Season review: Montenegro

FK Budućnost Podgorica ended their four-year wait for silverware by clinching the Montenegrin title for the second time in their history, while FK Čelik Nikšić became the first lower league team to win the Montenegrin Cup at the expense of FK Rudar Pljevlja.

Champions: FK Budućnost Podgorica 
Miodrag Radulović's side set the early pace but their grip on the title slackened in mid-March when they relinquished top spot following defeat to second-placed Rudar. Rudar failed to seize the initiative, however, while Budućnost capitalised to regain their mantle two weeks later, before a run of ten consecutive victories saw them crowned champions of Montenengro for the first time in four years.

Cup final: FK Čelik  2–1 FK Rudar Pljevlja 
Čelik poured scorn on their underdog status by taking a 10th-minute lead when defender Aleksandar Dubljević scored following Darko Zorić's corner. They doubled their advantage 24 minutes later when former Rudar captain Veselin Bojić came back to haunt his old club with an unstoppable header. Dragan Radojičić's charges emerged after the break with renewed purpose and were rewarded when Ivica Jovanović diverted Nedjeljko Vlahović's free-kick past Zoran Banović. Rudar proceeded to dominate but squandered a host of opportunities to hand Čelik their maiden cup triumph.

European places* 
FK Budućnost Podgorica - UEFA Champions League, first qualifying round
FK Rudar Pljevlja - UEFA Europa League, first qualifying round
FK Zeta Golubovci - UEFA Europa League, first qualifying round
FK Čelik Nikšić - UEFA Europa League, second qualifying round

*Subject to final confirmation from UEFA

Player of the Year: Srdjan Radonjić (FK Budućnost Podgorica)
The much-travelled striker led from the front, while his experience and know-how proved invaluable to the younger members of the squad. Capped three times by his country, the Monenegrin formed a formidable partnership with Admir Adrović as the ubiquitous duo fired Budućnost to title glory.

One to watch: Luka Djordjević (FK Mogren Budva) 
With sagacity beyond his years, the 17-year-old blossomed in his debut season in the Montenegrin top-flight. As well as contributing ten goals, Djordjević represented himself as an exciting talent, demonstrating poise and finesse, which earned him a call-up to the Montenengro Under-19 side.

Surprise package: FK Lovćen Cetinje
The oldest club in the country will celebrate their centenary year next season, but the mood was ominous in April. Bottom of the table with eleven games remaining, Lovćen seemed destined for the drop. However, they staged a remarkable renaissance and six precious victories paved the way for a comfortable mid-table finish.

Leading scorer: Admir Adrović, FK Budućnost Podgorica (22)

Promoted: FK Čelik Nikšić, FK Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje, FK Mornar Bar

Relegated: FK Bokelj Kotor, FK Dečić Tuzi, FK Berane

Number: 10
Budućnost ended the season with the highest goals and points totals in the history of the Montenegrin league, but more impressive still was their landmark run of ten straight wins from the 20th to 29th rounds, prompted by a home defeat against title rivals Rudar.

Quote 
"We deserved this title because we won the most points in the history of the Montenegrin league, and we scored the most goals."
Budućnost coach Miodrag Radulović after his side were crowned champions.