Camiel Neghli's Free‑Kick Powers Millwall to 1‑0 Victory Over Watford

Match Overview

In a low‑scoring affair at The Den, Millwall secured a narrow 1‑0 win over Watford thanks to a brilliantly struck free‑kick from Camiel Neghli in the first half. The goal arrived midway through the 30th minute, when Neghli curled the ball over a wall of defenders and into the top corner, leaving the Watford goalkeeper with no chance. The rest of the match saw both teams create half‑chance opportunities, but neither could add to the tally.

Context and Implications

Going into the game, Millwall sat mid‑table with three wins and two draws from their last five fixtures, while Watford had endured a dip, losing two of their previous three matches. Neghli’s goal not only broke a three‑match winless streak for Watford but also pushed Millwall three points clear of the playoff race, sitting just four points behind the fourth‑place spot.

Neghli, a 24‑year‑old midfielder known for his set‑piece prowess, has now scored three goals this season, all from dead‑ball situations. His precision in this match earned him the Man of the Match award and sparked talk of a potential call‑up to the national side.

Watford’s manager, eager to bounce back, highlighted defensive lapses during the post‑match interview. He emphasized the need to tighten the back line and improve conversion rates from set pieces, areas that proved costly against Millwall.

Looking ahead, Millwall will travel to face Leeds United next weekend, a match that could further solidify their playoff ambitions if they maintain defensive solidity. Watford, meanwhile, face a crucial home fixture against Bristol City, where they must regroup quickly to avoid slipping deeper into the relegation zone.

The match also generated a noticeable buzz among fans on social media, with many praising Neghli’s technique and calling the strike one of the season’s best free‑kick goals. Ticket sales for the next Millwall home game have already surged, reflecting the growing optimism among supporters.