IN the city that has been the epicentre of Romania's many uprisings, the intimidating surroundings of the Lia Manoliu National Stadium was the stage where Middlesbrough were overpowered last night.

But, nevertheless, a battle-hardened defensive display and more heroics from goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in hostile surroundings has ensured Boro's hopes of reaching their first European final remains more than a distant dream.

By the end of the first leg only Nicolae Dica's wonder strike on the half hour separated the two sides, and Steaua Bucharest arrive at the Riverside Stadium next Thursday for what promises to be another pulsating night.

Having bounced back from two goals down against Basle in the quarter-finals, Middlesbrough know they possess the required firepower to turn this semi-final on its head; even if the threat of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Aiyegbeni Yakubu was nullified last night.

The task should be made easier as Steaua will be without both Sorin Parashiv and Banel Nicolita through suspension - each player picking up one of the seven bookings during a highly-charged encounter last night.

Middlesbrough's position could have been even stronger ahead of the return fixture, even if the pendulum of possession swung so heavily in Steaua's favour.

After Schwarzer had made three outstanding second half stops to deny the Romanian side, substitute Massimo Maccarone saw a long-range effort four minutes from time almost creep beneath goalkeeper Carlos Fernandes.

That would have made a mockery of Steaua manager Cosmin Olaroiu's confidence after witnessing at first hand Middlesbrough's defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday. But this was a different line-up and a very different attitude to the one at Fratton Park.

Last night was the third of a potential 11 games inside 28 days between now and the end of the season, and McClaren has had little option but to rest players ahead of three semi-final fixtures inside seven days.

But, with defenders Chris Riggott and Gareth Southgate ruled out through injury, teenager Matthew Bates had to endure the most testing examination of his short career alongside Ugo Ehiogu, and emerged with flying colours.

The intimidating atmosphere created by the 45,000 crowd did not have the desired effect though, and there were numerous occasions during the first half when the Romanian crowd were reduced to silence.

And when quietness fell it was more often than not when Middlesbrough threatened to open the scoring, even if keeper Carlos was never seriously tested until after the opener.

The first of those was when James Morrison fired wide from distance after Yakubu's knock down. The move illustrated how Middlesbrough's counter-attacking approach was the best way to make Steaua vulnerable.

However, that was also a tactic proving beneficial to the home side. And, after Dica had earlier volleyed wide with his back to goal, they showed exactly how to capitalise on those situations.

A solo run into the Steaua half ended with Yakubu's low left foot strike being turned away for a corner. From Stewart Downing's flag-kick on the half hour Steaua broke down the other end and broke the deadlock.

The creative Mirel Radoi controlled a long George Ogararu throw into the Middlesbrough box. He passed into the feet of Dica who turned instinctively before firing into Schwarzer's top left corner.

In fairness to Middlesbrough that only spurred them into life as half-time approached. Only exceptional goalkeeping kept Steaua in front.

Within 60 seconds Carlos touched a deflected Yakubu header onto the bar for a corner. And then, after Queudrue headed the cleared centre from Downing back into the area, Morrison could only watch in disbelief as the Portuguese keeper got down low to stop his close range strike.

If Middlesbrough were going to prevent Steaua from adding to the scoreline, then McClaren had to stop Steaua from being afforded too much time on the ball in dangerous areas.

Yet, despite making the first burst down the left through Downing in the second half, the danger signs continued for the majority of the second period.

A free-flowing move on halfway ended with Daniel Oprita finding space down Middlesbrough's left and Schwarzer had to be alert to hold the driven centre, with blue shirts ready to pounce.

The Aussie keeper also proved his enormous worth to the club moments later when he somehow managed to leap in the air and turn a close range effort from towering defender Dorin Goian over after Gabriel Bostina's corner.

With both Hasselbaink and Yakubu failing to cause the Steaua rearguard problems, needed no further encouragement to push on in search of only their second goal in their temporary home. Had it not been for Schwarzer they would have had even more than that.

After Stuart Parnaby had uncharacteristically made a hash of a routine centre into the box, goalscorer Dica reacted first to the loose ball. But, although straight at him, Schwarzer got down low before gathering and saving Parnaby from further embarrassment.

In an attempt to change the flow of the game, in which Steaua were dominant, Yakubu and Morrison were withdrawn for Maccarone and Ray Parlour. The tide refused to turn, however.

And, with time running out as they searched for a crucial second, full-back Petre Marin wasted a glorious chance to claim just that when he scuffed wide after a neat one two with Dica.

A failure to turn possession into goals means Middlesbrough will still be confident of overturning the deficit in six days time. Had Maccarone's late effort squirmed under the keeper the situation would have been even more favourable.

Result: Steaua Bucharest 1, Middlesbrough 0.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.