Fulham 2 Middlesbrough 1: Injuries to Friend and Fabio compound extra-time loss for Boro

Lasse Vigen Christensen's extra-time goal gave Championship side Fulham a deserved 2-1 victory over Premier League Middlesbrough to reach the third round of the EFL Cup.
Middlesbrough at FulhamMiddlesbrough at Fulham
Middlesbrough at Fulham

Fulham, who made 10 changes for the tie at Craven Cottage, had to recover from conceding a goal after only eight minutes to David Nugent.

But they fought back superbly after the break as Julien De Sart’s 54th-minute own goal and Christensen’s dramatic 113th-minute strike sent Slavisa Jokanovic’s men through to the delight of the home crowd.

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In a match which started in 32 degree heat but quickly deteriorated into rain and thunderstorms, both teams made changes from the previous weekend’s league programme.Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, who led his side to a 2-1 Premier League victory at rivals Sunderland on Saturday, left two-goal hero Cristhian Stuani on the bench as he made six changes to his team in all.

There were only eight minutes on the clock when new signing Fabio Da Silva, a £2million buy from Cardiff, crossed from the left and Nugent glanced home a header from close range to put the visitors ahead.

The goal came at a cost for Karanka’s side, however, as Fabio pulled up with an injury soon after and had to be replaced by George Friend. Fulham created their first real chance after 24 minutes when Cauley Woodrow shot from close range but saw Brad Guzan save the effort with his feet – and then they really stepped up a gear after the break as Boro grew weary.

The equaliser came after 54 minutes following a flowing move which ended with Ryan Tunnicliffe finding Scott Malone on the wing. Guzan made a stunning save from the left-back’s deflected shot but the ball hit De Sart to end up in the net for a cruel own goal.

Tiring Boro were dealt another injury blow, too, when substitute Friend had to go off injured in the 90th minute before Christensen swept home from close range.