Agency :
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.
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.”
