Blues forward Scott Hogan scored the only goal of the game in the 26th minute as former Boro boss Aitor Karanka claimed a win over his former club.
Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his marks from the match– scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
13. Djed Spence - 5
(for Wing, 45) Was introduced on the right but never really troubled Blues full-back George Friend. 5 Photo: Clive Brunskill
14. Jonny Howson - 6
(for Morsy, 45) Looked to move the ball forward when he received it but was often deep in his own half. 6 Photo: George Wood
15. Duncan Watmore - 6
(for Johnson, 64) Made a few probing runs and saw a low effort saved by the goalkeeper. 6 Photo: George Wood
16. Hayden Coulson - N/A
(for Tavernier, 76) Delivered a few teasing crosses after making a late cameo. N/A Photo: George Wood