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Mamelodi Sundowns' hectic fixture schedule for April continues when they play their fourth of eight games this month, a league encounter away at Chippa United at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Monday afternoon, 3 pm kick-off.

The Brazilians confirmed their spot in the Caf Champions League quarter-finals over the weekend, despite losing 2-0 to Algerian team Belouizdad.

That defeat was a first in 28 games in all competitions for Sundowns and just their second loss of the campaign since losing to Bloemfontein Celtic in the season-opening MTN8 quarter-final clash.

Chippa meanwhile head into Monday's game occupying the second-last spot on the standings, after they were thrashed 5-1 by Maritzburg United in their most recent outing two weeks back - a result which cost head coach Dan Malesela his job.

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Squads & Team News

Neither team has any suspensions although Kurt Lentjies and Isaac Nhlapo are one yellow card away from suspension for Chippa, with Lebohang Maboe, Lyle Lakay and Sphelele Mkhulise in the same situation for Downs.

Sundowns are currently near full strength - the injured Kermit Erasmus is their only absentee. The likes of Sibusiso Vilakazi and Mauricio Affonso have recently returned from injury to bolster Downs' options.

Former Sundowns men Anthony Laffor, Oupa Manyisa and Lentjies will all be hoping to feature against their ex-employers in East London.

Andile Mbenyane has been out with a groin injury and is not expected to be available for the game.

Match Preview

It could be a bad time for the Chilli Boys to meet Masandawana, who will be stung by the rare defeat they suffered on the weekend.

Morale, meanwhile, cannot be too high at Chippa after their five-goal thrashing by Maritzburg, and their problems were compounded last weekend when TTM beat TS Galaxy to send Chippa into the relegation zone.

All that the Eastern Cape unit can hope for is that Sundowns may have one eye on their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash with Orlando Pirates on Thursday.

In 27 previous games between the teams, Chippa have won only twice, while there have been seven draws and 12 wins for the Pretoria team.

Colombian top-flight side Rionegro Aguilas were forced to play Boyaca Chico with just seven players on Sunday due to injuries and Covid-19 cases within the team.

Impressively, Aguilas managed to hold their opponents scoreless for 57 minutes before ultimately conceding three times in a 3-0 defeat.

The match was suspended after Aguilas player Giovanny Martinez was injured and couldn't continue in the 79th minute, putting his side below the minimum players required to play.

Why did the game go forward?

Aguilas petitioned the Colombian top flight, Categoria Primera A, to postpone the game after 16 of their players tested positive for Covid-19, with a further seven injured. 

However, the league ordered the game to move forward, with Aguilas only able to field seven healthy players – including two goalkeepers. 

In a statement posted on Twitter before the game, Aguilas said they were playing only to avoid "severe sanctions".

Speaking to Win Sports earlier this week, league president Fernando Jaramillo said: "If there are seven players available, you have to show up with those seven players."

What happened in the game?

Prior to the match, Aguilas announced their matchday squad on Twitter in cheeky fashion, saying: "The 18 ... sorry the seven called up for the most unequal game in history."

The seven Aguilas players posed before the match with banners that read "LIFE FIRST" and "#CLEANPLAY".

Though they held out bravely for nearly an hour, Boyaca Chico netted on 57 minutes before quickly scoring twice more.

Following the suspension of the game, Aguilas wrote on Twitter: "We lose the game but we will win the battle against Covid-19. We are very proud of you, guys."

Further reading

Ahmed Hassan Kouka was the hero for Olympiacos as his two goals helped them defeat Panathinaikos 3-1 and win the 2020-21 Greek Super League title on Sunday.

The 28-year-old who recently returned from an injury lay-off, replaced Senegal's Ousseynou Ba in the 36th minute and he made a statement in Piraeus with a goal in each half.

Former Manchester United forward Federico Macheda broke the deadlock for Panathinaikos with his strike from the penalty spot in the 31st minute but Kouka ensured both teams went into the break level, thanks to his stoppage-time equaliser.

The leveller inspired Olympiacos’ fight-back and the Egypt striker turned the game around with another goal in the 72nd minute. The tensed encounter which saw eight yellow cards distributed to both teams finally came to an end after Bruma sealed maximum points for the hosts in the 97th minute.

Kouka has scored 10 league goals so far in 19 league outings this term which stretched his tally to 15 goals across all competitions.

The victory secured consecutive league titles for Pedro Martins' side as they maintain a 22-point lead above second-placed Aris with seven Super League matches remaining.

Also in action at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki was Morocco's Youssef El-Arabi who played from start to finish but he could not extend his dominance as Olympiacos' top scorer with 20 goals in 26 league appearances this season.

Panathinaikos, on the other hand, had Senegal's Cheikh Niasse and DR Congo forward Yeni Ngbakoto in action.

Sunday's result extended Olympiacos' Super League winning streak to six matches, however, El-Arabi and Kouka will aim to help the Legend stretch their fine run when they visit third-placed PAOK for their next fixture on April 18.

ES Setif defeated Enyimba 3-0 on Sunday night to revive their disappearing Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

Goals from Amir Karaoui, Mohamed Amoura and Akram Djahnit were all the Algerians needed to record their first win in the group phase after failed attempts in their last three matches.

Boasting of two wins in their last two matches in all competitions, Fatai Osho’s men journeyed to Stade 8 Mai 1945 - hoping to boost their chances of reaching the quarter-final. However, they met a resurgent host who claimed all three points at stake.

After a cagey opening minute, the Setif based outfit took the lead through Amir Karaoui who made good use of Ahmed Kendouci’s assist.

On the stroke of half-time, the North Africans doubled their advantage courtesy of Mohamed El Amine Amoura. The 20-year-old fired past goalkeeper John Noble after receiving a pass from Abderrahim Deghmoum.

In the second half, the Aba Elephants came out stronger, albeit, they could not find a way past their well-organised opponents.

Twenty-five minutes before full time, Nabil Kouki’s team took a three-goal lead as Akram Djahnit converted from the penalty spot.

With ten minutes left to play, Egyptian referee Amin Omar pointed to the penalty spot following a foul from Emmanuel Ampiah in the goal area.

This time, goalkeeper Noble saved the ensuing kick taken by Djahnit, while staying at alert to make another beautiful save from the rebound.

Despite their loss, Enyimba stay in the second position of Group A having garnered six points from four outings.

The two-time African kings are two points behind leaders Orlando Pirates. The South African side silenced Al Ahly Benghazi 3-0 in Johannesburg earlier in the day.

Even with their victory, ES Setif sit at the base of the log with just four points from the same number of outings.

The Nigeria Professional Football League side would be hoping to return to winning ways when they visit the Benina Martyrs Stadium for their next fixture versus Al Ahly Benghazi on April 28.

On the other side, the Algerians are guests of Orlando Pirates on the same date in Johannesburg.

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has joined Egypt internationals in sending relief messages to injured Aston Villa playmaker Mahmoud Trezeguet.

Trezeguet picked up an injury in Villa’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Liverpool on Saturday with Salah on target for the hosts at Anfield.

Towards the end of the encounter, the Egyptian winger went down following a tackle from match-winner Trent Alexander-Arnold which made him leave the field in tears.

Trezeguet, in a social media update, said he is yet to confirm the severity of the injury as he awaits his medical scan.

"Thank you all for your support, I appreciate your concern. Actually, I'm not quite sure about my injury," he wrote on Instagram.

However, his compatriots including Salah, Ahmed Hegazi and Ahmed Elmohamady alongside several African teammates have sent best wishes to the former Kasimpasa player.

After the match, manager Dean Smith expressed his worry about the latest injury blow to the 26-year-old who scored a brace in their 3-1 win over Fulham last week.

Trezeguet has played 21 league matches so far this season because of a head injury which ruled him out of action between December and January, and it is unknown yet if he will return to action before the end of the 2020-21.

“He certainly has (found form). He came on as a substitute and made an impact last week, scoring twice against Fulham,” Smith was quoted by Birmingham Live .

“He played well again today and played his part but unfortunately he’s gone off injured. We’re a little bit worried to see what the extent of the injury is.

“He’s a little bit upset but we’ll see over time.”

"Our Lord heals you my friend. God willing, you will return stronger than the first, with the will and determination that you have you will return stronger, with faith and contentment you will return stronger, always think that all of this will make you stronger after that, we are all behind you and on your side my beloved," the Olympiacos star tweeted.

The Liga Betplay is the top level of football in Colombia, with 19 teams from across the country fighting it out in the 2021 edition which started in January. 

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

The campaign is divided into two stages, with a winner crowned at the end of each phase following a play-off competition involving the best eight teams from the regular season.

Both the Apertura and Finalizacion are counted as league victories in their own right, marking a return to the previous format following alterations to the system during the Covid-affected 2020 season.

How to watch Santa Fe vs Millonarios

The hosts have been among the front-runners throughout the Apertura campaign and have already clinched one of the eight play-off berths with two games to spare.

Indeed, victory on Sunday against their arch-rivals would see them go top ahead of Atletico Nacional after the Medellin side lost to Deportivo Cali.

Millonarios are less certain of their fate, going into the derby in seventh place just one point clear of Medellin, who occupy ninth position.

Failure to beat Santa Fe would mean the club would head into the last round of fixtures still uncertain of their play-off place.

Santa Fe vs Millonarios is available to stream worldwide on Fanatiz , where you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

You can watch all of the 2021 Liga BetPlay season live on  Fanatiz .

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What other Liga BetPlay matches are available on Fanatiz?

Watch the Liga BetPlay live on Fanatiz.

Thomas Tuchel has said Kai Havertz will never be a fiery personality like Diego Costa was at Chelsea, but insisted the young attacker can still shine as a more subdued figure.

The 21-year-old scored and got an assist in the 4-1 away win at Crystal Palace, the first time that Tuchel's side have scored more than twice in the 17 games he's been in charge.

In a new false nine role, Havertz excelled at Selhurst Park after being criticised for his performance in his side's win over Porto in midweek. Tuchel believes that Havertz has been misunderstood since arriving in west London.

What he said?

"He is simply not that guy that will fully feel, or you will see enraged," Tuchel told reporters after the match. "Some guys, you feel they have to fight with others to get certain momentum.

"He is not a Diego Costa kind of guy. This is simple. I will never demand he will become this. Sometimes you cannot confuse with his body language that he doesn't give everything. He is a very quiet character and we are aware of his quality.

"I don't know a level that he is reaching and how fast he can do it. I can just repeat that he stepped out of his comfort zone coming from Leverkusen to the Premier League; you want to challenge yourself. Here he is and it is up to him to show the quality.

"He has shown already very strong performance against Everton and Atletico. For us, he had a tough match against Porto and the speech was very easy: Go and show you can do better and fight for your place. He gets a second chance and he took that.

"He can be even more ruthless in finishing because he has extra quality. He doesn't have to be our emotional leader because he is not that guy and it is not necessary.

"But, in terms of controlling the ball, keeping it in difficult situations, having little runs, being in high positions and having good finishing, this is what we demand. He needs to show up and show up. This is life as an offensive player at Chelsea."

What does the opposition think?

Eagles manager Roy Hodgson was disappointed with his side's overall performances, particularly in the first half, but went on to praise Havertz.

"Yes, he is excellent," Hodgson said. "We knew that before the game started. We have seen enough of him playing at Leverkusen before he arrived during lockdown when we weren’t getting football except the Bundesliga.

"I have seen a lot of him since he has been at Chelsea. We know what he is about. He is an enormous talent, who is very skillful on the ball, got good movement but to some extent, that’s what Chelsea were expecting.

"They invested a lot of money in him. It was their desire to get a player like him and bring him to the club so it was no surprise to me today to see him playing the way he did. It was unfortunate for us that he played that well."

Further reading

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he does not expect Kieran Tierney to play again this season.

The left-back has been a standout figure in what has been a disappointing campaign for the Gunners, who are struggling to qualify for Europe next season.

Tierney suffered knee ligament damage in an encounter with Liverpool and is unlikely to feature for the north London side again in the 2020-21 season.

What was said?

Speaking about Granit Xhaka filling in at left-back in Sunday's 3-0 win at Sheffield United, Arteta confirmed the news on Tierney.

He said: “Today he had a really strong performance and he gives you another option. Kieran is out, probably for the season so we need different options at that position and he can be one of those.”

Tierney will, therefore, face a race against time to be fit for Scotland at Euro 2020.

Arteta offers injury update on other stars

Arsenal are nursing numerous problems currently, and Arteta gave an update on several players ahead of a Europa League trip to Slavia Prague on Thursday in a tie that is delicately balanced at 1-1.

“I think for Thursday, David [Luiz] will be out, Kieran [Tierney] will be out - and then Emile [Smith Rowe] and Martin [Odegaard], we don’t know yet. With Bukayo [Saka], let’s see how he develops in the next few days," the Spaniard said.

Saka limped out of Sunday's match with a thigh injury.

He offered a more positive update on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed Sunday's game through illness.

“He was unwell yesterday. He could not train. He could not be available today, but hopefully in the next day or two he will be feeling better and he will be available to get picked," Arteta said.

Further reading

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch River Plate vs Colon

River began the Copa on a low note, going down 2-1 to Estudiantes in their opening game.

Since then the Millonario have endured mixed fortunes, dispatching Rosario Central and neighbours Platense before falling at home to Argentinos and drawing the Superclasico 1-1 away to arch-rivals Boca Juniors.

Marcelo Gallardo's men then enjoyed a welcome return to form as they thrashed Godoy Cruz 6-1, but they have failed to win in their last three matches and sit outside of the play-off positions.

Colon have been one of the Copa's surprise packages, going unbeaten in their opening eight matches to open up a comfortable lead at the top of Group 1.

The Sabalero have dropped just four points to date, with their well-drilled defence shipping a mere two goals and star striker Luis Rodriguez netting five times at the other end.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

River vs Colon team news

Matias Suarez is unavailable for the hosts as he battles a complaint in his right knee.

Colon have been hit by the withdrawal of top scorer and attacking lynchpin Luis Rodriguez, who tested positive for coronavirus during the week.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Following their 3-0 hammering of Sheffield United, Arsenal have now won four of their six Premier League matches without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this season.

They have won 66.6 per cent of their six league matches without Aubameyang - four wins, a draw and a loss, compared to 36 per cent of nine wins in the 25 league games he has featured in so far this campaign.

The 31-year-old reportedly missed Sunday's game at Bramall Lane with a flu, but his absence did not stop Arsenal from ending their four-game winless run in all competitions.

Alexandre Lacazette's double and Gabriel Martinelli's effort secured maximum points for the Gunners which saw them move to ninth in the Premier League table.

Ivory Coast's Nicolas Pepe and Ghana's Thomas Partey played the entire duration for the visitors while Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny came off the bench to replace Martinelli in the 83rd minute.

Sunday's triumph also came as a relief for Arsenal as they grabbed their first ever Premier League win at Bramall Lane at the fifth attempt since April 1991.

Despite his absence, Aubameyang remains a key player in Mikel Arteta's set-up and he is the Gunners' second top scorer after Lacazette with 14 goals across all competitions, including nine Premier League efforts.

It remains to be seen if the Gabon international will be fully fit for Arsenal's important Uefa Europa League quarter-final return fixture against Slavia Prague on Thursday.

They were held to a 1-1 draw by their Czech visitors last week at the Emirates Stadium. Next up for Arsenal after the continental outing, is a Premier League home fixture against Fulham on April 18.

Tottenham have moved to condemn racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-Min following their Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Son was involved in a controversial moment as United had a goal disallowed in the first half for a foul on him.

In the aftermath, the South Korea international was subject to racial abuse on social media.

What did Tottenham say?

Releasing a statement via Twitter, Spurs said: “Another matchday and more abhorrent racial abuse suffered by one of our players. This has again been reported to the platforms and we shall now undertake a full review alongside the Premier League to determine the most effective action moving forward.

“We stand with you, Sonny.”

What did Son do?

Son was involved in an incident with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay in the build-up to Edinson Cavani having a goal ruled out.

The South Korea international was struck in the face by McTominay’s arm, going to ground in an incident that ultimately saw the goal disallowed.

It was a decision, however, that was widely condemned.

Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, for example, suggested that he would not feed his son if he behaved in the same way – a statement that Spurs compatriot Jose Mourinho heavily criticised.

Further reading

Orlando Pirates kept their hopes of reaching the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals alive by securing an impressive 3-0 win over Libyan club Al Ahli Benghazi in a Group A match on Sunday evening.

The win took the Buccaneers to the top of their group standings with two games left and it came a day after their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs booked their spot in the Caf Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in the club's history.

One fan hopes to see Pirates and Chiefs go all the way and win this season's Confederation Cup and Champions League respectively which would see the two Soweto giants contest the 2021/22 Caf Super Cup.

Check out how Twitter reacted to Pirates' win over Al Ahli:

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer seems to be getting cautiously optimistic about the possibility of challenging for continental silverware in the Caf Confederation Cup.

In what has already been an arduous seven-game pan-African campaign, a belief is starting to build in the Bucs camp and this was underlined with their emphatic 3-0 win over Libyan side Al Ahli Benghazi at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday evening.

That result left them with eight points from four of their six Group A games, and in with a very good shot at a top-two finish, and advancement to the quarter-finals.

With Nigerian side Enyimba and ES Setif of Algeria also in the group – two clubs with plenty of Caf pedigree - nothing can be taken for granted.

“We have to focus on the next games.  If you have the chance to get to the quarter-finals, then we have to do this.” Zinnbauer told the media after Sunday’s home win.

"We have a lot of work. We have not always the best performance, but in football you know it's always the results that's important. Sometimes you have a good performance and lose.

"It's better to find a better situation, but we go for Africa, for South Africa.

“We have a chance and we want this for South Africa. We want this for the club, we want this for the supporters, we have now a chance for the next step and now our supporters are very happy.”

Pirates’ other three results have been a 0-0 away draw with Al Ahli, a 2-1 home win over Enyimba, and a 0-0 draw away to Setif.

"A few weeks ago I said we have maybe one of the best groups in this tournament,” Zinnbauer continued.

“And now we can go forward, we can maybe get the first or the second place, it's possible.

"But there are more games, in these games you have the full concentration and then we are happy to come in the quarter-finals.

"Then you see what's happened in the other groups - it's very good teams in the first and the second place, but our group is maybe one of the strongest. We are unbeaten in the moment and I hope we go forwards.”

Arsenal were left sweating when Bukayo Saka was withdrawn against Sheffield United on Sunday with a thigh muscle injury.

The 19-year-old dropped to the ground in pain midway through the second half after an incident in which he did not make contact with any other player. 

Saka was unable to continue and had to be replaced by Willian in the 69th minute. 

What was said?

When asked about Saka's condition in his post-game press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “I don’t know. He had to come off. He had a discomfort in his thigh.

"It is the last thing that we need, because we are missing some big players at the moment and we don’t want to lose another one. So hopefully it is not that serious.”

Asked if Saka could be ready for Thursday's Europa League match against Slavia Prague, Arteta responded: "Let’s see how he develops in the next few days.”

What could Saka's injury mean?

The England international has become one of Arsenal's most important players this season; only Granit Xhaka has played more minutes among the club's outfield players.

Arsenal moved up to ninth in the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over the Blades on Sunday, but a European place still appears far off. 

The Gunners' main concern this season has become the Europa League, and they will desperately hope Saka will be fit for Thursday's quarter-final clash against Slavia Prague. 

Arsenal drew with the Czech outfit 1-1 in their home leg on Thursday, putting them at a disadvantage heading into the second leg in Prague. 

The club are also suffering from some key injuries at the back, with Kieran Tierney and David Luiz out for several weeks. 

How has Saka fared this season?

Saka has cemented his status as one of the Premier League's top young players in 2020-21, tallying six goals and seven assists in 37 total appearances.

The teenager has also earned four caps for England as he chases a place at Euro 2020 this summer.

Further reading

New signing Andy Francis Kumi struck his second goal in two games as Asante Kotoko beat Berekum Chelsea 2-0 in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Signed from lower tier side UniStar Academy last month, the striker joined Godfred Asiamah on the score sheet to secure three points, which have crucially sent the Porcupine Warriors to the top of the table after the matchday 19 fixture at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

Kotoko's move to the top was heavily facilitated by disappointment for Great Olympics and Karela United, who occupied the top two positions heading into the round of games.

At the Accra Sports Stadium, Olympics were stunned 2-0 by now 14th-placed Legon Cities, who scored through Jonah Attuquaye and Nicholas Mensah. The Wonder Boys have 33 points to their name, one mark below new leaders Kotoko.

Karela, likewise, suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Inter Allies, who benefited from goals from Suleman Nafiu and Samuel Armah. The Anyinase-based side have fallen to third on the standings, while Allies, despite winning three points, still sit bottom of the log.

Medeama have registered their first win in three games by a 2-0 home triumph over Dreams FC. Burkinabe striker Amed Toure scored both goals against Still Belief, who saw Fahadu Suleman sent off in first-half injury time and missed a penalty on the stroke of full-time. Medeama are fifth on the table, one place above Dreams, who sit a spot and three points below.

In Dormaa, a Benjamin Tweneboah double and a Prince Acquah effort steered Aduana Stars to a 3-1 triumph over King Faisal, whose consolation goal came from Isaac Frimpong. The Fire Boys occupy the seventh position while Faisal sit second-from-bottom.

In the last game of Sunday, Wafa edged Bechem United 1-0, the all-important goal coming four minutes prior to half-time from Lawrence Agyekum. The two sides are 10th and eighth on the table, respectively.

On Saturday's Victor Aidoo's missed penalty proved costly for fourth-spotted Hearts of Oak as they ultimately suffered a 1-0 away defeat to ninth-placed Ashanti Gold in Obuasi. Amos Addai's goal in the sixth minute of injury time was the separating factor.

Also on Saturday, Liberty Professionals condemned Elmina Sharks to a 4-0 loss in Accra, the goals registered by Paul Kwame, Simon Asamoah, Simon Appiah and Kwaku Kakari. Sixteenth on the table, Liberty are still trapped in the relegation zone while Sharks sit three places above.

Earlier on Friday, Ebusua Dwarfs, 11th on the standings, and Eleven Wonders, 15th, settled for a 1-1 draw in Cape Coast. Michael Asamoah (Dwarfs) and Clement Boahen (Wonders) canceled out each other. 

Super-sub Karim Adeyemi was on target twice as RB Salzburg recorded a 3-0 away victory over Rapid Wien in Sunday’s Austrian Bundesliga outing.

The German youth international of Nigerian descent was brought on for Mergim Berisha in the 74th minute, and in the closing stages of the encounter, he turned in two goals for Jesse Marsch’s men.

Boasting of six consecutive wins in all competitions this season, the Red Bull travelled to the Allianz Stadium to face Dietmar Kuhbauer's men, who put eight past Wolfsberger AC last time out.

In the cagey first-half where chances were few, Andre Ramalho Silva put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute after firing past goalkeeper Richard Strebinger.

Ercan Kara almost levelled matters for the hosts three minutes later but Salzburg’s backline thwarted his goal-bound effort.

Rapid Wien’s ambition of coming back in the encounter suffered a massive blow as Maximilian Hofmann was given his marching order by referee Manuel Schuttengruber a minute after the restart following a foul on Patson Daka.

Needing more goals to consolidate their lead, manager Marsch threw Noah Okafor and Adeyemi into the fray. However, it was the latter who shone brightly with two well-taken goals in the closing minutes of the encounter.

The 19-year-old Germany youth international, who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles at senior level, now boasts of four goals in the Austrian elite division this term.

Zambia’s Daka, who got a treble in his last encounter, was in action from start to finish, while his compatriot Enock Mwepu was substituted for Nicolas Seiwald in the 90th minute.

Despite the massive away result, Salzburg boss claimed that was not his team’s "best performance".

“These were important three points and a really important victory for us, even if it was not our best performance,” he told the club website.

“We defended very well, the opponent was almost never dangerous. I would have been a lot happier if we had scored the second goal a little earlier, then we could all have relaxed a bit.

“But it wasn't easy either, we could only lose in the situation. We still have a lot of work to do, there are still eight games left. As soon as no one can intercept us, let us congratulate ourselves.”

With this result, Salzburg are at the summit of the playoffs log with 32 points from 24 outings - seven points ahead of closest challengers Rapid Wien.