In this FA Cup encounter, Middlesbrough hosted Blackburn Rovers in a tightly contested match that ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors. Despite the home team's superior tally of six corner kicks to Blackburn's solitary one, they failed to capitalize on these set-piece opportunities. Middlesbrough's ability to create chances was further hindered by being caught offside twice, yet these infractions were relatively minimal compared to Blackburn’s seven offsides, reflecting the away side's high-risk attacking approach.

Blackburn's victory was largely attributed to their defensive discipline and strategic execution. Middlesbrough’s attacking efforts were frequently stifled, as they struggled to translate their advantageous positions into meaningful threats on goal. Blackburn, while less aggressive in generating set pieces, exhibited remarkable precision in their moments of attack. This efficiency was epitomized by the decisive goal scored just over an hour into the match, highlighting a clinical strike during a period of ascendancy.

Discipline played a crucial role in the match dynamics, with only one yellow card issued to Middlesbrough shortly after the start of the second half. This caution possibly disturbed the home side’s momentum, broadening opportunities for Blackburn. While both teams maintained full squads till the end—with no red cards issued—the cleaner disciplinary record of Blackburn allowed them to maintain a tactical edge, conserving energy and focus for offensive thrusts, which ultimately led to their hard-fought win.

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