Rio De Janeiro, Dec 3 (IANS): Palmeiras secured a place in next year's Copa Libertadores as they clinched their third Copa do Brasil title by defeating Santos in a penalty shootout.

Having lost the first leg of the final 1-0 at Santos last week, Palmeiras on Wednesday took a 2-1 aggregate lead after forward Dudu scored either side of halftime at Allianz Parque, Xinhua news agency reported.

But Brazil international forward Ricardo Oliveira struck late to force the match into a penalty shootout.

Marquinhos Gabriel and Gustavo Henrique missed Santos' first two spot-kicks while Rafael Marquez squandered Palmeiras' second attempt.

Goalkeeper Fernando Prass secured the victory for Palmeiras by converting his team's fifth penalty kick.

The Copa do Brasil is contested by 86 teams representing all 26 Brazilian states.

As winners, Palmeiras have earned a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores, which comprises the best clubs in South America and Mexico.