Corinthians, former club of Brazil midfield legend Socrates, who died on Sunday, honoured his memory by winning their fifth national league championship after a goalless draw against Sao Paulo rivals Palmeiras.
A full house of 39,000 saw the game at the Pacaembu, where Corinthians held on to claim top spot as second-placed Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 with Flamengo in Rio.
The 'Timao', for whom Socrates played between 1978 and 1984 and where he founded a pro-democracy movement in opposition to the then ruling military regime, previously lifted the national title in 1990, 1998, 1999 and 2005.
The club have also lifted the Sao Paulo state championship a record 26 times.
Before the game, midfielder Alex said there would be no finer way to pay a fitting tribute to Socrates than for the club to get the draw they needed.
"The best way for us to celebrate his memory is the title," said Alex.
"We hope we can lift the title, to win it in the name of Socrates, for the great idol that he is."
Fans held up banners in the stands reading "Doctor Socrates, rest in peace" while a minute's silence was observed before the start.
Source: AFP
