Atletico Mineiro clinch their first Copa do Brasil title

Atletico MG players celebrate their title win following a win over Cruzeiro as part of Copa do Brasil 2014 Final at Mineirao Stadium on November 26, 2014.

Belo Horizonte, Nov 27 (IANS) Atletico Mineiro clinched their first Copa do Brasil title by defeating local rivals Cruzeiro 3-0 on aggregate in the two-legged final. Brazil international striker Diego Tardelli struck in first half to hand Atletico a 1-0 victory in Wednesday's deciding match at the Mineirao stadium Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

It was the first time the two Belo Horizonte teams met to decide a national title. The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Leandro Donizete was shown a red card for a crude challenge on Dagoberto with six minutes remaining.

But it had little impact on the final result as Levir Culpi's team secured a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores - South America's elite club competition.

Cruzeiro, who were aiming for their fifth Copa do Brasil trophy, secured their second straight Brazilian Serie A title with two matches remaining last Sunday.