Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil returns the ball to Robarto Bautista of Spain during a Davis Cup play-off tennis match, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 14, 2014. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)

SAO PAULO, Sept. 14 -- Thomaz Bellucci defeated Roberto Bautista 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday as Brazil eliminated Spain from the Davis Cup World Group.

The result gave the hosts an unassailable 3-1 lead in the playoff at the indoor court in Ibirapuera, near Sao Paulo.

It marks Brazil's return to the competition's elite category after their relegation last year.

"It's an emotional moment for Brazilian tennis and it comes at the right time," Bellucci said after his victory.

Spain, who were without Rafael Nadal and Roger Ferrer for the tie, will next year be absent from the World Group for the first time since 1996.

"Sport is like that; one day you win and another day you lose," Spain captain Carlos Moya said.