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Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has called for patience after Eden Hazard made his return from injury against Elche on Wednesday. 

Hazard's time at Madrid has been blighted by injuries and he suffered his latest setback on November 28, as he was pulled from his side's match against Alaves with a thigh strain.

The Belgian missed a month of action and was an unused substitute in his return to Madrid's matchday squad last week against Granada. 

Hazard did see the field on Wednesday, coming on for the final 13 minutes of his side's 1-1 draw. 

In his post-game press conference Zidane addressed the status of Hazard as well as Martin Odegaard, who was an unused substitute against Elche and hasn't seen the field since December 1 due to a combination of injuries and his coach's decision.

“We made three changes tonight and Martin wasn't involved, but there's no issue there," Zidane said of the Norway international. 

"Hazard returned tonight, but he needs time and games under his belt. It's a case of taking it step by step," he added.

Luka Modric opened the scoring on 20 minutes against Elche, but Madrid were pegged back early in the second half through a Fidel penalty. 

Zidane felt the key to the match was his side's failure to find a second goal in the first half, as Madrid's five-game winning streak in La Liga came to a halt. 

“We created a number of chances in the first half to have got that second goal, which would have allowed us to be more relaxed, but when they got the equaliser, everything became that bit more difficult for us," Zidane said.

"They dropped deeper and we struggled in the second half. That's just the way things go in football and we've got to keep going. If you look at the first half, it's a case of two points dropped, but we have to keep on working hard.

“Everyone's going to end up dropping points. This is a very tough league. We had produced a number of good performances coming into tonight’s match and we've dropped two points here, but we have to keep on doing what we’re doing because it's a very long league season and there’s a long way to go."

The draw saw Madrid fall two points behind Atletico Madrid, who won earlier on Wednesday to extend their lead atop the La Liga table. Diego Simeone's side also have two games in hand over their city rivals. 

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed defender Joel Matip is set to miss three weeks with a groin injury. 

Matip went down with the injury in the club's 1-1 draw against West Brom on Sunday, furthering Liverpool's problems in defence.

Already without centre-back duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez with long-term injuries, Matip's absence will stretch Liverpool further during a busy period of fixtures.

Nat Phillips and Fabinho started in defence for Liverpool on Wednesday as the club drew Newcastle 0-0 at St James' Park. In his post-game press conference, Klopp confirmed the extent of Matip's injury. 

"The normal situation with this kind of injury is around about three weeks," Klopp said of the Cameroon defender.

Klopp however was encouraged by his side's injury situation as midfielder Thiago Alcantara made his first appearance in more than two months and the Reds suffered no new injury concerns. 

"Thiago is a super player," Klopp said. "From the 20 minutes he played, 12 were brilliant and then he felt the intensity, which is normal. He trained only twice around the team, so there is still some physical work to do, still some rhythm to get.

"The best news is that the boys are back, and as far as I know in the moment, nobody got injured tonight which is very important. Probably, we can go with the same squad to Southampton."

Liverpool had several clear-cut chances against the Magpies, but were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Despite failing to pick up all three points, Klopp said he was happy with the way his side performed on the evening.

"Everybody knows if we win 1-0 then everybody is over the moon, and we should have won the game at least 1-0," Klopp added. "We didn’t, and we have to accept that, but I can work with this performance, I can work with the things we saw tonight. We can build on that, we don’t have to change in the next three or four days as if everything is going wrong."

Liverpool return to action on Monday when they face Southampton at St Mary's. 

Diego Simeone has been taking his Atletico Madrid tenure "game by game" for nine years and now, 500 games in, is keen to ensure standards do not slip in 2021.

Atletico head coach Simeone oversaw a 1-0 La Liga win over Getafe on Wednesday to mark his 500th match in charge of the club in all competitions.

Luis Suarez's eighth league goal for Atletico secured maximum points in midweek, which ensured Simeone's high-flying side would head into the new year top of the table.

Reflecting on his approach when returning to Atleti as coach in December 2011, Simeone explained he has rarely looked beyond the next game – now Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

"Since I arrived when I got together with Miguel [Angel Gil Marin, CEO] and Enrique [Cerezo, president], I told them let's go game by game," the 50-year-old said. "That is my feeling, playing each game as if it were the last until situations lead me to leave Atletico or not."

As well as leading La Liga at the end of December, Atleti have completed a calendar year without losing at home in the league for the first time since 1998, winning 14 and drawing the other four of their 18 matches - but Simeone is not interested in their 2020 achievements, preferring to focus on the campaign as a whole.

"We cannot consider the years as a year but as a season," he explained. "Last season we achieved our goal of reaching the Champions League and we managed to settle in that place that allows us to continue growing.

"The Copa del Rey went very badly, where we were eliminated in the first round. In the Champions League, we were excited after the game against Liverpool, but then we fell in the quarter-finals.

"So we started over. We started well, as we have been playing since the pandemic ended, with the team very motivated. Now we have to continue."

Asked what his wish might be for the coming 12 months, though, Simeone highlighted the public health situation rather than his team's title tilt.

"It would be too selfish if, in the moment we are living, we think about football," Simeone said amid the coronavirus pandemic. "Hopefully we can hug a friend again, be able to celebrate a birthday again, get back to normal. Health - above all, I ask for health."

Atleti's latest win continued a remarkable record against Getafe under Simeone, playing 18 matches without conceding - 16 wins, two goalless draws - but Simeone guarded against complacency, adding: "These are situations.

"Atletico spent 14 years without beating Real Madrid. It has been quite a few games since we beat Barcelona. But that was until one day. We face each game with the same passion."

Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow says he would be "silly" to not admit he is thinking about a potential England call-up, although he believes he still has to do more to earn it.

Darlow was the star of the show against Liverpool on Wednesday, as he kept a clean sheet in a scoreless draw.

The goalkeeper made four saves on Wednesday night, and now has the second-highest number in the Premier League behind only Sam Johnstone of West Brom.

Darlow has shone for Newcastle this season, having started 13 games after previously serving as Martin Dubravka's back-up.

Having taken his chance following an injury to Dubravka, the 30-year-old goalkeeper is hopeful that he could make the step up to international level as he hopes for an England call-up.

"[It would be] silly for me to not admit I'm aware of it, I know what's going on and hopefully I can just keep performing well and it might put me in contention," he told Amazon Prime. "I've just got to try and keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully it might happen."

Dubravka was named in the matchday squad for the first time since July, having been out of action with an ankle injury.

With Dubravka's return, manager Steve Bruce will have a decision to make in goal, as the Slovakian has been one of Newcastle's best performers of recent seasons.

"He's had to wait patiently for his chance," Bruce said of Darlow. "Certainly with the way he's trained - Martin Dubravka is now back fit but we needed our second goalkeeper to step up and at the moment the jersey's his because of his performances. We've had to call on him a bit too much at times but there's no denying he has been terrific all season."

Darlow told BBC: "I can only concentrate on what I am doing. It has been brilliant to have him [Dubravka] back to be honest and to work with him again. It is good to be under pressure.”

With the draw, Newcastle currently sit 14th in the Premier League and will now look ahead to a clash with Leicester on Sunday.

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp was impressed with the quality Thiago Alcantara displayed on his return from injury against Newcastle. 

The Spain international came on in the 73rd minute against the Magpies, making his first appearance since sustaining a knee injury at Everton on October 17.

Thiago sprayed several impressive long balls around the pitch, looking no worse for the lengthy absence on just his third appearance for the Reds. 

Liverpool, however, were unable to find a finishing touch as they drew 0-0 at St James' Park.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Klopp said he was impressed with how the 29-year-old performed in his first action since October.

"We could see a lot of moments how good a footballer he is," Klopp said of Thiago. "Now we have to see how he reacts and all that stuff. We have another game in four days. James Milner played a super game in midfield after an injury break. Nat Phillips did his job, really strong against 100 per cent strikers."

Despite the draw, his side's second in a row, Klopp said he was happy with his team's performance on a night they had several clear-cut chances and could have scored if not for the heroics of Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

"The Premier League is only good teams. We had big chances," Klopp added. "The opposition is good and that happens all the time. You might not think I have to tip my hat to my team but I like the performance. It was really good.

"Can we play better football? Yes, but in this game we did more than enough to win it.

"I think we had four 100% chances. We have won against Newcastle before with fewer chances. Tonight we didn't but we accept that. I am happy with the things I saw tonight and I can really work with that. The boys are frustrated and rightly so but not about the performance. It is a basis to build on for the next few days, weeks, months."

Liverpool remain in first place after the draw, but Manchester United can draw level on points if they defeat Aston Villa on Friday. Klopp, however, said he isn't too concerned about his side's position in the table at present. 

"The last thing I’m thinking about is our position in the table at the moment," Klopp told Amazon Prime. "It’s nice but it doesn’t mean anything.

"We drew tonight and we are still top of the table so that just shows how difficult the season is for everybody.

"When life gives you lemons make lemonade. We have to keep going, next game, Southampton, Aston Villa, Man United and that’s good we know about our responsibility. We didn’t get the result we wanted but it’s not the worst thing in the world, there are worse things happening."

Real Madrid's lost ground on LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid as their five-game winning streak in the competition came grinding to a halt in a 1-1 draw with Elche.

Luka Modric scored his third league goal of the season to give Zinedine Zidane's men the lead after 20 minutes as Madrid attacked freely while leaving some dangerous gaps at the back.

Elche created numerous good chances before equalising from the penalty spot, Fidel converting after Dani Carvajal's blatant foul on Antonio Barragan.

The result put a dampener on the feel-good factor Zidane had managed to generate around his club after bouncing back from a slow start to the season, with Atletico two points clear at the summit having beaten Getafe 1-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Toni Kroos headed narrowly wide from 10 yards in the third minute as Madrid started brightly but it was not long before Thibaut Courtois – making his 100th appearance for the club – had to get down smartly to parry Emiliano Rigoni's fierce drive away from the corner of his net.

Play swung from end to end and Marcelo shook the crossbar with a rasping half-volley from the edge of the Elche box in the 13th minute.

Moments later Modric gave Madrid the lead, sending a header into the top-right corner after Edgar Badia palmed Marco Asensio's thunderous shot onto the crossbar.

Madrid were awarded a penalty only for VAR to show that the ball hit Ivan Marcone's leg and not his hand, and six minutes into the second half Elche won a spot-kick of their own when Carvajal pulled down Barragan.

Fidel buried the penalty into the bottom-left corner of the net and 10 minutes later Lucas Boye grazed the outside of the post with a low shot from the edge of the Madrid box.

Boye fired high and wide when he burst through the ranks of Madrid defenders again and Carvajal missed a chance to atone for his error when Badia saved his close-range effort on the counter.

The returning Eden Hazard missed the only opening that came his way and Carvajal conceded a stoppage-time free-kick from which Gonzalo Verdu drew a fine save from Courtois, who parried away the last kick of the game to ensure the points were shared.

What does it mean? No more room for complacency at Madrid

Victories over Sevilla, Atletico, Athletic Bilbao, Eibar and Granada put a spring back in Zidane's step going into this game, but sloppy defending suggested his players underestimated Elche.

Jorge Almiron's side, who could climb as high as ninth if they win their game in hand, may be winless in their past nine LaLiga games, but this was the first time in nine top-flight meetings with Madrid that they managed to avoid defeat.

Modric makes Madrid tick

The return of Modric restored a fluency to Madrid's attacking play, and he contributed two efforts on goal – including the one that went in – as well as making the third most touches of any player.

Calamitous Carvajal

Aside from conceding the penalty in clumsy fashion, Carvajal struggled to deal with the threat of Fidel and Boye, conceding possession 18 times – more than any other player on the pitch.

What's next?

Elche's first game of 2021 sees them travel to Athletic on Sunday, while Madrid are in action at home against Celta Vigo a day earlier.

Liverpool will end 2020 three points clear at the top of the Premier League but were left frustrated after a goalless draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp's side monopolised possession and carved out the best opportunities at St James' Park, but against a spirited Newcastle side a winner eluded them.

Liverpool's front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all had chances, only to find Karl Darlow in inspired form in the Newcastle goal.

It was the first 0-0 between the sides since 1974 and left Liverpool three points ahead of second-placed Manchester United having played a game more.

Newcastle began brightly as Callum Wilson glanced an early header wide and then outpaced Nathaniel Phillips but saw his goalbound shot from a tight angle blocked by Fabinho.

The Reds slowly found their rhythm and Salah beat the Newcastle offside trap, yet Darlow was sharp off his line to narrow the angle and superbly push the ball wide.

The in-form Darlow produced another brilliant diving save to keep out Firmino's header on the stroke of half-time.

Mane's near-post header clipped the side netting moments after the interval, while Salah shot wide from a good position after he was released by Firmino shortly after the hour.

Klopp introduced fit-again midfielder Thiago Alcantara in the 73rd minute, but Liverpool needed goalkeeper Alisson to make a fine stretching save to claw away Ciaran Clark's header from Matt Ritchie's free-kick.

The Reds looked most likely to fine a winner late on and Fabian Schar hooked the ball off the line with Mane lurking with 10 minutes left.

However, Steve Bruce's side rolled up their sleeves and Darlow made another late stop from Firmino to end a run of five consecutive defeats against Liverpool.
 

What does it mean? Reds face title scrap

Liverpool ended 2019 with a 13-point lead at the top after 19 games, but their advantage this time around - albeit having played four fewer matches - is much more slender.

The Reds ran away with the title last season, yet results such as these emphasise the challenge they face this term.

Newcastle clearly relish playing the champions at St James' Park and are now unbeaten in their past five home Premier League games against reigning title holders (won two, drawn three).

Defiant Darlow denies Reds

Newcastle had failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past 11 Premier League home games before this encounter. 

That they managed to shut out the Premier League champions owed much to the performance of Darlow, who made four excellent saves and was a calming presence throughout.

Sadio struggles in the Toon

Mane had been directly involved in seven goals in his previous eight away top-flight matches (six goals, one assist) but was below his best here. 

The Senegal forward failed to register a single shot on target and struggled to find his team-mates often enough, with his pass completion of 75.6 per cent the second-worst among all Liverpool players.

Key Opta Facts

- The Magpies have gained their first point against Liverpool in the Premier League since October 2017 (1-1), ending a run of five consecutive defeats.
- Newcastle and Liverpool have played out a goalless draw for the first time in 74 matches in all competitions, last doing so in a top-flight game in February 1974.
- Liverpool have failed to win their final league game of a calendar year for the first time in seven years, winning each of their previous six since a 1-2 defeat to Chelsea in 2013.
- The Reds have failed to score in a Premier League game for the first time in 22 matches; they are the final side to do so in 2020-21.
- Fabinho is the sixth Brazilian player to reach 100 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions (also Alisson, Aurelio, Lucas Leiva, Coutinho and Firmino). 
- Liverpool's sole shot on target in the second half came in the 88th minute. They have now managed just one attempt on target after half-time in their last two games.

What's next?

Liverpool begin 2021 with a trip to Southampton next Monday, while Newcastle play the day before when Leicester City are the visitors to St James' Park.

William Troost-Ekong has been nominated for the Watford Player of the Month award for December.

The Nigeria international will compete with November’s winner Kiko Femenia and captain Troy Deeney for the monthly gong.

Troost-Ekong, was in fine form for Xisco Munoz’s men in the month under review.

He played in all Hornets’ six games as they recorded two wins, two defeats and two draws as Watford climbed to fifth in the English Championship log.

“Captain Deeney scored in three successive games against Rotherham United, Birmingham City and Brentford, taking his tally to four for the season,” a statement on Watford website read.

“An assured Troost-Ekong cemented a place in the side with five consecutive appearances before picking up a hamstring injury.

“Femenia followed up winning the November award by going unbeaten individually during December, with Watford winning three times and drawing twice when the full-back played.”

Voting for the award will close on Thursday afternoon before the winner is announced.

In the 2020-21 campaign, Troost-Ekong has featured in 12 English second tier games with one goal to his credit in the 3-2 defeat of Coventry City.

He was handed a starter’s role in his club’s 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, albeit, he got replaced in the 30th minute by Francisco Sierralta.

The 27-year-old joined the Vicarage Road side on a five-year deal from Serie A side Udinese in September – attributing the move to his ambition of playing in the Premier League.

"I believe in the project for Watford to get back into the Premier League," he told BBC Sport Africa.

"It's always been my dream to play in the Premier League and Watford has given me the platform now to get there. Looking at the squad, I believe we have the quality to do it.

"I've always made tactical decisions for my career and this felt like the right step now for me and my family.

"As for my international future, I have shown what I can add to the Super Eagles. I have consistently contributed to the team's success in the last five years and have had the pleasure of captaining the team."

The Premier League has insisted that it is not considering pausing the season despite issues created by a recent uptick in coronavirus cases.

A pair of matches have been postponed this week as the increase of Covid-19 cases across England has impacted the footballing schedule.

Everton's clash with Manchester City was postponed on Monday after the latter experienced several positive tests while a series of cases at Fulham led to the postponement of their match with Tottenham on Wednesday. 

Additionally, Aston Villa's meeting with Newcastle was postponed earlier this month due to an outbreak involving the latter.

In a statement confirming Wednesday's scheduling decision, the Premier League said that those in charge have "full confidence" the season will continue amid the coronavirus outbreak.

That statement came after several coaches, including Sam Allardyce and Nuno Espirito Santo, called for a potential pause to the season due to the surge in cases.

Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, aimed a dig at the league on Wednesday as he complained about the uncertainty his side faced as a result of Fulham's positive tests.

But, on Wednesday, the Premier League doubled down on its stance that the season will go on as planned with the league saying it will continue to follow government protocols.

"The Premier League has not discussed pausing the season and has no plans to do so," the league said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The League continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled, and these protocols continue to have the full backing of Government.

"With the health of players and staff the priority, the League is also fully supportive of how clubs are implementing the protocols and rules."

Fans will not be allowed at any Premier League matches for the time being after Liverpool was placed in Tier 3 of the national coronavirus restrictions, having previously been the only city with fans allowed in the stadium.

Wednesday concludes Matchday 16 in the Premier League, with Liverpool currently sitting atop the table after claiming the Premier League title last season. 

The busy festive period will resume on Friday, though, as Everton host West Ham and Aston Villa head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on New Year's Day. 

Following the end of Matchday 17 on Monday, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup will resume, further adding to the fixture crunch.

Luis Suarez has matched Radamel Falcao's mark for the best goalscoring start to life with Atletico Madrid in La Liga this century. 

Suarez scored in the 20th minute against Getafe on Wednesday, glancing in Yannick Carrasco's delivery for a strike that would prove to be the game's only goal in a 1-0 victory for Atletico. 

The Uruguayan's goal ensured Diego Simeone's 500th game in charge of Atletico would be victorious, with the capital club extending their lead on top of La Liga over city rivals Real Madrid.  

For Suarez, it was his eighth league goal in 11 matches since joining Atletico from Barcelona this summer, equalling the mark set by Falcao in 2011 after the Colombia striker joined the club from Porto.

He could have easily had a ninth in the first half against Getafe, guiding the ball over the bar from 15 yards soon after scoring the opener.

Suarez has managed his fast start at Atletico despite having missed a month of the season due to Covid-19, making his return in early December after being forced to miss much of November.

The 33-year-old left Camp Nou after he was somewhat surprisingly deemed surplus to requirements by new Barca manager Ronald Koeman this summer.

Suarez's exit still bothers his longtime team-mate and friend Lionel Messi, who has spoken out against the move in the past and did so again in an interview with La Sexta on Sunday.

"I had thought about it before Luis Suarez [left], but that was crazy," Messi said. "I didn't like the way he left. I didn't think he deserved to leave like that. He went for free to a team that is fighting for the same things as us."

Atletico will be back in action on Sunday when they face Alaves in La Liga. Simeone's men are chasing their first league title since 2013-14 as they look to end six straight years of dominance by rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

Simeone's side have also reached the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Chelsea in a two-leg tie in February and March. 

Ismaila Soro scored his first goal for Celtic in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat of Dundee United in a Scottish Premiership encounter.

Since joining the Bhoys on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Israeli Premier League side Bnei Yehuda on January 27, 2020, the Ivorian midfielder has failed to find the net, although his first season was marred by the outbreak of Covid-19.

Against the Terrors, however, he ended his wait as Neil Lennon’s team strolled past the visitors at the Celtic Park.

With both teams playing fluid football in the opening stages, Soro gave the Hoops a 23rd minute lead courtesy of a sublime 30-yard strike after collecting a pass from Callum McGregor – with the effort sailing past goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist.

Five minutes before the half-time break, he turned provider for David Turnbull as the hosts took a two-goal advantage into the locker room.  Soro played the Scotland youth international from 30 yards from goal, moved towards the inside-right then sent a low effort past Siegrist.

15 minutes from full-time, Odsonne Edouard sealed the triumph after profiting from an assist from Leigh Griffiths. Edouard snuck in behind the Dundee’s backline and lofted a deft lob over the goalie.

After an impressive shift, the African was replaced in the 80th minute by captain Scott Brown.

For Micky Mellon's team, Cameroon's Jeando Fuchs was an unused substitute.

Thanks to this result, the quadruple treble kings extended their winning streak to six from six across all tournaments. They are second in the log having accrued 43 points from 18 outings - 16 short of leaders Rangers who have played three games more.

Born in Yakasse-Me, Cote d’Ivoire, Soro began his career at local side Moossou before heading to Moldova’s Saxan. After impressing in the 2016-17 campaign, he was snapped up by Belarusian side Gomel before moving to Israel seven months later.

In the 2018-19 season, he played a prominent role as the Bloomfield Stadium giants defeated Maccabi Netanya on penalties at Haifa's Sammy Ofer Stadium to emerge as champions of the Israel State Cup.  

He will be aiming to add to his goal tally when Celtic visit Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo’s Rangers on January 2, 2021.

Ini Umotong has explained the cancellation of her contract with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vaxjo, citing academic reasons.

In July, Umotong signed an 18-month deal with Maria Nilsson's team, a few days after she brought to an end her three-year spell with English Women's Super League club Brighton.

During her debut season in Sweden, she was in impressive form to help Vaxjo to a mid-table spot, finishing four points above the dropzone, scoring scored three goals in 16 appearances.

Commenting on the situation, the 26-year-old, who holds a first-class economics degree from 2017, revealed that her decision was due to her plans to continue her studies in England.

"I’ll be starting my MBA which I was awarded on a full scholarship," Umotong told Goal.  "I’ll be studying part-time alongside football. I needed to be based in England. Vaxjo has been a great experience for me. 

"I'm grateful to have a part of a successful season and appreciate the faith shown in me. I wish both players and staff all the best for the future."

After the Nigeria international decided to cancel her contract, that was expected to run through till 2021, her former employers wished her well in her future endeavours.

"Ini Abasi Umotong came to the club during the season and the idea was that she would play for Växjö DFF in 2021," the club announced on its website. "Now it will not be so and both parties agree to break the existing contract.

"An injured shoulder makes up for what needs to be operated on and when it is so uncertain when it can get rid of, Ini chooses to move home to England to be able to resume her studies," the statement continued. "We wish Ini good luck with her future career and say goodbye as usual."

Having since returned to England, Goal understands Umotong is expected to join an English side for the remainder of the season in the coming days while pursuing her academic programme.

She will also be hoping to make a return to the fold of the Super Falcons under Randy Waldrum after narrowly missing out on the Nigeria squad to 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

Atletico Madrid consolidated top spot in LaLiga with a 1-0 home win over Getafe on Wednesday in head coach Diego Simeone's 500th game in charge in all competitions.

Simeone's milestone match came against his favourite opponents, having now won 16 out of 18 matches against neighbours Getafe without conceding - the other two being goalless draws.

Luis Suarez put Atleti in front with his eighth goal in his first 11 league games for the club, equalling Radamel Falcao's record for the most prolific Rojiblancos start this century.

Atleti could not add to their tally but safely held on to move three points clear of Real Madrid, who have played a game more and are in action against Elche later on Wednesday.

The visitors were given a let off after 14 minutes as Thomas Lemar fired an angled shot against the frame of the goal as he attempted to catch out Ruben Yanez.

But Getafe, who ended an 11-match wait for an away league win last time out on their travels, could not hold out for much longer as Suarez glanced in Yannick Carrasco's delivery.

Suarez guided over from 15 yards soon after but a bigger chance went begging for Angel Rodriguez at the other end, the forward heading straight at Jan Oblak from close range.

Oblak was called into action again just before the hour mark to keep out Jaime Mata's header with a routine stop, while Carrasco was thwarted by Yanez down low in a second half of minimal chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo indicated he has no plans to retire by saying he hopes to play on for "many, many years" despite preparing to turn 36 in February.

The Juventus forward has shown no signs of slowing his goal output, finishing the 2019-20 season with 31 goals and a second Serie A title before firing in 12 in 10 league appearances this term.

In 2020 he became the fourth player in the history of Italy's top flight to score 33 goals in a calendar year after Omar Sivori (33 in 1961), Gunnar Nordahl (36 in 1950) and Felice Borel (41 in 1933).

That tally puts him top of the goalscoring charts in Europe's top five leagues this year, ahead of The Best FIFA Men's Player award winner Robert Lewandowski (32).

Portugal captain Ronaldo will be 37 by the time the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar but hinted that he intends to be there.

"It doesn't matter the age. What is important is the mind," Ronaldo told BBC Sport , after being named Player of the Century at the Globe Soccer Awards this week.

"It doesn't matter if Cristiano Ronaldo is good, you don't know tomorrow what is going to happen. I live in the present, in the moment.

"The moment is good, I feel happy, I feel sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope to play many, many years more but you never know."

Ronaldo scored a brace in Juventus' 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on December 8 and followed it up with doubles in Serie A victories over Genoa and Parma – either side of missing a penalty in a draw against Atalanta.

Despite his impressive form, the Bianconeri are sixth in the table, 10 points behind league leaders AC Milan, and Ronaldo admitted the absence of fans at the Allianz Stadium frustrated him.

"I don't like to play in the stadiums without fans, it's like going to the circus but you don't see clowns," Ronaldo said.

"The pandemic has made people crazy. I hope soon they can open the gates of the stadiums.

"We have to live with that, we have to try to do a normal life but of course we have to respect the rules. But to play without the fans, I really don't like it."

Asamoah Gyan's decision to return for a last hurrah in the Ghana Premier League has been commended by former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng.

The 35-year-old erstwhile Sunderland, Stade Rennais and Udinese forward made a comeback after 17 years abroad in October, signing a short-term deal with Legon Cities.

He has so far made three appearances for his new side.

"I think it is a brave move,” Boateng told Joy Sports. "If you are a young footballer and you want to make it in the game and you have a huge star like Gyan playing beside you, you can’t get a better way of motivation than that.

“For those who are playing, not only with him but the others in the league, it is outstanding.

“You see an ex-star who has been the country’s captain for many years, playing in the league you’re playing, you have to go by that as an inspiration.”

Gyan featured for Liberty Professionals in the Ghana Premier League before leaving for Udinese in Italy in 2003.

"Sometimes people forget that the Ghanaian league is also a professional league," Gyan told the BBC about his move back home in November. "I got the offer [from Legon] and everything was right - as a professional you have to evaluate everything. I am very proud to be in the Ghanaian league.

"The most important thing is that they were serious about the contract. I am a very serious guy, despite people seeing me as a funny guy as well, but when it comes to work, it is work. Everything is about seriousness.

"I am in Ghana and I am home. I signed for this club because they have a huge project - they want to change Ghana football. I came here for a reason so while I am enjoying football, we are also doing things behind the scenes to benefit Ghana football."

At international level, Gyan, who won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010, has represented Ghana at three World Cup tournaments - 2006, 2010 and 2014.

He is currently the Black Stars all-time top scorer and most capped player with 51 goals in 109 appearances, and as well Africa's top scorer at the World Cup - with six goals. 

Former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng wants to manage Ghana's national team in the future, but states "he's not after CK Akonnor's job".

After a playing career which saw him also feature for Hull City, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, the 45-year-old has turned to coaching, acknowledging that one of his dream jobs is the Black Stars coaching position.

He was born in the Ghanaian city of Nkawkaw but moved to the Netherlands as a child, going to to later represent the European nation at international level.

“If the Black Stars need me, I will always be available,” Boateng told Joy News. “I have always said that I will always help. I have a very good relationship with the GFA; [president] Mr. [Kurt] Okraku, the vice-president, Mr. Mark Addo, they are doing a great job now. 

“I have always indicated that if they need my services, I am always able to talk. If we can then come together, put our heads together and agree on something, that is perfect," he added. “There would definitely be an interest to manage the Black Stars.”

For almost a year, the Black Stars have been under the leadership of Akonnor, who replaced James Kwasi Appiah as head coach in January.

Guided by the former Wolfsburg captain, the four-time African champions have won two and lost two of four games played in 2020.

“CK is doing it, let him do it, give him the time that he needs to develop and put a good team together,” Boateng said. “I am not after his job at all! I am now in a very good position.

"I am enjoying my coaching. I love Aston Villa; it is a great club. We are back in the Premier League.”

Boateng, who made about four senior appearances for the Netherlands at senior level, began his coaching career with Malaysian outfit Kelantan in 2014 before joining Blackburn Rovers as U13 head coach in 2018.

In 2019, he headed for Aston Villa as head coach of the U18s before being promoted to the U23 fold this year.

The Black Stars and Akonnor next return to action against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in March 2021.

Cape Town City are reportedly set to sign Justin Shonga from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

The Zambia international only joined Vhadau Vha Damani in October 2020 after being released by Orlando Pirates at the end of last season.

Shonga has enjoyed regular game time at Tshakhuma whenever he is fit and available under local coach Joel Masutha. 

However, Far Post are reporting that the 24-year-old marksman will move to the Mother City when the transfer window opens next month.

"Far Post sources confirm that Justin Shonga has joined Cape Town City from Tshakhuma," the website reported on Wednesday.  "The transfer window opens next month and that's when City will register him." 

Shonga has played seven matches across all competitions for Tshakhuma this season and hit the back of the net once in the process. 

The Chipata-born frontman enjoyed his football at Pirates under Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic between 2017 and 2019.

Shonga was one of the Buccaneers' top performers as they finished second in the Premier Soccer League in the 2017/18 season and 2018/19 campaign, while also reaching the 2018 Nedbank Cup final.

However, Shonga fell out of favour following Sredojevic's departure in August 2019 as he struggled for game time under coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Josef Zinnbauer.

The former Nkwazi FC player was released by Pirates alongside his compatriot Augustine Mulenga, who has since moved to AmaZulu FC. 

If Shonga completes his transfer to City he would join up with his countryman Charles Zulu.

Zulu, who is a midfielder-come-striker, was snapped up by the Citizens from seven-time Zambian champions Zanaco two months ago.

Just like Shonga, Zulu is part of the Zambia national team.