League: Serie A Sport: Soccer Country: Italy Category: Scores & Results

Santos and Portuguesa share 1973 Paulista title after dramatic final

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 5:55 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Santos and Portuguesa share 1973 Paulista title after dramatic final

Summary

Santos and Portuguesa concluded the 1973 Campeonato Paulista in an unprecedented manner on August 26, 1973, sharing the title following a scoreless final at Morumbi attended by over 116,000 spectators. Despite Santos dominating the match and Pelé hitting the woodwork three times, the game went to penalties. After a controversial refereeing error saw the match ended prematurely, the São Paulo Football Federation declared both teams champions, as Portuguesa had not completed their kicks. This unusual resolution marked a notable moment in Brazilian football history.

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By the Numbers

•Santos dominated the match but finished 0–0 against Portuguesa.
•The final was played in front of a record crowd at Morumbi.
•Controversial referee decision ended the match before penalties were completed.
•Both teams were later declared champions after discussions between officials.
•Pelé was the top scorer of the tournament for the 11th time.

Latest Updates

5:55 AMYahoo Sports — 1973 Paulista: one title, two champions

What they're saying

"
By Gabriel Pierin, from the Memory CenterFifty-three years ago, Santos won its 13th Campeonato Paulista — but that final would go down in history for a reason no one could have imagined. At Morumbi,...
— Yahoo Sports

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