Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman has insisted that his side were beaten by the side that will win the Championship as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the City Ground.
David Nugent put the visitors ahead in the third minute, but Matt Mills brought the home side level, only for Daniel Ayala to put Aitor Karanka's men in front again before the break.
Forest tried to push back into the game and earned the chance for a late leveller when they were awarded a penalty, but Henri Lansbury saw his spot kick saved by Dimitrios Konstantopoulos as the North-East side held out for the win.
Freedman told BBC Sport: "We were playing against the side I believe will be the champions of the division come the end of the season.
"I understand what Forest fans want, I cannot always deliver it, but we did play some attractive football today and we created numerous opportunities.
"You are not going to see me with my chin on my chest. Is there progress here? Yes there is."
Forest are 11th the Championship following their defeat.
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