as “the richest game in football” due to the enormous financial rewards that come with promotion to the Premier League. For Jakirović, who previously managed Dinamo Zagreb, HNK Rijeka and HNK Gorica, the remarkable run with Hull City continues to exceed every expectation.