Aston Villa 1
Barry 74(pen)
Middlesbrough 1
Downing 23
Aston Villa 1 Middlesbrough 1 March 12 2008
Aston Villa's European push suffered a major blow despite Gareth Barry rescuing a point with a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.
The England midfielder levelled from the spot on 74 minutes after Boro defender Luke Young was harshly ruled to have handled a volley from Villa winger Ashley Young.
Stewart Downing had given the visitors a deserved half-time lead with his seventh goal of the season as Boro regained their pride after the FA Cup debacle against Cardiff at the weekend.
Downing netted after 23 minutes after a mistake by the recalled Zat Knight.
The Villa defender sent his pass straight into the path of the England winger who cut into the area before beating Scott Carson with a low shot into the corner of the net.
The draw leaves Villa in sixth spot with 49 points, while Boro are 12th with 30 points on the board.