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Atletico Madrid once again showed they will take some stopping in LaLiga's title race as they claimed a commendable 2-0 win at high-flying Real Sociedad to go three points clear at the summit despite being without the injured Joao Felix.

Diego Simeone's side were unable to dominate a Real Sociedad team full of attacking talent, but Atletico's defence was as reliable as ever and even set them on their way with the first goal through centre-back Mario Hermoso.

The defender had arguably gone closer than anyone else to the opening goal in a first half that was intriguing, if not exhilarating.

But in the 49th minute, Atletico – so often a threat at set-pieces once upon a time – edged in front thanks to Hermoso's well-timed header at a free-kick.

Marcos Llorente doubled the lead towards the end, meaning early-season leaders La Real are now in danger of slipping out of the top four after their winless LaLiga run was extended to six games.

A well contested first half brought plenty of neat football but few clear-cut chances, with the two defences extremely well organised.

The hosts looked as though they had carved Atletico open in the 20th minute, with David Silva going on a mazy run up the right flank, but his cutback was crucially intercepted before Willian Jose could pounce.

Soon after at the other end, Hermoso had a header from a corner blocked by Andoni Gorosabel right in front of goal – though it may have been going just off target.

That was a warning La Real failed to heed as Hermoso broke the stalemate just after the restart, heading emphatically past Alex Remiro from Yannick Carrasco's free-kick delivery.

La Real's response was underwhelming, Atletico's backline remaining unruffled, and the visitors sealed the points 16 minutes from time.

Carrasco nudged Luis Suarez's pass on to Llorente, and the midfielder's left-footed strike from the edge of the box left Remiro helpless.

What does it mean? A statement victory for Simeone

Even with La Real's recent struggles, this was always like to be a tight affair and potential banana skin for Atletico – the Basque side's array of attacking talent is impressive.

But Atletico out-scrapped them and their more direct approach bore fruit, as La Real only mustered six shots and just one was on target. Their more clinical visitors had eight, with three on target.

Granted, Atletico’s critics will still point to the chastening Madrid derby defeat as a cause for concern, but against the rest they have been largely flawless. They will not have many potentially trickier trips than this and will still have two games in hand on Zinedine Zidane's men after they face Granada on Wednesday.

Carrasco provides creativity in the absence of Joao Felix

Losing Joao Felix was a big blow given his importance to Atletico this season, but credit to Carrasco – the Belgian was a force on the left flank. He drove his team forward with real purpose and saw more of the ball more than any of this team-mates (66 touches). His 14 contested duels was second only Koke and Mikel Merino (15 each), though his four key passes was a match high and he set up both goals. Near perfect from the winger.

Portu fails to impose himself

In an otherwise impressive season, this was a day to forget for Portu. He tried to operate in the channel between Carrasco and Hermoso, but got little change from the centre-back. All he had to show for his efforts was a single shot, with no key passes, before he was withdrawn in the 74th minute. He had just 16 touches – the fewest of any of the players who started the game.

What's next?

Atletico return to action after Christmas on December 30 as they host nearby Getafe at the Wanda Metropolitano. La Real have an extra day to prepare for their Basque derby away to Athletic Bilbao on New Year's Eve.

Former Bafana Bafana international Brilliant Khuzwayo is reportedly hoping to make a dramatic comeback to professional football. 

The retired goalkeeper was forced into early retirement due to an ankle injury in July 2019 at the age of 28 while on the books of Orlando Pirates.

Khuzwayo was told that he would never kick a ball again in his life due to a severe ankle injury.

However, recent reports have indicated that the 30-year-old player is working hard behind the scenes to revitalise his football career. 

When speaking to Daily Sun, his representatives from QT Sports indicated that they are in the dark regarding Khuzwayo's possible return. 

“I’d rather not comment,” QT Sports executive manager Basia Michaels said.

“I know Brilliant is seeing a physician to reduce the scar tissue around his ankle just for the basic day-[to-day] living. 

“It is just for his health sake, that is what it is.”

Khuzwayo sustained the injury during pre-season with Pirates as few weeks after joining the Buccaneers from their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs prior to the start of the 2018/19 season.

The former Pirates academy player rejoined Bucs from Chiefs, where he had played second fiddle to Itumeleng Khune.

Khuzwayo was hoping to establish himself at Pirates, but unfortunately, he picked up a career-ending Injury.

The Umlazi-born player never made his official debut for the club's first team, but he did play for Pirates in the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC).

Khuzwayo started his professional career at AmaZulu FC in his home province, KwaZulu-Natal.

Nicknamed Casillas, Khuzwayo was loaned out to then-National First National (NFD) side Thanda Royal Zulu by AmaZulu in the 2011/12 season.

Casillas returned to AmaZulu at the end of the loan deal, but he was purchased by Chiefs in July 2012.

The former youth international was part of the South Africa squad which participated at the 2011 Caf Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Khuzwayo also got an opportunity to play for the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.

He was part of the Bafana squad at the 2015 Afcon finals in Equatorial Guinea where he started against Ghana's Black Stars as Bafana suffered a 1-0 defeat.

Thembi Kgatlana provided two assists as Eibar crashed to a 4-2 defeat against Valencia in Tuesday's Spanish Primera Iberdrola game at Estadio Antonio Puchades.

The South Africa international was handed a start to increase her goal tally in the ongoing season but her double of assists could not help Iker Dorronsoro's team escape defeat against their hosts.

On the heels of a 2-0 triumph over Santa Teresa, Eibar were aiming for back-to-back wins as Kgatlana assisted Arola Aparicio to open the scoring after just 12 minutes in the encounter.

Valencia, however, mounted a fightback in the contest when Iina Salmi levelled the scoreline with a fine strike in the 26th minute.

Nine minutes from the half-time break, Kgatlana again helped her side recover their lead when she set up Kuki for Eibar's second.

Eight minutes after the break, Candela Andujar led the hosts back into the mix when she teed up Asun Martinez for the equaliser. 

Valencia increasingly dominated the contest and in the 78th minute, Elle Jansen played Candela Andujar through to seal the comeback.

On the brink of full-time, Sandra Hernandez provided Jansen with the assist to ensure the hosts guaranteed their victory over Eibar.

With the defeat at Valencia, Eibar ended the year on a disappointing note in 11th position with 14 points from 13 matches.

Despite the loss, Kgatlana featured for the duration of the game and has five goals and four assists in 10 matches this season.

Besides Kgatlana, Equatorial Guinea's Ruth Alvarez also lasted the duration, while Nigeria's Charity Adule was an 89th-minute substitute. South Africa's Noko Matlou did not take the field.

In their first match of 2021, Eibar will welcome Logrono, who boasts of African quintuple of Equatorial Guniea's Jade Boho, Ghana's Grace Asantewaa, South Africa's Nothando Vilakazi, Cote d'Ivoire duo Rebecca Elloh and Ida Guehai on January 6.

Asante Kotoko-linked Eleven Wonders boss Ignatius Osei Fosu believes the Porcupine Warriors did not take the best decision in relieving Maxwell Konadu from the post as head coach of the club.

The former assistant coach was given the boot last week after Kotoko suffered a 1-0 home loss to Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Osei Fosu is among the leading contenders to replace Kotoko, according to media reports, mentioned alongside former Ghana U23 coach Ibrahim Tanko.

"From a football perspective, sacking Maxwell Konadu was an unfair decision by the management," the Eleven Wonders boss told Pure FM.

“Maxwell was a slow starter even when Kotoko won the league. He nearly won at Berekum only for that last-minute free-kick, a ground that they don’t win.

“The team also looks new compared to that of last season.”

The loss to Olympics was Kotoko's first defeat of the season.

"The problem with the Kotoko team has to do with midfield. We should get time for coaches so they can build their teams. Team-building takes time and club administrators must be patient," former Kotoko defender Frimpong Manso, who later coached the club after his playing career, earlier said on Konadu's sacking. 

“Sixteen players arrived this season at Kotoko and it takes time for the players to play together as a unit. Look at where some of the players came from to join the team. 

"The Brazilian and some of them from Europe also needed time to get fitness because they were not playing. Some old players at the team last season also left after their contract expiration. The factors are too many.

"If they were patient it could have been better. Now the problem will linger on because the new coach will now have to adapt to the players [and] also bring in his players."

Kotoko assistant coach Johnson Smith has been asked to take charge of the club in the interim amid the search for a substantive boss.

The Porcupine Warriors are set to host Al Hilal of Sudan in a Caf Champions League first round, first-leg fixture on Wednesday. 

Atalanta star Alejandro "Papu" Gomez has once again been left out of his team's matchday squad as a January sale appears to draw closer. 

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini left the Argentine out of his squad for Wednesday's league match against Bologna, the second consecutive game in which Gomez was not even on the bench for his team. 

Gomez also missed out on Sunday's win over Roma, as a damaged relationship between player and manager appears no closer to being repaired.

Sources have confirmed to Goal that Gomez is likely to be sold in the January transfer window, with the 32-year-old requesting a move to AC Milan or Inter.

After seeing his side go down a goal in the first half against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League on December 1, Gasperini asked Gomez to move from his usual No.10 role to a spot on the right-hand side of midfield.

But Gomez refused to change positions and was instead subbed out of the match by a furious Gasperini.

After the bust-up with his manager, Gomez said he would divulge the true nature of recent events if he does indeed end up leaving, as he told his followers on Instagram: “Dear fans, I’m writing to you here because I have no other means to defend myself or talk to you.

“I just want to tell you that, when I leave, you will know the truth about everything.

“You know me well; you know who I am. I love you, your captain.”

Gomez has become one of the top playmakers in Serie A since joining Atalanta from Ukranian outfit Metalist Kharkiv in 2014, having led the league in assists twice in recent seasons.

The Argentine helped Atalanta make a surprise run to the Champions League quarter-final last season, where the Italians were stunned by two late PSG goals in a dramatic defeat.

PSG have been one of the sides linked with a move for Gomez in recent weeks, along with AC Milan, Inter and Lazio.

Gomez, who has scored five goals and added four assists in all competitions this season, has a contract with Atalanta through the 2021-22 season. 

Asisat Oshoala scored twice as Barcelona secured a 6-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in Tuesday’s Spanish Primera Iberdrola game.

Before the encounter, the Nigeria international scored her sixth goal in five consecutive matches in a 6-0 win at Sevilla last Sunday.

On Tuesday, the 26-year-old was handed her sixth start of the season and made a vital contribution to help Lluis Cortes' team end 2020 on a high, with the 10th consecutive win this season.

Jenni Hermoso opened the scoring with her eighth goal of the season for Barcelona in the 20th minute thanks to an assist from Melanie Serrano.

The visitors continued the scoring when Mariona Caldentey set up Hermoso to bag her brace of the match five minutes later.

In the 27th minute, Lieke Martens raced down the left flank before sending through a perfect cross for Oshoala to head in a third.

Eight minutes later, Martens bagged her second assist of the game as she teed up Aitana Bonmati for a fourth of the contest for Barcelona.

After the half-time break, Oshoala hit her brace and Barca's fifth of the tie following an assist from Caldentey five minutes into the second half.

Deportivo, however, pulled one back when Rosalia Muino played Alba Merino through to reduce the deficit in the 64th minute.

Some 12 minutes from full-time, Marta Torrejon wrapped up the incredible year for the champions when she netted a sixth of the match.

The win ensured Barcelona opened a two-point lead at the top of the Spanish Iberdrola table after gathering 30 points from 10 games.

Oshoala was in action for the duration of the encounter and has now scored nine goals in 10 league games this season for Barcelona.

Her latest brace saw her finish 2020 on a high, scoring 29 goals in 27 competitive matches for Barcelona during the outgoing year.

On return from the Christmas break, the Catalans will begin the new year at home against Espanyol on January 6, and Oshoala will hope to continue from where she left off in 2020.

Ten-man Juventus' unbeaten start to the Serie A season was ended by Fiorentina as they suffered a humbling 3-0 loss at the Allianz Stadium.

The champions had gone 12 games without a loss in the top flight under Andrea Pirlo prior to Tuesday's setback, coming on the day they discovered their 3-0 forfeit win over Napoli in October has been revoked following their opponents' successful appeal.

Dusan Vlahovic scored early on for Fiorentina and Juve then lost Juan Cuadrado with 18 minutes played, the referee upgrading the yellow card he initially showed to a red following a VAR check.

Juve were unable to hit back and conceded twice more in the final 14 minutes, with Alex Sandro putting into his net and their former player Martin Caceres tapping in to inflict a further Scudetto blow on Pirlo's men.
 

It's fair to say Lazarous Kambole has had something of a slow start to his Kaizer Chiefs career.

The striker signed from Zambian giants Zesco United prior to the start of the 2019/20 campaign, but Amakhosi are yet to see the best of him.

Kambole was given plenty of opportunities to impress in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) last season by then-Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp.

However, the Zambia international struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and the speed of the game in the PSL.

The man nicknamed Lazi made 17 appearances across all competitions and he netted once, in the 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch in August 2020.

Lazi breathed a sigh of relief after scoring his maiden goal in South African football and he started the following match against Mamelodi Sundowns as Chiefs pushed for the PSL title.

However, Kambole failed to grab the opportunity as he was substituted during the half-time break and Amakhosi went on to succumb to a 1-0 defeat to Sundowns.

Some Chiefs fans began doubting whether Kambole was still the same player who grabbed headlines across the African continent after breaking a Caf Champions League record in 2018. 

Lazi scored a hat-trick in five minutes in a Champions League match against Eswatini giants Mbabane Swallows at Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini.

Caf later confirmed the former Kabundi Young Stars player's hat-trick as the fastest recorded in the history of Africa's most prestigious club tournament.

Kambole went on to finish second in the race for the Champions League Golden Boot award having hit the back of the net seven times in the competition.

Lazi was also very influential in helping Zesco reach the group stage and he is now back in the tournament with a different club, Chiefs. 

The Lusaka-born player has found game-time hard to come by under Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt thus far this season, having made three appearances across all competitions without scoring.

However, Hunt did show some faith in Kambole in the Champions League preliminary round first-leg match against Cameroonian side PWD Bamenda last month. 

The former Konkola Mine Police player helped the team secure a 1-0 win in Limbe and it remains Chiefs' last win across all competitions.

Amakhosi will now take on Angolan giants CD Primeiro de Agosto in the Champions League first-round, first-leg match at FNB on Wednesday.

Kambole is most likely to be given another chance by Hunt with Leonardo Castro under-performing, which sees the team winless in six PSL games. 

The Colombian centre-forward has failed to score in his last six competitive matches and Hunt could look to Kambole, who is a proven goalscorer on the continent. 

Kambole should see this as a golden opportunity to impress the veteran coach and cement his place in the starting line-up which would be the perfect platform for him to finally establish himself a key player at Chiefs. 

Ghana captain Andre Ayew believes he has a natural ability for leadership, having taken up a host of related positions over the course of his career.

Captain of Ghana as they won the Fifa U20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, the attacker currently leads the West African nation's senior team, having been handed the armband in May last year.

At club level, the 31-year-old is the current assistant captain of Championship side Swansea City.

“I’ve always had pressure, expectancy to deliver and lead – ever since I was a kid,” Ayew said, as reported by his club's official website.

“My dad was one of the best African footballers to have ever played, so the attention was then placed on me when I was growing up. I’ve always carried that pressure with me. I’ve had it all my career, so I am happy to take that role on here because it takes the focus and pressure off the young players and lets them thrive.

“I captained Ghana at under-20 level, I wore the band at Marseille a few times, and obviously now for Ghana’s senior team so I have good experience to pass on to the young guys in the team. I really enjoy it here in Swansea – on and off the pitch. It is far less stressful here!

“When we put on that Black Stars shirt, you are not playing for yourself – you are playing for a whole nation because you have to give the younger generation something to dream about and inspire them. Maybe it’s a little difficult for people over here to understand, but Ghanaian and African players have a lot of responsibility to inspire kids in our countries.”

Ayew's leadership goes beyond just wearing the armband, to inspiring results on the pitch.

The former Olympique Marseille forward, who won Swansea's top scorer and most valuable player awards last season, is the club's current top scorer this term, having registered seven goals in 19 league appearances.

At international level, Ayew's presence has been equally felt as he has netted four goals in his last two outings for Ghana.

Alex Iwobi has explained how he tries to prove himself each time he gets the opportunity to feature for Everton and Nigeria.

The 24-year-old teamed up with the Goodison Park outfit in the summer of 2019 and had endured mixed fortunes since his arrival.

The forward is arguably having his best time with the Toffees since joining the side from Arsenal, having started the club’s last six games, helping Carlo Ancelotti’s men to four wins and one draw.

Iwobi has also played in a number of positions for the Toffees in the current campaign, including the wing-back role, where he shone.

The versatile forward is also a key member of the Nigeria national team and helped the West African side to finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Iwobi’s contribution also helped the Super Eagles to be in pole position to qualify for the 2022 Afcon in Cameroon.

The versatile forward explained he is always motivated to feature for both club and country because he does not want to disappoint his family members who have invested so much in him and his supporters.

“Every day I try to prove to myself I should be here, that I should be playing for Everton, that I should be in the starting XI, that I should be representing my country.,” Iwobi told Everton’s matchday programme.

“I always have that motivation, especially because of what my family went through for me to get where I am. It gives me that hunger to improve myself and I work every day to try to do that.

“I want to fight for not just me but the hundreds of thousands of Evertonians and the people who follow and support me. I feel I owe it to them to give 100 per cent every day."

Everton are currently fourth on the Premier League table following their recent impressive performances.

Iwobi, who spent more than a decade in Arsenal before joining the Toffees, believes the Goodison Park outfit under manager Ancelotti are as good as his former club.

“This Everton side is as good as the Arsenal teams I was in, absolutely. We have talented, international players, in the team and on the bench,” he continued.

“The chemistry in the dressing room is great. We see the quality in training every day… it needs to consistently come out on the pitch and all of us know we can improve and offer more.”

In support of a recent protest against police brutality in Nigeria, where a number of protesters were allegedly killed and injured, Iwobi has written ‘End Police Brutality’ in his black boot.

“It is awful to see what is happening in Nigeria. It is so sad. People are protesting for their rights and being killed,” he added.

“I am in a position where I am able to influence a lot of people and I will always use my voice to speak out about what is right.

“It is important we use our platforms to make people aware of what is happening. I also feel I have to let people know with my feet.

“I was able to get customised black boots, so people all over the world can see I am supporting the cause.”

Iwobi will be expected to feature when Everton take on Manchester United in a League Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Real Madrid will be aiming to end their year in style and continue their recent renaissance when they host Granada in their penultimate match of 2020.

After the doom and gloom of the Autumn, Zinedine Zidane’s side have turned things around emphatically, winning their last four matches domestically and their last five in all competitions.

In fact, Real have taken maximum 15 points since they were defeated 2-0 away at Shakhtar Donetsk on December 12, the loss that represented the nadir of their miserable run.

Since then, they’ve conceded just two goals in five matches, with Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Atletico Madric, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar all being put to the sword during an impressive December.

They head into their midweek fixtures level on points with Atletico, although they’ve played two games fewer than their city rivals and have an inferior goal difference.

The pressure may well be on Real when they host Granada, as Los Merengues could have fallen three points behind Atletico when they host Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

At the weekend, Real excelled away at Eibar, running out 3-1 winners with Karim Benzema in imperious form.

The France striker opened the scoring after six minutes—following fine work from Rodrygo—and contributed two further assists, setting up Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez to add to Real’s lead.

With Sergio Ramos back in defence alongside Raphael Varane, Real are notably more confident at the back, with Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal representing reliable options at full-back.

With Casemiro back from suspension, he took his place alongside Modric and the influential Toni Kroos, while Vazquez and Rodrygo enjoyed two of their strongest performances of the season flanking the lethal Benzema.

Zidane will be hoping to welcome back some of his other attacking options for the visit of Granada; Vinicius may step into the side—on the left flank—as the French coach rotates his options, while he also may include Fede Valverde as Real look to negotiate the festive period.

Valverde stepped in when Casemiro was out, and looks likely to replace Modric, who missed training on Monday after developing a muscle problem in his left leg.

The Croatia midfielder will undergo tests on Tuesday to ascertain the seriousness of the injury, and he’ll be sorely missed should he—as expected—miss out, having played a key role in Real’s recent winning streak.

Los Blancos could also welcome back Eden Hazard—at least for a place on the bench—as the Belgium superstar looks to put his latest injury misery behind him.

Things haven’t worked out for the ex-Chelsea playmaker since his arrival from the Premier League for an eye-watering fee, and Zidane must manage his fitness cautiously—easing him back into a successful side will help—as the attacking midfielder looks to get back to his best.

A fully fit Hazard would represent a major boost for Real as they look to retain their title, as the former LOSC Lille hero could be the protagonist in a strong start to 2021—if he stays fit!

Isco remains doubtful for the Granada game, while Granada have plenty of problems of their own.

Key midfielder Maxime Gonalons is out with suspension, which could open the door to Ramon Azeez or Yan Brice Eteki, while the likes of Neyder Lozano and Angel Montoro are also absent.

Victor Diaz, Fede Vico and Darwin Machis are all doubtful for the visitors.

Real are overwhelming favourites to take all three points, despite Granda’s strong start to the season.

Los Blancos won the last meeting between these two—five months ago—to extend their winning run in this fixture to 10 matches. On average, they have scored 3.4 goals per match across this run, so expect goals when the Nasrids come to the capital on Wednesday.

Granada have never won at the Bernabeu, and it would represent a major surprise should Diego Martinez be able to take maximum points in a fixture where even a draw would represent an exceptional result.

Benzema appears primed to be key once again; he has a terrific record against Granada—having scored 12 in his last 14 matches against the visitors.

He’s scored eight and contributed two assists in his last home matches against the Rojiblancos, and will be looking to punish them again.

Real Madrid will be aiming to end their year in style and continue their recent renaissance when they host Granada in their penultimate match of 2020.

After the doom and gloom of the Autumn, Zinedine Zidane’s side have turned things around emphatically, winning their last four matches domestically and their last five in all competitions.

In fact, Real have taken maximum 15 points since they were defeated 2-0 away at Shakhtar Donetsk on December 12, the loss that represented the nadir of their miserable run.

Since then, they’ve conceded just two goals in five matches, with Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Atletico Madric, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar all being put to the sword during an impressive December.

They head into their midweek fixtures level on points with Atletico, although they’ve played two games fewer than their city rivals and have an inferior goal difference.

The pressure may well be on Real when they host Granada, as Los Merengues could have fallen three points behind Atletico when they host Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

At the weekend, Real excelled away at Eibar, running out 3-1 winners with Karim Benzema in imperious form.

The France striker opened the scoring after six minutes—following fine work from Rodrygo—and contributed two further assists, setting up Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez to add to Real’s lead.

With Sergio Ramos back in defence alongside Raphael Varane, Real are notably more confident at the back, with Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal representing reliable options at full-back.

With Casemiro back from suspension, he took his place alongside Modric and the influential Toni Kroos, while Vazquez and Rodrygo enjoyed two of their strongest performances of the season flanking the lethal Benzema.

Zidane will be hoping to welcome back some of his other attacking options for the visit of Granada; Vinicius may step into the side—on the left flank—as the French coach rotates his options, while he also may include Fede Valverde as Real look to negotiate the festive period.

Valverde stepped in when Casemiro was out, and looks likely to replace Modric, who missed training on Monday after developing a muscle problem in his left leg.

The Croatia midfielder will undergo tests on Tuesday to ascertain the seriousness of the injury, and he’ll be sorely missed should he—as expected—miss out, having played a key role in Real’s recent winning streak.

Los Blancos could also welcome back Eden Hazard—at least for a place on the bench—as the Belgium superstar looks to put his latest injury misery behind him.

Things haven’t worked out for the ex-Chelsea playmaker since his arrival from the Premier League for an eye-watering fee, and Zidane must manage his fitness cautiously—easing him back into a successful side will help—as the attacking midfielder looks to get back to his best.

A fully fit Hazard would represent a major boost for Real as they look to retain their title, as the former LOSC Lille hero could be the protagonist in a strong start to 2021—if he stays fit!

Isco remains doubtful for the Granada game, while Granada have plenty of problems of their own.

Key midfielder Maxime Gonalons is out with suspension, which could open the door to Ramon Azeez or Yan Brice Eteki, while the likes of Neyder Lozano and Angel Montoro are also absent.

Victor Diaz, Fede Vico and Darwin Machis are all doubtful for the visitors.

Real are overwhelming favourites to take all three points, despite Granda’s strong start to the season.

Los Blancos won the last meeting between these two—five months ago—to extend their winning run in this fixture to 10 matches. On average, they have scored 3.4 goals per match across this run, so expect goals when the Nasrids come to the capital on Wednesday.

Granada have never won at the Bernabeu, and it would represent a major surprise should Diego Martinez be able to take maximum points in a fixture where even a draw would represent an exceptional result.

Benzema appears primed to be key once again; he has a terrific record against Granada—having scored 12 in his last 14 matches against the visitors.

He’s scored eight and contributed two assists in his last home matches against the Rojiblancos, and will be looking to punish them again.

Gor Mahia have confirmed their first-leg, second preliminary round match in the Caf Champions League against CR Belouizdad will now be played on Saturday, December 26.

The Kenyan champions had written to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) requesting for the game to be pushed forward owing to a failure to get a means of travelling to Algeria since their airspace was locked.

"The Caf Champions League preliminary fixture, CR Belouizdad vs Gor Mahia, that was to be played [on Wednesday] December 23 in Algeria has been pushed to December 26," Gor Mahia tweeted.

"Match to kick off at 10.45 pm Kenyan time, the venue remains the same."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa went on to confirm the new development.

"It is true, Caf have written to us confirming the game has been pushed forward," Mwendwa told Goal on Tuesday.

"The flights are available on Wednesday, December 23 and Friday, December 25. Caf have provided Gor Mahia with options regarding the flights that will be convenient for them."

The Federation head went on to explain what is now needed from the Kenyan outfit.

"It is now up to Gor Mahia to organize themselves for another Covid-19 test and ensure they have made travel arrangements," Mwendwa added.

"The consequences of missing that game will be dire to the FKF and the club as well.

"FKF will not be responsible for their new Covid-19 test because the initial one has already expired. Everything is entirely on the club." 

K'Ogalo will now have to convince the striking players to recollect themselves for the game.

In an initial interview, chairman Ambrose Rachier had stated willing players will be considered for the trip.

"Currently we do not have money and we are doing our best to pay the players," Rachier told Goal.

"We will leave for Algeria with willing players, we are not going to force anyone to travel with us. This is a match we want to win and we have to work with players willing to play for us."

The Kenyan champions qualified for the next phase of the competition after they managed to secure a 4-3 aggregate win against APR of Rwanda in a two-legged affair.

The Rwandan champions came into the return leg with a 2-1 advantage from their first leg meeting in Kigali, but could not withstand the pressure as Gor Mahia scored two quick goals in added time to win 3-1 and advance.

On the other hand, CR Belouizdad of Algeria reached the next round after a 4-0 aggregate win against Al Nasr of Libya.

The Algerian champions won the first leg away in Tripoli 2-0 and returned home to complete the job with another 2-0 win and will now face K’Ogalo.

Napoli have won their appeal to replay a match against Juventus after the original tie was deemed a forfeit due to coronavirus concerns.

A match between the two was scheduled for October 4 in Turin, but that match was quickly thrust into doubt after Napoli was barred from travelling due to coronavirus rules.

The scheduled clash between Napoli and Juve was set to kick off just days after the former had faced off with Genoa, who then developed over a dozen cases of Covid-19.

Originally, Napoli's visit to Juventus was ruled to have been abandoned, with Juventus arriving at the stadium only to be handed a 3-0 victory.

Additionally, Napoli were punished further as the club was docked one point for not travelling for the match.

Serie A  and the Italian federation (FIGC) ruled that Napoli had not stuck to the league's Covid-19 protocols, meaning that their inability to appear for the match was their own doing.

The FIGC upheld Serie A's decision upon Napoli's original appeal, determining that it was fair to penalize Napoli on the grounds that not enough squad members had tested positive to postpone the match under the terms of the league's Covid protocol.

In their ruling, Serie A said that "force majeure", the legal term for an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond any party's control, did not exist in this case.

Napoli's appeal had also been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who determined that Napoli "deserve the sanction because it was not at all impossible for them to take part in the match, having instead pushed the situation in that direction in a voluntary and pre-ordained manner."

In the weeks since, Napoli appealed the ruling, stating that they were legally unable to travel as they were ordered by the local health authority due to two positive coronavirus cases within the team, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas.

On Tuesday, Napoli won that appeal with CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) determining that the match will be replayed and Napoli's previously deducted point will be restored.

As a result of the ruling, Napoli will move up one place in Serie A due to the restored point, as they will overtake fourth-place Roma on goal difference.

They are now also only three points behind Juventus, who sit third in Serie A, as well as seven points behind league-leaders AC Milan.

Napoli, who will take on Granada to begin the Europa League knockout rounds in February, are set to face Torino on Wednesday in their last game of 2020.

Juventus, meanwhile, will play host to Fiorentina in their final game before the week-and-a-half-long winter break in Serie A.

Simba SC have confirmed their two key players will not be ready to face FC Platinum in the Caf Champions League on Wednesday.

The Tanzanian champions will meet the Platinum Miners from Zimbabwe for the first time in history at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

However, coach Sven Vandenbroeck has confirmed the news that both keeper Aishi Manula and captain John Bocco have failed late fitness tests and will thus not be available for selection.

“We have a few hours before the game, but it comes with bad news because we've tried everything to get Aishi [Manula] and John [Bocco] ready for the game but it’s going to be hard to be ready,” Vandenbroeck told the club’s social media pages.

“[Bocco] is still in bed he's not feeling okay, [Manula] was hurt during our last league game against KMC FC and will take a week or more to be okay. So far there is 50 percent possibility of being in the game.”

Simba travelled to Zimbabwe with a contingent of 24 players and Vandenbroeck is confident he will get replacements for the players during the first leg of their second preliminary round fixture.

“at this point, I will have to use the available players, it is the reason we have a squad of 24 players here, and I know those who will come in, will step up well and do the job that we want,” Vandenbroeck continued.

In the absence of Manula, the Belgian coach will start Ben Kakolanya between the posts while Rwanda striker Meddie Kagere will step in for Bocco.

Kagere, who scored the only goal against KMC from the penalty spot before the team left for Harare, has often been used as a substitute and he will have the chance to show what he can offer against Platinum with a starting berth.

In a previous interview, Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez explained they stand a good chance of beating FC Platinum because of their match fitness.

Gonzalez feels Simba have the edge because they have been active on the football scene for a longer period than their opponents, who suspended their leagues owing to the Covid-19 pandemic that affected many countries globally.

She also pointed out another advantage to Simba is their rivals will be playing at a new ground, despite being the home team, saying this will help the Wekundu wa Msimbazi as they will not have their home supporters.

“This is an advantage for us,” Gonzalez said as quoted by Daily News. “They are not residing in Harare, their home city’s weather is as hot as Dar es Salaam.

“They are, therefore, acclimatising with the cold weather here in Harare like the same we do here.”

On Simba’s preparations since arriving in Harare for the match, Gonzalez said: “The entire squad comprising of 24 players and technical bench members plus other leaders of the club are all well looking forward to the game.

“We had a good reception made by our Tanzanian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Mbenna, Zimbabwean Football Federation, and Platinum officials.

“What we request at this juncture from our members and fans wherever they are, including all Tanzanians is to pray for their team, to win so that we can have an advantage while heading to the reverse game at home.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.

The two sides had battled to a 0-0 draw in Mozambique, and in the return leg played in Dar es Salaam, it ultimately ended 1-1, meaning Songo advanced on the away goal rule.

Peter Olayinka has expressed his delight after signing a three-year contract extension with Czech First League side Slavia Prague.

The 25-year-old teamed up with the Red and Whites in the summer of 2018 from Belgian First Divison A club Gent for a fee of €3.2million.

The forward has been delivering fine performances since his arrival at Sinobo Stadium, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.

Olayinka has helped Slavia Prague win two league titles, one Cup trophy, one Czechoslovak Supercup diadem and played a key role in the 2019-20 season as the club qualified for the Champions League.

In the 2020-21 season, the winger bagged six goals in 17 appearances, including two strikes in the Europa League.

Olayinka is impressed with the faith reposed in him by the club and pleased to continue his stay with the Czech Republic champions.

“I am happy that I could extend my contract in Slavia and that I can continue playing for the club,” Olayinka told the club website.

“It is very important to see that the club trusts me and that they want me to stay. It is pushing me forward.

“My first year here was quite difficult, but now I am enjoying myself and everything is going good. This season and the last one were both fantastic.”

Olayinka started his career with Albanian side Bylis Ballsh in 2012 and spent two years with the side before joining Skenderbeu.

His eye-catching performances for Skenderbeu earned him a move to Belgian club Gent, where he shone during his two-year stay.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive showings for Slavia Prague and help them win their third consecutive league title.

The attacker will be expected to feature when his side take on Viktoria Plzen in their next league game on Wednesday.

Olayinka has one cap for the Nigerian national team, featuring against Brazil in a friendly in September 2019.

Odisha stretched their winless run to seven matches in the Indian Super League 2020-21 season with a 2-2 draw against NorthEast United at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Despite dropping points, head coach Stuart Baxter said that he is pleased with his team's improved performance. 

Odisha created multiple chances in front of the goal in the first half but were wasteful. Baxter said that his team tried to score goals with the attacking intent and he was happy with their approach against the Highlanders. 

" We were trying to score goals. Players were certain. We should have got at least one penalty. And I think the attacking play was slightly better. I have to say there is an improvement in the attack," Baxter said after the game.

"I'm not satisfied. We have been close to picking up more than one point in more that one game we have played. We just do not have the upper hand. I'm not happy with the point but the improvement," he added.  

Cole Alexander saved Odisha from the jaws of defeat with a brilliant goal in the 67th minute. Baxter was happy the performance from the midfielder and said that Alexander is a great acquisition for Indian football.

"Cole's performance in general was great. He is an infectious player at times, the boys love him. He is a one-man pressing unit. And he can get from box to box very quickly. So it was no surprise for me. He is a great acquisition for Indian football," Alexander said. 

Baxter has had a poor season as a coach thus far this season. He is among the most experienced coaches in the league but confessed that managing Odisha is one of the toughest projects he has taken.

"Nelson Mandela told me when I was in South Africa - he said that everything seems impossible till you do it. I think you look at projects before thinking you can rank it. But it is very difficult given the pandemic, the lack of preparation, given the very young squad. The players and their attitude keeps me enthusiastic"