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Valladolid take down Barca amid relegation fight

The American-Nigerian was handed his first start in the English top flight as the Old Gold tumbled at Turf Moor

Owen Otasowie was handed his full debut in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2-1 defeat to Burnley in Monday’s Premier League encounter.

The United States of America international of Nigerian descent had previously made his bow in the English top flight – coming in as a 46th minute replacement for Leander Dendoncker as Wolves secured a comeback victory against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea at the Molineux Stadium.

Against the Clarets, however, he was given the nod by manager Nuno Espirito Santo to start in the team’s midfield alongside Nelson Semedo, Joao Moutinho and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

In the process, the 19-year-old becomes the third different teen player to start for Wolves in the English elite division this term (Fabio Silva, Ait-Nouri) - the joint-most of any team in the competition, along with Liverpool.

In the tough encounter, Sean Dyche’s team claimed maximum points thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood, while Silva got the visitors’ only goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

Before he was substituted for Adama Traore on the hour mark, Otasowie had been cautioned by referee Lee Mason in the 45th minute.

Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, the youngster began his youth career at Mass Elite Academy, before teaming up with West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers to continue his progression.

At the Molineux, he grew through the club's ranks - featuring in Wolves' U18 and U23 sides. He was promoted to the first team in the 2019-20 campaign, but had to wait till this season to make his league debut.

On December 12, 2019, he made his senior debut as a substitute in Wolves’ final Europa League group match against Turkish giants Besiktas.

Otasowie received his first call up to the US senior team for games against Wales and Panama in November 2020, but he made his international bow in the 0-0 draw with Ryan Giggs’ team – coming in as an 87th minute replacement for Sebastian Lletget.

Following Fifa’s latest ruling, the midfielder can switch international allegiance to Nigeria. The rule allows a player to change nationality as long as they have only featured in three international fixtures, including qualifiers - but not tournaments like the World Cup.

Also, such player must have been less than 21 years of age at the time of playing and can only switch after three years of no international activity.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Putellas wants to make up for 2022 UCL loss

The Polish attacker has become the best striker in the world at Allianz Arena but nearly joined the Red Devils instead

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he held talks with Sir Alex Ferguson over a move to Manchester United in 2012.

The Poland international was regularly linked with a switch to Old Trafford while at Borussia Dortmund, where he spent four trophy-laden seasons.

However, a move failed to materialise and he instead joined Dortmund's domestic rivals Bayern on a free transfer in 2014.

He has scored an incredible 266 goals in 307 appearances for Bayern and was the leading scorer in each of the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League last term as the Bavarian giants won a stunning treble.

Lewandowski was last week recognised for his form over the past year as The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2020, but his career could have gone down a different route had BVB not blocked a Premier League switch, he says.

"After my second year in Dortmund, I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson," Lewandowski told France Football. "He wanted me to come to Manchester. 

"I was very interested. I can even say I was ready. But Dortmund didn't want to let me go. It didn't upset me more than that because things were going well with Borussia."

Ferguson instead signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal ahead of the 2012-13 campaign and he helped fire United to the Premier League title in the legendary manager's final season.

Lewandowski, who has talked about comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably made the correct decision, as United regressed after winning the Premier League crown in the 2021-13 season - Ferguson’s final campaign in charge of the Old Trafford giants.

At Bayern the 32-year-old has won six Bundesliga titles and got his hands on European football’s top prize last season when the club got the better of Paris Saint-Germain to win the Champions League.

Lewandowski has revealed that Arsenal great Thierry Henry was one of his idols when he was a youngster.

“The ones I admired were Alessandro Del Piero and Thierry Henry, even Roberto Baggio, whom I saw playing when I was very young,” he said. "But, as much as the big names, what made me dream were the big stadiums and their atmospheres.”

 

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Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Athletic Club - La Liga

Winless Odisha will want to get off the bottom spot and the Highlanders to bounce back from their first defeat of the season...
Original author: Anselm Noronha
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Real Madrid vs Athletic Club - La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction

The ex-Aston Villa and Middlesbrough man assesses the early performance of the Black Stars coach

Ghana coach CK Akonnor is on course to lead the national team to glory despite a topsy-turvy start to his time at the helm of affairs, according to former Netherlands international of Ghanaian descent George Boateng.

After replacing James Kwasi Appiah in January, Akonnor's first test ended in disappointment as the Black Stars succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Mali in an international friendly fixture in October. Three days later though, the four-time champions made amends with a big 5-1 triumph over 2022 World Cup hosts and Asian champions Qatar in a second friendly.

Last month, Akonnor supervised his first competitive game as Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header. Five days later, the Black Stars saw themselves on the losing side once again as they fell 1-0 away to Sudan in the reverse fixture of the Afcon qualifier.

“I think as a nation, we need to give C.K the time to explore, to learn," Boateng, who was born in Ghana but travelled to the Netherlands as a boy, told Citi Sports. “We have to give him a chance and support him and the team to qualify.

“In the first fixture against Sudan when Dede [Andre Ayew] scored twice, I thought it was really enjoyable football. They played really well.

“That gives us a lot of hope that C.K eventually might get what we need and put a team together that is willing to fight for the country.”

Akonnor has been tasked to qualify Ghana for the 2022 Afcon and win the tournament and as well guide the Black Stars to reach the 2022 World Cup. 

“It’s not about me. It’s about us," Akonnor told TV3 in May "Over 30 years we’ve not won Afcon. I don’t want to be just another coach who comes in to manage Ghana and goes and then it’s the same story.

"I want us to work and make an impact, be relevant.”

Ghana won the last of her four Afcon titles in Libya in 1982.

The Black Stars return to action with a pair of Afcon qualifying fixtures against South Africa and Sao Tome e Principe in March next year. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
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Mendy ready to ‘fight’ Kepa & Caballero for Chelsea No.1 spot

Chelsea were made to work hard for their victory against West Ham, although Tammy Abraham's second-half brace set up a serene finish.

Tammy Abraham struck twice as patient Chelsea ground out a 3-0 win at home to West Ham to stop the rot in their final Premier League match before Christmas.

Talk of a title challenge from Frank Lampard's side had been stifled by consecutive defeats to Everton and Wolves, slipping out of the top four while champions Liverpool pulled clear.

But victory on Monday moved the Blues back up to fifth after Abraham settled nerves at Stamford Bridge with a clinching pair in the 78th and 80th minutes.

Chelsea had endured a long night after Thiago Silva nodded them into a 10th-minute lead, with West Ham - after a double against their London rivals last term - on the front foot but unable to forge a legal opening.

An offside flag denied Declan Rice a seventh-minute opener after he ran onto Aaron Cresswell's quick free-kick, rounded Edouard Mendy and slid in a superb finish from a tight angle.

Ben Chilwell went down just prior to that chance and soon hobbled off, but Silva swiftly lifted home spirits with a thumping header from Mason Mount's right-wing corner.

Both sides had further goals struck off in an even first half, with Cesar Azpilicueta unable to keep play alive before Abraham netted and Jared Bowen later fouling Silva, yet there should have been no stopping Timo Werner. He aimed a tame finish straight at Lukasz Fabianski following a rapid break.

West Ham controlled the second period but failed to break Chelsea down and were caught out in an untidy fashion befitting a game short on quality.

Werner's scuffed shot fell at the feet of Abraham, onside for a simple finish, and his second followed only 101 seconds later when the ball again dropped kindly as Fabianski leapt to block Christian Pulisic's close-range header.

The scoreline was already harsh on West Ham and might have been weighted further in Chelsea's favour had Werner's woes in front of goal not continued with a blast against the crossbar from a presentable position.


What does it mean? Abraham glee adds gloss

Ultimately, Chelsea's ability to put the ball in the net proved the difference as West Ham's second-half pressure failed to pay dividends.

The Blues struggled for long periods but had Abraham on hand to net his first brace since scoring a hat-trick against Wolves in September 2019.

Indeed, despite seeing more of the game played in their own third (28.3 per cent) than West Ham's (23.6 per cent), Chelsea could have run up a handsome tally had Werner also had his shooting boots, instead failing with four attempts.

Silva steel sets the stage

Silva's early header - Chelsea's eighth set-piece goal this season - looked to have set up a comfortable outing for the centre-back, yet the hosts could not initially build on that lead and he was instead kept busy at the other end.

The veteran made six clearances, three interceptions, a tackle and a block and crucially bought a foul from Bowen before he finished smartly in the first half.

Hammers packing no punch

Although West Ham recovered from a testing spell after the Chelsea opener, they lacked fluency in the final third and did not work Mendy once.

Said Benrahma came out of the side after flattering deceive on his first two starts - hitting the target with one of six shots at Leeds United before failing to muster an effort against Crystal Palace - but the Hammers did not have the same balance with Mark Noble their fourth attacking option.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Haller's spectacular volley at home to Palace was followed by a muddling display, completing just seven passes, running offside on three occasions, conceding three fouls and failing to make the most of a first half N'Golo Kante slip.

Key Opta Facts: 

- Chelsea have lost just one of their last 13 home Premier League games, winning 10 and drawing two.
- David Moyes is without a win in any of his 16 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge (D7 L9), the joint-highest tally of any manager never to win at a stadium in the competition, equalling his own record (16 games at Anfield).
- Timo Werner has failed to score in each of his last seven starts for Chelsea in all competitions, his longest run of starts without a goal in club competition since September 2016, between spells at Stuttgart and RB Leipzig (9).
- Mason Mount made his 50th Premier League appearance for Chelsea tonight, becoming the youngest English player (21y 346d) to reach this milestone for the club since John Terry in January 2002 (21y 36d).

What's next?

Neither side have made the EFL Cup quarter-finals, meaning their next action is after Christmas, with Chelsea visiting struggling Arsenal on Saturday before West Ham welcome Brighton and Hove Albion the following day.

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Mexican FA dismiss Santos Laguna's racism claim

Masandawana are back bidding for another continental title, starting with a trip to Botswana to face the tournament debutants

Jwaneng Galaxy coach Sikalame Keatlholetswe has stoked the flames ahead of Tuesday's Caf Champions League first round, first leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, saying his side will be a match for the Premier Soccer League champions.

The fixture takes place at Lobatse Stadium, in what is Sundowns’ first game of the current campaign as they relaunch their quest for another continental title.

Despite an apparent gulf between the two sides, Keatlholetswe is refusing to let his team wear the underdog tag going into the match against the 2016 African champions.

“I see no difference between the two teams, we are both Caf and Fifa members, we are champions here and they are champions that side,” Keatlholetswe told the Botswana Press Association as per Daily News. “This is the moment we have been waiting for.”

Botswana Premier League champions Galaxy are making a debut appearance in the Caf Champions League.

Their only participation in Africa was a preliminary round exit from the 2018 Caf Confederation Cup, and they now face Sundowns, who are perennial campaigners on the continent.

Keatlholetswe's confidence may come from the emphatic manner in which they reached the first round.

Galaxy beat Zilimadjou from Comoros 4-1 in the first leg of the preliminary round, before a 1-1 draw away in Moroni to set up a date with Masandawana.

After six seasons of Champions League football under Pitso Mosimane, who guided them to the 2016 crown, Sundowns start business in the elite continental club football competition without the new Al-Ahly tactician.

It is yet to be seen if co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, as well as senior coach Steve Komphela can steer the Brazilians back to Champions League glory.

Mokwena, for one, is treating Galaxy with some respect.

“Of course Galaxy are a good team. We will get footage from our analysts and advance team that went to Botswana," Mokwena told Sundowns’ media. “You can see with the [Botswana] national team that there is a resurgence in football.

"We have to make sure that we are well-prepared.”

The return leg will be played on January 6 in Pretoria.

Original author: Michael Madyira
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Iwobi and Gbamin out of Everton’s FA Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday

A headed goal from Thiago Silva and two strikes from Tammy Abraham were enough to seal the three points.

Frank Lampard felt his Chelsea side showed great character and commitment to bounce back from two defeats on the spin to beat West Ham 3-0.

Chelsea returned to winning ways at Stamford Bridge on Monday following losses to Everton and Wolves.

Thiago Silva’s header gave the Blues the lead on 10 minutes, moments after Ben Chilwell departed on account of an ankle injury.

West Ham caused Chelsea problems for portions of the game, but two quick-fire goals from Tammy Abraham on 78 and 80 minutes secured the three points for Lampard’s side.

Lampard feels the win will be a boost for confidence and believes it was reward for the hard graft his players put in.

“The game was hard,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “We started really well and in the second half where we did not get the ball and stopped playing.

“The sub, [Mateo] Kovacic coming on, got us on the ball a lot better. You are delighted when you get that second and third goal.

“A team like West Ham can hurt you at any moment. 

"It wasn’t vintage tonight. I thought there were some good parts; the best part was the character coming off the back of two defeats.”

The win lifts Chelsea up to fifth in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, and Lampard expects twists and turns in the months ahead.

“This season is looking different to every other season,” he said. “It is hard at a club with expectations that we have and the squad we have.

"If you are winning, or are unbeaten for a long time, then things move swimmingly well. It is much easier to manage, and you get a few challenges when you lose a couple of games.

“It is hard; I have to be the one that drives it. There was a bit of tension going into the game, in a good way. The players were like that and you have to fight through it. 

“When you come off it slightly, there is no easy way back other than a bit of graft. We showed that tonight without being beautiful.

"It will help confidence. As a squad, I thought it would be tough for us as we have to grow a bit of character in games. 

“We suffered at Wolves, we should have dealt with that game, and today we dealt with a game that was potentially very tough.”

Timo Werner was denied a goal by the width of the crossbar, as his barren run extended to nine games in all competitions, but Lampard feels the goals will come for the Germany international.

"I am gutted Timo did not get his goal at the end,” Lampard said. "That would have been great for his confidence. He is getting chances so the goals will come.”

Commenting on being fifth heading into Christmas, Lampard said: “It feels okay. I want more. We have to have a desire for more to keep pushing.”

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Trent Alexander-Arnold: What's going on, buddy?

Impressed with his display against the Clarets, the Wanderers’ manager has praised the teenager for his impact

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has hailed Owen Otasowie’s impact in the wonderkid's full Premier League debut on Monday, despite Wolverhampton Wanderers losing 2-1 defeat to Burnley.

The 19-year-old made his full bow in the English top flight against Sean Dyche’s team – starting in the midfield alongside Nelson Semedo, Joao Moutinho and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Despite his contributions, the visitors stumbled at Turf Moor, but Espirito Santo still lauded the starlet for his eye-catching performance.

“Owen did well. He’s a good player. He’s strong, he’s physical and he’s very young, but he’s growing, he’s improving a lot of aspects of his game that he still has to learn, but he’s got a lot of talent,” the Wanderers’ boss said after the game as captured by club’s website.​

“He had a tough game today, but he handled himself well, and he’s going to be back in the future.”

The tactician born in Sao Tome and Principe also expressed his frustration at his team’s inability to get a result despite having ‘good spells of football’ in the beginning of the match, as their underwhelming run in the Prem continued.

“We started well the game and had good spells of football and we moved the ball well. But we’re disappointed. We were aware Burnley were strong and we could not hold on and be strong enough,” he continued. “We dealt with them pretty well.

"We were able to break the pressure, go out and have spaces, the ball was moving to the front, but then it became more difficult because there wasn’t much space and they made it difficult for combinations.

“The game required dynamic movements and we were passing the ball and staying still, that is why it was difficult.

“We conceded from a situation where we knew Burnley were strong. There are always good things, bad things, but we finished well the game with good character and good attitude, but it’s a tough game.”

After a notable shift, the 19-year-old American-Nigerian who was cautioned in the 45th minute was replaced by Spain international Adama Traore on the hour mark.

With this defeat, the Molineux Stadium giants dropped to 11th in the log having garnered 20 points from 14 games. They host Tottenham Hotspur in their next outing on Sunday, having defeated Chelsea at the weekend.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Athletic Club 1-1 Barcelona: Player ratings as Memphis gets off the mark

The England international said the Blues were just focusing up picking wins and not worrying about their league position

Tammy Abraham insists Chelsea aren't concerned with the Premier League table as his two goals helped the team to a 3-0 win against West Ham on Monday.

The Blues went into the game in ninth position on a congested league table but finished the night in fifth position after a crushing win over their London rivals at Stamford Bridge.

Abraham has found himself in and out of the team following the signing of Timo Werner and form of Olivier Giroud, but the no.9 took his chances with two clinical second-half finishes after Thiago Silva's first-half opener.

The 23-year-old acknowledged the need for the Blues to pick up three points but said he wasn't looking at their position in the Premier League standings.

"We needed a performance, I need to be in the right places at the right times, we had to stay patient but luckily we got the three points," Abraham told BBC.

"I need to help the team with either goals or assists, or just being a threat. It's about keep getting goals, keep being in the right place.

"It's still early doors to be looking at the table, we have to just keep picking up three points."

With West Ham enjoying a solid season so far, Abraham was delighted to get three points against David Moyes' side.

The striker was also pleased to be in the right spot as the ball fell at this feet for his two goals.

"West Ham are a great side, they gave been great this year and we had to be patient for the second and third goals," he told Sky Sports.

"The boys said we needed a performance and that's what we did today. As a striker, scoring goals gives you confidence, my team-mates created a lot of chances and we defended well as a team.

 "[My goals were] something you do in the park, get in the right areas and be ready when the ball lands."

 

 

The Blues have a tough run of fixtures over the holiday period with a trip to Arsenal on Boxing Day before home matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City either side of the New Year.

Original author: Goal
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Uganda Cup: Golden chance for SC Villa to make amends vs Ndejje University – Wasswa

The Poland international feels his numbers with Bayern Munich in recent years stand up to scrutiny

Robert Lewandowski has suggested his performance levels in recent years stand up to scrutiny with regard to the efforts of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona great Messi and Juventus superstar Ronaldo have dominated the conversation with regard to the best player on the planet for over a decade, with the pair having 11 Ballons d’Or between them - six for Messi and five for Ronaldo.

The award was not given out this year on account of the coronavirus pandemic, but there was a case to be made for the pair having been eclipsed by Lewandowski.

The Poland international won the Bundesliga and Champions League with Bayern Munich, with his goals being key to the German side’s success in both competitions.

Lewandowski brushed off talk of comparisons between himself and the two greats of the game, but conceded his numbers stack up.

“Messi and Ronaldo have been sitting at the same table, at the top, for a very long time, and that's what makes them incomparable,” Lewandowski told France Football. “So to answer your question, I can't imagine myself next to them in this point of view. 

“That said, if you take the numbers for this year and even previous ones, I think I'm pretty good in terms of performance and goals scored. 

“Failing to be at the same table as Messi and Ronaldo, I think I can invite them to eat at mine!”

At 32 years of age, Lewandowski’s best years are probably behind him but he talks about constantly learning in a bid to evolve his game.

“I have a desire to progress and that's even more important because I know that my time is limited,” he said. “Obviously, progress is not instantaneous. 

“When you repeat something every day, you can only measure its effect three or six months later, not the next day. The problem is, a lot of people want what you do in invisible work to be seen immediately. 

“Patience is an important virtue, in football as in life.”

Former Borussia Dortmund man Lewandowski will head into the Christmas and New Year break with his side top of the Bundesliga and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, so he could well be challenging for top honours again in 2021.

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Wan-Bissaka being moulded by Fernandes at Manchester United as full-back targets trophies

Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic is open to the possibility of pairing Erling Haaland with latest teen sensation Youssoufa Moukoko.

Erling Haaland could be used alongside Youssoufa Moukoko when he returns from injury in January, Borussia Dortmund interim head coach Edin Terzic has suggested.

Prolific striker Haaland had been in fine form for Dortmund prior to injuring his hamstring in training earlier this month, forcing him out of BVB's past six matches.

Dortmund's latest teen prodigy Moukoko has profited from Haaland's absence, though, forcing his way into the side at the age of just 16 and starting their two most recent matches.

He netted in Friday's 2-1 loss at Union Berlin to become the Bundesliga's youngest ever scorer , having already been the youngest player to appear in the competition after coming off the bench against Hertha Berlin the day after turning 16 last month.

The Dortmund academy product also became the youngest player to appear in the Champions League when featuring as a second-half substitute against Zenit at the age of 16 years and 18 days, breaking the record held by Celestine Babayaro.

The young attacking duo boast many similarities, not least that they both favour their left feet, but Terzic is open to the idea of pairing them together in the coming weeks.

At a news conference previewing Tuesday's DFB-Pokal second-round trip to Eintracht Braunschweig, he said: "If we ever get the feeling that we can use both Erling and Youssoufa at the same time... why not?"

Haaland, who has scored 17 times for Dortmund in all competitions this term, will play no part against second-tier Braunschweig as he continues his recovery from injury.

However, Terzic - placed in charge until the end of the campaign following Lucien Favre's departure little over a week ago - has provided a positive update on the Norway international's rehabilitation programme.

"I saw him for the first time today," Terzic said on Monday. "We are happy and things are looking up for him. He is completely on schedule in terms of timing and we assume he will be immediately back at the beginning of January."

Ten of Haaland's goals this season have come in the Bundesliga at a rate of one every 65 minutes, nine of those via his left foot and one with his right.

In a further fitness boost for Dortmund, Terzic confirmed Thorgan Hazard - who has missed three games with a muscle injury - returned to training on Monday and a late decision will be made on whether he plays against Braunschweig.

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How does Lampard compare to Chelsea managers under Abramovich?

The Blues boss suggested that his team was close to getting at least a point from the match against ATK Mohun Bagan...

Bengaluru suffered their first defeat of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) this season following a  0-1 result against ATK Mohun Bagan on Friday.

The Blues were the second-best team for the majority of the game and failed to breach the ATK Mohun Bagan defence to come up with an equaliser after David Williams broke the deadlock. 

Coach Carles Cuadrat, though, praised the efforts of his players of matching ATK Mohun Bagan in intensity. He also explained why shuffled his squad in the important tie.

"It has been a difficult December with five games in 21 days. We tried to put some fresh legs (on the field) and new players and I gave the opportunity to Udanta (Singh) and (Deshorn) Brown to start and also put (Leon (Augustin). Rahul Bheke also started after two matches. We tried to get the same physicality of ATK Mohun Bagan and in that aspect with what the players showed, I am happy. They tried until the 95th minute to score. I think we were okay," said the Bengaluru boss after the match.

The Spanish coach suggested that the quality of David Williams and Roy Krishna in ATK Mohun Bagan's attack proved to be the difference between the two sides as the attack was efficient. 

"Every game is different but at the end, little margins make the difference. The quality of Williams and Krishna have punished us. They get small chances and finish the game."

Cuadrat said that his team did not allow ATK Mohun Bagan to create many chances in the match. He also mentioned that after getting the lead in the first half, Habas' side became resolute at the back and was difficult to break down.

"If you see ATK Mohun Bagan, they also did not create many chances. We know before the game that it would be a gritty game, a 0-0 or 1-0 and it has been always like this. If they get the goal first they will get comfortable. We also tried to get the goal, we put a lineup with good energy. They scored before and then it was difficult to break the defensive line," said the Spaniard.

Suresh Wangjam, who has been a regular member of Bengaluru's starting lineup this season, came on as a substitute in the match. Explaining his decision to start with Udanta, Cuadrat suggested, "I knew in the second half that there will be more spaces created for Suresh so that was the match plan. It was working well. Udanta in the first half arrived and put in good crosses.

"He was doing his job and then in the second half we replaced him with Suresh and it almost worked because we created the chance with Leon and Suresh and Cleiton had almost scored."

The 52-year-old coach was satisfied with the attitude and physical intensity of his players despite the loss.

"We take a lot of positives. They are a very competitive team. We knew that ATK Mohun Bagan will be fighting for the play-offs and we were close to getting something from the game. The players had a very good attitude and they showed that they understand the match plan and they showed that they are physically ready so I am very happy with the team," the Bengaluru manager signed off.

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
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Kimanzi and the top four coaches in Kenya in 2020

The Mariners boss suggested that Bengaluru are a difficult opponent to play against...
Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
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Real Madrid 2-1 Cadiz: Player ratings as Militao & Kroos strikes see off minnows

The France international forward has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early in December

Ousmane Dembele has returned to training with Barcelona and could feature against Eibar at the end of the month.

France international Dembele has had a string of injury problems, with a hamstring complaint sidelining him since the game with Cadiz on December 5.

He returned to training on Sunday, but the Liga game with Valladolid on Tuesday will come too soon for the forward.

“He did part of the training session with the reserves yesterday, which is normal the day after the game,” Koeman said at a press conference on Monday. “He needs more training sessions to be able to go on the squad list. 

“He could make the squad for Eibar at the end of December.”

Koeman’s focus is on reviving Barcelona’s fortunes, and said they cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to get in the title hunt, and he has said there has been no talk about the January transfer window.

“I’m talking to Ramon Planes about sport-related issues, not with anyone else," Koeman said. “I don’t really want to because I think we have to wait for a new president.

"Right now I have to manage the team, prepare for our matches, there are lots of games. There isn’t even much time to talk about other things. We’ll see what happens in January.”

While Barca are eight points off Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, having lost four games already, Koeman feels the club are tracking in the right direction.

“Today it’s a team where we need to change a lot of things,” he said. “Younger players are playing and that’s why we have been a little inconsistent. We are also missing some players. 

“For the future it looks good, but at Barcelona you have to win and battle for titles and it’s a complicated situation.”

French defender Clement Lenglet was surprisingly benched in the 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday, and Koeman insists it was purely on account of workload.

“I think it’s just part of the shuffling of the lineup we have to do for physical reasons,” the Dutch coach said. “It’s impossible to keep up the pace in such a short amount of time.”

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Toney: Players being 'used as puppets' in protests

However FKF have stated they have not received communication from Caf over the rescheduling of the match

The second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League match between Gor Mahia and CR Belouizdad has been brought forward to December 26.

Initially, the game had been set for Wednesday, December 23 but K'Ogalo wrote to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) requesting the match to be brought forward since the Algerian airspace was locked owing to Covid-19.

However, according to Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, Caf has finally heard their cry.

"Our game against Belouizdad will now be played on Saturday, December 26," Rachier confirmed to Goal on Monday night.

"We have managed to reschedule the game; it was tough for us to get a way of reaching Algeria because their airspace was locked owing to Covid-19 pandemic, but it has been sorted now.

"We will arrive in Algeria between December 23 and 24 for the game and leave when they tell us to."

K'Ogalo players have been on a go-slow, protesting their unpaid dues and have threatened to boycott the game if the club does not pay them soonest.

The veteran administrator has commented on the issue as well, stating they will work with willing players.

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

"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."

However, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have said they are yet to see any confirmation letter from Caf indicating the first leg has been rescheduled to a new date.
 
 "We have not seen nor received a letter from Caf to the effect they have pushed the match forward, the letter we have in our possession is the one [Caf] insisted Gor Mahia must honour the match in Algeria," a source in FKF, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

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 sustain 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.

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The Egypt international’s beauty against the Royal Club has been recognised as the best of the 2019-20 African club championship

Mohamed Magdy’s spectacular strike in Al Ahly’s 2-1 victory over Zamalek has been named the Caf Champions League Goal of the Tournament at the expense of Mahmoud Shikabala’s effort.

The 24-year-old Egypt international helped the Red Devils to win a record-extending ninth Caf Champions League title earlier this year.

The fixture, dubbed the 'Final of the Century' between the Cairo giants, was heading for extra-time before Shikabala’s wondergoal for the Royal cancelled out Amr Al Sulaya's early opener at the Cairo International Stadium.

Captain Shikabala jinked past several players from wide on the right before lashing into the top left corner from the opposite side of Mohamed El Shenawy’s box to bring the scores level just after the half hour.

Following a clearance from one of Zamalek’s defenders, Magdy stole the ball, raised the ball with his knee before directing a 20-yard volley into the right-hand side of the goal with an outrageous piece of skill.

1.2 million voters decided where the pendulum would swing, and it was the attacking midfielder who reigned supreme, claiming 52.5 percent of the votes.

Shikabala settled for second position with a close 47.5 percent.

Magdy, who was also named as the Man of the Match in the 2020 Caf Champions League final, joined the 42-time Egyptian Premier League kings on a five-year deal from Pyramids.

After prolonged negotiations to acquire his services, they got him to pen a deal with them despite attempts from rivals Zamalek to snare his signature.

He opted for the Red Devils due to his fondness of the club, departing Pyramids after only a season.

In the previous campaign, the midfielder featured 24 times in the Egyptian top flight, scoring six goals and providing seven assists as the Cairo-based club finished in the continental slots.

Coach Pitso Mosimane will be banking on him to help Al Ahly defend their Caf Champions League, Egyptian Cup and Egyptian league titles this season.

The club will also represent Africa at the Club World Cup where they will challenge Bayern Munich, Ulsan Hyundai, Auckland City and Al-Duhail for the top prize in Qatar.

Before then, they will slug it out with Morocco’s RS Berkane for the Super Cup title in January.

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Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele has warned his teammates that things are 'dirty in Africa' as the Amakhosi prepare to square off with Primeiro de Agosto in the Caf Champions League.

Chiefs host the Angolan giants on Wednesday in a first round, first leg match at FNB Stadium as they bid to book a group stage berth for the first time.

Amid a troubled season, the Soweto giants snuck into the first round following an unconvincing preliminary round display, as per coach Gavin Hunt’s admission, against Cameroonian champions PWD Bamenda.

Now they face what could be a tougher task and Mphahlele says they know what they are coming up against Agosto, who reached the 2018 Champions League semi-finals.

“The Champions League is a different ball game," Mphahlele told Chiefs' media. "You are meeting people that you have never seen.

“Some of the players at Primeiro play for the [Angola] national team and we know them," he added. "Obviously PSL we know each other and we tend to get a little bit soft but with these guys its a dog eat dog out there.

“We have to fight because it’s a once-off game and it’s dirty in Africa. Playing there is hard, the conditions are hard. It’s not the best, so it’s a different ball game to play in the Champions League. I just hope that we are prepared for it and we will give it everything we have.

“We are preparing well, we know they are a good team," he continued. "We are aware of the danger that they are going to cause, so we are preparing our team.

The defender has also urged his teamamtes not to underestimate their opponents and make the most of home advantage.

“Obviously we are playing at home and we want to get good results so that when we go to Angola we have a chance of reaching the group stage," he added. "I think it is also important that we take this game seriously because we are just two games away from the group stage of the Caf Champions League.

“From there you are playing the big boys and the chances of going to the quarter-finals are very high. So we are taking it very seriously and we want to give it everything that we have since we are struggling a little bit locally. But we want to do well in this competition.”

Going into this match on the backdrop of a six-match winless run in the Premier Soccer League, Chiefs are keen to successfully confront Agosto and ease their domestic woes heading into the festive break.

“Honestly at this time of the year I would rather be playing football rather than doing anything else,” Mphahlele concluded. “I’m happy that we are playing football. We need to play as much football as we can in the state that we find ourselves in. I think this is a blessing in disguise. We are playing games and trying to improve every game.”

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Paulo Dybala has returned to training with Juventus and manager Andrea Pirlo is confident the Argentina international will be involved in the Serie A game with Fiorentina.

Dybala did not feature in Juventus’ 4-0 win at Parma on Saturday on account of a muscle problem, but he is back in contention for the club’s final game before the Christmas and New Year break.

“He (Dybala) trained a little bit with the squad and a little bit apart today, he should be able to join us for the game,” Pirlo told Juventus TV.

Juve hit form in style at Parma, but it will be a boost to Pirlo to have a player who has been linked with Manchester United back in contention.

Pirlo played down reports of a move to Old Trafford for the forward, and will now be hopeful that Dybala’s football will do the talking as we head towards the January transfer window.

The Juve coach confirmed that Arthur will miss the visit of Fiorentina, but Merih Demiral could be in contention.

Juventus trail Serie A leaders AC Milan by four points, but they have won three of their last four games in the league and Pirlo is pleased with the mentality of his side.

“The secret against Parma was the mentality of the team,” Pirlo said. “We were unhappy because we hadn’t won against Atalanta in the previous game. 

“We played a great game, with the right attitude and the desire to dominate from the beginning until the end; this must be the type of attitude we show in every game.”

Fiorentina sit in 16th in the table and are in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap in 2021, but Pirlo feels they are a quality side who will pose a real threat on Tuesday.

"Fiorentina are going through some tough times, but they are a very good team,” Pirlo said. “They have a physical player like [Dusan] Vlahovic and one with great class in [Franck] Ribery. They will defend deep and try to hit with us on the counterattack; we need to be careful."

Juventus have the best part of a fortnight off following the game with Fiorentina, with their next outing a home clash with Udinese on January 3.

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