Middlesbrough 0-1 Hull City: Kim Hellberg’s Boro lose ground in Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion race

Middlesbrough faltered in a crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Sky Bet Championship last night, as they lost 1-0 to Hull City at the Riverside.

Darko Gyabi’s early goal was enough to take all three points for the visitors, as Hull moved two points behind Boro with Hellberg suffering his second defeat in his last three games.

Defeat at the Riverside. pic.twitter.com/J8tY5xh2gV

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 29, 2025

Following Boxing Day’s draw with struggling Blackburn, Boro almost took the lead within the opening 10 minutes, when Hayden Hackney diverted a driven shot from Callum Brittain goalwards, but it hit the post.

Despite Boro showing promising signs early on, Hull took a surprising lead after 12 minutes, when Kyle Joseph’s cut-back found Gyabi in space and his close-range shot beat Sol Brynn.

Hellberg’s side continued to dominate possession, however Hull fought well and were able to hold onto their lead into the second half.

Delano Burgzorg twice forced Ivor Pandur into action in the second half, as his low shot was saved by the Hull ‘keeper, before his chip in injury time was caught by Pandur.

With Ipswich’s victory at Coventry, Boro failed to reduce the gap at the top of the table, with the gap behind to Ipswich and Hull standing at two points.

Hellberg’s side return to action at Derby County on New Year’s Day at 3pm.