Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough -EFL Championship Playoff Semi-Final Match Report & Player Ratings
Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough Match Report & Player Ratings
Southampton Head To Wembley after Extra Time Winner
Southampton's incredible unbeaten run in the Championship continued as they came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in the EFL Championship playoff semi-final second leg.
Going into the game, Southampton had not lost at their home ground since a 1-2 defeat to Hull City on 17th January. With that defeat being their last in the league, with the only other one since being to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the FA Cup Semi-Final.
However, that record was threatened early on, as a first time strike from Australian Riley McGree found the bottom corner in the opening five minutes to stun St Mary's.
Middlesbrough STUN the Saints on the South Coast! 🫨
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 12, 2026
Riley McGree breaks the deadlock at the start of the semi-final second leg! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uWQ3ncLeKQ
Southampton striker Ross Stewart missed a big chance to equalise soon after, before the big centre forward got it right at the second time of asking right on the edge of half-time, turning home at the front post after an initial effort deflected off the crossbar from the free-kick.
That goal came at the perfect time for Tonda Eckert's side, who found momentum in the second period, having eight shots to Middlesbrough's three and having 62% of the ball.
Despite that, no winner was found, Saints striker Cyle Larin came closest to finding the net, but his effort was well saved by Boro goalkeeper Solomon Brynn.
Extra time was forced, as Middlesbrough still looked for a first shot on target since the first half, however the first half of extra-time saw Southampton continue to dominate, but failed to find the net.
And just as it looked like it was going to go the distance to a penalty shootout, in the 116th minute, the home side's moment came.
Shea Charles, who scored the winner in Southampton's FA Cup Quarter Final vs Arsenal, came up with an even bigger goal as he picked up the ball on the flank, put the ball into the box, and incredibly it found the back of the net.
SOUTHAMPTON TAKE THE LEAD DEEP INTO EXTRA-TIME!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 12, 2026
Shea Charles' cross evades everybody and the Saints have one foot in the play-off final! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/H9w1DXeSjG
Did he mean it? Unlikely. But he, and anyone connected with Southampton won't care one bit as St Mary's went wild as the Middlesbrough player collapsed to the ground, knowing their season and promotion dream may had just slipped away. And minutes later, the Saints got the win the state of play perhaps deserved for their performance.
Wembley and Hull City awaits not for Southampton, who look for an immediate return to the top flight.
Player Ratings
Southampton Ratings
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Peretz: 7
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Bree: 6
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Harwood-Bellis: 7
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Wood: 7
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Manning: 7
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Jander: 8
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Charles: 7
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Scienza: 6
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Azaz: 7
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Matsuki: 6
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Stewart: 7
Middlesbrough Ratings
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Brynn: 7
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Malanda: 7
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Fry: 5
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Ayling: 5
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Targett: 7
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McGree: 7
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Morris: 7
-Brittain: 7
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Conway: 6
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Strelec: 5
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Whittaker: 5
Player Of The Match: Caspar Jander
23 year-old German midfielder Caspar Jander was the beating heart of this Southampton performance. Playing 119 of the 120 minutes, completing 72 of 79 passes, had 15 defensive contributions and created two chances.
He may not have scored or assisted, but Jander was the key behind Southampton's way to Wembley as he controlled the midfeld for his side on the St Mary's pitch.
Bad Day At The Office: David Strelec
Perhaps harsh, given Middlesbrough's struggles behind their striker may have been the reason behind his struggles, but David Strelec just wasn't in the game for his side.
Leading the line in the game in which the entire season had build up to, the striker played 83 minutes, but only had 19 touches, nine passes, won just three of his thirteen duels and accumulated just 0.01 xG.
When Middlesbrough needed theri striker to step up, he was no where to be seen at St Mary's.
Harry Pascoe 
Jake Brown 
