Botafogo seal return to Brazil's top flight

Rio de Janeiro giants Botafogo secured their return to Brazilian football's top tier in 2016 with a 1-0 victory at Luverdense.

Forward Ronaldo struck in the 42nd minute as the two-time Serie A champions guaranteed their passage back to Brazil's elite after a year in Serie B on Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

Botafogo were last year relegated for only the second time in their 110-year history, finishing second-last in the top flight.

Tuesday night's result lifted the Alvinegro to 68 points from 35 matches, five clear of second-placed America-MG with three matches remaining.

The top four teams will earn a berth in the Serie A next year and the bottom four will drop to Serie C.