Sao Paulo, Brazil – Corinthians won its fifth Brazilian title 0 draw against Palmeiras was enough to maintain the top spot on the final day of the season.
Corinthians started the final day of the season with a two-point cushion over Vasco da Gama and earned its first title since 2005 despite having two players sent off in the tie against Palmeiras, which also had two men red carded.
On the day former player Socrates died, Corinthians did enough to seal another title despite a second half that included all four ejections. The club has won all five of its titles since 1990.
Renato's second-half goal spoiled Vasco's titles chances as it played to a 1-1 draw Sunday against Flamengo in a match were each side had a player sent off, although a win would still not have given Vasco the crown.
Paranaense, Ceara, America Mineiro and Avai finished in the relegation zone as Ceara and Paranaense failed to escape the bottom four on the final day.
Paranaense edged Coritiba, 1-0, but only moved to 17th - one place from safety - as Cruzeiro rolled to a 6-1 win over Atletico Mineiro to survive. Ceara also needed Cruzeiro to lose, but it slumped to a 2-1 loss to Bahia.
In the final day's other games, Sao Paulo beat Santos 4-1, Internacional edged Gremio 1-0, Goianiense pounded America Mineiro 5-1, Avai tied Figueirense 1-1, and Fluminense tied Botafogo 1-1.
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