Season review: Slovenia

Champions: NK Maribor
"Maribor showed again why we are the best in Slovenia and why we are an ever-present in Europe," said victorious coach Ante Šimundža amid jubilant scenes as over 10,000 supporters celebrated a fifth straight Slovene First League title. "It was not easy but it was deserved." The Vijoličasti capped a fine season – which included a UEFA Champions League group stage campaign – by claiming their 13th championship with two games to spare. Maribor will aim to defend their crown again next term while pursuing another chance to welcome Europe's elite to the Stadion Ljudski vrt.

Cup final: FC Luka Koper 2-0 NK Celje
A disappointing league effort – Koper finished eighth – failed to stop Rodolfo Vanoli's charges from lifting the Slovenian Cup for the third time in their history. Despite the dismissal of Matej Palčič, the Kanarčki took the trophy back to the seaside thanks to goals by Denis Halilović and Jaka Štromajer. "I have to congratulate Celje, who played a great match, but my players were fantastic," said Vanoli, who returned to Koper following a year-long absence.

European places*
NK Maribor – UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
NK Celje – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
NK Domžale – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
FC Koper – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round

*subject to final confirmation from UEFA

Player of the year: Benjamin Verbič (NK Celje)
By scoring 15 goals and notching ten assists in 32 outings, winger Verbič became one of the hottest properties in Slovenian football. His form attracted admiring glances across Europe and eventually earned the 21-year-old a move to Danish outfit FC København in April. Instrumental as Celje came runners-up to champions Maribor, Verbič was rewarded with an international call-up and made his debut in March against Qatar.

One to watch: Luka Zahovič (NK Maribor)
The son of former Slovene international Zlatko Zahovič impressed in his first senior campaign. The Guimaraes-born striker made five UEFA Champions League appearances and secured Maribor a point with a last-gasp strike against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the group stage. It would be unfair to compare the 19-year-old with his father – the former FC Porto and SL Benfica playmaker and the nation's second-most-capped player on 80 matches. However, the speedy youngster looks to have a bright future in the game.

Leading scorer: Tavares (NK Maribor, 17)

Relegated: NK Radomlje

Promoted: NK Krško