One of Brazil's most famous clubs relegated to the second division for the first time in its 111-year history

(Patria) - Brazilian football club Santos was relegated yesterday for the first time in its 111-year history to the second division after losing to Fortaleza (1:2) at home in the final round of the Brazilian Serie A.

In the 39th minute, Fortaleza took a 1:0 lead through Marinho, Messias equalized in the 58th, and Lucero delivered the final blow to Santos in the 96th minute.

Also, Bahia defeated Atletico Mineiro (4:1) on their home ground, which also meant Santos's relegation, writes Sportklub.

Santos, a three-time Copa Libertadores champion, is one of three clubs, along with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, that have never been relegated from the Brazilian top league.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM DE JOGO NA VILA BELMIRO! O LEÃO VENCE O SANTOS FORA DE CASA E ENCERRA SUA PARTICIPAÇÃO NO BRASILEIRÃO COM 54 PONTOS, NA 10ª COLOCAÇÃO!

⚽ Marinho
⚽ Lucero#FortalezaEC #Brasileirão pic.twitter.com/BRvu3FR83V

— Fortaleza Esporte Clube 🦁 (@FortalezaEC) December 7, 2023

However, due to a poor streak of five games without a win, they dropped to 17th place in the standings with 43 points.

One of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé, helped Santos become one of the most famous clubs in world football, a team that enjoyed a golden era in the 50s and 60s – when they won six Brazilian league titles.

They also won the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, in 1962 and 1963, the same years they also won the Intercontinental Cup, a trophy contested by the best teams from Europe and South America.

Besides Pelé, Santos has produced numerous extraordinary players such as former AC Milan striker Robinho, Brazil's top scorer Neymar, and Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.