A much improved second-half performance from Atlético Mineiro helped them see off a Cruzeiro comeback as they clinched the Campeonato Mineiro after a 4-2 aggregrate win over rivals Cruzeiro.
A penalty from Ronaldinho was enough to stop a Cruzeiro side full of steam after two early Dagoberto penalties put them into a 2-0 lead.
Cruzeiro went into the game needing a minor miracle after a crushing defeat at the Independência last weekend with Atlético running out 3-0 winners.
They dominated the opening stages as they looked for the crucial first goal and a swift counterattack saw Borges go one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his tame shot was easily parried.
Atlético then swept up the pitch and Bernard caught a glimpse of goal but his effort was dragged well wide of the goal.
However, Cruzeiro deservedly took the lead when Gilberto Silva brought down Dagoberto in the penalty area, the striker dusting himself off to slot the resulting spot kick home.
Atlético later thought they had levelled proceedings but Diego Tardelli’s effort was ruled out after the striker was flagged for offside.
But disaster struck again for Atlético as another penalty was given to Cruzeiro, this time for a foul on Borges.
Dagoberto stepped up once again and sent Victor the wrong way, coolly slotting home to the keeper’s right.
Marcos Rocha nearly pulled a goal back with an audacious effort from a tight angle but his effort rebounded off the post and to safety, much to Cruzeiro’s relief.
Cruzeiro’s Borges then proved himself to be a lucky man as he escaped a red card after shoving goalkeeper Victor to the ground with the ball in his hands.
The Cruzeiro striker then launched into a high challenge just a minute later and could have faced yet another red card, but avoided the referee’s book this time.
After the break, Atlético came out with intent to reduce the deficit and Jô came close with a strike from the right-hand side but Fábio was equal to the effort.
Jô came close for a second time after a strike from the edge of the box rebounded off the post with the keeper beaten.
Atlético coach Cuca will have been wondering what they needed to do to score as Réver saw his point-blank header denied by a magnificent save from Fábio.
Borges then made way for Anselmo Ramon as Marcelo de Oliveira reshuffled his side in an effort bring on fresh legs.
But it was Atlético who grabbed the crucial third goal of the game, as Ronaldinho slammed home yet another penalty after substitute Luan had been brought down by Egídio in an attempt to retrieve the ball he’d given away.
Rocha very nearly levelled proceedings on the night as the right-back slalomed past three defenders but his toepoked effort was blocked by Fábio.
Ugly scenes broke out in the final minutes as a brawl broke out in the middle of the pitch as Luan was sent off for shoving over Dagoberto.
But the final whistle blew seconds later and Atlético successfully defended their Campeonato Mineiro title with a 2-1 loss on the night.
