In a historic turn of events, Santos has suffered relegation for the first time in its 111-year history after a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against Fortaleza in the final match of the Serie A season, leading to their exit from Brazil’s premier football league.
Santos, renowned for its golden era in the 1950s and 60s with 12 state titles, six league championships, and two Copa Libertadores victories, has faced financial struggles in recent years. The club, which has been a nurturing ground for Brazilian football icons like Pele and Neymar, now grapples with the consequences of relegation.
Heading into the crucial season finale, America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias had already succumbed to relegation. Despite being level at 1-1, Santos found themselves on the brink of safety. However, Vasco da Gama initially held the fourth relegation spot. A late twist saw Serginho scoring for Vasco in the 82nd minute, and a stoppage-time winner from Fortaleza’s Lucero sealed Santos’s fate, leaving them one point below safety.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras secured their second consecutive title, marking their 12th overall, with a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro. Noteworthy is the fact that Flamengo and Sao Paulo remain the only teams in Brazilian football history that have never faced relegation.
