Flamengo clinch Brazil title despite losing to Sao Paulo

February 25, 2021 Flamengo's Diego and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the Brasileiro Championship [REUTERS]

Flamengo lost 2-1 to Sao Paulo on Thursday but still clinched the Brazilian league title on the final day after challengers Internacional could only draw 0-0 at home to Corinthians.

The result means Flamengo topped the table with 71 points, one more than Inter, and take their second consecutive Serie A title.

Flamengo’s win was a personal triumph for coach Rogerio Ceni, who won his first major title as manager in the Morumbi stadium, where he was idolised as a player with Sao Paulo.

“It wasn’t the way we wanted,” said the former goalkeeper, who took over at Flamengo in November.

Sao Paulo's Luciano scored with a free kick in first-half stoppage time to take his season's tally to 18, the joint best of the league season.

Bruno Henrique equalised for Flamengo six minutes into the second period before Pablo restored Sao Paulo’s lead eight minutes later.

February 25, 2021 Flamengo's Bruno Henrique celebrates scoring their first goal [REUTERS]

“It was as real struggle,” said Flamengo midfielder Diego.

“This team really deserves it for all we did. The title speaks of our character, we are winners. It’s so difficult to win back-to-back titles and so now we are going to celebrate.”