Mohamed Belloumi’s Heroics Propel Hull City to Championship Play-Off Final
In a high-stakes encounter at The Den, Mohamed Belloumi transformed a tense start into a triumphant night, leading Hull City to a 2-0 victory over Millwall. The winger’s clinical performance in the Championship semi-final second leg has secured the Tigers a spot in the play-off final, putting them one step away from a place in the Premier League.
A Dramatic Entrance and Immediate Impact
Belloumi’s involvement in the match began with a moment of friction. Introduced by manager Sergej Jakirovic just before half-time to replace the injured Kyle Joseph, the Algerian winger drew the ire of his manager and teammates after a delay in entering the pitch while he tied his boot laces. However, any frustration vanished as Belloumi took control of the game in the second half.
The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute. Following a setup by Matt Crooks, Belloumi fired a superb curling strike from the right side of the box into the left corner, giving Hull City a critical lead and shifting the momentum of the tie. His influence didn’t stop there; in the 79th minute, Belloumi drove forward from his own half to provide the assist for Joe Gelhardt, who slotted home the second goal to seal the win.
Statistically Dominant Despite Possession Gap
While Millwall controlled much of the ball—finishing the match with 66% possession—Hull City proved far more lethal in their execution. According to OneFootball, the Tigers registered 14 shots (seven on target) and an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.87, compared to Millwall’s 10 shots (five on target) and an xG of 1.04.
“Mo’s brilliant. He can be whatever he wants to be,” striker Oli McBurnie told Sky Sports, noting that while Belloumi may have been unlucky not to start, his impact off the bench was decisive.
Overcoming Adversity: The Road to Wembley
Belloumi’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience. After joining Hull City from the Portuguese club Farense in August 2024, his progress was halted by a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during a match against Oxford in November 2024, which ended his first season prematurely. As reported by BBC Sport, Belloumi has started only 10 league matches this season, making his match-winning performance in the semi-final a significant milestone in his recovery and integration into Sergej Jakirovic’s system.
Looking Ahead: The Final Push
Hull City now prepares for the play-off final on Saturday, May 23. They will face either Southampton or Middlesbrough for the ultimate prize: promotion to the Premier League. With Belloumi finding his form at the perfect moment, the Tigers head into the final with renewed confidence and a potent attacking threat.
Key Match Takeaways
- Final Score: Hull City 2-0 Millwall.
- Goal Scorers: Mohamed Belloumi (64′), Joe Gelhardt (79′).
- Key Assist: Mohamed Belloumi provided the assist for the second goal.
- Next Match: Play-off final on May 23 against Southampton or Middlesbrough.
- Player Milestone: Belloumi’s first major impact since returning from a career-threatening ACL injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals for Hull City against Millwall?
Mohamed Belloumi scored the opening goal in the 64th minute and Joe Gelhardt scored the second in the 79th minute.
When is the Championship play-off final?
The final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, where Hull City will compete for a spot in the Premier League.
Who is Hull City’s current manager?
The team is currently led by Sergej Jakirovic.