Slovenia round-up: Maribor make it six in a row

NK Maribor secured their sixth-consecutive 1. SNL title today with a comprehensive 3-0 win over their nearest challengers, NK Primorje.

Finally beaten
Despite the presence of goalkeeper Uros Rutar - who had not conceded a goal in 558 minutes of play - Primorje fell behind after only 13 minutes as Damir Pekic stroked the ball home from close range. However, it was not until well into the second half that Maribor made sure of the result.

Ninth championship
Maribor captain Dejan Djuranovic, who was celebrating his 34th birthday, scored the second with a stunning drive from 18 metres. Djuranovic, who had already won four championship medals with NK Olimpija Ljubljana and four with Maribor, saw his record ninth success confirmed eleven minutes from time. Barnabas Stipanovics broke away to round off the scoring and put Maribor into the UEFA Champions League qualifying round for next season.

European issues settled
Second-placed Primorje go into the UEFA Cup qualifers while third-placed NK Koper enter the UEFA Intertoto Cup, despite going down 2-0 at NK Publikum. Andrej Kvas and Robert Koren, from the penalty spot, delivered the win for the home side.