Middlesbrough struck it rich as they were promoted to the Premier League after a 1-1 draw in their £170 million (US$246 million) shootout with Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday.
Aitor Karanka’s side survived a nervous encounter at the Riverside Stadium to end their seven-year exile from the top flight and bank the huge cash windfall due to Premier League clubs as a result of the new television contracts that begin next season.
Needing just one point from their last game of the Championship season to guarantee they would finish above third-placed Brighton on goal difference, second-placed Middlesbrough took the lead through Christian Stuani’s first-half strike.
Dale Stephens equalized for Brighton after the break, but the midfielder was sent off moments later and Middlesbrough held on to spark wild celebrations on Teesside.
Middlesbrough started the day with a chance of lifting the Championship title as well as securing a place among the elite, but had to settle for second after already promoted leaders Burnley swept to a 3-0 victory against relegated Charlton Athletic.
Meanwhile, in Premier League action, Manchester United defeated Norwich City 1-0.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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