Stoke City’s hopes of staying in the Championship took a hit last weekend after a heart-wrenching defeat to Millwall, where a last-minute penalty secured a 1-0 win for the Lions. The result kept Stoke sitting precariously in 20th place in the table, just a whisker above the relegation zone, amidst growing concerns as the season nears its end.
On March 15, 2025, Millwall triumphed dramatically at The Den, with Mihailo Ivanovic converting a controversial penalty in the 92nd minute after a foul by Stoke's Ben Wilmot on Josh Coburn. The match, lacking in quality, left both teams desperate for points, but it was Millwall who emerged victorious and climbed to 11th in the standings, now a mere six points away from the play-off places.
Stoke had seemed headed for a hard-fought draw that might have offered a glimpse of momentum following their recent triumph over Blackburn Rovers earlier in the week. However, the last-gasp penalty shifted the narrative, allowing Millwall to earn all three points while placing Stoke in an even tighter relegation battle. Statistically, Derby County’s recent win against Plymouth Argyle means that Stoke is now just a point clear of the relegation slots, intensifying the pressure as the season progresses.
Discussion surrounding Stoke's goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has heated up following his impressive performances throughout the season. Lee Hendrie, a former player and current pundit, has noted that Johansson could possibly be on the move to Bournemouth if Kepa Arrizabalaga returns to Chelsea this summer. Hendrie exclusively told Football League World, “Bournemouth, yes, been linked with Viktor Johansson, he’s been brilliant for Stoke this season.” He further emphasized the importance of Johansson to the team, highlighting that, “In fact, I think he’s been really key in keeping them just adrift... if it’s not Kepa that they sign on a permanent, I’m sure they’ll be looking elsewhere. And Viktor Johansson’s been outstanding.”
Johansson has kept 11 clean sheets in 38 league appearances as of March 18th, representing a vital player for Stoke amid their struggles this season. Despite facing relegation pressures—the club currently sits at 20th in the Championship table—all eyes are on what happens next for the 26-year-old Swede.
The outlook for Stoke remains grim but not hopeless. The Potters have eight matches left in the season, and their immediate challenge comes against QPR on March 29. Each of these upcoming fixtures will be critical. The stakes are illustrated by Opta's analysis, which forecasts that Stoke could finish the season with a narrow 48.27 points, edging out relegation if they can secure positive results.
Their form lately—including the loss to Millwall—raises questions regarding their ability to survive in the league. With only a handful of games remaining, including pivotal showdowns with teams like Cardiff and Derby, Stoke will need to find a way to string together points to ensure their Championship status for another season.
Meanwhile, Millwall's victory against Stoke, while uplifting, spotlighted their own challenges in terms of creativity. With only three goals scored from penalties and free kicks this entire season, there is a pressing need for their attack to find more consistent form heading into the final stretch. Coach Alex Neil recently brought in new signings to bolster the squad’s creative output—but with mixed results so far, the Lions may struggle to maintain their place in the mid-table if they don't find an attacking rhythm soon.
However, the dramatic nature of their victory on Saturday could serve as a catalyst for Millwall’s upcoming matches as they look to pile on the pressure in pursuit of a play-off spot. For Stoke, the critical situation is clear: they must rally and secure vital points or face the unthinkable—relegation back to League One.
As the season reaches its climax, the consequences of each match loom large. Stoke City finds themselves entangled in a fight for survival, making every upcoming game a battle for their second-tier future. Whether Johansson stays or goes next season could hinge on whether they manage to pull through or falter in these final matches.
