Roma were next up for Boro after Stuttgart were sent packing in the UEFA Cup and there was no reason to fear the Italian giants.
That was the confident claim of Steve McClaren after he watched his side do just enough to make it into the last 16 of the competition on this day in 2006.
But he wasn’t the only one who thought Boro would have too much for the much-fancied Italian side.
Markus Babbel was one of the best players on the pitch at the Riverside, as Stuttgart looked to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat.
Their 1-0 win on the night on Teesside wasn’t enough as Boro edged through, but the former Liverpool defender had seen enough of McClaren’s side to believe they would cause problems for any side.
“I think they can go far because they have a good squad – it’s a good mix between young players and experienced players,” said Babbel.
“Gareth Southgate and Chris Riggott are fantastic defenders, Gaizka Mendieta is a great midfielder and they have got forwards who can score goals.
“But they have to play with a little bit more confidence.”
The confidence should have been oozing through the side after knocking out a quality German outfit – even if they did make hard work of it.
Christian Tiffert’s early goal ensured nails were nibbled as the clock seemed to stand still in a nervous second half.
But the European dream wasn’t over yet, and Boro did enough to book a last-16 date with Roma.
It was at that stage when Boro had faltered the year earlier, losing to Sporting Lisbon, but McClaren insisted his side had matured in that time.
“We saw what a good side Stuttgart are, but we beat them,” he said.
“Over the two legs, that’s a big win and an excellent prize in going to Roma.
“We are back in the final 16, and this year I think we are better equipped.”
Babbel and McClaren were both spot on. Once again, nerves would be shredded but Boro would do enough to take another European scalp.
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