Millwall continued their strong form in the Championship as Macaulay Langstaff came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner, giving the Lions a 2-1 victory over Bristol City at The Den. This marks the second time in just a month that Millwall have beaten the Robins, completing a rare double over the visitors this century.

Camiel Neghli put the home side ahead early on, but Adam Randell leveled for Bristol City shortly after the break with his first goal for the club. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Gerhard Struber’s side were undone by Millwall’s clinical finishing, with both of the Lions’ shots on target finding the net.

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Early Advantage for Millwall

Millwall started the game strongly, and it didn’t take long for Neghli to make an impact. His clever finish, aided by a deflection, nestled in the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. While the Robins controlled the ball for much of the match, their early dominance didn’t translate into goals, leaving Millwall in command despite limited opportunities.

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Adam Randell Equalizes

Bristol City came out after the interval with renewed energy. Just minutes into the second half, Randell struck to score his first goal since joining from Plymouth Argyle in the summer, leveling the score at 1-1. The Robins looked capable of turning the game in their favour, with Sinclair Armstrong narrowly missing a chance and Max Vyner heading over from a promising position.

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Substitutions Swing Game in Millwall’s Favour

Millwall manager Alex Neil once again demonstrated his tactical acumen by using all five substitutes to influence the match. Ryan Leonard, Macaulay Langstaff, Danny McNamara, Joe Bryan, and Thierno Ballo all entered the fray, with Ballo and Ivanovic making key contributions in the build-up to the winner.

The decisive goal came in the 81st minute, as Neghli played a clever through ball to Mihailo Ivanovic, who then set up Ballo. Ballo’s effort found McNamara, whose deflected cross fell to Langstaff, and the former Notts County striker finished clinically past Max O’Leary to secure the three points.

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Langstaff’s Impact

Langstaff, who has struggled for goals since joining Millwall 18 months ago, scored his third goal of the season. The 27-year-old striker has often come off the bench to deliver crucial moments, echoing his impact in the season opener against Norwich. His late winner against Bristol City reinforces his reputation as a decisive substitute in the Championship 2025-26 campaign.

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Manager Reactions

Alex Neil, Millwall boss, praised his players’ determination:

“The game shifted in our favour when we brought on Ballo and Langstaff. Macca getting the winner was fantastic. The players never give up and kept fighting until the last minute, which gave us the chance to secure victory.”

Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber expressed frustration at his side’s defensive lapses:

“We have to be critical of ourselves for how we defended the two Millwall goals. We controlled the game for long periods but made mistakes at key moments that Millwall capitalized on.”

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Historical Context and Standings

This win means Millwall sit fifth in the Championship table at the end of 2025, while Bristol City remain eighth. The victory also marks just the second time in the 21st century that Millwall have completed a league double over the Robins.

The reverse fixture earlier in December at Ashton Gate had ended 1-0 to Millwall but was overshadowed by post-match altercations, resulting in FA charges for both clubs. This time, tensions were much calmer, with Millwall taking the spoils in a tense encounter.

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Player of the Match

• Macaulay Langstaff (Millwall) – 7.82 – Player of the Match
• Max Crocombe (Millwall) – 7.29
• Camiel Neghli (Millwall) – 7.21
• Chris Taylor (Millwall) – 7.09
• Danny McNamara (Millwall) – 7.08
• Thierno Ballo (Millwall) – 6.91

Other standout performances came from Ryan Leonard, Joe Bryan, and Mihailo Ivanovic, who all contributed to the Lions’ tactical flexibility and late resurgence.

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Key Takeaways

• Millwall beat Bristol City 2-1 to complete a rare league double over the Robins.
• Macaulay Langstaff scores late winner after coming off the bench.
• Camiel Neghli opens scoring for Millwall; Adam Randell equalizes for Bristol City.
• Millwall rise to fifth in the Championship table, Bristol City remain eighth.
• Alex Neil’s tactical substitutions and flexible formation prove decisive.