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Inter kept their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last-16 alive as Romelu Lukaku's brace sealed a 3-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday.  

Antonio Conte's side went into the game having failed to win any of their opening four Group B games, yet they got off to a fine start when Matteo Darmian's first goal for the club put them ahead early on.  

Gladbach, who would have qualified as group winners with a victory, drew level in first-half stoppage time thanks to Alassane Plea's header, but Lukaku restored Inter's lead with the first of two cool finishes after the break. 

Inter held on for all three points despite a second from Plea, meaning they go into next week's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk knowing a win - combined with a defeat for Real Madrid against Gladbach – will see them secure an unlikely spot in the knockout stages.

Inter's bright opening to proceedings led to Darmian drilling through the legs of Yann Sommer from eight yards, the opener coming at the end of a slick move on the edge of the penalty area. 

Samir Handanovic brilliantly denied Marcus Thuram but could do little about Gladbach's leveller in first-half stoppage time, Plea's header from Valentino Lazaro's cross skipping up off the surface and into the top corner.  

After Lautaro Martinez curled against the post from 20 yards, Lukaku put the visitors ahead in the 64th minute, holding off the challenge of Denis Zakaria and superbly lashing into Sommer's bottom-right corner.  

The Belgium international added another nine minutes later, guiding home a first-time finish from 12 yards after he had been picked out in the middle by substitute Achraf Hakimi. 

Gladbach were not done there, though, as Plea set up a tense final 15 minutes with a fine finish past Handanovic, the goal coming after Alexis Sanchez had been caught in possession.  

Plea thought he had an equaliser for the hosts inside the final 10 minutes, but referee Danny Makkelie ruled out his strike for offside against Breel Embolo after a pitchside review, much to the relief of the visitors. 

What does it mean? Inter live to fight another day 

Conte said he wanted his players to learn from last week's defeat to Madrid and they certainly put in an improved performance against their Bundesliga hosts. 

It was more tense at the end than it needed to be, but Conte will scarcely care as his side avoided losing three consecutive Champions League group matches for the first time, giving themselves a fighting chance going into the final round of fixtures.   

Lukaku in lethal form 

The striker was the model of efficiency for Inter, his two goals coming from his only shots on target. Lukaku has now scored 12 times in European competitions over the past two seasons, a tally only bettered by Robert Lewandowski (18) and Erling Haaland (16). 

Young not at the races 

Former Manchester United man Ashley Young endured a game to forget. The 35-year-old missed a sitter from close range late on and completed just 15 passes – the second lowest tally of any Inter starter.  

Key Opta facts

- Inter have won three of their past five away games in all European competitions (D1 L1), one more than they registered in their previous 14 combined (W2 D4 L8).
- Gladbach conceded three goals in a home Champions League game for the first time in their history (ninth game).
- Lukaku has had a hand in eight goals in his last six appearances in the Champions League (six goals, two assists).
- Plea has been directly involved in eight goals in his five Champions League appearances (five goals, three assists) – the most in the competition this term.
- Darmian netted his first ever Champions League goal with what was his seventh shot in his 10th appearance in the competition.

What's next? 

Inter host Bologna on Saturday in domestic action, while Gladbach travel to Freiburg on the same day. 

Toni Kroos has said Real Madrid are "all messed up" this season after they lost 2-0 to Shakhtar on Tuesday.

The defeat in Ukraine leaves the Spanish giants in danger of crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage.

Madrid, who have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, are third in Group B and level on points with Shakhtar.

Kroos is aware that his side are struggling to get going this term and has admitted that his side's problems are mostly mental.

"It's all messed up, this season we're struggling to score goals," he said after the game. 

"It's not a physical issue. I'm fine but when you lose it's all negative. We have to keep working and try to win the last game.

"If you are on a winning run you've obviously got more confidence than if you're losing - that's normal. As a team you feel better when you win, but we have to win again; continue working. 

"It's tough to leave here with a 2-0 scoreline - at Inter we scored early and here it was nearly the same. Maybe we weren't quite as good but we did produce a good first half.

"Once you're 1-0 down everything costs you a bit more - then at 2-0 maybe we failed to believe totally that we could overturn it. We tried until the end though."

Luka Modric is refusing to give up on his side's quest to reach the knockout rounds despite their latest upset.

"There's still a game to go, we'll see what happens in Inter's match and see what we have to do in the last game," said Modric. 

"Madrid have shown that when we need to win, we can do it, but we have to show it on the pitch because words aren't enough.

"We lacked the consistency we've always had. We have a great game, two bad ones, a good one, two bad ones. We lack that consistency and we have to improve as soon as possible. 

"When the opponent goes ahead we're not good, we lose confidence, and we don't play as we did before they scored. We have to change that, look for solutions to improve."

Speed has become an increasingly important aspect of the modern game and the adidas X Ghosted has taken things up a gear. 

Worn by Premier League superstars Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-Min this season, these slick boots boast a carbon fibre forefoot plate innovation and a unique translucent upper which makes them both look and feel faster than the average pair of boots. 

Pulling on the X Ghosted is an experience in itself with a vacuum fit designed to ensure any excess air is sucked out of the boot once your feet are in which guarantees a snug and efficient pairing. 

Once on your feet, you'll then be given an extra spring in your step thanks to the integration of a dynamic carbon plate - making this the first football boot available at scale with such a design. 

If you think Salah and Son have become even faster this season, the X Ghosted is likely why with adidas determined to create a boot that gave footballers an extra edge of speed.

"When the sporting world slowed down this past summer, the need - and drive - for speed didn’t. We saw athletes at all levels continue to push their limits. This just reiterated what we’ve always known, speed is as important as ever in football," adidas Football's VP of Design Ben Herath said. 

"And why did we decide to focus on speed? Because that’s what our audience told us they craved via listening groups held in cities around the world. To give them what they wanted, we worked with our designers and took inspiration from the world’s fastest, and featured new innovations to create X Ghosted, one of our fastest boots ever made."

With Christmas just around the corner, the X Ghosted are the boots you'll want Santa to be leaving under your tree if you want to gain some extra speed on the pitch. 

Secure your pair of adidas X Ghosted here. 

Stephen Odey guided Amiens to a 1-0 victory over Dunkerque with his first-half goal in Tuesday's Ligue 2 encounter.

Odey's goal earned Oswald Tanchot’s men their first victory in over a month which dates back to a 2-0 win over Sochaux on October 26.

The 22-year-old scored the only goal at the Stade de la Licorne in the 13th minute and he was later replaced in the 70th minute.

Odey has now scored two goals in eight league appearances for Amiens since he moved to France on a season-long loan from Belgian club Genk in September.

A host of African players were also in action for the Unicorns which include DR Congo's Chadrac Akolo, Ivory Coast's Cheick Timite, Ghana's Nicholas Opoku, Senegal's Molla Wague and Benin’s Youssouf Assogba.

The victory moved Amiens two points behind 11th-placed Dunkerque as they continue their chase for an immediate return to Ligue 1 with 15 points after 13 matches, which leaves them 13th in the second division.

Odey has rediscovered his goalscoring boots in France having fired blanks after 11 games in the Belgian First Division A last campaign.

The Nigeria forward will hope to build on Tuesday's match-winning strike when Amiens visit Rodez for their next Ligue 2 match on Saturday.

Before travelling to Zurich for his first European adventure in 2017, Odey established himself as a goalscoring machine in the Nigerian top-flight with MFM

He was the second top scorer for the 2016-17 season with 18 goals behind former Lobi Stars striker Anthony Okpotu, who scored 19 goals.

Real Madrid are in danger of a dramatic Champions League group-stage exit after they fell to a 2-0 away defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk.

If Borussia Monchengladbach defeat Inter later on Tuesday, 13-time winners Madrid will not have their Group B fate in their own hands.

Shakhtar defeated Madrid in Spain on matchday one and earned another upset victory courtesy of second-half strikes from substitutes Dentinho and Manor Solomon.

Madrid are now third in the pool, behind Shakhtar due to their head-to-head record and a point behind Borussia Monchengladbach, who host Inter later on Tuesday.

Gladbach will be out of reach for the Spanish champions should they prevail against the winless Nerazzurri.

Madrid, who next face the Bundesliga side, would then have to better Shakhtar's result against Inter on matchday six to progress.
 

Thomas Tuchel cannot explain Kylian Mbappe's drought in the Champions League but is confident the Paris Saint-Germain star can make a decisive impact against Manchester United. 

Tuchel's men, who lost in last season's final to Bayern Munich, face a challenge to progress to the last 16 of this year's competition after a series of unconvincing performances in the group stage.

United, having won the reverse fixture in Paris, lead Group H with nine points, with PSG and RB Leipzig level on six points heading into the final two pool games.

Key to PSG's struggles has been their form in front of goal. While United have scored 12 goals in four games, PSG have found the net just five times.

United have converted 21.8 per cent of their shots compared to 10.4 for PSG.

PSG have taken advantage of 37.5 per cent of their big chances. In stark contrast to the profligacy shown by the Ligue 1 champions, United have found the net from 83.3 per cent of their big chances.

Mbappe has not scored in the Champions League since a 5-0 win over Galatasaray on December 11 last year, despite taking 11 shots - including one big chance - this term.

Of that barren run, Tuchel told a media conference: "I heard about that statistic [the drought] and I was surprised. I can't explain it because he has everything needed to score at every level. He has the quality, the personality and the experience to be decisive."

Group stage elimination would be disastrous for PSG and Tuchel, and he says they are doing their best to prepare for the big game without being weighed down by a fear of failure.

He said: "We felt the same against Leipzig. Victory was also compulsory. It may depend on the result from Leipzig to Basaksehir before.

"It's a very big challenge to come to Old Trafford to win, but it's not impossible. We will prepare ourselves tactically and mentally to be liberated and disciplined for a big fight. It will take the necessary solidarity to overcome this obstacle."

Former PSG striker Edinson Cavani may start for United after scoring twice as a substitute to help them to a comeback Premier League win at Southampton.

Tuchel said of his former player: "He was decisive in the second half at Southampton. He showed all his quality, his heart, his determination. It's no surprise, we know him well. We will have to find solutions against him if he is on the pitch, that's for sure."

Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has been nominated for the first-ever Uefa Women's Team of the Year, following her exploits with Barcelona.

Uefa released the shortlist for fan voting on Tuesday and the Super Falcons captain unsurprisingly appeared on the nominations, along with 14 strikers, including teammate Jennifer Hermoso.

The 50-name shortlist was made by Uefa on the basis of the players' individual performances in European and domestic competition during the 2020 season, and comprises of five goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 15 midfielders, and 15 forwards.

Barcelona claimed the Spanish Primera Iberdrola title for the first time since 2015 and a fifth in their history in May, without suffering a defeat in 21 matches during the 2019-20 campaign.

Oshoala, the scorer of the consolation goal in 2019 Champions League final, netted 20 times in 19 outings last term and is among the eight Barcelona stars nominated, and hopeful for a place in the final XI.

The 26-year-old is the only African nominated in the first-ever women's TOTY shortlist, as she hopes to extend her reputation beyond the continent following a record-equalling fourth African crown.

Since her arrival on loan from China's Dalian Quanjian in February 2019, the former Arsenal and Liverpool star scored 29 goals in 32 league appearances for Barcelona.

Besides Oshoala, Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Marta Torrejon, Sandra Panos, Mapi Leon and Kheira Hamraoui are the other seven Barcelona stars in the running for the final XI.

Barcelona have the third-highest amount nominations on the 50-woman list after reigning Women's Champions League holders Lyon with 13 players and runners-up Wolfsburg (11).

Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants Kaizer Chiefs have given an update on the injury status of Ramahlwe Mphahlele ahead of their Caf Champions League clash with PWD Bamenda.

The experienced central defender picked up a hamstring injury during Amakhosi's 1-0 win against Bamenda in the Champions League preliminary round first-leg match in Limbe, Cameroon, over the weekend.

Mphahlele has joined Serbian centre forward Samir Nurkovic on the Naturena-based giants' injury list. 

Chiefs released the following statement on Tuesday as they revealed that Mphahlele will be assessed ahead of the second-leg encounter:

"Amakhosi return from Cameroon with an injury concern of defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele who was substituted by Yagan Sasman during the win over Bamenda," a club statement read.

"He has a hamstring strain and will be further assessed on Tuesday and Wednesday to ascertain the extent of the injury and his availability for the second leg.

"Rama’s injury aside, Chiefs will be looking to history for some inspiration;  in the second leg, since first competing in the Caf Champions League in 1993, Chiefs have always managed to win the home leg of a preliminary round.  Doing so in 1993, 2005, 2014, 2015 and 2016."

Mphahlele, who has struggled with injuries in the last few seasons, has made seven appearances across all competitions for the Soweto giants this season.

Amakhosi head coach Gavin Hunt could look to Yagan Sasman once again if Mphahlele fails to recover in time for the crucial match which is scheduled to be played on Friday. 

Chiefs are set to play host to Bamenda at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg as the Glamour Boys look to advance to the first round of Africa's most prestigious club competition. 

The Soweto giants, who are leading 1-0 on aggregate, will book their place in the first round if they avoid a defeat against the reigning Cameroonian champions. 

The winner on aggregate between Chiefs and Bamenda will lock horns with Angolan outfit CD Primeiro de Agosto over two legs in the first round tie. 

Primeiro de Agosto were given a preliminary stage bye after they reached last season's Champions League group stage.

Dynamo Kiev coach Mircea Lucescu has said Cristiano Ronaldo has an uplifting effect on the rest of the Juventus team.

Ronaldo has scored nine goals in seven appearances in Serie A and the Champions League heading into Wednesday's encounter against the Ukrainian side.

The 35-year-old attacker was absent as his side drew 1-1 with Benevento on Saturday but could return to the starting XI when they host Kiev.

While Juventus and Barcelona have already booked their place in the next round of the competition, Lucescu's team are still in contention for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

But he has warned his side will have to watch out for the Portugal star should he make an appearance in the clash in Turin.

"Ronaldo has charisma, he brings the whole team to life, he is one of those players who can make a difference," Lucescu said.

"He is important for what he does on the pitch and for the confidence he gives to everyone."

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo has come under pressure due to his side's inconsistent start to the season, but Lucescu believes they are still one of the best teams in Europe.  

"Juventus are a great team, they can field two different equally strong teams," he added.

"They have changed some things and they are perfecting some others, but I'm sure that it will enhance the talent of their players.

"I think that Juve can win the Champions League, they have great players. Certainly the absence of the fans also makes everything more difficult for everyone.

"Italian football is and will continue to be one of the most important in the world."

Dynamo winger Viktor Tsygankov expects a better performance from his side than the 2-0 defeat they suffered at home to the Bianconeri in October.

"I expect a great match, we're playing against the best," he said.

"We remember the first match, Juve are an excellent team. We've worked on our mistakes, let's see how it will go tomorrow."

Juventus are second in Group G and three points behind leaders Barcelona. Dynamo, meanwhile, have one point from four matches and are level with Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

Liverpool’s injury crisis shows no sign of slowing after Alisson Becker was ruled out of their crunch Champions League clash with Ajax.

The goalkeeper is not in the Reds’ 20-man squad for tonight’s Group D fixture at Anfield, with Ireland U21 international Caoimhin Kelleher deputising against the Dutch champions in what will be his first Champions League start.

Liverpool say Alisson's absence is precautionary due to a hamstring problem, but they will hope, with fixtures coming thick and fast in December, that his absence is not a long-term one. 

The Premier League champions are already stretched thin by injuries, with James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri all currently sidelined. Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, are longer-term absentees. Both will be lucky to play again this season.

Alisson has already missed three games this term after suffering a shoulder injury in a training session at Melwood in October.

Liverpool had initially feared he could miss up to six weeks, but he was able to return after just three, and has played in all the Reds’ eight games since.

Alisson does have a history of injury problems, missing the majority of the start of last season after picking up a knock in the first Premier League game of Liverpool's ultimately triumphant 2019-20 campaign. On that occasion, Adrian filled in for the Brazilian.

He will be missing this evening, although the Reds welcome Joel Matip and captain Jordan Henderson back into their starting line-up. 

Matip was rested for the 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday but returns alongside Fabinho at centre-back while Henderson, who was a half-time substitute at the Amex Stadium, plays in midfield with Gini Wijnaldum and the recalled Curtis Jones.

Sadio Mane also returns having started on the bench at the weekend, as part of a three-pronged attack with Diogo Jota and top scorer Mohamed Salah.

A draw would see Liverpool safely into the knockout stages for the fourth successive season, but a defeat against Erik ten Hag’s side would leave them requiring a result from their final group match, away to Danish champions FC Midtjylland on December 9, in order to progress.

East Bengal were outplayed by Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League fixture which ended 0-3 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

It was the second consecutive loss for Robbie Fowler and his team after they registered a defeat against rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in their first game of the season. 

East Bengal looked sloppy throughout the match as they failed to match their opponent's tempo. 

The former Liverpool striker was critical about some of his Indian players without mentioning their name and he suggested that it looks like they have never been coached. Fowler also mentioned that he will look to train the Indian players to make them better.  

"We played two great teams and when you commit mistakes they will punish you. We will learn from that and we will soldier on. There is a little bit of work to do on the training park," Fowler said in the post-match interview. 

"We will coach the players because in all fairness few of them have probably never been coached before and that is what we are doing. We will try and make our Indian players better and that takes good coaching and I don't think they had that in the years gone by," the Englishman added.

East Bengal were dealt with a major blow as they lost their star defender Daniel Fox in the seventh minute of the play to an injury. Fowler suggested that it changed the tempo of the game for his side and highlighted that they need to work on concentration.

"We looked OK.  think the quality was at times ok. I think individual lapses cost us. We have to do better in terms of concentration. Concentration level in football is huge. I think we need to learn quickly," Fowler said in the post-match interview. 

"I haven't got a clue (about the extent of Fox's injury). We will assess Danny. I'm not sure to the full extent. It's fairly obvious that there might be a few changes in terms of personnel. We will work on a few things"

Express FC head coach Wasswa Bbosa is hopeful his team can win the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) in the forthcoming campaign but believes a top-three finish will also be an achievement.

The Wankulunkuku-based charges have been strengthening their squad, hoping to dine with the big boys in the 2020/21 campaign. The tactician believes the team is on the right track and their objectives will be reached.

"When I joined the club, I told the board that during my three-year stay, I’ll win silverware," Bbosa said ahead of the new season that kicks off on December 3.

"It still remains my target, and for the next season, winning the league is a priority but a top 3 finish is my target."

The Red Eagles conceded 37 goals in the abandoned 2019/20 season in 25 games. It was a bad record considering the fact that only the bottom three teams that were eventually relegated, Maroons FC, Tooro United FC, and Proline FC, conceded more.

"Honestly, all our departments are strong because we planned our recruitment although every team has to be solid at the back and that I am sure of," Bbosa continued. 

"The forward line is good too. In Frank Kalanda, new signing George Ssenkaaba, Eric Kambale, and Mustafa Kiragga we’re sure about the goals."

The six-time champions signed 18 players in the concluded transfer window. Among those signed are experienced defender Murushid Juuko.

In an early interview, the tactician told fans they have every reason to be hopeful of a good campaign.

"I thank our bosses for the support extended to us in this [Covid-19] period, they have been able to give us all players we asked without hesitation," Bbosa told Express TV.

"I [urge] all fans to be hopeful, this season’s recruitment is going to be fruitful because we have recruitments across all departments on the pitch. We now have young players who can compete."

Chelsea are the best attacking team in England, according to Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui.

The Blues are third in the Premier League after 10 matches, two points behind Tottenham and Liverpool. Frank Lampard's team are the joint-top scorers in the division alongside the reigning champions, having struck 22 goals so far.

Chelsea are already sure of a place in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, having collected 10 points from four matches. They come up against Sevilla, who are level on points with them at the top of Group E, on Wednesday, and Lopetegui is excited about the challenge that awaits his side.   

“It’s a huge and exciting challenge against a team who could win the Champions League,” the coach said. “They are the best attacking team in England at the moment, they have great players.

“It’s a real excitement to play against them and it motivates us to play our best. I expect a very complex game. Chelsea are a team with a lot of individual and collective talent. It will lead us to redouble our efforts and play a great game.

"We are very excited to challenge for first place. We are excited and want to overcome a team designed to win the Champions League."

Sevilla are on a five-game winning run in all competitions and are fifth in La Liga after nine matches.

This week is a tough one for Lopetegui's men as they face a home match against Real Madrid three days after their clash with Chelsea, but the former Spain boss has confidence in his team.

“We want to keep working and growing as a team against a very strong opponent who we’ll need to be at our absolute best to beat,” he said. “I see the team working every day, they’re trying their best in spite of the difficult of this season and the injuries we have.

“We’ve got a number of absentees but we are coping.”

Lopetegui was asked about reports linking Sevilla with a move for Madrid midfielder Isco, but the 54-year-old was not in the mood to discuss possible transfers.

"I'm only talking about my players and our team," he said. "I'm not talking about any player from another team and less so on the eve of a Champions League match."

Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs boss Kosta Papic has been named as new head coach of Ghana Premier League (GPL) side Hearts of Oak, the Phobians have announced.

The Serbian re-joins the Accra-based outfit since guiding the club to their last league title in 2009.

He takes the place of Edward Nii Odoom who has been demoted to the position of assistant coach following the club's disappointing start to the 2020-21 football season.

"Coach Kosta Papic returns home," Hearts announced on their official Twitter account on Tuesday.

After failing to defend their 2007 GPL title in 2008, Hearts hired Papic, who helped the club to snatch the trophy for a record 19th time in their history. The club has failed to win the league ever since.

Before joining the Phobians, the 60-year-old coached Nigerian sides Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Kwara United and Enyimba as well as South African outfits Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs.

After his one-year stint with Hearts, Papic went on to coach Young Africans of Tanzania as well as South African clubs Black Leopards, Chippa United, Polokwane City and Royal Eagles.

Most recently, he led the eSwatini national team between 2018 and 2019.

“I hope the way he [Papic] worked with us when we were there and achieved results, I hope he can replicate same this time. His tactics are good and he relates very well with all the players," former Hearts star Francis Bossman told. Happy FM.

"I hope the confidence will come so he will be able to help the team.

“He is not going to struggle because he came to meet some players. He will be able to penetrate and do the job.

“The pressure at Hearts of Oak is too big for Nii Odoom. Kosta Papic and Nii Odoom should work together because Odoom has built the team and both of them can work together."

The second most successful club in GPL history, Hearts have drawn one and lost one of two league games played so far this season.

The won the Caf Champions League in 2000, the Caf Super Cup in 2001 and the Caf Confederation Cup in 2004.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho insists he is happy to be involved in a battle for playing time this season, despite a lack of action recently.

The Blues have started the season well both domestically and internationally, sitting third in the Premier League while also clinching progression to the Champions League last 16 with two group games to spare. 

Jorginho has been a regular contributor for his side this season but has not started a Premier League match since October and did not get off the bench in his side's past two league matches. 

Still, the Italy international has welcomed the increased competition in the squad, which is set to intensify even further with the return of Billy Gilmour from a long-term knee injury.

"I think that’s good for the team," Jorginho said of the competition for places. "[The] level of the team is higher and competition is good. So we are more competitive between us, the level of the training is higher and everything is better. We just try to work even harder to have a chance to play."

The 28-year-old insisted that he isn't concerned with a reduction in minutes if the Blues continue to have success on the pitch.

"Everyone wants to play, but the most important thing is that we try to win, and we are winning so I am ok and when the call comes, I am working hard to be prepared for that," he added.

Jorginho could be set to feature on Wednesday when Chelsea face Sevilla in the Champions League. Though both teams have already qualified for the last 16, the game could determine who goes through as Group E winners.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to try and win the game and for our fitness and being top of the group is a big thing," Jorginho said. "We have been working hard and trying to understand how to play against them. They are a very good team, with good organisation. It will be a good game which we will try to win.”

Following the match against Sevilla, Chelsea will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they face Leeds United.

The group phase of the 2020-21 Champions League is winding down, with the eagerly-anticipated knockout phases of the tournament starting in a few short months.

There is still a lot to play for as the competition nears the end of the group phases, with even more mouthwatering ties ahead.

Goal will keep you updated on the individual goal tallies for the highest-scoring Champions League players this season.

Champions League 2020-21 Top Scorers

Wonderkid Erling Haaland leads the pack with six goals for Dortmund, already setting Europe alight in his first full season at the Bundesliga side.

He is followed closely by Marcus Rashford and Alvaro Morata, who both have five strikes apiece for Manchester United and Juventus respectively - with Rashford setting a new Champions League record with his hat-trick against RB Leipzig.

New Liverpool signing Diogo Jota has hit the ground running at Liverpool since arriving from Wolves in the summer, and already has four strikes to his name in his debut campaign for the Reds.

*Correct as of games played on Dec 1, 2020.

Who finished top in 2019-20?

Robert Lewandowski was the top-scorer in last season's Champions League, his 15 strikes instrumental in Bayern Munich winning the competition.

The German giants picked up their sixth Champions League trophy after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final of the tournament, with Kingsley Coman netting the winning goal early in the second half.

He was followed by Haaland with 10 strikes for both RB Salzburg and Dortmund, and Bayern team-mate Serge Gnabry's nine strikes placing him third.

Mumbai City FC thrashed East Bengal 3-0 in the Indian Super League clash at GMC Stadium in Bambolim to climb to the top of the table.

Sergio Lobera's side played attacking football as they created ample chances in front of the goal and outclassed their opponents. 

The combination of Ahmed Jahouh, Hugo Boumous and Adam Le Fondre worked wonders for Lobera. Boumous provided an assist to Fondre to open the scoring for Mumbai City in the 20th minute. Lober, however, refused to single out players for praise. 

"I don't like to speak about individuals. I think the most important thing is to work as a team and when you're working well as a team, it's possible to shine. Obviously, Boumous is a very good player but I have a very good squad and this is the most important thing for me," Sergio Lobera said after the game.

"If you want to win games you can have a very good first eleven. But if you want to win the league you need a very good squad and I have a very good squad. Every day the best first eleven is not the same," he added. 

Lobera started with Le Fondre ahead of Bartholomew Ogbeche and the decision turned out to be a good one as the English forward struck twice in the gqme. The 43-year-old is happy with his balanced squad and the problem of having plenty of options to choose from. 

"It's an amazing problem. I have a very good squad," Lobera said.

The table-toppers will now take on Odisha on Sunday. 

East Bengal were outplayed by Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League fixture as they lost 0-3 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday. It was the second consecutive loss for Robbie Fowler and his boy after they registered defeat against traditional rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in their inaugural match. 

East Bengal looked sloppy throughout the match as they failed to match their opponent's tempo. The Fowler-managed side also displayed individual lapses which resulted into a heavy defeat for them. Congolese midfielder Jacques Maghoma was the only silver lining in the all-round failure for the Kolkata giants as he looked to create plenty of chances through his quick runs in front of the goal. 

The former Liverpool striker was critical about some of his Indian players, without mentioning their name, as he suggested that it looks like they have never been coached. Fowler also mentioned that he will look to train the Indian players to make them better.  

"We played two great teams and when you commit mistakes they will punish you. We will learn from that and we will soldier on. There is a little bit of work to do on the training park," Fowler said in the post-match interview. 

"We will coach the players because in all fairness few of them have probably never been coached before and that is what we are doing. We will try and make our Indian players better and that takes good coaching and I don't think they had had that in the years gone by," the Englishman added.

East Bengal were dealt with a major blow as they lost their star defender Daniel Fox in the seventh minute of the play owing to an injury. Fowler suggested that it changed the tempo of the game for his side and highlighted that they need to work on concentration. The 45-year-old, however, mentioned that he has no clue on the injury status of Fox and if need be then he might change the formation for the upcoming match.   

"We looked ok. I mean when you have got the team and the type of football we are looking to play and when you lose your captain and one of the main players early in the game. I think the quality was at times ok. I think indvidual lapses cost us. We have to do better in terms of concentration. Concentration level in football is huge. I think we need to learn quick at that," Fowler said in the post-match interview. 

"I haven't got a clue. We will access Danny. I'm not sure to full extent. It's fairly obvious that there might be a few changes in terms of personnel. We will work on a few things"