Popov joy as Vardar reclaim Macedonian title
Saturday, May 16, 2015
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Goran Popov is targeting European success after scoring the opening goal in a victory that sealed the title for FK Vardar he said he came back from England for.
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FK Vardar have wrested back the FYR Macedonian title from Skopje rivals FK Rabotnicki after beating FK Renova 4-1 in the penultimate round.
Left-back Goran Popov's spectacular free-kick from 30 metres early on set the tone, with Senijad Ibričić soon putting Vardar 2-0 up. League top scorer Izair Emini halved the deficit with his 18th goal of the season, but further efforts from Stefan Spirovski and an Ibričić penalty sealed it for Sergei Andreev's side.
"I returned from England to win a title with Vardar so I am extremely happy," said Popov, who joined from West Bromwich Albion FC at the start of this season. "We have a different goal now: in Europe we want to demonstrate our best. If we can then I am positive that our stadium will be once more filled with supporters, as it was ten to 15 years ago."
This is Vardar's third title in four seasons, and eighth in total. They have an unassailable three-point lead and superior head-to-head record against outgoing champions Rabotnicki, whose 2-1 win against third-placed KF Shkëndija ultimately proved in vain.
Subject to confirmation from UEFA, Vardar will enter the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
