Femi Azeez scored a brilliant volley and set up two more goals as Millwall defeated 10-man Birmingham City to move up to third in the Championship.
The victory ended Birmingham City’s eight-game unbeaten run, and things got worse for manager Chris Davies when midfielder Jhon Solis was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Azeez scored the first goal with a superb volley. His powerful 30-yard free kick later hit the post, allowing Tristan Crama to score the second before half-time. Another Azeez free kick led to Jake Cooper adding a third goal as Millwall bounced back from their recent home loss to Portsmouth.
Birmingham City arrived at The Den in good form after winning their last three away Championship matches, but Millwall put them under pressure from the start.
Although Birmingham had a few chances, including a shot from Jay Stansfield that forced a save from Anthony Patterson, Millwall were clearly the stronger side.
Azeez was at the heart of everything. He controlled the ball well before firing in his volley for the opener. His long-range free kick then struck the post, and Crama reacted quickly to score.
Early in the second half, another Azeez free kick caused problems in the box, and Jake Cooper finished from close range to make it three. Soon after, Jhon Solis was sent off for a late tackle on Casper De Norre, leaving Birmingham City with 10 men.
Millwall continued to threaten, nearly scoring more through Camiel Neghli and Macaulay Langstaff, sealing an impressive Championship win.
