Aitor Karanka, right celebrates promotion with Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough secured promotion to the 2016/17 Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Aitor Karanka’s side needed a point to guarantee second place in the table and automatic promotion with Burnley, and took the lead through Cristhian Stuani in the first half.

Brighton levelled after the break but goalscorer Dale Stephens was sent off four minutes after his goal for a high challenge on Gaston Ramirez.

Chris Hughton’s side battled hard in search of the goal to leapfrog their opponents, but Boro held on to seal their spot back in England’s top flight after a seven-year absence.

Burnley beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 to go up as winners of the Championship. Brighton will look to get promotion via the play-offs. They will face sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday, while Hull City take on Derby County.

*reported by www.premierleague.com