Pelé's former club Santos were relegated for the first time in their 111-year history on Wednesday following a 2-1 home loss to Fortaleza in the final round of Brazil's Serie A.
The costal city team were one of three clubs, along with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, never to have been relegated from Brazil's top flight but a woeful run of five games without a victory saw them drop to 17th in the standings with 43 points.
America Mineiro, Coritiba and Goias had already been assured of relegation from the 20-team division.
City Football Group-owned Bahia secured their top-flight status with a resounding 4-1 win over Atletico Mineiro, while Vasco da Gama stayed out of the drop zone with a 2-1 win over Bragantino.
Santos had looked set to stave off relegation when they stood level at 1-1 with Fortaleza in the second half and with Vasco being held 1-1 by Bragantino.
However, Serginho's goal for Vasco in the 82nd minute and a stoppage-time goal from Fortaleza's Lucero condemned the three-times Copa Libertadores champions to relegation in front of their frustrated home fans.
Santos relegated
Absolute despair as Santos are relegated to the Brasileirão Série B for the first time in club history. pic.twitter.com/vDZzZ4fOQK
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 7, 2023
SANTOS SEMPRE SANTOS pic.twitter.com/t0kcM3w6Ia
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) December 7, 2023
Chaotic scenes in the streets of Vila Belmiro after Santos were relegated for the first time in their history.
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 7, 2023
Santos are one of the most decorated teams in Brazilian football:
◉ 22x Campeonato Paulista
◉ 8x Brasileirão Série A
◉ 3x Copa LibertadoresIn 2023, they were relegated from the top-flight for the first time in the club's 111-year history. pic.twitter.com/taG3VWwn9s
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 7, 2023
At the other end of the table, Endrick, who is set to join Real Madrid in July, scored in the 21st minute to help Palmeiras to a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro that secured back-to back championships and a record-extending 12th title.
Scenes in Brazil as Palmeiras are crowned 2023 Brasileirão champions! ⭐ pic.twitter.com/0uRb7wxCVs
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 7, 2023
Late Brazilian great Pelé helped Santos become one of the most famous clubs in world football, the side enjoying a golden era in the 1950s and 1960s that saw them win 10 state and six Brazilian league titles.
They also lifted the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League, in 1962 and 1963, the same years won they won the Intercontinental Cup, the trophy played for by the top teams from Europe and South America.
In addition to Pelé, Santos has produced a host of outstanding players such as former AC Milan striker Robinho, Brazil's top scorer Neymar and Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
Santos vs. Fortaleza full highlights
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
