Wisła reclaim Polish crown

Wisła Kraków have wrapped up their 13th Polish title with three games to spare following a 1-0 derby success at home against neighbours MKS Cracovia Kraków.

Wisła needed victory to reclaim the crown they last won in 2008/09 and they achieved it thanks to Maor Melikson's 17th-minute strike. The Israel international headed in from Patryk Małecki's corner to leave his side ten points clear of nearest challengers WKS Śląsk Wroclaw after 27 matches, while compounding the problems of second-bottom Cracovia.

"I think it was the worst game we've played this season, but it doesn't matter," commented victorious coach Robert Maaskant, who took the reins at the club late last August. "We are celebrating at the moment. Being champions feels really fantastic."

Wisła had announced before the game that, whatever the eventual result, any celebrations would be postponed until after the final fixture of the season against KSP Polonia Warszawa. The players could not resist savouring their triumph on the pitch after the final whistle, however, with their supporters applauding and cheering on from the stands.

"It's a huge joy," added Małecki, scorer of seven goals this term. "We deserve the title. The beginning of the season wasn't easy for me. I had to show the coach that I deserved a place in the starting XI. Today's victory tastes even better because it came in the derby."