South Coast | The Saints go marching to Wembley

Southampton 2 - 1 Middlesbrough (Southampton won 3-2 on aggregate)

Southampton beat Middlesbrough after extra time at to secure their place in the Championship play-off final against Hull City

Author | Ryan Dixon

Stadium | St Mary's Stadium

A dramatic semi-final, overshadowed in the build-up by allegations of spying, was settled in the 116th minute of the second leg when Shea Charles' cross from the right drifted all the way in at the far post.

Following a goalless first leg, Riley McGree gave Middlesbrough an early advantage, striking first time from a central position in the area into the bottom corner.

Ross Stewart levelled for Saints shortly before half-time, climbing highest inside the six-yard box to head home from close range.

Southampton will now meet Hull City at Wembley for the chance to join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season.

Back at Wembley after promotion, relegation and an FA Cup semi-final

There was an amazing atmosphere pre match.

Southampton will now return to Wembley for the Championship play-off final, two years after securing promotion to the Premier League through the same route.

During the 2023-24 campaign under Russell Martin, Saints overcame West Bromwich Albion across two legs in the semi-finals before defeating Leeds United in the final.

The allegations of spying added further tension to the meetings with Middlesbrough, while uncertainty remains over any possible sanction Southampton could face should they be found guilty by an independent disciplinary commission.

Beyond that backdrop, Saints have finished the season as one of the Championship’s in-form sides. 

They also had a memorable run to the semi-final of the FA Cup where they beat two Premier League sides in Fulham and Arsenal before a narrow defeat to Manchester City.