Southampton clinched a 2-1 extra‑time win over Middlesbrough at St Mary’s, securing a spot in the Championship play‑off final for the second time in three seasons. Riley McGree gave the visitors an early lead, but Ross Stewart equalised with a towering header just before halftime. The deadlock held through 90 minutes until extra time brought dramatic tension for both sides.

At 116 minutes, Shea Charles floated a cross that slipped past Sol Brynn and landed in the net, delivering Southampton the goal. Penalty appeals peppered half, with Middlesbrough denied for a perceived handball by Kuryu Matsuki and Saints denied after Leo Scienza was pushed off the ball. Tensions flared when a reported discriminatory remark prompted referee Andy Madley to intervene.

Southampton’s victory sends Tonda Eckert’s side to Wembley to meet Hull on May 23, with promotion to the Premier League at stake. Middlesbrough coach Kim Hellberg will rue missed chances and the lingering ‘Spygate’ investigation that saw the club charged after a staff member allegedly watched their training. Southampton claim their second final appearance, while Middlesbrough face a bruising off‑season hard recovery.