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Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not feature for AC Milan in their Serie A match against Lazio on Monday, coach Stefano Pioli confirmed.

The Swedish striker, who signed a one-year contract extension at Milan this week, has missed the club's last two matches.

Ibrahimovic was suspended for the recent win against Genoa and was kept out of the defeat to Sassuolo with a muscle problem.

What did Pioli say?

The 39-year-old is not yet fit to return to the team and Pioli will call on Mario Mandzukic or Rafael Leao to lead the attack.

"Ibrahimovic will not be there tomorrow, he should return for the next match," Pioli told reporters.

"Mandzukic and Leao are playing for a starting spot. Mario is now better and has the skills to score in the opponents' area."

Mandzukic, 34, has not scored in any of his six Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri so far, while Leao has netted six in 25 matches.

Ibrahimovic has scored 15 goals in 17 games to lift his side to second in the Italian top flight.

"He raised the bar and the quality, we all grew thanks to his help," Pioli added. "His team-mates were good at following this lead."

What are AC Milan playing for?

Milan are currently 10 points behind Inter with six matches left.

Although the San Siro side are second in the table, they can still miss out on a place in next season's Champions League group stage.

Atalanta and Juventus trail them by a point and Napoli sit a further two points behind.

Further reading

Marco Verratti says Paris Saint-Germain have been pushed to deliver better performances during this season's tense Ligue 1 title race, saying they always feel "obliged to win".

PSG returned to the top of Ligue 1 after a 3-1 win at Metz on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Mauro Icardi also netting from the penalty spot.

Verratti acknowledges the reigning French champions are expected to emerge victorious in every domestic fixture they play, and he is embracing that extra pressure heading into the final weeks of the season.

What's been said?

"We are somewhat obliged to win. We have a plan which is to win the most matches possible," Verratti told RMC Sport. "The others will play and will make their way. We will see who comes first."

The Italian midfielder added: "It's an incredible championship, one of the prettiest. There are still four teams that can win the title, that's why we can't make any mistakes. Today we played a serious game, we won and we deserved it. We are happy."

The state of play in Ligue 1

PSG are now two points clear of second-placed Lille at the summit, albeit having played one game more.

Lille's game in hand is against Lyon, who are three points further back in fourth, at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday.

Third-placed Monaco will be in action on the same day away at Angers, where a win would see them move to within a point of PSG.

How has Verratti performed this term?

Verratti's 2020-21 campaign has been disrupted by two positive coronavirus tests and a string of niggling injuries, but he has still been a key figure in the team when fully fit.

The 28-year-old has featured in 27 games in all competitions, recording six assists but is yet to score.

Verratti will likely have another chance to impress when PSG turn their attention back to the Champions League this week, with the first leg of their semi-final tie against Manchester City set to take place at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Further reading

Kenya international midfielder Duncan Otieno won the Absa Cup with Lusaka Dynamos after beating compatriot Jesse Were’s Zesco United on post-match penalties at Woodlands Stadium on Saturday.

After a 0-0 draw in full-time, Lusaka Dynamos emerged victorious as they managed to score three of their spot-kicks while Timu ya Ziko scored one.

Fackson Kapumbu, Tafadzwa Rusike and Bruce Musakanya were unable to successfully convert their penalties while Adrian Chama scored the only goal in the 3-1 shoot-out loss.

Tady Etekiama, Collins Shikombe, and Monga Ndala scored for Otieno’s side but Emmanuel Chabula and Ocean Mushure, however, failed to convert.

Another Harambee Star, Musa Mohamed – who joined the club in the same transfer window with Otieno - was not part of the Lusaka Dynamos side that won the 2021 championship.

On Zesco United's part, Ian Otieno and Were given starting berths but John Makwatta was not named in the matchday squad.

After the match, Zesco United head coach Numba Mumamba explained why his side should have emerged as winners of the domestic competition.

“We are very disappointed especially that we haven’t lifted the trophy. It is disappointing that we couldn’t score from the chances that we created,” the Zambian coach is quoted as saying by the club’s portal .

“Our opponents were defensive and parked the bus. Despite that being the case, we had created some chances unfortunately we couldn’t score.

“We were in a hurry in the final third of the pitch as we created chances but we were not clinical.”

The coach also revealed the reasons why Mwila Phiri was positioned in the middle against Lusaka Dynamos.

“We are trying to convert Mwila into a more defensive position because that’s where he is doing well in training. Today [on Saturday] he didn’t play according to our expectations that’s why we rested him,” he explained.

“But we will continue working on him because he has stayed for some time without playing.”

Numba added the focus will now shift to the Super League where they have found their footing after initially struggling.

“For us what has happened has happened. We need to focus on the next games in the league. We will work on the mental aspect of the game so that we restart the league on a positive note,” he concluded.

AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia has challenged his teammates to give their best and win the FKF Premier League title and secure the houses promised by club chairman Dan Shikanda.

Earlier in January, the Ingwe boss promised to reward each player in the squad with a house if they win the title and went further to urge the players to end their 23-year drought and win the trophy for the fans and the community.

With that in mind, the Kenya international believes it is possible and everyone has to play their part to ensure it happens.

"We must give our best on the pitch before we start thinking about the houses promised," Rupia told Goal on Sunday.

"I encourage my fellow players to give their best when they have a chance. After giving our best and God blesses us to win the title, then the chairman can also play his part by ensuring every player has a house as promised.

"We have the talent in the team and the quality needed for us to win the league but we have to double our effort."

The league season, along with all sport in the country, was temporarily suspended as a measure to curb the spread of coronavirus.

However, the former Nzoia Sugar forward is optimistic football will return soon to avoid sponsors from leaving.

"Regarding the return of football, we hope it happens soon because a lot is at stake," Rupia added.

"This is a job for many players and without it, they cannot feed their families. It is only fair if we are considered. Then we have sponsors as well who have threatened to pull out if football does not resume soon. We need them, getting them back is not easy for obvious reasons.

"We understand the measures have been put in place to curb the spread of the virus, but I request the government to reconsider allowing sports to continue. Much has been done to ensure caution is prioritised and that no player is in danger of contracting the virus."

Prior to the break, Ingwe were third on the table with 29 points. They had managed to get nine wins, two draws, and three losses from the 14 matches they had played.

The 13-time champions have also scored 18 goals and conceded nine.

Kampala Capital City Authority FC head coach Morley Byekwaso has explained how they plan to tackle Onduparaka FC in Sunday’s Uganda Premier League tie.

Byekwaso said the Arua club is always tough and aggressive whenever they play at home, but that will not prevent them from trying their best and fighting for a win.

“We arrived well and now we have finished on our set pieces in the last session of the training. We think the game is going to be very hard because Onduparaka play well at home and are very tough and aggressive,” Byekwaso told the club’s Online TV.

“But as former champions, we know that we want; we want to win but it is going very tough. We are going to try and see that we get positive results.”

The coach also gave injury updates from his side and explained how they are going to help the returning players reach their high level of fitness.

“Some are coming back and some are still missing,” he added. “We have got Juma Balinya and Mazengo Loro back but their fitness level is not better but we shall see how we will feature them in the game.

“We will give them fewer minutes so that they can stabilise and build on their fitness. We are going to miss Dennis Iguma so much because he has played so well in the last four games.

“We have struggled so much with injuries where we have a number of players who have not featured so much.”

On his part, Steven Sserwada echoed Byekwaso’s sentiments and urged them to fight for the win against the Caterpillars.

“The team is very ready and we are in a good condition. We know they are very tough but for KCCA, we are going for the three points,” Sserwada said.

The youngster is also hopeful they will catch up with the leading rivals.

“We will be motivated to fight and see we move to the top because in the last seasons we have always been first or second,” he concluded.

KCCA hope to take advantage of slip-ups by Vipers SC - who were defeated by Express FC - and URA FC - who drew against Bright Stars. The Tax Collectors are leading while the Venoms are second after 20 games played.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt feels last week’s home defeat by Cape Town City has “put added pressure” on their trip to Loftus Versfeld for Sunday’s Premier Soccer League confrontation against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs were in the middle of enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions when Cape Town City beat them 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. 

It was a result which further complicated Amakhosi’s top-eight bid and Hunt feels it also added more weight on their shoulders ahead of facing a “formidable” Sundowns side whose pedigree is underlined by not tasting defeat in 21 league games this season. 

“They are a very formidable side. They invested heavily into their side,” Hunt told the Chiefs website. 

“They have a very good squad of players and good coaches. The guys have been around and are very experienced. Obviously, they have a huge arsenal of players.

"We are under no illusions, we are away from home so it’s going to be a big ask from us, but we are fit and ready to do our best.

“With the games coming so thick and fast in a week, it’s not easy when you play teams such as Sundowns and Cape Town City. Even with the derbies when we played Pirates earlier, the games were tight. 

"We only get a couple of days for preparation and we go again. We are looking forward to the game though. Obviously, we had a disappointing result the other night which puts added pressure on this game.” 

Against Cape Town City, Hunt started the same line-up which did duty in the preceding match against Baroka FC which ended 1-1. 

Despite failing to win in their last two games, the Amakhosi tactician does not intend to tamper much with his squad. 

 “We can’t really juggle players much – we’ve got a good core of players,” continued Hunt. 

“Everyone has to have a little more belief. Upfront we have four attackers so there’s not much we can juggle around with. 

“We have given ourselves a mountain to climb in the last game by going a goal down. And in other games we have been a goal up and let it slip. We need to get better over 90 minutes.” 

The reverse fixture between the Gauteng giants saw Sundowns winning 3-0 at FNB Stadium with Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus on target for the visitors.

That was the first time this season the Chiefs defence was brutally exposed, a department Hunt has often expressed his worry about.

“No doubt, we need to defend better and take our chances. My old adage is defences win leagues and strikers win games. We have not defended properly this year,” Hunt added.

“We work on fixing our defensive chinks all the time. We just have to keep riding away, improve our concentration and keep working on the training ground to ensure the whole team is prepared.”

Concerns in defence have seen Hunt tinkering with his back-five regularly, where he has converted Ramahlwe Mphahlele into a centre-back, a position Anthony Akumu now also plays in after being signed as a defensive midfielder.

At one time Daniel Cardoso was also moved from central defence into a defensive link-man but has since returned to the heart of the defence, while goalkeepers Itumeleng Khune and Daniel Akpeyi have both been inconsistent.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has compared the founding Super League clubs to flat-earth believers and Monty Python characters while insisting "everyone will be held responsible" for the proposed breakaway.

Plans for the formation of a new competition to rival the Champions League have been ripped to shreds over the past week amid fierce opposition from supporters and experts across the game.

Most of the original 12 founding clubs have officially withdrawn, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted that the Super League will still go ahead, much to Ceferin's bemusement.

What's been said?

The UEFA president praised the six English teams that have pulled out for issuing public apologies before suggesting that the clubs still involved are delusional to think that the controversial project is still a feasible alternative to the Champions League.

"There is a clear difference between the English clubs and the other six. They pulled out first, they admitted they made a mistake," Ceferin told the Daily Mail.

"You have to have some greatness to say: 'I was wrong'. For me there are three groups of this 12 — the English six, who went out first, then the other three [Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Inter] after them and then the ones who feel that Earth is flat and they think the Super League still exists.

"There is a big difference between those, but everyone will be held responsible. In what way, we will see."

Ceferin went on to aim a thinly-veiled dig at Perez, as he added: "Despite the collapse of their scheme, some couldn't take it with good grace. Like the Black Knight in Monty Python, each exit was met with 'tis but a scratch' while the body of the project is bleeding on the floor."

What punishment could the Super League clubs face?

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Milan are now the only clubs still on board the Super League train, but Ceferin has warned that they could all be banned from the Champions League if they don't follow the lead of the other founding teams in pulling out.

The Slovenian told the Associated Press last week: "It's crystal clear that the clubs will have to decide if they are Super League or they are a European club. If they say we are a Super League, then they don't play Champions League, of course, and if they are ready to do that, they can play in their own competition.

What is the Super League's current stance?

Super League founder and chairman Andrea Agnelli, who is also the current president of Juventus, has admitted that it will be impossible for the Super League to go ahead after seeing so many clubs exit.

“I remain convinced of the beauty of that project," he said. "But admittedly, I mean, I don’t think that that project is now still up and running.”

Further reading

Wilfrid Kaptoum played a key role as New England Revolution secured a 1-0 victory over DC United on matchday two of the 2021 Major League Soccer season on Saturday.

Bruce Arena’s men began their campaign with a draw against Chicago Fire last time out and returned to winning ways at Gillette Stadium.

Kaptoum made a significant contribution to the victory after he was handed his first league start this season in the division.

Brendan Hines-Ike scored the goal that made the difference in the encounter when he turned the ball into his own net past helpless goalkeeper Chris Seitz in the 48th minute.

Cameroon midfielder Kaptoum delivered a solid defensive performance to ensure his side kept a clean sheet before he was replaced by Thomas McNamara.

He will hope to continue his fine showings when the Revs take on Atlanta United in their next league game on May 2.

Elsewhere, Nigerian forward Chinonso Offor was on parade for Chicago Fire in their 3-1 defeat to Atlanta United.

The attacker was handed his second league start and gave a good account of himself, although, his effort was not enough to save his side from their first loss of the season.

Chicago Fire started the game on the back foot and were not looking like a team that could return to winning ways after playing out a draw in their opening league game against New England Revolution.

Twenty-three minutes into the encounter, Atlanta United raced into the lead when Ezequiel Barco fired home a fine effort to leave goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth with no chance.

Chicago Fire seemed to be awoken after conceding the goal and made a spirited effort to level proceedings, scoring in the 46th minute through Luka Stojanovic.

The joy was, however, short-lived as Johan Kappelhof turned the ball into his own net to hand the Five Stripes the lead.

Emerson Hyndman then made the game safe five minutes before the end to ensure his side secure all three points.

Offor featured for 86 minutes in the encounter before he made way for Jhon Espinoza and will hope to make a more telling impact in their next league game against New York RB on May 1.

Meanwhile, Madagascar international Romain Metanire was in action for Minnesota United in their 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake.

The defender featured for the entirety of the game but could not help the Loons to avoid their second consecutive loss after they were also hammered 4-0 by Seattle Sounders in their opening league game.

Anderson Julio’s first-half brace was enough to condemn Minnesota United to defeat despite a late effort from Robin Lod.

Metanire will hope to help his side end their unimpressive run of form when they square off against Austin FC in their next league game on May 2.

Cameroon international Olivier Mbaizo also featured prominently for Philadelphia Union in their 2-1 loss to Inter Miami CF.

The defender was handed a starting role in the match but his effort could help his side to continue their unbeaten at Subaru Park.

Philadelphia Union opened the scoring in the 54th minute through Jamiro Monteiro before surrendering their lead to lose the game after goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Federico Higuain.

The African stars will hope to continue their consistent performances for their respective clubs in their next league outings.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has stated his main target before he retires is to make sure the club have their own stadium and win the FKF Premier League title.

The former international, who was elected to lead Ingwe on June 23, 2019, has maintained he wants to leave a legacy at the club and further said before he calls it quits, he must achieve the two targets.

“It is very clear before I retire I want AFC Leopards to achieve two key things, one I want them to have their own training ground and matchday venue, it is something everyone who loves the club wants us to own and achieve and I also want the club to win the league title,” Shikanda told Goal.

“That is part of my vision, it is part of the legacy I want to leave at the club before I retire, I will make sure I achieve my target, I know some people might feel it cannot be possible, but from my end I know it is very possible.

“AFC Leopards is a big club and we cannot always depend on hiring training venues, we want to make sure we have a home, a training home for the team, we also want to make sure the team wins the title, our position before the league was stopped was good, and we hope when the league returns, we will continue from where we left.

“To be honest I was upset when the league was halted, I was upset because we were performing very well with our eyes on the trophy, I want to request the government to open up sports and allow us to play football, the players are suffering without the game, I hope action will resume soon.”

Ingwe last won the league title 23 years ago and in a recent interview, Shikanda maintained their pledge to give players houses if they win the current campaign is still valid, and urged them to end their drought and win the trophy for the fans and the community.

“Nothing has changed as far as we pledged to reward the players with a house if they win the league title and it was not a hearsay, but a serious pledge,” Shikanda, who also played for rivals Gor Mahia, told Goal.

“When I issued the statement I meant what I said, I was not lying on the matter, so the situation remains the same, if they win the league title, we will reward them with houses, each of the 30 players in the squad will have a new home.

“It is a pledge my office put across and it will not change, and one thing I am happy about the issue, my team is in a pole position to win the league, I am hoping the league resumes, we are in a better position to win it, and the players will smile at the end of the season if they do us proud.”

At the time the league was stopped, Ingwe were placed third on the 18-team table with 29 points from 14 matches, seven fewer than table-toppers Tusker, who had 36 from 16 matches while KCB are second on 30 points from 15 games.

Undoubtedly, Manchester City are favourites going into Sunday’s League Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur, and for good reason.

The Lilywhites are facing a side that could move level with Liverpool’s record of eight titles in the domestic cup competition, having won five of the last eight with the last three coming in succession.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola has made it a habit of claiming the first piece of silverware in the English football calendar since his arrival in 2016 and this year is no different.

While City are resounding favourites to end the day with their eighth EFL Cup success, the managerial upheaval in North London could somehow play to the underdogs’ advantage. Nobody, except the higher-ups at the club perhaps, saw Jose Mourinho’s departure coming.

The expectation was that having taken the club within 90 minutes at least of ending a 13-year trophy drought, the two-time Champions League winner would be allowed to take Spurs over the line in their first final since that CL defeat by Liverpool in 2019.

That disturbance in the capital is hoped to be the tonic for Tottenham to claim a first title since 2008 and push them into one of the Champions League spots, which remain up in the air with the season's conclusion fast approaching.

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the club and Serge Aurier’s campaign has, by and large, resembled the club’s general mood.

Initially playing second fiddle to summer signing Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Ivory Coast right-back then became Mourinho’s favourite in the autumn as they looked to be Premier League contenders at the time.

The wide defender’s performances in wins over City and Arsenal saw him become the side’s primary right-back but Doherty slowly came back into the reckoning and looked to have supplanted Aurier before March’s injury layoff.

In truth, battling for the role of starting right-back with the ex-Wolves man was one of the pre-season subplots but neither has truly held down a starting spot. The much-maligned West African has played in 48 percent of Spurs’ PL games in 2020/21, starting just over half of their 33 fixtures.

While interim boss Ryan Mason revealed the Irishman is back in training for Sunday’s clash, opting to throw the 29-year-old back into the XI may be ill-advised and Aurier’s rather encouraging showing vs Southampton in midweek was pleasing to see.

After below-par displays vs Manchester United and Everton, the right-back won more ground and aerial duels than everyone else on the pitch in Mason’s first game in temporary charge vs Southampton, while he made more tackles than the players on both sides.

Even if the green Englishman has reservations on the former Paris-Saint Germain defender, a dearth of alternatives may be to African’s advantage, and could mean he leans on the sometimes misunderstood Ivorian on Sunday.

Having started in the 2015 final defeat by Chelsea, the interim manager knows what it feels like to lose at this stage and, despite Guardiola’s side coming into the match as the media favourites, the London club ought to find positives in the Cityzens’ recent drop off in performances.

“From a personal point of view, winning means a lot, because I’ve been involved in the club for such a long time,” Mason told the club website before the final.

“I think, more importantly, for the fans, everyone involved in the club, everyone who follows the club... it’s been a long time, and hopefully, that ends at the weekend for everyone involved and associated with the club.

“Sunday will be great for the club. It’s important this club is playing in cup finals, and we’ll go there full of confidence.”

Tottenham’s chances certainly increase if Harry Kane is passed fit to feature at the Home of Football, although that gives no guarantees after 2018/19’s Champions League final loss against Liverpool.

Mason experienced the elation of success as a younger player and fan in 2008 and the agony of defeat as a first-team player seven years later under Mauricio Pochettino.

After losing two finals since that triumph over Chelsea 13 years ago, the Englishman will hope the likes of Aurier and co. step up against a distracted City hoping to be third-time lucky and end their extended trophy drought.

Former Spanish international footballer and FC Barcelona legend Xavi Herandez sent birthday wishes for icon former Indian footballer IM Vijayan on his birthday.

The legendary Indian striker turned 52 on Sunday.

IM Vijayan, considered one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time, was born in Thrissur, Kerala on April 25 in 1969. He has played for some of the top clubs in Indian football namely, Mohun Bagan, JCT FC, East Bengal and Kerala Police. He had won his only National Football League (NFL) now I-League title with JCT FC in the league's inaugural year in 1996/97.

Vijayan also had a distinguished India career as well, scoring around 40 goals for the Blue Tigers. He made his national team debut in 1989. In the 1999 SAFF Cup, he scored one of the fastest international goals in history during the tournament, hitting the net against Bhutan after only 12 seconds.

He retired from India duty in 2003 after the Afro Asian Games where he was the top scorer with four goals.

The Malayali forward was the first player to win the AIFF Player of the Year multiple times. He has won the accolade thrice.

Barcelona great Xavi Hernadez recently guided Qatari club Al Sadd SC to the Qatar Stars League title in the 2020-21 season. Al Sadd, under the tutelage of the Spanish star, won the trophy without losing a single match this season.

The Qatari champions are currently playing in the AFC Champions League 2021. They are currently placed at the second position in the group table with seven points from four matches. 

Peter Etebo hailed Galatasaray’s performance as the Yellow-Reds defeated Antalyaspor on Saturday night.

The visitors were impressive at the Antalya Stadium, however, they relied on a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed to secure a 1-0 away win.

Following this result, they climbed to second in the Turkish elite division log having garnered 69 points from 35 points.

Although Fatih Terim’s men could drop to third should Fenerbahce defeat Alanyaspor on Sunday, the Istanbul based outfit remains unbeaten in their last four league outings.

In his post-match assessment, the Nigeria international stated that his team deserved to win having dominated their hosts who had two players (Lukas Podolski and Fedor Kudryashov) sent off.

"First of all, I want to congratulate my teammates," Etebo told the club website after the game.

“The important thing for us was to get three points here. First of all, it was important that we took the game here and looked ahead. We dominated the game.

“That didn't happen in the Trabzonspor game and we lost two points there. We could have won there, but we had to dominate the game. I'm glad we won here.”

Also delighted with this result is Sener Ozbayraklı who stated that Terim’s team will not give up in their quest to win the league title.

"We are playing back-to-back games. We got results we didn't want before,” the Turkish defender said.

“Of course, what happens in football is that you don't know what's going on. But we made some grave mistakes on the way to the championship.

“Today, we managed to get a win with the fast-paced game. We've been in too many positions. We've won and we're happy.

“We're in the final weeks of the league and we're going to fight until the end. I hope we get to where we deserve to be.”

Featuring in his 23rd Super Lig outing of the 2020-21 campaign, Etebo played from start to finish against the Scorpions while his compatriots Henry Onyekuru and Valentine Ozornwafor were not dressed for action.

The 25-year-old expected to hold sway in Galatasaray’s midfield when they take on Konyaspor on April 28.

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid’s title hopes are not over despite being held to a goalless draw by Real Betis.

Los Blancos dominated possession and managed 17 shots at goal, but the closest they came to breaking the deadlock was Rodrygo’s miss-hit cross that struck the bar.

The draw means Real missed the chance to draw level on points with leaders Atletico Madrid, who can move five points clear with victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

What did Zidane say?

When asked by reporters whether the Liga title was now lost, Zidane said: "I don't think so. It's true that there are two points lost today but I don't think so.

“I think we have to continue, we've tried, we've missed something offensively, with the ball, but I don't think the league is decided".

Hazard boost for Blancos

The one bright spot of a largely frustrating evening for Real was the return to fitness of Eden Hazard, who came on as a 77th minute substitute for just his second appearance since the end of January after a succession of niggling injuries.

Reflecting on the former Chelsea winger’s performance, Zidane added: “Well, it's just a few minutes. He's been out for almost three months, but I see him fine.

“He can contribute. I think he played 15-20 minutes with spark, with energy. Most importantly, nothing bothered him. He is going to contribute and we are going to need him."

What’s next for Real?

Real Madrid have little time to dwell on their frustrating evening against Betis, with Chelsea next up in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Los Blancos then host Osasuna in La Liga next weekend before travelling to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on May 5.

Further reading

CF Montreal let slip a two-goal lead against Nashville to draw 2-2 in Saturday’s Major League Soccer clash at the Nissan Stadium.

Wilfried Nancy’s men were cruising at 2-0 at half-time, only to switch off and ensure that the encounter ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Having silenced Toronto FC 4-2 on the opening day of the 2021 campaign, the Quebec based team travelled to Tennessee with the ambition of consolidating on that result.

Fortunately, they took the lead after 13 minutes courtesy of Toye Mason. In a counter-attacking play, Romell Quioto teed up the 22-year-old who curled a right-footed effort past goalkeeper Joe Willis. That was the New Jersey native’s second goal of the ongoing campaign.

Three minutes before the half time break, Zachary Brault-Guillard doubled the visitors’ advantage with a brilliant effort. The Canada international raced down the right flank before unleashing a shot from outside the goal area that deflected on a Nashville defender before crossing the goal line after hitting the crossbar.

Not willing to accept defeat, the hosts came out stronger in the second half. Their tenacity paid off in the 54th minute as Jhonder Cadiz pulled a goal back.

Randall Leal got the better of Kamal Miller before sending a cross inside Montreal’s six-yard box. The 25-year-old Venezuelan – who is on loan from Benfica – leapt forward to head the ball past goalkeeper Clement Diop.

In the 77th minute, the hosts levelled matters thanks to Hany Mukhtar. The German-Sudanese midfielder recovered a loose ball around the penalty spot and sent a low shot home.

Just like Senegal’s Diop, Kenya international Victor Wanyama was in action from start to finish. Ugandan defender Mustafa Kizza was handed a starter's role, albeit, he was substituted for Amar Sejdic with six minutes left to play.

Whereas, Nigeria's Sunusi Ibrahim and Egypt's Ahmed Hamdy were not dressed for action.

On the other side, Cameroon’s Brian Anunga was introduced for Anibal Godoy in the 78th minute, while Abu Danladi (Ghana), Dominique Badji (Senegal) and Handwalla Bwana (Kenya) played no role in the four-goal thriller.

Even at the result, Montreal lead the Eastern Conference log with four points from two games, while Nashville occupy the fourth position with just two points.

Sevilla star Ivan Rakitic admits he would have loved the chance to represent Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, while offering his thoughts on former team-mate Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona. 

Rakitic, 33, left Camp Nou for Andalucia in 2019, returning to the club he had represented for three and a half years prior to his move to the Blaugrana. 

But he is also no stranger to Germany, having played for Schalke before moving to Spain, and he revealed that he would have been keen to give the Bundesliga another try. 

What was said? 

"Honestly? I really didn't know anything about it," he told  Sport 1   when asked about the report that Bayern were offered and turned down his services in 2019.

"I think it's a shame that my buddy Brazzo [Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern sporting director] made that decision. I would have liked to play again with Manu [Manuel Neuer]. 

"Joking aside: You have talked about it once, but nothing more. To be part of FC Bayern is certainly a huge honour. What this club has built up over the past few years is amazing. 

"One can only congratulate those responsible for this. Bayern are still the biggest club in Europe, even if they were knocked out of the Champions League."

Messi's future

The Barcelona captain hit the headlines last summer when he requested to leave Barcelona having spent his entire professional career at the club, a bombshell that surprised his ex-colleague as much as anyone. 

"Like everyone else, I was very surprised and shocked. When Leo didn't start training, 90 percent of fans thought he was already gone," he added.

"It was a very strange situation. Leo is not Barca football history, he is part of this club. 

"I'm really happy that he stayed. And I hope he will play for Barca for a few more years. Whatever he decides, you have to respect it. I only wish him the best."

Further reading 

A social media boycott has been announced across English football, with the FA, Premier League, EFL, FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, PFA, LMA, PGMOL, Kick It Out and FSA uniting to put a blackout in place between April 30 and May 3.

Action is being taken in a bid to "eradicate online hate while highlighting the importance of educating people in the ongoing fight against discrimination", with the UK government also being urged to push through "strong legislation" in its Online Safety Bill.

The 2020-21 campaign has delivered more instances of sportspeople being targeted by online trolls, with the general consensus of those running the game being that social media companies are not doing enough to put "real-life consequences" in place for "purveyors of abuse across all platforms".

What has been said?

Edleen John, The FA’s Director of International Relations, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, has said in an official statement: “It’s simply unacceptable that people across English football and society more broadly continue to be subjected to discriminatory abuse online on a daily basis, with no real-world consequences for perpetrators. 

"This needs to change quickly, and we continue to urge social media companies to act now to address this. We will not stop talking about this issue and will continue to work with government in ensuring that the Online Safety Bill gives sufficient regulatory and supervisory powers to Ofcom. Social media companies need to be held accountable if they continue to fall short of their moral and social responsibilities to address this endemic problem.

"We have recently seen how powerful it can be when everybody is united for the good of the English game. We are calling on organisations and individuals across the game to join us in a temporary boycott of these social media platforms, to show solidarity and unite in the message that English football will not tolerate discrimination in any form."
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters added: "Racist behaviour of any form is unacceptable and the appalling abuse we are seeing players receive on social media platforms cannot be allowed to continue.

"The Premier League and our clubs stand alongside football in staging this boycott to highlight the urgent need for social media companies to do more in eliminating racial hatred. We will not stop challenging social media companies and want to see significant improvements in their policies and processes to tackle online discriminatory abuse on their platforms.

"Football is a diverse sport, which brings together communities and cultures from all backgrounds and this diversity makes the competition stronger. No Room For Racism represents all the work we do to promote equality, diversity and inclusion and tackling discrimination.”

Trevor Birch, chief executive of the EFL, said: "EFL clubs have expressed a clear desire to take a united stand against abhorrent racist, discriminatory, and threatening abuse on social media platforms which we fully support alongside the rest of the football family.  

"While we recognise the value and role social media plays in our game, online abuse will not be tolerated and we will continue to strongly pursue all avenues open to us to affect change.

"The boycott is only part of the work being undertaken in this area but further highlights the need for social media companies to take additional responsibility for the inappropriate and unwelcome behaviour that appears on their platforms.  

Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out Chair, said: "Social media is now sadly a regular vessel for toxic abuse. This boycott signifies our collective anger at the damage this causes to the people who play, watch and work in the game. By removing ourselves from the platforms, we are making a symbolic gesture to those with power. We need you to act. We need you to create change.

"We need social media companies to make their platforms a hostile environment for trolls rather than for the football family. We need the Government to hold its nerve and keep its promises to regulate. The Online Safety Bill could be a game changer and we aim to help make that happen. There should be no space for hate and everyone can play their part. If you watch, work in or love the game, join in."

Richard Bevan, chief executive at the LMA, said: "The LMA fully supports the social media boycott across the professional game.   A unified silence will send a loud and powerful message to those that perpetrate online abuse that their actions will no longer be tolerated, and to the social media companies that they have a responsibility to do everything in their power to eradicate online hate. 

"We also urge Government to understand the significance of this collective action and to ensure that its Online Safety Bill delivers appropriately strong legislation."

Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters' Association, said: "The Football Supporters' Association is fully behind the game's efforts to stamp out online hate and discrimination and will join next weekend's social media boycott. Much media attention has rightly focused on the vile abuse aimed at players, managers and journalists in the men's and women's game and we see that aimed at fans groups too. It has to stop.

"Many of our most active fan groups tell us that they have received disgusting abuse when they are doing nothing more than trying to represent their supporter base. It's a threat to the very existence of supporter organisations who are run by volunteers in their spare time. As fans we stand with players, managers, referees and all in the game in calling for the social media companies to step up."

The bigger picture 

The planned social media boycott will take place across a full fixture programme in the men and women's game, with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts being switched off.

The blackout will run from 3pm GMT on Friday April 30 to 11.59pm on Monday May 3.

Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has already announced that he will not be using social media again until the companies concerned stamp down on discriminative posts.

Tottenham forward Gareth Bale has said that he would be happy to do likewise, with protests attracting enough support that blanket action is now being taken across the board in English football.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel says his Chelsea side have “set the benchmark” after their fine form under the German continued with a 1-0 win at top-four rivals West Ham.

Timo Werner scored the only goal to move the Blues three points clear of the Hammers in the final Champions League qualification position.

After an eventful week that also included an FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, a frustrating home draw with Brighton and the fallout from the aborted European Super League, Tuchel has asked his players to maintain their level of performance, with Real Madrid lying in wait in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. The boss said "you sign up to play at the highest level" at Chelsea and urged his men to live up to those ambitions.

What did Tuchel say?

Reflecting on the result at London Stadium, just the fourth time West Ham have lost at home in the league this season, Tuchel said: "It is significant because it's so difficult to win here.

“I saw we were very strong in the first half, a very concentrated performance. We had to be so patient and aggressive at the same time because they invite you sometimes to come into their half, to have ball possession. But if you lose the ball easily they can punish you in a second with counter-attacks and set-pieces.

"We didn't allow that in the first half, we controlled the game, had excellent counter-pressing and closed the spaces for counter-attacks very bravely. So I am very happy about that.

"We were a bit too passive or too deep in the second half for 15 minutes and we instantly suffered because of their quality and physicality. We were a bit lucky not to concede from a shot from [Jesse Lingard] but overall it's a big strength of ours not to concede big chances.

"The team effort is huge and after 15 minutes of the second half, we got the control back in the game and had the chance to have a two-goal cushion, to score a second one and control the game after that.

"At 1-0 it's always tough until the end but I felt the team was very focused and strong. It's the best way to arrive in another massive match in the Champions League. The race will go on [in the Premier League] and we have to continue to deliver points."

The bigger picture

Only leaders Manchester City picked up more points than Chelsea since Tuchel’s first game in charge back in January, lifting the club from ninth place into the top four.

He has also joined Claudio Ranieri in becoming only the second manager of a Premier League side to go 10 away games unbeaten in all competitions at the start of a reign.

That fine form has secured a place at next month’s FA Cup final and a spot in the last four of the Champions League, with Tuchel determined to ensure his side maintain that momentum through to the end of the campaign.

“All the performances are a benchmark. When we do it now, we want to do it on Tuesday and then Saturday again," said the former PSG boss.

“This is how we approach our team and how you approach high level sports. You can't be distracted by too many visions and goals that are too far away.

“I am very happy with the consistency of quality that we can deliver every three days. We play with courage and it is a really high level that we can produce consistently.

“This is what we demand for Tuesday in all different set up, whether FA Cup, league or Champions League. We demand the same level which is full focus and to reach your own highest level and to play at that level.

"We will demand that next season and no matter what we say next season, no matter what the target is. I think the target will then be to win the first match when it arrives and in pre-season we won't allow anyone to even drop one per cent, not even in friendly matches.

"When you sign up for Chelsea, you sign up to play at the highest level. We have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard. This is what the team feels, they are tired but they feel there are things to improve.

“We are capable of winning and don't forget you need luck in the match, you need to deserve it of course to have the consistency to win matches. I am happy we have reached this crucial stage of the season like this.”

Further reading