Trabzonspor won the Turkish league for the first time in 38 years, with most of the players younger than the number of years they were unlucky, resulting in raucous celebrations.
Before the end of their 2-2 draw with Antalyaspor, fans rushed onto the pitch and then cleared out to allow the game to complete.
With three games remaining, they are nine points ahead of Fenerbahce, who have a stronger head-to-head record.
The Black Sea Storm have won seven championships, including five in a row from 1975-76 and one more in 1983-84.
They are one of just six teams to have ever won the Turkish championship.
Video of Celebration Below:
After Istanbul Basaksehir’s historic first title win in 2019-20, Besiktas won the trophy last season.
Trabzonspor got off to a fast start as Andreas Cornelius, a Danish striker, put them ahead after three minutes, but Antalyaspor equalized in the 51st minute.
However, just after the hour mark, the champions-elect took the lead for the second time through Türkiye international Dorukhan Tokoz, only to concede 10 minutes later.
Trabzonspor, on the other hand, has a better head-to-head record than Fenerbahce and hence cannot be caught.
Istanbul clubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas have dominated locally for decades, collectively capturing 57 of the 65 Super Lig titles available.
When Trabzonspor won the Turkish league for the first time in the 1975-1976 season, they broke the monopoly of the three main Istanbul clubs.
They went on to win five consecutive championships before adding another in 1983-1984, gaining the nickname “The Black Sea Storm.”
“The last trophy was won long before I was born,” said Abdulkadir Omur, a 22-year-old central midfielder.
“It had been a lifelong ambition. I’m incredibly proud of you.”
The team has come close to winning the league title on multiple occasions, most recently in the 2010-2011 season, but the fans’ desire for another league trophy has been unfulfilled till now.
