**Group D Recap: UEFA Europa League 2026**
**Final Group D Standings**
1. **Middlesbrough (UK)** – 6 played, **4W 2D 0L**, GF 15, GA 7, **+8 GD, 14 pts** → **Group Winners** 2. **Tottenham Hotspur (UK)** – 6 played, **2W 2D 2L**, GF 10, GA 7, **+3 GD, 8 pts** → Advance to knockout stage 3. **AC Milan (ITA)** – 6 played, **2W 2D 2L**, GF 13, GA 15, **-2 GD, 8 pts** 4. **Real Sociedad (SPA)** – 6 played, **0W 2D 4L**, GF 6, GA 14, **-8 GD, 2 pts**
### Middlesbrough’s Dominant CampaignMiddlesbrough were the surprise package and runaway winners of Group D. Unbeaten throughout the group stage, they showcased strong attacking play and defensive solidity, finishing with a commanding 14 points.
**Key Middlesbrough Results:**- **3-2** home win vs AC Milan- **2-1** away win vs Tottenham- **2-1** home win vs Tottenham- **5-1** thrashing of Real Sociedad (away)- Two draws: 0-0 vs Real Sociedad & 3-3 vs AC Milan
The English side’s ability to grind out results against big clubs like Milan and Tottenham was impressive.
### Battle for Second PlaceTottenham and AC Milan both finished on 8 points in a tight race, with Tottenham advancing on superior goal difference.
- **Tottenham** had a mixed campaign with solid home form but struggled for consistency. Their 4-0 demolition of AC Milan on the final matchday was crucial for qualification.- **AC Milan** showed flashes of quality (including a 3-2 win over Real Sociedad and a 3-3 thriller with Middlesbrough) but were inconsistent and conceded too many goals, costing them second place.- **Real Sociedad** endured a difficult group, failing to win a single match and finishing bottom with just 2 points.
### Standout Matches- **Biggest Win**: Tottenham 4-0 AC Milan (Matchday 12)- **Highest Scoring**: Real Sociedad 1-5 Middlesbrough- **Thriller**: AC Milan 3-3 Middlesbrough- **Early Statement**: Middlesbrough 3-2 AC Milan
### SummaryGroup D belonged to **Middlesbrough**, who emerged as one of the strongest performers across the entire Europa League group stage with an unbeaten record and impressive goal tally. Tottenham edged out AC Milan for second place in a tense tie on the final matchdays. Real Sociedad were unable to compete at the required level and exited early.
The group featured attacking football (44 goals scored across 12 matches) and provided a platform for Middlesbrough to announce themselves as serious contenders heading into the knockout rounds.
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