Middlesbrough and Southampton battled to a 0-0 draw in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg.

The Riverside Stadium crowd witnessed a tense match where Middlesbrough dominated possession and shots but struggled to convert chances. Despite 17 shots on goal and an expected goals (xG) of 1.39, Kim Hellberg's side lacked clinical finishing. Tommy Conway's efforts, including a last-minute effort that rattled the post, highlighted their frustration.

SpyGate 2 allegations overshadowed the game, with Southampton charged by the EFL for spying on Middlesbrough's training. Hellberg dismissed concerns, insisting his team focused on game preparation: "We've watched every Southampton match to find solutions." Tonda Eckert countered that Southampton adapted well after halftime, capitalizing on late opportunities.

Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Samuel Edozie forced saves late on, with Edozie's shot narrowly missing the target. While Middlesbrough controlled the first half, Eckert praised his players' resilience: "We made adjustments and had more than one chance to win."

The draw sets up a high-stakes rematch, with both managers emphasizing tactical preparation. Middlesbrough will aim to rectify missed chances, while Southampton seeks to exploit defensive gaps. The play-off final at Wembley now feels within reach for one side.