But for all Palace’s greater threat, the clearest chance of the half went Millwall’s way – and it was admittedly a glorious one, as Camiel Neghli, moments after blazing over from a promising position, was sent clean through by Thierno Ballo, only to slide his finish, one-on-one, wide of the far post in front of a relieved Holmesdale End.
Other than that, Benítez had little else to do – albeit he did catch well from Mihailo Ivanovic’s flicked header at the near post, as well as from Zak Sturge’s well-struck effort from a tight angle at the back stick.
The match needed a spark – and in another deadline day arrival, Christantus Uche, off the bench at half-time, it certainly received it.
The Nigerian came straight into the fray and immediately set about making himself a menace for the Millwall defenders, winning a succession of set-pieces with his strength and trickery, one of which saw Marc Guéhi glance over from Sosa’s delivery.
Uche himself threatened moments later with a miscued volley from Sosa’s cross, whilst Pino was also clever in his movement, heading over at the far post from a hanging delivery.
But for all of Palace’s renewed pressure, it was Millwall who ought to have taken the lead on 66 minutes. How they failed to was anybody’s guess, as Thierno Ballo – the Lions’ chief creator on the night – flashed a cross across the face of goal.
Josh Coburn, on for Millwall at half-time and unmarked in the six-yard box, stumbled in front of goal, and somehow conspired to volley the ball against his own arm and – with the goal gaping – wide of the mark.
