boss Steve Agnew insisted his side can still beat the drop despite staying six points adrift of safety following a controversial 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Boro looked set for the three points they desperately needed after Alvaro Negredo's first-half opener, but a debatable penalty converted by Sergio Aguero changed the course of the game.
Agnew was angered by the way City substitute Leroy Sane won the penalty which led to a frantic finale in which Calum Chambers restored Boro's lead before Gabriel Jesus headed an equaliser.
The result leaves Boro in deep trouble with three games to go - and they could be even further away from safety by the time they face a daunting trip to champions-elect Chelsea next Monday.