Sao Paulo - FC Sao Paulo took its fourth crown as Brazil's national football champion after a 1-1 draw against Atletico Paranaense put its first place in the standings out of the reach of second-placed Internacional.
The draw at home Sunday at the sold-out Morumbi Stadium saw Sao Paulo take its first Brazilian championship in 15 years with two games left to play in the season.
Its place atop the standings was sealed when favoured Internacional lost 1-0 to Parana, leaving Internacional eight points behind Sao Paulo.
The soon-to-be champions were the first to score when centre defender Fabao headed in the ball in the 24th minute.
Striker Christian evened it up for Internacional in the 79th minute with a wide shot, but nevertheless, the 68,000 fans at Morumbi Stadium could break out in cheers on news of Internacional's loss.
Tens of thousands of fans assembled in the centre of Sao Paulo and danced and sang in celebration into Monday morning despite heavy rain. Many of them had watched the match on two large screens set up under the open sky, and the celebrations were expected to resume Monday, which is a holiday.
The title wins in 1977, 1986, 1991 and now 2006 for Sao Paulo brought them even with archrival Palmeiras, Corinthians and Vasco da Gama Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo Rio has the most national trophies with five, but Sao Paulo is the Brazilian club with the most international titles.