Southampton Hold Middlesbrough to 0-0 Draw in Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg

Southampton secured a 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Riverside Stadium on May 9, 2026.

The goalless result leaves both teams level heading into the decisive second leg, with everything still to play for in Saints’ pursuit of Premier League promotion.

Playing away from home in the opening leg of the semi-final, Southampton will view the clean sheet as a positive result that keeps their promotion hopes very much alive. The draw means neither side holds an advantage going into the return fixture.

The stalemate sets up what promises to be an intense second leg, where Southampton will have the benefit of playing at St Mary’s Stadium. With no away goals rule in the Championship play-offs, the tie remains completely open.

For Southampton supporters, this result represents a solid foundation to build upon. Keeping Middlesbrough scoreless at their home ground puts Saints in a strong position, knowing that any victory in the second leg would secure their place in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The Championship play-offs offer the final route to Premier League promotion, with the winner of this semi-final facing either the other semi-final victors for a place in England’s top flight next season.

Southampton’s clean sheet away from home demonstrates their defensive solidity when it matters most. The team will now focus on the return leg, where they will look to capitalize on home advantage and secure their passage to the play-off final.

The second leg will determine which team progresses to Wembley, with Southampton knowing they remain in control of their own destiny following this disciplined away performance in the opening encounter.