Middlesbrough storm into UEFA Cup semi-finals

MIDDLESBROUGH, England, Apr 7 (Reuters) Middlesbrough produced one of the most astonishing results in their history today to come back from a goal down to beat Basel 4-1 and claim a place in the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Switzerland, all hope seemed gone for Boro when Eduardo scored for Basel in the 23rd minute.

But two goals from Mark Viduka in the 33rd and 57th minutes, one from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on 79 and a winner from Massimo Maccarone in the last minute took Boro through.

The Premier League side now play Steaua Bucharest in the semis.

It was an amazing performance by Middlesbrough though the task was eased when Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic was sent off on 73 minutes for a second yellow card with the home side leading by just 2-1.

Hasselbaink scored with a superb 25-metre curler six minutes after the dismissal of Majstorovic to set up a thrilling finale.

With the seconds ticking away, Maccarone, on as a substitute, squeezed in a rebound from a fierce shot by Fabio Rochemback.

''It was a monumental display to come through this,'' said Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren. ''I've got a happy dressing room and deservedly so.'' Reuters PG VP0322