Partizan power to fifth straight crown

FK Partizan have secured their fifth consecutive Serbian Super League title following a 4-0 victory at struggling FK Borac Čačak. The Belgrade side are now celebrating their 24th league championship overall, leaving them just one short of city rivals' FK Crvena zvezda's record of 25.

There may be three rounds of matches remaining in the Serbian top flight this term, but Partizan boast an unassailable 12-point lead over second-placed Crvena zvezda following their trip to face Borac Čačak. Saša Marković got the Crno-Beli (Black and Whites) off the mark on ten minutes before Ivan Ivanov struck just after the hour and Senegalese striker Lamine Diarra hit two late goals.

The triumph capped a season of upheaval for the club, with Partizan's board opting to part with coach Aleksandar Stanojević during the winter break to end a 20-month spell in which he delivered two league titles, including a domestic double last season. Avram Grant was appointed as successor and the success promptly continued, however, with Partizan taking the title courtesy of a run of ten straight wins.

"I am happy, delighted,” said Grant. “Now we want to finish the season in the best way and, as soon as possible after that, prepare ourselves well for our attempt to qualify for the Champions League."

Only one player – left-back Aleksandar Lazevski – has been present to lift all five championship crowns since 2007/08, and he added: "I’ve played in all those seasons and been through so many challenges. Now, as I am part of Partizan’s history, I can say that I am very, very proud and happy."

Despite their victorious run in the league, Partizan were eliminated at the semi-final stage of the Serbian Cup. The decider, on 16 May in Krusevac, pits Crvena zvezda against Borac Čačak.