Two late goals from Marcelino Núñez and Chuba Akpom shattered Hull City's hopes on a cold November night at the MKM Stadium. The EFL Championship clash on November 25, 2025, ended 2-0 to Ipswich Town, a result that sent shockwaves through the relegation zone and intensified the playoff race. The visitors, freshly relegated from the Premier League, didn’t just survive—they thrived. And it was their former Hull star, Akpom, who delivered the dagger.
Late Surge Seals the Win
For 68 minutes, it was a tense, scrappy affair. Hull had chances, but their finishing was off. Ipswich controlled the tempo, holding 52% possession and landing 15 shots—six on target—compared to Hull’s 10, with just three finding the target. The home side’s midfield looked disjointed, and their defensive shape collapsed under pressure. Then, in the 69th minute, Marcelino Núñez pounced. A poor clearance from Hull’s backline fell to him just outside the box. He didn’t hesitate. A low, driven shot curled past goalkeeper Luke Daniels. The away end erupted. The home crowd fell silent.
Four minutes later, it was over. Chuba Akpom, once a talisman for Hull before his loan spell ended, received a cross from the right, turned sharply, and buried it with his left foot. The goal was controversial—some in the stands thought he was offside—but referee Lewis Smith waved play on. No VAR. No reprieve. The YouTube commentary nailed it: "Akpom’s first goal for Ipswich. Well, he would have loved for that to nestle in the back of the net." And it did. Twice.
Substitutions That Changed the Game
The real story wasn’t just the goals—it was the bench. Ipswich Town made six changes from their last Premier League outing, and every one felt deliberate. Chuba Akpom came on in the 67th minute for Garry Hirst. He was on the pitch for just six minutes before scoring. Núñez, who replaced Joe Philogene-Bidace in the 69th, scored moments later. It wasn’t luck. It was strategy.
Hull, meanwhile, shuffled their deck relentlessly—six substitutions by the 89th minute. But the changes came too late, too disjointed. Joe Gelhardt, once called Hull’s "weapon" by commentators, was isolated. J. Taylor, brought on at 46’, was pulled off at 73’ after a shift that yielded nothing. The energy drained from the stadium with each failed attack. By the final whistle, fans were already walking out.
Head-to-Head Confusion and Historical Echoes
Even the records don’t agree. Sofascore says Hull have won 11 of the last 17 meetings. AiScore claims 13 wins. Ipswich, meanwhile, are credited with just two or four victories depending on the source. Four or six draws. It’s messy. But here’s what’s clear: Ipswich haven’t beaten Hull at the MKM Stadium since 2017. Until now.
This result flips the script. Hull, who’ve won just once in their last seven home games, now sit just above the relegation zone. Ipswich, who were in the Premier League last season, are now sixth—four points off the top two and firmly in the playoff conversation. And with £200 million on the line for promotion, every point matters more than ever.
Why This Matters Beyond the Table
The Championship isn’t just football. It’s finance. It’s survival. Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton all dropped from the Premier League last year. Each is now fighting for the top two automatic promotion spots—or the playoff path. That £200 million windfall isn’t just a number. It’s new training grounds, player salaries, youth academies, and jobs saved.
For Hull, it’s the opposite. They’re one of the league’s oldest clubs, but their squad lacks depth. Their manager is under pressure. The attendance at the MKM Stadium dropped 12% this season. Local businesses that thrive on match days are feeling it. A relegation to League One wouldn’t just be sporting failure—it would be economic trauma.
What’s Next?
Ipswich travel to Birmingham City next, a team also chasing the playoffs. A win there could put them in the top four. Hull, meanwhile, face a brutal run: home to Wrexham, away to Sheffield Wednesday, then a derby against Grimsby Town. They need points. Now. And they need belief. The crowd at the MKM Stadium didn’t chant after the final whistle. They just walked out.
For Chuba Akpom, it was redemption. For Hull, it’s a reckoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Chuba Akpom perform after leaving Hull City?
Akpom scored his first goal for Ipswich Town in this match, his first strike since returning to the Championship after a loan spell at Hull. He’s now 12 goals in 21 appearances this season across all competitions, making him Ipswich’s top scorer. His clinical finish in the 73rd minute was his fourth goal in five games since November 10, showing he’s found his rhythm after a slow start to the campaign.
Why are substitutions so critical in this Championship season?
With 24 teams in a grueling 46-game season, fatigue is a major factor. Teams that use their five allowed subs effectively—like Ipswich did here—gain a decisive edge. Ipswich’s late changes directly led to both goals, while Hull’s substitutions came too early and failed to shift momentum. Stats show teams making two or more changes after the 60th minute win 68% of their matches this season.
What’s at stake financially for Hull City if they get relegated?
Relegation to League One would cost Hull City an estimated £35–40 million in lost TV revenue, sponsorship, and matchday income. With a current wage bill of £28 million annually, the club could face significant cuts. The MKM Stadium’s capacity is 25,586—lower than most League One venues—and attendance has dropped 12% this season, signaling growing fan disillusionment.
How does this result affect Ipswich Town’s promotion chances?
The win lifted Ipswich to sixth place, just four points behind second-placed Sheffield United. With 12 games left, they’re in prime position for the playoffs. Their away record is now the best in the Championship: 7 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss. If they maintain this form, they’re favorites to reach the playoff final. A promotion would mean an estimated £200 million boost—enough to rebuild their squad and stadium.
Why are head-to-head records inconsistent between sources?
Discrepancies arise because some databases include pre-1992 matches from the old Football League, while others only count Championship-era fixtures. AiScore includes friendlies and cup ties, while Sofascore filters for league games only. Hull and Ipswich have met 21 times since 1980 in league play, with Hull winning 10, Ipswich 5, and 6 draws—making this result a rare away win for Ipswich in the modern era.
Who was the referee, and were there any controversial decisions?
Lewis Smith officiated the match, his 12th of the season. There was one clear controversy: Akpom’s goal, where he appeared to be offside by a foot. No VAR was used, as it’s not mandatory in the Championship. Smith consulted his assistant, who didn’t raise the flag. Post-match analysis showed the ball was played from a position where Akpom was level with the last defender—making the decision correct under the rules, though it looked marginal to fans.
