Five days after inflicting humiliation on José Mourinho’s Chelsea, Middlesbrough continued their resurgence with a fine victory over VfB Stuttgart. Until the latter moments, it was an easy, luxurious ride.

A long-range free kick from Danijel Ljuboja in the 85th minute caused some anxiety for Middlesbrough — it was the first goal they had conceded in ten hours and 25 minutes of European football this season — but a level of stability has been restored to their fortunes. They now expect to qualify for the last 16 of the Uefa Cup which, given the context of their problematic season, is an achievement worth noting.

Their manager has been under considerable pressure, but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Stuart Parnaby provided Steve McClaren with cause to celebrate with goals in either half. Middlesbrough’s performance was more solid than irrepressible, but this competition patently suits them.

“It has been a hard time for us, but we have stuck together and worked hard, and this result can only help us,” Hasselbaink, who worked manfully as a lone centre forward, said. Middlesbrough have won four of their past five games and confidence is returning. Avoiding relegation remains the priority, but crisis has been averted. “It’s a big win,” McClaren said. “It was a big occasion and the players responded.” His satisfaction was tempered by the “disappointment” of Ljuboja’s late effort.

“The away goals give us a very good base to build on next week,” Hasselbaink said. “They will have to attack us.”

Stuttgart were not very adept at it last night. Three times in the first 20 minutes their strikers found themselves in positions of freedom in the penalty area, but only once was Mark Schwarzer required to exert himself, clawing away a clumsy shot from Ljuboja.

Those misses were punished. There was little obvious danger when Fernando Meira struck George Boateng on the back with a clearance, but the ball dropped for Hasselbaink. The Dutchman shot firmly between the goalkeeper’s legs.

There had been a fine volley from Zvonimir Soldo that an agile Schwarzer tipped around his right post, but Middlesbrough’s policy of containment and counter-attacking, while periodically leaving them too deep, was profitable. Boateng’s presence in midfield, after a long absence with an ankle injury, was a pivotal factor.

Fifty seconds into the second half, Boateng was a key figure in a second goal, riding two tackles on the right wing, cutting inside and delicately laying possession back for Parnaby. His finish was venomous.

The sight of Boateng treading gingerly from the field was concerning, but the outlook for Middlesbrough was positive. As much could be ascertained by the kind of booing from home supporters that McClaren has been familiar with. Stuttgart had no reason for enthusiasm until Ljuboja finally found his range.

“All the boys are happy,” Hasselbaink said. It makes a change.

VfB STUTTGART (4-4-2): T Hildebrand — M Stranzl (sub: A Beck, 46min), F Meira, M Delpierre, H Gerber — J Gronkjaer, Z Soldo, S Meissner (sub: C Gentner, 70), T Hitzlsperger (sub: M Gómez, 63) — D Ljuboja, J D Tomasson. Substitutes not used: D Heinen, M Babbel, C Tiffert, L Magnin. Booked: Hitzlsperger, Meira.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-5-1): M Schwarzer — A Davies, C Riggott, G Southgate, E Pogatetz — S Parnaby, G Boateng (sub: J Kennedy, 79), Doriva, F Rochemback, S Downing (sub: A Johnson, 70) — J F Hasselbaink (sub: Yakubu Ayegbeni, 83). Substitutes not used: B Jones, M Bates, A McMahon, A Taylor. Booked: Pogatetz, Davies.

Referee: A Hamer (Luxembourg).