Bristol City 2-0 Middlesbrough: Kim Hellberg tastes first Boro defeat at Bristol City

Middlesbrough fell to their first defeat under new boss Kim Hellberg, as they failed to capitalise on Coventry’s early dropped points with a 2-0 defeat at Bristol City on Saturday.

Emil Jakobsen’s early strike and Robert Atkinson’s second-half goal earned Bristol City a vital three points in their play-off hunt.

Defeat in Bristol. pic.twitter.com/WNG9yRK0wH

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 20, 2025

Prior to the game, Boro had won all four of Hellberg’s games as Middlesbrough boss – closing the gap to league leaders Coventry to only five points.

With Coventry’s failure to beat Southampton in the early kick-off, the visitors could have reduced the gap to three points, and began the game strongly and should have gone ahead when Morgan Whittaker’s shot hit the post.

However, after 17 minutes, Bristol City took an early lead, when a sloppy error from the Boro defence allowed Jakobsen to break clear, with his first effort being blocked by Luke Ayling, before the rebound dropped straight back into the path of the striker, who found the back of the net.

The visitors were still vastly on top, though, but they were unable to get a leveller, as Alex Gilbert made Max O’Leary produce a good save, while Tommy Conway’s effort strayed narrowly wide.

Despite Boro’s vast amount of chances, the Robins doubled their lead with a well-worked set piece, as Scott Twine’s lofted corner found the diving head of Atkinson, who beat Brynn from close range.

Despite defeat, Hellberg’s side remain in the automatic promotion spots and will aim to return to winning ways, as they host Blackburn Rovers at the Riverside on Boxing Day.