Middlesbrough's unforgettable 2006 Uefa Cup final run explored in new series

Twenty years ago, Middlesbrough reached the Uefa Cup final in a historic European campaign that captivated the club's fans.

A night remembered forever Twenty years have passed since Middlesbrough's remarkable journey to the Uefa Cup final. The club's first major European adventure began when they claimed the League Cup in 2004, securing their maiden trophy after 128 years of waiting. By 2005, Boro reached the competition's last-16 stage and finished in the Premier League's top seven. The dream continued in May 2006 with a fairy-tale knockout run that ended in the showpiece against Sevilla in Eindhoven. Massimo Maccarone reflected on his iconic goal, calling it 'the best night of my life,' and still revisits the footage for both the goal and the unforgettable atmosphere. He described the evening as 'a magical night' that left a lasting impression. ## McClaren's European vision Steve McClaren, speaking in a seven-episode series, recalled the excitement of bringing European football to the Riverside Stadium. He said winning a trophy was special, but qualifying for Europe felt different and brought a unique buzz to the club. McClaren emphasized the pride of representing a small town on the European stage, saying the adventure was about pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences for players, fans, and staff. 'European nights are unbelievable. I wanted to bring that to the Riverside,' he explained. 'Football is an adventure. Let's enjoy the adventure..' ## Boateng's leap of faith George Boateng joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in 2002 and became a key figure in McClaren's ambitious project. Initially hesitant and favoring a move to London, Boateng changed his mind after a conversation with Jaap Stam, who had worked with McClaren at Manchester United. Boateng later called the meeting 'the best couple of hours' of his career, recalling McClaren's promise: 'If you sign for us, I promise you that we'll get other players who come because of you and in the next two years we will be playing European football.' Despite the move being a step back in his career, Boateng embraced the challenge and invested in the project wholeheartedly. ## Hasselbaink's European debut Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink left Chelsea to join Middlesbrough ahead of their European debut in 2004, drawn by the club's upward trajectory. He expressed pride in scoring Boro's first European goal against Banik Ostrava at home, calling it a moment that 'will never go out of the books.' Hasselbaink described the Uefa Cup games on Teesside as 'very special,' highlighting the club's growth from a solid first season to a confident second year. He praised the team's mental and physical preparation, noting they played 'some magnificent games' during their European adventure. ## Viduka's influence and Downing's rise Mark Viduka arrived with extensive European experience from Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic, and Leeds and quickly became a key player for Middlesbrough. He admitted his first season was disrupted by injuries and inconsistency but was thrilled to earn another European opportunity. Viduka praised the team's spirit, describing them as 'a good bunch of blokes' and highlighting the contributions of younger players like Stewart Downing. Downing earned acclaim for his exceptional left foot, while Viduka also mentioned the strong bond between older and younger players, which strengthened the squad. ## McClaren's long-term ambition Steve McClaren outlined his vision for Middlesbrough, emphasizing the goal of winning a trophy was just the beginning. After securing a trophy in his first season, he aimed to build a squad capable of deeper cup runs and sustained success in the league. McClaren recalled the 2-0 group-stage win over Lazio as a defining moment, stating it showcased the unique challenge of European football compared to domestic matches. He stressed the importance of not being 'a one-season wonder' and creating a lasting legacy for the club. ## Maccarone's redemption story Massimo Maccarone initially struggled to make an impact after joining from Empoli in 2004, leading to loan spells in subsequent seasons. Determined to prove himself, he convinced McClaren to let him stay and worked tirelessly to earn his place. Maccarone made limited appearances in domestic competitions but became a hero in Europe, replacing Franck Queudrue in the quarter-final second leg against Basel with Boro trailing 3-2 on aggregate. His contributions included assisting Hasselbaink's equalizer before scoring the dramatic winner in the final seconds, sparking wild celebrations and the iconic shirt removal. 'This game changed the opinion of McClaren for me going forwards,' Maccarone said. 'You have to be lucky sometimes.' ## The Basel miracle and Steaua comeback Middlesbrough faced a daunting 3-0 deficit against Steaua Bucharest in the semi-final second leg after losing the first match. Maccarone replaced Gareth Southgate early in the second half and ignited a remarkable recovery with a well-placed strike. Viduka and Chris Riggott added further goals before Stewart Downing's cross was headed home by Maccarone in the final minute. He described the atmosphere as 'unbelievable,' crediting the Basel game for instilling belief in the team's ability to stage comebacks. 'It's something you can't describe. I just put my head like Superman,' Maccarone recalled. No supporters left the stadium early, and the victory felt historic. ## A hero's welcome and bittersweet finale After the Steaua victory, Maccarone celebrated with champagne and was told by Hasselbaink that he would be loved forever. He called it 'the best night of my life' and revisits the footage on YouTube to relive both the goal and the electrifying atmosphere. Even years later, returning to the Riverside Stadium felt emotional, with fans treating him like a hero. Though Middlesbrough lost the final to Sevilla, Maccarone reflected that despite the disappointment, it remained a cherished memory. 'It's football. We played a good team. In the moment you are very disappointed but now you look back, it's a good memory, history for the club,' he said. ## The greatest adventure in club history Over two remarkable seasons, Middlesbrough underwent a transformation, delivering some of football's most dramatic comebacks and achieving heights never before seen in their history. The journey ended in heartbreak at the final hurdle, but the campaign remains the defining chapter for generations of fans and players. The new series, titled 'A Small Town in Europe,' premieres on June 15 and features reflections from Steve McClaren, star players like Mark Viduka, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, and Stewart Downing, as well as young talents such as James Morrison, Andrew Taylor, and Tony McMahon. The series also includes insights from staff, journalists, and fans who experienced the rollercoaster, including one supporter of Boro's first foreign opponents Banik Ostrava who fell in love with the club and relocated to Teesside.