Middlesbrough 1 Wolves 2: Nuno’s Championship leaders survive with nine men after Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro strikes

WOLVES are so much better than the rest that they can even win with nine men.

If there was ever an example of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side’s dominance this season, it came at the Riverside last night.

The runaway league leaders raced into an early two-goal lead through Portuguese playmakers Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro.

And despite Ruben Neves and Matt Doherty both being sent off in the second half, and Patrick Bamford pulling a goal back, Wolves still sealed their first win on Teesside in 67 years.

Now, if the Midlands men beat Hull, Cardiff and Derby in their next three games, Premier League promotion will be secured.

So after six years of waiting, Wolves are now just 11 days away from a top flight return.

Their glory day could come even sooner if third-placed Fulham and fourth-placed Aston Villa slip up in their next matches.

But whenever it happens, Wanderers are bound to be back in the big time next season.

In truth, that has been obvious ever since they returned to the top spot after beating Norwich at the end of October – a position they have held in the five months which have followed.

For Tony Pulis’ Boro, this was a first defeat in seven games and they remain in the play-off places on goal difference.

Yet last night was a painful reminder that they are still some way behind the Championship’s top dogs.

Wolves showed both beauty and brawn at the Riverside – a combination they will need to stay up in the Prem next season.

Because Boro’s players and fans were right up for this one, as was boss Tony Pulis, who got in a touchline spat with the Wolves dugout after a clumsy challenge by Ryan Shotton on Barry Douglas.

But other than jet-heeled home winger Adama Traore, the visitors always looked the more dangerous going forward.

Wolves nearly went ahead through Ruben Neves’ swerving shot from 25 yards which needed Darren Randolph to tip wide.

But they did eventually take the lead after 32 minutes through a fine finish from Neves’ countryman Costa.

The Portuguese initially had a close-range shot saved by Randolph but the ball was recycled by Ivan Cavaleiro, who held off Adam Clayton and Daniel Ayala to feed out wide to Douglas.

And the Scot chipped the ball over to the back post where the lurking Costa connected perfectly with his first-time left-footed volley to finally get the better of Randolph.

Things were to get no easier for Boro’s Irish keeper, who had to scramble to tip over another 25-yard stunner from Neves.

And eight minutes before the break Randolph pulled off an even better stop to keep out Willy Boly’s header from Douglas’ corner – but Cavaleiro was left free to nod the rebound into the empty net.

Wolves were fuming after the break as Costa appeared to be clipped by George Friend when he was clean through on goal, but referee Stuart Attwell did not blow up for a free-kick.

It might even have been a red card for Friend – but it was the visitors who were to have TWO men sent off soon after.

On 54 minutes, Neves and Doherty were both shown yellow cards as the former tried to trip Traore and the latter then took the Spaniard out.

Then, just two minutes later, Neves wiped out Friend on the edge of the box for what was a blatant booking and he was sent on his way.

And on 71 minutes, Doherty led with his arm in an aerial challenge with Friend - and he too was awarded a second yellow and given his marching orders.

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Boro huffed and puffed against the nine men, with Bamford, Daniel Ayala and Jonny Howson all missing chances.

Traore saw a shot saved by John Ruddy and Howson had an effort blocked by Willy Boly.

Boro finally grabbed one back through Bamford’s volley in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
But after Bamford had another shot blocked and Stewart Downing dragged the rebound wide, the win went to Wolves, with boss Nuno celebrating wildly in front of his visiting fans.