Ndemla aikata maini Yanga, Asaini Mkataba Mpya

WAKATI Waganda Joseph Owino na Dan Sserunkuma wakiropoka yao baada ya kutemeshwa kazi Simba, kiungo mahiri wa klabu hiyo, Said Ndemla ameikata maini Yanga iliyokuwa inamnyatia kwa kumwaga wino mkataba wa miaka miwili.

Taarifa za ndani za Simba zinasema kuwa, Ndemla amesaini mkataba huo jana mchana na kulipwa kiasi cha Sh40 milioni pamoja na gari ili kumtuliza mzuka baada ya kuenea kwa habari kwamba Yanga walikuwa tayari kumalizana na mchezaji huyo chipukizi.

Inaelezwa kuwa Kamati ya Usajili ya Simba ililazimika kumaliza mambo mapema kwa kuhofia kuzidiwa ujanja na Yanga ambayo imekuwa ikimmezea mate kiungo huyo, ambaye tangu apatishwe katika kikosi cha wakubwa toka timu ya vijana amekuwa gumzo kwa soka lake.

THE OTHER FINALIST...BARCELONA ON TUESDAY VS BAYERN LOST BUT PROGRESSED AGG 5-2

But it was too little too late as Barcelona moved within one victory of their fifth European crown.

Barca have lifted the European Cup on each of their last three final appearances in 2006, 2009 and 2011

Guardiola and Messi helped Barca win 14 trophies in four seasons between 2008 and 2012

Medhi Benatia's early header was the first goal that Barcelona had conceded in 645 minutes

Bayern ended a run of four straight defeats since winning the German title - but were still eliminated

REAL MADRID VS JUVENTUS IN PHOTOS

Evra vs Bale...

Thousands of Real fans lined the streets outside the Bernabeu before kick-off to greet the team coach

Ronaldo has now scored nine penalties in the Champions League - one more than Lionel Messi

Juventus goal hero Alvaro Morata (second right) made an appearance as a substitute for Real Madrid in last season's Champions League final

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon played the last time the Turin club reached the Champions League final in 2003 

Juventus lost to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos in the group stages of this season's Champions League

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale defiant after Champions League exit

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale defended his form following his side's Champions League semi-final defeat to Juventus.

The Italian champions fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at the Bernabeu to set up a Champions League final against Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Bale, the world's most expensive player, had another disappointing night in front of his own fans and missed a string of chances as Madrid crashed out of the competition to Massimiliano Allegri's side.

Defeat saw Real miss out on a first El Clasico European decider and, while disappointed, Bale insisted he had been happy with his general performances during a campaign that has seen him come in for repeated scrutiny.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: "It was very disappointing, we wanted to be in the Champions League final to give ourselves a chance of winning but it was not to be and we will go again next year.

"We always try and score as many goals as we can but it wasn't meant to be tonight. They (Juventus) played a good game and obviously we are disappointed but we will have to regroup and come again next year."

Bale had Madrid's first chance of the night, heading over after just 35 seconds, and at least two presentable chances in the second half but never once managed to test Gianluigi Buffon in the Juve goal.

"I was unlucky not to grab one," he said. "As long as I keep trying, usually one goes in. Unfortunately it didn't happen tonight and you move on."

His best chance was a back-post header which he sent over from point-blank range.

Steven Gerrard expecting emotional final match at Anfield on Saturday

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard expects his final game at Anfield on Saturday to be an emotional affair.

The former England midfielder will bid farewell to the ground where he has played for 17 years when Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1.

And speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said he can't promise not to shed a tear after being teased by former Reds team-mate Jamie Carragher that he will break down and cry.

"I'm not like him, I'm not made of stone," he said. "I'm not macho like Jamie.

"We'll have to wait and see. I'm not usually one that sheds tears when I'm emotional, I usually keep it in, but we'll have to wait and see. There's no shame in shedding a tear I don't think.

"I'm really looking forward to the game. I want to win the game. I want to win my last game at Anfield. It will be a bonus if I can get on the score-sheet.

"But once the game finishes and I say goodbye to the fans that are here - and I know it's being televised so it's a good chance for me to say goodbye to the fans worldwide as well - it will be emotional, not just for me, for my family.

"I'm sure there will be a few supporters that are emotional too. After 17 years, that's just the way it's going to be."

Gerrard admitted it might take some time for him to get used to the idea that he won't play a competitive game at Anfield again.

"On Sunday, I'll be hungover probably, without going out drinking. I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed knowing that I'm not going to play here again in a competitive game.

"I've loved playing here, I've loved every minute of my career. I'm proud of what I've done. I'll have a smile on my face but I think there'll be a part of me that's sad and a little bit down that it's all over here at Anfield."

Next up for Gerrard is a move to the MLS, where he will play for the LA Galaxy and he's looking forward to finishing his career away from the Premier League spotlight.

"It's a great challenge. It's a good time," he added.

"I'm coming up to my 35th birthday, it's a good chance for me to enjoy a couple of years of my life with less pressure, spend more time with my family.

"But I'm still in good condition, I still enjoy my football and I can still start football matches and compete for some trophies in the States."

I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment.

Steven Gerrard on his biggest disappointment

The only major club honour missing from Gerrard's CV is a Premier League winner's medal and he admits last season's slip against Chelsea, which saw Demba Ba race through and score in a vital 2-0 victory for the Blues, still haunts him as the greatest regret of his career.

"When I finish in a couple of weeks and reflect, that is certainly going to be the lowest point of my career," he said.

"You win or lose the league over a 38-game period, but I'm not stupid and I do realise that that moment was big. But I will always take full responsibility and take it on the chin - that's what I've tried to do.

"I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment."

Paul Pogba exit from Manchester United understandable but regrettable, says Jamie Carragher

Pogba only made three Premier League appearances for United

Sir Alex Ferguson shouldn't be criticised for letting Paul Pogba leave Manchester United, says Jamie Carragher.

As a 19-year-old, Pogba was not part of Ferguson’s plans at Old Trafford, making just seven appearances for the club before joining Juventus in 2012.
Three years later, the midfielder enjoyed one of the highlights of his burgeoning career as he helped Juventus secure a 1-1 draw to beat Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate and reach the Champions League final.
After the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, Sky Sports pundit Carragher said although Pogba would be a superb asset for United right now, Ferguson's decision cannot be questioned as he had to stick by his philosophy over young players at the club.
"I'm certain they look back at it now and I'm sure Louis Van Gaal would love to have Paul Pogba in his squad for next season, as Man City would, Chelsea would," he said.

"All the top teams in world football would, especially in our league because he looks supremely suited to our league.
"It's difficult to question Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of bringing young players through - he was one of the masters at it.
"If he felt it was a wages problem for a young player maybe getting too big for his boots and basically wanting first-team money when he's still a reserve-team player... that's the jist of it I think.
"But the amount of money you would have to pay now, people will say, you might as well have given him it, but those types of decisions run right through your club and affect other young players.
"So it was maybe just one of those situations that Sir Alex Ferguson gets right so many times, but this one they may look back at it with slight regret. But you have to have rules and philosophies at your club with young players."

It’s difficult to question Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of bringing young players through – he was one of the masters at it.

Pogba has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with United, Manchester City and Chelsea all reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old.
Thierry Henry, however, feels the midfielder was not given enough opportunities under Ferguson and thinks the decision to leave was right for him and now believes Pogba is the one calling the shots over any potential move.

"At one point, Sir Alex was playing anyone but him in his position, even guys that were not holding midfielders or offensive midfielders, even Paul Scholes came out of retirement," he said.
"So at one point you can't blame the kid, he was just like 'I don't have a future there', so he left and we saw what he did. But he's a special talent. He can do anything.
"It's pretty rare when a player has a choice to go wherever he wants. He might stay, you never know."
Graeme Souness, meanwhile, said Juventus won't be worried about keeping one of their prized assets, especially with their rise back to the top of European football, but he also wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to Old Trafford.

"Juventus see themselves as one of the big clubs in world football, so they won’t think that one of the so-called bigger clubs can come along and take him easily," he said.
"Would it prevent him going back to Manchester United? No. Different manager, different set-up, different philosophy.
"I think part of his problem was that he wasn’t getting the chances he felt he should have been at that time.
"He’s suited to the English game, he’s suited to any game. He’s big, strong, athletic, great technique and looks to have a fabulous attitude."

'A huge danger with outstanding potential' - Meet Manchester United new-boy Memphis Depay

Louis van Gaal has acted quickly to snap up one of Europe's hottest properties, agreeing a £22.3 million deal with PSV for a player who evokes memories of United's greatest No.7s

Last summer, Manchester United waited until the final two weeks of the transfer window to do the majority of their business. Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao were all added to the squad after the opening game with Swansea City, meaning a sizeable core of Louis van Gaal's squad missed out on the pre-season period of planning and integration.

Chelsea, by contrast, got things wrapped up early, the signings of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas and recall of Thibaut Courtois from a loan period at Atletico Madrid decided way in advance of the Blues' players reconvening after the break.

This time, United seem to have learnt their lesson. The arrival of Memphis Depay from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven for a fee of £22.3 million was confirmed on Thursday morning, two weeks before the current Premier League season ends. The rumours have been ongoing for months but a protracted transfer saga has been averted.

Even more important than the timing is the fact that Depay looks a terrific signing. The 21-year-old is the Eredivisie's top scorer this term having contributed 21 goals in 28 games from the left wing. He is a superb direct dribbler who can beat his man with both pace and trickery, and possesses fine balance and technical ability.



Depay is a huge danger when cutting onto his right foot and someone who is never afraid to let fly from distance. Unlike many young wingers, his end product is generally very good, and he has netted on seven occasions with shots from outside the box this year.

The 21-year-old is lively rather than static with his off-the-ball movement, happy to drift across the pitch and interchange with his fellow forwards to keep defenders on their toes. He drops deep at times too, picking up the ball in less advanced areas before driving forward and running at the heart of the opposition's backline.

VIEW FROM NETHERLANDS

By Yanick Vos | Netherlands Chief Editor After an impressive World Cup, where Memphis Depay introduced himself to the biggest stage, he has had a wonderful season at PSV. All year long he showed his readiness to join a top European club and currently leads the Eredivisie scoring charts 21 goals. He is, simply, too good for the league and displays as much every week. Together with Georginio Wijnaldum, Depay has made PSV champions. Depay's drive and determination is key to his progress. The 21-year-old is a 'training beast' who wants to become a better player every day. He's young and hungry, the type of player Louis van Gaal likes to work with. Van Gaal and Depay built a strong relationship during last summer's World Cup so the forward knows the way the United coach works, and is a big fan. They thrived with Netherlands and will do at Old Trafford.

The physicality of the Premier League is often a challenge for foreign players accustomed to less robust surroundings, but Depay has the power and build to succeed on English shores. He is also a first-class trainer with a desire to improve, and his strong relationship with former Dutch national team boss Van Gaal will aid the bedding-in process.

The main weakness in his game is probably his decision-making, particularly with regards to choosing the optimum moment to release the ball. Depay has occasionally been accused of holding onto possession for too long rather than finding a team-mate, and he will be hoping to improve on this season's return of four assists at Old Trafford in 2015-16. However, this area of Depay's game is something that will likely be easy enough to develop with time and increased experience of playing in a high-level environment.

Depay is not only a young player of outstanding potential but a transfer that appears to make sense given both United's traditions and weaknesses this season. Although Van Gaal's side look to have done enough to secure a top four finish and return to the Champions League, the formula for their improvements in the second half of the season seems to have been more of a short-term stop-gap than a blueprint for sustained success over the coming years.

Marouane Fellaini has performed admirably as a makeshift midfield targetman, while Ashley Young's renaissance has caught the eye and Juan Mata has been excellent on the right of midfield. However, it would be a surprise if this sort of approach was continued over the longer-term. One of the primary criticisms of United this season has been the ponderous nature of their possession-based game. There has been a lack of spark and zip at times, no-one to quicken the tempo or add an injection of pace. It is a problem that the capture of Depay solves.



There has also been a long history of flying wing wizards at Old Trafford. From George Best to Ryan Giggs, Duncan Edwards to David Beckham, Steve Coppell to Cristiano Ronaldo, the United crowd have always reserved a special place in their collective heart for those who hug the touchline. It is still early days for Depay but, based on what he has shown in his career to date, the Dutchman has the natural talent to one day be spoken about in the same illustrious company as the United legends above.

Van Gaal will know he still needs extra bodies ahead of next season, with a central defender, central midfielder and right-back among the positions most in need of improvement. While the Red Devils will almost certainly finish this campaign in the top four, it is worth remembering that they are currently 18 points behind leaders and champions Chelsea.

United, though, should be praised for the manner in which they have got this deal done. Depay is one of the most exciting and highly rated prospects in the whole of Europe, and United's unfussy, uncomplicated and early signing of the 21-year-old is a real statement of intent.

TP Mazembe wakubali Sammata kuuzwa

Samatta alishindwa kujiunga na CSK Moscow wakati wa dirisha dogo la usajili mwezi Januari mwaka huu kutokana na kupata majeraha

WAKALA wa mshambuliaji Mbwana Samatta wa TP Mazembe, Jamal Kasongo amesema, amefanya mazungumzo na mmiliki wa klabu hiyo Moise Katumbi kujadili juu ya kuuzwa kwa Samatta barani Ulaya.

Kasongo ameiambia Goal, mazungumzo kuhusu mshambuliaji huyo kuuzwa kwenye majira ya kiangazi ni mkubwa kutokana na mmiliki huyo wa TP Mazembe kuridhia kwasababu anaweza kupoteza pesa nyingi endapo atakataa na Samatta anamaliza mkataba wake wa kuichezea timu hiyo Aprili 2016.

“Katumbi ameridhia baada ya hivi karibuni kukutana naye na kuzungumza kuhusu mstakabali wa Mbwana Samatta na huu ndiyo muda pekee kwa Katumbi kutengeneza pesa ni majira ya kiangazi mwaka huu au majira ya baridi mwezi Januari mwakani, akishindwa hapo mwezi wa nne mwakani Mbwana atakuwa mchezaji huru, ataondoka bure,”amesema Katumbi.

Samatta alishindwa kujiunga na CSK Moscow wakati wa dirisha dogo la usajili mwezi Januari mwaka huu kutokana na kupata majeraha siku moja kabla ya kucheza mechi ya kirafiki ambayo maamuzi yangetoka moja kwa moja katika siku tatu alizofanya majaribio CSK Moscow alicheza vizuri na alifunga magoli matatu lakini alishindwa kucheza mechi ya kirafiki baada ya kuumia kifundo cha mguu.

Tanzania remain 107th in May Fifa ranking

Taifa Stars are unmoved in the May Fifa ranking released on Thursday after as they maintain their position in Africa

Tanzania’s senior national team maintained their 107th position in the latest Fifa world ranking released on Thursday.
Taifa Stars are now the ranked 30th in Africa with the top 5 occupied with Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal.
The likes of Zimbabwe, Sudan, Libya, Namibia and Kenya are all below Tanzania in the ranking
Meanwhile Algeria remain at the summit of African football with 917 points which put them in the 20th position in the world while Cote d’Ivoire are second in Africa and ranked 23rd in the world.
The top 17 positions are unaltered from last month, which means that Germany (1st, unchanged) continue to lead the way ahead of Argentina (2nd, unchanged) and Belgium (3rd, unchanged).

Memphis Depay: Manchester United sign Dutch forward

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Dutch forward Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven.

The fee is in the region of £25-30m with the deal believed to be until 2019, with the option of another year.

Subject to the 21-year-old passing his medical next week, he will join United once the transfer window opens in June.

Depay, who has scored 21 goals as PSV won this season's Dutch title , tweeted: "Time to set my goals again on winning trophies with Manchester United."

More on this story:
What will Manchester United get from Depay?

He added: "I always say; dream, believe, achieve. I was dreaming and believing of becoming the champions of the Eredivisie with PSV and we achieved it.

"I'm extremely grateful towards PSV and all the fans for believing in me."

Depay, who played under United manager Louis van Gaal during his time as Netherlands boss, had attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe, with Paris St-Germain and Liverpool reportedly keen to sign him.

Tottenham reportedly had a bid for the player turned down  last year.

Former Wigan defender Arjan De Zeeuw

"We all know Depay was one of the players who stood out at the World Cup when Van Gaal was in charge of the Dutch national team. People regard him as a little bit arrogant, a little bit cocky, but I think he is a very good player, a very promising player, a very strong, very quick player and he's got some skill. People expect him to be the best player on the pitch every week, so you have to have a bit of self-belief to achieve that. I think he'll do well for Manchester United."

He has spent his entire career to date with PSV, for whom he has scored 42 goals in 104 appearances.

"We are very proud of this upcoming transfer, which came in a huge momentum," PSV's sporting director Marcel Brands told the Dutch club's official website.

"Memphis has gone through all the teams of the PSV youth academy and has played an important part in the national title this year.

"He's a wonderful exponent of our training and will make a nice transition to a magnificent club in a beautiful competition.

Memphis Depay league career stats
Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes played	Goals scored	Minutes per goal	Assists
2011-12	8	0	130	3	43.33	1
2012-13	20	2	492	2	246	3
2013-14	32	32	2703	12	225.25	7
2014-15	28	28	2394	21	114	4

"We obviously lose a fantastic player, which is of great value to the team. But PSV grants him this wonderful step."

Depay played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the Netherlands finished third before Van Gaal quit as head coach to take over at Manchester United.

He made his international debut on 15 October 2013, coming on in the last minute of the Netherlands' 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Turkey.

Memphis Depay worked with Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal at the World Cup with the Netherlands

Rodgers confirms Sturridge absence until September

The Liverpool striker is out of action after hip surgery and will now miss the start of next season after a series of injuries over the course of the current campaign

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Daniel Sturridge could be out of action until September after hip surgery.

Sturridge announced on Tuesday that he had undergone a successful procedure on his hip after an injury-hit season.

"Just want to let the world know I've had a successful operation on my hip today and I want to thank God for allowing that to be possible," he wrote on his Intagram page. "Onwards and upwards from here. Thanks for the support."

JUVENTUS ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF ITALY

Champions League semi-finalists Juventus have had an "extraordinary" season, says captain Gianluigi Buffon.

Juve host Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-four tie on Tuesday.
The Turin club secured a fourth consecutive Serie A title at the weekend and face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final as they chase a treble.
"We are still fighting on all fronts. This is something that not even we imagined," Italy goalkeeper Buffon, 37, told Football Focus.
Buffon spoke on several topics and revealed he regretted never playing in the Premier League.

Buffon on Allegri

Juventus's players threw coach Massimiliano Allegri in the air after Saturday's title win

Juventus won three consecutive titles under Antonio Conte, but he stepped down in the summer and was replaced by Massimiliano Allegri, who had been sacked by AC Milan earlier that year.
Buffon said: "It was a great surprise for me to see the approach adopted by our new coach and the way in which he has been able to manage a group of players who had won a succession of major titles and a group of players whose common denominator was the characteristics and personality of their previous coach.
"So it was no easy task for Allegri to come to Juventus and to place his own stamp and imprint on the team. But it is something that he has been successful in doing by acting in a very intelligent manner."

On treble chasing

Juventus clinched their latest Serie A title by beating Sampdoria on Saturday and will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on 7 June.
"There is no doubt that the journey we have embarked upon with Allegri is becoming extraordinary," said Buffon.
"We knew that after many years of victories and successes it would have been easy to give in to a sense of fulfilment and to sit back, which is only human and even normal for sportsmen performing at this level.
"But perhaps we have been driven by the desire to show that everything we have achieved and won over the years is down to us, and as a result this year we are taking things on to the next stage."

On the Champions League

Juventus beat Monaco in the Champions League quarter-finals

Buffon won the World Cup in 2006 and has six Serie A winners' medals, but only reached the Champions League final once - losing to AC Milan in 2003.
"It is a strange thing because I have won virtually everything but the one thing I haven't won is the Champions League, although I have got very close, losing a final on penalties," he said.
"But I think that life is very fair and you get what you deserve. I have not yet finished my career, even though I am pretty close to the end. I think that if it is my destiny and if I have earned it, then I will win it.
"There are at least three teams ahead of us in terms of experience at the international level and the players that they have. But I do believe that we are a team on the way up. As a group we have been playing together for a long time; every now and then a new player has come in to improve the team and that is why I think we can do well.
"In fact I am convinced of this and I think that we are able to compete with any other team. But there is a big difference between saying this and thinking that we can win the Champions League."

On his form

Gianluigi Buffon has kept more Serie A clean sheets than conceded goals this season (18 v 17)

"If one were to make a comparison between my age and my performances then I have done some good and important things," said Buffon.
"I realise that I am still in very good physical shape and this surprises me from a certain point of view, but of course it also makes me very happy because I would like to get to the end of my career still playing at the top level. And if I can continue doing what I am doing at the moment then I think that I will be able to succeed in this.
"It is something that I have earned, as recognition for my talent and qualities as a player, but is also gives me a sense of gratification because it shows my perseverance, self-sacrifice and the professionalism I have always brought to my work.
"When you are a young lad and even in your early years as a professional, playing football is something to be enjoyed. And then slowly but surely as you grow up, it becomes a job, your work.
"If you are able to do it with a great deal of satisfaction and if you love your work and are able to demand the most from yourself, then I think that you have the opportunity to write an important page in the history of football. And I think that there are still a few small pages to be written."

Louis van Gaal relieves Robin van Persie of penalty-taking duties for Manchester United

Van Persie reacts to his saved penalty against West Brom

Louis van Gaal has relieved Robin van Persie of penalty-taking duties for Manchester United following his miss in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

The Baggies recorded successive victories at Old Trafford for the first time since 1959 after Chris Brunt's 63rd-minute free-kick deflected off Jonas Olsson and flew past David de Gea.
Van Persie had the chance to grab a valuable point for United 11 minutes later when referee Anthony Taylor ruled Saido Berahino had handled Antonio Valencia's cross in his own box.

Van Persie took the penalty because Wayne Rooney missed his previous attempt at Liverpool.
And now that the former Arsenal striker has failed to score from the spot, Van Gaal is looking for a new penalty taker.
"No, he is now at the end of the road," the United boss said when asked if Van Persie would continue taking penalties.
"It is always (like that). Wayne has missed also so when you miss, you are at the bottom again."

Van Persie misses a penalty in Manchester United's loss to West Brom.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher was making his first return to Old Trafford since joining West Brom in the January transfer window and he admitted it was a strange experience.
"I walked out of the dressing room and I was stood on the wrong side of the tunnel and had to be told to move over to the other side," Fletcher said. "Old habits die hard."
Fletcher won four league titles and the Champions League during his glittering career with United and he believes improvement is needed at his old club if expectations are to be met next season.
"They have to up it a level," the Baggies captain said. "The aim for United this season was top four.
"I hate even saying accepting top four (is okay) but the fans and everyone will maybe accept it for one season.
"But they need to be challenging for the league after that. Any United side talking about accepting the top four is just not good enough."

PSG close in on French championship

Paris St-Germain remain on course to win the Ligue 1 title after a dominant victory over Nantes sent them three points clear at the top of the table.

Lyon's 2-0 win over Evian on Saturday put the pressure back on Laurent Blanc's side, but they responded with a commanding display against Nantes.

Edinson Cavani and Blaise Matuidi both scored for PSG to secure the win.

PSG need seven points from their last three games to guarantee the title, even if Lyon win all of their fixtures.

Uruguay striker Cavani opened the scoring in the third minute of the game when the ball dropped kindly in the area.

Both Cavani and Gregory van der Wiel took a swipe at the ball but Cavani's celebration suggested he got the telling touch.

PSG added a second just after the half-hour mark thanks to a superb through ball from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned to the starting line-up following his suspension for a foul-mouthed outburst in their 3-2 defeat to Bordeaux in March.

Ibrahimovic's expertly weighted pass slipped in France midfielder Matuidi, who confidently struck the ball home.

Elsewhere, Monaco cruised to a 4-1 victory over Toulose to strengthen their grip on third place and a Champions League spot next season thanks to goals from Anthony Martial, Bernardo Silva, Joao Moutinho and Valere Germain.

Meanwhile, on-loan Liverpool striker Divock Origi scored his eighth goal of the season as Lille kept alive their hopes of a Europa League place with a 3-1 win over already-relegated Lens.

CHELSEA ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND

Chelsea have won four Premier League titles since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003

Jordon Mutch and Branislav Ivanovic were involved in a first-half confrontation

Alan Pardew had won five of his previous six away league games as Palace boss

Eden Hazard headed in the rebound after his penalty had been saved

Eden Hazard had scored each of his previous nine league penalties for Chelsea