Boro survive Roman siege

Wednesday, 15, Mar 2006 10:39

Middlesbrough booked their place in the last eight of the Uefa Cup after they hung on against a Roma onslaught to go through on away goals despite losing 2-1 in the Olympic Stadium.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's first-half goal was the key as Brazilian striker Mancini's double sealed the win for the Italians on the night.

However, it will be Boro's name in the draw for the quarter-finals to the delight of the travelling fans.

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren had said before the game his side would adopt a cautious approach and the home side enjoyed bountiful amounts of possession early on.

They survived an early scare as full-back Cesare Bovo smashed a free-kick against the bar midway through the first-half.

However, it was Hasselbaink who found the net first as Stewart Downing's left-wing cross found the Dutchman, who had made a clever run to the near post, and he flicked a header over the goalkeeper and into the net.

Boro almost made it to half-time ahead on the night but Mancini pulled Roma back into the tie after good football from the home side found the Brazilian and he chipped the ball over Mark Schwarzer.

Roma piled on more pressure and were awarded a dubious penalty on 65 minutes as Stefano Okaka Chuka went down under the challenge of Ray Parlour.

Mancini stepped up to draw the side level and set up a grandstand finish.

However, Roma failed to create another worthwhile opportunity and Philippe Mexes saw red late on after picking up his second yellow card of the night.