Middlesbrough 2-1 Birmingham City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Middlesbrough 2-1 Birmingham City in the Championship on Saturday, 08 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Well, what a cracking match at the Riverside! Middlesbrough clinched a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City, and it was anything but straightforward. Boro came into this one off the back of a mixed bag of results, with a draw against Leicester and a thumping loss to Watford, but they managed to turn things around today. Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney were the heroes, bagging the goals that secured the win. Birmingham, on the other hand, had been on a bit of a roll, smashing Millwall and Portsmouth in their last two home games, so this result might come as a bit of a surprise. Still, football’s a funny old game, and Middlesbrough showed they’ve got the grit to grind out a result when it matters.

The game was a real rollercoaster, with both teams having their moments. Birmingham equalised through Demarai Gray after Middlesbrough took the lead with Fry’s early strike. Ultimately, the game was decided by Hackney’s crucial goal just before half-time. The second half saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides, but Middlesbrough held firm despite Birmingham’s pressure. It’s a testament to Middlesbrough’s resilience that they managed to end Birmingham’s good run and keep their own hopes alive in the Championship. A solid performance all round, and one that’ll give the Boro fans plenty to cheer about.

Looking at the stats, it’s clear that Birmingham had more of the ball, with 57% possession compared to Middlesbrough’s 43%. Despite this, Middlesbrough managed to create more clear-cut chances. The corner count was also in Birmingham’s favour, with five to Middlesbrough’s three, suggesting they had more pressure in the final third. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of discipline, each picking up one yellow card, but it was Middlesbrough’s efficiency in front of goal that made the difference. A game of fine margins, but the stats show that Middlesbrough made the most of their opportunities.

The match was defined by a few pivotal moments that swung the game in Middlesbrough’s favour. Dael Fry’s early goal, assisted by Callum Brittain, set the tone for a competitive match, and Hayden Hackney’s strike just before half-time proved to be the winner. Birmingham had their chances, with Demarai Gray equalising in the 29th minute, but they couldn’t find a way past Middlesbrough’s defence in the second half. The game was also marked by a flurry of substitutions, with both teams making five changes each, but it was Middlesbrough’s tactical nous that ultimately paid off.

Middlesbrough lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sol Brynn in goal and a back four of Callum Brittain, Luke Ayling, Dael Fry, and Matt Targett. The midfield was anchored by Aidan Morris and Alan Browne, with Riley McGree, Hayden Hackney, and Morgan Whittaker providing creativity behind the lone striker, Tommy Conway. This setup allowed Middlesbrough to be solid at the back while still posing a threat going forward, and it was the perfect balance for securing the win.

Birmingham City opted for a similar 4-2-3-1 formation, with James Beadle between the sticks and a defence consisting of Tomoki Iwata, Phil Neumann, Christoph Klarer, and Alex Cochrane. The midfield duo of Tommy Doyle and Seung-ho Paik provided stability, while Patrick Roberts, Jay Stansfield, and Demarai Gray supported the lone striker, Marvin Ducksch. Despite their strong lineup, Birmingham couldn’t quite find the cutting edge needed to break down Middlesbrough’s defence.

Hayden Hackney takes home the Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his crucial goal just before half-time. His strike proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match, and his performance in midfield was instrumental in Middlesbrough’s victory. Hackney’s ability to find space and make things happen in the final third was a key factor in securing the three points.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Watford (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Wrexham (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Middlesbrough (A)
• Win: 4-0 vs Millwall (H)
• Win: 4-0 vs Portsmouth (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Bristol City (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (A)

Currently in 2nd place with 29 points, Middlesbrough will face Oxford United, who are in 21st place with 13 points, on November 22, 2025 at 15:00.

Sitting in 11th place with 21 points, Birmingham City’s next challenge is against Norwich City, who are in 23rd place with 9 points, on November 22, 2025 at 15:00.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.