The allegations that Saints sent a member of staff to spy on their opponents' training session last week added extra spice to a first leg that was high on drama but low on goals. Boro could live to regret their failure to turn a dominant display at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday lunchtime into a first-leg advantage, as Tonda Eckert's side escaped with a 0-0 draw to take into tonight's second leg at St Mary's.
We're really confident in what we're doing, I think we believe more importantly that we're capable of going anywhere and winning games. Succeed, and the Lions would end a 36-year wait to get back to the big time - a period that has included relegation, promotion and tragedy.
The EFL has written to Southampton FC requesting their observations following a complaint from Middlesbrough FC relating to alleged unauthorised filming ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg. The alleged incident is said to have taken place on Middlesbrough's private property by an individual identified to be associated with Southampton.
EFL clubs will vote on expanding play-offs in the Championship from four to six teams at a meeting on 5 March. The proposal, which has been under consideration for a number of seasons, would mean the teams finishing from third to eighth compete for a place in the Premier League. It would mirror the format used in the National League.
In La Liga, Espanyol missed a chance to consolidate their high-flying position as they lost 2-1 at home to Alaves they took the lead through Roberto Fernandez in the 15th minute, but Antonio Blanco levelled 12 minutes later and the points were secured when Lucas Boye finished a counterattack from close range with 19 minutes remaining. It means Espanyol go into the weekend fifth but that defeat extended their winless run to five games.
"I know people doubted us, it was understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum. But I think we did enough and showed enough in the season for people to give us some credit going into the play-offs."
