Reading FC marked their arrival in the Premier League, then known as the Premiership, with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Middlesbrough 20 years ago today.
On August 19, 2006, the Royals made history by playing their first-ever match in the English top flight after winning the Championship with a record 106 points the previous season.
Steve Coppell’s side faced an experienced Middlesbrough team at the Madejski Stadium and were given a taste of life in the Premier League when they fell 2-0 behind.
Stewart Downing opened the scoring before Yakubu doubled the visitors’ advantage, leaving Reading facing a difficult afternoon.
But the newly promoted side responded brilliantly.
Dave Kitson pulled one back shortly before half-time before Steve Sidwell equalised just moments later, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Reading completed the turnaround early in the second half when Leroy Lita fired them into a 3-2 lead.
They held on to secure three points and a memorable victory in their first-ever top-flight fixture.
It proved to be a sign of things to come.
Despite being widely tipped to struggle among England’s elite, Coppell’s side produced a sensational debut Premier League campaign.
The Royals recorded impressive victories throughout the season and eventually finished eighth with 55 points – the highest league position in the club’s history.
Twenty years on, that comeback against Middlesbrough remains a defining moment in Reading’s history and the perfect introduction to their remarkable Premier League adventure.
