Sao Paulo won its third straight Brazilian league title on Sunday after striker Borges scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Goias.
The title deciding game had been moved after incidents in Goias stadium, forced the game to be staged a few hundred miles away in Gama
Borges’ 22nd-minute goal – which appeared to have been offside when he scored – secured victory for a team which needed only a draw to win the championship. Gremio, which beat Atletico Mineiro 2-0, was the only club capable of denying the champions a sixth title, but that depended on Sao Paulo losing.
The third straight title had by no means looked a certainty this year having trailed Gremio by 11 points just after the midway point.
But having improved their form in the latter part of the season they could have clinched the title one week ago with a win over Fluminense, but only managed only a 1-1 draw.
The final table meant that Sao Paulo and second place Gremio, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro all won entry to next year’s Copa Libertadores championship.
“I am extremely happy,’ Borges said. “This team is a very special team.”
With tears streaming down his face, coach Muricy Ramalho said: “We must share this victory with the fans, club directors and everyone else who took part in this incredible conquest.”
“Sao Paulo is a great team, renowned around the world. It deserved to win,” said midfielder Jorge Wagner minutes after the end of the game.
At the bottom, four-time champions Vasco da Gama, were relegated along with Figueirense, Portuguesa and Ipatinga.
