Pobeda clinch first crown

FK Pobeda claimed their first championship in the independent Macedonian First League with a match to spare following a 0-0 draw with second-placed FK Sileks.

Five-point gap
Pobeda, whose only previous national honour since the end of the former Yugoslavia was last season's Macedonian Cup, led Sileks by five points at kick-off and by holding the three-time champions they secured the title and a UEFA Champions League debut.

Ilievski joy
"This season we deserved to take the championship," said Pobeda coach Nikola Ilievski. "We played well during the whole season, particularly in the crucial matches, and won all our important games."

Second place sealed
Sileks have the consolation of a UEFA Cup place, though, after sealing second place thanks to cup finalists FK Sloga Jugomagnat's 3-1 defeat by FK Madzari Solidarnost 92. Deposed champions FK Vardar moved up to third, three points behind Sileks, with a 7-2 victory against FK Belasica GC, but cannot catch Sileks due to their inferior head-to-head record.

Relegated duo
At the bottom FK Bregalnica Delcevo and FK Tikves are long relegated, and will be replaced by Bregalnica Stip and FK Skendija HB Tetovo. Meanwhile, the final UEFA Cup berth will be decided when Sloga tackle FK Napredok in Monday's cup final.