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Corinthians defeat Fluminense to secure seventh Brazilian league title

Former Manchester City striker Jo scored two goals as Corinthians beat Fluminense 3-1 on Wednesday to claim their seventh Campeonato Brasileiro title.

The Sao Paulo-based club won the championship with three games in hand and currently sit 10 points clear of second-placed Gremio.

Fluminense opened the scoring in the first minute with a goal by former Napoli defender Henrique. Jo responded in the second half with a goal in the 46th minute and another just two minutes later before Jadson netted the third in the 84th minute.

"We never doubted ourselves when the pressure was on," Corinthians midfielder Rodriguinho said. "We worked very hard for this to happen."

Corinthians' success drew praise from Brazil legend Ronaldo, who spent two years at the club as a player.

He wrote on Instagram: "Congratulations Corinthians! You're a giant just like your history!"

Following his brace on Wednesday, Jo is the current top scorer of Brazil's top-flight championship with 18 goals.

Corinthians last won the title in 2015, under current Brazil coach Tite.

Corinthians coach Fabio Carille served as Tite's assistant before taking over the team last year.

The main challengers of Corinthians in the championship were Gremio and state rivals Palmeiras and Santos.