Looking for Soccer News?

Jose Mourinho said that Gareth Bale's half-time substitution in Tottenham's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Stoke City was not a tactical choice, revealing that the Welshman removed himself amid fears of a potential injury.

The talismanic forward, who returned to the club to much fanfare on loan from Real Madrid earlier this year, opened the scoring in Spurs' 3-1 win over the Potters on a wintery Wednesday evening.

The 31-year-old turned Harry Winks' cross in at the right post just after the 20-minute mark, but was forced to watch his side fend off a second-half comeback from the bench after he was replaced at the interval.

With Bale having imposed himself upon the game in arguably one of his better performances since he rejoined the Lilywhites, his absence in place of Son Heung-min was initially felt at the bet365 Stadium, before Ben Davies and Harry Kane ensured progression through to the semi-finals.

Speaking in his post-match press conference however, Mourinho stated that the former Southampton man's limited appearance was not pre-planned, adding that the player elected to pull himself from returning after feeling a potential problem.

"It was his decision," the Portuguese said. "[It was] something he felt. He told me immediately when walking to the dressing room [at half-time]."

Speaking to Sky Sports, Mourinho added: "I cannot say what, I cannot say the dimension of it. Now it is time for the medical department and I will try to know."

Bale was making only his second domestic start of the season, having returned to north London during a rehabilitation period for an existing knee problem.

While he has featured in every one of his side's Europa League encounters to date, he has been afforded limited chances elsewhere owing to a combination of his recovery process and a bout of illness.

Regardless, Spurs will hope that he will be set for only a short lay-off as he gradually continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Tottenham next face a trip to Wolves on December 27, before they host relegation-embroiled Fulham three days later. They begin 2021 at home to Leeds on January 2.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has hit out at Dele Alli, accusing the midfielder of creating “problems for his own team” in his side's 3-1 win over Stoke in the Carabao Cup.

Alli was handed a rare start at Stoke on Wednesday and looked dangerous on occasions in attack, seeing a goal-bound strike saved by Andy Lonergan in the first half.

However, he was at fault for Stoke’s goal when a flick gifted possession to the home side – and it was an action that angered his coach.

"For me a player who plays in that position is a player that has to link and create and not create problems for his own team,” Mourinho said in his post-match press conference. “They got us on the counterattack, so yes I was angry.

“First half we were solid. They didn't touch the ball, have a shot, have a corner. Instead of killing the game we kill ourselves. After that was a moment we needed stability and attitude.”

Stoke’s goal through Jordan Thompson, which cancelled out a header from Gareth Bale, came on 53 minutes - with Alli withdrawn on 66 minutes. Spurs would go on to win through goals from Ben Davies and Harry Kane.

With Alli struggling for minutes, the game at Stoke was a shop window to impress - and it could be some time before Mourinho pins his faith in the 24-year-old again.

Mourtinho has an excellent record in the Carabao Cup, as he has won it on four previous occasions - three times with Chelsea and once with Manchester United - and he says his side will fight for the trophy.

“Two very difficult matches,” he said. “The teams who are there will be difficult. We are in the semi-finals and we will be there to fight.”

Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Harry Winks turned in a man-of-the-match display and was happy to get some playing time under his belt.

“I was really pleased,” Winks told Sky Sports . “It has been tough minutes wise, so to come into a game of this intensity is always difficult when you haven't had as many minutes as you want.

“The boys were brilliant, we pulled ourselves through it. It is a tough place to come, a big pitch and personally I am happy to have got man of the match.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Nairobi City Stars want to see the evidence after racial allegations were made against their coach Sanjin Alagic following Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Vihiga United.

As initially reported by Goal, the Bosnian allegedly used a racist word after becoming frustrated during the match. The visitors threatened to boycott the game in protest but were convinced otherwise.

"The allegations are grave, to say the least, and as a club, we have launched immediate investigations on the same," the club communicated via their official portal.

"The entire top brass of the club – chair Jonathan Jackson, CEO Patrick Korir and team coordinator Samson Otieno watched the game at very close range and we are aware of the coach's lamentation at refereeing decisions which led him to confront the fourth official time and again.

"In fact, they were at all times close enough to see and hear the engagement of the coach. At one point the chair Jonathan walked up to him asking him to lessen his complaints to the referee which he did for the entirety of the second half.

"We also took note of the exchange of words between some of our players and those from Vihiga United at that very moment."

The 2019/20 National Super League champions have now promised to investigate the matter, vowing to take action if the tactician is found guilty.

"To get us to the bottom of the matter, we have asked for the footage of the recorded game and would urge anyone who was close by to share any videos and audios that can provide evidence on the same," the statement continued.

"Should there be any evidence we will take immediate action as our club policy does not condone any form or kind of racism as we believe in respect and dignity to all.

"By the same token, should no clear evidence be provided, as we expect, we will request a formal retraction and strong apology from those that have made these allegations and will pursue all means necessary to ensure that the names and reputations of all involved are not tarnished by the frivolity of a few.

"The matter is serious and we will treat it with the seriousness that it deserves."

43-year-old Alagic was appointed City Stars coach last year and oversaw their promotion back to the top flight after a four-year absence.

The Sarajevo-born coach, who holds a Uefa Pro License, held the reins for Bosnia's U21 team until 2019, having also worked at club sides in his homeland, as well as in Slovakian football, and in the Middle East.

Simba wa Nairobi are now fifth in the FKF Premier League on eight points after five matches, having scored five and conceded two goals. 

Vihiga United are 12th, and await their second victory of the season, having lost three of their five matches to date.

Casemiro and Karim Benzema struck as Real Madrid beat Granada 2-0 to claim their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and keep pace with LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane's men have lifted the gloom that hung over the club during a torrid run of results in November and they ensured their fans a merry Christmas with a hard-fought win over a dangerous Granada side.

Madrid survived a number of early scares as Granada attempted to extend their three-game unbeaten LaLiga streak but improved dramatically after half-time, when Casemiro broke the deadlock with a fine header – the first time he has scored in three successive home games in Spain's top flight.

Karim Benzema added further gloss in stoppage time, ensuring Madrid moved level on points with rivals Atleti, but Diego Simeone's men have two games in hand.

Antonio Puertas squandered a chance to give Granada the lead in the opening minute, firing high and wide following Raphael Varane's error

Karim Benzema hit the side netting at the other end, but Thibaut Courtois' fumble almost gifted Kennedy an easy finish, only for the winger to hesitate and hit tamely into the goalkeeper's arms.

A difficult first half for the champions was capped off in the 35th minute – Rodrygo Goes having to be taken off on a stretcher after pulling up through injury.

Madrid laid siege to the Granada goal early in the second half, Marco Asensio hitting the post before Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde drew good saves from Rui Silva.

Yet the breakthrough came 12 minutes into the half when Asensio delivered a floated cross which Casemiro powered into the bottom corner of Silva's net.

Lucas Vasquez curled a 25-yard shot narrowly over the crossbar before Madrid endured some late Granada pressure, but Benzema capped off the result in the last minute when he broke down the right, cut onto his left foot, and dragged a 20-yard shot into the far corner.

What does it mean? All-Madrid title tussle on the cards?

Madrid's tumultuous form earlier in the season looked set to hand Atletico a clear run at the title but Zidane has inspired a resurgence that could lead to an intense cross-city race for LaLiga, with Barcelona adrift in fifth place.

Kroos the key

Toni Kroos made three key passes as Madrid turned the screw on Granada, and the Germany international's vision helped Los Blancos unpick a well organised defence.

Kroos also registered two attempts, one of which forced Silva into a smart stop.

Soldado fails to fire

Granada coach Diego Martinez hooked striker Roberto Soldado 16 minutes from time, by which point the veteran campaigner had failed to muster a single shot on goal despite some sloppy defending from the hosts.

Key Opta Facts

- Madrid have won their last 11 LaLiga games against Granada, scoring 3.3 goals per game on average. It is their longest winning run against a single opponent, among the LaLiga 2020/21 teams.
- Los Blancos have now scored 6,201 times in LaLiga. Only Barcelona, with 6,203 to their name, have previously reached this figure.
- Kroos has played his 200th match for Madrid in LaLiga, with 190 of them as a starter. Uli Stielike was the only German to have played more matches for Los Blancos in this competition (215).
- Benzema has scored 13 goals in 15 matches against Granada in LaLiga, his favourite opponent in the competition (level with Athletic Bilbao).
- With his assist against Granada, Asensio has finished a run of 19 games without scoring or providing both in all competitions.

What's next?

Madrid travel to Elche in LaLiga on December 30, while Granada entertain Valencia at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.

Mesut Ozil has admitted it is a difficult and frustrating time for him at Arsenal, but is hopeful that results improve for the club.

The former Germany international has tumbled completely out of favour at the Emirates, and his name does not feature on their Premier League squad list.

The midfielder’s most recent appearance for the club - which could turn out to be his last - came in the 1-0 win over West Ham on March 7.

There has been speculation that Ozil could be found a route out of the club in January, otherwise he will in all probability depart on a free transfer next summer.

While he has been sidelined, Ozil has been active on social media, and on Wednesday evening he conducted a question and answer session on Twitter.

He was asked if he was happy at Arsenal, to which he replied: “It’s a very difficult time for everyone around the club – not just for me. 

“The situation is frustrating for everyone. 

“Of course I would wish I could help the team especially right now, but as long as I don’t get the chance I just hope that we get better results very soon again.”

The “difficult time“ is in reference to the winless run on the domestic front that stretches back to November 1, and has seen Arsenal slip towards the relegation places.

The Gunners are sat in 15th in the table, a mere four points above the drop zone.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce said on Wednesday that Arsenal were relegation rivals.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has offered little hope of Ozil returning to the fold any time soon, but he does have that option in January when he can make changes to his Premier League squad.

Arteta is the third person to manage the Gunners following the departure of Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman brought Ozil to Arsenal from Real Madrid, and the 32-year-old has described Wenger as a father figure.

“He was really a fantastic manager – yeah,” Ozil wrote. “And also like a father figure for me and many other players.

“I think many people around Arsenal are really missing him.”

AC Milan's superb form in Serie A this season has seen the club write themselves into the history books following their 3-2 victory against Lazio on Wednesday, as Stefano Pioli's side continue to establish their serious Scudetto bona-fides.

The Rossoneri have been among the pacesetters in the Italian top flight, with serious daylight already between the top two of them and rivals Inter, and the rest of the chasing pack, including incumbent title holders Juventus.

The Bianconeri's midweek defeat to Fiorentina on Tuesday meant that, heading into their last match ahead of Christmas, Pioli's side remained the only unbeaten outfit across Europe's top five leagues.

With their win at San Siro, they added another notch to their cap for the 2020-21 campaign, becoming the first side for over 70 years to score two-plus goals in at least 15 consecutive games over a single calendar year across the same clutch of competitions.

Finishes from Ante Rebic, Hakan Calhanoglu and Theo Hernandez means that Milan have become only the second team to achieve the feat, following in the footsteps of Barcelona, who managed to go 18 games on the trot in 1948 with at least double successes in front of goal.

Fired by the scoring exploits of legendary attacker Cesar Rodriguez, the Blaugrana achieved title triumphs in La Liga in both 1947-48 and 1948-49, which may yet prove a promising omen for Pioli as he looks to break Juve's long-term stronghold on the Serie A crown.

Save a solitary 3-0 defeat to Lille in the Europa League group stages in November, the club are yet to lose a match across all competitions this term and remain among the favourites for both domestic and continental success.

It marks a remarkable run of form across multiple fronts, albeit one that was nearly scuppered in early October after Calhanoglu was required to find a 120th-minute finish in extra-time to force a penalty shootout against Rio Ave to secure European football.

With three more points now claimed, Milan will take Christmas and the new year off, returning to action on January 3 against Benevento following a festive rest period.

Vihiga United Technical Director Nick Yakhama insists his players are not 'insane' to accuse Nairobi City Stars coach Sanjin Alagic of calling them by a racially offensive word.

United coach Sammy Okoth told Goal his Bosnian adversary used the racial slur towards his players after the hosts fell behind in the 1-1 draw, and the visitors duly had to be talked out of boycotting the match after being alerted to Alagic's alleged comments.

The Nairobi-based side defended the accusations, asking for a thorough investigation on the matter.

Now, United have responded with their view on the incident.

"When the ball went out and my players went for it, that is when [Sanjin] called them 'you black monkeys,'" Yakhama told Goal on Wednesday.

"My players cannot be crazy and start accusing you of what you have not done. My players became furious saying 'this guy has just called us black monkeys,' and we had to calm them down.

"Maybe it was just a slip of tongue, but he cannot say he did not abuse my players."

After the game, Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir allegedly met with Yakhama to discuss the situation.

"I told [Korir] my players are not mad to accuse the coach of something he did not do.

"Even Sanjin himself came and tried to apologise after the game but we told him off. He agreed he used vulgar language but once again denied calling my players black monkeys."

The Western-based side is planning to report the same to the Federation.

On the other hand, Nairobi City Stars want to see the evidence after the racial allegations were made against Alagic.

"The allegations are grave, to say the least, and as a club, we have launched immediate investigations on the same," the club communicated via their official portal.

"The entire top brass of the club – chair Jonathan Jackson, CEO Patrick Korir and team coordinator Samson Otieno watched the game at very close range and we are aware of the coach's lamentation at refereeing decisions which led him to confront the fourth official time and again.

"In fact, they were at all times close enough to see and hear the engagement of the coach. At one point the chair Jonathan walked up to him asking him to lessen his complaints to the referee which he did for the entirety of the second half.

"We also took note of the exchange of words between some of our players and those from Vihiga United at that very moment."

The 2019/20 National Super League champions have now promised to investigate the matter, vowing to take action if the tactician is found guilty.

"To get us to the bottom of the matter, we have asked for the footage of the recorded game and would urge anyone who was close by to share any videos and audios that can provide evidence on the same," the statement continued.

"Should there be any evidence we will take immediate action as our club policy does not condone any form or kind of racism as we believe in respect and dignity to all.

"By the same token, should no clear evidence be provided, as we expect, we will request a formal retraction and strong apology from those that have made these allegations and will pursue all means necessary to ensure that the names and reputations of all involved are not tarnished by the frivolity of a few.

"The matter is serious and we will treat it with the seriousness that it deserves."

Wilfred Ndidi and Asisat Oshoala were among the winners at the seventh edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Leicester City’s Ndidi, who played a key role in helping his English team securing a place in the Europa League as well as finished as second-best tackler in the 2019-20 English topflight campaign, was named King of the Pitch, while Oshoala – has been impressive for Barcelona Femeni – was named Queen of the Pitch.

In his address, Shina Philips, president of the awards, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation and all stakeholders in the country’s football for their backing in giving Nigerians a transparent and credible award. 

In the Defender of the Year category, Watford’s William Troost-Ekong dusted off competition from Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo and Boavista’s Chidozie Awaziem, while Kaizer Chiefs’ Daniel claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year prize ahead of Paris FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Rangers’ Joe Aribo and Galatasaray’s Peter Etebo could not stop Ndidi from picking the Midfielder of the Year diadem as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen reigned supreme over Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria Football Federation’s first vice president Seyi Akinwunmi won the Sam Okwaraji Award for his commitment to Nigeria Football, and Aiteo Group retained the Corporate Sponsor of Football award. Super Eagles’ head coach Gernot Rohr dusted off challenge from former Super Falcons’ handler Thomas Dennerby and Wikki Tourists boss Usman Abdallah.

Caf Champions League campaigner Enyimba was Team of the Year ahead of Lobi Stars and Nigeria’s senior national team.

In the media category, Goal Nigeria’s Samuel Ahmadu emerged the maiden winner of the Football Journalist of the Year (Online) for the second time in a row. Other winners were Johnny Edwards (Football Journalist of the Year (Print), Austin Okon-Akpan (Football Journalist of the Year TV) and Olawale Adigun (Football Journalist of the Year Radio).
 

WINNERS IN FULL

Goalkeeper of the Year: Daniel Akpeyi 

Defender of the Year: William Troost Ekong

Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi 

Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen

Queen of the Pitch: Asisat Oshoala 

King of the Pitch: Wilfred Ndidi

Team of the Year: Enyimba

Coach of the Year: Gernot Rohr 

Sam Okwaraji Award: Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi

State with best grassroots football development: Lagos

Football Friendly Governor: Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa 

Corporate Sponsor of Football Award: Aiteo Group

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores  has reached its quarter-final stage, as the delayed 2020 competition nears its end.

And Wednesday sees the final last-eight clash conclude at La Bombonera with Boca Juniors' clash against Racing Club

Boca start 1-0 down in the second leg and have to win in order to stand a chance of progressing to the last four.

Either the Xeneize or Racing will become the last side to book their place in the round, with Brazilian duo Palmeiras and Santos and Boca's Superclasico rivals River Plate already safely through.

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores quarter finals can be watched through Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial . 

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game in the US..

How to watch Boca vs Racing on US TV

What has happened to Racing and Boca so far in the 2020 Copa Libertadores?

Racing impressed throughout the group stage and were unlucky to only take second place in a pool that also included Uruguay's Nacional, Alianza Lima of Peru and Venezuelans Estudiantes Merida. 

The side coached by Sebastian Beccacece won all but one of their Group F games but were pushed out of top place by virtue of having an inferior goal difference to Nacional, which set up a daunting last-16 match with holders Flamengo. 

But after two 1-1 draws in Avellaneda and Rio de Janeiro La Academia finally prevailed on penalties, causing a major upset against one of the Copa favourites. 

Watch now with Fanatiz English

Watch now with Fanatiz Spanish

Watch now with Fanatiz Portuguese

Boca have made steady if unspectacular progress through the Libertadores, buoyed by five goals from Argentina striker Eduardo Salvio and the ever-inspirational presence of Carlos Tevez.

The Xeneize came out top in Group H without losing a single game and conceding just one goal, and they looked set to continue in the same vein when Tevez's strike gave them a 1-0 victory away to Internacional in the last 16 first leg. 

Inter, however, struck back with their own win in the return, and the game was forced into a tense penalty shoot-out which was eventually won 5-4 by the relieved Argentines.

Then, in December 16's first leg, a tense clash at El Cilindro went in La Academia's favour thanks to Paraguay international Lorenzo Melgarejo, who headed past Esteban Andrada to gives the hosts a 1-0 victory which could prove crucial.

Boca and Racing team news and preview

With the recovery of forward Ramon Abila and a clean bill of health from pre-match Covid testing, Boca have a full squad from which to choose for Wednesday's must-win match.

Franco Soldano marked Sunday's Copa Maradona clash against Independiente with a goal and could be in line to start, possibly replacing Edwin Cardona up front after the Colombian failed to impress in the first leg. Diego Gonzalez and Julio Buffarini are also being considered for the first XI in midfield and defence respectively. 

Racing are likely to repeat the same XI which took down Boca in the first leg, having rested the entire team at the weekend during their 1-1 draw away to Estudiantes. 

Defender Alexis Soto was the only member of the Libertadores starting line-up to gain minutes on Sunday, although Augusto Solari, who came off the bench in the first leg, will be pushing for inclusion after scoring his side's only goal against the La Plata side.

Probable Boca XI:   Andrada; Jara, Izquierdoz, Lisandro Lopez, Fabra; Salvio, Campuzano, Capaldo, Villa; Cardona/Zarate, Tevez.

Probable Racing XI: Arias; Fabricio Domínguez, Sigali, Nery Domínguez, Soto, Mena; Melgarejo, Leonel Miranda, Rojas, Fertoli; Lopez.

When does the 2020 Copa Libertadores finish?

The 2020 Copa Libertadores was originally scheduled to conclude with a single final in a neutral ground, the system which replaced the old format of home and away legs last year, at the end of November. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the tournament suffered almost six months of interruption, meaning that the final phases had to be pushed back into the South American summer months of late December and January. 

Boca Juniors and Racing Club additionally suffered a further week's delay when the former's last-16 first leg match against Internacional was suspended due to the death of Diego Maradona. 

Last Tuesday Palmeiras became the first side to book their place in the semis, dispatching Libertad 3-0 in Sao Paulo to advance 4-1 on aggregate.

The rest of the quarter-final ties finished in similarly conclusive fashion: Santos inflicted a 4-1 thrashing on Gremio in the last-eight's all-Brazilian clash, before River destroyed Nacional 6-2 away from home to finish 8-2 aggregate winners.

The last four takes place between January 5 and 13 following a short break for the festive period. 

The final proper is scheduled to be held at Rio de Janeiro's landmark Maracana Stadium on January 30.  

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now.

Bayelsa Queens coach Moses Aduku says he is targeting the Caf Women's Champions League and winning the Nigeria Women's Premier League this season.

The Restoration ladies clinched a fourth Nigerian crown in 2018 with a 2-0 win over 2017 winners Nasarawa Amazons but could not defend the title, settling for the third-place trophy in 2019.

Before the campaign started, the ex-Nigeria junior international guided Bayelsa to Flying Officer's Cup success in Abuja, where they defeated Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 in the final in November.

Since then, they are yet to look back, securing a 2-1 win at home over Sunshine Queens before a 2-1 victory over Nasarawa Amazons in Lafia to ensure a fine start to the season.

The manager admits he is happy with the recent run of form but added that his side must remain humble when attempting to match the consistency of their rivals.

"Honestly, we made the mistakes of getting distracted last season after winning the Charity Cup," Aduku told Goal.

"This time, we've learned from it and do not want a repeat of such a situation. I've told my players to forget the celebration of victories against Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons and focus on the task ahead. 

"There is no time for parties until after the final game of the season. Finishing second is not an option for us this season. 

"Everything is prepared but I've told my girls that every game must be approached like a Cup final." 

Despite their back-to-back victories, the Nigeria U20 women's team assistant coach insists his side is still far from their best.

"It was narrow wins in our two matches but we've never really got it right," he enthused.

"I know it's a marathon and an open league and I believe before the middle of the season my team should be in better shape. Nobody expected Robo will pick a win in Lafia or Osun to beat Ibom in Uyo. 

"I want to believe other teams are also prepared and every team can win the league title. Despite getting six points so far, we are going to keep working hard. There are grey areas we need to work on and hope to have a perfect team before the mid-season."

The Yenagoa based outfit will welcome giant-killers FC Robo in a top of the table clash at Samson Siasia Stadium on Thursday morning.

And the gaffer is confident his side can continue the rich vein of winning form against Emmanuel Osahon's team in Yenagoa.

"We've gone past two matches and the next is against Robo," he continued. 

"They are also a very good side and have won their opening two matches. We are not underrating any team. They should expect a quality game in Yenegoa."

Milan ensured they will end 2020 atop Serie A as Theo Hernandez's stoppage-time goal secured a 3-2 win over Lazio at San Siro on Wednesday.

Stefano Pioli's side wasted little time stamping their authority on the game, racing into a two-goal lead inside 17 minutes courtesy of Ante Rebic's header and Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty.

Luis Alberto and Ciro Immobile – who had a spot-kick saved prior to the Spaniard's goal – restored parity by finding the net either side of the interval, but Hernandez powered home from a corner in the 92nd minute to dramatically seal the three points for the Rossoneri.

The result restored Milan's one-point lead at the Serie A summit after neighbours Inter had temporarily leapfrogged them following a 2-1 win over Hellas Verona earlier in the day.

Milan were rewarded for their bright start after 10 minutes when Rebic lost his marker from Calhanoglu's corner and headed home his first goal of the season from six yards.

Calhanoglu added a second seven minutes later, the Turkey international slotting into Pepe Reina's bottom-left corner from 12 yards after Rebic had been fouled in the area by Patric.

Lazio reduced the deficit in the 27th minute when Luis Alberto headed in after Immobile's penalty had been pushed onto the post by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the spot-kick given for a foul by Pierre Kalulu on Joaquin Correa.

Milan's lead was then wiped out in the 59th minute when Immobile's volley from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's lofted ball into the area squirmed past Donnarumma.

Rebic missed two glorious opportunities in the final five minutes, but it mattered little in the end as Hernandez rose highest to head home Calhanoglu's corner and spark delirium on the Milan bench.  
 

What does it mean? Relentless Milan march on

They were pushed all the way by a tough Lazio outfit, but Milan prevailed to register a 10th win in 14 Serie A games this season and reclaim their place at the summit from Inter.

Another two-goal haul, meanwhile, made them only the second team in the history of the top five European leagues to score more than once in 16 consecutive games in a single calendar year, with Barcelona managing 18 in 1948.

Calhanoglu sparkles for hosts

Calhanoglu was at the heart of everything positive for Milan. The 26-year-old scored his first league goal of the season from the spot and assisted the Rossoneri's other two. In total he created four chances for team-mates and completed the most passes of any home player (45).

Calabria endures a game to forget

Davide Calabria struggled for the hosts, losing possession a game-high 20 times and completing just 63.9 per cent of his passes – the second fewest of any Milan player.

What's next?

Both sides return to action following the mid-season break on January 3, with Milan travelling to Benevento and Lazio visiting Genoa.

Edinson Cavani fired Manchester United into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup as his superb late goal inspired a 2-0 win over Everton

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been imperious on the road this season and headed to Goodison Park having won all eight of their domestic away games by scoring at least three times on each occasion.

They peppered the Everton goal during the first half but had nothing to show for their efforts before the game became a more physical and fractious affair after the interval.

One such occasion saw Cavani grab at Yerry Mina's throat but the former Paris Saint-Germain star remained on the field to arrow a wonderful left-footed strike into the bottom left corner from 25 yards, with Anthony Martial making sure as Everton left themselves exposed chasing an equaliser.

United had their hosts boxed in during the opening exchanges and only a desperate sliding block from Seamus Coleman denied Donny van de Beek after Paul Pogba's seventh-minute backheel.

An under-siege Robin Olsen made a double save to thwart Cavani from a narrow angle, although the Sweden international was rooted to the spot when Mason Greenwood glanced agonisingly wide from Alex Telles' delicious left-wing cross.

Pogba nodded into Olsen's hands after Mina turned another dangerous delivery by Bruno Fernandes behind.

Everton belatedly found some poise and Dean Henderson was at full stretch to keep out a trademark Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick eight minutes before half-time.

Cavani thrashed into the side-netting amid suspicions of handball early the second period, before the veteran Uruguay striker tangled with Mina and a nasty collision with Fernandes and Eric Bailly forced a groggy Richarlison out of the contest.

A poor touch from Martial let an opportunity slip by and suggested extra-time beckoned before Cavani sensationally had other ideas.

Everton streamed forward but, after Olsen denied Marcus Rashford, Martial had time and space to seal the deal.

What does it mean? Fourth-time lucky for Solskjaer in semis?

Solskjaer's United reign continues to attract mixed reviews, thanks in no small part to the semi-final heartache they suffered last season. Manchester City, Chelsea and Sevilla all progressed to finals at their expense in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League in 2019-20. The Norwegian must now be confident he has the attacking firepower to take the next step.

Cavani class shines through

A combination of poor transfer planning and desperation might have brought Cavani to Old Trafford before the deadline but the 33-year-old has wasted no time in showing why he has been one of the premier forwards in European football for the past decade.

He fired six shots, with four on target and one blocked over the course of the 90 minutes, always looking the most likely United man to find the breakthrough. As Mina can vouch for, Cavani's combative side was also on display and his 10 duels contested was only matched by Nemanja Matic in the visitors' line-up.

Everton leave Calvert-Lewin feeding off scraps

For all United's prowess in front of goal on the road this season, they have frequently shown themselves to be defensively vulnerable. It will therefore have frustrated Carlo Ancelotti to see Calvert-Lewin only manage 12 touches during the first half - fewer than any other outfield player. By full-time he had 30 touches set against 16 duels contested - very much summing up the terms on which Everton's star striker was forced to approach this match.

England international Calvert-Lewin was on the periphery for long stages and four matches without a goal is his longest dry spell of a campaign where he has 16 for club and country.

Key Opta Facts

- United have reached the EFL Cup semi-finals for the 16th time, second only to Liverpool (17) in the competition's history.
- Everton failed to register a single shot on target in the second half, with Sigurdsson having 57 per cent of their total attempts (four of seven).
- United are the first team to win away at Everton twice in the same season since Chelsea in the 2007-08 campaign.
- This was United's 14th consecutive away win in domestic competition, with the Red Devils last failing to win on the road in non-European competition against Tottenham back in June (1-1).

What's next?

Third plays second in the Premier League when United travel to Leicester City on Boxing Day, with bottom club Sheffield United entertaining Everton on the festive fixture list.

Kylian Mbappe was among the scorers as Paris Saint-Germain brushed aside Strasbourg 4-0 in their final Ligue 1 outing of 2020.

The reigning champions were held to a goalless draw by Lille last time out and struggled to find their stride again in Wednesday's clash at the Parc des Princes prior to a late flurry of goals.

Timothee Pembele's first strike for the club in his fifth appearance got PSG off the mark after 18 minutes, but it took until 11 minutes from time for Mbappe to add a second from a few yards out.

Substitutes Idrissa Gueye and Moise Kean then joined the scoring as Thomas Tuchel's men picked up a third league win in seven outings, although they end the year in third place a point behind Lyon and Lille, who both won elsewhere.

Strasbourg had won their previous two away games without conceding and would have taken the lead again if not for Keylor Navas' near-post save to deny Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

But it was PSG who edged in front seven minutes later through Pembele's close-range finish after Eiji Kawashima parried Angel Di Maria's shot into the teenage defender's path.

Kawashima was almost at fault for another goal shortly before half-time, the visiting goalkeeper pushing Rafinha's long-range attempt into the air before recovering to scoop it off the line.

The lively Rafinha flashed a deflected shot just wide in a second half that PSG controlled without truly shaking off their opponents until Mbappe converted Di Maria's squared pass in the 79th minute.

Strasbourg heads dropped at that point and Gueye added a third with a fine swerving effort from outside the box, before fellow substitute Kean - on the field for just seven minutes - fired in after Marco Verratti was thwarted by Kawashima.
 

What does it mean? PSG end the year in third

Heading into this final game of 2020, PSG were 11th in the form table for the six Ligue 1 matches since the November international break.

But Tuchel's men were deserved winners against lowly Strasbourg, seeing 69 per cent of the ball and scoring from half of their eight shots on target.

However, with Lyon easing to a 3-0 win over Nantes and Lille grinding out a late 3-2 victory at Montpellier, PSG end 2020 a point behind the top two.

Pembele settling in

Pembele has profited from a number of injury issues at the back for PSG in recent weeks and this was another solid display from the youngster.

The right-sided wing-back did not get forward all that often, attempting the fewest passes into the opposition half of any PSG outfield starter (16), but he was in the right place to convert the opening goal.

Persistence pays for Mbappe

Mbappe was deemed fit enough to start the game after recovering from an adductor injury that kept him on the bench until late on against Lille last weekend.

It was a frustrating game for the France international as he lost possession 14 times, trailing only Rafinha and Di Maria (both 15) in the home ranks in that regard, but he did manage to score through one of only two attempts.

What's next?

PSG's first game back after the two-week mid-season break is a trip to Saint-Etienne on January 6, the same day that Strasbourg host Nimes.

There will be a Manchester derby in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after Manchester United were drawn to face Manchester City.

The second semi-final will be a London derby, as Tottenham will face Championship outfit Brentford.

United will play host to City by virtue of being drawn first, as will Tottenham in their clash with Brentford.

The semi-finals of the competition take place on the week of January 4, with the final set for April 25.

The Wembley final had originally been scheduled for February 28, but the EFL made the decision to rearrange the date in order to increase the possibilities of supporters being able to attend on account of the current coronavirus restrictions.

Brentford are the only side outside of the Premier League remaining in the competition.

Thomas Frank’s Bees advanced to the last four on the back of a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, a win that was secured by a goal from Joshua Dasilva.

Manchester City are looking to defend the title they won last season, and they were hugely impressive 4-1 winners over an admittedly disappointing Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte were on target for Pep Guardiola’s City against the Gunners.

Following the win over Arsenal, Guardiola said his side’s aim is to reach the Carabao Cup final for a fourth year in a row.

“One step at a time, please,” he told the club’s official website. “I don’t know where we will be in April.

“Now it is Newcastle and then Everton - just two days difference 

“We have to see the draw. We are going to play to reach the final four years in a row.”

Tottenham booked their ticket into the semi-finals with a battling 3-1 win at Stoke on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale’s deft header gave Jose Mourinho’s side the lead, but they needed goals from Ben Davies and Harry Kane after Jordan Thompson had drawn Stoke level.

Harry Winks was Spurs’ man of the match and he’s looking to go all the way.

“It is such a difficult competition,” Winks said. “We are doing well, it’s another positive performance, and hopefully we can continue this run.”

Manchester United required late goals from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial to see off Everton 2-0 on Wednesday and set up a meeting with City.

Harry Maguire has called on Manchester United to start winning trophies again after they beat Everton 2-0 in their Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side secured their place in the semi-final thanks to late strikes from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial, with Manchester City now awaiting them in the final four. 

The Red Devils, who have now won three straight games in all competitions, last won a piece of silverware in 2017 when Jose Mourinho guided them to the Europa League title. Since then, Man Utd have made just one final with Solskjaer seeing his side lose three semi-finals last season. 

Maguire, whose sole piece of silverware to date came via a Championship play-off win with Hull City in 2016, is desperate to see his side step up and end their trophy drought this season. 

"It was an excellent performance and we should have been out of sight, we had three or four great chances. We need to be more clinical," Maguire told Sky Sports post-match. 

"Edinson Cavani's finish was excellent on his weak foot too. He's had an injury but it's good to have him back, he's been a top striker throughout his career.

"We are expected to win trophies. It's important to reach these big games but we have to start winning them and lift some trophies for this club.

"We controlled the game and fully deserved the win."

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti felt his side were competitive and could easily have walked away as victors had things gone their way. 

"We did enough to win - good performance we needed to defend which we did well but more in the second half. We had a difficult start but after 20 minutes the game was under control - we didn't play enough attacking football but we had to defend and until the last 20 minutes we did that well," Ancelotti told Sky Sports. 

"They had more control, better quality so the game was to defend well which we did. We had some opportunities on the counterattack but that was the game that we planned.

"We left the position in midfield open too much and after that Cavani's quality showed and scored a fantastic goal."

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has admitted he didn't want to risk Eden Hazard in Wednesday's victory against Granada because it was a "difficult match."

Los Blancos won their sixth consecutive match with a 2-0 La Liga win over Granada at the Bernabeu to go level on points with league leaders Atletico, who have two games in hand.

Hazard was an unused substitute as Madrid continued their positive momentum on Wednesday courtesy of goals from Casemiro and Karim Benzema.

That is despite Rodrygo Goes suffering a first-half injury, with Zidane choosing to send on Marco Asensio rather than the Belgium international.

Hazard - who joined the capital club from Chelsea ahead of the 2019-20 season - has already missed 46 games through a variety of injuries, including a broken foot, coronavirus and several leg muscle issues.

A thigh injury sustained in November sidelined Hazard for three weeks before he returned to Zidane's squad to face Granada, but the Blancos boss said afterwards that the 29-year-old's return would be staggered.

"I didn’t think it was right [to bring on Hazard] because it was a difficult match," Zidane said in his post-match press conference.

"We need to do such things at the right time. I didn’t want to risk him again. Now, we rest and little by little he’ll return to the team."

With Hazard working his way back to fitness, Zidane was delighted by the performance from the rest of the team with Granada posing a significant threat on the break, despite the home side dominating most of the possession.

The French tactician singled out Casemiro for his contribution in both attack and defence.

"The team worked really hard tonight, the game was very complicated," Zidane said.

"Granada pressed us well and made things difficult. In the second half we improved. I'm happy for the players and their sixth win in a row, it's not easy."

"We know that Casemiro can attack the box and defensively we already know his presence. The goal was beautiful, it comes from the second line. I'm happy for him and for the team."

Real Madrid's next match comes in La Liga on the road against Elche on December 30.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt there was never a danger of Edinson Cavani being sent off for a clash with Yerry Mina during Manchester United’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Everton.

Cavani set United on their way to the semi-finals with an excellent late finish, but he could arguably have already been in the dressing room after a coming-together with Mina.

Uruguayan forward Cavani appeared to grab Mina by the throat before the Colombian defender tumbled to the floor.

There was no VAR available on the evening, and it was not immediately clear whether referee Andy Madley had seen the incident.

He spoke to both players but did not mete out any punishment; Solskjaer felt the official made the right decision in not producing a card.

"Nothing in it, two South Americans that have had a few battles before, they met in Copa America qualifiers so no, this was a proper game of football with fans, tackles, yellow cards and chances at both ends. I enjoyed it," Solskjaer told Sky Sports.  

Solskjaer also enjoyed Cavani’s excellent finish on 88 minutes, although he felt the forward should have been on the scoresheet earlier.

“Not bad,” Solskjaer said of the goal. “But maybe the three he should have scored in the first half. 

"He’s a top striker, the movement, the quality and the left-foot strike was excellent.”

Solskjaer felt United did not get their reward for a bright start, but was happy with how his side performed.

“It was a good start,” he said. “The first 20-25 minutes we were excellent. We should have been maybe one, two or three up but Robin Olsen made some good saves and kept them in the game.

"Second half we dominated.

"It went there and back, attacking and defending, but you are always confident if the game opens up with the pace we put on. 

“We know that when we defend well we have players to win games. The spirit in the camp is good; winning gives you energy.”

United will face Manchester City in the semi-finals, and Solskjaer is keen for his side to avenge the defeat to the same opposition at the identical stage of the competition last term.

"We are in the semis and one step away from the final,” he said. “It is the worst game to lose, a semi-final. If you get to the final you get that feeling in the build-up. 

“We are going to try to get to the semi-finals in a good state, but there are many league games before then.”

Liverpool have been handed a boost as Thiago Alcantara, James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri all returned to training on Wednesday.

The trio have been sidelined for some time - Spain international Thiago since October, and Milner and Shaqiri since November.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been facing injury problems with several players in his squad, so it will have come as a boost that they were pictured in training at Kirkby on Wednesday.

The return of Milner will be welcome, as he can operate in a number of positions, but plenty of attention will be on Thiago.

The midfielder has featured in only two games since making the move from Bayern Munich this summer.

Speaking on Thiago’s knee injury, Klopp said: "On that day when he got injured in that bad challenge in the Everton game, there was another bad injury and after the scan there was good news and really bad news.

"[With Thiago] nothing was broken or ruptured but it was still a massive impact on the knee.

"The impact on the leg was that big that it's still not okay. It is not massive, and he trains from time to time, not at the moment because we have to realise we have to go through further steps."

His passing range and ability to control the pace of games have not been badly missed so far, as the Reds have still powered to the top of the Premier League, but Klopp will be keen to get Thiago back into the squad as soon as possible.

But given the midfielder's problems with injuries during his career, it is unlikely the Reds will rush him back into action. It is expected to be the same with Milner and Shaqiri, as Klopp will want to ensure they are at 100 per cent fitness before being thrust into action.

The season has been extremely busy for Liverpool, who are challenging for domestic and European honours, but the festive period ramps things up a notch.

Liverpool face West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton in the space of nine days over the Christmas and New Year period, and it will be interesting to see if Klopp beds the trio back in at any stage.

Kaizer Chiefs were frustrated by a stubborn CD Primeiro de Agosto side in the Caf Champions League first-round first-leg match which ended in a 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

Amakhosi were targeting nothing but a victory over the former Angolan champions after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic in a PSL game last weekend.

Philani Zulu, Willard Katsande and Lazarous Kambole were recalled to the starting line-up as coach Gavin Hunt made three changes to the team which took on Celtic.

On the other hand, the Black and Reds were playing their first competitive match since March 2020 when they secured a 3-1 win over FC Onze Bravos do Maquis in an Angolan top-flight league (Girabola) game. 

Coach Paulo Duarte named former Maritzburg United winger Yazid Atouba in Agosto's starting line-up, while Angola internationals Nebula and Mabululu also started.  

Agosto dominated possession in the early stages of the match, but they were able to test Daniel Akpeyi in the Chiefs goal-posts as the hosts' defence looked impenetrable. 

Amakhosi upped the tempo and they were awarded a free-kick near the visitors' box and Lebogang Manyama stepped up and placed his effort over the crossbar from the set-piece.

The home side came very close to breaking the deadlock when Kambole hit the woodwork with a header after connecting with Siyabonga Ngezana's delightful cross from the right.

Chiefs kept pushing for the opening goal, but they were playing crosses into the box which were either punched away or gathered comfortably by Neblu in the Agosto goal-posts.

The last chance of the first-half fell for the Black and Reds after Herenilson was afforded time and space outside the Amakhosi box. 

The 24-year-old midfielder unleashed a shot which was easily saved by Akpeyi to ensure that the first-half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0. 

Neither side was able to create clear chances in the opening stages of the second-half and Hunt decided to pull out Njabulo Blom and he introduced Leonardo Castro, who joined Kambole upfront.

Neblu then denied Manyama twice as the shot-stopper parried away the Bafana Bafana international's long-range shot and an effort from a free-kick. 

The Soweto giants were frustrated by Agosto's resolute defending and they resorted to long-range shots as Castro forced Neblu into a fantastic diving save with an attempt from distance.

Chiefs did most of the attacking in the closing stages of the match, but they could not seriously test Neblu and ultimately, the game ended in a 0-0 draw on the night.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the second-leg encounter in Angola on January 6 and the winner on aggregate will advance to the group stage.

While the losing team will be relegated to the Caf Confederation Cup play-off round.