Glory days for Favre and Zürich

FC Zürich captain Hannu Tihinen said he was "on top of the world" as his side celebrated winning the Swiss title with a late-night tour of their city.

Decisive win
Thursday's 2-0 victory over neighbours Grasshopper-Club was enough for Lucien Favre's team to cling to top spot in the last round of matches, as FC Basel 1893 were denied the chance to avenge the final-day defeat last season which saw Zürich steal their crown. Christian Gross's men beat BSC Young Boys 2-0 yet could not reduce Zürich's one-point advantage.

Tihinen overjoyed
Favre's charges marked their second successive title in style. After drinking champagne with supporters at the Hardturm Stadium, they took to the streets by bus as revelling fans lined the pavements. Finland defender Tihinen, who joined Zürich from RSC Anderlecht last summer, was all smiles as he roared into the night sky: "I am on top of the world!" A sell-out crowd at the Hardturm Stadium had helped Zürich keep their nerve against Grasshoppers, and Favre later expressed his gratitude to the supporters. "Our fans have always backed the team - they are the best crowd in the world." He added of his players: "They were under a lot of pressure but went about their task with a lot of intelligence, character and personality."

Gross gracious
Zürich's Super League challenge looked to be slipping when they lost 4-2 against Basel on 22 April, yet as it turned out, Gross's side just missed out on the prize. The coach was gracious in defeat following the Young Boys game, saying: "We are very disappointed that our fantastic chase did not bring the championship, but I congratulate FCZ and Lucien Favre." Basel can take consolation if they overcome FC Luzern in the Swiss Cup final on Monday. They are already sure of a place in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round. Zürich, meanwhile, will enjoy a public reception at their city's town hall on Saturday before starting planning for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.