ATHENS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- AEK Athens celebrated on Saturday its first league championship in 24 years, after a Sergio Araujo goal gave them a memorable 1-0 win over Apollon Smyrnis.

The team was declared the champions of Greece Super League in Athens, with thousands of fans defying the rain to join in the celebration, singing the anthem of the club.

Spanish coach Manolo Jiménez lifted the trophy with his players who received a heroes' welcome, as fireworks were illuminating the sky over Athens.

Thousands of fans joined players in a rally of triumph from the Apollon stadium where the match was held to the new AEK arena that is under construction.

"This Saturday is our own Saturday, our party in our neighborhood, where history began to be written 94 years ago," states the official announcement of AEK FC.

All eyes now are on a cup double, since AEK is scheduled to meet arch-rivals PAOK in the Greek Cup final next Saturday.