Plzeň pip Sparta to Czech title

A 3-0 final-day win at bottom club FC Hradec Králové ensured FC Viktoria Plzeň won their second Czech league title and finished two points clear of rivals AC Sparta Praha.

The championship seemed safely in the hands of Pavel Vrba's eventual champions with two games to go, with a five point lead to their name. However, FC Slovan Liberec had different ideas, winning 2-1 in Plzeň to give Sparta a sniff.

On the last day, though, they left nothing to chance, as Vladimír Darida put them ahead within 46 seconds. Ten minutes later Darida sent a corner in which allowed Václav Procházka to double the advantage with his head. There was no doubting the destination of the title when Marián Čišovský added a third after the break, meaning Sparta's 3-0 win against derby-rivals FK Dukla Praha was in vain.

"Every team comes through a difficult phase during the season, and we were no exception. It was important we managed to come back and win several times, that is why we are celebrating now," captain Pavel Horváth said after lifting the trophy.

"Me and a few boys from the team remember our campaign in the Champions League. Now we are were happy that we have won a chance to play for the group stage again. It is the next big challenge for us," Horváth added.

"It is a very pleasant feeling that we have managed to return the title back to Plzeň after two years. If I look back at the whole season, I am completely satisfied as we have earned 65 points and achieved our goal," coach Vrba said.

"We are very happy that we will have the chance to get in the Champions League again, it was a fabulous experience two years ago and we are going to do everything to qualify to the group stage again and bring this fantastic competition back to Plzeň."