Boro started the day in second place on 88 points, level with Brighton but with a better goal difference. That meant they only needed a point from the clash between the two sides at the Riverside to take the second automatic berth alongside Burnley.
Cristian Stuani put Boro in front after 19 minutes, but Brighton came back strongly after the break and Dale Stephens levelled in the 55th minute.
But, just four minutes after his equaliser, Stephens saw red for a high challenge on Gaston Ramirez, who was forced off on a stretcher with a bad gash to his shin. The Seagulls pushed for a winner with 10 men but Boro held firm.
The red rules Stephens out of the playoffs, where Brighton will now face Sheffield Wednesday. The other match sees Hull City take on Derby County.
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