Southampton will meet Hull City in order to reserve a place in the English Premier League, after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 over Middlesbrough after two extra halves in the second leg of the semi-final of the playoff leading to the difficult promotion today, Tuesday.
Shea Charles led the Southampton team, nicknamed “The Saints,” to Wembley with a curling shot from his left foot, which bounced off the post and into the net in the 116th minute, after regular time ended in a 1-1 draw.
Hull City beat Millwall 2-0 in the other play-off semi-final in London on Monday.
The final match, which is considered “the richest match in football” due to the huge financial returns for those returning to play in the top flight, will be held on May 23.
After a goalless draw in the first leg and a continued draw in the second leg, the two teams headed to two additional halves and everything was still possible, amid a tense atmosphere at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Riley McGree shocked the home fans when he gave Middlesbrough the lead after just five minutes, with a low shot.
Ross Stewart missed a good opportunity to equalize after seven minutes, but the Scot made up for it with a header shortly before the end of the first half, after goalkeeper Sol Bryan blocked an attempt from Ryan Manning.
Tension escalated on the sideline before that, which required the intervention of those present to separate Middlesbrough coach Kim Helberg and Southampton coach Tonda Eckert, while referee Andy Madley issued a warning to both parties.
Sky Sports reported that Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling had earlier informed referee Madeley that Southampton player Taylor Harwood-Pliss had used “discriminatory language.”
Emotions were already running high after Middlesbrough accused Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2025, of spying on their training ahead of the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
Southampton, who finished the season fourth in the standings while Middlesbrough finished fifth, were charged by the English Football League on Friday, and a hearing before an independent disciplinary committee is still pending.
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