Finn Azaz's late strike helped Middlesbrough clinch their second consecutive win, defeating relegation-threatened Derby County 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This result significantly impacts both teams, with Middlesbrough moving up to eighth place, just two points off the playoff positions, and Derby sinking to the bottom of the Championship table.
Azaz, who scored yet again after netting previously, came close to giving Middlesbrough the lead earlier when he struck the post with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box. The first half was characterized by Middlesbrough's attempts to break down Derby's resolute defense, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances against the compact Rams side.
Despite holding nearly three-quarters of the possession during the first half, Middlesbrough found it difficult to impose themselves against Derby, who exhibited some early threats of their own. Ebou Adams forced Boro goalkeeper Mark Travers to showcase his skills with a curling effort from 25 yards just four minutes in. Boro's Morgan Whittaker had two attempts saved shortly after, but the score remained level at half-time.
After the break, Middlesbrough continued to press for the opener. A big moment came when Azaz's former teammate at Plymouth, Whittaker, forced Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to make another fantastic save following his low shot from 12 yards out. It seemed as though Derby could weather Middlesbrough's wave of attacks until the 80th minute when they badly mismanaged possession deep within their half.
Middlesbrough capitalized on this mistake as Kelechi Iheanacho's initial shot was blocked. The ball then fell kindly to Azaz, who made no mistake from 12 yards out, firing home right-footed to break the deadlock. This goal not only gave Boro the lead but also increased Azaz's tally to ten goals for the season, solidifying his position as one of the team’s key players.
With the match drawing to a close, Derby attempted to rally, yet they could find no way through Middlesbrough's defense. Substitute Delano Burgzorg came close to doubling the lead but saw his effort crash off the post during injury time. Consequently, Derby's winless run extended to 12 games, and they still search for their first victory under John Eustace, having lost three Championship matches consecutively since his appointment on February 13.
After the match, Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "I thought we played some good football, especially in the first half, we had some opportunities, and they've got a lot to hold on to. They made it difficult for us, and we had to find a way of getting over the line, which we haven't done enough this season, but it was a good step for us." Carrick’s emphasis on the importance of this win serves as both confidence and momentum for his squad as they pursue their playoff aspirations.
Conversely, Derby manager John Eustace voiced his disappointment at the outcome, particularly at how they conceded the goal. He noted, "I'm very disappointed. I felt, second half, Middlesbrough didn't cause us any problems, and the manner we conceded the goal wasn't good enough. It's tough job, it is what it is, but I'm here to help, I'm here to progress the club." Eustace's comments reflect the challenge at hand as he strives to turn around Derby's fortunes.
The match served as both jubilation for Middlesbrough, who have turned their fortunes around after struggling earlier this season, and as frustration for Derby, who seek any glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. The Rams will need to regroup quickly, with pressure mounting as they remain four points adrift of safety. With just 12 matches remaining, the battle to survive at this level intensifies.
Looking forward to the next fixtures, Middlesbrough will seek to build on their recent form, hoping to break back successfully among the top sides of the Championship. Meanwhile, Derby is left to lick their wounds and find productive solutions to their current woes as their dismal run continues.