Neymar: It will be an honor to face Cristiano Ronaldo

The Brazilian also claimed that his religious beliefs gave him the “wisdom” to join the Liga champions ahead of his move to Camp Nou this summer

New Barcelona signing Neymar says he is already relishing the chance to come up against Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 21-year-old hailed the ability of the Bernabeu star and said he hopes to come out on top when his new side does battle with its Clasico rival next season.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player," Neymar told reporters. "He is skillful and it will be an honor to face him. Hopefully I can win."

Neymar will join the newly crowned Liga champions this summer and the Brazil international also claimed his religious beliefs helped him to decide on making the switch to Spain.

“I talked to God to give me wisdom and directed me the right way, so I chose Barcelona," he said. “I chose to join Barcelona because it was a wish that came out of my heart. Change is always difficult, but I hope to be able to adapt as soon as possible."

Madrid was amongst a number of sides who were also chasing Neymar's signature until his transfer from Santos to Camp Nou was officially confirmed last week.

Del Bosque: La Liga needs players like Neymar

The World Cup-winning coach has applauded Barcelona's capture of the young attacker and is pleased to see another star move to Spain.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has taken the time to praise Barcelona signing Neymar, saying his presence will enrich La Liga.

The Blaugrana confirmed on Sunday that the club has agreed terms with Santos over the transfer of the Brazil star, who will ink a five-year deal with the club, and the 62-year-old is pleased that Neymar will ply his trade in Spain from next season.

"I really like Neymar. He is an artist and Spanish football needs players like him," Del Bosque told Radio Marca.

"We should not be closing our borders for the very best. We already have players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo here, who are the best in the world."

Real Madrid had also made an offer for Neymar, but the tricky attacker eventually opted to join Barcelona instead.

The forward will take part in the Confederations Cup with Brazil this summer before joining his new teammates in Catalunya.

Del Bosque names squad, explains decisions

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque 

 

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.

Phillips fires Palace into Premier League

Veteran striker Kevin Phillips came off the bench to score a superb extra-time penalty as Crystal Palace returned to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Watford in the Championship play-off final on Monday.

Phillips, 39, struck mid-way through extra time on a sun-splashed day at Wembley Stadium, after Manchester United-bound winger Wilfried Zaha had drawn a tired foul from Watford right-back Marco Cassetti.

The Championship play-off final is said to be the richest game in world football and promotion to the English elite will reportedly swell Palace's revenue by up to £120 million (€140 million).

"We're in the Premier League now, so God help us," said Palace manager Ian Holloway, who was appearing in his third play-off final in four years.

"It's absolutely massive for the club and I'm delighted for everyone connected. I feel very privileged."

Palace last played in the Premier League in 2005, the last of four single-season stints in the top flight, and join Cardiff City and Hull City in graduating from the Championship this term.

Phillips, who began his career at Watford, said he was yet to decide whether or not to play on next season.

"To come on and get the winning goal against the club where it all started is a fairytale," said the on-loan Blackpool striker, who had tasted defeat in three previous play-off finals.

"If that is my last game, what a way to sign off. I'm going to have a break now. Every bit of my body is aching. I'll see what the future brings."

Zaha was a torment to the Watford defence throughout a scrappy game and will now link up with United, in a move that could be worth up to £15 million, having fulfilled his ambition of guiding Palace to promotion.

"I'm exhausted and speechless. It's a dream come true," he said. "This is all I wanted, leaving Palace knowing they are in the Premier League."

Watford coach Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea star, was gracious in defeat. "It has been a great season for us as we have done something not many people expected," he said. "Games like this are very much on the day, and the better team was Crystal Palace."

Quiet opening
A crowd of 82,025 turned out for the final game of the English season, with Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho among those in attendance, fuelling speculation that his return to Chelsea is now only a matter of time.

In a cautious first half, Zaha was the electrifying star turn. He produced three dazzling runs down the right flank, the last of which culminated in a cut-back for Owen Garvan, whose shot was blocked.

By that stage Palace had already lost Kagisho Dikgacoi to an apparent calf injury, with Stuart O'Keefe coming on in his place.

It was not until the 57th minute that Watford substitute Alex Geijo produced the first shot on target, but as the game wore on, Palace began to turn the screw and Watford goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was called upon with steadily increasing frequency.

The former Arsenal player thwarted Palace on five occasions in the closing stages of normal time, saving from O'Keefe, Garvan and Aaron Wilbraham, twice, before plunging to his left to grasp a Mile Jedinak header in stoppage time.

Watford made the more enterprising start to extra time, Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni superbly swatting the ball away from Troy Deeney, before Almunia's resistance finally gave way.

Zaha's dart into the box provoked a rash swipe from Cassetti and after referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot, Phillips swept an unerring penalty into the top-left corner.

Fernando Forestieri almost sent the game to penalties at the death, but although his shot beat Speroni, Joel Ward was on hand to head the ball off the line and safeguard Palace's return to the big time.

Benitez appointed Napoli coach

Rafael Benitez was appointed coach of Serie A side Napoli on Monday, the club president announced.

The 53-year-old Spaniard - whose previous experience in Serie A was a painful short-lived spell with Inter Milan - had been widely expected to be named and Napoli supremo Aurelio De Laurentiis tweet confirmed that to be the case.

"Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Napoli," tweeted De Laurentiis, whose side finished runners-up in the recently finished Serie A season.

"He is a man of experience and a true leader."

Benitez, who had also been linked with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, had a successful spell in charge of Chelsea after replacing the sacked UEFA Champions League winning coach Roberto di Matteo.

The Spaniard guided Chelsea to the UEFA Europa League crown and also helped them qualify for next season's Champions League after being brought in on a short-term basis. 

According to the Spanish press Benitez was to sign a two year contract with the option of extending it by a further year and an annual salary of €3.5million.

His first job at Napoli will be to try and persuade fans favourite and leading scorer Edinson Cavani to stay.

The Uruguayan international, who topped the Serie A scoring charts with 29 last term, is one of the most sought after players in Europe with both Real Madrid and 2012 English champions Manchester City keen to secure his services.

City, who surrendered their title tamely to city rivals Manchester United last season, have offered money and Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko as payment for Cavani.

Benitez replaces Walter Mazzarri, who has been appointed coach of Inter Milan.

Ironically, Benitez's last Italian adventure was at Inter but lasted only six months and ended just after having won the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.

His team had struggled in the league and he had forced officials' hands by telling them to strengthen his squad or find another solution, which they did.

Despite not always being popular with fans because of his reserved exterior he has a good record.

He won two Spanish titles and the Europa League with Valencia while he led Liverpool to Champions League success in 2005.

CSKA take title back to Moscow

Russian football’s first ever full autumn-spring season is over. After a gap of seven years, during which Zenit St. Petersburg won the league three times and Rubin Kazan claimed top spot twice, the title is heading back to Moscow.

At the end of an entertaining and dramatic season, CSKA Moscow, led by their Russian manager Leonid Slutsky, deservedly topped the table. And yet, at the start of the season, CSKA did not seem to be in better shape than their rivals, who had spent big in the transfer market and set themselves very ambitious targets. FIFA.com looks back at a Russian Football Premier League season which pretty much had it all.

Slutsky’s universal soldiers
Slutsky, who took over from Spaniard Juande Ramos as CSKA’s manager in the autumn of 2009, entered his third full season in the job with mixed feelings. On the one hand, for the first time in a number of years, the club had brought new players in and strengthened the team significantly. In defence, the young and technically gifted Brazilian Mario Fernandes came in from Gremio, while two Swedes, Rasmus Elm and Pontus Wernbloom, formed a strong partnership in midfield.

On the other hand, entering his eighth season as a coach in the Premier League, Slutsky, who a few years earlier showed so much potential he was dubbed the 'Russian Mourinho', was still yet to win his first major trophy. Now aged 41, he was under serious pressure to deliver.

In late August, Slutsky’s career at CSKA might have ended completely, after Sweden’s AIK sensationally knocked the club out of the UEFA Europa League in the play-off round. At the time, the club were in sixth place in the Russian league, and injury had ruled top marksman Seydou Doumbia, scorer of 28 goals the previous season, out of action until the spring.

CSKA had no out-and-out centre-forwards available, and so Slutsky decided to use the young, mobile Nigerian Ahmed Musa, who had been bought as a winger, down the middle. Despite a wave of criticism in the media and from the club’s supporters, Slutsky’s move paid off handsomely - by the winter break, Musa had scored nine goals and provided five assists.

Despite injuries to a number of other leading players, CSKA skilfully adjusted from one match to the next, clawed points from every game and reached the winter break at the top of the table. They were also helped by their early departure from Europe, which meant they could put all their energies into domestic competition.

Through the spring, the Moscow club were able to build on their advantage, and ended up claiming the title with a game to spare. Slutsky, meanwhile, became the youngest manager ever to win the Russian Premier league.

From Brazil with love
One of the players who made a crucial contribution to CSKA’s successful title bid was the Brazilian Wagner Love, considered by many as the club’s finest striker since the fall of the Soviet Union. In the winter of 2011/12, it seemed as if Love had left Russia for good, after he returned home to Brazil to continue his career with Flamengo.

But exactly one year on, he returned in the nick of time to help the club to build up a lead over the pack in the championship’s decisive stages. In nine games, Love scored five times and provided six assists, two of those assists coming in the derby against Spartak.

The adventures of the Incredible Hulk
The defending champions, Zenit St. Petersburg, started the season as favourites to retain their title. Indeed, the club were expecting not only to win their fourth championship in six years, but to make serious inroads into the UEFA Champions League.

At the very end of the summer transfer window, manager Luciano Spalletti was handed two incredible reinforcements from Portugal, with the arrival of Brazil international Hulk and Belgian star Axel Witsel, bought for a total of 100 million euros.

But the club were unable to make the most of their expensive purchases straightaway. On the contrary, for a long time Spalletti simply could not find the right position for Hulk in Zenit’s formation. The Brazilian tried to show the fans and the management what he could do, but early on his eye-catching individual efforts regularly disrupted the team’s play.

Zenit failed to win the first five league and UEFA Champions League games in which Hulk played, with the club losing ground in the Premier League and coming only third in their Champions League group. Moreover, there was conflict, with one of Zenit’s leading players, Igor Denisov, refusing to play against Krylya Sovetov in protest at the club’s transfer policy.

Over time, order was restored, and Hulk became one of the club’s leading players - hitting the back of the net five times during the spring after scoring just twice in the first half of the season. In the last few games of the championship, Zenit even managed to cut CSKA’s lead to just three points, but it was too little, too late given the points dropped in the autumn. Next season, they will harbour fresh hopes of success in Russia and in Europe.

A new European force
Another club tipped to make a bid for the Premier League title was Anzhi Makhachkala, who in the space of just two seasons had managed to recruit Roberto Carlos, Samuel Eto’o, coach Guus Hiddink and a number of other big names respected and feared across Europe and around the world.

Anzhi were in brilliant form during the first half of the season, playing attractive, attacking football, and reached the winter break trailing CSKA by just two points. In addition, Hiddink’s players were also performing well in the UEFA Europa League, qualifying for the knockout stages and being seen as potential winners.

However, there was a shock in store for everyone as Anzhi, who seemed to be able to afford any footballer in the world, lost a player they could not replace. In January, central defender Christopher Samba unexpectedly left for the English Premier League in a bid to save beleaguered Queens Park Rangers, and Anzhi started shipping goals. Moreover, Hiddink was unable to find a balance between home and abroad, and in the end Anzhi dropped out of the title race and were then knocked out of the UEFA Europa League.

Even so, third spot in 2012/13 marked the finest achievement in the club’s history. But it is clear that Anzhi have no intention of stopping there and they may even be about to win their first major trophy, when they face off against CSKA in the final of the Russian Cup on 1 June.

Football boom in Krasnodar
The Russian top flight is becoming ever more interesting by the year. Much of the credit for this has to go to the division’s strengthening “middle class”. Weak clubs and games with foregone conclusions are now few and far between and, right up to the last round of matches, teams as low as ninth and tenth were still competing to qualify for Europe.

Over the last couple of seasons, two clubs from Krasnodar - Kuban and FC Krasnodar - have come to symbolise these changes. Even the departures of key players to top Russian clubs have failed to halt the progress made by the southerners.

For example, before the start of the season, Kuban were unable to stop top goalscorer Lacina Traore from moving to Anzhi, while, once the season had started, manager Dan Petrescu left for Moscow to try and save Dinamo from relegation. Despite these losses, Kuban enjoyed a fine season, and even went undefeated in the 11 matches they played in the spring. As a result, after finishing in fifth place, the club qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

During the winter, FC Krasnodar lost their leading striker, with Spartak Moscow buying Armenian international Yura Movsisyan. But manager Slavolyub Muslin successfully made the required changes, pushing Wanderson up front and helping the pint-sized Brazilian to carry on where Movsisyan left off.

As a result, Movsisyan and Wanderson ended the season sharing the mantle of the league’s top scorer, with 13 goals each. And next year, FC Krasnodar are hoping to emulate their neighbours’ success and force their way into Europe.

Favourites PSG end long title wait

Paris Saint-Germain ended a 19-year wait for the French title when they were crowned Ligue 1 champions this term, clinching their third championship after previously topping the table in 1985/86 and 1993/94. A joyous deliverance for PSG's long-suffering supporters, the triumph was also greatly appreciated by the club's Qatari owners, who have spent around €250m in transfer fees since taking over two years ago.

That huge investment also meant that few were surprised to see the capital outfit dominate the title race. Already brimming with talent, PSG profited from the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and David Beckham this term, leaving them without equals in France's top division. And so it proved as Carlo Ancelotti's side swept their rivals aside to finish on 83 points, one shy of the record tally posted by Lyon in 2005/06. For good measure, they also boasted the meanest defence, conceding just 23 goals, and the most prolific attack, scoring 69.

Runners-up a full 12 points back, Marseille had to content themselves with a place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stage. The Mediterranean side were expected to struggle for a European berth after their conservative transfer activity in the summer, but Elie Baup's appointment as coach – added to Andre Pierre-Gignac's upturn in form, the vision of Mathieu Valbuena and the consistency of Nicolas N'Koulou – helped them prosper.

As for Lyon, they can look forward to Europe's premier club competition after a year away, Remi Garde's charges booking a Champions League play-off spot on the last day of the season. Nice and Saint-Etienne will also compete on the continent after finishing fourth and fifth respectively, the two clubs earning access to the UEFA Europa League following superb seasons. Both owed much to prolific forwards, with Argentinian ace Dario Cvitanich on song for Nice and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang excellent for Les Verts.

At the bottom of the table, Brest, Troyes and Nancy all lost their elite status. They will be replaced by a trio of teams making much-anticipated returns to Ligue 1 in the shape of Monaco, Nantes and Guingamp.

Star performers
Blaise Matuidi (PSG)
Along with Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, Matuidi formed part of the French champions' gifted spine. A tireless worker in his holding role, the midfielder rose to a whole new level this term, with his positioning, strength and reading of the game making him central to Ancelotti's plans. "It's just a question of time before he becomes the best player in his position," said the Italian of the French international, capped 12 times. "I like his character and I know he'll never change. He's very humble. When you've been his coach, you want to remain as such for a long time."

Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
The 2012/13 campaign was something of a breakthrough season for Valbuena. Having made himself undroppable for both club and country, Le Petit Vélo (Small Bicycle) finally looks to be realising his potential. His record of 12 assists was the highest total of any player in Ligue 1 and made a major difference to Marseille's impressive second-placed finish. "I was consistent and effective from the start of the season to the end," he said. "Playing for France also gave me a lot of confidence and strength. I felt even more at ease this season; I felt like my game improved, and it was one of my best seasons ever."

Clement Grenier (Lyon)
A versatile midfielder, Grenier was the key performer for Lyon as their campaign drew to a close. Able to regain possession, spread the ball around and also find the net himself, he practically dragged his hometown club over the line as they secured Champions League football, with his magnificent free-kicks against Nice and Rennes in Lyon's last two fixtures proving decisive. They certainly did not go unnoticed by club President Jean-Michel Aulas, who was reminded of a former OL great. "I'm going to organise a game against New York Red Bulls in July," he said. "I hope then to be able to introduce Juninho [Pernambucano] to his little brother, Clement Grenier." 

The stat
30 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic topped the scoring charts with an incredible 30 goals, but he is not the first player to have reached that benchmark. No fewer than 20 other players have struck 30 goals or more in a season, including Just Fontaine in 1957/58 and Josip Skoblar, who racked up 44 in 1970/71. It has nonetheless been 23 years since anyone managed the feat, Jean-Pierre Papin hitting 30 in 1992/93. 

Key moments
29 October 2012. Along with Rennes, Lorient were the only other club not to record a single goalless draw – and there was nothing coincidental about that fact. Beaten 6-1 at Valenciennes the previous week, the Brittany outfit hoped to make it up to their supporters at home against promoted Ajaccio on 29 October, only for the nightmare to continue. Les Merlus were made to pay for errors at the back as they fell 4-1 behind at the break, but they rallied in the second half and snatched a late 4-4 draw in what proved the highest scoring game of the season.

17 November 2013. It seems to have become a yearly occurrence at PSG that November heralds a drop in form – and so it proved again in 2012/13. The lowest point came when Rennes visited the Parc des Princes midway through the month, with the hosts determined to arrest their slide after three games without a win. Despite being reduced to nine men, however, Frederic Antonetti's visitors secured a 2-1 success that left a frustrated Ancelotti uttering the word "crisis". The crisis would not last for long.

27 April 2013. There was plenty more than regional pride at stake when Lyon and St-Etienne met to contest the 106th Rhone derby in April. Not since 1973/74 had the two clubs been positioned so high in the standings as they prepared to lock horns, and the fourth-placed Verts travelled to face their neighbours eager to snatch third place from them. Despite the pressure, the home side held firm to record a 1-1 draw that kept them on track for the Champions League, while St-Etienne were able to console themselves with the French League Cup.