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Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero to Roberto Firmino - 10 Copa America 2021 stars who have visited India

The French side will have to farewell to some players with no European football next season

Lyon sporting director Juninho confirmed there will be departures following the club's Champions League semi-final loss, though he is not worried about the Ligue 1 outfit.

After stunning Juventus and Manchester City en route to the final four, Lyon's memorable 2019-20 European campaign came to an end after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Lyon's early wastefulness was punished as Serge Gnabry's brace and a late goal from Robert Lewandowski guided Bundesliga champions Bayern through to Sunday's decider against Paris Saint-Germain.

While disappointed with the result, Juninho turned his attention to 2020-21 amid speculation over the futures of Moussa Dembele, Houssem Aouar and captain Memphis Depay.

Dembele has previously been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, Aouar is reportedly a target for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City, while Depay has emerged as a possible replacement for Jadon Sancho should he leave Borussia Dortmund.

"The aim now is to continue working, immediately with Ligue 1," Juninho, whose Lyon will not feature in the 2020-21 Champions League after finishing seventh at the time of Ligue 1 concluding due to the coronavirus pandemic, told RMC Sport.

"There are no presents. We will have to work. If we continue like this, we will be back in this competition. When you are well paid, you need motivation every day, we are going to concentrate on Ligue 1. There are the basics.

"There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa and Houssem...We will have to show the same spirit to be back in the Champions League next season."

On the match itself, Juninho said: "We are all sad, it is not easy. But we are going out with our heads held high, I am proud of the players, the staff. We accept this. We respected our gameplan.

"You need a lot of luck and efficacy to beat a team like this. Maybe if we had scored one or two goals at the beginning of the match…I am proud of the squad, I thank the supporters for their incredible support, we felt a strong energy. I wish PSG good luck, that they show people that Ligue 1 is not what they think it is.

"We started well, with two or three chances, Karl [Toko Ekambi] hits the post. We had to at least score one. They caused us problems between the lines. The hardest thing was to play the ball out from the back. We saw that it did not work for RB Leipzig."

Neuer: Current Bayern Munich side better than 2013 treble winners

The Bundesliga champions would match the heroics of the team from seven years ago by beating PSG on Sunday

Bayern Munich have more talent at their disposal now than when they last ruled Europe in 2013, according to captain Manuel Neuer.

Neuer, along with David Alaba, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller, was one of four players remaining from their Wembley triumph over Borussia Dortmund who started Wednesday's 3-0 semi-final triumph against Lyon.

Despite coughing up early chances to their Ligue 1 opponents, there was little doubt over the outcome after Serge Gnabry's fabulous opener – the initial part of a first-half brace from the Germany winger.

Robert Lewandowski, who played for Dortmund in the showpiece seven years ago, typically got in on the act with his 55th goal of the season, meaning only Paris Saint-Germain lie between Bayern and a sixth European title.

Hansi Flick's men collected the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal domestically and Neuer told reporters afterwards that this Bayern squad has greater depth than the group Jupp Heynckes led to a famous treble.

"We are better positioned across the board," he said. "Now we have a class that not only includes the 18-man squad, it is fantastic what a great team we have."

Such feats were impossible to envisage as Bayern struggled under Niko Kovac earlier this season. Since the appointment of former Germany assistant Flick, they have been a team revitalised.

"Calm characterizes him, especially before games like this," Neuer said. "He prepared us very well for the games, no matter which opponent we played against.

"We always have a plan. You can see the result on the pitch."

Gnabry and Lewandowski have been producing plenty of good results for Bayern during the Champions League, with the pair surpassing a record previously set by Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. 

The Bayern duo have now combined for 24 goals in the competition, surpassing the previous record set by Ronaldo and Bale, who fired 23 times between them during the 2013-14 Champions League campaign with Real Madrid.

Flick hailed former Arsenal forward Gnabry after the game, saying that the Germany international is "close to a world-class player."

"We are very happy that he scored two goals and we are happy to have him. He has tremendous qualities and I think he is far from the end of his development," Flick added.

Lyon 'weighed down by injustice' after Champions League loss to Bayern Munich - Garcia

The Ligue 1 side eventually fell by a 3-0 score, but the outcome could have been different had they taken their chances early

Lyon manager Rudi Garcia admitted he felt a sense of "injustice" after his side fell 3-0 to Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Despite Bayern's comfortable final margin of victory, the game could have turned out differently had Lyon not spurned several good chances early in the match. 

Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi both could have given their side the lead before Serge Gnabry scored the first of his two first-half goals.

Robert Lewandowski would add a third late on as Bayern reached Sunday's final, where they will take on PSG.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Garcia expressed pride at his side's run to the last four but also regret that they were unable to better capitalise on their chances against the Bundesliga champions.

"We can be proud of our run and our game, but yes, it is the disappointment that prevails," Garcia said. "We lacked success because we have to lead by the score and eventually we are led.

"We have this feeling of injustice that has weighed us down a bit. At 2-0, it's complicated even if we didn't give up in the second half. We knew they were going to be very high up and that we had to use the spaces behind their backs as was the case on the opportunities of Memphis and Karl.

"What we didn't do well in the first-half was to use the ball and move them sideways. We did a lot better in the second-half. When you don't score, you can't qualify."

Garcia added that the three-goal margin was harsh on his side, who will now turn their attention to their Ligue 1 opener against Dijon on August 28.

"We believed in reaching the final and the match showed it," Garcia continued. "When we had the chances, we saw that Bayern Munich were not tight.

"The score does not reflect the match. You have to get back into the championship quickly and that's what I'm a little afraid of because it happens very quickly.

"But we have to get back on track quickly because we only play the championship. We know that it will be different and that the game plan will be different. We will have to master our matches from now on."

Original author: Goal

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Fati swaps Messi's brother for Ronaldo's agent

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal

Gnabry closing in on being world class, says Bayern boss Flick

The Gunners reject is fast becoming one of the best at his craft, according to his coach

Bayern boss Hansi Flick believes Serge Gnabry is close to becoming a world class player after his stunning performance in the Champions League semi-final.

Gnabry scored twice in the first-half to set up Bayern's comfortable 3-0 victory over Lyon at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday, with the Bundesliga champions now set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday.

The 25-year-old winger has enjoyed his most productive season to date - scoring 23 goals and creating 14 assists in all competitions, with Flick feeling he is on the verge of taking the next and likely final step in his development. 

"When you see Serge's development over the last few years, you have to say that he is close to a world class player," Flick said in this post-match press conference.

"We are very happy that he scored two goals and that we are happy to have him. He has tremendous qualities and I think he is far from the end of his development."

Gnabry now has nine goals in nine Champions League games this season - having never previously scored in the competition - including a stunning four-goal haul in the 7-2 rout of Tottenham earlier in the season.

He opened the scoring against Lyon in the 18th minute when he darted in from the right and fired an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner after Leon Goretzka's shot had left Anthony Lopes scrambling.

Fifteen minutes later, Gnabry made it two for the game, profiting from Robert Lewandowski's missed attempt to tap in Ivan Perisic's cross and finishing it off himself.

Gnabry's teammate Manuel Neuer was also pleased at his compatriot's progress and praised his performances in the Champions League.

"He is developing well. He had a lot of great moments, especially in the Champions League," Neuer said.

Gnabry joined Arsenal's youth academy as a 16-year-old but struggled to break into the first team during five years at the club and spent a season on loan at West Brom.

He was eventually sold to Werder Bremen in 2016, where he impressed for one season before being snapped by Bayern - where he has spent the last three years.

Original author: Goal

No fairy-tale ending for Valeri and the Timbers

The full-back saw his request denied after his side's 8-2 demolition of Barcelona last week

Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies said Lionel Messi denied his request for his shirt after last week's 8-2 demolition in the Champions League quarter-final.

Davies and his Bayern Munich team-mates beat Lyon 3-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday in the semi-final, reaching the final against PSG.

Serge Gnabry grabbed a first-half double and the prolific Robert Lewandowski nodded in his 55th goal of a staggering season to put Lyon out of their misery late on.

It followed an astonishing win over Barcelona in the quarter-final, where the only blot on a fabulous evening for Davies came when he failed to claim Messi's famous number 10 jersey as a souvenir afterwards.

"I asked for it but I think he was a little bit upset," the left-back told BT Sport. "It's OK, next time hopefully."

Messi's frustration was understandable after Barcelona finished the 2019-20 season without a trophy, casting doubt on the 33-year-old's future with the club. 

Reports have suggested that Messi could be looking for a way out of Camp Nou as his contract enters its final year.

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has said that he plans to sit down and talk with Messi, expressing his hope that he can work alongside the Argentinian star for years to come.

"I don't know if I have to convince Messi or not," Koeman said on Wednesday. "You want to have the best in the world in your team, not the opposite.

"I want to work with Messi. He wins you games and, if he provides the performances he has always shown, I'll be happy if he wants to stay.

"He has a contract. I have to talk to him, because he is the captain of the team. We are going to work and talk with several players. And in the case of Messi, I hope that he will be here for many more years.

"What I talk to Messi, there are private things between player and coach. We will talk about what he thinks of Barcelona and then I will make decisions."

Koeman took over from Quique Setien, who was sacked in the aftermath of the heavy defeat to Bayern. Technical manager Eric Abidal was also shown the door.

 

Laba: Al Ain star wants to emulate Adebayor, Coubadja

The Frenchman is eager to take down the Ligue 1 giants and believes his side are more than capable of stopping their stars

Bayern Munich don't have to be afraid of Paris Saint-Germain heading into the Champions League final, according to defender Benjamin Pavard. 

Hansi Flick's side booked their spot in the decider after a comfortable 3-0 semi-final win against Lyon on Wednesday, with goals from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski wrapping up the result. 

PSG, meanwhile, also claimed a 3-0 victory the night before against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and are desperate to claim their first Champions League title. 

Bayern will enter the final as favourites, though, having won 10 consecutive games in the competition, and Pavard stressed the German giants must back themselves to get the job done on Sunday. 

"It's nice, it's a dream to play this competition and even more to play a final," Pavard told RMC Sport.

"It's against Paris so I'm glad it's against a French club. We knew Lyon were going to wait and block, which is what they did, but luckily they didn’t score. We play high so we leave space in behind as a result, but we were warned that if OL broke our line they would be dangerous.

He added: "We will retain the positive attitude, we won and we will prepare as best we can for the final. There will be two great teams in the final but we are calm, no one scares us. We had a great season and we have to make it happen with this title. We are Bayern Munich."

On the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Pavard was similarly confident in his response: "They’re a very complete team but we don't have to be afraid of them.

"We are a great team and we showed it [tonight]. We are serene. We had a big season and now we have to make it happen."

Pavard, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, has recovered well from a recent ankle injury that saw him miss Bayern's past two games and revealed the unique way he was able to channel the Champions League during his recovery. 

"I feel good, the ankle is fine. I'm back three weeks early - my goal was to be with the squad," he said. 

"I put on Champions League music during my rehabilitation." 

Original author: Josh Thomas

Arteta predicts 'really bad news' on injuries due to three subs and packed schedule

The Bundesliga side cruised into the final against PSG but things could have been different if their opponents took advantage of their opportunities

Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry has admitted that his side were lucky to see Lyon miss several good chances early in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, which the Bavarians won 3-0.

Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi were both unable to take advantage of golden chances to give their side an early lead, and the Ligue 1 side were made to pay for that profligacy.

Gnabry scored an excellent solo effort from the top of the box just a minute after Toko Ekambi hit the post, before scoring again to round off a first-half brace.

Robert Lewandowski would add a third late to give Bayern a three-goal win and push them into Sunday's final against PSG. 

Though the final margin was comfortable, Gnabry knew that things could have turned out different had Lyon managed to take advantage of their early pressure.

"Lyon put lots of pressure on us. They had some chances and we were lucky at the beginning," Gnabry told DAZN before looking ahead to Sunday's final.

"On Sunday we will give everything to get the cup. It would be the icing on the cake of a super season for us."

With his brace, Gnabry has now been directly involved in 11 goals in the Champions League this season (nine goals and two assists). Only Lewandowski with 20 has had a hand in more.

Speaking to RMC Sport after the match, Toko Ekambi rued his inability to give his side an early lead and said he felt that Bayern were there for the taking on the night.

“We thought we could have done better but we missed opportunities, me incuded," the forward said. "This Bayern side was not unbeatable because we had the chances.

"We played well but we knew we were facing a great team. The first [Bayern] goal hurt us but we continued to play. There are evenings when you have it and evenings when you don't, and the latter was the case today.

"We have to keep the same mindset because in the league, we don't play Bayern Munich every weekend. But we have to keep this cup spirit in Ligue 1."

 

Original author: Goal

'There will be goals!' - Davies expecting high-scoring Champions League final as Bayern book date with PSG

The defender believes Sunday's finale could produce fireworks as two teams with elite attacks square off

Why Atletico Madrid Will Win the Champions League

Lyon forward Rayan Cherki has become the youngest player to ever take part in a Champions League knockout-round match after coming on as a substitute against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

With his team trailing 2-0 in their semi-final encounter, Cherki came off the bench in the 73rd minute in place of defender Fernando Marcal as the Ligue 1 side chased the game.

Unfortunately for Lyon, their Champions League run came to a close as two first-half goals from Serge Gnabry and a late strike from Robert Lewandowski gave the Germans a comfortable 3-0 win.

Bayern will move on to face PSG in the final on Sunday at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. 

It was still a history-making cameo for Cherki, who only turned 17 on Monday. The teenager is only the fourth 17-year-old to appear in a Champions League semi-final after Bojan, David Alaba and Julian Draxler.

Previously, the youngest player to appear in a Champions League knockout-round match was Kenneth Zohore, who set the mark for FC Copenhagen in February 2011.

Cherki has announced himself as one of world football's top prospects in the 2019-20 season, having already made 12 senior appearances and scored three goals for Lyon's senior team prior to Wednesday.

In June, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that Manchester United and Real Madrid were both interested in signing Cherki before he committed to a professional contract with Lyon.

“He’s undoubtedly a player who will go to the highest level,” Aulas told Telefoot. “That’s why we did everything we could to sign him. 

“The two clubs that were interested when we won his faith were Real Madrid and Manchester United.

“We want him to succeed with Lyon. We want to support him and that’s why we’re trying to move his career on. In years to come, we want him to become not only a leader for our attack, but a leader from the academy.”

Cherki became the club’s youngest-ever scorer at 16 years and 140 days when he netted against third-tier Bourg in the Coupe de France on January 4.

His performances even drew praise from Kylian Mbappe, who tweeted: “Don’t speak too much about age."

Original author: Goal

Montpellier striker Delort confirms he tested positive for Covid-19

The 28-year-old striker confirmed the diagnosis on social media while assuring he would be back soon

Algeria international and Montpellier star Andy Delort has confirmed he tested positive for Covid-19, after Ligue 1 stated earlier on Tuesday they had new positive test results.

Delort announced the diagnosis in a statement on Twitter, saying: “I tested positive for Covid.

“I will come back as soon as possible. I'm fine. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.”

The 28-year-old, a regular for his French top-flight side last season, is expected to go into isolation immediately as he hopes to recover in time.

In the wake of the result, Montpellier manager Michel Der Zakarian cancelled Wednesday morning's training, while the club's friendly against Metz on Saturday has been called off.

Tuesday's positive tests saw the French league enforced into deferring the opening match of the 2020-21 season, which had been scheduled to be between Olympique Marseille and Saint-Etienne on Friday.

"In view of the medical results communicated by Marseille on Tuesday, the national Covid commission has indicated to the LFP's Competitions Commission that the virus is circulating within the Marseille club and proposed the postponement of the match,” a statement from Ligue de Football Professionnel read.

"According to the protocol for the organisation of matches, the LFP's Competitions Commission has decided to postpone the match to Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 September 2020, subject to the evolution of health conditions at Marseille. 

"The final date will be determined in agreement with the match broadcaster."

Meanwhile, Olympique Marseille manager Andre Villas-Boas urged support for the players infected by the coronavirus.

"Unfortunately, we live this week between certain anxiety and bad news," he told media.

"The pandemic that stubbornly continues to scare and affect so many families have ended up knocking on our door."

"It's the moment to be careful and to support others and at the same time keep hope for the times ahead."

Nimes squad will be tested again on Thursday morning, with the results planned to be announced on the same day.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Henriette Akaba: Cameroon striker signs for Minsk

The Belarusian champions have completed the signing of the 28-year-old from Cameroonian side Amazone FAP

Belarusian champions Minsk have secured the services of Cameroon international Henriette Akaba for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Akaba sealed her move to the Belarusian giants from Cameroon Women's Premier League side Amazone FAP after a medical and she agreed to personal terms with Volodymyr Reva's team.

The 28-year-old had stints with Turkey's Trabzon Idmanocagi, Russia's Energy Voronezh, Thailand's Bangkokthonburi and a title feat with Besiktas in 2018.

On the international stage, she boasts five appearances in the African Women's Cup of Nations, two senior Women's World Cup outings during her 34 caps for the Indomitable Lionesses.

The striker, who completed her switch this week, will become the second Cameroonian at the club as she teams up with compatriot Alvine Njolle, who is currently on her fifth campaign.

Her arrival further boosts the attacking ranks of the Blues and Whites following the shock exits of Nigeria striking duo of Chioma Wogu and Emuidzhi Oghiabekhva due to injuries.

With her signing, Reva's hopes received a huge boost as they seek to retain the Women's Cup against rivals Dinamo-BSUPC when both league table-toppers clash in the final on August 30.

She also increases the number of Cameroonians in the Belarusian top-flight to four, after Minsk's Njolle, Dinamo-BSUPC's Claudia Dabda and Neman's Moussa Zouwairatou.

She has now swelled the number of Africans in the Minsk squad to three after compatriot  Njolle and Cote d'Ivoire's Nadege Cisse.

Akaba made her unofficial debut in Minsk's 3-0 friendly triumph over ABFF U19 on Wednesday and will seek to earn her competitive debut in front of the home fans against Dnepr Mogilev on Sunday.  

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Liverpool director steps back to 'focus on potential sale by FSG'

Bayern Munich will face PSG in Sunday's Champions League final in Lisbon after Serge Gnabry inspired them to a last-four triumph over Lyon.

Serge Gnabry was the hero as Bayern Munich defeated a game Lyon 3-0 to book their place in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Five days on from the 8-2 obliteration of Barcelona, Bayern avoided an upset against a Lyon side who had shocked Manchester City to reach Wednesday's semi-final at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Germany winger Gnabry, a scorer in the Barca rout, was influential, smashing in a stunning 18th-minute opener following a lively Lyon start before adding a much easier second.

The prolific Robert Lewandowski added his 55th goal of an incredible season in the closing stages for the Bundesliga champions.

Lyon found some encouragement in the second half but there is little doubt Bayern deserve their spot in the showpiece on Sunday, when they will aim to complete a second treble in seven years.

Memphis Depay shot wide when attempting to round Manuel Neuer following a rare Thiago Alcantara error and Karl Toko Ekambi struck the post as Lyon threatened dangerously early on the break.

Leon Goretzka's scuffed effort had Anthony Lopes scrambling before Gnabry darted in from the right and fired an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner to open the scoring in sensational fashion.

Gnabry tested Lopes again with a stinging drive and doubled the lead by tapping in after Lewandowski uncharacteristically made a hash of Ivan Perisic's low centre.

Marcelo headed Lyon's first effort on target in the 56th minute, while Ekambi wastefully shot their second straight at Neuer one on one after being found in the area by Houssem Aouar.

Philippe Coutinho brilliantly controlled and finished Thomas Muller's pass, only to be flagged offside after a slight touch from Goretzka.

But Bayern did have a third when Joshua Kimmich's delivery was met by a thumping header from Lewandowski for his 15th Champions League goal of the campaign

What does it mean? PSG a daunting road block for brilliant Bayern

Hansi Flick has completely re-energised a Bayern side many had written off under Niko Kovac since assuming the reins, at first temporarily, in November.

Bayern now stand on the cusp of a famous treble and a sixth title in Europe's premier competition. A fired-up PSG will have something to say about that, though, in what promises to be a thrilling final.

Gnabry leads the way

There was a comical moment in a news conference post-Barca where Muller twice attempted a 'Lewan-goal-ski' gag that did not quite land.

Fortunately, on the pitch his team-mate Gnabry did find the intended target with a goal worthy of any Champions League semi-final. His second was all about being in the right place at the time, but all evening Gnabry's presence caused Lyon's defence problems.

Lyon pay for wasteful Ekambi

Pep Guardiola received criticism for his tactics in City's shock loss to Lyon but early doors that his conservatism was not entirely misplaced.

The difference on this occasion is Lyon missed two great chances prior to Gnabry's opener, which set Bayern to cruise control. Had they scored either of those then who knows? Ekambi was guilty on one of those occasions and again in the second half on a disappointing night.

Key Opta Facts:

- Bayern Munich have now won 10 consecutive games in the Champions League, equalling the longest winning streak by a team in the competition’s history (achieved by Real Madrid in 2015 and Bayern themselves in 2013).
- In scoring Bayern's third goal, Robert Lewandowski became only the second player in the history of the Champions League to net 15 goals in a single campaign, along with Cristiano Ronaldo who has done so three times (in 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18).
- Lewandowski has now scored in nine consecutive Champions League games; only Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2003 (9) and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 (11) have scored in as many successive matches in the competition’s history.
- Lyon's Rayan Cherki become the youngest player to appear in the knockout stages of the Champions League, aged just 17 years and two days.

What's next?

Bayern can now begin preparations for Sunday's final at the Estadio da Luz, where they face PSG searching to become champions of Europe for a sixth time. Lyon's gallant run is over and they must get ready for a new Ligue 1 campaign.

Norway's Haaland haunts Sweden again in win

The German side continues to run rampant in the tournament behind a pair of first-half goals from the German

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry have matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as the Bayern Munich duo now have their sights set on sealing a Champions League record.

Gnabry netted a first-half brace in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, giving Bayern a 2-0 half-time lead over Ligue 1 side Lyon in the one-legged clash.

The German winger fired home Bayern's first goal just moments after seeing Lyon hit the post at the other end, giving the Bundesliga side a 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute.

He found the back of the net again just 15 minutes later, pouncing after Lewandowski was unable to fire home a cross from Ivan Perisic to double the Bavarian side's lead.

The goal was Gnabry's ninth Champions League goal of the season, with the German international scoring four goals against Tottenham and two goals against Chelsea as part of that run.

Mario Gomez is the only German player to have scored more in a single Champions League campaign, with the former striker firing 12 goals during the 2011-12 Champions League as Bayern fell to Chelsea in the tournament finale.

Bayern went on to win the title a year later in what was their most recent triumph in Europe. 

This time around, Gnabry and Lewandowski have been Bayern's two top scorers, with the duo now combining for 23 goals in the competition.

Those 23 goals have seen the duo equal Ronaldo and Bale, who fired the same amount between them during the 2013-14 Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid took down Atletico Madrid in that season's final, with Ronaldo scoring 17 goals throughout the competition and Bale chipping in a further six.

Bayern, though, have a chance to be even more prolific than that Real Madrid team, as the German side became only the fourth team in Champions League history to reach the 40-goal mark in one competition.

The only other sides to do so were Barcelona in 99-00 (45), Real Madrid in 13-14 (41) and Liverpool in 17-18 (41).

Paris Saint-Germain booked a spot in the final on Tuesday by taking down RB Leipzig, with the French side sealing a 3-0 win to advance to the Champions League final for the first time in the club's history.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo posts Instagram message thanking those who have joined him on his footballing 'journey'

The German mentor feels his players didn't want it more following their defeat to Phunya Sele Sele on Wednesday night

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp believes his players took the game against Bloemfontein Celtic too easily. 

The Glamour Boys suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Phunya Sele Sele despite first taking the lead through Eric Mathoho. 

Middendorp made four changes to the side that beat Polokwane City 3-2 last weekend, and the Amakhosi coach said he expected those who contributed to the team's win to apply themselves in a similar way against Celtic but he admits it just didn't work.  

"It is always something [that happens] when you take it too easy. I think we had this problem today," Middendorp told SuperSportTV.  

"We were thinking with this setup, how we turned around the Polokwane City game, started today and we were thinking we will take this drive into this game. Unfortunately, it didn't work."

Middendorp feels his players lacked the energy required after going 1-0 up in the first half while he also believes Celtic made it difficult for them by putting more numbers in front of their goalkeeper.  

"We had a 1-0 lead and again it's all about the energy, it's all about how we approach the game and the entire second half of the game... yeah, we haven't done it right. On the other hand, good, Bloemfontein Celtic is a difficult team to play against - they did things right, simple, easy and they put up the wall. 

"At a certain moment, into the right, defending a set-piece with balls bringing in a font in the half-spaces on top of the defence line and we had a lot of issues and challenges there." 

The 61-year-old mentor explained the decision to withdraw Lebogang Manyama at the start of the second half. 

"Manyama already had a certain challenge in terms of a hamstring and it was a risk already to bring him in today. I could see he wasn't free to move." 

"On the right-hand side, we had some problems and I wanted to block it. It was a little bit more solid with Reeve (Frosler) and Daniel Cardoso but unfortunately, more or less in the first second of the second half, we conceded a goal again through this channel. It didn't work," he admitted.  

As disappointing the defeat was to millions of Amakhosi fans, Middendorp warned that every team they play will be difficult to beat at this stage of the season although he reiterated his charges were not in it to win on the night; something he said they will discuss in the next few days before the Stellenbosch FC game on Sunday. 

"Yeah, it is definitely. As I said, it is not about bigger teams or smaller teams. Whatever team you are playing is a big team. Every team has a certain issue. They will be deeply disappointed; there is no doubt about it. 

"We haven't really approached it like we wanted to win. We wanted to do it today and take another big step and that is what we have to discuss among ourselves to be better prepared for Sunday," concluded Middendorp.

Original author: Ernest Makhaya

MLS to look at Timbers' handling of Polo allegation

The goalkeeper will spend at least one more season at the Etihad after joining last summer from Derby County

Manchester City have confirmed that goalkeeper Scott Carson has extended his loan deal with the club for another season.

Carson joined the club last summer on a one-year loan deal from Derby County, having been with the Championship side since 2015.

The 34-year-old has served as backup to both Ederson and Claudio Bravo, with the latter leaving the club this summer following the expiration of his contract.

Bravo looks set to join Real Betis, ending his four-year stay in the Premier League.

Carson didn't make any appearances for Man City this season after making over 150 during his time at Derby, although he was on the bench for the final four Premier League matches in July and was part of the Champions League squad in Lisbon.

The goalkeeper has also featured for the likes of West Brom, Liverpool, Leeds and Turkish side Bursaspor throughout his 18-year career.

He was a member of Liverpool's 2004-05 Champions League-winning squad, having also won the Super Cup during his time at Anfield.

Carson has earned five caps for England, having featured as part of Fabio Capello's 2006 World Cup squad in Germany

With Carson and Ederson already at the Etihad, Manchester City are set to turn to Zack Steffen to serve as the Brazilian's No.2 next season.

Steffen spent this past season on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf after originally joining Manchester City from the Columbus Crew.

The U.S. men's national team goalkeeper saw parts of last season derailed by injury, although he started 17 consecutive matches to start the season before dealing with two knee issues.

Steffen is expected to be Manchester City's cup goalkeeper with Pep Guardiola expected to turn to the American in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Meanwhile, Aro Muric is expected to go out on loan once again after a disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest and has been linked with Championship side Rotherham.

Manchester City finished this season second in the Premier League, having won the Carabao Cup, while they fell in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in a loss to Arsenal.

The season also ended on a disappointing note, with a Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of underdogs Lyon in Lisbon.

Premier League Team of the Week - Round 12

The Austrian youth international of Nigerian origin got a treble as the Young Bulls edged the French team in a seven-goal thriller

Chukwubuike Adamu helped himself to a hat-trick as Red Bull Salzburg came from behind to win 4-3 and end Lyon’s Uefa Youth League hopes at Nyon’s Colovray Stadium.

Lyon were eying a place in the last four for the first time in their history and they were going through when Yaya Soumare opened the scoring after 30 minutes.

A ball hoisted over their strike force was reached by the speedy Soumare, who pipped Jusuf Gazibegovic to it at the far post and headed past goalkeeper Daniel Antosch.

10 minutes later, Nigeria prospect Bryan Okoh levelled matters for Bo Svensson’s wards after leaping higher than the entire French backline to head home Gazibegovic’s corner kick.

On the stroke of half-time, Adamu put the Austrians ahead after his header from Luka Sucic looped over the hapless Mamadou Ousmane who was in goal for Lyon.

Salzburg pushed on impeccably at the start of the second half with pouring attacks. It was not long until they got their reward as Adamu fired past the goalkeeper from close range after he was played in beautifully by German-Nigerian Karin Adeyemi.

The 19-year-old completed his treble a minute later after smashing home after Adeyemi squared the ball perfectly to him.

Florent da Silva made amends for his earlier penalty miss by giving the French side their second goal of the evening in the 71st minute courtesy of an assist from El Hadj Coly.

Eight minutes later, Eli Wissa powered home the third goal after breaking past three Salzburg defenders before beating Antosch in goal.

Despite Lyon’s late resurgence, they could not get the much-needed equaliser as Svensson’s boys cruised into the competition’s last four where they face Real Madrid. The Spaniards silenced Inter Milan 3-0 courtesy of second-half goals from Marvin Park, Miguel Gutierrez and Ivan Ruiz.

Manager Svensson described the game as ‘weird’ while claiming there is room for improvement for his team.

“It was a really weird match right from the start,” he was quoted by the club website.

“On the whole, it wasn't a superb performance from us - we are capable of playing much better. It was warm out there, but we need to be in better shape at the end of the match.”

Original author: Shina Oludare

Were, Calabar have not been convincing for Harambee Stars recently - Okwemba

The right-back has tested positive and is the first high profile cases amongst active professional footballers…

ATK Mohun Bagan defender Boris Singh Thangjam has tested positive for the Coronavirus, Goal can confirm.

This is the first case of Covid-19 among active high-profile footballers in India.

The 20-year-old was to undergo strength and conditioning training in the city of Bengaluru ahead of the new season of ISL. The player underwent a Covid-19 test which turned out to be positive. However, sources close to the player have informed that no symptoms have been visible yet.

He is in a stable condition and is observing isolation protocols in his home.

The 18-year-old was a key member of India's FIFA U-17 World Cup squad last season and subsequently attracted eyeballs with his impressive performances in the I-League
Although he was a consistent performer for Indian Arrows for two season, the youngster is yet to make his first team debut for ATKMB in the ISL. 

He had appeared for the team's Reserve side last season in the Durand Cup.

Boris had been earmarked as a huge talent ever since he caught the All India Football Federation (AIFF) scouts' eye when he led Manipur to the U14 national championship title in 2013.

He was also part of the India U20 team beat Argentina 2-1 in the COTIF tournament in Spain under Floyd Pinto's tutelage.

Goal wishes the youngster a speedy recovery.

Original author: Ashwin Muralidharan

Revealed: Harambee Stars XI vs Rwanda - Johanna starts as Mulee rings changes

The Bundesliga outfit has high hopes for the 15-year-old forward, who is training with the first-team squad

Youssoufa Moukoko has thanked Lukasz Piszczek, Emre Can and Julian Brandt for helping to ease his transition into the Borussia Dortmund senior squad.

The 15-year-old forward, who boasts an incredible record of 183 goals in 120 games for Dortmund's youth team, is working with Lucien Favre's first-team group as they prepare for the 2020-21 Bundesliga season.

Regulations in Germany's top flight mean Moukoko will not be able to make his competitive debut until he turns 16 on November 20, but he will be getting up to speed during the intervening period.

"Lukasz Piszczek helped me a lot, but Emre Can and Julian Brandt also support me," he told Bild.

On 35-year-old full-back Piszczek, Moukoko added: "He pulled me straight to the side and said, 'Just have fun, be yourself and don't be afraid with us professionals'."

In the meantime, Moukoko still has ambitions in the youth categories.

"I will use the time until November in the under-19s," he said. "I still want to break the 200-goal mark."

Giovanni Reyna, 17, was a breakthrough teenage star for Dortmund last season.

The son of former USA international Claudio Reyna, the youngster has paid tribute to the role of his late brother Jack in his formative years as a footballer.

Jack died of cancer aged 13 when Giovanni was nine.

"It was Jack who got me excited about football," he told SportBild.

"People always think that I became a footballer because my dad, Claudio, was already a professional.

"But it was my late brother who sparked my passion for football. Without Jack I wouldn't be at BVB today."

Reyna made 15 appearances in the Bundesliga last term and has said he's looking to follow in the footsteps of Dortmund's England star Jadon Sancho.

Reyna added: "Jadon's first steps when he starts dribbling are unbelievable - wow! I try to learn from him in every training session, because his development here at BVB is an incentive for me."

Sancho has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, even though sporting director Michael Zorc insists the 20-year-old will now remain at Signal Iduna Park for the forthcoming campaign.

Ralf Rangnick sends warning to Marcus Rashford over Man Utd spot

84' Cherki is being tightly marked by Pavard on the edge of the box so he lays it off to Aouar, who is in space to his right. He takes the shot first time, but it's straight at Neuer who holds onto it.

80' OFFSIDE! Coutinho has the ball in the back of the net but it doesn't count! Lewandowski looks like he's going for goal from outside the area but it's picked up by Coutinho in the six-yard box and he taps it past Lopes. Goretzka got a touch on the way through though which meant that he was offside.

78' Coutinho's run down the left isn't picked up by Lyon and he cuts inside onto his right foot so he can have a shot. He's curling it towards the bottom corner, but Tete gets an important touch to take it wide.

77' Bayern have all of their players sitting deep in their own half as Lyon continue to push forward in search of a goal. Aouar pulls away from Thiago on the left again, but this time, he can't pick out a team-mate in the box with his cross.

75' Aouar gets past Davies as he drifts into the box from the left and then gets ahead of Thiago to cut the ball back into the middle. He picks out Dembele but he drags his shot and can't send it towards goal.

72' Lyon are on the attack again now and Cornet finds himself in space down the left. He has two to aim for in the middle as he swings his cross into the box, but it's just over Dembele's head at the far post.

70' Dembele makes a good run through the middle and it's spotted by Aouar who tries to pick him out with a throughball. Sule is in the right place though and makes an important interception to clear his lines.

68' GOOD CHANCE! It's another chance for Lewandowski and he can't take this one either! It's a great ball over the top from Goretzka and he gets in between the defenders again. He gets it wrong though and can't make contact with it as it bounces through to Lopes.

65' Bayern are happy to just keep possession in their own half at the moment as they try to slow down the pace of the game after Lyon's recent attacks. The French side are trying to close them down quickly but they can't get close to the ball.

62' Lyon are keeping the ball much better now and are starting to move it upfield with a lot more pace. Bayern are trying to close them down quickly and are so far stopping them from getting into the final third.

60' Toko Ekambi has drifted out to the right to pick up the ball this time and he whips a dangerous looking cross into the box. It's ahead of Dembele though and there's nothing he can do to stop it going out. 

58' GREAT SAVE! Sule's clearance hits Dembele and he touches it onto Aouar. He has space on the left and he squares his low cross to Toko Ekambi on the other side. He takes the shot first time, but Neuer rushes over to him to smother the shot.

56' GOOD CHANCE! Marcelo has a good chance from the resulting corner as he rises to get on the end of it. He flicks his header towards goal, but Neuer gets down quickly to hold onto it. 

55' It's good build-up from Lyon as they work it out to Dubois on the right. He curls a dangerous cross in the box towards Depay, but it's blocked by Sule. There are shouts from the Lyon captain for a penalty as he feels it was handball, but nothing's given.

53' Depay holds the ball up well on the left wing under pressure from two Bayern defenders and manages to lay it off towards Mendes. He's brought down by Muller and Aouar's free-kick doesn't beat the first man.

51' GOOD SAVE! Perisic has a lot of room when he gets the ball on the edge of the box. He tries to curl his shot into the bottom corner but doesn't get any power behind the shot and Lopes gets down quickly to make the save.

50' Gnabry makes a good run down the right and Thiago plays another pass over the top to try and pick him out. Denayer spots the danger though and slides in to nick it off him before he can put a cross in.

48' Muller's run through the middle of the box isn't picked up by any of the Lyon defenders as Goretzka whips a cross into him. It's just ahead of him though and it bounces into Lopes' gloves.

46' Lyon get us back underway for the second half! 

Bayern have looked dangerous each time they've gone forward and they could've had more had it not been for Lopes. He'll want to see more of the same after the break to put the game out of reach. As for Lyon, they've struggled since the goals went in and they need to move quicker upfield and get the forwards more involved if they want to get back into the game.

Gnabry's brace gives Bayern a 2-0 lead over Lyon at the break. The French side made a bright start to the game with Depay sending an early shot into the side netting and Toko Ekambi hitting the post. One minute after that chance, Gnabry fired a powerful shot past Lopes and into the top corner. He then tapped in a second after Lewandowski's shot was parried to him by the keeper.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME:  LYON 0-2 BAYERN MUNICH.

44' Goretzka finds himself in a pocket of space just outside the box and decides to go for goal. It's a powerful shot, but it bounces off Lewandowski as he can't get out of the way.

40' Lyon are still trying to push forward and Caqueret lifts a ball over the top, looking for Toko Ekambi. He gets away from Boateng and Neuer rushes out of his box again, but luckily for him, a heavy touch from the forward ends the attack.

38' GOOD CHANCE! Gnabry cuts inside from the right and curls a dangerous cross into the far post. Lewandowski pulls away from both his defenders and sticks out a leg to tap it in, but misses the ball and it bounces wide.

37' Thiago nicks the ball off Caqueret in midfield to stop Lyon's patient attack and he plays it out wide to Davies. He has a lot of space to run into and he squares a cross into the box, but it's blocked by Marcelo in the middle.

31' Lewandowski lays the ball off to Perisic on the edge of the box before continuing his run to get on the return. He gets the return and turns it towards goal but Lopes rushes off his line to block it at close range.

29' Gnabry is one of only four players to have been directly involved in 10+ goals in the Champions League this season, along with Lewandowski (19), Erling Haaland (11) and Kylian Mbappe (10).

27' Davies has a lot of space to run into down the left and he drifts into the box. He's the furthest one forward for Bayern so he goes for goal himself and Lopes kicks it away but the flag has gone up for offside against him.

25' GOOD SAVE! Perisic's cross is cleared at the far post by Marcal but he doesn't spot Gnabry hovering behind him and he brings it down. He keeps his shot low as he drills it across goal and Lopes gets down well to push it away.

24' Lyon have all of their players sitting back in their own half at the moment as Bayern continue to keep possession and patiently move upfield in search of a second goal.

22' Thiago steps up to take the free-kick for Bayern on the right and he floats the ball over the wall into the box. Muller peels away from his defender but scuffs the shot and it's a comfortable save for Lopes.

20' Bayern are on the attack again following the restart and this time, Thiago is looking to pick out Lewandowski's run through the middle into the box. He can't bring it down though and it bounces kindly for Lopes.

17' OFF THE POST! Toko Ekambi turns away from Davies and has a clear run on goal. The left-back does get a touch on the ball but Toko Ekambi recovers it and cuts back onto his left foot before hitting his low shot off the near post.

15' The last time Lyon and Bayern met was also in the Champions League semi-finals, with Bayern winning 4-0 on aggregate in 2009-10.

13' Lyon are causing Bayern some real problems here down the left side as Cornet's run isn't spotted by Kimmich and he has space to run into. He tries to square it into the middle for Depay but Boateng slides in to block it.

11' GOOD SAVE! Goretzka gets on the end of Lewandowski's cross in the middle of the box but doesn't get any power behind his shot when he turns it towards goal. Lopes had come off his line though and scrambles back to push it just wide of the post.

10' Kimmich does really well to keep the ball in play on the right after play is switched to him and Marcal doesn't spot his run. He swings a cross into the near post, but Marcelo gets ahead of Lewandowski to clear it.

8' Caqueret takes a heavy touch of the ball on the edge of the box and has it nicked off him by Perisic. It's a nervy moment for the midfielder, but he recovers well to win it back and set his team on the attack.

6' Kimmich goes across to take a corner for Bayern and he swings in a cross to the near post. None of his team-mates have made that run though and Denayer is in the right place to clear his lines.

4' GREAT CHANCE! Caqueret intercepts Thiago's pass before playing a wonderful throughball into Depay through the middle. Neuer rushes off his line and Depay takes it around him but he curls his shot into the side netting.

2' Bayern are keeping the ball well in the opening couple of minutes and Davies is making a driving run down the left wing. He cuts it back, looking for Muller on the edge of the box, but it's behind him and Lyon come away with it.

1' Muller gets the game underway for Bayern!

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

This will be Bayern's 12th appearance in a Champions League semi-final, but the German side have failed to progress from each of their last four since winning the competition back in 2012-13.

Unsurprisingly, Hansi Flick also names an unchanged team to the one that beat Barcelona. They also have Pavard back on the bench after his return to training.

Rudi Garcia names an unchanged side from the one that beat Man City on Saturday for today's game. Dembele starts on the bench again despite scoring twice as a substitute in that victory.

BAYERN MUNICH SUBS: Michael Cuisance, Corentin Tolisso, Sven Ulreich, Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Sule, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, Javi Martinez, Philippe Coutinho, Joshua Zirkzee, Alvaro Odriozola, Lucas Hernandez, Kingsley Coman.

BAYERN MUNICH STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba, Alphonso Davies; Thiago, Leon Goretzka; Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Ivan Perisic; Robert Lewandowski.

LYON SUBS: Jean Lucas, Rayan Cherki, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Sinaly Diomande, Bertrand Traore, Joachim Andersen, Moussa Dembele, Ciprian Tatarusanu, Kenny Tete, Thiago Mendes, Rafael, Melvin Bard.

LYON STARTING XI (3-5-2): Anthony Lopes; Jason Denayer, Marcelo, Marcal; Leo Dubois, Maxence Caqueret, Bruno Guimaraes, Houssem Aouar, Maxwel Cornet; Memphis Depay, Karl Toko Ekambi.

Bayern are strong favourites to win this game after cruising past Barcelona in the quarter-final with an 8-2 victory on Friday as they look to reach the final and lift the trophy for the first time since 2013. They face a Lyon side who won't make things easy for them though as they've already knocked out Serie A champions Juventus and saw off Manchester City with a 3-1 win last time out as they aim to reach their first Champions League final.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Champions League semi-final between Lyon and Bayern Munich at the Estadio Jose Alvalade!


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