Fenerbahçe SK are celebrating a record 18th Turkish league title after finishing ahead of Trabzonspor AŞ on goal difference following a crucial 4-3 success at Sivasspor in their final game.
Fenerbahçe SK have claimed a record 18th Turkish title after rounding off the Super League season with a vital 4-3 success at Sivasspor, topping the pile ahead of Trabzonspor AŞ on goal difference.
André Santos (6) put the Istanbul giants in front but they were pegged back when Jakub Navratil struck 14 minutes later. Needing a win to stay above Trabzonspor – 4-0 victors at Kardemir Karabükspor – Fenerbahçe went ahead again when Selçuk Şahin's long-range strike (41) found its way past Sivasspor goalkeeper Korcan Çelikay.
Alex increased the visitors' lead courtesy of a 51st-minute free-kick and, moments after Erman Kılıç reduced the deficit (65), Joseph Yobo headed in Fenerbahçe's fourth. Erman upped the tension levels with an added-time effort, but the Yellow Canaries held on to clinch the crown. They are now Turkey's most successful club, having moved ahead of Galatasaray AŞ and their 17 titles.
Alex's 28 league goals were vital to Fenerbahçe's success
"We've faced a lot of difficulties as a team since the start of the season," said Fenerbahçe captain Alex, who contributed 28 goals in 33 outings, including five in a 6-0 rout of MKE Ankaragücü on 15 May. "We put in a brilliant performance in the second half of the season, going unbeaten and claiming the title in the end.
"I don't remember any other season in my career more challenging than this one. We came from nine points behind to take the title and every game was like a final. This is a totally deserved victory for us."{jcomments on}