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'Who will join me to party tonight?' – Adepoju revels in Real Madrid’s LaLiga success

Thanks to their victory over Villarreal, Zinedine Zidane’s men tied up their first league title since 2017 to the delight of the African football icon

Mutiu Adepoju is among those revelling in LaLiga success of Real Madrid after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat of Villarreal on Thursday.

Karim Benzema scored a goal in each half as Los Blancos clinched a 34th Spanish elite division title at the expense of Barcelona that bowed 2-1 at home to Osasuna.

The Frenchman opened the scoring after 29 minutes as Casemiro picked off Sofian Chakla’s pass and Luka Modric laid into the path of Benzema who scored through the legs of Sergio Asenjo.

Zinedine Zidane’s men were gifted a chance to double the lead when Los Blancos were awarded a penalty by referee Alejandro Hernandez after Chakla clipped Sergio Ramos who whizzed forward.

In the resulting kick, the captain cheekily passed the ball off the spot for Benzema to score, only for the latter to have encroached, but Benzema clinically dispatched the re-take into the bottom-left corner.

With seven minutes left to play, Vicente Iborra pulled one back for the Yellow Submarine, albeit, that could not deny the hosts all points at stake.

Fuelled by the excitement of seeing his former team crowned as Spanish league champions, the Nigerian football great and LaLiga ambassador took to social media to celebrate the feat in a series of tweets.

“I feel on cloud nine tonight seeing my darling team win their 34th LaLiga Santander title after defeating Villarreal,” the former Real Sociedad and Racing Santander man tweeted.

“From coach Zizou down to captain Ramos and Benzema, the victory is very well deserved following the extraordinary hard work.

“Kudos to you all. Now, we have the Champions League to fight for! Until then, Who will join me to party tonight? #HalaMadrid.”

Real Madrid will celebrate their title triumph with a trip to Leganes, while Villarreal end their campaign at home to Eibar.

After that, Zidane and his men will focus their attention on the Champions League’s diadem. Having bowed 2-1 in their Round of 16 first leg clash against Manchester City, they must now erase their deficit in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Should they defeat Pep Guardiola’s men over two legs, they will face either Lyon or Juventus for a place in the semi-final.

Original author: Shina Oludare

I'd be honoured to play for either team, says St. Louis FC's Malaysia prospect Wan Kuzri

US-based teenager Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal finally joined the Malaysia U-19 centralised camp on Thursday.

Having gone through his Covid-19 precautionary quarantine following his arrival in Malaysia, US-based teenager Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal finally joined the Malaysia U-19 centralised camp on Thursday.

"My quarantine involved a lot of sleeping, trying to adjust to the 14-hour time difference. But I also tried to stay active, workouts in my room, [going on] the exercise bike, just moving as much as I can. I think I did a pretty good job!" 

As expected, the 18-year old garnered most of the media attention just before the evening training began at the Malaysian FA (FAM) headquarters in Kelana Jaya.

"It's definitely been a long time coming," said Kuzri. "I'd just been waiting for my [Malaysia youth team] call-up and I finally got it. Now I look forward to proving that I belong and that I can make it (called up for 2020 AFC U-19 Championship).

"I don't know much about the team because I came here with an open mind, I want to see where I can fit in and adapt in the team."

The teenager who plays for USL Championship side St. Louis FC's junior team also spoke about the advice given to him by two of his prominent elder brothers.

21-year old Wan Kuzain is a midfielder for MLS club Sporting Kansas City's reserve team, while 33-year old Wan Ahmad Fayhsal was recently appointed Malaysia's deputy minister of youth and sports.

"They just told me that this is a good chance for me to make a good impression on the team, and that I should play as well as I always do."

His absence from club commitment too was well-received by St. Louis according to him, although he clarified that he has yet to make up his mind about committing fully to USA or Malaysia. 

"They (St. Louis) congratulated me; obviously they still want me there, but they think this is a big opportunity for me to come out here and prove myself.

"I'd be honored to represent either USA or Malaysia."

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Original author: Zulhilmi Zainal

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Barcelona to offer Griezmann in exchange for Dybala

The defender lifted the La Liga trophy on Thursday and the president wants to see him retire with the club

Florentino Perez is sure Sergio Ramos will end his career at Real Madrid after leading them to their 34th La Liga title on Thursday.

Los Blancos' 2-1 victory over Villarreal secured their first league title since 2016-17 as they brought great rivals Barcelona's grip on the trophy to a close.

Ramos was influential throughout the campaign, scoring five times in the previous 10 La Liga games, to collect a fifth title-winners' medal of his illustrious Real Madrid career.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and said he would like to finish his career with Madrid, though admitted it was dependent on what Perez wanted.

Ramos had been linked with a departure in 2019, with rumours circulating he could head to China, although he has since recommitted his future to Real Madrid.

The club president is also keen for Ramos to end his playing days in the famous white shirt, saying that he fully expects him to stay on with the club going forward.

"Ramos will surely end his career at Madrid," Perez told Movistar.

"Although there is talk of that, it will not change, everyone is calm. He is more than a captain. He has led the team with enormous leadership."

Perez also hailed coach Zinedine Zidane for bringing the title back to the Spanish capital.

Zidane won La Liga and three successive Champions Leagues in his first stint as boss and only returned in March last year after answering an SOS from Perez.

Though Madrid have not always been as thrilling to watch as in recent seasons, Perez knows the importance of the Frenchman.

"He has won a title every 19 games," he said. "It is a blessing from heaven and that he is with us for a long time.

"They criticise him for what they want. We will continue to win titles."

Madrid have been relentless since the restart following the coronavirus-enforced break, winning all 10 of their matches, and Perez has been impressed by the team's consistency.

"We have trained well and we have had the mentality to return with the desire to win this title," he added.

"The strength we had has been seen by everyone. It will go down in Madrid's history."

Original author: Liam Blackburn

'He's a shy lad settling into a new reality' - Inter boss Conte expecting more from Eriksen

The manager insisted the midfielder is still adapting to a new league after recalling him for Thursday's win at SPAL

Antonio Conte is "pleased" for Christian Eriksen but admits he wants to see more from the playmaker once he fully settles into life at Inter.

The Denmark international returned to Inter's starting line-up for Thursday's 4-0 win over bottom side SPAL after being brought on as a late substitute in their last two matches.

Eriksen has struggled for form since the three-month hiatus and there have been suggestions he could be sold at the end of the season, six months after joining from Tottenham.

But while Conte believes the 28-year-old can still develop his game in some areas, he is happy with the improvements already made since arriving in January. 

"Christian is working, he's trying to get into the mechanisms of the team and of a league that is much more tactical than in England," Conte told DAZN.

"He's a player with quality who is trying to improve, to be more aggressive when in pressing, which is what we are asking of him.

"I'm pleased for him, but he has to keep working, just like the others. He is quite a shy lad who is settling into a new reality, a new type of football. 

"He's a really good guy and didn't arrive with any arrogance. At the same time, he must understand shyness is fine off the field.

"But he has to adapt and understand certain situations. He creates no problems, he wants to achieve important things with Inter."

Alexis Sanchez stole the show against SPAL by setting up Antonio Candreva for the opener, playing a part in Cristiano Biraghi's strike and then heading in the third before Roberto Gagliardini rounded things off.

The Chile forward is set to return to Manchester United when his loan spell expires at the end of the elongated campaign but Conte is delighted with the impact he has made.

"Alexis is a player we wanted strongly – he has important characteristics," Conte said. "He came from two bad seasons at United but I knew what kind of player we were taking.

"It's a loan deal and United are paying a good part of his salary. Now he is starting to feel good. 

"For now he is a player who has rediscovered his form and wants to play. He is hungry and I am happy for him because he has suffered. He is certainly an extra weapon for us."

Back-to-back wins for Inter in the space of four days, combined with three games without a win for Juventus, lifts them up to second and within six points of top spot.

Conte is glad that his side are starting to show some consistency but acknowledges the title is still Juve's to lose as they boast a six-point lead with five games to go. 

"The important thing for us was to send a signal of our consistency, our belief, hunger and determination, because these games on paper might seem easy, but we know there's nothing easy," Conte said at his post-match news conference.

"SPAL were tough opponents and kept going. We wanted to secure a Champions League spot, position ourselves in second place again and get closer to those ahead of us, even if they are still a long way away.

"I think the signals sent by the team are ones of mental strength, even if we had a few hiccups along the way and paid a heavy price for them.

"The championship is certainly in the hands of Juventus. We must try to continue to do well and improve, to think about only us. 

"Now we have a difficult game against Roma and we have little time to recover. If we want to put pressure on those in front we will have to win."

'I don't know if I'll be coaching Barca in the Champions League' - Setien acknowledges his job could be at risk after title defeat

The Spanish head coach has admitted that the Blaugrana's domestic failings could cost him his position at Camp Nou

Quique Setien says he doesn't know if he'll still be coaching Barcelona when they resume their Champions League campaign in August, as he acknowledged his job could be at risk after the team's failed La Liga title defence.

Barca's chances of winning a third consecutive Spanish top-flight crown were dashed when Real Madrid picked up a 2-1 win at home to Villarreal on Thursday night.

Setien's men needed to win against Osasuna at Camp Nou while hoping their arch-rivals dropped points, but they slumped to their sixth defeat of the season.

Jose Arnaiz opened the scoring for the visitors when he volleyed past Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca net with just 15 minutes on the clock, much to the dismay of Setien and his staff in the dugout.

Barca toiled in vain for an equaliser until Lionel Messi stepped up to take a free-kick just after the hour mark, and the Argentine produced a trademark finish to haul the home side level.

Unfortunately, the Blaugrana were unable to build on the Argentine's moment of magic, and Osasuna snatched all three points in stoppage when Roberto Torres steered the ball into the net following a swift counter-attack.

Madrid's 34th La Liga title was confirmed after the final whistle, while Barca now only have the Champions League left to play for, with their round of 16-second leg tie against Napoli set to take place in Lisbon next month.

After watching his side suffer a damaging 2-1 defeat in their own backyard, Setien admitted that his time in charge at Camp Nou could draw to a close before European football resumes.

He told reporters post-match: "I hope to be the Barcelona coach in the Champions League but I don't know."

Lionel Messi was scathing in his assessment of Barca's form in 2020 following the Osasuna defeat, as he expressed his belief that they made it easy for Madrid to win back La Liga.

Setien says he understands the Argentine's frustrations, but also believes that the Blaugrana have been the victims of bad luck on several occasions in their quest for continued domestic dominance.

"I agree with Messi on some things," he added. "We have to do self-criticism and if we don't do it, it will cost us anything we want to do.

"We have tried to improve during these months that we have been here, there are things that have cost us and [overshadowed the] many times that we have done well.

"It all comes down to success, today the opponent shot three times and scored two goals, we had fifteen [shots] and we were not right."

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Thiago agrees to Liverpool move

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

'We have earned the right to smile' - Solskjaer lauds 'fantastic' Man Utd after crucial win at Palace

The Norwegian highlighted how far his side has come in 2020 following a hard-earned victory at Selhurst Park

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded his "fantastic" Manchester United squad after a crucial win over Crystal Palace, insisting the players "have earned the right" to smile.

United put the disappointment of Monday's 2-2 draw at home to Southampton behind them by picking up all three points against the Eagles on Thursday night.

Solskjaer's men needed a victory to keep pace with Leicester and Chelsea in the race for a top-four finish, and ran out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Palace proved stiff opposition throughout the 90 minutes with their high press and pace on the counter, but the Red Devils made the most of their opportunities and defended resolutely against the threat of Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew.

Rashford's opener came right on half-time, as he completely deceived the Palace defence with a lovely change of direction after receiving the ball from Bruno Fernandes in the box, before slotting the ball past Vicente Guaita.

The home side had their chances in the second period, but United doubled their advantage through Anthony Martial, who produced an expert finish after being played in by Rashford with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The Red Devils have now gone 19 games unbeaten, and they will be guaranteed a place in the Champions League if they win their final two fixtures, with Solskjaer pleased to see the team come through another tough test.

The Norwegian believes his side have made great strides forward since last month's Premier League restart, as he told BBC Sport post-match: "It is a tight game and didn't get the rhythm in our passing but two fantastic goals won it for us.

"The finish was great for Marcus Rashford's goal but there was quick inter-changing passing in the build-up. We did not do it enough because they are a handful to play against, they have to trust themselves more.

"It looked like Victor Lindelof kicks the ball first and it is a tight decision but probably the same on Anthony Martial. I don't think it was a penalty.

"When we go the second goal, that is when they started strutting about. It is tight scheduling but we cannot afford starts like this.

"Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are enjoying themselves, when they go out onto the pitch for a shift, they go out with a smile and they defend each other too.

"We need to smile and go into this, we have earned this right, no-one thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four. We have done fantastic since the restart.

"These are the games that matter. That is the thing at Manchester United, you have to step up and show your personality."

'Everything Zidane touches turns into gold!' - Ramos praises 'unique' Real Madrid boss after La Liga triumph

The Spanish defender has credited his manager for leading the Blancos to their 34th Spanish title

Sergio Ramos has praised Zinedine Zidane as "unique" after Real Madrid's La Liga title triumph , insisting everything the Frenchman "touches turns into gold".

Madrid headed into a meeting with Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night knowing a victory would see them crowned champions of Spain for only the third time in the last decade.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for the hosts, as he produced a cool finish in the box after being played in by Luka Modric on the half-hour mark.

The Blancos were made to wait for their second goal of the night, which came when Ramos won a penalty in the 77th minute.

The Madrid captain stepped up to take the penalty, but he chose to lay the ball off to Benzema to score his second, only for the referee to pull play back and demand a retake.

Benzema stepped up from the spot the second time around and found the net for his 21st La Liga goal of the season, which proved to be the winner.

Villarreal got on the scoresheet late on through Vicente Iborra, but Madrid held on for a 2-1 victory to wrestle the domestic crown back from arch-rivals Barcelona - who were beaten 2-1 by Osasuna at Camp Nou.

Ramos paid tribute to Zidane in his post-match interview with La Liga TV , while expressing his hope that the 48-year-old remains in charge for years to come.

"Everything Zidane touches turns into gold," said the Madrid defender. "We believe in him and in his work. He's the one who has to make the difference, he's a person who trusts players, and few do.

"We hope he stays here for a very long time, he is unique."

Ramos went on to insist that Madrid have fully deserved their success in 2019-20, dismissing critics who have pointed to their luck with VAR decisions since the resumption of the campaign last month.

He said: "The title is a reward for work, consistency and balance. What we have done has great value, despite what they may say.

“Work, when you do it right, is rewarded. There is a lot of merit in winning these 10 games in a row. 

“It was an atypical season, we had to win everything, we did not depend on ourselves at the start. The margin of error did not exist in our heads and we have shown it. 

"These matches cannot be won comfortably. We have 34 Ligas and this is my fifth with Real Madrid, I am very happy. "

Ramos added on his own future at the Bernabeu after entering the final year of his current contract: "Whatever the president wants, I would be delighted, I would like to end my career here. 

"I don't think there will be a problem, either for me or for the president."

Zidane favours Real Madrid's La Liga triumph over Champions League success

The Frenchman was quick to distinguish between the two competitions after celebrating more silverware on Thursday

Zinedine Zidane described Real Madrid's latest La Liga triumph as one of his best days in the professional game and declared it sweeter than his Champions League triumphs.

Karim Benzema scored twice as Los Blancos defeated Villarreal 2-1 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano to secure the trophy with a game to spare.

Madrid won 10 straight games since La Liga restarted after the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, while it marks the first silverware they have won since Zidane returned for a second spell as head coach in March 2019.

Zidane has now won 11 trophies over his two spells and dedicated the title to Madrid's supporters, who could only watch at home as restrictions remain in place due to Covid-19.

"We won the league in the end because we won the most points it's as simple as that," he told La Liga's coverage of the game. 

"Today is one of the best days for me as a professional and after everything that happened, the three-month break, it's fantastic what's been achieved.

"It's strange for everyone, we can't control the situation, we would have loved to be with the supporters, hopefully that can happen further down the line but for a question of health that can't happen.

"But I'm sure the supporters are happy celebrating at home. I say hello to all those supporters watching at home."

Zidane led Madrid to three straight Champions League titles during his first stint but when asked if this achievement was better, he replied: "Yes, yes.

"Look, the Champions League is the Champions League but the Spanish league requires such an amount of effort. 38 weeks and effort and at the end of those 38 weeks you have more points than everyone else. It's fantastic."

Zidane said Madrid's achievement would not be possible if it were not for the entire efforts of everyone in his squad, including those on the fringe who have not featured as often as their core regulars.

"Well I have my role to play, I believe in the players and I'm just happy for them because they're a group of humans before footballers, they're good people," Zidane added.

"I'm just happy, I'm very content.

"Even the players who didn't play as much they were committed, there are always players who play more and players who play less but you have to give something to the team even if you're one of those who's not playing more.

"If you want to win things, everyone has to contribute, it's difficult to win every week, there are 38 weeks - look at us we're winning it on the penultimate match day."

Original author: Peter Hanson

Video: ZeBet Match Week Preview: Chelsea vs Burnley

The Red Devils were on the right end of a tight decision made by the controversial officiating system

Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford admits players don't know what to expect from VAR after Crystal Palace were denied an equaliser in a 2-0 loss to the Red Devils on Thursday night

After Rashford had opened the scoring in first-half injury time, Roy Hodgson's side thought they had pulled level in the 55th minute only for VAR to decide after a significant delay that Jordan Ayew was marginally offside. 

The Red Devils have had a joint-high seven goals scored against them ruled out by VAR this season in the Premier League but both sides were also unlucky not to be awarded penalties on Thursday.  

All in all, Rashford concedes VAR has been nearly impossible to predict, but stressed his side's win is what really matters as United kept pace with the top-four. 

"With VAR you do not know what to expect. It can be difficult at times for both teams," Rashford told BT Sport post-match.

"Every game for us now is a big game, we were scoring goals for fun before Southampton and the last two have been difficult games, we have to work double hard to win today.

"I am trying to be clever inside the box and find half a yard to get a shot off. We have bee improving in our pattern of play. The beginning of the game was very tough.

"Anthony Martial has done a lot of work today and makes himself available to receive the ball. It is always good when your strikers can score.

"We have to go and win every game, that has been the goal for the past few weeks but today has been good to refocus."

Palace chairman Steve Parish took aim at VAR on Twitter, while Ayew, who had his strike ruled out for offside and was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, feels his side aren't getting the rub of the green when it comes to referee decisions.

"We're just unlucky at the moment, I'm not going to comment [on the penalty decision]. We'll keep pushing and working hard," he told BT Sport. 

"We played really well. We're unlucky not to come out with a point. We’ll try and win the next two games so we can start next season better.

"There's some games where we played well. Home against Chelsea and Man Utd today. We gave them a good game. I'm not going to cry and complain, we just need to keep pushing."

Original author: Josh Thomas

Vakoun Bayo: KAA Gent sign Celtic forward

Inter cruised to a 4-0 win over strugglers SPAL on Thursday to make it back-to-back victories as they closed the gap on Juventus.

Alexis Sanchez scored one and set up another as Inter saw off bottom side SPAL 4-0 at Stadio Paolo Mazza to move up to second place in Serie A and within six points of leaders Juventus.

Reigning champions Juve dropped points for the third game running in Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Sassuolo and Inter took full advantage a little over 24 hours on.

Antonio Candreva opened the scoring with a first-half strike for the visitors, who rested Romelu Lukaku, Stefan de Vrij and a number of other first-team players.

Sanchez set up that goal, played a part in Cristiano Biraghi's drive the other side of half-time and then headed in a third for Antonio Conte's men, before Roberto Gagliardini rounded things off.

SPAL were nearly behind inside five minutes as Marcelo Brozovic's shot clipped the post.

The hosts held Milan to a draw here two weeks ago, though, and they gave Inter a scare when Andrea Petagna's deflected shot on the turn hit the crossbar.

But Conte's side edged in front eight minutes before half-time through Candreva's clinical finish past Karlo Letica after being played in by Sanchez.

The hosts were further dismayed three minutes later as a penalty shout for Samir Handanovic's challenge on Gabriel Strefezza was turned down following a VAR check.

Inter extended their lead nine minutes after the restart - Biraghi cutting inside and picking out the bottom corner with a good finish.

Sanchez was involved in that goal and Biraghi repaid the favour by swinging in a cross for the loanee to head in from five yards out with an hour played.

A win that lifts Inter above Lazio and Atalanta was sealed by Gagliardini, who timed his run well to tap in substitute Ashley Young's cross.

What does it mean? Inter's Scudetto dream still alive

Inter looked well out of the title race after taking one point from games against Bologna and Hellas Verona, but back-to-back wins in the space of three days has changed that.

Juventus have lost one and drawn two of their last three games and play fourth-placed Lazio next, offering Conte's men hope of further closing the gap with four games to go.

Sharp Sanchez steps up again

With Lukaku being given the day off it was left to Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez to lead the line.

Sanchez was lively throughout and now has a combined eight goals and assists since last month's restart - only Juve's Cristiano Ronaldo (nine) has been directly involved in more.

Handanovic let off

The usually reliable Handanovic endured a moment to forget in the comeback win over Torino and he was perhaps fortunate to avoid giving away a first-half penalty on Thursday.

The Slovenian goalkeeper made clear contact with Strefezza inside the box, but the SPAL winger was not going to get to the ball so the referee decided against pointing to the spot.

What's next?

Inter travel to fifth-placed Roma on Sunday and SPAL take on Brescia, the side directly above them in the table, on the same day.

'A very erratic, very weak, low-intensity team' - Messi blasts Barca performance as La Liga slips away

The Argentine superstar gave a frank assessment of the Blaugrana's domestic campaign after seeing Real Madrid win the top-flight crown

Lionel Messi has blasted Barcelona's performance in 2019-20, insisting "if we continue like this, we'll lose to Napoli" in the Champions League.

Barca suffered their sixth La Liga defeat of the season on Thursday night, while Real Madrid picked up the win they needed to secure their first La Liga title since 2017 .

Quique Setien's men were humbled by Osasuna 2-1 at Camp Nou, with goals from Jose Arnaiz and Roberto Torres cancelling out a trademark Messi free-kick.

The result leaves the Blaugrana seven points behind Madrid, who beat Villarreal 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu to increase their advantage at the summit heading into the final round of fixtures.

Messi aired his frustration in a post-match interview with Movistar + , expressing his belief that Barca made it far easy for their arch-rivals to dethrone them.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner also raised doubts over the team's chances of winning their last 16 Champions League second leg tie against Napoli next month, which will be played in Lisbon with the aggregate score currently locked at 1-1.

"We didn't want to end the season like this but it represents how the season has gone," Messi began. 

"We were a very erratic, very weak, low-intensity team… We lost a lot of points and today's game is a summary of the season.

"We have to be self-critical. Starting with the players but doing a global self-criticism. We are Barca and we have to win everything. We can't look at Madrid…Madrid have done their job, but we have helped them a lot.

"If we want to win the Champions League, we have to change a lot. If we continue like this, we will lose the game against Napoli."

The Argentina international added on Barca's dip in performance levels since the turn of the year: “We have to change lots of things. We have a game against Napoli just around the corner and things have to change. I think we’ll have a break now which will be good for us to clear the heads a bit.

"January until now has been such a terrible time for everybody. I think in the Champions League there are four matches where we could turn the whole season around if we get the right results.

“I think the people here at the club will feel angry about what’s been going on this season but that’s normal, the players feel like that too, it’s logical people will be critical. I think it’s like losing against Roma and Liverpool, when you don’t win anything no-one is happy.”

Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United: Rashford and Martial boost Champions League hopes

Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United: Rashford and Martial boost Champions League hopes

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial struck as Manchester United saw off Crystal Palace, who lost Patrick van Aanholt to a serious injury.

Manchester United continued their push for Champions League qualification as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

After a draw with Southampton ended their four-match streak of Premier League victories, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side returned to winning ways to keep the pressure on fourth-placed Leicester City, who had beaten Sheffield United earlier on Thursday.

Their victory came in somewhat unconvincing fashion, however, with Rashford providing a moment of quality to open the scoring in first-half stoppage time.

Palace fell foul of some contentious VAR decisions either side of the opener yet United had the final say -  despite a glaring miss from Bruno Fernandes - when Rashford turned provider for Martial to wrap up the points and leave the Champions League race perfectly poised with two matches remaining.

Following a sluggish start, United finally clicked into gear on the half-hour mark, but Mason Greenwood scuffed wide from Martial's lay-off.

Victor Lindelof dived in on Wilfried Zaha just before half-time, yet Palace's penalty appeals fell on deaf ears, and their frustration was compounded three minutes later – Rashford finishing in style after getting the better of Van Aanholt.

Jordan Ayew thought he had restored parity 10 minutes after the restart, only for VAR to deem the striker was offside as Zaha released his cross.

Fernandes struck the post with half of the goal to aim at with 16 minutes remaining, but he soon atoned for that, combining brilliantly with Rashford to set up Martial, who tucked in his 10th top-flight goal since the turn of the year.

In the process of scoring, Martial collided with Van Aanholt, who had to receive lengthy treatment and oxygen before being taken off as a difficult day for Palace ended on a worrying note.

 

What does it mean? Champions League race set to run to the wire

United and Leicester go head-to-head on the final day of the season and it looks set to be a straight shoot-out for a spot in the Champions League, though third-placed Chelsea are still very much in the mix.

In-form Rashford rolls on

United forward Rashford has enjoyed a fine week, having been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester for his work in the community, and his effort took him onto 17 league goals for the season – the same as in his two previous campaigns combined.

VAR controversy frustrates Palace

Lindelof seemed to make contact with Zaha in the box when the Palace forward powered through shortly before half-time, yet VAR did not instruct referee Graham Scott to reassess his decision, despite the replays showing there was indeed a touch from the United defender.

Palace were dealt a blow by the technology again in the second half, when Ayew's goal was disallowed. 

Key Opta Facts:

- Manchester United have gone unbeaten in their last 19 games in all competitions (W14 D5) – their longest such run since a 29-game streak ending in November 2010 under Alex Ferguson.
- Roy Hodgson has lost six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since losing his last three with Blackburn in November 1998 and his first three with Fulham in January 2008.
- Seven goals that were originally awarded against Man Utd have been overturned by VAR this season, the joint-most of any side in the Premier League this campaign (alongside Southampton and Brighton).
- Man Utd's Marcus Rashford has scored 17 goals in 29 league games this season, as many goals as he managed in the previous two campaigns combined (68 apps).
- Anthony Martial and Rashford have now assisted one another a combined seven times in this season's Premier League, the most of any pairing in a single season for Man Utd in the competition.

What's next?

United turn their focus to the FA Cup on Sunday, with Chelsea their semi-final opponents on Sunday. Palace, meanwhile, face Wolves in their penultimate league outing.

Southgate reaches England low not seen since Eriksson after Belgium defeat in Nations League

Who are the greatest Nigerian players to feature in the Italian top flight?
Original author: Ed Dove

De Bruyne representing himself in Man City extension talks

The Nigeria international suffered an injury on her debut with Vittsjo but the manager revealed she is getting closer to being fit

Linkopings manager Olof Unogard has given injury updates on Chinaza Uchendu ahead of their Damallsvenskan game with Eskilstuna United on Sunday.

Uchendu joined the Swedish outfit on an 18-month deal from former Portuguese champions Sporting Braga in June and made her first debut in her side's second match of the season against Vittsjo.

At Vittsjo IP, Unogard handed the Nigeria international her Damallsvenskan debut in the 87th minute of the match as a replacement for compatriot Ebere Orji, whose brace sealed a 2-1 win.

After five minutes of her introduction, the Super Falcons striker was stretched out of the encounter after she suffered a knee injury.

As a result of the injury, she has missed Linkopings' last two ties with a 1-0 triumph over Djurgardens and a 2-2 draw at Pitea on Wednesday.

"We missed her of course and we all feel bad for her," Unogard told Goal.

"She will be out for another two to three weeks. It’s unfortunate to get the injury so soon but we just have to adapt and make the best out of the situation."

In four matches, Linkopings are unbeaten with 10 points in second on the log but tied with leaders Goteborg, with a four-goal advantage.

They will welcome Nigeria duo Halimatu Ayinde and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene's Eskilstuna United in Linkoping on Sunday.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

'Great in every sense' - Koeman proud of Messi after Barcelona goal and Maradona tribute celebration

The Spanish side has announced the latest addition to their squad after the capture of the former Barcelona FA woman

Rebecca Elloh has become the second African to move to Logrono this summer after signing a two-year deal with the Spanish outfit.

Logrono announced the signing of the 25-year-old from Cypriot club Pyrgos Limassol FC on Thursday, with the forward becoming their eighth signing during the ongoing transfer window.

The Cote d'Ivoire international enjoyed stints at Onze Sœurs de Gagnoa in Cote d'Ivoire before moving to Swiss club Chênois Geneve, where she left for Lithuania side Gintra Universitetas in 2015.

In 2018, she teamed up with Barcelona FA in Cyprus before joining Limassol a year later, featuring regularly in the Uefa Women's Champions League for her last three outfits.

At international level, Elloh has been a regular feature for Cote d'Ivoire as she featured at the country's maiden Women's World Cup campaign in Canada in 2015, with two goals in 18 appearances.

Her signing is coming days after the arrival of South Africa's Nothando Vilakazi to earlier aquired Olga Garcia, Paloma Tajonar, Julie Tavlo, Inés Juan Altamira, Marta Cazalla, and Raquel Infante.

Following her announcement, she becomes the second Ivorian in Gerardo Leon's side, after striking compatriot Ida Guahei, who joined from Spanish top-flight rivals Levante in 2019.

Elloh's arrival swells attacking options for Leon's team, with Jade Boho, Garcia, Guehai and Judith Luzuriaga as Leon aims to surpass a seventh-place finish and Spanish Cup semi-final feat from last term.

She also becomes the fifth African on the books of the club for the 2020-21 season campaign after compatriot Guehai, South Africa's Vilakazi, Equatorial Guinea's Boho and Ghana's Grace Asantewaa.

Having teamed up with her fellow Ivorian Guehai, Elloh will be eager to hit the ground running at Logrono when the new season reopens in September.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

NEYMAR, GIROUD, LEIPZIG: #UCL Matchday 5 Moments

There was a general sense of goodwill as the attacker sealed a move to the Dutch fold on Wednesday 

Mohammed Kudus' transfer to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday was greeted with excitement.

After scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances for Nordsjaelland in the Danish Super Liga, the 19-year-old, who netted on his international debut last November, has taken a step-up by joining the Eredivisie fold.

He penned a five-year deal reportedly worth €9 million, and follows the likes of Anthony Obodai and Yakubu Abubakari to play for Ajax.

Many Ghanaians, including Kudus' international teammates Jonathan Mensah and Mubarak Wakaso and Ghana coach CK Akonnor, took to social media to share their delight after Ajax announced their latest acquisition.

Below are some of the reactions:
 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Copyright

© UEFA.tv

Frank Lampard Hails Christian Pulisic's 'Incredible Gift' Following Leeds Goal

Atletico Madrid claimed a 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga thanks to goals from Marcos Llorente and Thomas Partey.

LIVE: Tottenham vs Arsenal

Not even Lionel Messi's free-kick heroics against Osasuna could prevent Real Madrid winning the LaLiga title.

Barcelona suffered a dismal 2-1 home defeat to Osasuna on Thursday as they relinquished their LaLiga title to Real Madrid with a whimper.

Madrid secured their first championship since the 2016-17 season courtesy of a 2-1 win over Villarreal, opening an insurmountable seven-point gap over Barca with just a game to play.

With an injured Antoine Griezmann not in the squad and Luis Suarez starting on the substitutes' bench, Quique Setien's side looked bereft of ideas against their spirited visitors.

Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick to cancel out Jose Arnaiz's opener but Osasuna, who had Enric Gallego sent off late on, secured all three points in stoppage time thanks to Roberto Torres' strike.

Barca started sluggishly and were duly punished after 16 minutes when Arnaiz superbly half-volleyed Pervis Estupinan's cross past Marc-Andre ter Stegen at his near post.

Jon Moncayola whipped wide from just outside the penalty area soon after as the visitors threatened to extend their lead.

Barca belatedly woke from their slumber as the half wore, Messi going closest to scoring a leveller before the interval with a free-kick that crashed against the crossbar.

The hosts started the second half with a vigour that had been missing from their first-half display, with Messi firing straight at Sergio Herrera after a smart one-two with Ansu Fati. 

There was little the Osasuna goalkeeper could do shortly after the hour mark, Argentina international Messi bending home a glorious free-kick from 25 yards to draw the hosts level.

Gallego received his marching orders 13 minutes from time after a VAR review deemed he had elbowed Clement Lenglet in an aerial challenge.

The visitors had the last laugh against their forlorn opponents, though, as Torres scored on the breakaway in stoppage time to seal a memorable away win that also summed up Barca's poor campaign.

 

What does it mean? Scale of Barca's task clear after woeful defeat

Madrid's win over Villarreal rendered Barca's result irrelevant but to lose so dismally on the day their bitter rivals win back the title will stick in the throats of their fans. Setien's side were exceptionally poor and can scarcely have any complaints with the defeat.

This side desperately needs some surgery during the close season if they are to reign again next season.

Messi magic in vain

Visibly frustrated by his side's inadequacies, the Barca icon looked unhappy throughout. Despite this, he scored yet another wonderful free-kick and was his side's best player by some distance.

Rakitic endures a game to forget

Croatia international Ivan Rakitic looked well off the pace in the middle of the pitch, regularly getting caught out by his busier and brighter Osasuna counterparts.

What's next?

Barca wrap up their domestic season with a trip to Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, while Osasuna finish with a home clash against Mallorca on the same day.

How does Olympics football qualification work?

The Nigeria international was inspiring against the Blades as Brendan Rodgers’ men boosted their Champions League hopes

Wilfred Ndidi put up an impressive showing as Leicester City defeated Sheffield United 2-0 in Thursday’s Premier League encounter.

Goals from Ayoze Perez and substitute Demarai Gray were all Brendan Rodgers’ team needed to secure maximum points against the Blades.

Playing in his 30th English top-flight game of the season, Ndidi underlined his efficiency for the Foxes holding sway in the middle alongside James Justin, Luke Thomas and Youri Tielemans.

For his effort, he made 46 passes, five interceptions, won 10 tackles including an 89% passing accuracy.

His effectiveness quashed Chris Wilder’s five-man midfield that had Enda Stevens, Ben Osborn, Oliver Norwood, Sander Berge and George Baldock – cutting their supplies for David McGoldrick and Oliver McBurnie.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old has made 121 tackles in the English elite division so far to lead the top tacklers’ chart ahead of Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and teammate Ricardo Pereira.

The Nigeria international has developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top-flight since joining the Foxes from Belgian side Genk in 2017.

Meanwhile, manager Rodgers has applauded his team for showing their quality against their visitors who are eighth with 54 points.

"It was our first 90-minute performance since we came back. We’ve played well in other spells in games, but we had to play well over the course of 90 minutes.

“The players showed incredible quality, they battled when they had to. Sheffield United test you physically and that’s okay because when we’re at our best, we’re physically strong and aggressive.

“We showed all of that. I thought our football was very good, we played the shape really well.

“We scored two goals and with a better pass or finish, we could have had another two or three, so it was an outstanding team performance and a great result for us.”

Thanks to Leicester’s latest victory, they remain fourth in the English top-flight log having accrued 62 points from 36 games.

Rodgers’ men travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday evening for their clash against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs before their last game of the season against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils.

Original author: Shina Oludare

FutPost.com