In this file photo taken on Aug 18, 2021 Brazil's Atletico Mineiro Argentine Federico Zaracho (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Argentina's River Plate during their Copa Libertadores quarter-finals second leg football match at the Minerao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (BRUNA PRADO / POOL / AFP)
SALVADOR, Brazil - Atletico Mineiro clinched their first Brazilian Serie A title in 50 years on Thursday after recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory at Bahia.
After a goalless first half, Luiz Otavio and Gilberto appeared to end any hope of an Atletico victory at the Fonte Nova Arena when they scored twice in quick succession.
It was Atletico's second Brazilian top flight title and capped off a memorable year for manager Cuca, who took charge of the club for a second time in March
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Hulk reduced the deficit with a 73rd-minute penalty before Marcos Keno struck twice in three minutes to hand Atletico the lead.
The Belo Horizonte outfit survived a tense final 15 minutes to clinch their 25th win of the campaign and take an unassailable 11-point lead over second-placed Flamengo.
It was Atletico's second Brazilian top flight title and capped off a memorable year for manager Cuca, who took charge of the club for a second time in March.
"We had a magical year ... the fans have to be proud," said Cuca, who led Atletico to the 2013 Copa Libertadores title during his first spell as manager. "To be champions and to win it the way we did was everything we wanted to crown what has been a great year."
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In this file photo taken on Sept 28, 2021, fans of Atletico Mineiro cheer for their team during the all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores semifinal second leg football match against Palmeiras, at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (DOUGLAS MAGNO / POOL / AFP)
Veteran forward Hulk, who has scored 33 goals in all competitions since joining Atletico from Shanghai SIPG in January, was overjoyed at clinching his first Brazilian league title.
"I started my professional career here in Salvador when I arrived at Vitoria as a 16-year-old," the 35-year-old said. "To come back to where it all began and celebrate this title with a club that hasn't won for 50 years is a wonderful feeling."
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