With matches of the 36th round the 19th season in Slovenia's Prva Liga came to a close.
For the first time in history the title went to FC Luka Koper, which showed the most consistent form throughout the campaign. Led by the veteran midfielder Miran Pavlin the canaries have ammased a comfortable 11 point advantage on the runners up from Maribor. The violets, whose passionate fans demanded a repeat of the title, have saved the season by claiming their sixth Cup title.
The remaining two contestants in the Europa League qualifiers were decided on the last day of the season. HIT Gorica sealed their European spot with a win, while Olimpija cashed in on CM Celje's slip up in Domžale.
Labod Drava failed to produce a miracle in the closing stages of the campaign and were relegated to the 2nd Division. Interblock of Ljubljana will have to confirm their status in Prva liga in the playoff where they will take on Triglav Gorenjska. Primorje have returned to the top flight after last year's relegation as champions of the 2nd divison.
Best goalscorer was Milan Osterc (HIT Gorica) with 23 goals.
The 19th season of Prva liga had excellent TV coverage thanks to a new media agreement. A record 67 matches were broadcasted live - 20 of them on National TV Slovenia and the rest on Sport TV, a private sports channel. Ratings have soared as high as 100% percent from the last season.
"We've had an exciting season. The road to Europe and the relegation were decided on the last day. This proves that nothing fishy is going on in Slovenia as some suggested last year when the European betting scandal broke out. This year was also marked by our national team's qualification for the World Cup in South Africa, a third achievement of this kind for Slovenia [after Euro 2000 and WC 2002]. It was hard fought for by our homegrown players, who grew up in our clubs, with our coaches and with our efforts," reflected Mr Branko Florjanič, president of Združenje 1. SNL [Union of the 1st SFL].
The new season will start on July 9th with the Supercup match between Luka Koper and Maribor. Prva liga 2010/11 will kick-off on July 17th.
Prva liga 2009/10 Final table:
|
1. |
Maribor HIT Gorica * Olimpija CM Celje Nafta Rudar Domžale Interblock Labod Drava |
73 Champions 62 Cup champions 55 UEFA 53 UEFA 51 49 49 45 33 play-off 30 relegated |
* Olimpija have been deducted 2 pts before the start of the season, for failure to appear on the penultimate match of the 2008/09 season in 2nd division.
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