Millwall 2-1 Bristol City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Millwall beat Bristol City 2-1 in a hard-fought Championship clash. The hosts took an early lead when Camiel Neghli scored in the 16th minute, putting Millwall ahead after a solid start that built on their recent home draw against Ipswich Town. Bristol City, coming off back-to-back wins against West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, struggled to convert their possession into chances before the break, with Millwall picking up three yellow cards in the first half for Alfie Doughty, Zak Sturge and Tristan Crama.

The second half saw Bristol City equalise through Adam Randell in the 49th minute, shifting momentum as they looked to build on their strong recent form. Millwall made key substitutions, including Ryan Leonard for Billy Mitchell at half-time and later Macaulay Langstaff for Ra’ees Bangura-Williams, which helped them regain control. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Macaulay Langstaff netted the winner, securing three points for Millwall despite their earlier losses to Blackburn Rovers and Hull City, while Bristol City couldn’t capitalise on their dominance.

Bristol City controlled the ball with 58% possession compared to Millwall’s 42%, allowing them to rack up eight corners against just one for the hosts, which points to sustained pressure but a lack of clinical finishing. Their 46 successful dribbles dwarfed Millwall’s zero, showing how they broke lines effectively, though Millwall’s four yellow cards versus Bristol City’s one suggest a more physical approach from the home side that disrupted the flow without any reds. With one assist recorded for Bristol City and none for Millwall, the visitors created more structured chances, but Millwall’s five substitutions – including double changes at 73 minutes when Thierno Ballo replaced Alfie Doughty and Joe Bryan came on for Zak Sturge – helped them adapt and snatch the late win, while Bristol City used three, such as Neto Borges for Rob Atkinson at 66 minutes.

Millwall opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Camiel Neghli, setting a competitive tone early on. Bristol City fought back after the break, with Adam Randell finding the net in the 49th minute from a Ross McCrorie assist to level things up. The game’s turning point arrived in the 81st minute when substitute Macaulay Langstaff, who had replaced Ra’ees Bangura-Williams earlier, scored the winner for Millwall.

Disciplinary issues marked the first half for Millwall, with yellow cards shown to Alfie Doughty at 23 minutes, Zak Sturge at 38 minutes and Tristan Crama at 41 minutes, while Thierno Ballo picked up a booking at 83 minutes after coming on. Bristol City’s Neto Borges was cautioned at 87 minutes shortly after his substitution for Rob Atkinson, and their late change of Yu Hirakawa for Scott Twine at 88 minutes couldn’t turn the tide.

Millwall lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Camiel Neghli providing an attacking threat that led to his early goal, while Macaulay Langstaff made a key impact after replacing Ra’ees Bangura-Williams. Partnerships in midfield saw Billy Mitchell start before making way for Ryan Leonard at half-time, and defensive adjustments included Danny McNamara coming on for Aidomo Emakhu. Thierno Ballo and Joe Bryan added fresh legs in the 73rd minute, replacing Alfie Doughty and Zak Sturge respectively, to help shore up the backline.

Bristol City set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, relying on Adam Randell’s midfield presence to score their equaliser, assisted by Ross McCrorie. Scott Twine featured before being replaced by Yu Hirakawa late on, while upfront Sinclair Armstrong started until Emil Riis took his place at 66 minutes. Defensive changes saw Neto Borges come on for Rob Atkinson in the same minute, aiming to maintain their possession dominance.

Adam Randell earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, scoring Bristol City’s only goal and delivering two key passes without creating big chances or assists beyond that effort. His contribution kept the visitors in the game, showing composure in midfield despite the defeat.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Bristol City (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Ipswich Town (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Hull City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Derby County (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Millwall (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Coventry City (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Leicester City (H)

Millwall have just secured a 2-1 win over Bristol City, moving them to fifth place on 39 points as they chase a playoff spot after a mixed run including a draw with Ipswich Town and losses to Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. Their next fixture is against Southampton on 1 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opponents sitting 13th on 32 points, offering Millwall a chance to build momentum and pull further away from mid-table.

Bristol City have just suffered a 2-1 defeat to Millwall, leaving them eighth on 36 points following a form patch that included wins over West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough but also a loss to Coventry City. They face Portsmouth next on 1 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opposition in 21st on 25 points, giving Bristol City an opportunity to bounce back and strengthen their push for the top six.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.