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Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi believes it was not by chance that Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila clinched this season’s Nedbank Cup on Saturday. 

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s first-half goal was all that was needed for TTM to edge Chippa United 1-0 at Free State Stadium. 

From the first round of the competition to the final, Vhadau Vha Damani faced Premier Soccer League sides, first eliminating SuperSport United in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 win.   

They followed this up by knocking out then-high-flying Swallows FC via a penalty shootout, before getting past Black Leopards in the quarter-finals following a 2-0 win.   

Their most notable result was stunning overwhelming favourites Mamelodi Sundowns through a penalty shootout in the semi-finals. 

“It was not a fluke [for TTM to win the Nedbank Cup] They held Sundowns and beat them through penalties. They worked for it,” said Vilakazi on iDiski TV. 

“Now they showed that ‘we worked for this and when we prepare for a final, we do everything,’ You could see they did not panic, they never worried about the names at Chippa or who could possibly give them problems and a headache.  

“You could see the way they were playing by dictating everything, every move. They did everything the way they wanted it to be.” 

TTM’s victory came with Ndlondlo delivering a match-winning performance and was duly named the best man on the pitch after the game. 

Vilakazi believes the diminutive midfielder is destined for greater things and could catch the attention of bigger teams. 

“The boy has a very bright future. If some teams look at that boy and get him, he is going far,” Vilakazi continued.

“He organised that midfield, he was bossing it. He even made sure that opponents listened to him.

"He showed them that ‘this is how I’m going to play, I’m going to play the ball the way I want I’ll get the ball from you guys and I’m not going to give you any space and time to think. I’m always going to be there to get the ball but I’ll make sure that I have time.’ 

“Every time when you saw him, he would go in and win the ball. He covered so much space and still had that energy to play. He had a good combination with [Celimpilo] Ngema.” 

TTM will now shift attention to their battle against Premier Soccer League relegation and visit SuperSport for Wednesday’s match.

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) have notified ATK Mohun Bagan and the other participating clubs of the AFC Cup 2021 Group D that the group stage matches which were scheduled to be held between May 11 to May 20 in Male will be postponed, Goal can confirm.

The other clubs in the group are Basundhara Kings (Bangladesh), Maziya SC (Maldives) and a play-off winner. The play-off was to be played between Bengaluru FC and Maldives Club Eagles on Tuesday. 

However, FAM have already requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to cancel the play-off match between India's Bengaluru FC and Madlives' Club Eagles and postpone the group stage fixtures to a later date.

ATK Mohun Bagan were scheduled to fly for Maldives on Tuesday but it now looks unlikely the team would travel on the said date. Roy Krishna, David Williams and Carl McHugh wouldn't be available for the Kolkata giants while three players have already tested positive as of Saturday evening. 

The decision comes after Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC were allegedly found guilty of breaching the existing Covid-19 protocols in the country. The Government of Maldives had earlier issued a special permit to hold the AFC Cup matches in the country. 

However, the Maldives' Sports Minister took to social media stating that Bengaluru FC's alleged breach of protocols has left the country with no option but to cancel the tie and send the Indian club back home. 

"Unacceptable behavior from Bengaluru FC breaching the strict guidelines from HPA & AFC. The club should leave Maldives immediately as we can’t entertain this act. We honoured the commitment we gave a few months back even with the surge in cases & pressure from the public," he had tweeted. 

As per a report by Adhadhu News, Maldives' HPA (Health and Protection Agency) had given a special permit for the play-off match between Club Eagles and Bengaluru FC and the subsequent group stage games despite the country's restrictions on travellers from India. One of the conditions was that the players and staff had to be confined to the hotel at all times except when they go for training and the matches. 

But after several Bengaluru FC players were photographed on the streets of Male, the Sports Minister has asked for the club to be sent back. The report further states that the AFC have been informed of the breach and FAM has asked for Bengaluru FC to be penalised. 

Earlier, Bangladesh's Abhahani Limited pulled out of the competition due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions.

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to go seven points clear at the top of the Premier Soccer League standings when they clash against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

With second-placed AmaZulu in hot pursuit in this title race, Sundowns would do themselves a huge favour if they win in Nelspruit, where they will catch up with most teams, who have played 26 league games.

But a defeat will see Masandawana maintaining a four-point lead while facing the home run of the league campaign which they will be trying to balance with the more demanding stage of the Caf Champions League.

They face a TS Galaxy side which is placed eighth on the table and are looking to guard their standing in the top half.

Whatever result Galaxy record on Sunday, they will not move but remain in position eight on the table.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

TS Galaxy coach Owen Da Gama will be without defender Pogiso Sanoka, who is suspended after picking up his fourth yellow card in their last match against Cape Town City.

Winger Luckyboy Mokoena might be pushed to step in for Sanoka in the right-back position.

Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena said some key players were due for late fitness tests, including Themba Zwane, Gaston Sirino, Lebohang Maboe and Promise Mkhuma.

Zwane lasted just 12 minutes in the 2-0 win over Maritzburg, complaining of his left hamstring last Wednesday, and while it was initially thought he would be out for a long period of time, the club has allayed those fears.

But if he plays against TS Galaxy, he might be handed a few minutes to be preserved for this week's Champions League trip to Al Ahly.

Maboe missed their clash against Maritzburg while Sirino is also battling fitness issues and has not featured in their last three matches.

Mkhuma came in for Zwane in their last match but was taken out with 14 minutes remaining as he struggled with injury.

Sundowns will also be without Sphelele Mkhulise who, besides being injured, is suspended after accumulating four yellow cards.

Match Preview

This will be the second-ever meeting between Sundowns and TS Galaxy.

When these two sides last played against each other in December, Sundowns emerged 2-0 victors at Loftus Versfeld with Peter Shalulile and Zwane on target.

It was the second-last game Dan Malesela was in charge of the Mpumalanga side before he was fired, after managing to lead them to just one win in eight PSL games.

While Masandawana added to Malesela's woes, this time around they meet a transformed Galaxy side under Da Gama, who has made their top-eight ambitions real.

After taking a slump where they registered four straight defeats last month, Galaxy have again picked themselves up and have won their last two league games.

They come up against Sundowns who have also recovered from a minor rough patch which saw their title bid coming under serious threat from AmaZulu.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that Oleksandr Zinchenko rejected transfer offers last summer while describing the defender as an "exceptional" talent.

Zinchenko is currently enjoying arguably his best season yet at Etihad Stadium, having initially been snapped up from Russian outfit FC Ufa in 2016.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from City following an underwhelming 2019-20 campaign, with Guardiola now confirming that he chose to stay and fight for his place after generating interest from a number of clubs.

What's been said?

Guardiola said before his team's 2-1 defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday: "Oleks [Zinchenko] fought a lot to be at Man City, a transfer was possible, he said ‘no I want to be here’.

"That means a lot. He’s a guy who played in another position, never complains. He doesn’t make mistakes. When you say something, he reads it immediately."

The Catalan added on Zinchenko's qualities: "He is always focused, always concentrated.

"As a left-back he fights against [Mohamed] Salah, [Marcus] Rashford, [Angel] Di Maria - the toughest opponents and he doesn’t make mistakes.

"His quality with the ball is exceptional, we know it..."

Zinchenko's overall record at City

Zinchenko was sent out on loan to PSV in the Netherlands upon his initial arrival at City, but returned to the Etihad in the summer of 2017 and set about forcing his way into Guardiola's set-up.

The Ukraine international has since featured in 92 games across all competitions, scoring two goals and laying on seven assists.

Zinchenko has picked up eight trophies during his time with City, including two Premier League titles, and is on the verge of winning another domestic crown at present, with a Champions League final against Chelsea also looming large on the horizon.

The bigger picture

Zinchenko has had to be patient and make the most of his opportunities throughout his time at City amid strong competition at left-back from the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Angelino and Nathan Ake.

A lack of regular minutes led to last year's transfer rumours, but he was given a fresh five-year contract in 2019, and still has three years left to run on that deal.

Zinchenko has helped City boast the best defensive record in the Premier League this term, and if he can continue to shine during their ongoing treble bid there is every chance his services will be retained for the long term.

Further reading

The postponement of the eagerly awaited Simba SC versus Yanga SC Kariakoo derby on Saturday has been received with mixed reactions, with many fans blaming the Tanzania Football Federation for the mess.

The derby at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was called off after Yanga refused to honour the game, citing impromptu changes to kick-off time as their reason.

Initially, the match was scheduled to be played from 17:00 but was pushed forward by two hours by the Tanzania Football Federation.

The federation stated the change was made because of a rescheduling programme from the Ministry of Sports and the relevant authorities.

However, the changes did not go down well with the Jangwani giants, who immediately issued a statement saying they will not honour the fixture by stating: “The Yanga management is disappointed with the pushing forward of the game against Simba from 5 pm to 7 pm.

“The changes are against the rules; article 15 (10) of the rules governing the game in the country states 'any changes regarding the kick-off should be communicated to both teams 24 hours earlier.

“Yanga management will not agree on the kick-off time communicated and will honour the initial time, 5 pm. The management has further challenged the TFF to run the league in accordance with the set rules and guidelines.”

The postponement has irked numerous fans who had purchased their tickets and had already accessed the match venue waiting for the fixture and below is how they reacted on Twitter.

Andrea Pirlo has discussed West McKennie's weight loss at Juventus, insisting that the United States midfielder is "more professional than when he arrived".

McKennie joined Juve on an initial season-long loan from Schalke last summer, and impressed enough in the first half of the 2020-21 campaign to earn a permanent contract at the Allianz Stadium.

The Bianconeri invested €18.5 million (£16m/$23m) in the 22-year-old's talents, and he is now a key member of Pirlo's squad, but the Italian says he was a long way from the finished article after leaving Germany.

What's been said?

"He has lost weight: something we put in his head," Pirlo told a press conference ahead of Juve's Serie A clash with arch-rivals AC Milan on Sunday.

"He is concentrated, and he is more professional than when he arrived. He must be 100 per cent and not 50%"

McKennie's record at Juve 

McKennie has already racked up 41 appearances across all competitions for Juve in his first full season, including 30 in Serie A.

The United States international has contributed six goals and two assists to their cause to date, and could pick up his maiden piece of silverware when Pirlo's side take on Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final on May 19.

What else did Pirlo say?

Pirlo went on to address rumours that Juve are planning to launch a summer bid for Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to become a free agent at the end of June.

The Bianconeri boss refused to be drawn on a potential transfer swoop, but did describe the Italy number one as one of the top shot-stoppers in European football.

"It's not my problem, he's a Milan player and it's their problem," said Pirlo.

"I consider him to be one of the best five goalkeepers in the world, he's an exemplary professional and congratulations on what he's doing."

Further reading

Just when neutrals were starting to root for Sevilla in the Spanish title race, the outsiders fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat by Athletic Club on Monday, leaving them six points below leaders Atletico Madrid.

In a tussle in which momentum has seemingly swung one way and another in the last couple of months, Julen Lopetegui’s team had quietly found some consistency, closed the gap and had a mathematical chance of shocking Atletico (76 points) as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona tied on 74 points going into gameweek 35.

Success for the Andalusians would have put them three points below the lesser capital club and one behind the team they face on Sunday.

The failure to take their chances at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, having won their previous four on home turf and picked up 22 points from their last 24 in the league before Monday night, begs the question: who wants to win La Liga?

Undoubtedly, Youssef En-Nesyri rued the defeat more than most having had several chances to put the hosts in front before they were hit by a late Inaki Williams sucker punch. In fairness, it’d be remiss to dismiss visiting shot-stopper Unai Simon in the narrative, having thwarted the Morocco poacher with two impressive saves.

The first saw the Spain goalkeeper prevent a goal-bound header with a smart save down low with 23 minutes played before stopping then smothering another well-placed left-footed shot with half-time approaching.

Simon’s saves saw him named King of the Match in Andalusia, but En-Nesyri might feel he could have scored at least one of his four efforts on the day—joint-high with Lucas Ocampos. The 17-goal striker probably feels even worse when he recollects the 29th-minute decision to square to no one in particular despite being eyeball-to-eyeball with the in-form goalkeeper.

With the stakes being so high, Sevilla dropped the ball just when non-partisan fans began rooting for them. Admittedly, Lopetegui’s team have overachieved this term to even find themselves so close to the top of the standings; still, there has to be a tinge of disappointment despite guaranteed Champions League qualification.

En-Nesyri has netted 17 times, a staggering 12 more than the next highest in the side, which somewhat explains why Los Nervionenses have netted only 49 times this year. That tally is nine, 11 and a staggering 31 fewer than Real, Atletico and Barcelona respectively, while Real Sociedad (53) and Villarreal (51) have out-scored the team in fourth spot for now.

Their Morocco international accounts for 34.7 percent of Sevilla’s goals, a stat which demonstrates his influence in elevating a rather underwhelming attack.

While every goal the North African has scored has been inside the box, his penalty area instincts didn’t bear fruit in their damaging 1-0 loss last time out. He had Expected Goals of 0.5, the joint-highest on the home team whose eventual xG was 1.5 to Los Leones’ 0.8.

Their season has been typified by an overperformance of what’s expected and Lopetegui will hope for more of the same against a flagging Real who will be without the injured Sergio Ramos and doubtful Raphael Varane at Valdebebas on Sunday night.

Be that as it may, the Seville outfit have to overcome the feeling of inferiority against Los Blancos that has seen them lose four on the trot against the Madrid giants. Their last victory on the turf of the 13-time European champions came in 2008, a run Lopetegui’s team have to end this season to increase their chances of winning La Liga.

“We have had some very even matches against them, but they have ended up winning. This is now a different match. We'll try to get it right and help the players to achieve tomorrow's objective,” the former Real boss stated pre-match.

“We will keep trying to improve on what we have, and now it's time to face Real Madrid, a side that we have not been able to win against recently. That's the excitement that is driving us right now, we will go there with the same excitement and ambition as always.

“We are where we are because we've had a very good year, no one has gifted us anything. We are excited about where we are, we could improve on what we achieved last season.”

Sevilla never appear to have considered themselves worthy of winning La Liga.

Their last title in 1945/46 was the 15th season of the competition and they’ve had to make do with four runners-up finishes since, the last of which came in 56/57.

Lopetegui’s troops are in uncharted territory and the ex-Real boss will look to do the impossible against his old club. If that’s to happen, En-Nesyri will need to have his shooting boots on this time as the Andalusians seek to hold on to fading hopes of claiming a title that’s eluded them in 75 years.

Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC have been asked to leave Maldives immediately after some players from their squad were alleged to have breached the existing Covid-19 protocols in the country. 

The club, meanwhile, denied knowledge of any such incident when Goal reached out to them.

As per sources close to Goal, the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has already asked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to cancel the tie and also postpone the Group D matches of the AFC Cup which were scheduled to be held following Bengaluru's play-off tie. This development also affects ATK Mohun Bagan who are one of the four teams in the group. 

Maldives' Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof took to social media to make a statement on the same. 

"Unacceptable behavior from Bengaluru FC breaching the strict guidelines from HPA & AFC. The club should leave Maldives immediately as we can’t entertain this act. We honoured the commitment we gave a few months back even with the surge in cases & pressure from the public."

Bengaluru FC had landed in Maldives on Friday for their AFC Cup play-off tie against Maldivian outfit Club Eagles.

Mahloof further mentioned that the country have decided not to host the AFC Cup play-offs tie between Bengaluru FC vs Eagles FC and the ministry has informed FAM to make arrangements for the Blues' departure. They will also request AFC to postpone the AFC Cup Group E matches.

"We have informed FAM that we cannot hold the match, and asked them to make arrangements for Bengaluru FC’s departure. We will be in further correspondence with AFC through Maldives FA
to postpone the group stage."

It has been reported in local media that there was a breach of Covid-19 protocols and guidelines set by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

As per a report by Adhadhu News, Maldives' HPA had given a special permit for the play-off match between Club Eagles and Bengaluru FC despite the country's restrictions on travellers from India. One of the conditions was that the players and staff had to be confined to the hotel at all times except when they go for training and the matches. 

But after several players were photographed on the streets of Male, the Sports Minister has asked for the club to be sent back. 

The report further states that the AFC have been informed of the breach and FAM has asked for Bengaluru FC to be penalised. 

Guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives for Indian tourists on April 25 reads:

1) Tourists arriving to the Maldives from India (including those exceeding transit stays of 24 hours) who have completed the prescribed dose(s) of a Covid-19 vaccine, must hold a negative result for a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for COVID- l9 prior to entry into the Maldives. The sample for said PCR test must be taken not more than 96 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. Furthermore, all above mentioned tourists should undertake a PCR test for COVID- l9 within a maximum of 72 hours prior to their departure from the Maldives.   

2. Maldivians and work permit holders to Maldives from India who have completed the prescribed dose(s) of a Covid-19 vaccine, must undertake a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for COVID- l9 within 24 hours of arrival to the Maldives and observe a mandatory travel quarantine of 10 days, followed by a negative PCR test result at the end of this period. However, children below one-year-old are exempted from the aforementioned requirement.   

3. To halt any further check-ins of inbound tourists from India (including those exceeding transit stays of 24 hours in India) to Guesthouses and Hotels in Inhabited Islands (excluding hotels and guesthouses in secluded areas of the Inhabited Islands). 

When Goal reached out to the club, they denied knowledge of any such incident and that they have not been intimated of any such issues. 

CF Montreal suffered their first defeat of the season after bowing 2-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps in Saturday’s Major League Soccer encounter played at the Rio Tinto Stadium.

Second-half goals from Cristian Dajome were all the Blue and White needed to ease past Wilfried Nancy’s side – a result which helped Marc Dos Santos’ men banish memories of their 1-0 defeat to Colorado Rapids.

The first chance of the game fell to the visiting side in the 29th minute, as Bjorn Johnsen had an open net to aim, however, goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made a brave save to deny the Norwegian star from wreaking havoc.

In a game where chances were few, both teams went into the half-time break with scores still goalless.

Coming into the second half, Whitecaps improved on their performance and they took the lead in the 55th minute.

Dajome and Lucas Cavallini played a fine one-two on the break, leading to Dajome being fouled in the box by Canada international Kamal Miller.

The Colombian stepped up to take the ensuing kick which he fired past goalkeeper Clement Diop.

That effort woke the visitors from their slumber, albeit, they were unable to level matters as Crepeau made a series of fine saves.

19 minutes to full time, the hosts doubled their advantage through Dajome who headed home a cross from Deiber Caicedo.

That effort killed the ambition of Nancy’s men who had hoped for an equaliser.

In the 89th minute, Montreal pulled a goal back thanks to Finland international Lassi Lappalainen, but referee Rosendo Mendoza disqualified that goal as Erik Hurtado had handled the ball during the build-up.

Alongside Wanyama, Ugandan defender Mustafa Kizza and Senegal’s Diop were in action from start to finish for Montreal, but Egypt’s Ahmed Hamdy came in for Aljaz Struna in the 67th minute.

On the other hand, Ghana’s Leonard Owusu came in for Caio Alexandre with ten minutes left to play, but Nigeria's David Egbo and Angola's Bruno Gaspar were not considered for selection.

Montreal would be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to Inter Miami on May 13, while Vancouver Whitecaps are guests of Minnesota United.

Royal Antwerp played a 2-2 draw with Anderlecht in Saturday’s Belgian First Division A encounter with Dieumerci Mbokani bagging a brace.

The veteran Congolese forward found the net on two occasions, but it could not fetch the Great Old all three points against Vincent Kompany’s team.

Franky Vercauteren’s men travelled to the Lotto Park with the ambition of returning to winning ways after losing 3-2 at home to Genk their last time out.

In the keenly contested fixture, the first half ended 0-0 as both teams were unable to convert the few chances that came their way.

Also, the trio of Abdoulaye Seck, Josh Cullen and Matt Miazga were cautioned by referee Erik Lambrechts for different reasons.

Four minutes into the second half, the visitors drew first blood through a brilliant individual effort by Mbokani.

After winning the ball from the midfield, the 35-year-old sped through the hosts’ backline, beat Elias Cobbaut and Matt Miazga before lobbing the ball over onrushing Bart Verbruggen.

The lead lasted for just eight minutes as Yari Verschaeren levelled matters for Anderlecht thanks to Jacob Larsen’s assist.

In the 78th minute, Mbokani put the ball beyond goalkeeper Verbruggen but his effort did not stand as VAR replays showed that he was in an offside position.

Six minutes later, the Congo international restored the lead from the penalty spot after Maxime Le Marchand was tripped inside the box by Adrien Trebel.

Chelsea loanee Miazga ensured that the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note with his 90th-minute strike after heading Adrien Trebel's cross past goalkeeper Jean Butez.

Former Dynamo Kyiv and Norwich City star Mbokani - who now boast 12 goals in 28 league games this season - was in action from start to finish alongside Senegal's Seck and Cameroon's Martin Hongla.

Whereas, Luete Dongo (Congo), Nill De Pauw (Congo), Didier Ze (Cameroon), Bruny Nsimba (Angola) and Opoku Ampomah (Ghana) were not dressed for action.

On the other hand, Ghana’s Majeed Ashimeru was introduced in the 68th minute for Larsen, while Nigeria's Paul Mukairu came in for Bogdan Mykhaylychenko in the 89th minute.

Mbokani would be aiming to continue his fine goalscoring form when Royal Antwerp host Club Brugge on May 13.

Thiago Alcantara feels Liverpool require a “small miracle” to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Following draws with Leeds and Newcastle, Liverpool revived their hopes with a 2-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

The Reds require other sides, Leicester and West Ham the most notable, to slip up if they are to snatch a place in the top four.

What has been said?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp feels victories in their final four games will be enough, but Thiago is not quite as confident.

“We have to keep fighting until the end with this small chance,” Thiago, who scored his first goal for the club against Southampton, told Sky Sports. “It is an amazing feeling [to score] but the most important thing is the three points. 

“We keep fighting for a small miracle.

"I think we had chances in the past that didn't always go for us but the window is open so we try to go through the window."

Liverpool’s run-in

The Reds sit on 57 points from 34 games, six adrift of Leicester who have played a game more. 

West Ham are sandwiched between the two with 58 points from 34 games, while Chelsea are on 64 points from 35 games and look well set after beating Manchester City on Saturday but they have an FA Cup final and Champions League final to distract them.

Liverpool face road trips in three of their final four games, before concluding the season at home to Crystal Palace with fans in attendance at Anfield.

The Reds travel to Manchester United on Thursday, face West Brom on May 16, Burnley on May 19 and Crystal Palace on May 23.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp believes winning their final four Premier League games will be enough to secure Champions League qualification for Liverpool.

The Reds are playing catch-up in the race for the top four after a torrid run of form earlier in the year.

Draws with Leeds and Newcastle in the last couple of weeks set the Reds back, but they beat Southampton 2-0 on Saturday to revive their hopes.

What has been said?

Liverpool are six points behind Leicester in fourth, albeit with a game in hand, and Klopp feels wins over Manchester United, West Brom, Burnley and Crystal Palace will prove good enough.

When asked by Sky Sports if he felt four wins would secure them a place in the top four, Klopp said: “Yes. If we do that I think it will be enough. But that is a big if. 

“We play on Thursday, Manchester United. I know they play Tuesday and Thursday and have a busy schedule, but they have a squad they can make changes.

“It is not good for them to play three games in a week, it is crazy.  And all the other games we will see. 

“If West Brom are still fighting, Burnley maybe. All teams have targets and if they don't have them any more as they have reached them, they can play with freedom and that is not nice as well.

“We will have pressure as long as we win.”

Fans back at Anfield

Liverpool's next three games are away at United, West Brom and Burnley before finishing the season at home to Crystal Palace.

The game against the Eagles will witness the return of fans to Anfield, and Klopp is relishing the prospect of being able to perform in front of spectators again.

“It is so difficult in these moments being without them,” Klopp said. “It is the reason I got into football. We do it for the people. 

“When I was a player nobody wanted to see me, it got slightly better and when I became a manager the stadiums became more occupied. 

“It is all about doing it together. 

“This season we will have one home game [with fans], which is great. We will have an away game at Burnley [with fans], which will be tricky but it is fine. 

“And I hope next season we have people back in the stadiums.”

Further reading

Sadio Mane’s combination with Mohamed Salah yielded a positive result as Liverpool defeated Southampton 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday evening.

Following a cross from Salah, the Senegalese star headed Jurgen Klopp’s men into the lead on 31 minutes.

Before taking on Ralph Hasenhuettl’s men, Liverpool’s last three games in all competitions had ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Knowing that anything short of victory could dent their ambition of playing in Europe next season, manager Klopp started the duo in attack alongside Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.

Despite dominating ball possession, they had to wait until a minute after the half-hour mark for the goal to come. Salah weighted a cross for Mane perfectly and all the Senegal international had to do was guide it low into Fraser Forster’s net.

With that, the 29-year-old has now found the net twice in his last three Premier League matches for the 19-time kings, having scored in just one of his previous 14 in the competition.

As the game entered added time, Thiago Alcantara netted his first goal for the club when he swept in from just outside of the area to end the visitors’ push for an equaliser.

Mane – who has featured in 32 games so far - was substituted for Curtis Jones in the 90th minute, whereas, Salah came off for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain three minutes earlier.

The Saints’ boss claimed his side missed a couple of big opportunities that could have resulted in a very different outcome.

"We had chances, but we didn't score," Hasenhuttl told Southampton website.

"The opponent had also chances and they scored twice – so simple is football sometimes.

"For all the rest, we did well, but we don't get anything for it and that's a pity.

"We knew that we had to be brave here, and we tried to be. We caused them some issues and I think we tried it in a good way, and that is the reason why we had so many chances, but it's not enough to have the chances, you also must be clinical enough to score in that moment, and we haven't been today and this is the reason why we are disappointed.”

Liverpool's result sees them move to sixth in the English elite division table, six points behind Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City in fourth who have played a game more.

They will now prepare for their rescheduled fixture with Manchester United on Thursday at Old Trafford.

Alassane Ndao got a brace as Fatih Karagumruk decimated Genclerbirligi 5-1 in Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig outing.

The Senegal international got a second-half double to worsen the Wind of Ankara’s relegation worries.

After failed to win any of their last five games, Karagumruk – who bowed 5-1 Konyaspor their last time out - welcomed Ozcan Bizati’s men to the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in a bid to end their poor run.

With just eight minutes into the game, the hosts took the lead courtesy of Ervin Zukanovic after benefitting from a Jure Balkovec pass.

Their fine start continued in the 17th minute as Fabio Borini put them two goals up by slotting the ball past Kristoffer Nordfeldt with Andrea Bertolacci setting him up.

In the second half, the visiting team tried to launch a comeback, but their efforts met strong resistance from a well-organised Fatih Karagumruk backline.

However, they went conceded their third goal of the evening through Ndao who tucked the ball into an empty net after rounding goalkeeper Nordfeldt.

15 minutes later, the Senegalese midfielder got another goal with a brilliant individual effort after he was teed up by Borini. Jeremain Lens got the fifth from the penalty spot before Genclerbirligi pulled one back through substitute Ilker Karakas in the 90th minute.

At the Medical Park Stadium, Anthony Nwakaeme propelled Trabzonspor to a 2-1 defeat of Antalyaspor.

The Nigerian gave them a 12th minute lead with Ghana’s Caleb Ekuban providing the last pass.

Four minutes into the second half, Abdulkadir Omur increased their lead but rifling past goalkeeper Ruud Boffin from close range.

In the 66th minute, Amilton reduced the deficit, nonetheless, they could not get the much-needed equaliser.

Thanks to this win, the Black Sea Storm moved to fourth in the log with 67 points.

Aaron Boupendza was Hatayspor’s hero as he scored their only goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Denizlispor.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead in the 35th minute but Hugo Rodallega missed a penalty awarded to them by referee Erkan Ozdamar.

In the 68th minute, however, it the Gabonese star whose effort handed Omer Erdogan's Star of the South all three points.

Algerian winger Rachid Ghezzal scored Besiktas’ only goal as their title drive suffered a massive setback after losing 3-1 to Galatasaray.

The Leicester City loanee had levelled Ryan Babel’s opener but goals from Radamel Falcao and Arda Turan saw them crumble to their seventh defeat of the current campaign.

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has issued an apology to the club faithful following their elimination from the Uefa Europa League on Thursday.

Villarreal defeated Mikel Arteta’s men 2-1 on aggregate after they played out a goalless draw in the second leg of their semi-final fixture.

Thursday's elimination dealt a blow to Arsenal's chances of playing European football season as they currently sit 10th in the Premier League table with nine points behind fifth-placed West Ham United.

Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League outing against West Bromwich Albion, the Gabon striker expressed the team’s regret after failing to qualify for the final that will take place in Poland on May 26.

“We knew we had a great chance to progress in the competition and get to the final in Poland - and then to try to reach our objective of winning a trophy. But it just didn't happen for us,” Aubameyang wrote in the club’s matchday programme.

“We struggled to find our rhythm in the first half and didn’t give Villarreal enough problems. And when we had a chance, the luck wasn’t there for us, when I hit the post with the volley and then the header in the second half.

“I thought we started the second half with more energy and put them under pressure, but we just couldn’t maintain that drive and ultimately, we just didn’t find a way through Villarreal.

“I thought my header was in when it hit the post but it just wasn’t going to happen. Like I said, we are really upset about going out of the competition at this stage, for ourselves, for the club and most of all for you the supporters.

“It’s been such a difficult season for fans and we desperately wanted to give you something positive this season – I’m just so sorry we couldn’t do it for you.”

Aubameyang, who scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season a week ago, will be expected to guide Arsenal to victory against Sam Allardyce's men before Wednesday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) were crowned 2021 Nedbank Cup champions after claiming a 1-0 win over Chippa United in the final on Saturday night.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo's solitary goal inspired Vhadau Vha Damani to a victory at Free State Stadium and the Limpopo side lifted its first-ever major trophy. 

Tshakhuma had caused an upset by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 6-5 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the semi-finals last month.

Furthermore, TTM came into the cup final having claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in a PSL match on Tuesday as they eased their relegation fears.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Tshakhuma's historic win.

Timo Werner may have found goals hard to come by in his debut season at Chelsea, but boss Thomas Tuchel is nevertheless delighted to see the forward working non-stop for his club. 

The German's haul of 12 strikes in all competitions during 2020-21 is significantly down from the 34 he plundered for RB Leipzig during his final season in the Bundesliga. 

According to his compatriot, though, his contribution cannot solely be measured on how many times he has put the ball in the net. 

What was said? 

"In the last week he's really adapted well to the situations," Tuchel said of Werner to BBC Sport following Chelsea's 2-1 defeat of Manchester City in the Premier League.

"The way he works he's relentless. He really wants it and I am very happy with his performance today.

He added to Sky Sports: "Werner was working like a dog, he was really working hard. He gave them a hard time with his runs."

Champions League dress rehearsal? 

Chelsea are one of the few sides to have got the better of City this season, beating Pep Guardiola's men in the FA Cup semi-final to end their quadruple hopes and now in the league, a result which meant the leaders could not clinch the Premier League crown at the Etihad Stadium. 

Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso both hit for the visitors to overturn Raheem Sterling's opener, leaving Tuchel delighted with their comeback. 

"I think the second half was a fantastic response to the last five minutes of the first half where we almost lost it all," he said to the BBC. To me it was a clear 0-0 half but suddenly we did one decisive mistake and maybe the match becomes out of reach at half-time.

"With every minute we gained confidence and quality. We got better and better. It was a tough battle and once we got the equaliser we never stopped attacking. [The winning goal] was a huge reward.

"This tells us we can rely on our fitness which is a fantastic feeling at the end of a season. We can also rely on our team spirit, we keep going. This team never stops, they don't want to lose, they want it that bad."

The Blues now hope they can record a third consecutive win over City in the upcoming Champions League final, which will be played on May 29.

Further reading 

Chidera Ejuke found the net as CSKA Moscow recorded a 3-1 triumph over FC Krasnodar in Saturday’s Russian Premier League encounter.

Despite conceding first at the VEB Arena, the Nigerian inspired them to a comeback victory over Viktor Goncharenko’s men.

The Red-Blues came into the encounter following a 1-1 draw with Ufa, while the Black-Greens bowed 3-1 at home to FC Sochi.

Knowing that anything short of three points would end their Champions League ambition, Ivic Olic’s team started the game brightly, albeit, they were stunned in the 26th minute by Viktor Claesson.

Profiting from shambolic defending by the hosts, the Swedish midfielder volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev thanks to an assist from Marcus Berg.

That lead lasted for just six minutes as Ejuke leveled matters for his side. With Alan Dzagoev navigating his way inside Krasnodar’s goal area, he passed the ball to Ivan Oblyakov who in turn connected the Nigerian to slot the ball past Matvey Safonov.

That was the 23-year-old’s fourth goal in 24 matches played in the 2020-21 Russian elite division campaign.

Except for cautions given to Yuri Gazinskiy, the first-half produced a little spark as both teams went into the tunnel all squared.

In the second half, the home side attacked in their numbers in search of the winner and their persistence paid off four minutes before the hour mark through Fedor Chalov.

The Russian forward put the ball into an empty net after Jose Salomon Rondon made light work of the visitors’ backline.

Not willing to go down without a fight, Goncharenko’s team searched endlessly for the equaliser, however, it was Mario Fernandes who handed CSKA a two-goal lead after slotting the ball in between Safonov’s legs.

After an impressive shift that saw him last for 86 minutes, Ejuke was substituted for Arnor Sigurdsson.

This result took them to sixth position after garnering 50 points from 29 fixtures. Even at that, they remain in contention for a Champions League ticket with one game left in the current campaign.

While hoping that Lokomotiv Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Rubin Kazan, and Sochi stutter, victory for CSKA Moscow over Dinamo Moscow at the Arena Khimki on May 16 will hand them a place in next season’s European elite club tournament.