Palmeiras win Brazilian league title, Pele's ex-club Santos relegated for 1st time in 111 years

By Can Erozden

Palmeiras drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro on Wednesday to win Brazil's top-tier football division Serie A, while Pele's former club Santos were relegated for the first time in 111 years.

Endrick, 17, who will join Real Madrid in 2024, scored to give an early lead to Palmeiras but Cruzeiro leveled as Nikao was on the score sheet in the 80th minute in Belo Horizonte.

Following the draw, Palmeiras increased their points to 70 to go two points clear of runners-up Gremio in the matchday 38.

Meanwhile, Santos took a 2-1 home loss against mid-table Fortaleza to move to the 17th position, which is the league's relegation zone.

Santos finished the Brazilian domestic league with 43 points, a point behind Bahia, who survived after a 4-1 win over third-place Atletico Mineiro.

Santos, the home of several football stars including Brazil legend Pele, who died in 2022, will play in the Serie B next season.

Neymar, Rodrygo, Diego Ribas and Robinho were the other notable figures to have played for Santos in previous years.