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Where to find Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich on US TV and streaming If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich on US TV in the UEFA Champions League, you’ve come to the right place. In the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below). Match: Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich Kickoff: Tuesday, 3pm ET Looking to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action. We Recommend: US only.   Who: Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich What: UEFA Champions League When: Game kicks off at 3pm ET / Noon PT; Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Where: Live on UniMas, TUDN, CBS All Access and fuboTV (Spanish only) (free trial)   CBS All Access is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free. After the 7-day trial, CBS All Access is just $5.99 per month. And guarantees you access to all of the Champions League and Europa League games through the end of the 2023/24 season. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. CBS All Access includes exclusive original programs such as Star Trek Discovery, Star Trek Picard, The Good Fight and The Twilight Zone, among other shows. You can also stream CBS, CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live. Advantages of CBS All Access include (1) More than 10,000 episodes of CBS content, (2) live stream of your local CBS network, and (3) will stream every UEFA Champions League game from 2020 to 2024 CBS All Access is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One. SEE MORE: Schedule of Champions League games on US TV and streaming  

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich on US TV in the UEFA Champions League, you’ve come to the right place. In the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich will be shown on TV and streaming (more details below). Match: Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich Kickoff: Tuesday, 3pm ET Looking to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action. We Recommend: US only.   Who: Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich What: UEFA Champions League When: Game kicks off at 3pm ET / Noon PT; Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Where: Live on UniMas, TUDN, CBS All Access and fuboTV (Spanish only) (free trial)   CBS All Access is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free. After the 7-day trial, CBS All Access is ju

Cavani proves his worth to Man Utd in time for PSG reunion London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani showed why Manchester United handed the veteran Uruguayan the bumper two-year contract others balked at as he turned defeat into victory at Southampton on Sunday. The 33-year-old came off the bench with United trailing 2-0 to score twice and set up Bruno Fernandes for the other goal in a thrilling come-from-behind win reminiscent of the club’s glory days under Alex Ferguson. Cavani’s joy at making his first major contribution for United has been tempered by the prospect of a domestic ban for a misjudged social media post after the game. He used the Spanish term “negrito” (small black person) in thanking a friend for his congratulations, but despite the affectionate context, Cavani could still fall foul of the Football Association’s minimum three-match ban for offensive comments on social media. Cavani will though be available for a reunion against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and could exact revenge for being cast aside by the French champions. PSG’s all-time record goalscorer was allowed to leave on a free transfer when his contract expired in June and did not even hang around as the Parisians reached the Champions League final for the first time in August. Instead, Cavani kept himself fit working on a farm in his homeland and indulging his passion for ballet before United came calling in the final days of the transfer window in October with a deal worth a reported £210,000 per week ($271,000). – Focal point – After seven months out in the cold, Cavani understandably took time to make his mark in Manchester, but his impact against Southampton showed the different dimension his predatory instincts in the box offer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. “Sometimes, when we’ve scored goals, it had to be the ‘perfect’ goal, walking it in, with an extra pass and great skill,” said Solskjaer. “Edinson has been around the block and scored so many goals and played football for so long. He’s been between those posts so many times, he’s seen this game before, he’s scored that goal before. “To have a focal point in the box is important for us, we’ve not really had that since Romelu (Lukaku) left. Anthony (Martial), Marcus (Rashford), Mason (Greenwood), they’re different types of forwards. He gives us a great balance and a mix. We wanted to mix it up and Edinson had a great impact.” Cavani has made just one start under Solskjaer, in a 4-1 thrashing of Istanbul Basaksehir last week, but may have done enough to move ahead of Martial and Greenwood in the pecking order to start on Wednesday. Victory over Basaksehir restored United’s grip on Group H after a shock defeat in Istanbul undid some of their good work, having beaten PSG away and RB Leipzig 5-0 in a brilliant start to the section. PSG sit three points behind Solskjaer’s men and face a humiliating group-stage exit should they lose again to United. Dispatching Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi, who took his place at the Parc des Princes, from the competition PSG desire most, would be poetic justice for Cavani after the manner of his exit from the club. Cavani’s parents complained PSG had not shown him the respect he deserved when his playing time under Thomas Tuchel diminished drastically after the signing of Icardi last summer. Tuchel has held on amid growing discontent over PSG’s performances at home and abroad so far this season. Dropping out of the Champions League would almost certainly signal the end of Tuchel’s time in Paris. Should Cavani inflict the final blow, it would only rub salt in the wound.

London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani showed why Manchester United handed the veteran Uruguayan the bumper two-year contract others balked at as he turned defeat into victory at Southampton on Sunday. The 33-year-old came off the bench with United trailing 2-0 to score twice and set up Bruno Fernandes for the other goal in a thrilling come-from-behind win reminiscent of the club’s glory days under Alex Ferguson. Cavani’s joy at making his first major contribution for United has been tempered by the prospect of a domestic ban for a misjudged social media post after the game. He used the Spanish term “negrito” (small black person) in thanking a friend for his congratulations, but despite the affectionate context, Cavani could still fall foul of the Football Association’s minimum three-match ban for offensive comments on social media. Cavani will though be available for a reunion against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday and could exact revenge for being cast aside by

More than just prestige on the line for PSG in Champions League Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season’s runners-up knowing the costs of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field. Anything less than victory at Old Trafford and the French champions could see their destiny slip out of their hands going into the last game in Group H. Neymar’s penalty gave the Qatar-owned club victory over RB Leipzig last week, but Thomas Tuchel’s team performed poorly and the coach’s agitation when searching questions are put to him by the press suggest all is not well in Paris. PSG are top of Ligue 1, although their lead has been trimmed back in recent weeks following more disappointing displays. “There is no way we can play like that in Manchester, like we did in the second half,” Tuchel warned after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bordeaux. There will be potentially major consequences if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, something they have managed in each of the last eight seasons since becoming regulars in the competition again after the Qatari takeover. Tuchel is out of contract after this season and sporting director Leonardo is not believed to be a huge fan of the German, even if he recently dismissed reports he was looking for a replacement. “Honestly the club has never thought about another coach to replace Tuchel. Now is the time to concentrate on our objectives and to stick together,” Leonardo said in a question and answer session with supporters. Despite that, it is hard to imagine Tuchel surviving in the event of a European disaster, as being dumped out at the first hurdle would be a huge blow to PSG’s prestige. Over the last decade it has become almost impossible for such ignominy to befall one of Europe’s super clubs, a category into which PSG now fit as the fifth-richest in the world according to Deloitte’s Football Money League. Barcelona have made it out of their group in every season since returning to the competition in 2004, while Real Madrid have got out of their group in every year since 1997. Bayern Munich have done so in every year since 2008. Manchester City have already secured an eighth consecutive appearance in the last 16, Juventus a seventh. – Financial repercussions – After revelling in the team’s run to the final in Lisbon, PSG’s Qatari owners would not take kindly to such a sporting slap in the face. Financially, the repercussions could be serious. PSG are looking at ways of extending the contracts of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, whose existing deals expire in 2022, but how can they in their current financial predicament? Documents released in 2018 by Football Leaks showed Neymar’s after-tax salary to be 30 million euros ($35.8m) a year while Mbappe’s salary was due to rise to 11 million euros this year. If PSG are prepared to offer whatever it takes to keep them, will they be able to invest in the other areas of the team that need upgrading? They have been hamstrung by the coronavirus crisis, suffering huge losses from the decision to cut short the last French season. RMC Sport recently reported that PSG were preparing for a loss of some 200 million euros this season, chiefly from lost gate receipts due to the pandemic. A group-stage exit from the Champions League would only make things worse. Just reaching the last 16 was worth 9.5 million euros last season, while reaching and winning the final was worth another 41.5 million euros, enough to cover the wages of Neymar and Mbappe for a year. UEFA is set to reduce prize money over the next few years because of the impact of the health crisis, but PSG can ill afford to miss out on these sums. The stakes in Manchester will be high.

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain will be playing for their Champions League lives against Manchester United on Wednesday, with last season’s runners-up knowing the costs of group-stage elimination could be enormous on and off the field. Anything less than victory at Old Trafford and the French champions could see their destiny slip out of their hands going into the last game in Group H. Neymar’s penalty gave the Qatar-owned club victory over RB Leipzig last week, but Thomas Tuchel’s team performed poorly and the coach’s agitation when searching questions are put to him by the press suggest all is not well in Paris. PSG are top of Ligue 1, although their lead has been trimmed back in recent weeks following more disappointing displays. “There is no way we can play like that in Manchester, like we did in the second half,” Tuchel warned after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bordeaux. There will be potentially major consequences if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions Leagu

Lazio ace Immobile tackles past demons on Dortmund return Milan (AFP) – Ciro Immobile returns to the scene of one of his unhappiest spells as a player when Lazio take on the goal ace’s former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Dortmund were Italy forward Immobile’s first club outside of his home country and that disappointing time in the Bundesliga was followed by an similarly unsuccessful six months at Sevilla, before returning to Serie A. Lazio are just one point behind their German hosts who lead Group F with two games to play, and four ahead of third-placed Club Brugge. The Italians are well-positioned to advance to the last 16 in their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence. Last season’s European ‘Golden Shoe’ winner thanks to his 36 league goals in Italy, Immobile’s strikes powered Lazio to a fourth-place finish in Serie A. This campaign he has scored three Champions League goals in two games — one in a 3-1 win over Dortmund in Rome and twice against Zenit with the same scoreline last time out in the Stadio Olimpico. In between, Immobile missed two games, both 1-1 draws, against Club Brugge and away at Zenit, because of positive coronavirus tests. “He is important for our football,” said coach Simone Inzaghi.  “He’ll make the fortunes of Lazio, and also those of Italy.” In total, Immobile has seven Champions League goals from 12 appearances between Lazio, Dortmund, Sevilla and Juventus. He was also top scorer in the Europa League in 2017-2018. But despite his record performances with Lazio, the player known as ‘King Ciro’ to fans, has been criticised for his failure to perform well outside of Italy. An 18 million euro ($22 million) move to Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund in 2014 reaped just three goals in 24 appearances, before a transfer after just one season to Sevilla, who loaned him to Torino. “I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change,” said Immobile. “There were some difficulties, but I don’t want to say anything about this. I know when I deserve praise or criticism.” – ‘Extra stimulus’ – He returned to Lazio in 2016 for less than 10 million euros, the same year former ‘Biancocelesti’ forward Inzaghi took over as coach. And the 30-year-old has flourished in a system tailor-made to his strengths, alongside Luis Alberto and Joaquin Correa, and midfielders Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Marco Parolo. Immobile extended his contract with Lazio by two years through 2025, after last season matching Gonzalo Higuain’s single-season Italian league record of 36 goals. Immobile also led the Serie A scorers in 2013-14 with 22 goals for Torino and with Lazio in 2017-18 with 29. This season he has scored eight goals in nine games in all competitions. Lazio are ninth in Serie A. If he continues his current pace, the player from Naples is on track to become Lazio’s all-time leading scorer.  With 133 goals across all competitions, he currently sits second on the Roman club’s scoring chart behind Silvio Piola’s 159 goals. He has 108 league goals for Lazio to Piola’s 143 between 1934 and 1943. The arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo’s at Juventus in 2018, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic joining AC Milan this year has provided a boost. “Ronaldo’s arrival in Italy was an extra stimulus for me,” said Immobile who scored five more goals that the Portuguese star last season.  “When these great champions arrive, they push you to give more, to understand if you too you can be at that level.  “It happened with Ibra too, I studied him because he is a great champion. I hope to still be like this when I’m Ibra’s age.”

Milan (AFP) – Ciro Immobile returns to the scene of one of his unhappiest spells as a player when Lazio take on the goal ace’s former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Dortmund were Italy forward Immobile’s first club outside of his home country and that disappointing time in the Bundesliga was followed by an similarly unsuccessful six months at Sevilla, before returning to Serie A. Lazio are just one point behind their German hosts who lead Group F with two games to play, and four ahead of third-placed Club Brugge. The Italians are well-positioned to advance to the last 16 in their return to the Champions League after a 13-year absence. Last season’s European ‘Golden Shoe’ winner thanks to his 36 league goals in Italy, Immobile’s strikes powered Lazio to a fourth-place finish in Serie A. This campaign he has scored three Champions League goals in two games — one in a 3-1 win over Dortmund in Rome and twice against Zenit with the same scoreline last tim

Spurs to face non-league Marine in FA Cup third round London (AFP) – Premier League leaders Tottenham were handed a trip to eighth-tier Marine in Monday’s draw for the FA Cup third round. Top-flight teams enter the competition at the third round stage and Tottenham were given a tie sure to capture the attention of football romantics. Northern Premier League Division One side Marine became only the second club from the eighth tier to reach the third round after beating Havant and Waterlooville after extra time on Sunday. Their reward is a visit from Jose Mourinho’s men, who last won the FA Cup in 1991 and have not lifted a major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. Marine boss Neil Young told the BBC: “It’s an unbelievable draw. We will plan as best we can.  “Usually with Jose’s teams, he puts pretty strong sides out. We have won seven games to get here and this is a great reward.” Marine captain Niall Cummins, a fan of Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal, added: “I don’t know where to begin. I think we’re officially the lowest-ranked team left in it and, judging by the Premier League table at the moment, they’re the hardest team we could have possibly got. “It’s absolutely unbelievable. I checked my phone a second after the draw and it’s gone off like mad.” National League North side Chorley will play Derby at home and Stockport, of the National League, have also been handed home advantage in their tie against West Ham. FA Cup holders Arsenal face Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium and another all-Premier League tie sees Aston Villa against Liverpool at Villa Park. Another side from the eighth tier, Isthmian League North Division Canvey Island play fifth-tier Boreham Wood on Monday for the right to host Championship team Millwall. League Two side Crawley have been drawn to play Leeds at home and Bristol Rovers have been rewarded for thrashing Darlington 6-0 in the second round with a home tie against Sheffield United. Last season’s beaten finalists Chelsea will play League Two side Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. Manchester City, the 2019 winners, will host Birmingham, while Manchester United face Watford at Old Trafford.

London (AFP) – Premier League leaders Tottenham were handed a trip to eighth-tier Marine in Monday’s draw for the FA Cup third round. Top-flight teams enter the competition at the third round stage and Tottenham were given a tie sure to capture the attention of football romantics. Northern Premier League Division One side Marine became only the second club from the eighth tier to reach the third round after beating Havant and Waterlooville after extra time on Sunday. Their reward is a visit from Jose Mourinho’s men, who last won the FA Cup in 1991 and have not lifted a major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. Marine boss Neil Young told the BBC: “It’s an unbelievable draw. We will plan as best we can.  “Usually with Jose’s teams, he puts pretty strong sides out. We have won seven games to get here and this is a great reward.” Marine captain Niall Cummins, a fan of Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal, added: “I don’t know where to begin. I think we’re officially the lowest-ran

Spurs face non-league Marine in FA Cup London (AFP) – Premier League leaders Tottenham were handed a trip to eighth tier Marine in Monday’s draw for the FA Cup third round. Top-flight teams enter the competition at the third round stage and Tottenham were given a tie sure to capture the attention of football romantics. Northern Premier League Division One side Marine became only the second club from the eighth tier to reach the third round after beating Havant and Waterlooville after extra time on Sunday. Their reward is a visit from Jose Mourinho’s men, who last won the FA Cup in 1991 and have not lifted a major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. National League North side Chorley will play Derby at home and Stockport, of the National League, have also been handed home advantage in their tie against West Ham. FA Cup holders Arsenal face Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium and another all-Premier League tie sees Aston Villa against Liverpool at Villa Park. Another side from the eighth tier, Isthmian League North Division Canvey Island play fifth tier Boreham Wood on Monday for the right to host Championship team Millwall. League Two side Crawley have been drawn to play Leeds at home and Bristol Rovers have been rewarded for thrashing Darlington 6-0 in the second round with a home tie against Sheffield United. Last season’s beaten finalists Chelsea will play League Two side Morecambe at Stamford Bridge.  Manchester City, the 2019 winners, will host Birmingham, while Manchester United face Watford at Old Trafford.

London (AFP) – Premier League leaders Tottenham were handed a trip to eighth tier Marine in Monday’s draw for the FA Cup third round. Top-flight teams enter the competition at the third round stage and Tottenham were given a tie sure to capture the attention of football romantics. Northern Premier League Division One side Marine became only the second club from the eighth tier to reach the third round after beating Havant and Waterlooville after extra time on Sunday. Their reward is a visit from Jose Mourinho’s men, who last won the FA Cup in 1991 and have not lifted a major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. National League North side Chorley will play Derby at home and Stockport, of the National League, have also been handed home advantage in their tie against West Ham. FA Cup holders Arsenal face Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium and another all-Premier League tie sees Aston Villa against Liverpool at Villa Park. Another side from the eighth tier, Isthmian League North Divisio

MLS shifts Kansas City-Minnesota playoff clash to Thursday New York (AFP) – Major League Soccer on Monday moved a quarter-final playoff match between Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United from Wednesday to Thursday and pushed back a subsequent semi-final to next Monday. The league said the shift was not made as a result of Covid-19 issues. The other Western Conference playoff matchup, Dallas at defending champion Seattle, will be played as planned on Tuesday. That winner will meet the Kansas City-Minnesota winner on December 7 to determine a berth in the December 12 MLS Cup final. The Eastern Conference final will remain as scheduled with the New England Revolution playing at the Columbus Crew on Sunday for the other spot in the championship match.

New York (AFP) – Major League Soccer on Monday moved a quarter-final playoff match between Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United from Wednesday to Thursday and pushed back a subsequent semi-final to next Monday. The league said the shift was not made as a result of Covid-19 issues. The other Western Conference playoff matchup, Dallas at defending champion Seattle, will be played as planned on Tuesday. That winner will meet the Kansas City-Minnesota winner on December 7 to determine a berth in the December 12 MLS Cup final. The Eastern Conference final will remain as scheduled with the New England Revolution playing at the Columbus Crew on Sunday for the other spot in the championship match. from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/37mWpVp

Fulham shock Leicester to escape relegation zone London (AFP) – Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after finally solving their penalty woes in a shock 2-1 win at Leicester on Monday. Scott Parker’s side won for just the second time in the league this season thanks to Ademola Lookman’s opener and Ivan Cavaleiro’s penalty. Fulham had missed three of their four previous penalties this term, but Cavaleiro held his nerve to convert from the spot for the crucial second goal. It was an emotional success for the Cottagers, with Lookman celebrating his goal by displaying one of Papa Bouba Diop’s Senegal shirts after Fulham’s former midfielder died aged 42 at the weekend. Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester in the closing minutes, but Fulham held on and move one point above the bottom three. It was only Fulham’s second away win in the past 26 Premier League matches and their first since a victory at Bournemouth in April 2019. Leicester would have gone second with a win, but instead they remain fourth — three points behind leaders Tottenham — after a second successive league defeat. Leicester dominated possession in the first half and hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds after James Maddison’s free-kick rebounded off the Fulham wall. The loose ball reached Youri Tielemans, whose volley from outside the area smacked the post and ran for Wesley Fofana to smash his shot off the crossbar. Jamie Vardy went close to rewarding Leicester’s dominance with an agile flicked effort from Dennis Praet’s cross, but Alphonse Areola made the save at his near post. Antonee Robinson wasted a good chance to put Fulham ahead against the run of play when he shot straight at Kasper Schmeichel. It was a warning Leicester failed to heed as Lookman struck for the Cottagers in the 30th minute. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa carried the ball from inside his own half, advancing unchecked before playing a defence-splitting pass to on-loan Leipzig winger Lookman, who guided a cool finish past Schmeichel. Parker’s team doubled their lead in the 38th minute with a rare penalty success. Christian Fuchs fouled Bobby Decordova-Reid and the spot-kick was awarded by referee Simon Hooper after he checked the pitchside monitor. After Fulham missed three penalties earlier this season, Cavaleiro opted for power as he blasted past Schmeichel into the top corner. Chances were at a premium as Fulham dug in to preserve their lead after the break. Barnes set up a tense finish with a fierce strike from Vardy’s knockdown in the 86th minute. James Justin shot just wide in stoppage time, but it was too late to save Leicester.

London (AFP) – Fulham climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after finally solving their penalty woes in a shock 2-1 win at Leicester on Monday. Scott Parker’s side won for just the second time in the league this season thanks to Ademola Lookman’s opener and Ivan Cavaleiro’s penalty. Fulham had missed three of their four previous penalties this term, but Cavaleiro held his nerve to convert from the spot for the crucial second goal. It was an emotional success for the Cottagers, with Lookman celebrating his goal by displaying one of Papa Bouba Diop’s Senegal shirts after Fulham’s former midfielder died aged 42 at the weekend. Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester in the closing minutes, but Fulham held on and move one point above the bottom three. It was only Fulham’s second away win in the past 26 Premier League matches and their first since a victory at Bournemouth in April 2019. Leicester would have gone second with a win, but instead they remain fourth — three points

Hazard’s Real frustrations continue with thigh injury Madrid (AFP) – Eden Hazard’s injury misery continued on Monday after Real Madrid confirmed the attacker had hurt his right thigh in their weekend loss to Alaves. The Belgium international was substituted after just 28 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Alaves, as Real were beaten for the third time in La Liga this season. The Spanish champions said in a statement that Hazard, 29, had been diagnosed with an injury to his right quadriceps and that his “recovery will continue to be assessed”. Real did not provide a timeline for Hazard’s return, but local media reported he could be ruled out for at least two weeks, which would mean missing both of their two remaining Champions League group matches. He will also likely be unavailable for Real’s upcoming league matches against second-placed local rivals Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who sit in fifth, just one point and place behind the 13-time European champions. “It’s a complicated situation for him, for the club, for everyone, because we all want to see him play with us,” coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters on Monday ahead of Real’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. Hazard appeared to be caught by an Alaves defender as he dribbled the ball in the area after his shot was saved, and was pictured grimacing moments later with his hands on his knees. Zidane had initially suggested it was just a “simple knock” based on the feedback at the time from Hazard. Hazard has featured in just 28 of 65 matches for Real since joining from Chelsea last year for 100 million euros ($119.6 million). He missed the start of this season due to injury and then tested positive for coronavirus on November 7. “He’d never injured himself before during his entire career. At 28-29 years old he picked up an injury that bothered him for a while and there little niggles that keep resurfacing,” Frenchman Zidane added. “We have to accept it, try to get through it, and I’m sure he’ll come back even stronger, and soon.” Real face Shakhtar in Ukraine on Tuesday knowing victory will clinch a place in the last 16 of the competition. They sit second in Group B, one point behind leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach and three ahead of Shakhtar. Their final group match is against Moenchengladbach in Madrid next week.

Madrid (AFP) – Eden Hazard’s injury misery continued on Monday after Real Madrid confirmed the attacker had hurt his right thigh in their weekend loss to Alaves. The Belgium international was substituted after just 28 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Alaves, as Real were beaten for the third time in La Liga this season. The Spanish champions said in a statement that Hazard, 29, had been diagnosed with an injury to his right quadriceps and that his “recovery will continue to be assessed”. Real did not provide a timeline for Hazard’s return, but local media reported he could be ruled out for at least two weeks, which would mean missing both of their two remaining Champions League group matches. He will also likely be unavailable for Real’s upcoming league matches against second-placed local rivals Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who sit in fifth, just one point and place behind the 13-time European champions. “It’s a complicated situation for him, for the club, for everyone, bec

France’s Frappart first woman to referee men’s Champions League game Lausanne (AFP) – France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a men’s Champions League match on Wednesday when Juventus host Dinamo Kiev in Turin, European football’s governing body UEFA confirmed. The 36-year-old has already made history as the first woman to referee in the French top flight, and took charge of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. She also made her Europa League debut in October. It is the first time that a woman has been assigned to referee a game in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Italian giants Juventus host Ukrainian side Dinamo in Group G at the Allianz Stadium.  Juventus, second in the group, are already through to the last 16 along with leaders Barcelona, with two games to play.

Lausanne (AFP) – France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a men’s Champions League match on Wednesday when Juventus host Dinamo Kiev in Turin, European football’s governing body UEFA confirmed. The 36-year-old has already made history as the first woman to referee in the French top flight, and took charge of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. She also made her Europa League debut in October. It is the first time that a woman has been assigned to referee a game in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Italian giants Juventus host Ukrainian side Dinamo in Group G at the Allianz Stadium.  Juventus, second in the group, are already through to the last 16 along with leaders Barcelona, with two games to play. from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/33xjL9J

Cavani apologises for misunderstood social media post London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani apologised on Monday after his joy at scoring twice for Manchester United against Southampton was dampened by an investigation by the Football Association into a social media post he subsequently deleted. The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker sent an Instagram post thanking a friend for his congratulations after scoring twice as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on Sunday  that included the Spanish word “negrito” (small black person). United said the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America. The former Paris Saint Germain forward had been informed such terms are viewed as derogatory in Britain and he subsequently deleted the post. “The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game,” Cavani said in a statement. “The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this.” The FA issued guidelines pre-season clamping down on racist and discriminatory language and behaviour, with offences on social media carrying a minimum three-game ban. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Dele Alli of Tottenham were both suspended for one-match last season after posts that breached the guidelines. “It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued,” United added in a club statement. “Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offence caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism.” Cavani will be free to play against his former club PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday.

London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani apologised on Monday after his joy at scoring twice for Manchester United against Southampton was dampened by an investigation by the Football Association into a social media post he subsequently deleted. The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker sent an Instagram post thanking a friend for his congratulations after scoring twice as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on Sunday  that included the Spanish word “negrito” (small black person). United said the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America. The former Paris Saint Germain forward had been informed such terms are viewed as derogatory in Britain and he subsequently deleted the post. “The message I posted after the match on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game,” Cavani said in a statement. “The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to

Man City’s Ederson joins call for concussion subs London (AFP) – Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson called for the introduction of concussion substitutes to football following the clash of heads between Raul Jimenez and David Luiz that left the former with a fractured skull. Wolves striker Jimenez was immediately taken to hospital after the incident early in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Arsenal, but Luiz played on for the remainder of the first-half before being replaced at half-time. “I was very worried, I was watching the game. I played with Raul Jimenez at Benfica,” Ederson said on Monday. “I think all the concern and care is very important. It is a part of the body that needs special attention. “When there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution, whether the player can continue or not. You could be feeling OK but after you could feel the consequences.” Ederson has personal experience of nasty head knocks as he needed eight stitches to repair facial wounds after being caught the boot of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in 2017. And in June he knocked out teammate Eric Garcia as he charged from his goal in a match against Arsenal, that saw the Spanish defender wear a scrum cap on his return to the field. City boss Pep Guardiola called for clearer guidelines on whether any head knock should result in a player being substituted, even if they pass the on-field concussion check by club doctors. “I don’t know the protocols,” said Guardiola. “Some of them say you have to be immediately out, some of them say no. It should be clear because in the head it’s always so dangerous.” Football’s lawmakers IFAB have opened the door for concussion substitutes to be used on a trial basis with the English Football Association hoping to do so in this season’s FA Cup. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said concussion subs would get the backing of players. “Concussion subs would make sense, It’s not a natural injury getting concussion like that,” said Robertson, who was in the Hull City side when his former teammate Ryan Mason suffered a fractured skull against Chelsea in 2017 that forced him to retire from football. “For me and the players that would make sense. Hopefully that’s maybe something that can come in.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the decision to leave Luiz on the pitch for 40 minutes after receiving treatment in the match on Sunday. The Brazilian defender had blood seeping onto a white bandage round his head during the first half and was eventually withdrawn. “I just had news from David that the doc made all the tests and followed all the protocols to make sure that he was fine,” said Arteta. “He responded really well to all of them, but it was a nasty cut. “David wanted to continue and he continued, but at half-time we decided to take him out because he was uncomfortable heading the ball.”

London (AFP) – Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson called for the introduction of concussion substitutes to football following the clash of heads between Raul Jimenez and David Luiz that left the former with a fractured skull. Wolves striker Jimenez was immediately taken to hospital after the incident early in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Arsenal, but Luiz played on for the remainder of the first-half before being replaced at half-time. “I was very worried, I was watching the game. I played with Raul Jimenez at Benfica,” Ederson said on Monday. “I think all the concern and care is very important. It is a part of the body that needs special attention. “When there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution, whether the player can continue or not. You could be feeling OK but after you could feel the consequences.” Ederson has personal experience of nasty head knocks as he needed eight stitches to repair facial wounds after being caught the boot of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in 2017. An

Embattled Loew to stay on as Germany coach for Euros Berlin (AFP) – Joachim Loew will remain in charge of Germany for next year’s delayed European Championship despite a series of poor recent results, the German football federation (DFB) announced Monday. “The presidential committee of the DFB decided unanimously this Monday during a teleconference, to continue with coach Joachim Loew on the difficult path of renewal started in March 2019,” it said in a statement. Loew, 60, has been in charge of the Germany team since taking over from Jurgen Klinsmann following the 2006 World Cup and led the nation to a fourth world title, and first since reunification, in Brazil in 2014. However, Germany are in crisis following a 6-0 defeat to Spain on November 17 and recent draws with Switzerland, twice, and Turkey. The recent hammering by Spain, Germany’s heaviest loss in 89 years, capped a poor three-year spell, which included an embarrassing group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after which the DFB gave Loew their backing. Loew has made some controversial decisions since the debacle in Russia, none more so than the one to end the international careers of World Cup winners Thomas Mueller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.

Berlin (AFP) – Joachim Loew will remain in charge of Germany for next year’s delayed European Championship despite a series of poor recent results, the German football federation (DFB) announced Monday. “The presidential committee of the DFB decided unanimously this Monday during a teleconference, to continue with coach Joachim Loew on the difficult path of renewal started in March 2019,” it said in a statement. Loew, 60, has been in charge of the Germany team since taking over from Jurgen Klinsmann following the 2006 World Cup and led the nation to a fourth world title, and first since reunification, in Brazil in 2014. However, Germany are in crisis following a 6-0 defeat to Spain on November 17 and recent draws with Switzerland, twice, and Turkey. The recent hammering by Spain, Germany’s heaviest loss in 89 years, capped a poor three-year spell, which included an embarrassing group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after which the DFB gave Loew their backing. Loew has

Thiago still ‘weeks’ away from return as Klopp rues costly Everton clash Liverpool (AFP) – Thiago Alcantara is still weeks away from a return for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Monday as he pinpointed a bad-tempered Merseyside derby against Everton last month as the root cause of his side’s injury crisis. Virgil van Dijk suffered knee ligament damage from a wild challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which is likely to rule the Dutch defender out for the rest of the season. Thiago, who has made just two appearances for Liverpool since a September move from Bayern Munich, was then injured by another dangerous challenge from Richarlison, which earned the Brazilian a red card. Initial scans showed the Spanish midfielder did not suffer the same degree of damage as Van Dijk, but he has not played since. “On that day when Thiago got injured in that challenge in the Everton game, there was another bad injury and after the scans one was really bad news, one was really good news because nothing was broken or ruptured,” Klopp said on Monday. “But the impact on the leg was that big that it is still not ok. He trains from time to time, not in the moment, we just have to go through further steps. I can’t say exactly when he will be fine, but it will take a few weeks still with Thiago.” Klopp will also be without Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Ajax. The German has complained of a brutal schedule and the decision not to allow five substitutes in the Premier League for not protecting player welfare. But he also turned on Liverpool’s local rivals as the two impact injuries suffered against Everton on October 17 have led to more muscle injuries from an accumulation of minutes by other players. “Yes, but not only,” said Klopp when asked if the schedule was to blame for the injury crisis. “We had impact injuries, especially in the Everton game, two massive impact injuries. From that moment it started because if we don’t have one player who is out for a long, long time, another player has to play more often. “We lost a centre-half and a midfielder at Everton, then another midfielder had to play centre-half who was not exactly ready. One leads to another and that’s the situation.” Van Dijk faces many more months on the sidelines, but Klopp offered an update on his recovery. “Considering the circumstances he’s doing really well,” said Klopp. “His knee doesn’t look good, it doesn’t look like a knee should look, but it looks good for a knee with that surgery in the time he had since the surgery. He’s doing well.”

Liverpool (AFP) – Thiago Alcantara is still weeks away from a return for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Monday as he pinpointed a bad-tempered Merseyside derby against Everton last month as the root cause of his side’s injury crisis. Virgil van Dijk suffered knee ligament damage from a wild challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which is likely to rule the Dutch defender out for the rest of the season. Thiago, who has made just two appearances for Liverpool since a September move from Bayern Munich, was then injured by another dangerous challenge from Richarlison, which earned the Brazilian a red card. Initial scans showed the Spanish midfielder did not suffer the same degree of damage as Van Dijk, but he has not played since. “On that day when Thiago got injured in that challenge in the Everton game, there was another bad injury and after the scans one was really bad news, one was really good news because nothing was broken or ruptured,” Klopp said on Monday. “

Yoon double puts Ulsan in last 16, Beijing stay perfect Doha (AFP) – Yoon Bit-garam struck once in each half to send Ulsan Hyundai through to the round of 16 in the Asian Champions League with a 2-1 win over FC Tokyo on Monday. The 30-year-old’s efforts ensured top position in Group F for Ulsan with 13 points from five matches, while FC Tokyo are locked in a battle for the second qualifying spot with Shanghai Shenhua. Ulsan though were in for a massive shock immediately after kick-off when Tokyo’s Kensuke Nagai scored in the first minute from a seemingly routine move on the right flank. Shuto Abe poked the ball into the path of the advancing Nagai, who capitalised on uncertain Ulsan defending with a measured low drive that beat goalkeeper Jo Su-huk via the upright. Although Tokyo held the lead, it was Ulsan who largely dominated the match, keeping the Tokyo defence on edge constantly. But after several attempts at goal, the equaliser came only in the 44th minute as Yoon curled in a free-kick from 25 yards following a foul on him by Joan Oumari. Ulsan never lost their grip on the match after the resumption and sealed the win in the 85th minute, Yoon profiting from an assist by Won Du-jae and slamming the ball past Tokyo goalkeeper Go Hatano for his fourth goal of the tournament this year. “I’d like to congratulate our players for qualifying for the next round. I am so happy,” said Ulsan Hyundai coach Kim Do-hoon. “We conceded an early goal and tried to recover it as quickly as possible, which was a good point for us. We fought as one team.” Meanwhile form team Beijing Guoan maintained their unbeaten run at this year’s competition with their fifth consecutive win in Group E, easing past FC Seoul 3-1. Beijing had already qualified with two matches to spare, but didn’t take their foot off the pedal on Monday as goals from Jonathan Viera and Renato Augusto gave them a 2-0 advantage at half-time. Yun Ju-tae pulled one back for Seoul in the 89th minute but Zhang Yuning put the issue beyond doubt for Bruno Genesio’s men with a stoppage-time effort. “Today’s match, before the game, I asked the players to play with a serious attitude and respect the opponents,” said Genesio. “We played well and we knew we had to fight hard and score goals. Even after we conceded (late in the second half), we responded by scoring again.” Seoul coach Lee Won-jun was despondent after his team fell nine points behind Beijing, although they are still in second place. “After the defeat to Beijing in the first match I told the players to play without pressure, which they did today,” said Lee. “But they also committed some mistakes and we were punished by three goals.”

Doha (AFP) – Yoon Bit-garam struck once in each half to send Ulsan Hyundai through to the round of 16 in the Asian Champions League with a 2-1 win over FC Tokyo on Monday. The 30-year-old’s efforts ensured top position in Group F for Ulsan with 13 points from five matches, while FC Tokyo are locked in a battle for the second qualifying spot with Shanghai Shenhua. Ulsan though were in for a massive shock immediately after kick-off when Tokyo’s Kensuke Nagai scored in the first minute from a seemingly routine move on the right flank. Shuto Abe poked the ball into the path of the advancing Nagai, who capitalised on uncertain Ulsan defending with a measured low drive that beat goalkeeper Jo Su-huk via the upright. Although Tokyo held the lead, it was Ulsan who largely dominated the match, keeping the Tokyo defence on edge constantly. But after several attempts at goal, the equaliser came only in the 44th minute as Yoon curled in a free-kick from 25 yards following a foul on him by Jo

Loew meets with German football DFB bosses to discuss future Berlin (AFP) – The five top executives of the German football association (DFB) were meeting in Frankfurt on Monday with Joachim Loew to discuss his future as coach of the national team, local media reported. “The summit on Loew’s future has begun,” wrote Bild.  German football is in crisis following a 6-0 loss to Spain on November 17 and recent draws with Switzerland, twice, and Turkey. In addition to Loew, the meeting was to be attended by national team director Oliver Bierhoff as well as four DFB officials: president Fritz Keller, his two vice-presidents and the treasurer.  “The question of whether Loew will complete his contract until 2022 and continue his work despite the debacle in Spain will be decided in the next few hours,” Bild said.  The DFB’s 14-member presidential board is due to meet on Friday to decide Loew’s fate.  The coach is not invited to that meeting, but Bierhoff, who has been very close to him for several years, is to make a presentation explaining the reasons for the defeat by Spain and plans to address the problems between now and the Euro in June/July. 

Berlin (AFP) – The five top executives of the German football association (DFB) were meeting in Frankfurt on Monday with Joachim Loew to discuss his future as coach of the national team, local media reported. “The summit on Loew’s future has begun,” wrote Bild.  German football is in crisis following a 6-0 loss to Spain on November 17 and recent draws with Switzerland, twice, and Turkey. In addition to Loew, the meeting was to be attended by national team director Oliver Bierhoff as well as four DFB officials: president Fritz Keller, his two vice-presidents and the treasurer.  “The question of whether Loew will complete his contract until 2022 and continue his work despite the debacle in Spain will be decided in the next few hours,” Bild said.  The DFB’s 14-member presidential board is due to meet on Friday to decide Loew’s fate.  The coach is not invited to that meeting, but Bierhoff, who has been very close to him for several years, is to make a presentation explaining the rea

Real Madrid confirm thigh muscle injury for Hazard Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard faces another spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed Monday he sustained an injury to his right thigh in the weekend loss to Alaves. The Belgium international was substituted after just 28 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Alaves, as Real were beaten for the third time in La Liga this season. The club said in a statement that Hazard had been diagnosed with an injury to his right quadriceps and that his “recovery will continue to be assessed”. Real did not provide a timeline for Hazard’s return, but local media reported he could be ruled out for at least two weeks. Hazard appeared to be caught by an Alaves defender as he dribbled the ball in the area after his shot was saved, and was pictured grimacing moments later with his hands on his knees. Real coach Zinedine Zidane had initially suggested it was just a “simple knock” based on the feedback at the time from Hazard. The 29-year-old has featured in just 28 of 65 matches for Real since joining from Chelsea last year for 100 million euros ($119.6 million). He missed the start of this season due to injury and then tested positive for coronavirus on November 7. Real face Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine in the Champions League on Tuesday knowing victory will clinch a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard faces another spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed Monday he sustained an injury to his right thigh in the weekend loss to Alaves. The Belgium international was substituted after just 28 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Alaves, as Real were beaten for the third time in La Liga this season. The club said in a statement that Hazard had been diagnosed with an injury to his right quadriceps and that his “recovery will continue to be assessed”. Real did not provide a timeline for Hazard’s return, but local media reported he could be ruled out for at least two weeks. Hazard appeared to be caught by an Alaves defender as he dribbled the ball in the area after his shot was saved, and was pictured grimacing moments later with his hands on his knees. Real coach Zinedine Zidane had initially suggested it was just a “simple knock” based on the feedback at the time from Hazard. The 29-year-old has featured in just 28 of 65 matc

Bayern rest Lewandowski and Neuer for trip to Atletico Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich, assured of a place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, left several regulars, including Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer, behind on Monday when they travelled to Madrid to face Atletico. In addition to  star striker Lewandowski and club captain and goalkeeper Neuer, midfielders Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso will remain in Munich. “Lewandowski, Neuer, Goretzka, Tolisso stay here,” coach Hansi Flick told a press conference. “They will be rested.” Flick said Tolisso was not fully fit but might be back to face RB Leipzig at the weekend. “Everyone else is in the squad,” Flick said adding that he would make decisions on the starting line-up ahead of the game on Tuesday. “I’ll wait until tomorrow and then go through who’s in a good mood. Then we’ll see who’s playing.” Flick said defender Niklas Suele, who returned from coronavirus quarantine with 32 minutes off the bench against Stuttgart on Saturday, might start.  “The odds aren’t bad,” said the coach.  With two rounds to play, Bayern are sure to finish top of Group A, but Atletico are in a three-way battle for second. Flick said he was not worried about fielding a less-experienced team in Madrid. “Playing against Atletico, especially as a young player, is a great experience. You should enjoy it,” he said. Bayern have not lost in the Champions League since March 2019 and have won their last 15 games in the competition.  “It’ll work,” said Flick. “At the moment we are not winning any beauty prizes, but the team is able to fight for 90 minutes. And that without much preparation.  “We played through last season. We are satisfied with what we have achieved and we are doing well, but there are still big games to play in the next two and a half weeks.”  He said Alexander Nubel would start in goal while Neuer rested.  “I will of course watch the game,” Neuer told the club website. “It’s important for me to be able to switch off, especially with the mammoth programme that we’ve faced over recent weeks and months. It’s difficult to take breaks. I’ll recover, maybe I’ll just relax a bit to be my old self this weekend against RB Leipzig.”  Javi Martinez joined Flick at the press conference and confirmed he was still thinking of leaving Bayern. “In the summer, I was thinking: ‘If an offer comes that is good for me and the club, I will move’,” the 32-year-old Spaniard said. “Playing another year for Bayern is very good. But I would like to try something new before I end my career.” 

Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich, assured of a place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, left several regulars, including Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer, behind on Monday when they travelled to Madrid to face Atletico. In addition to  star striker Lewandowski and club captain and goalkeeper Neuer, midfielders Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso will remain in Munich. “Lewandowski, Neuer, Goretzka, Tolisso stay here,” coach Hansi Flick told a press conference. “They will be rested.” Flick said Tolisso was not fully fit but might be back to face RB Leipzig at the weekend. “Everyone else is in the squad,” Flick said adding that he would make decisions on the starting line-up ahead of the game on Tuesday. “I’ll wait until tomorrow and then go through who’s in a good mood. Then we’ll see who’s playing.” Flick said defender Niklas Suele, who returned from coronavirus quarantine with 32 minutes off the bench against Stuttgart on Saturday, might start.  “The odds

African players in Europe: Mahrez ends five-year wait for hat-trick Paris (AFP) – Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez bagged his first hat-trick in five years as Manchester City trounced Burnley 5-0 at the weekend to move within six points of Premier League frontrunners Tottenham Hotspur. The 2016 African Footballer of the Year, famed for his lethal left foot, completed the treble at the Etihad Stadium with a rare headed goal.  “We knew it was going to come,” said the 29-year-old of the goal rush that kept Burnley in the relegation zone. Here, AFP Sport rounds up the performances of African stars in the major European leagues. ENGLAND RIYAD MAHREZ (Manchester City) The winger inspired Manchester City’s 5-0 demolition of Burnley. City had scored just 10 goals in their previous eight league games, but with  Mahrez’s first goals for Pep Guardiola’s side since September they ran riot. “It has been frustrating sometimes. Every game we created chances but were not scoring,” Mahrez said. “We worked a lot in training to be more in the box and arrive more.” MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool) The Egypt forward had a frosty moment with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after being substituted during a 1-1 draw at Brighton. Salah looked disappointed when taken off in the 64th minute, gesticulating in frustration and ignoring Klopp when the German put a consoling hand on him. Salah has failed to score in his two appearances since returning from Egypt after contracting Covid-19. “If Mo is smiling when he leaves the pitch then something is wrong. He does not like that, but that is it,” Klopp said. PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Arsenal) The Gabon forward failed to score for a third successive game as Arsenal crashed to a 2-1 home defeat against Wolves. Aubameyang started in the central striker role, but he failed to inspire his team with a lacklustre display. Aubameyang has scored just twice in his last 10 appearances in all competitions. SPAIN YOUSSEF EN-NESYRI (Sevilla) The in-form Moroccan notched for the fifth time in six games for Sevilla as he hit a late winner in the 1-0 victory at Huesca. En-Nesyri struck seven minutes from time after coming on as a substitute, tapping in a Lucas Ocampos cross at the near post. ITALY FRANCK KESSIE (AC Milan) Kessie set up Alessio Romagnoli for the opener after 17 minutes with the Ivorian forward adding a second from the penalty spot 10 minutes later as AC Milan extended their lead on top of Serie A with a 2-0 win over Fiorentina. Goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski denied Kessie a second before the break. “It’s like this on penalties, either your score or miss, but I’ll still take the next one,” said Kessie, who has scored three league goals this season. GERMANY IHLAS BEBOU (Hoffenheim) The Togo striker scored a second-half equaliser to spare his side’s blushes in a 1-1 draw at Mainz. Bebou turned in a cross from Tottenham loanee Ryan Sessegnon to cancel Robin Quaison’s first-half opener just after the hour mark. ELLYES SKHIRI (Cologne) The Tunisia midfielder scored both goals in Cologne’s 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund to break their 18-match winless run. Skhiri tapped in twice from corners by ex-Dortmund winger Marius Wolf after being left unmarked on each occasion. SILAS WAMANGITUKA (VfB Stuttgart) The Democratic Republic of Congo winger whipped in the cross which led to visitors Bayern Munich falling behind against Stuttgart before fighting back for a 3-1 away win. Wamangituka caught Bayern defenders David Alaba and Jerome Boateng napping with a superb cross which 19-year-old Tanguy Coulibaly converted. FRANCE KARL TOKO EKAMBI (Lyon) The Cameroonian scored the opener in Lyon’s 3-0 win over Reims and provided a pair of assists. Toko Ekambi volleyed in Memphis Depay’s cross for his fifth league goal of the campaign midway through the first half before setting up Bruno Guimaraes and Moussa Dembele in the second period. WAHBI KHAZRI (Saint-Etienne) The Tunisia international won and converted a disputed penalty as Saint-Etienne halted an alarming seven-match losing run with a 1-1 draw at home to Lille. Khazri’s first goal this season earned his side a first point in the league since September 20.

Paris (AFP) – Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez bagged his first hat-trick in five years as Manchester City trounced Burnley 5-0 at the weekend to move within six points of Premier League frontrunners Tottenham Hotspur. The 2016 African Footballer of the Year, famed for his lethal left foot, completed the treble at the Etihad Stadium with a rare headed goal.  “We knew it was going to come,” said the 29-year-old of the goal rush that kept Burnley in the relegation zone. Here, AFP Sport rounds up the performances of African stars in the major European leagues. ENGLAND RIYAD MAHREZ (Manchester City) The winger inspired Manchester City’s 5-0 demolition of Burnley. City had scored just 10 goals in their previous eight league games, but with  Mahrez’s first goals for Pep Guardiola’s side since September they ran riot. “It has been frustrating sometimes. Every game we created chances but were not scoring,” Mahrez said. “We worked a lot in training to be more in the box and arrive more.” MO

Jimenez suffered a fractured skull in horror collision: Wolves London (AFP) – Wolves striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull in a clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz in Sunday’s match his club said on Monday. The 29-year-old Mexican international received treatment for 10 minutes on the pitch before being taken to hospital. Wolves — who won the game 2-1 for their first win at Arsenal in 40 years — said he would remain under observation for a few days. “Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital,” read the club statement. “He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery. “The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help. “The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.” Luiz stayed on the pitch with blood seeping into a white bandage wrapped around his head until half-time. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the decision to keep the Brazilian on saying he had shown no signs of concussion and was only withdrawn as the Brazilian was concerned about the cut. However, there have been renewed calls for temporary substitutes to be used as they are in rugby union whilst the player is given a thorough examination. “Too often in football we see players returning to the pitch having undergone a concussion assessment only to be withdrawn a few minutes later when it is clear that they are not fit to continue,” said Luke Griggs, chief executive of brain injury charity Headway. “That is the very reason why we urgently need temporary concussion substitutes in football. “You simply cannot take a risk with head injuries.” Football’s lawmakers IFAB have opened the door for concussion substitutes to be used on a trial basis with the English Football Association hoping to do so in this season’s FA Cup.

London (AFP) – Wolves striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull in a clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz in Sunday’s match his club said on Monday. The 29-year-old Mexican international received treatment for 10 minutes on the pitch before being taken to hospital. Wolves — who won the game 2-1 for their first win at Arsenal in 40 years — said he would remain under observation for a few days. “Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital,” read the club statement. “He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery. “The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help. “The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.” Luiz stayed on the

Former Arsenal and Barca star Song cannot prevent new club losing Johannesburg (AFP) – Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song could not prevent his new club, Arta Solar 7 of Djibouti, from losing at home in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg. Burkinabe Farouk Kabore scored on 24 minutes to give Egyptian club Al Mokawloon Al Arab (formerly Arab Contractors) a 1-0 victory in Djibouti City despite an energetic showing by the 33-year-old Cameroonian. Song not only captains Arta in the tiny Horn of Africa nation, but is also in charge of youth development at the club. Here, AFP Sport provides five talking points from the first qualifying matches at the weekend in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. Winning return Al Mokawloon, who won the now defunct African Cup Winners Cup three times under their former name, are back in a CAF competition for the first time since 2005. Winning in Djibouti virtually guarantees the Cairo outfit a much tougher task — facing Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in a stand-out last-32 tie. Etoile are the only club to have won all five current and former CAF competitions — the Champions League, Confederation Cup, Super Cup, African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup. Reserves triumph Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa took their reserve team to the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo and upset domestic league leaders Maniema Union 2-0 in Kindu. The damage was inflicted in the early minutes with Congo Brazzaville-born Harris Tchilimbou scoring on five minutes and Menzi Ndwandwe doubling the lead just four minutes later. With a winners-take-all eight million rand (($525,000/440,000 euros) domestic cup final against Orlando Pirates looming, Celtic opted to deploy the second stringers.    Nigerian setbacks Both Nigerian contenders suffered away losses with Kano Pillars falling 3-1 to Jaraaf in Senegal and Rivers United going down 2-1 to African newcomers Futuro Kings in Equatorial Guinea. Jamil Muhammad gave Kano an early lead before they conceded twice in the first half and Makhtar N’Diaye doubled the home team’s lead 14 minutes from time in Thies near Dakar.   A brace from Cameroonian  Gregoire Nkama put Kings in control in Mongomo before Godwin Aguda converted a late penalty for Rivers. Zambian goal rush African debutants NAPSA Stars of Zambia were the most convincing first leg winners as they hammered Ngazi Club 5-1 in the Comoros. It could have been an even more embarrassing scoreline for the home team as NAPSA had a goal disallowed in Moroni. Danny Silavwe bagged a brace for Stars, who built a four-goal lead before Mananot Raharinjatovo claimed a consolation goal for the islanders. Powerful minnows Tihad Casablanca of Morocco proved that being a second division club is no disadvantage in Africa as they won 1-0 away to GAMTEL of the Gambia in Bakau near Banjul. The only goal came eight minutes from time when Youssef Raiani unleashed an unstoppable shot from outside the box that flew over the Gambian goalkeeper. Tihad are the third most popular football side in Casablanca after Raja and Wydad, clubs who have won the CAF Champions League five times between them.

Johannesburg (AFP) – Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song could not prevent his new club, Arta Solar 7 of Djibouti, from losing at home in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg. Burkinabe Farouk Kabore scored on 24 minutes to give Egyptian club Al Mokawloon Al Arab (formerly Arab Contractors) a 1-0 victory in Djibouti City despite an energetic showing by the 33-year-old Cameroonian. Song not only captains Arta in the tiny Horn of Africa nation, but is also in charge of youth development at the club. Here, AFP Sport provides five talking points from the first qualifying matches at the weekend in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. Winning return Al Mokawloon, who won the now defunct African Cup Winners Cup three times under their former name, are back in a CAF competition for the first time since 2005. Winning in Djibouti virtually guarantees the Cairo outfit a much tougher task — facing Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in a stand-out last-32 tie.

Arteta says sack is risk you take being a manager London (AFP) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has brushed aside questions about whether he is concerned about the sack after the club endured its worst start to a season since 1981. Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, their third successive Premier League defeat. The Gunners are 14th in the table after five losses in their opening 10 Premier League games and they have been beaten in their past three home matches. Arsenal’s form has not been helped by their lack of bite in front of goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a shadow of the player he was last season. Gabriel’s first-half goal against Wolves was their first in open play in the Premier League in six games. Defeat also came a year to the day that Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery was sacked. However, 38-year-old Arteta — who previously served under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City — says he will not be distracted by questions over his own future.   “It’s something that the day I decided to be a coach I know that one day I will be sacked or leave the football club,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the day after I sign my contract, in a month’s time, a year’s time or six months’ time. I never worry about it. “My only concern is to get the best out of the players, give the best possible service to the club and become better and better. “I know, I repeat, in this profession, one day I will get the sack or leave but I don’t know when that is going to happen.” Arteta will hope they can end their poor run by gaining bragging rights in the north London derby against table-topping Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

London (AFP) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has brushed aside questions about whether he is concerned about the sack after the club endured its worst start to a season since 1981. Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, their third successive Premier League defeat. The Gunners are 14th in the table after five losses in their opening 10 Premier League games and they have been beaten in their past three home matches. Arsenal’s form has not been helped by their lack of bite in front of goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a shadow of the player he was last season. Gabriel’s first-half goal against Wolves was their first in open play in the Premier League in six games. Defeat also came a year to the day that Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery was sacked. However, 38-year-old Arteta — who previously served under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City — says he will not be distracted by questions over his own future.   “It’s something that the day I decided to be a coach

Cavani investigated by English FA over social media post London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani’s joy at scoring twice for Manchester United on Sunday could be dampened as he is to be investigated by the Football Association over a social media post he subsequently deleted. The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker sent an Instagram post including the Spanish word “negrito” (‘black’) in reply to a message of congratulations after his brace completed a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Southampton. United said the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America. The club said the former Paris Saint Germain forward had been informed such terms are viewed as derogatory in Britain and he subsequently deleted the post. The FA issued guidelines pre-season clamping down on racist and discriminatory language and behaviour, with offences on social media carrying a minimum three-game ban. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Dele Alli of Tottenham were both suspended for one match last season after posts that breached the guidelines.

London (AFP) – Edinson Cavani’s joy at scoring twice for Manchester United on Sunday could be dampened as he is to be investigated by the Football Association over a social media post he subsequently deleted. The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker sent an Instagram post including the Spanish word “negrito” (‘black’) in reply to a message of congratulations after his brace completed a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Southampton. United said the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America. The club said the former Paris Saint Germain forward had been informed such terms are viewed as derogatory in Britain and he subsequently deleted the post. The FA issued guidelines pre-season clamping down on racist and discriminatory language and behaviour, with offences on social media carrying a minimum three-game ban. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Dele Alli of Tottenham were both suspended for one match last season after posts that breached

Khune stars as Kaizer Chiefs win on CAF Champions League return Johannesburg (AFP) – Itumeleng Khune saved a penalty as South African giants Kaizer Chiefs made a winning return to the CAF Champions League by beating PWD Bamenda 1-0 in Cameroon at the weekend. Several superb saves by the 33-year-old goalkeeper kept Chiefs level until defender Eric Mathoho scored the only goal of the preliminary round first leg six minutes from time. Chiefs consider themselves one of the top clubs in Africa, but have consistently flopped in the Champions League, with their last appearance four years ago.   Here, AFP Sport provides five talking points as the 2021 edition of the elite African club competition kicked off on the same weekend as Al Ahly of Egypt won the 2020 final. Chiefs boost Chiefs shrugged off poor domestic form to edge debutants Bamenda in a match moved from the northwest to Limbe in the southwest of Cameroon for security reasons.   The Soweto outfit have lifted a record 53 domestic trophies since their 1970 formation, but none in the past five seasons, and won just two of eight local matches this season before flying to central Africa. Cameroon were once a force at CAF club level, but no club from the country has won the Champions League since Canon Yaounde defeated Kinshasa club AS Bilima 5-2 on aggregate in the 1980 final. Advantage Enyimba Former back-to-back champions Enyimba of Nigeria beat Rahimo of Burkina Faso 1-0 in Ouagadougou thanks to a headed goal from Victor Mbaoma with 14 minutes remaining. The teams met at the same stage last season with Rahimo winning 1-0 at home before suffering a 5-0 away drubbing in their first Champions League appearance. Plateau United, the other Nigerian challengers, surprisingly lost 1-0 at home in Jos to Simba of Tanzania with Zambian Clatous Chama scoring on 54 minutes.  Hilal celebrate Al Hilal of Sudan celebrated participating in the Champions League a record 34th time by winning 1-0 away to Vipers of Uganda in Entebbe. Waleed Bakhet scored the only goal after 25 minutes and it is hard to imagine the 1982 and 1987 runners-up not advancing after the return match in Omdurman this weekend.  Hilal first competed in the premier CAF club competition in 1966 and have played in every edition since 2004, reaching the semi-finals four times. Chaouat treble Firas Chaouat was the star of the first legs, scoring a hat-trick as CS Sfaxien of Tunisia trounced Mlandege of Zanzibar 5-0 on the Indian Ocean island off the coast of Tanzania. Nigerian Kingsley Eduwo and Hani Amamou gave four-time CAF title winners Sfaxien a two-goal half-time advantage before Chaouat wreaked havoc with a treble. Sfaxien came closest to winning the Champions League in 2006 when they conceded a last-minute goal at home against Ahly to lose 1-0 at home in the second leg of the final and 2-1 on aggregate.  Gor blunder An Andrew Juma own-goal on the hour settled the big match in east Africa as APR of Rwanda beat Gor Mahia of Kenya 2-1 in Kigali. Olivier Niyonzima gave the Rwandan military outfit an early lead that Kenneth Muguna cancelled before half-time. Gor entered the match in disarray after bungled travel arrangements, a squad go-slow over unpaid salaries and the suspension of an official.

Johannesburg (AFP) – Itumeleng Khune saved a penalty as South African giants Kaizer Chiefs made a winning return to the CAF Champions League by beating PWD Bamenda 1-0 in Cameroon at the weekend. Several superb saves by the 33-year-old goalkeeper kept Chiefs level until defender Eric Mathoho scored the only goal of the preliminary round first leg six minutes from time. Chiefs consider themselves one of the top clubs in Africa, but have consistently flopped in the Champions League, with their last appearance four years ago.   Here, AFP Sport provides five talking points as the 2021 edition of the elite African club competition kicked off on the same weekend as Al Ahly of Egypt won the 2020 final. Chiefs boost Chiefs shrugged off poor domestic form to edge debutants Bamenda in a match moved from the northwest to Limbe in the southwest of Cameroon for security reasons.   The Soweto outfit have lifted a record 53 domestic trophies since their 1970 formation, but none in the past fiv

Revolution oust 10-man Orlando, face Crew in MLS semi-finals Washington (AFP) – Gustavo Bou’s brace and a penalty save by goalkeeper Matt Turner from former Manchester United star Nani sparked the New England Revolution to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Orlando City in Sunday’s Major League Soccer quarter-finals. Former US national coach Bruce Arena’s side will visit the Columbus Crew in next Sunday’s semi-finals. Columbus beat visiting Nashville 2-0 on a 99th-minute goal by Portuguese midfielder Pedro Santos and a breakaway marker by American Gyasi Zardes in the 103rd to reach the Eastern Conference final. At Orlando, Spanish midfielder Carles Gil opened the scoring with a penalty in the 17th minute for New England before Bou netted his first goal eight minutes later. Bou paid tribute to his fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona, placing an Argentina flag on the ground, kissing it and pointing to the heavens as he knelt. The Lions halved the deficit in the 33rd minute as Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso found the net. But Orlando City were undone in the 60th minute when Uruguayan midfielder Mauricio Pereyra was shown a red card. The Lions were given a lifeline in the 74th minute, but Nani’s right-footed penalty was batted away by Turner. “It came down to a big moment on the penalty kick,” Turner said. “I did my homework, spent hours on video and made the play on the kick. “We got the win and it feels really good.” New England sealed the victory in the 86th minute when Gil set up Bou on the counter-attack and the South American star flicked the ball between the legs of Orlando goalkeeper Brian Rowe and into the back of the net. The Revolution have reached the MLS Cup final five times but have yet to capture the crown. Western Conference MLS quarter-final matches find Dallas at defending champion Seattle on Tuesday and Minnesota at Kansas City on Wednesday.

Washington (AFP) – Gustavo Bou’s brace and a penalty save by goalkeeper Matt Turner from former Manchester United star Nani sparked the New England Revolution to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Orlando City in Sunday’s Major League Soccer quarter-finals. Former US national coach Bruce Arena’s side will visit the Columbus Crew in next Sunday’s semi-finals. Columbus beat visiting Nashville 2-0 on a 99th-minute goal by Portuguese midfielder Pedro Santos and a breakaway marker by American Gyasi Zardes in the 103rd to reach the Eastern Conference final. At Orlando, Spanish midfielder Carles Gil opened the scoring with a penalty in the 17th minute for New England before Bou netted his first goal eight minutes later. Bou paid tribute to his fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona, placing an Argentina flag on the ground, kissing it and pointing to the heavens as he knelt. The Lions halved the deficit in the 33rd minute as Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso found the net. But Orlando City were undone

‘Selfish’ or ‘protecting the players’? Klopp’s complaints divide managers London (AFP) – Liverpool’s ever expanding injury list has prompted Jurgen Klopp to take on the football authorities and broadcasters over a gruelling schedule that he feels is doing little to protect the players. The English champions head into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner. Klopp was infuriated that Liverpool were chosen for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in a 1-1 draw at Brighton just over 60 hours after they faced Atalanta in Europe on Wednesday night. “After Wednesday, Saturday at 12:30 is really dangerous for the players,” said Klopp, who also sarcastically congratulated a BT Sport interviewer for Milner’s hamstring injury in the second half. However, he is not alone and has formed an unlikely alliance with Manchester United and Manchester City, who have also faced early Saturday kick-offs after Wednesday night games in the Champions League this season. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side had been “set up to fail” when they won at Everton after returning from a trip to Turkey barely 48 hours before they travelled to Goodison Park. City boss Pep Guardiola has also been a strong advocate of allowing managers the chance to make five substitutions. “All around the world there is five substitutions. Here we believe we are a special league with just three players, we don’t protect the players,” said Guardiola after his side’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month that characterised the problems of a condensed calendar. Both sides chased the game in an enthralling first 45 minutes before settling for a point as fatigue set in after the break. “We’ve reached a point where you start to think that with so many matches and so many injuries, the spectacle is not the same,” said Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane last week. – Joyless football – Despite losing a month of the season due to a late start to the campaign caused by the three-month coronavirus shutdown last season, barely any sacrifices have been made in English football to ease the strain on players. Both domestic cup competitions have been retained alongside a full 38-game Premier League season, European football commitments and two international breaks with an extra game for European nations. Guardiola has repeatedly argued that the gruelling winter schedule in England when other major leagues take a mid-season break comes at the expense of better quality matches for fans to enjoy. And he believes that is only exacerbated in a season so far without fans inside the ground. “The problem is today the players lose the joy of playing football. Before it was nice playing football once or twice a week with spectators, now it is in three days another one.” Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder drew Klopp’s ire after standing his ground in a manager’s meeting last week over the issue of five substitutes. Two previous votes have failed to garner the 14 votes needed from the 20 Premier League clubs to change the rules over fears from those with less resources that such a change only benefits the bigger clubs with deeper squads. “I’ve got incredible respect for these top managers because they produce top results and win things,” said Wilder, whose side sit bottom of the table with just one point from 10 games. “But they’re selfish, they look after their own clubs. They’re going to be bothered about Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea, which I understand and respect. I would be the same, but I’m bothered about Sheffield United and it doesn’t help us to have five subs.” Yet, the evidence across Europe shows the continent’s biggest clubs are struggling to match their usual levels of dominance even with five subs. Real Madrid and Barcelona find themselves well off the pace in La Liga having already lost three times each. Paris Saint-Germain have also lost three of their opening 12 matches in Ligue 1, while Juventus sit fourth in Serie A, behind Sassuolo, as they go for a 10th consecutive title. Klopp may not be getting much sympathy from those fighting just to remain in the Premier League. But the cost of cramming so much football into a shortened calendar threatens not only player welfare, but the enjoyment for fans watching a watered down product.

London (AFP) – Liverpool’s ever expanding injury list has prompted Jurgen Klopp to take on the football authorities and broadcasters over a gruelling schedule that he feels is doing little to protect the players. The English champions head into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner. Klopp was infuriated that Liverpool were chosen for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in a 1-1 draw at Brighton just over 60 hours after they faced Atalanta in Europe on Wednesday night. “After Wednesday, Saturday at 12:30 is really dangerous for the players,” said Klopp, who also sarcastically congratulated a BT Sport interviewer for Milner’s hamstring injury in the second half. However, he is not alone and has formed an unlikely alliance with Manchester United and Manchester City, who have also faced early Saturday kick-offs after Wednesday night games i

Conte in firing line as Inter need Champions League miracle Milan (AFP) – Antonio Conte is in the firing line with another Champions League failure looming as his Inter Milan side head to Borussia Moenchengladbach on Tuesday with their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage hanging by a thread. The three-time European champions are bottom of Group B with just two points from four games, six points behind leaders Gladbach. Real Madrid — the record 13-time winners — are one point behind the Germans in second place and three clear of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk with two matches to play. An Italian team has not won a European trophy since Inter secured the Champions League to complete a treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010. And Inter need a miracle to avoid a third consecutive exit in the group stage. Against Gladbach, the 1977 European Cup runners-up, there will be no room for error. The teams settled for a 2-2 draw at the San Siro last month, with Romelu Lukaku scoring both goals for the hosts. Inter need to win and then beat Shakhtar, while also hoping other results go their way. For former Juventus and Chelsea manager Conte, who took over at Inter in 2019, his European record has been consistently disappointing. Conte tasted European glory as a player with Juventus, in the 1995/96 Champions League. But the 51-year-old’s best result as a coach was leading Juventus to the 2012/13 quarter-finals. He took Chelsea to the last 16 in 2017-2018, but this threatens to be his fourth failure to make it into the knock-out rounds. An exit from the lucrative tournament would prove costly for Inter, who this week revealed losses of 102.4 million euros ($122.4m) for 2019/2020, largely blamed on the coronavirus pandemic. Club president Steven Zhang nevertheless hailed Conte as “a true leader” who would restore the Chinese-owned side to their former glories. “Last season’s goal was to start creating a winning mentality, then try to reduce the gap with our competitors,” said Zhang. – ‘For better or for worse’ – Last season, Conte took Inter to a second-place finish in Serie A, just one point behind Juventus, and to the Europa League final where they lost to Sevilla. He had looked set to leave after just one season following a furious outburst following their defeat by Sevilla, complaining both he and the players received “little protection from the club”. “I don’t want another year like that,” fumed Conte before confirming he would stay after clear-the-air talks. A divorce would have proved costly with his contract running until 2022 and worth a reported 12 million euros ($14 million) a season. This season Inter have frequently had to come from behind, battling back from two goals down to equalise before Real Madrid snatched a 3-2 victory in Spain. They also came from two goals down to beat Torino 4-2 a week ago, but convincingly won 3-0 against Sassuolo on Saturday to move second in Serie A. But Conte admitted his side had been outplayed by Real Madrid in the 2-0 defeat last time out in Europe, not just because of Arturo Vidal’s first-half sending off for arguing with the referee. “Responsibility needs to be shared and we need to be united, for better or for worse,” said Conte. “In positive and negative moments, we all need to take credit and responsibility. We’re all in the same boat and we’re all rowing in the same direction.” Against Gladbach, Conte will be counting on the attacking duo of Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, who have scored 10 of Inter’s 14 Champions League goals in the past two seasons. Alexis Sanchez also scored against Sassuolo, finding the net in two consecutive league fixtures for the first time since December 2017 when he was at Arsenal. But former Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has been increasingly sidelined, looking set to leave after just a year in January. “It’ll be difficult since they’re a tough opponent, as we saw at San Siro,” said Inter full-back Matteo Darmian. “But we’ll keep trying until our exit is mathematically confirmed.”

Milan (AFP) – Antonio Conte is in the firing line with another Champions League failure looming as his Inter Milan side head to Borussia Moenchengladbach on Tuesday with their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage hanging by a thread. The three-time European champions are bottom of Group B with just two points from four games, six points behind leaders Gladbach. Real Madrid — the record 13-time winners — are one point behind the Germans in second place and three clear of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk with two matches to play. An Italian team has not won a European trophy since Inter secured the Champions League to complete a treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010. And Inter need a miracle to avoid a third consecutive exit in the group stage. Against Gladbach, the 1977 European Cup runners-up, there will be no room for error. The teams settled for a 2-2 draw at the San Siro last month, with Romelu Lukaku scoring both goals for the hosts. Inter need to win and then beat Shakhtar, w

Lille held as Ligue 1 top five separated by two points Décines-Charpieu (France) (AFP) – Lille stuttered to a 1-1 draw at struggling Saint-Etienne on Sunday to miss the chance to draw level on points with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1, but the rest of the chasers took advantage of the defending champions’ latest slip-up. Lille sit second in the table, two points behind PSG — who drew 2-2 with Bordeaux on Saturday — and above Lyon, Monaco and Montpellier on goal difference. Lyon continued their fine form with a 3-0 win over Reims, while Monaco beat Nimes by the same scoreline to also move within two points of PSG, while Montpellier edged out Lorient. Lille would have hoped to take all three points from a Saint-Etienne side on a seven-match losing streak in the league before kick-off. But Christophe Galtier’s team fell behind to a first-half penalty from Tunisian Wahbi Khazri and needed a second-half strike from Jonathan Ikone to rescue a draw. Karl Toko Ekambi, Bruno Guimaraes and Moussa Dembele scored for Lyon as they made it 16 points from their last six matches. “We must continue in this vein and look upwards. We must put a run of victories together,” said Lyon coach Rudi Garcia. “This is the first time that we have won three times in a row. As in Angers (last week), we had an opportunity to (move up the) table. We seized it.” PSG gave the chasing pack a chance to cut the gap with a 2-2 home draw against Bordeaux on Saturday, having blown a two-goal lead to lose to Monaco last week. Reims, who had Moreto Cassama sent off on 33 minutes, remain fourth from bottom and look destined for a relegation dog-fight. Toko Ekambi, returning from suspension, proved the key for Lyon, hitting the post early on before scoring in the 22nd minute with a header at the back post from a cross by Memphis Depay.  Toko Ekambi also created the second — Guimaraes’s first for Lyon — four minutes after the break, the Brazilian’s shot taking a deflection off Marshall Munetsi. Toko Ekambi also teed up Dembele for the third. Dembele had just come on as a substitute for Tino Kadewere who had hit the post in the first half and had a goal ruled out for offside. Cassama was sent off for a foul on Depay who looked to be in on goal. – Monaco march on – Monaco eased to victory over Nimes to notch their fourth straight league win. Young midfielder Sofiane Diop gave the hosts an early lead at the Stade Louis II, before Gelson Martins and Kevin Volland struck in the second half to see off Nimes, who had Lucas Deaux dismissed in the 69th minute. Germany striker Volland has scored five Ligue 1 goals for Monaco since his close-season move from Bayer Leverkusen. The principality outfit have finished ninth and 17th in the last two seasons and coach Niko Kovac was eager to play down any thoughts of a repeat of their shock 2017 title triumph. “The title? Not after 12 games, we’re not there, no,” said the Croatian. “It’s a good period for us, we have to keep working, we are a young team. We will also lose matches.” Fifth-placed Montpellier also extended their winning streak to four matches as Petar Skuletic scored late on to grab a 1-0 win at Lorient, despite midfielder Teji Savanier’s missed penalty in the first half. Marseille, who have also won four league matches on the spin, are only four points behind PSG in sixth, with two games in hand.

Décines-Charpieu (France) (AFP) – Lille stuttered to a 1-1 draw at struggling Saint-Etienne on Sunday to miss the chance to draw level on points with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1, but the rest of the chasers took advantage of the defending champions’ latest slip-up. Lille sit second in the table, two points behind PSG — who drew 2-2 with Bordeaux on Saturday — and above Lyon, Monaco and Montpellier on goal difference. Lyon continued their fine form with a 3-0 win over Reims, while Monaco beat Nimes by the same scoreline to also move within two points of PSG, while Montpellier edged out Lorient. Lille would have hoped to take all three points from a Saint-Etienne side on a seven-match losing streak in the league before kick-off. But Christophe Galtier’s team fell behind to a first-half penalty from Tunisian Wahbi Khazri and needed a second-half strike from Jonathan Ikone to rescue a draw. Karl Toko Ekambi, Bruno Guimaraes and Moussa Dembele scored for Lyon as they mad

Wolves shake off Jimenez loss to beat Arsenal London (AFP) – Wolves recovered from losing top scorer Raul Jimenez to a sickening head injury to inflict Arsenal’s third consecutive home league defeat with a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Sunday. The Mexican received treatment from medics for 10 minutes on the floor after colliding with David Luiz before being stretchered from the field. Luiz continued with blood seeping into a white bandage wrapped around his head until half-time, when he was replaced by Rob Holding, leading to fresh calls for the introduction of concussion substitutes in football. The rest of the Wolves team had combined for just five goals in their previous nine league games, but Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence struck to hand the visitors a first win away to Arsenal since 1979. Sky Sports reported Jimenez is conscious in hospital and responding to treatment. Football’s lawmakers IFAB have opened the door for concussion substitutes to be used on a trial basis with the English Football Association hoping to do so in this season’s FA Cup. Former Chelsea and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has been a campaigner for concussion subs and more investigation into the high percentage of former footballers suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. “Sickening head clash between Jimenez and Luiz. It’s time football wised up and got up to date and immediately ratifies temporary concussion replacements,” Sutton tweeted. “Jimenez clearly in a bad way. Has David Luiz been checked adequately?” There was a sombre mood on the pitch when the action returned but Wolves quickly took the lead. Leander Dendoncker headed an Adama Traore cross against the crossbar but Neto was quickest to respond and converted the rebound. The lead was short-lived as Arsenal responded to score their first goal from open play in six league games. Willian’s inviting cross was powered home by Gabriel Magalhaes at the back post for his second goal for the club. But the Arsenal defence that had been the bedrock of a revival under Mikel Arteta towards the end of last season as they won the FA Cup, could not cope with the pace of Traore. Another dart from the Spaniard teed up Neto and when his shot was spilled by Bernd Leno, Podence reacted fastest to turn the loose ball home. Arsenal responded after the break to pin Nuno Espirito Santo’s men back, but the home side again lacked inspiration and a clinical finish in the final third. Bukayo Saka should have done better when he skewed wide from close range. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wait for a Premier League goal from open play since he signed a lucrative new contract worth a reported £55 million ($73 million) over three years also goes on. The Arsenal captain had his side’s best chance for an equaliser but headed wide much to the dismay of Arteta on the sidelines. A year to the day since Unai Emery was sacked with the Gunners sitting eighth in the Premier League, Arteta’s men now sit 14th. At the other end of the table Wolves climb up to sixth and within four points of league leaders Tottenham and Liverpool.

London (AFP) – Wolves recovered from losing top scorer Raul Jimenez to a sickening head injury to inflict Arsenal’s third consecutive home league defeat with a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Sunday. The Mexican received treatment from medics for 10 minutes on the floor after colliding with David Luiz before being stretchered from the field. Luiz continued with blood seeping into a white bandage wrapped around his head until half-time, when he was replaced by Rob Holding, leading to fresh calls for the introduction of concussion substitutes in football. The rest of the Wolves team had combined for just five goals in their previous nine league games, but Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence struck to hand the visitors a first win away to Arsenal since 1979. Sky Sports reported Jimenez is conscious in hospital and responding to treatment. Football’s lawmakers IFAB have opened the door for concussion substitutes to be used on a trial basis with the English Football Association hoping to do so i

Napoli wear ‘Argentina’ jersey in honour of Maradona Naples (Italy) (AFP) – Napoli players took to the pitch wearing a special Argentina-inspired jersey on Sunday in honour of club legend Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday, for their Serie A game against Roma. The jersey with white and light blue vertical stripes, was specially designed to pay tribute to Napoli’s legendary number 10 who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. Players also wore black armbands, with a minute’s silence observed before the game, as in all matches in Italy, in memory of Maradona who spent seven years at Napoli. A photo of the former Argentina star was projected onto giant screens in the 10th minute, as players stopped to applaud. The launch of this new jersey had already been planned before Maradona’s death, Napoli said. “A year ago, together with Kappa, we thought of designing a special jersey that echoes Diego Maradona, his beloved Argentina and the very strong bond with the people of Naples,” the club said in a statement. “Together we hoped that Diego could see it, maybe wear it and share in the excitement with us.  “The presentation of the new kit had already been agreed for the ninth matchday of the championship, on the occasion of the SSC Napoli-Roma match.  “The shirt that will be worn by the players tonight will have an even greater significance than initially assumed.” On Thursday, Napoli players took to the pitch wearing Maradona’s iconic number 10 jersey before their 2-0 Europa League win over Croatian side Rijeka. The Stadio San Paolo is expected to soon be renamed after the 1986 World Cup winner following a suggestion made by the Mayor of Napoli.

Naples (Italy) (AFP) – Napoli players took to the pitch wearing a special Argentina-inspired jersey on Sunday in honour of club legend Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 on Wednesday, for their Serie A game against Roma. The jersey with white and light blue vertical stripes, was specially designed to pay tribute to Napoli’s legendary number 10 who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. Players also wore black armbands, with a minute’s silence observed before the game, as in all matches in Italy, in memory of Maradona who spent seven years at Napoli. A photo of the former Argentina star was projected onto giant screens in the 10th minute, as players stopped to applaud. The launch of this new jersey had already been planned before Maradona’s death, Napoli said. “A year ago, together with Kappa, we thought of designing a special jersey that echoes Diego Maradona, his beloved Argentina and the very strong bond with the people of Naples,” the