Santos, the former club of legendary Brazilian forwards Pele and Neymar, have been relegated for the first time in the club's age-long history.
The Black-and-white from the Beach were founded on April 14, 1912, and they are one of the foremost teams in Brazil.
Their relegation to the second tier of Brazilian league football was rubber-stamped on December 7, 2023, following a 2-1 home defeat to Fortaleza.
The encounter against Fortaleza was their final game of the 2022/23 season, and the result they picked out from that game was expected to decide their fate for the season.
Santos won 12 state titles, 8 league titles, and 3 Copa Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.
Before entertaining Fortaleza on December 7, 2023, America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias had been relegated.
The final Matchday had its drama, with Santos being level 1-1 with Fortaleza until the dying embers of the encounter.
Vasco da Gama, who sat 17th, on the 4th relegation spot were also sharing the spoils with Red Bull Bragantino 1-1 for major parts of their encounter.
However, in a twist of fortunes, Vasco da Gama went ahead in the 83rd minute, with Serginho scoring, before Fortaleza's Lucero scored in the 6th minute of additional time in the second 45, to puncture the heart of Santos faithful.
Marcelo Fernandes's side instantly found themselves languishing in the final relegation spot, and they ultimately got relegated to the second division.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras also became champions for the second season consecutively, making it their 12th in total, following a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro.
Flamengo and Sao Paulo remain the only teams, who have never been relegated to the second division.
Santos have battled financial issues in recent years, and that has obviously affected their on-the-pitch performances, as they nosedive year after year, in what has culminated in their relegation to the second tier.
The Black-and-white from the Beach also had other legendary names ply their trade at the club, including; former Brazil manager Dunga, retired defender Alex, and former AC Milan and Real Madrid forward Robinho.
Santos are one of the most successful teams in Brazil, with 8 Brazilian Serie A titles as aforementioned, 2 Intercontinental Cup, and Intercontinental Supercup.
They will be battling in the second division alongside other notable clubs including; Chapecoense AF, Botafogo SP, and Avai FC.
Vitória, Juventude, Criciúma, and Atletico GO are the other four teams that gained promotion to the top flight from the Brazilian Serie B, and they will be looking to test their mettle against the big boys.
Santos have it all to do if they are to return to the top flight, and they will need useful guidance from many of their legendary players.
The Black-and-white from the Beach were founded on April 14, 1912, and they are one of the foremost teams in Brazil.
Their relegation to the second tier of Brazilian league football was rubber-stamped on December 7, 2023, following a 2-1 home defeat to Fortaleza.
The encounter against Fortaleza was their final game of the 2022/23 season, and the result they picked out from that game was expected to decide their fate for the season.
Santos won 12 state titles, 8 league titles, and 3 Copa Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.
Before entertaining Fortaleza on December 7, 2023, America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias had been relegated.
The final Matchday had its drama, with Santos being level 1-1 with Fortaleza until the dying embers of the encounter.
Vasco da Gama, who sat 17th, on the 4th relegation spot were also sharing the spoils with Red Bull Bragantino 1-1 for major parts of their encounter.
However, in a twist of fortunes, Vasco da Gama went ahead in the 83rd minute, with Serginho scoring, before Fortaleza's Lucero scored in the 6th minute of additional time in the second 45, to puncture the heart of Santos faithful.
Marcelo Fernandes's side instantly found themselves languishing in the final relegation spot, and they ultimately got relegated to the second division.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras also became champions for the second season consecutively, making it their 12th in total, following a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro.
Flamengo and Sao Paulo remain the only teams, who have never been relegated to the second division.
Santos have battled financial issues in recent years, and that has obviously affected their on-the-pitch performances, as they nosedive year after year, in what has culminated in their relegation to the second tier.
The Black-and-white from the Beach also had other legendary names ply their trade at the club, including; former Brazil manager Dunga, retired defender Alex, and former AC Milan and Real Madrid forward Robinho.
Santos are one of the most successful teams in Brazil, with 8 Brazilian Serie A titles as aforementioned, 2 Intercontinental Cup, and Intercontinental Supercup.
They will be battling in the second division alongside other notable clubs including; Chapecoense AF, Botafogo SP, and Avai FC.
Vitória, Juventude, Criciúma, and Atletico GO are the other four teams that gained promotion to the top flight from the Brazilian Serie B, and they will be looking to test their mettle against the big boys.
Santos have it all to do if they are to return to the top flight, and they will need useful guidance from many of their legendary players.