AITOR KARANKA HAS guided Middlebrough back to the Premier League, ending a seven-year absence, with a 1-1 home draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Middlesbrough began a nervy day on Teesside in ideal fashion, opening the scoring through Cristian Stuani on 19 minutes.
However, a Dale Stephens header 10 minutes after the interval got the Seagulls back in the contest.
The clash took another dramatic turn just four minutes later when Stephens was shown a straight red card for a nasty, studs-first challenge on Gaston Ramirez that saw the Uruguayan carried from the field on a stretcher.
Middlesbrough hung on in the end to clinch the second automatic promotion spot on goal difference from Brighton, with Burnley confirmed as the champions.
Chris Hughton’s side will now turn their attention to the play-offs as they seek to join Middlesbrough in the Premier League next season.
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