MIDDLESBROUGH, England (Jan. 31, 2026) (Interstat) — Middlesbrough opened its English Football League Championship season with a 1-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday at Riverside Stadium.

Hayden Hackney scored the game’s lone goal in the 17th minute, converting after a buildup involving several teammates. The result defied a pregame projection that forecast a higher-scoring affair, with Interstat giving Middlesbrough a 79% probability to win.

The home side’s defense held firm against Norwich, which failed to find an equalizer. The physical match featured four yellow cards, two issued in the 80th minute. With the win, Middlesbrough begins the campaign 1-0-0, while Norwich starts 0-1-0.