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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp struggled to contain his emotions after seeing Reds fans return to Anfield on Sunday. 

A small crowd of 2,000 were allowed to attend the Premier League clash against Wolves and Klopp's team rewarded them by claiming an emphatic 4-0 win. 

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Georginio Wijnaldum and Joel Matip struck in the second half with a Nelson Semedo own-goal wrapping up the result late on. 

While satisfied with his team's strong performance, it was the return of the Anfield faithful that really struck a chord with Klopp. 

"The game, the atmosphere, it was so nice. I had goosebumps. They started 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - really nice. I never knew it could feel that good," Klopp told the BBC post-match, before starting to become emotional.

"This started in February and we were waiting to get normality back," he continued. "Normality is good - I don't think we appreciated it as much. It was very very touching.

"Wasn't it a perfect night? Whatever the weather was like outside, it was sunshine inside the stadium.

"There were a few challenges before the game - Wolves play different systems. I gave the boys information about how to press them. The boys were outstanding with how they dealt with them - our best result against Wolves."

On young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who started the game and kept an impressive clean sheet, Klopp added: "Very mature. Very calm. Very good with the ball and without the ball. It was a night to remember for him."

Wijnaldum netted a superb second goal for the Reds and though quick to dismiss questions about a new contract, he was also thrilled to have fans back at Anfield. 

"It's wonderful - really excited when we heard supporters were allowed. It was a great feeling they were back," Wijnaldum said.

"I don't want to say it's a 'champions' performance'. We were patient, the position play was good and we scored good goals.

"The fans helped the performance a lot because they cheered during the game and before we only had the bench for support."

Owen Coyle will be hoping for Jamshedpur FC's first win of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they face ATK Mohun Bagan at the Tilak Maidan stadium in Vasco, on Monday evening. 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI:   

Injured - Joyner Lourenco, Narender Gahlot, David Grande 
Doubtful - Nick Fitzgeral 
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Jackichand Singh

ATK Mohun Bagan Possible XI: 

Injured - None 
Doubtful - Luis Garcia, David Williams    
Suspended - None 

Key Players - Roy Krishna, Carl McHugh      

Frank Lampard has praised Kurt Zouma after his match-winning display for Chelsea against Leeds United  on Saturday.

The 26-year-old earned his side the lead over Marcelo Bielsa's with a powerful second-half header to send Chelsea temporarily top of the Premier League table.

Tottenham would reclaim top spot on Sunday, but Zouma's displays have helped Lampard's side keep more clean sheets than any other this season. Zouma also has four league goals already and Lampard believes that his partner Thiago Silva has been part of his improvement.

“He has been playing well this season," Lampard told reporters of Zouma. "The eye-catching thing is the number of goals he is scoring from set-pieces and for me, that is a result of more confidence and more belief in himself.

"He has always had the size and strength, and now you see him in all parts of the pitch really - aerially he is a real threat and he is doing his job. I think a lot of the individual improvement or development, he had injuries and because of how his career went, he has been out on loan a couple of times.

"He trains every day, he doesn’t miss a day, he wants to do extras, he wants to work, he wants to do better, and those things to me are just absolutely fundamental to how players improve. And at the minute the level he is playing at week in week out is brilliant and long may it continue - he deserves it.

"The way we are playing as a unit at the moment defensively, as a team, that obviously helps him raise his standards, and obviously with Thiago next to him, that is a great standard-bearer for the rest of the season.

"As a unit, we look stronger and Kurt has been a big part of that. A lot of defending is about concentration. He has got so many attributes that are great for a centre-back.

"I knew that when I came here that a guy like Kurt would be a big deal for me and he is showing that in terms of how he is playing. I am delighted with him.”

Chelsea's defensive improvement has been dramatic after they conceded 54 league goals last season, the worst total since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

Not only were the Blues guilty of conceding goals on set-pieces, they were vulnerable on the counter-attack last season. Lampard has seen his side progress rapidly in both areas and spoke about their newfound ability to hold onto a lead.

“We have got better at that - and the element of today’s game that felt a bit like last year was it was at 2-1 and we were missing chances and you feel nervous," he added. "I think now that hopefully, the players believe that we can see games out.

"There are moments where we have to go longer, get up the pitch and keep them away from our goal. We have to be secure in possession and the players are getting better at that. It is massively important.

"Hopefully that belief continues to grow as it is a tough league and having that kind of experience and nature about us helps. It is through the experienced players that we have brought in. Of course, it is Thiago first and foremost.

"But I think [Edouard] Mendy will help a lot with that as well in terms of his distribution with seeing out games. It has helped us to improve.”

The Premier League table is beginning to take a more familiar look with the "big six" teams, except Arsenal , occupying the top spots in the table.

Indeed, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp named Chelsea as the favourites but Lampard is reluctant to say it will be the usual suspects competing for the title with the likes of Leicester City amongst the high-flying teams.

“It’s hard to be too expectant at this relatively early stage when we are a third of the way through," Lampard added. "But you would expect that teams that have been there in recent years will be there like Liverpool and Man City .

"I think they are everybody’s favourites of this season and I think I expect them to be there and they are there. There are teams still that have made a fantastic start and I think we should not rule out, teams that are in and around it.

"The table is starting to take a bit of shape, but there is still a long way to go. I’m not too concerned about anyone else, I am more concerned about ourselves, and about the fact that after we played Southampton here at home, there were a lot of questions and my job is to solve these questions or find a solution via the players.

"The players are answering them at the moment, so we need to just think about the next game and not think about the big picture, and the league will pan itself out.”

Jose Mourinho labelled Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg a "phenomenal player" after Tottenham's derby win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane combined twice as Spurs recorded a 2-0 win in the north London derby to remain top of the Premier League.

Hojbjerg, an August arrival from Southampton for a reported £15 million plus add-ons , played a key role.

The midfielder had more touches (61), passes (44), successful passes (35), passes in the opposition half (15) and interceptions (three) than any other Spurs player.

Hojbjerg's performance earned praise from Spurs boss Mourinho, with the 25-year-old also having Tottenham's only other shot on target.

"Pierre is, first of all, very intelligent. He reads the game very well. He's going to be a coach one day, for sure," Mourinho told a news conference.

"He's a pain, asking questions about why we do this and why we do that. On the pitch, he reads the situation very, very well and the people that surround him are really compact, they read the game.

"Physically he's very, very strong and technically he's much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago. Simplicity is genius.

"And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he's a phenomenal player. Congratulations, Mr. [Daniel] Levy [Spurs chairman]."

Of midfielders, only Manchester City's Rodri has made more successful passes than Hojbjerg in the Premier League this season, with 746 against 706.

Hojbjerg also ranks fourth for successful passes in the opposition half with 341 and while his five chances created are also below the likes of Rodri with 11, he has created two big chances to the Spaniard's zero.

He helped Spurs come through games against City, Chelsea and Arsenal with seven points, and with their title chances seemingly boosted.

Tottenham have also kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League and Mourinho called for his side to continue their run of form.

"We can lose everywhere. In the Premier League, we can lose everywhere. We can go to any place and lose. Any team can come here and beat us," he said.

"Of course, people could expect these last three matches. Now, three points, four points, or six with one loss. Now we did seven.

"We didn't concede one against phenomenal teams. Of course, we are in a good moment and the team is strong also, mentally, but you know, nothing changes."

The Columbus Crew reached MLS Cup for the third time in club history after a 1-0 win over New England Revolution on Sunday.

Artur's 59th-minute goal was enough for Columbus to win the Eastern Conference final at Mapfre Stadium, moving into the MLS Cup for the first time since 2015.

It marked the first time Columbus have won an MLS Cup playoffs match over New England, and it came on their eighth attempt.

The Crew had the better of the chances throughout and struck just before the hour mark, with Gyasi Zardes having been denied by New England goalkeeper Matt Turner just moments prior to the opener.

Lucas Zelarayan's cross from the left found Jonathan Mensah at the back post and the defender touched a pass into the path of Artur, who found the bottom corner with a first-time finish.

All four of Artur's MLS goals have been scored at Mapfre Stadium, including three in his past six home appearances.

Zelarayan smashed an effort against the post from 25 yards in the 62nd minute, but Artur's goal proved to be enough to crown Columbus Eastern Conference champions.

Columbus have won 13 of their past 14 home MLS matches and will host either Seattle Sounders or Minnesota United in the decider on December 12.

The Sounders and Minnesota United are set to face off in the Western Conference championship Monday night in Seattle, with the home side looking to reach their fourth MLS Cup and Minnesota seeking their first appearance in the league final.

Crew boss Caleb Porter became the fifth coach in MLS history to win both the Eastern and Western Conference championships, joining Bruce Arena, Dominic Kinnear, Jason Kreis and Sigi Schmid.

Porter won the Western Conference championship with the Portland Timbers in 2015. He would, ironically, then go on to defeat Columbus in the MLS Cup final to clinch his and the club's first championship.

Pep Guardiola has disregarded claims that Manchester City's early Champions League qualification has handed them an advantage against Manchester United ahead of their first derby of the season next weekend.

The Blues have already secured a berth in the knockout stages with a game to spare, and will top Group C regardless of their result against Marseille on Wednesday.

But while Guardiola has the luxury of being able to rest key faces, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to field a full-strength team to ensure progression in Tuesday's massive Group H clash with RB Leipzig in Germany.

Such midweek exertions may have a knock-on effect when United return home to host City on Saturday at Old Trafford, but Guardiola has dismissed such notions, stressing that the nature of their heated rivalry negates any advantage.

"I'm pretty sure it's a derby and we will focus and commit and this means the players are not tired, completely the opposite," Guardiola said.

Guardiola also professed his satisfaction with his side's upturn in form following a rough start to the new campaign, adding: "We are in a good moment right now, I would say.

"We are better than one month ago but that is normal. Without preparation, without time, it's normal what happened.

"What's important is that we are not far away from the top of the league and already qualified for the next round [of the Champions League]. This is important. Now we want to continue being there."

City have failed to progress past the last eight of Europe's top competition since Guardiola's arrival, with the failure to claim continental silverware a glaring blemish on their record under the 49-year-old.

Elsewhere, the former Barcelona boss was quick to stress the impact of his side's defensive stability over the coming weeks, adding: “It is important – a lot.

“In the last game, Eric Garcia and Ruben Dias were brilliant. It’s so important they don’t make mistakes.

"In the games against Leicester, Liverpool and Tottenham we made mistakes we could have avoided. Central defenders cannot do that.

“In the last few games, we have been so solid. If the other team makes a good action, fine. They play too … but we cannot give it to them.

“[On Saturday], Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo … all the back four didn’t make obvious mistakes and this is the step to be solid as a team."

Stefano Pioli hailed the growing maturity of his AC Milan players in the absence of injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Rossoneri strengthened their grip on top spot in Serie A with a gritty 2-1 victory at Sampdoria on Sunday thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo.

Milan secured the win without talisman Ibrahimovic, who is nursing a hamstring injury but expected to return soon.

The experienced Swede has scored 10 goals in six Serie A games this season, and his presence was missed against Sampdoria, but Milan managed to get the job done in Genoa.

"I continue to be surprised by the maturity of these players," Pioli told Sky Italia.

"Even though it was probably the youngest side we've had all year. They never let themselves get downhearted by bad results or go overboard with good ones, they really impressed me.

"We all know how much Zlatan has helped us to improve and everyone wants him back as soon as possible, but every player contributed here.

"I told the lads we are a real team. This is a group that makes the most of every situation, even the most negative, to prove what they can really do.

“It's the first time we were missing Ibra, Simon Kjaer and Ismael Bennacer, who are leaders of the side, but they used this opportunity to prove they could keep the team going.

"It means we have the enthusiasm and the energy to face down every challenge.

"These lads give their all throughout the week, these are the most difficult games after the Europa League, so winning them when we are considered the target for many other clubs, that is satisfying and we should celebrate."

Milan have won eight of their first 10 Serie A games to go five points clear of Inter at the top of the table.

In the previous 86 seasons in the competition, the Rossoneri had won more games at this point of the season only in 1954-55 (nine matches).

However, Pioli admitted Milan can feel rivals for the Scudetto breathing down their neck.

"I believe this weekend’s results show the strongest teams are coming, they are closing up," said the Milan head coach.

"I am convinced Inter, Juventus and Napoli are still going to be challenging all the way to the end.

"How can you think Juve aren't favourites after they won for nine years in a row? Or Inter with their investments, or Napoli with their talent?”

Milan conceded from a corner against Sampdoria when Albin Ekdal squeezed the ball in, and Pioli acknowledged his side have a tendency to switch off at set-pieces.

"The last goal we conceded from open play was against Napoli," he added.

"We need to be more focused on set plays. It's true we’re not the tallest squad, but I think we had more chances from dead-ball situations than Sampdoria did.”

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Tanguy Ndombele's late withdrawal ahead of Sunday's north London derby was down to a "problem he couldn't recover from", adding that the France international chose to rule himself out amid fitness fears.

The midfielder, who played over an hour in midweek for Spurs in their Europa League game against LASK, was expected to feature for the hosts as they welcomed the Gunners - and crowds - to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time this season.

Goals for Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in the first half placed the hosts in the driving seat, further cementing the duo's incredible partnership this season as they helped records tumble.

But Tottenham were shorn of one of their most creative assets after Ndombele elected to sit the match out, requiring some late changes to Mourinho's matchday plans.

The Portuguese confirmed that the playmaker was absent for fitness reasons rather than personal ones, and stressed that the decision had been made by the player with his best interests at heart.

"[It was] a problem he couldn't recover from," he told Sky Sports News ahead of the game. "We were positive and expecting until the last moment but this morning he decided he was not ready."

Mourinho was quick to hail the return of supporters to matches though, with a select band of 2,000 fans allowed back into venues in Tier 2 regions, with London falling under that category. 

"It is football, that is the joy of football," he added, "They are [showing passionate support] in their houses, in front of televisions, so if they have the chance to come to the stadium they have to enjoy [it]."

While Tottenham have enjoyed a superb start to the 2020-21 campaign, neighbours Arsenal have faltered under Mikel Arteta this term, posting hit-and-miss results in recent weeks to leave them off the pace of the top four.

Mourinho though was quick to dismiss them as easy pickings, adding on their form: "It means nothing to me.

"I told the players it is very dangerous if they look at the table and forget what Arsenal can be, what Arsenal are and what Arsenal were. They can come for the big matches. Arsenal will be a very hard opponent."

Harry Kane became the leading scorer in north London derby history and reached 250 career goals as he helped Tottenham to a 2-0 victory over Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho's side returned to the Premier League summit in style on Sunday, with Kane's strike in first-half stoppage time putting them two goals ahead at the culmination of a superb counter-attack.

Son Heung-min teed up Kane's landmark goal – the England captain's 11th against Arsenal – with the South Korea star having opened the scoring with a sensational 13th-minute effort.

Arsenal dominated after the break, but the damage was already done, and Hugo Lloris ultimately only had two saves to make, both from Alexandre Lacazette headers, as Mikel Arteta's team slumped to a third league defeat from four games.

A vociferous, socially-distanced crowd of 2,000 Tottenham fans had early cause for cheer when Arsenal's Thomas Partey, returning from a month-long injury lay-off, lashed wide, and they were sent into raptures moments later.

Having evaded a group of red and white shirts, Kane played in Son, who cut in from the left and curled a sublime long-range shot into the top-right corner.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tried his luck from distance with a thumping strike which Bernd Leno kept out, but it was 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

With the injured Partey off the pitch, Spurs caught Arsenal on the counter – Giovani Lo Celso finding Son, who teed up Kane to drill in a record-setting goal in off the bar from a tight angle.

Lacazette's header from Bukayo Saka's free-kick forced Lloris into his first save, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nodded over.

Having replaced Partey, Dani Ceballos helped Arsenal wrest control in midfield, with the Gunners controlling well over 70 per cent of possession in the second half.

Lloris made another smart stop to deny Lacazette, yet Arsenal's attack – which has mustered just 10 league goals this season – was once again found lacking as their comeback efforts proved fruitless.

What does it mean? Mourinho masterclass leaves Arteta reeling

Mourinho's major positive from last week's draw with Chelsea – who briefly leapfrogged Spurs at the top thanks to a win over Leeds United on Saturday – was that his side were disappointed to only take a point from Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese masterminded another clinical counter-attacking display on Sunday as Tottenham showed the grit which was missing at the end of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.

Having won his first north London derby in July, Mourinho joins Jimmy Anderson as the only Spurs boss in history to win both of their first two games against Arsenal, whose manager Arteta is the first Gunners chief since Bertie Mee, in the 1966-67 season, to lose his first two games against Tottenham.

Unstoppable Son and Kane combine again

Kane's assist for Son's stunning opener was his 10th in the Premier League this season, from just 11 games. No player has ever reached 10 assists in fewer appearances from the start of a campaign in the competition – Kane pulled level with current Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil's 2015-16 feat in that regard.

Son, whose last two goals have come from outside the area after his previous 20 were netted from inside the box, then returned the favour, and he and Kane have now combined for 31 Premier League goals, the second most of any duo after Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (36).

Kane the king in north London

After his 100th home goal for Tottenham across all competitions, Kane is now the outright top goalscorer in all-time north London derbies with 11 goals, having overtaken Emmanuel Adebayor – who played for both clubs – and Spurs great Bobby Smith.

It also brought up his 250th goal for club and country, with 202 coming for Spurs, 32 for England, and a further 16 coming across loan spells with Millwall, Leyton Orient and Leicester City. 

What's next?

Already through to the knockout stage, Spurs face Antwerp in the Europa League on Thursday, before returning to Premier League action against Crystal Palace. Arsenal face Dundalk, and then Burnley.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) moved eight points clear on top of the Tanzania Mainland League table after defeating Ruvu Shooting 2-1 on Sunday night.

Timu ya Wananchi got their goals through Michael Sarpong and Cassian Ponera, who scored an own goal, while the visitors got the equaliser courtesy of David Richard. 

The 27-time champions came into the match aiming at extending their unbeaten run against their inconsistent visitors. They had numerous chances early on the match but poor finishing let the team down and piled more pressure on the players.

In the 30th minute, it all changed as Wananchi finally got their opening goal. 

The administrative side conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area and it was floated into the box. The defenders failed to get the ball out of the dangerous area and it fell to Sarpong, who struck from close range to give the home team a lead.

It proved to be the only goal in the first half but it could have been more if Wananchi had capitalized on their chances.

In the 58th minute, Young Africans had a chance to double their advantage when Ruvu conceded a penalty. Captain Deus Kaseke stepped up but he failed to make the most of that chance.

The missed chance came back to haunt the home team as Richard punished them two minutes later. He got the better of the defenders before cooly slotting the ball home to put the teams on level terms.

Yanga upped their tempo after conceding the goal in search of the winning goal. Their pressure paid off when Tuisila Kisinda's cross was turned into the net by Ponera.

It was the goal that won the former champions maximum points and extended their unbeaten run in Tanzanian top-flight football.

After 14 games, Yanga are enjoying an eight-point gap on top of the table since they are on 34 points, while Azam FC are second with 26. The Ice-cream Makers will be playing Gwambina FC on Monday hoping to get maximum points and close the gap.

Reigning champions Simba SC are third on the log with 23 points after 11 games. They have not been involved this weekend owing to their participation in the Caf Champions League.

Former Orlando Pirates centre forward Tokelo 'TK' Rantie will soon find a new home at Swazi giants Mbabane Highlanders.

The experienced player has been a free agent since he parted ways with PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns during the January 2020 transfer window after a failed spell with the club.

Rantie has been a wanted man in Eswatini with Manzini Wanderers and Mbabane Swallows also been linked with the player, who was reportedly released by Sundowns due to off-field distractions.

His agent, France Mpedi, has now set the record straight as he made it clear that the former Cape Town City player will be joining record 13-time Swazi champions Highlanders. 

“We were alerted of the reports in Swaziland [Eswatini] about Rantie by a friend based there," Mpedi told Times of Swaziland.

"We read that he was linked with Manzini Wanderers and then Mbabane Swallows, but I want to clarify that now.

"As I speak, we have just agreed with Mbabane Highlanders’ boss that his next destination is Swaziland [Eswatini] and he’s coming to join Highlanders.

“We must state it clearly that we’ve never had any engagement with Wanderers or Swallows. Rantie is coming there but for Highlanders."

Rantie, who had an unsuccessful and brief spell with Cape Town City in 2018, was also linked with Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in recent times, but he looks set to join the Mbabane giants.

Highlanders club director Chief Ally Kgomongwe also confirmed that indeed the well-travelled player will be part of their squad in their 2020/21 squad. 

“We worked on this all night and we’ve finally reached an agreement with Rantie and his agent. He is coming to join us,” Kgomongwe said when speaking to the same publication. 

The foreign quota in the Swazi Premier League is five players per team and Highlanders have reportedly already signed three South African players ahead of the new season. 

Ex-Pirates midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni, former Baroka FC forward Mandisa Gadla, and Sphamandla Mlilo, who played for the now-defunct Platinum Stars, are said to have joined the Black Bull.

Asked about the foreign quota issue, Kgomongwe, who hails from South Africa, said: “When I come, I will talk to the coaches, but Rantie is coming and I want us to sign the best of the best we can."

The last time Rantie played a competitive match was in October 2017 when he helped Genclerbirligi secure a 2-1 victory over Besiktas in a Turkish Super Lig match - grabbing an assist in the process. 

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was forced off injured during first-half stoppage time of his side's Premier League defeat against Tottenham.

Partey returned from injury to make his first appearance for the Gunners in over a month when he was named in the starting XI for the north London derby on Sunday.

He walked over to the touchline during the build-up to Harry Kane's goal that put Spurs two goals up and was replaced by Dani Ceballos immediately after and just seconds before half-time. Spurs would go on to win the derby 2-0, returning to first place in the Premier League. 

After the match Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed Party would have an MRI, saying he appeared to aggravate his previous injury.

"I applaud their first goal, it is world class, but the second goal we are a man down, we leave a massive gap and they take advantage," Arteta told the BBC.

"He [Thomas Partey] has to stay on the pitch. It looks like the same injury he has already had, he will have an MRI."

Partey had been out of action since he was taken off in his side's 3-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on November 8 and subsequently missed Premier League matches against Leeds and Wolves as well as the Europa League encounters against Molde and Rapid Vienna. 

The Ghana international only returned to Arsenal training during the week and Arteta said after his side's win against Rapid Vienna that the summer signing could feature against their city rivals.

Ahead of the game on Sunday, Arteta was asked about the 27-year-old's inclusion in his starting XI.

He told Sky Sports: "We didn't expect him to be fit for the game but he has been training well and [is] ready to play."

Arsenal fell behind just 13 minutes into the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Son Heung-min led Spurs' charge forward, combining with striker Kane before lashing past Bernd Leno from outside the box.

Son then turned provider as he passed to Kane who then fired in to double the home side's advantage, which would be the game's final goal.

Enyimba survived a Rahimo scare to progress 2-1 on aggregate after Sunday’s 1-1 draw in the Caf Champions League preliminary round second leg match.

Captain Austin Oladapo gave Enyimba the lead on the hour mark before the visitors drew level on the night through Pape Ware with 15 minutes to go.

The Aba giants came into this encounter having recorded a 1-0 away victory in the first-leg played at Stade du 4 Aout, Ouagadougou, with Victor Mbaoma’s 75th-minute goal making the difference.

Knowing that anything short of victory would see them crash out of the competition, the Burkinabe Premier League team came to Nigeria with the ambition of shocking the two-time African champions.

As expected, Rahimo matched Fatai Osho’s men strength for strength, but could not beat goalkeeper Olufemi Thomas.

In the opening 24 minutes, four corner kicks tumbled for the hosts at the Enyimba International Stadium, however, none resulted in a goal.

After a fruitless first 45 minutes, Enyimba returned for the second half with all guns blazing. They almost took the lead in the 50th minute but Tosin Omoyele failed to convert Anayo Iwuala’s cross.

Despite the introduction of Mbaoma for Omoyele, the Nigerians struggled to take the initiative largely to their inability to convert their chances in front of goal.

On the hour mark, Oladapo gave Osho’s men a well-deserved lead after volleying home a poor clearance by the visiting side.

That strike was what woke Rahimo from their slumber as they attacked their hosts in their numbers with 19-year-old Boubacar Guira forcing a brilliant save from goalkeeper Kayode in the 64th minute.

Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute as Ware found a sumptuous moment to score the leveller.

Needing one more goal to progress to the next round of the competition, the visitors swarmed the Peoples’ Elephant’s backline but were unable to get the important strike.

In the closing stages of the tension-soaked encounter, Enyimba were reduced to ten men as Imo Obot was given his marching orders by the referee for dangerous play, but that did not halt their progression.

Osho’s team would be hoping to go far in the Champions League, but first, they must negotiate their way past Al Merrikh. The Sudanese giants defeated Congo’s AS Otoho 3-1 on aggregate to qualify.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said Arsenal made it difficult for his side as they won 2-0 in the north London derby on Sunday, and congratulated Gunners counterpart Mikel Arteta after the match.

Spurs took the lead just 13 minutes into the Premier League clash when Son Heung-min smashed home from outside the box.

Harry Kane doubled his side's lead when he ran onto a pass from Son and put it past Bernd Leno in first-half stoppage time.

The win sees Tottenham return to the top of the table and Mourinho says it was no easy feat for his team.

"It was a big game in every sense, not just because it was Tottenham-Arsenal," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"I want to give words, congratulations to Mikel Arteta because he gave us a very difficult game. Tactically they were very good, very organised. They gave us problems, problems we were able to resolve. They have a good tactical courage and incredible spirit. They are a good team and he is a good coach.

"We were reading the game and making the changes to win it because 2-0 was in our hands against a great and difficult opponent but my boys did well today.

"I am very happy with the result and the performance, but of course I want the team in the second half to play in a different way. In reality you don't always do what you want to do because your opponent forces you in a different direction.

"You are winning 2-0, why would you expose your defensive block if you don't have to? It was a very difficult game.

"I can imagine tomorrow the headlines will be about them not being in a good position in the table, but I believe with these players and Mikel it will be Arsenal vs Tottenham again."

Tottenham have taken seven points from their last three matches in the league, beating Manchester City and drawing with Chelsea in the build-up to Sunday's derby.

"We grew up. I can imagine lots of people can imagine three matches in a row - against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal - would be a moment for us to drop points and go back to 'normality' but we didn't go back to 'normality'. We are there," Mourinho added.

"I believe one more week at the top of the table unless Liverpool win by many [against Wolves]."

While Son and Kane netted the crucial goals, Mourinho praised his star attackers for the work they do outside of the box, too.

"Harry Kane clearing balls in the box, Sonny for the first 60 minutes as a winger and then a second striker - it is not just about scoring goals and being world class players," he said.

"It is about being great guys and doing your best for the team."

Chidera Ejuke provided an assist and Brian Idowu featured as CSKA Moscow played out a 2-2 draw against Khimki in Sunday’s Russian Premier League game.

Ejuke has been delivering dazzling performances with his impressive dribbling skills for Viktor Goncharenko’s men since teaming up with the side in the summer.

The winger was handed his 12th league appearance which afforded him the opportunity to face his compatriot Idowu, who also started for Khimki.

The game started with both clubs aiming for the opening goal but it did not come until the 40th minute when Nikola Vlasic hit the back of the net with his strike.

Ilya Kukharchuk levelled proceedings shortly after the half-time break and Reziuan Mirzov gave Khimki the lead for the first time in the encounter in the 51st minute.

Ilya Shkurin then scored an important equalising goal for CSKA Moscow three minutes later after receiving a sumptuous pass from Ejuke.

The Nigeria winger struck two shots, made five key passes, had a 100 per cent successful pass rate and made 48 touches on the ball before he was replaced by Fedor Chalov in the 62nd minute.

Idowu also gave a good account of himself in the encounter as he made two tackles, won one aerial contest and made three clearances during his 90 minutes of action.

Ejuke has now made 17 appearances across all competitions for CSKA Moscow, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Idowu, meanwhile, has featured in 17 games, including 16 in the Russian Premier League since teaming up with the side from Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer.

The Nigeria internationals will hope to continue their consistent performances for their respective clubs in their next league outings.

CSKA Moscow will take on Dinamo Zagreb while Khimki will square off against Arsenal Tula, on December 10 and 11, respectively.