When Matt Crooks tucked away the opening goal at the 18‑minute mark, the atmosphere at Fratton Park shifted from nervous to electric, but neither side could afford to look back. The 1‑1 draw on 3 May 2025 kept Hull City AFC in the Championship survival zone and condemned their rivals to League One.
Background to the relegation battle
Hull entered the final round perched in 22nd place with 45 points, just one away from safety. A win would seal their stay, but a draw was enough if either Luton Town or Preston North End slipped up. The Tigers had been in a free‑fall since December 2024, when new boss Ruben Selles was handed the reins with the club languishing at the bottom.
Last season they’d flirted with the playoffs, only to miss out by three points under then‑manager Liam Rosenior. The fallout was swift – Rosenior was sacked and Selles arrived with a promise: “We’ll stay up, no matter what.”
Owner Acun Ilicali backed the mission, chartering 17 coaches to ferry 2,100 travelling fans from Hull to Portsmouth. The scene at Fratton Park resembled a mini‑festival, with chants echoing long after the final whistle.
Match details and key moments
The opening half‑hour was a chess match. Colombian midfielder Gustavo Puerta whipped in a wicked corner that Portuguese striker João Pedro flicked on. Crooks met the ball with a low drive that left Portsmouth’s keeper Ben Killip scrambling.
Portsmouth equalised later – the exact minute slipped the reports, but the goal came from a quick break that saw midfielder Freddie Potts slip a pass to forward John Bostock, who fired level.
Defensive highlights included a fingertip save from Killip that denied captain Lewie Coyle, and a tame header collected by Ivor Pandur in the 23rd minute.
Statistically, Hull outshot Portsmouth 14‑9, held 56% possession and completed 483 passes against 421 – numbers that usually point to a win, but the final whistle sealed a draw.
Ruben Selles and the turnaround
Post‑match, Selles praised his side: “The boys showed character today. We knew a point would be enough, but we went for the win. That’s the attitude we want.”
His tactical shift in December – switching to a 4‑2‑3‑1 and emphasizing quick transitions – paid dividends. The Tigers went from conceding 70 goals in 2023‑24 to limiting opponents to 48 this season, a marked improvement.
Fans echoed the sentiment. Hull supporter Mark Whittaker, who travelled on one of the owner‑sponsored coaches, said, “We felt the pressure, but Ruben kept us calm. The players gave us the night we needed.”
Acun Ilicali’s fan mobilisation
Beyond the tactical board, Ilicali’s logistical masterstroke cannot be ignored. He personally oversaw the charter operation, ensuring that the 2,100 travelling supporters arrived with banners, scarves and a palpable sense of purpose.
“These fans are the heart of the club,” Ilicali told reporters before kickoff. “If we’re going to survive, we need to feel it in the stands.”
The effect was evident – Fratton Park’s usual 20,000‑plus capacity swelled to a sea of black and amber, and the roar after Crooks’ strike was deafening.
What the draw means for Hull City
By holding Portsmouth, Hull finished the campaign in 21st place, two points ahead of the drop zone. They’ll earn at least £5 million in parachute‑free Championship revenue for 2025‑26, plus the broadcasting bonus tied to staying up.
Contract extensions are already on the table. The club’s technical director hinted that Crooks, who logged 28 appearances this season, will be offered a new three‑year deal. Selles, meanwhile, is expected to remain at the helm, with the board praising his “steady hand under fire.”
Meanwhile, the relegated trio – Sheffield United, Reading FC and Derby County – will regroup in League One, while Luton and Preston both clinched vital wins, cementing Hull’s safety.
Looking ahead to the next season
Hull’s fixture list already shows a return clash with Portsmouth on 8 November 2025 at The MKM Stadium. Injuries loom large: Algerian midfielder Mohamed Belloumi is sidelined until September, French youngster Eliot Matazo won’t be fit until December, and Turkish midfielder Enis Destan may miss the early months.
Analysts expect Hull to aim for a mid‑table finish, relying on the attacking spark from Crooks and the stability Selles has instilled. If the club can keep its core intact and add a creative midfielder in the summer, the Tigers could even flirt with the playoff spots they missed last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hull City's survival affect their financial outlook?
Staying in the Championship guarantees Hull at least £5 million in TV revenue for 2025‑26, plus a performance‑related bonus that could push the total to around £7 million. That cash will fund summer signings and help cover the £2.1 million travel cost Ilicali absorbed for the fans.
What role did Ruben Selles play in avoiding relegation?
Selles switched to a more compact 4‑2‑3‑1 in December, tightened the defence, and encouraged quick counter‑attacks. His man‑management also restored confidence after a poor run, culminating in the decisive point at Fratton Park.
Why was Acun Ilicali’s fan travel plan significant?
By organising 17 coaches for 2,100 supporters, Ilicali turned a potential away‑day into a home‑field advantage. The vocal support lifted the players and likely contributed to the morale needed to grind out the draw.
Which Hull players are doubtful for the November rematch?
Midfielders Mohamed Belloumi (knee injury), Eliot Matazo (cruciate ligament) and Enis Destan (ligament) are all listed as season‑long absentees. Forward Liam Millar also carries a knee problem, though his return date is still under review.
What does the result mean for Portsmouth’s final standing?
Portsmouth finished the season with 57 points, solidly mid‑table. The draw kept them clear of the relegation fight and gave them a boost of confidence heading into the 2025‑26 campaign.