With just five matches of their season left to play, Boro need to overcome a cavernous 13 points gap on sixth place, which would mean winning four out of five of the matches, while the likes of Barnsley and Bournemouth would need to collapse.
Speaking after Saturday's loss, Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock said: "We went through exactly how the game was going to be and it was just exactly like we said and I thought we competed well,” said Warnock after the game.
“I thought we had the best chances and if we take one of those chances we win the game I think.
“The longer the game goes on, you know they are going to get something and what can you say about a goal like that.”
Next up, Boro will look to bounce back this weekend, when they take on QPR at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday - a game which has been moved to a 12:30pm kick-off so as not to clash with the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to tonight's big match continues:
1. Murphy suitors dealt blow
Nottingham Forest and Stoke City-linked winger Jacob Murphy looks set not to be available on a free transfer this summer, as his contract is understood to run until 2022 rather than 2021. He's been with Newcastle United since joining for £12m in 2017. (Football Insider) Photo: STU FORSTER
2. Robins man makes Ipswich switch
Bristol City's chief executive Mark Ashton has opted to move to Ipswich Town, taking on the same role with the Tractor Boys. The switch follows the League One side's takeover by an American investment fund last week. (BBC Sport) Photo: Marc Atkins
3. Rams could join snap up Gregory
Derby County are rumoured to be contemplating signing loanee striker Lee Gregory on a permanent deal this summer. The Stoke City man has been frozen out of the Potters side, and could be up for grabs at the end of the season. (Derby Telegraph) Photo: Mark Thompson
4. Ex-Fulham boss linked with Blades
Ex-Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who took the Cottagers from the Premier League to the Championship back in 2018, has been linked with a return to English football, with Sheffield United said to be keen. (Daily Mail) Photo: Clive Brunskill