The third round of the FA Cup brought an intense showdown at the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough FC hosted Blackburn Rovers on January 11, 2025.
Both teams aimed to secure progression in England’s prestigious knockout competition, but it was Blackburn Rovers who emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. Andreas Weimann’s goal in the 70th minute proved to be the difference, sending Rovers through to the next round.
Team Lineups and Tactical Setup
Middlesbrough FC:
Managed by Michael Carrick, Middlesbrough lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup aimed at controlling possession and launching attacks from midfield. The starting eleven featured:
Goalkeeper: Tom Glover
Defenders: Anfernee Dijksteel, George Edmundson (captain), Matt Clarke, Lukas Engel
Midfielders: Dan Barlaser, Liam McCabe, Martin Hamilton, Alex Gilbert, Riley McGree
Forward: Delano Burgzorg
The bench included Sam Connor, Rav van den Berg, Dael Fry, Hayden Hackney, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Marcus Forss, and others, providing Carrick with options to influence the game from the sidelines.
Blackburn Rovers:
Under the guidance of Jon Dahl Tomasson, Blackburn also opted for a 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions in attack. Their starting lineup featured:
Goalkeeper: Ben Toth
Defenders: Callum Brittain, Dominic Hyam, Danny Batth, Owen Beck
Midfielders: John Buckley, Sondre Tronstad (captain), Andreas Weimann, Todd Cantwell, Joe Rankin-Costello
Forward: Harry Leonard
On the bench, key names included Aynsley Pears, Kyle McFadzean, Mohamed Gueye, Tyrhys Dolan, and others, offering Tomasson the flexibility to adapt to match circumstances.
Tactical Approaches
Middlesbrough, under Carrick’s leadership, prioritized possession-based football. The midfield duo of Barlaser and McCabe sought to dictate the tempo, while wingers Hamilton and Gilbert aimed to stretch Blackburn’s defense. Riley McGree operated centrally behind the lone striker Burgzorg, looking to link play between midfield and attack.
Blackburn Rovers, on the other hand, focused on defensive organization. Captain Sondre Tronstad and John Buckley formed a protective shield in midfield, limiting Boro’s ability to play through the center. Andreas Weimann and Todd Cantwell functioned as advanced playmakers, exploiting spaces in the opposition’s defensive third. Harry Leonard led the attack, looking to pounce on any defensive lapses.
Key Moments in the Match
The first half saw Middlesbrough enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but their efforts in the final third lacked sharpness. Burgzorg had an early chance in the 15th minute, but his shot was well-saved by Blackburn’s goalkeeper Ben Toth.
Blackburn Rovers, despite seeing less of the ball, posed a constant threat on the counter. In the 28th minute, Weimann tested Glover with a powerful effort from the edge of the box, forcing the Boro keeper into a fine save.
The deadlock remained intact as both teams went into halftime without finding the back of the net. Middlesbrough’s pressing was evident, but Blackburn’s defensive resilience ensured they weathered the storm.
Decisive Goal and Tactical Shifts
The breakthrough came in the 70th minute. A momentary lapse in Middlesbrough’s defense allowed Andreas Weimann to pounce on a loose ball inside the box, slotting past Glover with precision. It was a well-taken finish that showcased Blackburn’s ability to capitalize on limited opportunities.
In response to going behind, Middlesbrough made attacking substitutions, introducing Hayden Hackney and Emmanuel Latte Lath to add fresh energy to their frontline. The hosts pushed forward in search of an equalizer, increasing their attacking intensity.
Blackburn, in turn, opted for a more defensive approach, bringing on Kyle McFadzean and Mohamed Gueye to reinforce their backline. The visitors defended deep, effectively nullifying Boro’s advances.
Despite a late push from Middlesbrough, including a promising effort from Riley McGree in the 85th minute that narrowly missed the target, Blackburn held firm and saw out the game with disciplined defending and composed game management.
Post-Match Analysis
Blackburn Rovers’ well-drilled defensive display and ability to seize their moment proved decisive. Their tactical discipline under Tomasson allowed them to withstand sustained pressure from Middlesbrough while maintaining a threat on the counter.
Middlesbrough, despite controlling possession for large periods, struggled to break down a compact Blackburn setup. Their inability to convert chances into goals ultimately cost them, a recurring issue that Carrick may need to address moving forward.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
The result sparked varied reactions from supporters and analysts. Blackburn fans celebrated their team’s resilience and tactical execution, lauding Weimann’s decisive contribution. On the other hand, Middlesbrough supporters expressed frustration over their side’s lack of attacking efficiency and failure to capitalize on their dominance.
Media outlets highlighted the match as a classic example of cup football’s unpredictability—where possession and control don’t always guarantee success. Analysts pointed out the importance of capitalizing on key moments in knockout competitions, a lesson Middlesbrough will have to learn from.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Teams
With this victory, Blackburn Rovers progressed to the next round of the FA Cup, where they will look to build on this momentum and continue their cup run. Their ability to execute a disciplined game plan will be crucial as they face tougher opposition in the competition.
For Middlesbrough, this defeat means an early exit from the FA Cup, shifting their focus back to league matters. Carrick and his coaching staff will likely use this match as a learning experience, identifying areas for improvement—particularly in their attacking play. Strengthening their ability to break down stubborn defenses and being more clinical in front of goal will be key priorities moving forward.
To Conclude: A Lesson in Tactical Discipline
This fixture underscored the unpredictable nature of cup football. Middlesbrough controlled large portions of the game but failed to make it count, while Blackburn executed their game plan effectively, taking their one clear-cut chance and defending resolutely.
As the FA Cup journey continues for Blackburn, Middlesbrough must regroup and refocus on their league ambitions, learning from this defeat to enhance their performances in the remainder of the season.
FAQs
Q: What were the starting lineups for the Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Rovers match on January 11, 2025?
A: In this FA Cup fixture, Middlesbrough’s starting lineup featured Tom Glover as goalkeeper; a defense comprising Anfernee Dijksteel, George Edmundson, Matthew Clarke, and Lukas Engel; midfielders Daniel Barlaser, Law McCabe, Micah Hamilton, Alexander Gilbert, and Riley McGree; with Delano Burgzorg leading the attack. Blackburn Rovers started with Balázs Tóth in goal; defenders Callum Brittain, Dominic Hyam, Danny Batth, and Owen Beck; midfielders John Buckley, Sondre Tronstad, Andreas Weimann, Todd Cantwell, and Joe Rankin-Costello; and Harry Leonard as the forward.
Q: Were there any significant substitutions or tactical changes during the match?
A: Yes, Middlesbrough made several substitutions to bolster their attack. In the 65th minute, Marcus Forss replaced Micah Hamilton. Later, in the 76th minute, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Hayden Hackney came on for Riley McGree and Law McCabe, respectively. Blackburn Rovers also adjusted their lineup, introducing Makhtar Gueye and Tyrhys Dolan in the 81st minute for Harry Leonard and Todd Cantwell.
Q: How did the previous meeting between these two teams unfold?
A: Prior to the FA Cup match, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers faced each other on November 27, 2024, in an EFL Championship fixture at the Riverside Stadium. Blackburn emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a goal by Dominic Hyam in the 77th minute.
Q: How have both teams been performing in their recent matches?
A: Leading up to the FA Cup match on January 11, 2025, Middlesbrough showcased strong form with significant victories, including a 6-2 win against Oxford United and a 5-1 triumph over Luton Town. Blackburn Rovers, on the other hand, had mixed results, with a notable 3-1 victory against Cardiff City but also faced defeats, such as a 0-2 loss to Stoke City.
Q: Were there any notable injuries or absences affecting the lineups?
A: The available information does not specify particular injuries or absences for the January 11, 2025, match. For detailed and up-to-date injury reports, it’s advisable to consult official club communications or trusted sports news sources.
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