Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Middlesbrough struck it rich as they were promoted to the English Premier League after a 1-1 draw in their £170 million shoot-out with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. 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 kick in 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 equalised for Brighton after the break, but the midfielder was sent off moments later and Middlesbrough held on to spark wild celebrations on Teesside. — AFP.