Pele playing for Santos in 1966
Santos, Brazil legend Peles former club, have been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history.
A 2-1 home defeat by Fortaleza in their final league match of the season meant they dropped out of Serie A, Brazils top flight.
Santos won 12 state titles, six league titles and two Copas Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.
Three-time World Cup-winner Pele died at the age of 82 last year.
Santos, who also produced Brazils record scorer Neymar, have suffered economic issues in recent years.
Heading into the final game of the season, America Mineiro, Coritiba and Goias had been relegated.
With Santos level at 1-1, Vasco da Gama “ drawing 1-1 with Red Bull Bragantino “ occupied the fourth relegation spot in the 20-team division.
But Serginho scored for Vasco in the 82ndminute and a stoppage-time winner from Fortalezas Lucero left Santos one point adrift of safety.
Palmeiras were crowned champions for the second season in a row “ and 12thin total “ thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.
Flamengo and Sao Paulo are the only remaining sides who have never been relegated. (BBC)
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