RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil and Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo was Monday sacked by defending Brazilian Serie A champions Cruzeiro.

The decision follows Cruzeiro's 1-0 home loss to Santos on Sunday, a result that left the Belo Horizonte outfit 16th in the standings.

In an official statement published on the club's website, Cruzeiro said that football director Isaias Tinoco had also left the club.

Luxemburgo's departure comes less than four months after he was fired by Cruzeiro's Brazilian rivals Flamengo.

He led Cruzeiro to six victories, three draws and 10 losses during his brief time in charge.

Cruzeiro said they were yet to make a decision on the 63-year-old's replacement.