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Thibaut Courtois is confident Real Madrid are not short of goals despite struggling to a scoreless draw at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

La Liga's reigning champions began the new campaign with a frustrating stalemate in which Courtois had to make a brilliant one-on-one stop from Alexander Isak to preserve a point.

That was the clearest opening of the match, although Karim Benzema miscued when he looked set to strike moments before Isak ran through at the other end.

Benzema was supported by Martin Odegaard in an advanced midfield role, but Madrid – still missing Eden Hazard and having moved on Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez – could not forge a breakthrough despite mustering 16 shots in total.

Courtois told Movistar : "Of course we've got goals. You see it in training, you see it in the last pre-season friendly we had against Getafe [a 6-0 win].

"But sometimes the ball just doesn't want to go in. I don't have any doubt there are plenty of goals in this team."

The goalkeeper was encouraged by his team-mates' work to subdue Sociedad, who had just 32 per cent of the possession and were restricted to six attempts.

"If we don't concede too many goals and we can order ourselves and be difficult to score against, we have at the other end of the pitch Karim Benzema, who always plays at a very high level and didn't have any luck tonight," Courtois said.

"It's always important for us to keep a clean sheet. That's the way it went after lockdown. It ended up that many of our games were without conceding."

Despite his failure to inspire victory, it was a big night for Odegaard, making his full league debut for Madrid against the side he played for on loan last season.

The 21-year-old had one blocked shot and contributed two key passes.

"It was a very special game for me. I was playing against friends, good people. Very special," Odegaard said. "I felt good, but obviously the victory was missing."

Stand-in Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal said of his former team-mate: "Martin knows he's much loved here, but today we didn't want things to go too well for him.

"I'm sure he'll soon show his quality for Real Madrid."

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his belief that Liverpool's Sadio Mane is the best player in the Premier League. 

Mane struck twice on Sunday in the Reds' 2-0 win over Chelsea with the attacker heading home his first from a Roberto Firmino cross before capitalising on a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga for his second. 

The 28-year-old continues to play a massive part in Jurgen Klopp's front line and netted 18 goals in the league last season having claimed the Golden Boot the campaign prior. 

Now into his seventh Premier League season after first moving to England with Southampton, Mane has hit double figures in each of his campaigns so far and has won plenty of admirers in the process.

Fabregas has marked himself as one of the attacker's biggest supporters with the Spaniard taking to social media on Sunday to crown him the best player in the league. 

"I'll say it again. Mane best player in the League," Fabregas tweeted. 

While the 33-year-old is currently playing in France for Monaco, he continues to watch the Premier League, and particularly his former sides, very closely. 

On Chelsea, Fabregas singled out Timo Werner's runs for praise against Liverpool before reserving judgement on the Blues' other new recruit Kai Havertz. 

"Too early to judge. Very young and the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world," Fabregas replied on Twitter when asked about the young German.

Fabregas' Mane claim was, however, turning the most heads on social media with thousands weighing in on his call. 

Klopp was full of praise for his match-winner after the game, hailing Mane's hunger and desire in claiming his second goal against Chelsea. 

"Yes, it says everything [about him] and it says a lot about the team as well. I loved these situations that we had quite a lot that we chased the goalie. I love it when we get the reward for these situations," Klopp said after the match.

"The first goal was a nice piece of football and everybody involved pretty much the ball through, the cross in and Sadio comes in front of his man and got the goal to send the game in the right direction." 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was named Premier League Player of the Season in August and he'll look to remind everyone of his quality against Wolves on Monday night. 

Fran Kirby has been in exceptional form since returning to the pitch after nine months out through illness, but the Chelsea and England forward believes she can be even better.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with pericarditis back in November, a condition which consists of inflammation of the lining around the heart.

On Friday, she pulled an England shirt back on for the first time in 14 months and, while it was only an in-house friendly, she was again one of the best players on the pitch, continuing her fine start to the season after a trio of stand-out displays for Chelsea - but for all the praise Kirby has received over the last few weeks, she believes there is still a lot more she can give.

“I’m at a stage of my career where I can be more critical of myself,” she said. “I haven’t always been good at that. I struggled to accept when I hadn’t had the best of games because I had got an assist, or I had got a goal or whatever.

“You kind of walk off the pitch happy regardless [of the overall performance] and now I’m nit-picking. Could I have done better? Could I have passed there, or should I have been more selfish and maybe scored a goal?

“I am at a really good level. I think I am probably the fittest I’ve been for a long, long time just purely because it’s something I’ve worked really hard on for the last three or four months.

“I think there is still another level I can go to. I think I can be more clinical in my finishing, I can improve.”

Kirby returned to competitive action with a stunning display in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last month.

Since then, she has backed up that performance with two more brilliant ones in the Women’s Super League, scoring her first league goal in 16 months against Bristol City – her first goal in any competition since she netted in England’s third-place play-off at the Women’s World Cup last summer.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes couldn’t help but heap the praise on her forward off the back of that, saying she believes “Fran is at a level above already”.

“When you hear a manager say something like that it is really special,” Kirby, who has 45 caps for England, said. “I’ve worked really closely with Emma the last few weeks and we’ve grown a lot closer on and off the pitch.

“I think I’ve matured a lot off the pitch. I want to be the best player every day in training, in games, that means I’m the best team-mate.”

The praise has come from far and wide, with messages of support for the player once described as a ‘mini Messi’ - by former England boss Mark Sampson - pouring in.

“You see [the support], but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself,” Kirby added. “I still need to work hard and improve, but no support has gone unnoticed, reading everyone’s comments about me being back and all the positives I’ve had.

“I need to keep working, I need to keep producing the performances. That’s the journey I’m on. I want to keep progressing on that, but it’s been incredible to hear people saying so many positive things about you, not just as a player but as a person.

“I’ve come back energised, I’ve come back smiling. I’m enjoying it. That means more to me, how people see you as a person.”

The time away from the pitch has also made her value the return to action more, after so long out on her own.

“I train like every day like it is going to be my last one. That’s just the attitude I have,” Kirby said.

“I will never underestimate the joy I get out of playing and training, being in a team environment. I’ve spent a lot of time by myself and I learned a lot about myself, it wasn’t always negative, but being in a team, with your friends, day in, day out, there’s nothing that can replicate that.

“I take every day and I cherish every day and I enjoy every day and I think that is why my performances are going in the right way. As long as I’m happy, smiling and enjoying myself, hopefully I’ll keep building and keep putting good performances in for my team.”

Frank Lampard has played down speculation linking Antonio Rudiger with a move away from the club, despite leaving the defender out of his squad for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

The Germany international was a notable absentee from Lampard’s 23-man squad list for Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge, with Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen named in the starting XI.

Fikayo Tomori and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta were named among the substitutes, meaning there was little need for another defender to be on the bench.

With new signing Thiago Silva not yet match fit it was Rudiger who was the man to miss out, sparking speculation he could be on the brink of a transfer away from west London.

Lampard, though, was quick to dismiss those rumours, saying Rudger’s absence was simply because his rival defenders impressed more in training.

“We have five centre-halves at the club and I can't pick a squad that has three of them on the bench,” he told reporters after the game, which ended with a 2-0 defeat for the Blues.

"That is the way it is, I have to pick a squad via training and situations and that was the selection today.”

The arrival of Silva on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain has increased competition for a first-team place and raised suggestions Lampard could offload a centre-half before next month’s transfer deadline.

As reported by Goal last month , Everton are interested in signing Tomori on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old had a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge last season under Lampard, but ultimately lost his place towards the end of the campaign and he did not play in a competitive match after February.

However, Tomori and Rudiger could be offered a route back into the Chelsea side in the coming weeks thanks to Andreas Christensen’s red card against Liverpool.

Christensen was dismissed shortly before half-time for hauling down Sadio Mane as he was clean through on goal and will now serve a one-match ban.

Mane went on to score twice at the start of the second half as the  defending champions managed  to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

A debut goal from Dejan Kulusevski and strikes from Leonardo Bonucci and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Juventus a 3-0 win over Sampdoria in Andrea Pirlo's first game in charge. 

Legendary player Pirlo, appointed in August following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri, saw his reign get off to an impressive start at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. 

Young midfielder Kulusevski found the net inside 13 minutes and Bonucci added a deserved second for Juve with 12 minutes to play, following up after Weston McKennie's shot was saved. 

Ronaldo, who had earlier hit the crossbar, rounded out the scoring late on after being teed up by Aaron Ramsey, helping the hosts make a bright start to their latest title defence in Serie A.

Kulusevski found the net with his first shot for his new team, curling a left-footed effort away from Emil Audero after Ronaldo's run into the box was halted and the ball ran loose. 

Ronaldo, who has now scored in his last four games against Sampdoria, sent a powerful strike against the underside of the crossbar as Juve pressed for a second. 

Some good play from Ramsey set up Ronaldo for another opportunity before half-time, but his angled drive ended inches wide of the target. 

The lively Ramsey also played in Gianluca Frabotta for a good chance early in the second half, which the surprise starter drilled on target but Audero kept out. 

Juventus did eventually make their dominance tell, however, as Bonucci was first to pounce when McKennie's prodded effort was stopped after the visitors failed to deal with a corner. 

McKennie was denied a debut goal by Audero's fine save late on but Ronaldo took Ramsey's pass in his stride and clinically fired home, putting the seal on a successful outing for his new head coach. 

What does it mean? Pirlo already making his mark 

Juve, with debutants McKennie and Kulusevski lining up in a 3-4-1-2 formation that saw youngster Frabotta at wing-back, played some stylish and exciting football. 

Pirlo clearly wants his side to pass the ball around - as highlighted by having 66 per cent of the possession - and they were not afraid to shoot, firing away 20 attempts in total. 

Dream debut for Kulusevski 

Kulusevski was signed by Juve in a big-money deal in January but was loaned back to Parma, where his form saw him named Serie A's best young player. He picked up from where he left off last season too, netting with just his sixth touch of the ball - his one and only shot of an impressive debut – while also creating three chances. 

Three goals but new striker needed 

Pirlo has admitted he wants reinforcements up front, though sporting director Fabio Paratici confirmed ahead of kick-off that Luis Suarez is no longer an option. Juventus may have scored three times here, yet they struggled in front of goal between their first and second. Ronaldo finally registered with his 10th attempt of the contest. 

What's next? 

Juventus face a potentially tricky test against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, while Sampdoria host Benevento next weekend. 

Simeon Nwankwo’s return to the Italian elite division was greeted by defeat as Genoa beat Crotone 4-1 on Sunday evening.

After two seasons in Serie B, the Pythagoreans returned to top-flight football, but they were unable to match the attacking masterclass of the Griffin at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Goals from Mattia Destro, Goran Pandev, Davide Zappacosta and Marko Pjaca were all Rolando Maran’s men needed to brush aside the visitors with Emmanuel Riviere’s strike a mere consolation for Crotone.

Profiting from Paolo Ghiglione’s well-placed pass, Destro put the ball past goalkeeper Alex Cordaz as Genoa raced to a sixth-minute lead.

Three minutes later, Pandev doubled the advantage with a delightful lob over Cordaz after he was released by Edoardo Goldaniga, with the visitors’ backline caught unawares.

That goal was a reality check for Crotone and they gradually stamped their authority on the game. In the 28th minute, Riviere reduced the deficit after tapping home a Salvatore Molina cross.

Eleven minutes before the half-time break, former Chelsea star Davide Zappacosta restored Maran’s side's two-goal advantage with a long-range strike outside the goal area.

After leaking in the third of the evening, the Italian topflight returnee’s morale looked dampened as they defended in their numbers to make the scoreline respectful.

Even at that, Genoa was not done as Pjaca sealed the game with a fourth strike in the 75th minute.

Simy was in action for 89 minutes but could do little to help his team and was replaced by Denis Dragus. Libyan midfielder Ahmad Benali was not listed for action, while Sierra Leone star Augustus Kargbo replaced Riviere in the 58th minute.

Crotone welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Ezio Scida on Sunday as they chase their first win of the 2020-21 season.

The Super Eagles forward bagged 20 league goals in Serie B last term to emerge as the league’s top-scorer and his 21 strikes and three assists across all competitions saw him become the club’s highest goal scorer of the season. 

He boasts of five caps and one goal for the Super Eagles since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2018.

Wilfred Ndidi shone in a centre-back role for Leicester City in their 4-2 victory over Burnley in Sunday’s Premier League game.

The 23-year-old midfielder was again deployed in a defensive role at King Power Stadium after starring in the same position against West Bromwich Albion in their opening league game last time out.

The Nigeria international paired Caglar Soyuncu at the heart of the Foxes’ defence and gave a good account of himself in the encounter, helping his side to secure their second consecutive win.

Chris Wood opened the scoring for the Clarets as early as the 10th minute before Harvey Barnes levelled proceedings for Leicester in the 20th minute.

Erik Pieters gave the King Power Stadium outfit the lead for the first time in the game, beating his own goalkeeper Nick Pope with his effort.

James Justin and Dennis Praet’s strikes then sealed the victory for Leicester despite an effort from Jimmy Dunne.

Ndidi featured for the duration of the game, won four aerial contests, made two tackles and had 69 touches as part of his contribution.

His compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho, who was not involved in their opening Premier League game against West Brom, was an unused substitute at King Power Stadium.

The midfielder will hope to continue with his development in the defensive role and help his side extend their winning form when they take on Arsenal in a league game on September 23.

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for the Foxes since he teamed up with the club in January 2017 from Genk.

The Nigeria international has featured in more than 120 Premier League games for Leicester and played a significant role as they finished fifth last campaign.

Ndidi has been a key member of the Super Eagles squad since he made his international debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015.

The versatile midfielder has 36 caps for the Nigeria national team and was part of the side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

He will be expected to help the West Africans during their Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Macheke has reflected on his recent move to Stellenbosch FC.

The 26-year-old player joined Stellies on Friday as a free agent after parting ways with Bidvest Wits, after the club sold its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Macheke attracted interest from Polokwane City midway through the 2019/20 season, with his former coach Clinton Larsen at Chippa United keen to reunite with him at Rise and Shine.

However, Polokwane have been relegated to the National First Division (NFD) and Larsen has parted ways with the Limpopo-based side.

Macheke has since moved to Stellenbosch and he is impressed by the club's structure after taking part in his maiden training session under coach Steve Barker.

"I have seen the structure of the club. The direction in which the club wants to go and I think it is a good set-up," Macheke told the club's social media platforms on Sunday.

"We just completed our first training session and I could see the desire from the players on the pitch."

Stellies caught the eye in their debut season in the PSL as they finished in the 10th spot on the league standings - three points behind the top eight.

Macheke feels that he made the right decision by joining the Western Cape-based side, who will be looking to retain their status in the elite league once again. 

"So yeah, I am looking forward to it. I think it is a good move for me and I hope I can contribute towards the team and our goals," he concluded.

Macheke has been a nomadic player since he was promoted to the Chiefs first team from the club's academy by coach Stuart Baxter prior to the 2014/15 season. 

The Soweto-born player spent the 2014/15 season with the Glamour Boys as they clinched the league and cup (Nedbank Cup) double.

Macheke was loaned out to Chippa United in the following season, before being sold to the Chilli Boys at the end of the same campaign.

The talented defender was sent out on loan to then-NFD side Thanda Royal Zulu in the 2016/17 season and upon his return to Chippa, he became a regular. 

He was snapped up by Wits at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. 

Moses Simon scored his first goal of the 2020-21 season for Nantes in their 2-2 draw against Saint-Etienne in Sunday’s Ligue 1 game.

The 25-year-old winger sealed a permanent move to the Canaries this summer from Spanish side Levante after his impressive performances for the club during his loan spell.

The Nigeria international played a key role as Christian Gourcuff’s men finished 13th in the French top-flight last season and won the club’s Player of the Season award for his effort.

The forward has continued his eye-catching showings this season, opening his account at Stade de la Beaujoire against the Saints.

Nantes started the game on the back foot, allowing Claude Puel’s men to open the scoring as early as the second minute of the encounter through Adil Aouchiche.

Simon made a frantic effort to bring his side back into contention and came close to helping them level proceedings in the 44th minute.

The Super Eagles winger a fine cross sent into the box which Randal Muan controlled and fired into the back of the net but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out the strike for offside.

Yvann Macon then doubled the lead for the Saints in the 66th minute of the encounter after benefitting from Aouchiche’s assist.

Simon then reduced the deficit for the Canaries in the 71st minute after receiving a sumptuous pass from Ghanaian defender Dennis Appiah.

With five minutes left to play, Renaud Emond scored the all-important equalizing goal for Nantes to ensure his side clinched a point on their home soil.

Simon featured for the duration of the game, made three key passes and had 75% successful pass rate in the encounter.

Gabon international Denis Bouanga played for 77th minute before making way for Maxence Rivera but could not help Saint-Etienne secure all three points away from home.

Simon will hope to continue his eye-catching performances for Nantes when they face Lille in their next league game on September 25.

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp hailed the impact of new signing Thiago Alcantara, a player he said made the "perfect start" to his Reds career in their win over Chelsea on Sunday. 

The Spanish international was named on the bench for the game at Stamford Bridge, just two days after joining from Bayern Munich in a deal which could cost the Reds up to £27 million ($35m).

Klopp decided to introduce the midfielder at half-time as the Reds looked to take advantage of a red card from Andreas Christensen just before the break. 

The visitors did just that as a pair of Sadio Mane goals – the second aided by another error from Kepa Arrizabalaga – gave the defending champions a 2-0 win on the afternoon.

Thiago made a major impact in his debut, as he completed more passes (75) than any Chelsea player managed in the entire match.

His 75 successful passes were also the most by a player who played a maximum of 45 minutes since at least 2003-04. 

Unsurprisingly, Klopp was delighted with the 29-year-old's first Liverpool match. 

"We decided to bring Thiago on early because it was 11v10 and a player like him can command the rhythm. It was the perfect start for him and the boys helped him massively," Klopp told BBC Sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp added: Top timing. He played with Spain and trained with Munich so he's fit, that's not a problem. He needs to get used to his team-mates, but when they went one man down it became the perfect game for him.

"I liked his game a lot. Defensively it was tricky for him, but offensively, with the ball, that's him, he wants to pass the ball."

Klopp added that he was happy overall with his side's performance, which included a saved penalty from Alisson against Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

"Super game. Really good game from both teams. I like our game a lot. Chelsea are a top side. Our own football I liked in the first half, really good situations, passed through the line but we didn't score.

"After the red card, the second half is a different game. We kept the ball rolling, let them run, scored the goals, conceded a penalty, Ali saved it, so all good. Everybody had a hand in the result."

Younes Belhanda found the back of the net to seal Galatasaray's 2-0 victory against Istanbul Basaksehir while Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo played his first game in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday.

A goal in each half of the encounter secured the Lions' second league win of the season after their 3-1 triumph over Gaziantep FK last Saturday.

Radamel Falcao got Fatih Terim's men off to a flying start with his opener from the penalty spot in the 14th minute and Belhanda opened his goal account for the season with his 76th-minute strike.

The Moroccan midfielder, alongside DR Congo's Christian Luyindama, were on parade from start to finish for the visitors while Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli made way for Etebo to make his debut in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Nigeria international, who joined the Lions on a season-long loan from Stoke City this summer, played the final 18 minutes of the encounter.

Senegal striker Mbaye Diagne also came off the bench as a 72nd-minute substitute while his compatriot Demba Ba was in action for 90 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir.

Basaksehir, who won the Turkish top-flight title last season, are yet to score a goal in the 2020-21 campaign and they have lost their opening two league matches.

Etebo will be hoping to get more playing minutes when Galatasaray host Croatian outfit Hajduk Split in their Uefa Europa League qualifying match on Thursday.

Sunday's win at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium moved Galatasaray to second on the Super Lig table, level on six points with leaders Alanyaspor after two matches while Istanbul Basaksehir dropped to the bottom of table.

Simba SC handed Biashara United a first 2020/21 Mainland Premier League huge loss after condemning them to a 4-0 defeat on Sunday.

Clatous Chama, Meddie Kagere and Chrispine Mugalu were the scorers for the champions at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Playing at home for the first time, it took the reigning champions nine minutes to shock their visitors with an opener. Chama, the 2019/20 Most Valuable Player, was at the right place to receive a pass from Luis Miquissone and launched a low drive that beat Daniel Mgore in Biashara’s goal.

The goalkeeper could do little to stop the ball from getting into his net because he was largely isolated as Simba launched the attack after a mistake by a Biashara United defender just outside the box.

Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck had to make a change in the 16th minute when Brazilian deep-lying midfielder Gerson Fraga was injured. His place was taken by Said Ndemla, who saw his contract extended in August, ending long-time rumours he was set to leave.

Chama scored another goal for the home side in the 26th minute as Wekundu wa Msimbazi looked more dominant and determined to rip hitherto unbeaten Francis Baraza’s side apart.

As was the case with the first goal, it is Miquissone who assisted Chama to score the second goal.

Kagere, who had been allegedly sidelined by the coach due to a poor relationship with him, scored the third goal in the 52nd minute.

The Golden Boot winner of the previous two seasons scored as he started for the first time in the season as John Bocco - who has been previously preferred to him - was missing from the squad.

Kagere was withdrawn in the 78th minute with new signing Mugalu taking his place.

Mugalu got his league debut goal as he made the first appearance in the competition as a substitute. The DR Congo star scored in the 85th minute to stretch the scoreline even further away from the visitors.

Simba – with seven points from three matches - will now shift focus to their next opponents - Gwambina FC on September 26 - while Biashara United will look to pick themselves up when they play Ruvu Shooting on September 27.

Simba SC Starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomary Kapombe, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Mohammed Hussein, Gerson Fraga, Luis Miquissone, Meddie Kagere, Rally Bwalya, Clatous Chama.

Subs: Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Ame, Said Ndemla, Hassan Dilunga, Chrispine Mugalu, Bernard Morrison.

Biashara United Starting XI: Daniel Mgore, Ally Kombo, Ramadhan Chombo, Deogratius Judika, Tariq Simba, Kelvin Iddi, Mpapi Salum, Mustha Khamis, Lenny Kissu, Abdulmajid Yahaya, Omarry Nassoro.

Subs: Edson Magoma, Derrick Mussa, Hassan Maulid, Omary Banda, Gershon Samuel.

New signing Thiago Alcantara set a Premier League record on his Liverpool debut as he out-passed every single Chelsea player, despite only being on the pitch for 45 minutes.

The Spain international only completed his initial £20m ($26m) move from Bayern Munich on Friday, but was included in the travelling Reds squad for Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

He began the game on the bench but was introduced at half-time after captain Jordan Henderson was forced off with a suspected thigh injury, and immediately showed the excitement around his arrival at Liverpool was justified.

The game was goalless at that stage, though the champions were given the edge when Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen was shown a straight red card for hauling down Sadio Mane as he ran through on goal.

Thiago did not take long to make an impact in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, with his 75 successful passes more than any other Chelsea player, including those who had played the entire 90 minutes.

It is also the most passes completed by a player who played a maximum of 45 minutes since Opta started producing passing statistics at the start of the 2003-04 season.

It was not all plain sailing for Thiago, though, with the 29-year-old tripping Timo Werner in the area for a Chelsea penalty. The error did not prove costly, however, with Reds goalkeeper Alisson saving Jorginho’s spot kick, the first time the Brazilian has missed from the spot from nine attempts in a Chelsea shirt.

With Thiago dictating from deep, Liverpool were able to take a firm grip on the game, with Mane heading the opener from Roberto Firmino’s cross five minutes into the second half.

Four minutes later, the Senegalese forward capitalised on an error from Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa to double Liverpool’s advantage from close range.

It means Liverpool have begun the Premier League campaign with two wins from two, following their eventful 4-3 victory against Leeds United at Anfield last weekend. Next up for Klopp’s side is a trip to League One side Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Thursday, before hosting Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal back in the Premier League on Monday.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes his side could have drawn with Liverpool were it not for Kepa Arrizabalaga's "big mistake" in the second half.

The Blues goalkeeper was at fault for the Reds' second goal of the 2-0 victory when his attempted pass was blocked by Sadio Mane and knocked into the net.

After being criticised for conceding a shot from outside the box during the win against Brighton on Monday, the 25-year-old was the subject of much ridicule on social media on Sunday following his error against Jurgen Klopp's team.

It was not the home side's only misfortune in the defeat to the reigning Premier League champions, however, as they were reduced to 10 men just before half-time as Andreas Christensen was sent off and then midfielder Jorginho missed a penalty in the 75th minute.

Lampard admitted there were many decisive moments for his side and feels the result could have gone a different way.

"Big mistake. Clear mistake and when you reflect on the half without the mistake and the penalty we draw the game 1-1," he said when asked about Kepa's performance.

"I’m actually happier in many ways than I was after Brighton on Monday. It was a game of spirit and character and lots of individuals showed me good things today."

He added to Sky Sports: "My job as a manager is to try to give Kepa confidence. It was a clear mistake and Kepa accepted that."

The former England star also expressed his disappointment in Christensen's dismissal, as he felt his side matched their opponents for most of the first 45 minutes telling BBC Sport: "I thought we could get higher up the pitch and would have done with 11.

"I was concerned with how we would defend our box, first half we were brilliant at doing it but the red card changed the whole course of the game."

He added: "For chances the first half was very even. The red card changes the face of the game, the talk I do at half-time, it forces me into a reshuffle and it was always going to be difficult after that.

"I think it could be given or not. I was perhaps surprised it was given as a yellow first. If it was given as a red straight away and you continue with that.

"We showed moments on the counterattack when we were dangerous in the first half. My team talk was be more confident on the ball then the red card changes the whole team talk."

Kelechi Nwakali failed to make his home La Liga debut as he was axed from Huesca’s team that lost 2-0 to Cadiz on Sunday.

The Nigerian, who played a part in Azulgranas’ promotion to the Spanish elite division, was handed his Spanish top-flight debut in their 1-1 draw at Villarreal on the opening day.

However, he was not considered for selection as they bowed to goals from Alvaro Negredo and Jorge Pombo at Estadio El Alcoraz.

The visitors took the lead 11 minutes into the clash with Negredo slotting into an empty net after goalkeeper Andres Fernandez had fumbled a cross from Alex Fernandez.

Despite boasting of superior ball possession, Michel’s men could not equalise as they lacked ideas when in the opponent’s goal area.

At the beginning of the second-half, Huesca made a triple substitution – bringing on Borja Garcia, Sergio Gomez and Joaquin - but that did not bring about the much-needed reaction.

Seven minutes prior to the end of the game, their aspiration to get at least a draw faded into thin air following Pombo’s effort.

The Spaniard headed past the goalkeeper from close range thanks to a beautiful cross from substitute Filip Malbasic.

Equatorial Guinea international Carlos Akapo was an unused substitute for Alvaro Cervera’s men, who have now won their first game of the 2020-21 season after a miserable start – having bowed 2-0 at home to Osasuna.

"El Cadiz is a well-worked team and they imposed their style on us,” says Huesca manager Michel told the club website after the game.

“We had a lot of the ball but failed to make good use of it. Also, they defended well.

"We could have opted for a more direct game, more duel, but I didn't want to do it, because that's not what we've been working on.

"We came from a good match [against Villareal], but this time we haven't been able to impose ourselves. We will continue to work to see how we can impose that idea of play.”

Following this defeat, Huesca would be hoping to bounce back in their next outing against Valencia on Saturday with Nwakali expected to make a return to the team.

On the other hand, Cadiz welcome Sevilla to the Ramon de Carranza Stadium on Monday with the ambition of securing their second victory in succession.

Sadio Mane became the third Liverpool player to score a Premier League brace at Stamford Bridge after his goals inspired them to a 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

He joins Steve McManaman, who scored two goals in West London in 1995, and Philippe Coutinho, who scored a brace against the Blues in October 2015, on the list.

After a goalless first-half, Mane broke the deadlock at Stamford Bridge in the 50th minute and wrapped up their victory with his second strike four minutes later.

Chelsea missed the chance to reduce the deficit after goalkeeper Alisson saved Jorginho’s strike from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

Earlier in the first half, Frank Lampard’s side were reduced to 10 men after Andreas Christensen was given his marching orders for a rugby-like tackle on Mane.

Sunday’s double opened the goal account of the Senegal international for the 2020-21 Premier League campaign after he fired blanks in their 4-3 win over Leeds United last Saturday.

The 2019-20 PFA Fans' Player of the Year scored 22 goals across all competitions last season which include 18 goals in the Reds' triumphant Premier League campaign.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita were also in action for Jurgen Klopp's side but the latter was replaced in the 64th minute by James Milner.

Next up for Liverpool is a Carabao Cup trip to Lincoln City on Thursday before they welcome Arsenal to Anfield for their Premier League fixture on September 28.

After missing Chelsea's last two games due to a knee injury, Lampard will be eager to have Morocco international and new signing Hakim Ziyech back for their Carabao Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday before Saturday's league visit to West Bromwich Albion.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho missed his first penalty for the club on the same afternoon he made his 100th appearance for the Blues.

Frank Lampard's side went down two goals against the defending champions on Sunday as a pair of disastrous mistakes proved costly.

Andreas Christensen put his side in serious trouble with a red card just before half-time, with Sadio Mane then opening the scoring five minutes after the break.

Mane then added his second just minutes later as under-fire Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga played an awful pass directly to the forward, who calmly slotted home into an empty net.

The home side, though, were given a chance to get back into the match with 15 minutes to play after Liverpool debutant Thiago Alcantara fouled Timo Werner in the box. 

Jorginho stepped up to the spot, having converted all eight of his previous penalty attempts with the Blues. 

However, the Italy international's ninth try proved to be a different story as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson came up with the save to preserve his side's two-goal lead.

Chelsea had been on a streak of 16 consecutive scored penalties in the Premier League, with their last miss coming when Eden Hazard failed to score against Manchester City in April 2017.

It was also the first time that Alisson had saved a penalty for Liverpool, with the Brazilian having conceded on two previous attempts. 

In fact, the save from Alisson was his first of the season after the goalkeeper conceded three goals against Leeds in Liverpool's 4-3 opening-day win at Anfield. 

Jorginho's penalty miss all but ended Chelsea's chances of getting anything from the match, as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. 

The win marked the first time the reigning league champions had won away at Chelsea in the Premier League since Manchester United pulled off the feat in April 2002, with the Blues unbeaten in 13 such matches (seven wins, six draws) before Sunday.

It was also just the third time Chelsea had lost their first home match of a Premier League season after they also did so against Blackburn in 1993-94 and Burnley in 2017-18.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Thiago Alcantara cried in his arms for five minutes after the club granted him a transfer to Liverpool.

The midfielder was expected to leave the German giants after the Bayern CEO confirmed in July that he did not want to renew his contract, which was set to expire at the end of the season.

After seven years with the Bundesliga champions, the 29-year-old completed a move to Liverpool in a deal that could rise to as much as £27 million ($35m).

Rummenigge revealed that he had an emotional encounter with the Spain international shortly after Bayern and Liverpool came to an agreement as Thiago was waiting for him to arrive at the club’s headquarters.

“On Thursday, the transfer to Liverpool had been granted. When I arrived, I would say 10 minutes later, in the car park, he was standing at the spot where I always park,” Rummenigge told Sky Sport.

“I thought to myself: ‘What’s he doing here?’ He came up to me and cried in my arms for five minutes. He cried for five minutes and simply said: ‘Thank you very much for allowing this’.

“He is a great human being and was always a first-class player for Bayern Munich. I was tremendously happy for him in [the Champions League games in] Lisbon. He has always been questioned because he supposedly isn’t capable of bringing big performances in big games, but in the entire three-game tournament in Lisbon he proved what quality he has.

“That he is now leaving us is a big loss quality wise, but also just as a human being. Despite that, we respected that he wanted to do something new.

“His contract, just like David Alaba’s, was running out in a year. Every club would of course like to avoid having a player of that quality leave for nothing and we considered this and granted his wish, but he has conducted himself brilliantly.

“The way he said goodbye to all the employees and players was unbelievable. I became teary-eyed too because I always had a really close relationship with him.

“You would run into him in Grunwald regularly and meet him in the evening for dinner and things like that. It was almost a familial relationship that was cultivated with him and you get to know the player not just on the pitch but as a human being. He is a super guy.”