OXFORD BLUE AS STUANI STEALS IT
WITH four minutes left at the Riverside, it was time for the FA Cup to produce another shock. The shock this time, however, was that Middlesbrough scored to become the first Premier League team into the quarter-finals.
Having clawed back a two-goal deficit thanks to two goals in the space of a minute from Chris Maguire and Antonio Martinez, League One Oxford United spent the closing stages of a pulsating tie pushing for a winner.
Had they claimed it, no one could have complained. But instead of the visitors moving into the last eight, Cristhian Stuani swept home from close range to take Middlesbrough into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. The FA Cup can create magic, but it can also be exceptionally cruel.
“We came here to win it, not just to enjoy the day,” said Oxford manager Michael Appleton. “We believed we could do that, and I thought there was only one winner when it went to 2-2.
“Frustration is the biggest feeling. For us to come back like we did, and spend the majority of the second half in their field, it was then such a shame to concede a goal like we did. It was almost a League One goal.
“I’m delighted with the approach [of my players] though, especially in the second half. We thought we could get down the sides of their centrebacks, and it looked like being one of those fantastic comebacks, but it wasn’t to be.
“They need to take this on now, and make sure they’re playing with that type of tempo and positivity all the time.”
Aitor Karanka made six changes to his Boro side, but the hosts still started strongly as they established a two-goal lead inside the opening 34 minutes.
Grant Leadbitter clipped the crossbar in the early stages as he floated a deft chip over goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, and the returning Boro skipper opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Maguire was penalised for bundling over Stewart Downing.
The Teessiders doubled their lead shortly after the half-hour mark, with Adama Traore knocking down Fabio da Silva’s cross to enable Rudy Gestede to hook home a volley.
Boro looked set for a comfortable win at that stage, but the game changed when Maguire chipped in a 20-yard free-kick.
Within a minute, Oxford were level, with Adam Clayton losing possession in midfield, Maguire firing in a shot that was saved by Boro goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and Martinez reacting quickest to slot home the rebound.
Boro were reeling at that stage, but the hosts regrouped and claimed a winner when Stuani swept home from close range after Alvaro Negredo had flicked Fabio’s cross into his path.
“I’m really pleased,” said Karanka. “I said before that Oxford are a good team who beat Newcastle in the last round. I said we had to be careful. We had the game under control, but then you make a big mistake if you think everything is won.
“You always have to concentrate, especially in this country, and that is a good lesson for the future.
“The substitutions paid off, and they are all good players – I am pleased for them. Three years ago, no one thought we would be in the Premier League and in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. But the attitude of the players was very good.”