Boro make European progress

Middlesbrough tonight qualified for the UEFA Cup’s knock-out stages without kicking a ball.

Lazio’s UEFA Cup campaign came to an end with a 2-2 draw against a stubborn Egaleo side, and that result meant Boro cannot fail to finish in the top three of Group E, which they currently top.

Despite Roberto Muzzi’s double, the Romans had to settle for a point as Greek minnows Egaleo netted through Ioannis Chloros and Anastasios Agritis.

Joining Boro in qualifying from the group were Partizan Belgrade and Villarreal who drew 1-1, meaning they each trail Steve McClaren’s men – who have six points – by one point.

In Belgrade, Villarreal went in front through Santiago Cazorla, but Ivan Tomic secured a point for Partizan from the penalty spot.

Whereas Lazio have played all four of their matches, collecting just three points, Partizan, Middlesbrough, Villarreal and Egaleo have each one match left to play.

Egaleo’s point tonight was their first of the campaign, and they cannot reach the next round.