Santos relegated for first time in 111-year history

 For the first time in their 111-year history, Santos, Pele's former team in Brazil, has been relegated.

A 2-1 home loss by Fortaleza in their last association match of the time implied they exited Serie A, Brazil's first class.

Santos came out on top for 12 state championships, six association titles and two Copas Libertadores during their brilliant period of the 1950s and 60s.

Pele, who won the World Cup three times, passed away last year at the age of 82.

Santos, who also produced Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has struggled financially in recent years.

America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias had been relegated prior to the season's final game.

With Santos level at 1-1, Vasco da Gama - drawing 1-1 with Red Bull Bragantino - involved the fourth assignment spot in the 20-group division.

However, Serginho scored for Vasco in the 82nd moment and a stoppage-time victor from Fortaleza's Lucero left Santos one point hapless of security.

Palmeiras were delegated champions for the second season in succession - and twelfth altogether - because of a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.

The only remaining teams that have never been relegated are Sao Paulo and Flamengo.