Cruzeiro relegated to Brazil's Serie B as fans revolt

BELO HORIZONTE - Cruzeiro were relegated to Brazil's second division for the first time in their 99-year history after a violence-marred 2-0 home defeat to Palmeiras on Sunday.

The referee called the match off with five minutes remaining when angry Cruzeiro fans hurled objects, including ripped up seats, at their players at the Mineirao stadium.

Ze Rafael and Dudu scored second-half goals for the visitors as Cruzeiro slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat on the final day of the Brazilian Serie A season.

The Belo Horizonte side ended the campaign in 17th place with seven wins, 15 draws and 16 defeats. The other relegated clubs were CSA, Chapecoense and Avai.

Palmeiras, the 2018-19 champions, finished third in the standings, behind second-placed Santos on goal difference. The latter concluded their season in style with a 4-0 home win over champions Flamengo.

Meanwhile, Corinthians clinched a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores despite a 2-1 home loss to Fluminense on Sunday. The result left Corinthians in eighth place, securing them the last Copa Libertadrores slot in Brazil's top flight.

In other fixtures on Sunday, Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 at home to Chapecoense, Botafogo also drew 1-1 at home to Ceara, Sao Paulo won 2-1 at CSA, Fortaleza prevailed 2-1 at home to Bahia, Goias defeated Gremio 3-2 in Goiania, Internacional beat Atletico Mineiro 2-1 in Porto Alegre and Athletico Paranaense drew 0-0 at Avai.