LONDON (AP) – Oli McBurnie scored late in stoppage time to send Hull into the Premier League after beating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the play-offs at a scorching Wembley on Saturday.
For Hull, who avoided relegation to League One a year ago only on goal difference, their nine-year absence from the top flight has come to an end.
“I felt like I only had one chance and I felt like I was written to seize it,” McBurnie told broadcaster Sky Sports. “I didn’t expect it to be this late, but it feels so strange.
“I couldn’t sleep last night. I was really looking forward to this game, so I’m very happy.”
Middlesbrough lost to Southampton in the semi-finals but arguably should not have qualified for the Championship final play-offs as they returned after the South Coast club’s elimination. exiled on suspicion of espionage About training at Middlesbrough. southampton lost its charm last week.
The playoff final has been called the richest one-off soccer match in the world, as the winning team is expected to earn at least $270 million in future earnings.
Hull and Middlesbrough have been in the Championship for nine years, rising to the Premier League together in 2015-16 and dropping back down together one season later.
On Saturday, both teams struggled to create chances in a difficult first half.
Hull scored just before half-time when McBurnie’s header deflected off a Middlesbrough defender and hit the top of the crossbar.
The game developed further towards the second half, but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested and with the heat already sapping their energy, it looked as if both teams were destined for extra time and penalties.
But in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Yu Hirakawa put in a cross from the left and Boro goalkeeper Sol Bryn could barely force it into the path of McBurnie, who smashed the ball into an empty net from close range.
McBurney took off his shirt as he drove away to celebrate.
Boro’s Wembley curse continued as they suffered their sixth defeat at the stadium.
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