{"id":1448645,"date":"2026-05-12T23:33:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T22:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&p=1448645"},"modified":"2026-05-13T10:41:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T09:41:14","slug":"post-match-analysis-southampton-vs-middlesbrough-12-05-26","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-southampton-vs-middlesbrough-12-05-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Southampton vs Middlesbrough analysis: Tonda Eckert’s main weapon pushes Saints past Boro"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Southampton came from behind to beat Middlesbrough and reach the Championship play-off final.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boro started off surprisingly well. Many thought they wasted their opportunity by not converting their chances at the Riverside because they wouldn’t get the chance to dominate like that at St Mary’s. But they did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Hellberg’s men didn’t generate the same quality of shots from the first leg, but had the hosts holding on for dear life early on. Riley McGree only scored in the fifth minute, but before that they were pressing high, recovering possession quickly and surrounding the box. There was even what looked like a clear penalty from Kuryu Matsuki on David Strelec when it was still 0-0.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n

BOYLE Sports offer: Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a340 in free bets<\/h2>\r\n

Not signed up to BOYLE Sports<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Sign up to BOYLE Sports using this link<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  2. Deposit a minimum of \u00a310 (Excluding Skrill\/Moneybookers, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe or prepaid cards).<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  3. Place a minimum bet of \u00a310 or more at odds of EVS (2.0) or greater.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  4. Receive your \u00a340 in free bets<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

    <\/p>\r\n

    18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit \u00a310. Min stake \u00a310. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out\/Free Bets won\u2019t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&Cs Apply<\/em><\/p>\r\n

    \n\n\n\n

    It was ultimate ‘Hellball’ in display. Two blocks of players in close proximity out wide with another one inside the box. It started on the left but as Tommy Conway switched play, they used the same strategy on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While three players crashed the box looking to get behind the centre-backs, Riley McGree dropped deep and received a conscious pass from Callum Brittain to slot it home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hellberg then adjusted after going 1-0 up. They saw less of the ball, but maintained the aggression out of possession. Middlesbrough attempted 11 shots from the start of the game until half-time of extra-time and eight of them came within the first 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After that, however, Southampton settled in and took control. They turned struggle into dominance and forced Boro back into their own third. The visitors looked phisically overmatch towards the end of the second half and ended the game with three midfielders leading the line due to a lack of forwards available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But it took the Saints a not-so-secret weapon to advance to the Championship play-off final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Southampton used their specialty to beat Middlesbrough<\/h2>