📺 FROM THE DESK
Live commentary on Southampton v Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg. Kick-off 20:00 BST at St Mary’s. Aggregate level 0-0 after Saturday’s Riverside 0-0 in which Boro produced 1.82 xG to Saints’ 0.53 and couldn’t break through. Tonight settles it — if level after 90, extra time follows, then penalties if needed.
Two tracks running tonight. The football: Saints clear favourites at 49.0% per the model (Boro at 29.0%, draw 22.0%); conditional-modal scoreline 1-0 Saints. Hayden Hackney has been ruled out for Boro by Hellberg — nine games missed and counting, calf injury in March, may be back for the final if Boro get there. The off-pitch: the EFL’s disciplinary hearing into Saints’ alleged training-ground spying at Rockliffe Hall is being fast-tracked. Charged, not proven. The football decides progression; the hearing decides everything else.
Winner faces Hull City at Wembley on 23 May.
Pre-match read on both tracks ↓
The Hearing Is Fast-Tracked. The Tie Is Settled Tonight. — full preview
ARCHIVE Match commentary archive · 118 updates
SCORE2·1AET'
AETscore2-1
AETcommentIn the end, Southampton had that little bit more fire power, with Shea Charles scoring the crucial winner from a cross that maybe should have been dealt with. He won't care, the players won't care, the fans won't care, Southampton could be off to Wembley
AETcommentWell that absolute marathon of a game is over, Southampton as it stands will be going to Wembley on May 23rd to face Hull City for a place in the Premier League. However, who knows what will happen with Spygate, as Southampton could yet still be kicked out of the playoffs
AETcommentUp to Hull city to serve justice on the 23rd !! Good Night
AETcommentBe good if this lot got disqualified tbh the've been a disgrace .
AETcommentCheats prosper ........ For now
120+7'fulltimeFull-time, Southampton are in the playoff FINAL at Wembley, 2-1 FT
120+6'cardFree kick — Middlesbrough, card for Cyle Larin, final chance.
120+4'commentCorner — Middlesbrough, Southampton blocks all over the place
120+3'card🟨 Daniel Peretz for time wasting
120+2'commentShot — Middlesbrough, Callum Brittain going for something spectacular, miles out
120+1'commentFree kick — Middlesbrough, far right, chance to whip it in
120'comment5 minutes for Boro to save themselves
120'sub🔄 Sontje Hansen on for Luke Ayling
120'sub🔄 Welington and Cameron Bragg on for Samuel Edozie and Caspar Jander
119'commentPathetic from Boro out on their feet and let a cross in .
117'goalSums up this extra time period, Shea Charles just crosses the ball in and it finds its way into the bottom corner
117'goal⚽ 2-1, SHEA CHARLES WITH THE POTENTIAL GAME WINNER
114'commentShot — Southampton, Finn Azaz drives into the box, can't generate enough power on the shot to trouble Solomon Brynn
112'commentFree kick — Middlesbrough, far left
111'commentBoro on the ropes here
110'commentCorner — Southampton, cheaply given away by Luke Ayling
ET HTkickoffKick-off, second period ET
ET HTsub🔄 Jeremy Sarmiento on for goalscorer and booked Riley McGree
ET HTcommentBoro look tired, not a lot of quality off the bench either, hard to see Middlesbrough winning this in this extra time period
105+1'halftimeHalf-time Extra time, 1-1
101'commentShot — Southampton, Samuel Edozie picks up the second phase and shoots, deflected and is a great save by Solomon Brynn and Taylor Harwood-Bellis can't adjust his feet right in front of goal, big chance with the wrong man on the end of it
100'commentCorner — Southampton again
99'commentCorner — Southampton, won by Cyle Larin who has been good since he has come on
92'card🟨 Yellow for Callum Brittain for a foul on Samuel Edozie
FTcommentBallboy not doing Saint's any favours what an absolute plonker
FTkickoffKick-off in extra time
90+8'fulltimeFull-time, 1-1, end of normal time
90+3'commentSorry it was Caspar Jander who laid off Cyle Larin who shot on goal in 90+2'
90+2'commentShot — Southampton, Luke Ayling gets robbed in midfield and Cyle Larin laid it off to Finn Azaz who fired at goal and Solomon Brynn makes a big save
90+1'comment5 minutes added on
86'commentCorner — Southampton
86'commentLooks like extra time here unless something big happens.
86'commentFree kick — Southampton in a position of promise
85'sub🔄 Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart make way for Samuel Edozie and Cyle Larin
83'sub🔄 David Strelec to be replaced by Leo Castledine
79'card🟨 For Adilson Malanda, foul on Finn Azaz
76'commentCorner — Southampton, won by Leo Scienza
73'sub🔄 Tommy Conway has given everything and has to come off, replaced by Alan Browne
71'commentSouthampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made 4 saves in the first leg, in the regular season only Carl Rushworth (7.72) and Radek Vitek (7.15) prevented more goals based on xG
68'commentCorner — Middlesbrough, Riley McGree sends it long to Morgan Whittaker on the right who drives forward cuts inside and his shot is deflected behind for a corner
66'sub🔄 Kuryu Matsuki comes off for Flynn Downes
65'commentCorner — Middlesbrough, after Dael Fry has 2 shots blocked by Kuryu Matsuki
65'commentThought that might have been a penalty but referee says n..n ..n no
64'commentFree kick — Middlesbrough, good position
64'commentRoss Stewart robs Dael Fry and plays Leo Scienza, goes down in the box and referee does not give a penalty
60'commentAnother Corner — Southampton
59'commentShot — Southampton, Ryan Manning shot from the edge of the box, deflects off Luke Ayling could've gone anywhere but goes out for a corner
58'commentCorner — Southampton, conceded by Dael Fry after a sliding challenge
56'card🟨 For Finn Azaz, nasty and intense challenge on Matt Targett
54'commentHurry words alert to Ayling, wonder what was said?
54'commentCorner — Southampton, won by Ryan Manning
49'commentFree kick — Middlesbrough to be whipped in
HTkickoffKick-off for the second half on the south coast
HTcommentOn the incident earlier, Luke Ayling reported discriminatory language by Taylor Harwood-Bellis
HTcommentLively opening 45 minutes here at St Mary's with both sides having 3 shots on target with Middlesbrough having the most shots with 8 shots to Southampton's 5. Southampton's goal was bound to come from a set piece scenario with multiple chances being created from them before Southampton's equaliser and in the first leg. Middlesbrough were rewarded for a brilliant start with a goal, a clinical finish by Riley McGree from a pinpoint pass by a2. However Southampton grew into the game when Ryan Manning fed Ross Stewart who really should have scored from close range. There have been flashpoints too, most notably coming when Luke Ayling gave away a free kick and got himself a booking for dissent. He then proceeded to exchange words with multiple Southampton players including Taylor Harwood-Bellis. There was also an exchange between both managers on the sideline when the referee went over to explain something to both of them. All of this comes after the 'Spygate' incident before the 1st leg, read more on that on posts below.
45+6'halftimeHalf-time, 1-1
45+5'commentCorner — Southampton
45+1'goalIt's James Bree who takes the free kick to Ryan Manning on the back post who volleys it from point blank range, great save by Solomon Brynn and it is brilliantly headed in on the rebound by Ross Stewart. Game on
45+1'score1-1
45+1'goal⚽ 1-1, Ross Stewart equalises
45'comment6 minutes added
45'commentFree kick — Southampton, right on the left on the touchline practically, interesting position for Ryan Manning to test the Boro defence again
41'commentShot — Southampton, by Finn Azaz through a lot of bodies, Solomon Brynn does really well to watch it through and keep hold of it
41'commentCorner — Southampton, brilliant delivery by Ryan Manning again, Luke Ayling deals with it really well
39'commentGetting heated on the touchline between both managers here, no idea what was said or what happened, just seemed like a foul by Luke Ayling then all hell broke lose
39'commentNot sure what's going on right now handbags between managers . Ayling crying as usual , get on with the game.
38'card🟨 For Luke Ayling for dissent, he needs to be careful here
37'commentFree kick — Southampton, decent position, especially for Ryan Manning
36'card🟨 For Nathan Wood for dissent
34'commentSaints have managed one goal in 270 minutes against Boro this season
32'commentGreat play by Finn Azaz who threads it for James Bree who tries to get it across goal but no one is there
32'commentI think Hull should prefer Soton to Boro in the final , much better record there .
30'commentCorner — Middlesbrough, won by Matt Targett after a good break by Middlesbrough
27'commentFree kick — Southampton on the left of the box, Luke Ayling with a clumsy challenge on Leo Scienza who stays down
26'commentShot — Middlesbrough, Callum Brittain with the shot from distance, no trouble for Daniel Peretz
25'commentShot — Middlesbrough, Tommy Conway's shot is blocked by Nathan Wood after patient build up play, leads to a corner
23'commentJust checking the odds Southampton 7/2 despite being a goal down , you could get bigger odds on Hull before kick off last night . Crazy
22'commentRyan Manning with another ball in to Kuryu Matsuki but his first touch gets away from him and goes to ground looking for a penalty that was never going to be given
19'commentMatt Targett created more chances than anyone else across both first-leg ties in these 25/26 Championship playoff ties (4), all of which came from open play. In all the championship season, the only defender to create more chances from open play than Targett (44) was Jay Dasilva (46)
17'commentRare mistake by Aidan Morris however got away with it as Caspar Jander's pass is cut out by Matt Targett
12'card🟨 For the goalscorer Riley McGree for a very late challenge on Shea Charles
12'commentShot — Southampton, Huge chance, has to score there. Brilliant by Ryan Manning down the left who whips a brilliant ball in and Ross Stewart can't convert from close range on the stretch
10'commentShot — Middlesbrough, Positive play by Morgan Whittaker who takes on Ryan Manning and finds space to aim at the near bottom corner but can only find the side netting
7'commentRiley McGree with his 6th goal of the season
5'goalCallum Brittain with miles of space on the right plays it in the box on the floor to Riley McGree who side foots it coolly in the bottom left, 0-1 to the away side
5'score0-1
4'commentRiley McGree
4'goal⚽ 1-0 Boro, It's McGree, What a start!
3'commentFree kick — Middlesbrough right hand side, good start for Boro
20:02commentBoro is the only play off team to have HAVE NEVER WON AT WEMBLEY!
1'score0-0
20:00kickoffKick-off
19:57commentLive commentary now of this crucial game .
19:56commentMiddlesbrough are looking to reach the playoff final for the first time since losing the 2015 final to Norwich 2-0; they've been eliminated in both playoff semi final appearances in 2018 and 2023 and drew their away legs 0-0 on both those occasions
19:55commentSouthampton are aiming to reach the Championship playoff final for the second time, the last time being in 2024 with a 1-0 win against Leeds when they also finished 4th
19:55commentFor only the third time in second tier playoff history, both first leg semi finals ended 0-0, however Middlesbrough's xG in the first leg (1.83) was more than the other 3 sides combined (1.630
19:54commentBoro were top two for 35 of first 39 matchweeks before a 7-game winless run cost them auto-promotion
19:54commentMiddlesbrough are unbeaten in their last 6 away games in all comps, all coming in the Championship (W2, D4), drawing each of their last 4 away games, with the last 3 ending 2-2
19:53commentCan they do it tonight?
19:52commentSaints haven't beaten Boro in the Championship since the 2017/18 era.
19:51commentEvening all should be a great match
19:50commentIn all competitions under Tonda Eckert, Southampton have lost just once at home - a 1-2 loss to Hull back in January - winning 13 of the other 18 home matched. Their last 2 home matches have been 2-2 draws against Bristol City and Ipswich.
19:48commentSouthampton are winless in each of their last five matches in all competitions against Middlesbrough (D3 L2) since doing the league double over them in the Premier League in 2016-17
19:47commentThere has been drama off the pitch aswell. 48 hours before the first leg, the Southampton performance analyst allegedly spied on Middlesbrough's training ground on a small hill. CCTV captured him running away when spotted and Middlesbrough allegedly matched his face to one on the Southampton website. They have been charged with breaking rule 127 and rule 3.4 in the EFL rulebook. Southampton claim the club is fully co-operating with the EFL Disciplinary Commission and they are undertaking an 'internal review' to ensure all facts and context are understood. Just today, it has came out that Southampton could face sanctions such as being kicked out of the playoffs and a potential points deduction at the start of next season.
19:39commentMiddlesbrough finished 5th on 80 points in the regular season, separated from Southampton on Goals Scored. They have the best defensive record of the playoff teams (47 GA). Their manager Kim Hellberg took over after Rob Edwards left for Wolves in November 2025. Boro were in the top 2 for 35 of the first 39 matchweeks before a 7 game winless run cost them automatic promotion. They have spent 9 years out of the top flight.
19:34commentSouthampton finished 4th in the regular season being the best attacking team in this years playoffs scoring 82 goals. They are on a 19 match league unbeaten run going into tonight and since November 5th, Southampton have won more points (68) and have scored more goals (69) than any other Championship side. Tonda Eckert has won 3 manager of the month awards. they are aiming for a PL return on the first time of asking after relegation in 24/25.
19:30commentSetting the scene. Tonight is a game where winner takes all after a stalemate at the Riverside. Middlesbrough were dominant first half however it became more of an even game second half, eventually fizzling out into a 0-0 draw. Tonight's winner will meet Hull City, who beat Millwall 2-0 last night at the Den, at Wembley on May 23rd
19:27commentMIDDLESBROUGH LINEUP - No changes from the first leg, Alfie Jones, Hayden Hackney and Darragh Lenihan remain out injured
19:26commentMiddlesbrough Starting Lineup - Bench: Alexander Gilbert, Finley Munroe, Alan Browne, Samuel Silvera, Leo Castledine. George Edmundson, Sontje Hansen, Joe Wildsmith, Jeremy Sarmiento
19:18commentSOUTHAMPTON LINEUP - 3 changes from first leg, Shea Charles, Kuryu Matsuki and Ross Stewart all in for Flynn Downes, Tom Fellows and Cyle Larin who all drop to the bench. Mads Roerslev still out with a knee injury.
19:16commentSouthampton Starting Lineup - Bench: Flynn Downes, Jack Stephens, Cyle Larin, Tom Fellows, Cameron Archer, Samuel Edozie, George Long, Welington, Cameron Bragg
19:06score0-0
AFTER THE MATCH
📊 Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough AET — Saints to Wembley after Shea Charles’ 117th-minute winner. Read the match report.
Match commentary timeline
Auto-generated from live commentary. 112 entries between kickoff and full-time.
score 0-0
3′ comment Free kick — Middlesbrough right hand side, good start for Boro
4′ goal ⚽ 1-0 Boro, It’s McGree, What a start!
4′ comment Riley McGree
5′ score 0-1
5′ goal Callum Brittain with miles of space on the right plays it in the box on the floor to Riley McGree who side foots it coolly in the bottom left, 0-1 to the away side
7′ comment Riley McGree with his 6th goal of the season
10′ comment Shot — Middlesbrough, Positive play by Morgan Whittaker who takes on Ryan Manning and finds space to aim at the near bottom corner but can only find the side netting
12′ comment Shot — Southampton, Huge chance, has to score there. Brilliant by Ryan Manning down the left who whips a brilliant ball in and Ross Stewart can’t convert from close range on the stretch
12′ card 🟨 For the goalscorer Riley McGree for a very late challenge on Shea Charles
17′ comment Rare mistake by Aidan Morris however got away with it as Caspar Jander’s pass is cut out by Matt Targett
19′ comment Matt Targett created more chances than anyone else across both first-leg ties in these 25/26 Championship playoff ties (4), all of which came from open play. In all the championship season, the only defender to create more chances from open play than Targett (44) was Jay Dasilva (46)
22′ comment Ryan Manning with another ball in to Kuryu Matsuki but his first touch gets away from him and goes to ground looking for a penalty that was never going to be given
23′ comment Just checking the odds Southampton 7/2 despite being a goal down , you could get bigger odds on Hull before kick off last night . Crazy
25′ comment Shot — Middlesbrough, Tommy Conway’s shot is blocked by Nathan Wood after patient build up play, leads to a corner
26′ comment Shot — Middlesbrough, Callum Brittain with the shot from distance, no trouble for Daniel Peretz
27′ comment Free kick — Southampton on the left of the box, Luke Ayling with a clumsy challenge on Leo Scienza who stays down
30′ comment Corner — Middlesbrough, won by Matt Targett after a good break by Middlesbrough
32′ comment I think Hull should prefer Soton to Boro in the final , much better record there .
32′ comment Great play by Finn Azaz who threads it for James Bree who tries to get it across goal but no one is there
34′ comment Saints have managed one goal in 270 minutes against Boro this season
36′ card 🟨 For Nathan Wood for dissent
37′ comment Free kick — Southampton, decent position, especially for Ryan Manning
38′ card 🟨 For Luke Ayling for dissent, he needs to be careful here
39′ comment Not sure what’s going on right now handbags between managers . Ayling crying as usual , get on with the game.
39′ comment Getting heated on the touchline between both managers here, no idea what was said or what happened, just seemed like a foul by Luke Ayling then all hell broke lose
41′ comment Corner — Southampton, brilliant delivery by Ryan Manning again, Luke Ayling deals with it really well
41′ comment Shot — Southampton, by Finn Azaz through a lot of bodies, Solomon Brynn does really well to watch it through and keep hold of it
45′ comment Free kick — Southampton, right on the left on the touchline practically, interesting position for Ryan Manning to test the Boro defence again
45′ comment 6 minutes added
HT comment Lively opening 45 minutes here at St Mary’s with both sides having 3 shots on target with Middlesbrough having the most shots with 8 shots to Southampton’s 5. Southampton’s goal was bound to come from a set piece scenario with multiple chances being created from them before Southampton’s equaliser and in the first leg. Middlesbrough were rewarded for a brilliant start with a goal, a clinical finish by Riley McGree from a pinpoint pass by a2. However Southampton grew into the game when Ryan Manning fed Ross Stewart who really should have scored from close range. There have been flashpoints too, most notably coming when Luke Ayling gave away a free kick and got himself a booking for dissent. He then proceeded to exchange words with multiple Southampton players including Taylor Harwood-Bellis. There was also an exchange between both managers on the sideline when the referee went over to explain something to both of them. All of this comes after the ‘Spygate’ incident before the 1st leg, read more on that on posts below.
HT comment On the incident earlier, Luke Ayling reported discriminatory language by Taylor Harwood-Bellis
HT kickoff Kick-off for the second half on the south coast
45+1′ goal ⚽ 1-1, Ross Stewart equalises
45+1′ score 1-1
45+1′ goal It’s James Bree who takes the free kick to Ryan Manning on the back post who volleys it from point blank range, great save by Solomon Brynn and it is brilliantly headed in on the rebound by Ross Stewart. Game on
45+5′ comment Corner — Southampton
45+6′ halftime Half-time, 1-1
49′ comment Free kick — Middlesbrough to be whipped in
54′ comment Corner — Southampton, won by Ryan Manning
54′ comment Hurry words alert to Ayling, wonder what was said?
56′ card 🟨 For Finn Azaz, nasty and intense challenge on Matt Targett
58′ comment Corner — Southampton, conceded by Dael Fry after a sliding challenge
59′ comment Shot — Southampton, Ryan Manning shot from the edge of the box, deflects off Luke Ayling could’ve gone anywhere but goes out for a corner
60′ comment Another Corner — Southampton
64′ comment Ross Stewart robs Dael Fry and plays Leo Scienza, goes down in the box and referee does not give a penalty
64′ comment Free kick — Middlesbrough, good position
65′ comment Thought that might have been a penalty but referee says n..n ..n no
65′ comment Corner — Middlesbrough, after Dael Fry has 2 shots blocked by Kuryu Matsuki
66′ sub 🔄 Kuryu Matsuki comes off for Flynn Downes
68′ comment Corner — Middlesbrough, Riley McGree sends it long to Morgan Whittaker on the right who drives forward cuts inside and his shot is deflected behind for a corner
71′ comment Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made 4 saves in the first leg, in the regular season only Carl Rushworth (7.72) and Radek Vitek (7.15) prevented more goals based on xG
73′ sub 🔄 Tommy Conway has given everything and has to come off, replaced by Alan Browne
76′ comment Corner — Southampton, won by Leo Scienza
79′ card 🟨 For Adilson Malanda, foul on Finn Azaz
83′ sub 🔄 David Strelec to be replaced by Leo Castledine
85′ sub 🔄 Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart make way for Samuel Edozie and Cyle Larin
86′ comment Free kick — Southampton in a position of promise
86′ comment Looks like extra time here unless something big happens.
86′ comment Corner — Southampton
FT kickoff Kick-off in extra time
FT comment Ballboy not doing Saint’s any favours what an absolute plonker
90+1′ comment 5 minutes added on
90+2′ comment Shot — Southampton, Luke Ayling gets robbed in midfield and Cyle Larin laid it off to Finn Azaz who fired at goal and Solomon Brynn makes a big save
90+3′ comment Sorry it was Caspar Jander who laid off Cyle Larin who shot on goal in 90+2′
90+8′ fulltime Full-time, 1-1, end of normal time
92′ card 🟨 Yellow for Callum Brittain for a foul on Samuel Edozie
99′ comment Corner — Southampton, won by Cyle Larin who has been good since he has come on
100′ comment Corner — Southampton again
101′ comment Shot — Southampton, Samuel Edozie picks up the second phase and shoots, deflected and is a great save by Solomon Brynn and Taylor Harwood-Bellis can’t adjust his feet right in front of goal, big chance with the wrong man on the end of it
ET HT comment Boro look tired, not a lot of quality off the bench either, hard to see Middlesbrough winning this in this extra time period
ET HT sub 🔄 Jeremy Sarmiento on for goalscorer and booked Riley McGree
ET HT kickoff Kick-off, second period ET
105+1′ halftime Half-time Extra time, 1-1
110′ comment Corner — Southampton, cheaply given away by Luke Ayling
111′ comment Boro on the ropes here
112′ comment Free kick — Middlesbrough, far left
114′ comment Shot — Southampton, Finn Azaz drives into the box, can’t generate enough power on the shot to trouble Solomon Brynn
117′ goal ⚽ 2-1, SHEA CHARLES WITH THE POTENTIAL GAME WINNER
117′ goal Sums up this extra time period, Shea Charles just crosses the ball in and it finds its way into the bottom corner
119′ comment Pathetic from Boro out on their feet and let a cross in .
120′ sub 🔄 Welington and Cameron Bragg on for Samuel Edozie and Caspar Jander
120′ sub 🔄 Sontje Hansen on for Luke Ayling
120′ comment 5 minutes for Boro to save themselves
120+1′ comment Free kick — Middlesbrough, far right, chance to whip it in
120+2′ comment Shot — Middlesbrough, Callum Brittain going for something spectacular, miles out
120+3′ card 🟨 Daniel Peretz for time wasting
120+4′ comment Corner — Middlesbrough, Southampton blocks all over the place
120+6′ card Free kick — Middlesbrough, card for Cyle Larin, final chance.
120+7′ fulltime Full-time, Southampton are in the playoff FINAL at Wembley, 2-1 FT
score 0-0
comment Southampton Starting Lineup – Bench: Flynn Downes, Jack Stephens, Cyle Larin, Tom Fellows, Cameron Archer, Samuel Edozie, George Long, Welington, Cameron Bragg
comment SOUTHAMPTON LINEUP – 3 changes from first leg, Shea Charles, Kuryu Matsuki and Ross Stewart all in for Flynn Downes, Tom Fellows and Cyle Larin who all drop to the bench. Mads Roerslev still out with a knee injury.
comment Middlesbrough Starting Lineup – Bench: Alexander Gilbert, Finley Munroe, Alan Browne, Samuel Silvera, Leo Castledine. George Edmundson, Sontje Hansen, Joe Wildsmith, Jeremy Sarmiento
comment MIDDLESBROUGH LINEUP – No changes from the first leg, Alfie Jones, Hayden Hackney and Darragh Lenihan remain out injured
comment Setting the scene. Tonight is a game where winner takes all after a stalemate at the Riverside. Middlesbrough were dominant first half however it became more of an even game second half, eventually fizzling out into a 0-0 draw. Tonight’s winner will meet Hull City, who beat Millwall 2-0 last night at the Den, at Wembley on May 23rd
comment Southampton finished 4th in the regular season being the best attacking team in this years playoffs scoring 82 goals. They are on a 19 match league unbeaten run going into tonight and since November 5th, Southampton have won more points (68) and have scored more goals (69) than any other Championship side. Tonda Eckert has won 3 manager of the month awards. they are aiming for a PL return on the first time of asking after relegation in 24/25.
comment Middlesbrough finished 5th on 80 points in the regular season, separated from Southampton on Goals Scored. They have the best defensive record of the playoff teams (47 GA). Their manager Kim Hellberg took over after Rob Edwards left for Wolves in November 2025. Boro were in the top 2 for 35 of the first 39 matchweeks before a 7 game winless run cost them automatic promotion. They have spent 9 years out of the top flight.
comment There has been drama off the pitch aswell. 48 hours before the first leg, the Southampton performance analyst allegedly spied on Middlesbrough’s training ground on a small hill. CCTV captured him running away when spotted and Middlesbrough allegedly matched his face to one on the Southampton website. They have been charged with breaking rule 127 and rule 3.4 in the EFL rulebook. Southampton claim the club is fully co-operating with the EFL Disciplinary Commission and they are undertaking an ‘internal review’ to ensure all facts and context are understood. Just today, it has came out that Southampton could face sanctions such as being kicked out of the playoffs and a potential points deduction at the start of next season.
comment Southampton are winless in each of their last five matches in all competitions against Middlesbrough (D3 L2) since doing the league double over them in the Premier League in 2016-17
comment In all competitions under Tonda Eckert, Southampton have lost just once at home – a 1-2 loss to Hull back in January – winning 13 of the other 18 home matched. Their last 2 home matches have been 2-2 draws against Bristol City and Ipswich.
comment Evening all should be a great match
comment Saints haven’t beaten Boro in the Championship since the 2017/18 era.
comment Can they do it tonight?
comment Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their last 6 away games in all comps, all coming in the Championship (W2, D4), drawing each of their last 4 away games, with the last 3 ending 2-2
comment Boro were top two for 35 of first 39 matchweeks before a 7-game winless run cost them auto-promotion
comment For only the third time in second tier playoff history, both first leg semi finals ended 0-0, however Middlesbrough’s xG in the first leg (1.83) was more than the other 3 sides combined (1.630
comment Southampton are aiming to reach the Championship playoff final for the second time, the last time being in 2024 with a 1-0 win against Leeds when they also finished 4th
comment Middlesbrough are looking to reach the playoff final for the first time since losing the 2015 final to Norwich 2-0; they’ve been eliminated in both playoff semi final appearances in 2018 and 2023 and drew their away legs 0-0 on both those occasions
comment Live commentary now of this crucial game .
kickoff Kick-off
comment Boro is the only play off team to have HAVE NEVER WON AT WEMBLEY!
