Liverpool moves step closer to finding out new rival as two teams left in race
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCSouthampton and Hull will meet in the Championship playoff final later this month after both sides came through their respective semifinals, with the Saints beating Middlesbrough in extra time on TuesdaySouthampton won the playoff semifinal(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has moved a step closer to discovering its final Premier League opponent for next season after Southampton reached the Championship playoff final.The Saints and Hull — Andy Robertson's former team — will now battle it out for a Premier League berth and the chance to play at Anfield next season after securing their places in the final, which will take place later this month. The Saints followed suit, prevailing in a nail-biting encounter at St Mary's.
But it was Middlesbrough that made a flying start on Tuesday.READ MORE: Sadio Mane suffers title agony alongside Cristiano Ronaldo after awful errorREAD MORE: Liverpool given fresh VAR verdict as Howard Webb makes Man Utd admissionRiley McGree found the back of the net with the aid of a deflection. Ross Stewart struck in first-half injury time to ensure the tie went into its closing 45 minutes all square once more.Extra time was required to separate the sides, with Shea Charles' delivery finding its way into the goal for Southampton, which will now face Hull later this month, with promotion to the top tier at stake.Southampton failed to anticipate the Teesiders' blistering opening.
Callum Brittain advanced down the right wing and found McGree, who fired home with the assistance of a deflection.There was plenty of controversy during Tuesday's game(Image: Getty Images)A moment of controversy soon materialized.Luke Ayling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis came together, with reports suggesting the Southampton man had used "discriminatory remarks."This prompted both managers to engage in a brief touchline altercation.Southampton boss Tonda Eckert was on his feet once more just before the interval.Ryan Manning's fierce free-kick was palmed clear, before Stewart headed the rebound home from point-blank range.Cyle Larrin had a glorious opportunity to seal victory for the Saints in the dying stages, but he saw his attempt denied by Sol Brynn.The Boro goalkeeper was then alert to thwart Sam Edozie's extra-time strike.Southampton was granted one final opportunity, however. As fatigue set in for both sides, Shea Charles prepared to deliver a cross, only to watch it evade everyone and find the far corner of the Middlesbrough net.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Southampton FCPremier LeagueHull City AFCLiverpool FC