A late error from Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes allowed Burnley to claim a 1-0 win in the Boxing Day Premier League clash at Turf Moor.
The Clarets had the better of the opening period, with the former Barcelona and Manchester United stopper saving from George Boyd and Ashley Barnes.
Boro, meanwhile, also went close through Cristhian Stuani, who fired wide with a half-volley having been put through over the top by Antonio Barragan.
It proved to be a feisty encounter, with referee Craig Pawson dishing out a total of 11 bookings - five coming in the first half and six after the break.
However, the difference between the two came in the 80th minute, when Valdes allowed Andre Gray's well-struck volley to escape his grasp and sneak over the line.
After only their second victory in seven games, Sean Dyche's charges leapfrog Aitor Karanka's side into 14th in the Premier League while opening up a two-point gap over the 15th-placed Teessiders.
