Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Nov 24 (IANS): Cruzeiro have clinched their second consecutive Brazilian Serie A title with a 2-1 victory over Goias.

Everton Ribeiro struck the winner at the Mineirao stadium Sunday after Samuel had cancelled out Ricardo Goulart's opener as Cruzeiro secured the championship with two matches to spare, reports Xinhua.

"This is a day of celebration," said Ribeiro, who revealed the players had struggled on poor pitch conditions.

"The game was affected by the surface but we were able to overcome it and win this fantastic title," the midfielder added.

Cruzeiro have now won four Brazilian Serie A trophies, the same number as Rio giants Vasco da Gama and Fluminense. Only Flamengo (5), Corinthians (5), Sao Paulo (6), Palmeiras (8) and Santos (8) have won more.

"A lot of clubs try for years to win this without success so we have to celebrate as much as we can," forward Willian said.

"The championship is tough but we were able to maintain our lead for the entire season."

Cruzeiro will aim for Brazil's domestic double Wednesday when they meet local rivals Atletico Mineiro in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final, also at the Mineirao stadium. Atletico won the first leg 2-0.

Cruzeiro's first national title came in 1996, and the second in 2003, the first time the league began being played with teams facing each other twice.