Of all the indignities that Garry Monk will suffer during his managerial career, perhaps none will hurt quite like this defeat.
Returning to Elland Road for the first time since quitting Leeds United in May, the Middlesbrough manager endured a torrid afternoon.
For a start, his team headed home empty-handed, but the abuse that Monk received from the home supporters made it personal for the former Swansea boss.
Very personal.
Consider the scenario: Leeds had wobbled badly recently, losing six of their last seven Championship games, while in-form Boro had won three on the bounce.
Little wonder the Elland Road faithful celebrated with such gusto at the final whistle.
It is worth remembering that Monk performed a fine job at Leeds last season, guiding them to their best campaign for years.
A campaign which in early spring had their long-suffering supporters dreaming of a return to the Premier League before an end-of-season slump saw them finish seventh and miss out on the play-offs.
A change of ownership at the end of the season saw Andrea Radrizzani complete a 100% buy-out from Italian compatriot Massimo Cellino.
Monk, whose rolling one-year contract was due to expire, decided life under the new regime was not for him and the 38-year-old jumped ship before taking the reins at Middlesbrough.
Thus Monk became a figure of hate for Leeds supporters and they took great delight in beating his Boro side with a victory inspired by Spanish playmaker Pablo Hernandez.
Thomas Christiansen’s side, as if inspired by the presence of their ex-manager, turned on the style and the formbook on its head.
Hernandez scored the opening goal in the 24th minute before his brilliant first-time cross was fired home by Ezgjan Alioski nine minutes after the break.
Moments later, Samuel Saiz then struck the inside of a post as Boro narrowly avoided falling 3-0 behind.
Monk’s team were handed a lifeline in the 77th minute when Britt Assombalonga fired home from the spot after a controversial penalty awarded against Leeds – but they held on in a tense finale
Monk was jeered by the Leeds supporters as he emerged from the tunnel to make the walk to the visiting dug-out.
Thousands of Leeds fans chanted “F*ck Garry Monk, f*ck Garry Monk” while the famous Elland Road anthem ‘Marching on Together’ was belted out with even more gusto than usual.
It said much for the magnitude of the occasion.
Roared on by their vociferous support, Leeds refused to allow Middlesbrough to settle.
Homegrown midfield duo Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira, patrolling the middle of the park, impressed with their energy and drive while Saiz provided a creative spark.
Yet it was Boro who fashioned the first clear-cut opening when 18-year-old Marcus Tavernier, who scored his first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Sunderland a fortnight earlier, failed to connect with Assombalonga’s low right-wing cross.
Moments later, Stewart Downing hit a fierce left-foot shot from 25 yards which drew a smart save from Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.
Chances remained scarce but the hosts led in the 24th minute when Alioski’s right-wing cross was flicked on by Phillips and the unmarked Hernandez fired home at the far post.
Eland Road erupted and Middlesbrough struggled to penetrate a resolute Leeds rearguard.
In the 53rd minute, Martin Braithwaite headed on to Tavernier, who could only fire well over the bar from close range.
It was a huge wasted opportunity and moments later Leeds doubled their advantage when Kemar Roofe showed clever footwork to find Hernandez in space on the left edge of the penalty area.
Hernandez guided a superb first-time delivery across the face of goal and Alioski arrived to fire home.
Three minutes later, Saiz hit a low right-foot shot from 25 yards which rebounded off the left-hand post and Leeds were well on top.
Yet Boro’s lifeline arrived when Luke Ayling appeared to foul Daniel Ayala and referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot after consulting with assistant.
Assombalonga dispatched the penalty superbly and it was very much game on, especially when seven minutes of added time were announced.
Could Leeds hang on?
They could. And how the Elland Road masses celebrated.
