Emre Tezgel scoring for Stoke City against MiddlesbroughImage source, Getty Images
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Emre Tezgel scored again for Stoke City, having netted his maiden goal for the club in the EFL Cup first round

Stoke City stunned their Championship rivals Middlesbrough 5-0 to progress to the Carabao Cup third round.

The Potters' 18-year-old forward Emre Tezgel capitalised on poor defending by the hosts to slot home an early opening goal.

Boro capitulated in the second half and conceded four times in twelve dramatic minutes, making it the sixth time they have lost by a five-goal margin at home.

Ryan Mmaee netted from close range, then Lewis Koumas ghosted in at the far post, before substitute Million Manhoef scored twice within seven minutes of coming on as a substitute.

Middlesbrough made nine changes from Saturday's Championship draw against Portsmouth, but should have been in front within the first five minutes.

Josh Coburn was played through on goal without a defender in sight, but he dragged his shot agonisingly wide.

Stoke then took the lead after Koumas and Andrew Moran combined to set up Tezgel, who had time and space to control the ball before calmly placing it into the net.

The forward could have doubled the Potters' advantage moments later, but he was unable to find the target, while at the other end, Boro's Alex Gilbert scuffed a shot when well placed.

But the hosts came close to an equaliser when Sonny Finch volleyed a cross from the right, drawing a smart reaction save from Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.

The Potters came racing out of the blocks in the second half, with Mmaee keeping his composure to fire the ball past Boro keeper Sol Brynn.

Before Michael Carrick's side could draw breath, Koumas had tapped in defender Eric Bocat's dangerous cross.

Manhoef curled in a delightful strike within three minutes of coming off the bench, and four minutes later he was able to shuffle past the Boro defence and score a second goal by firing in at the near post.

The last time Middlesbrough conceded five goals at the Riverside Stadium was in their 5-1 loss to Brighton in last season's FA Cup third round in January 2023.

They had lost by five goals at home on five previous occasions, the last of which was a 5-0 Championship defeat by West Bromwich Albion 15 years ago.

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