BATE wrap up Belarusian title in style

FC BATE Borisov put the seal on their seventh consecutive Belarusian Premier League title, and ninth overall, thanks to a comprehensive 5-1 home victory against FC Minsk.

The win took Viktor Goncharenko's team six points clear of second-placed FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk with two games remaining, their superior number of victories meaning they cannot now be overhauled. It was not all plain sailing for the hosts, however, with Minsk's Pawel Wojciechowski cancelling out Renan Bressan's opener after 29 minutes.

BATE took control in the second half, though. Bressan restored their lead from the spot, Artem Rakhmanov's own goal made it three and Vitali Rodionov struck twice in the final 19 minutes. "This is the strongest team in our history," said coach Goncharenko. "We have a perfect squad with players who have Champions League and international experience. Our strength in depth has also been key."

Shakhtyor are assured of the runners-up berth, meanwhile, after dispatching FC Neman Grodno 4-0.