Charlton Athletic 1-2 Middlesbrough: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Charlton Athletic 1-2 Middlesbrough in the Championship on Tuesday, 09 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Middlesbrough came away with a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley. The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute when Riley McGree slotted home after a neat assist from Delano Burgzorg, and they doubled their advantage just before the break with Morgan Whittaker’s goal in the 45+3rd minute, set up by McGree. Charlton, who have been on a tough run with five straight league losses including this one, made a triple substitution at half-time to try and turn things around, but it wasn’t until late on that they pulled one back through an own goal from George Edmundson in the 81st minute.

Despite the late consolation, Middlesbrough held firm to secure the three points, building on their strong recent form with three wins in a row before this match. Charlton pushed hard in the second half, picking up a few yellow cards in the process, but couldn’t find an equaliser. This result leaves Middlesbrough in a good spot after a mixed patch that included a loss to Coventry and a draw with Oxford, while Charlton will be desperate to halt their slide.

Middlesbrough dominated possession with 63% of the ball compared to Charlton’s 37%, which helped them control the tempo and create more opportunities, though both sides managed five corners each, showing Charlton weren’t completely out of it on set pieces. Successful dribbles were close, with Middlesbrough edging it 45 to 40, suggesting they were slightly more effective at beating defenders, while Charlton racked up four yellow cards against Middlesbrough’s one, pointing to a more frustrated and physical approach from the hosts as the game wore on. No red cards or penalties were involved, but Middlesbrough made the most of their two assists, and both teams used all five substitutions – Charlton shaking things up with three at half-time, including Karoy Anderson coming on for Sonny Carey, and Middlesbrough making later changes like Alan Browne replacing Riley McGree at 73 minutes to see out the win.

The game turned on Middlesbrough’s first-half goals, starting with Riley McGree’s strike in the 33rd minute after Delano Burgzorg’s assist, followed by Morgan Whittaker’s effort in added time before the break, assisted by McGree, which gave the visitors a comfortable lead. Charlton tried to fight back with a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on I. Fullah for Harvey Knibbs, Karoy Anderson for Sonny Carey, and Greg Docherty for Conor Coventry, but it was an own goal from Middlesbrough’s substitute George Edmundson in the 81st minute that gave the hosts hope. Yellow cards added tension, with Charlton’s Harvey Knibbs booked early at 31 minutes and Greg Docherty at 75 minutes, while Middlesbrough’s Alex Gilbert saw yellow at 69 minutes, but the visitors managed the closing stages well with late subs like Kaly Sène for Delano Burgzorg at 89 minutes.

Charlton Athletic lined up in a 3-1-4-2 shape, which aimed to provide defensive solidity but left them exposed at times against Middlesbrough’s attacks. Key partnerships included the midfield efforts from players like Conor Coventry before his half-time substitution for Greg Docherty, while Harvey Knibbs and James Bree picked up yellow cards in the first half, showing their involvement in the battle before being replaced by I. Fullah and Rob Apter respectively.

Middlesbrough set up in a 4-4-2 formation, allowing them to dominate midfield and feed forwards like Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg effectively. Standout roles came from Riley McGree, who scored and assisted before being replaced by Alan Browne at 73 minutes, while substitutions like George Edmundson coming on for Whittaker at 63 minutes unfortunately led to his own goal, but the shape held firm overall.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Riley McGree for his standout performance, where he grabbed a goal and an assist, along with two key passes that really drove Middlesbrough’s attacking threat. Even though he didn’t create any big chances, his contributions were crucial in building that first-half lead before he was subbed off at 73 minutes for Alan Browne.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Coventry City (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Stoke City (A)
• Loss: 1-5 vs Southampton (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Wrexham (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Charlton Athletic (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hull City (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Derby County (H)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Coventry City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Oxford United (A)

Charlton Athletic have just suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Middlesbrough, extending their run of five straight league losses that has left them in 19th place on 23 points and looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. They’ll be hoping to turn things around in their next match against Birmingham City on 2025-12-13 at 15:00, with the visitors sitting 10th on 28 points and in decent form, making this a tough but vital chance for Charlton to pick up points and climb away from danger.

Middlesbrough have just secured a 2-1 away win over Charlton Athletic, adding to their recent streak of three victories that has them in 2nd place on 39 points and firmly in the promotion hunt. Their next fixture is at home to Queens Park Rangers on 2025-12-13 at 15:00, with QPR currently 6th on 31 points, so a win here could help Middlesbrough pull further clear at the top after a solid run interrupted only by a loss to Coventry and a draw with Oxford.

Coral brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.