ISTANBUL, May 14 (SW) - It didn't look good coming into the weekend for Galatasaray, but they will be sending thanks the way of Denizlispor. Denizlispor held Fenerbahçe to a 1-1 draw on the final day of the Super Lig season, allowing Galatasaray to claim the title with a 3-0 win over Kayserispor.

Galatasaray knew they had to win to have any chance of pipping Fenerbahçe for the championship, and things got off to a flying start in Istanbul as Sasa Ilic gave the home side the lead in the 18th minute.

Sabri Sarioglu then extended the advantage two minutes after the second half began and grabbed a second to complete his brace four minutes from time.

But that win would have meant nothing for Galatasaray if Fenerbahçe had come out victorious away to Denizlispor and the game certainly had a thrilling finish.

It appeared as if the game would be headed for a goalless draw, but Denizlispor then put Fenerbahçe in the hot seat when Mustafa Keceli gave the home side a 1-0 lead.

Tuncay Sanli set up a thrilling finish when he equalized for Fenerbahçe shortly after, but the visitors could not grab a title-winning goal and their Istanbul rivals will be celebrating into the night.

It was Galatasaray's 16th title overall, tying them with Fenerbahçe for the most in Turkish history, and their first championship since the 2001/02 season. It also secured them a berth in the third qualifying round of next season's Champions League with Fenerbahçe entering the second qualifying round.

Cup winners Besiktas and Trabzonspor secured UEFA Cup berths while Kayserispor earned a berth in the Intertoto Cup.