Rio de Janeiro, May 4 (IANS): Vasco da Gama secured the Rio de Janeiro state championship for the 23rd time by completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over Botafogo in the final.

Having won last week's first leg 1-0, Vasco scored either side of halftime to win the return leg 2-1 at the Maracana stadium on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Rafael Silva netted just before halftime capitalising on some sloppy Botafogo defending.

Diego Jardel kept Botafogo alive by scoring in the 74th minute, but their hopes sank when midfielder Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge with five minutes remaining.

Gilberto then put the result beyond doubt, slotting in Vasco's second goal in the 93rd minute.

The result ended a barren period for Vasco, who won promotion back to Brazil's Serie A in December. It was the club's first Rio state title since 2003.

Meanwhile Santos clinched the Sao Paulo state championship for the 21st time at their Vila Belmiro stadium by defeating nine-man Palmeiras 6-4 in a penalty shootout.

David Braz and Ricardo Oliveira gave Santos the advantage with first-half goals after Palmeiras won the first leg 1-0.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men when Santos forward Geuvanio and Palmeiras midfielder Duda were sent off for an altercation just before halftime.

Lucas drew Palmeiras level on aggregate just after the hour but the visitors then lost defender Victor Ramos, booked for a second time for a crude tackle.

Santos held their nerve in the penalty shootout, converting each of their four attempts while Jackson and Rafael Marques missed for Palmeiras.