Koper beat Celje to take third Slovenian Cup

The Slovenian Cup is on its way to the seaside after FC Koper beat NK Celje 2-0 in the final to take the trophy for the third time in their history.

Heavy rain did not dampen Koper's spirits, with midfielder Denis Halilović heading them into a sixth-minute lead. While the dismissal of Matej Palčič in the closing stages threatened to undermine their bid, substitute Jaka Štromajer scored on the counterattack on 87 minutes as Koper reclaimed the trophy they won in 2006 and 2007.

"I have to congratulate Celje, who played a great match, but my guys were really fantastic," said Koper's Italian coach Rodolfo Vanoli. "Had we signed a few players at the start of the season, I am sure we would have been higher up the Slovenian table too [they are seventh in the current standings]. But this trophy is a great satisfaction for me personally."