Middlesbrough's promotion hopes took a hit as they drew 1-1 with Bristol City, squandering a chance to extend their lead at the top. The Teessiders managed just one goal from 53 shots across two home games, with Adam Randell's late equalizer cancelling out Leo Castledine's strike. Manager Kim Hellberg defended his team's performance but acknowledged the need for results at this crucial stage.

Ipswich Town capitalized on Middlesbrough's slip-ups, beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 to move within two points of the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Millwall suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn, echoing their heartbreaking collapse from 2023 that cost them a play-off place. The Lions' promotion push took a familiar blow, though they remain in contention with 11 points separating them from seventh.

Elsewhere, Southampton continued their surge with a 2-1 win at Coventry, ending the Sky Blues' six-game winning streak. Wrexham bounced back from their midweek loss to Hull with a 2-0 victory over Swansea, keeping their automatic promotion hopes alive. Leicester City's relegation fears deepened after a 3-1 home defeat to QPR, while Stoke City returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Watford.