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Aland United striker Ode Fulutudilu has expressed her joy in making the final shortlist for the Finnish Naisten Liiga Attacker of the Year award, which she labelled her "first-ever professional nomination".

The Banyana star had joined the Wiklof Holding Arena outfit in January, months after leaving Spanish side Malaga in 2019, and was in breathtaking form all season for Samuel Fagerholm's team.

In October, the 30-year-old shone in her side's 2-1 victory over TiPS to clinch a first-ever Finnish Women's Cup title before a historic double following a 3-1 final day win over Honka in November.

Besides inspiring a first-ever double, she scored seven goals in 16 outings to finish the team's top scorer as they also qualified for Women's Champions League for the first time since 2015.

Fulutudilu will challenge KUPS attacking duo of Gentjana Rochi and Aino Kroger in the race for the individual accolade and the South Africa international has admitted shock over her nomination.

"I’m truly humbled and very honoured to be seen as one of the best in the league," Fulutudilu told Goal.

"It is my first ever professional nomination and I’m truly pleased that it came in such a history-making season for my team [Aland United].

"It’s nice to see that people can recognise that even though I didn’t score as many goals as what I would have liked but they see that my influence on the team went beyond goals.

"Honestly, I never thought about personal nominations, I was only focusing on doing my best for the team. What we have achieved as a team was more important to me than anything else.

"We dominated this season in the league and happy for the club to have so many players nominated in other positions."

The winner of the Striker of the Year award will be announced at the Captain’s Ball Gala ceremony scheduled for Thursday, December 3. 

Antoine Griezmann continued his recent goalscoring form as Barcelona eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ferencvaros in Champions League Group G on Wednesday.

France striker Griezmann struck early on as he netted in three consecutive games for the first time in a Barca shirt.

Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele were also on the scoresheet for Barcelona, who had already qualified for the competition's knockout phase.

The victory also ensured Barca won their first five Champions League group stage games for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign and they lead second-placed Juventus by three points with one match remaining.

Lionel Messi was rested by Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman for the trip to Hungary but without the influential Argentina international his side played some superb football.

Barcelona's opener came via Griezmann in the 14th minute, the forward elegantly backheeling in Jordi Alba's low cross.

Koeman's side increased their advantage moments later when Dembele unlocked the Ferencvaros defence with a jinking run before his cross was met by the sliding boot of Braithwaite to complete a 33-pass move.

The lively Braithwaite then won a penalty just before the half-hour after he went down following a slightly mistimed tackle by Abraham Frimpong.

Dembele confidently stepped up and sent Ferencvaros goalkeeper Denes Dibusz the wrong way with a clinical spot-kick.

Braithwaite tamely shot wide from a good position before the half-time break before Barcelona started to take things easy in the second half.

Dembele burst into life when he rampaged forward on a fine solo run, only to see his shot fly into the side netting.

The France forward carried Barca's main threat in the remainder of the contest and twice brought smart saves out of Dibusz late in the game, in a stylish win.

What does it mean? No Messi, no problem

With Barca already qualified for the knockout phase, Koeman rested Messi for the second successive Champions League match.

The Blaugrana have now won nine of their past 10 Champions League games without Messi, drawing one, since a 2-1 defeat to Ajax in November 2013.

Their form in LaLiga is still inconsistent but, in Europe at least, Koeman's side look like one of the teams to beat, even without their talisman.

Brilliant Braithwaite catches the eye again

Braithwaite scored twice on his first Champions League start for Barcelona against Dynamo Kiev on matchday four, and he followed it up with another goal against Ferencvaros.

As a result, the Denmark striker became the first player to score on their first two starts in the competition for Barca since David Villa in 2010. After just one goal in his first 17 appearances for the club he also now has four in his past three.

Baturina misses his big chance

Ferencvaros rarely put Barcelona goalkeeper Neto's goal under threat although but they did muster two attempts on target, the best of which fell to substitute Roko Baturina.

A superb cross from Gergo Lovrencsics picked out the unmarked Baturina inside the six-yard box, but the striker failed to generate enough with his header from a great position. The embarrassed Croatian immediately put his head in his hands.

Key Opta facts

- Ferencvaros have lost three consecutive Champions League games for the first time and are winless in their past 10 games in the competition (D3 L7).
- For the first time since 2002-03 under Louis van Gaal, Barcelona have won each of their opening five group stage games in a Champions League campaign.
- Barcelona have scored 16 goals in the Champions League this season – their most in a group stage campaign in the competition since 2016-17 (20).
- Braithwaite's goal for Barcelona ended a sequence of 33 consecutive passes in the build-up – the most for a goal scored in the Champions League this season.
- Braithwaite is the first player to score in his first two Champions League starts for Barcelona since Villa in 2010.
- Dembele has netted three goals in four Champions League appearances for Barcelona this season, already his joint-most in a single season in the competition (also three in 2018-19).

What's next?

Barcelona are back in LaLiga action on Saturday with an away fixture against Cadiz while Ferencvaros head to Diosgyor in Hungary's top flight.

Neymar and Marquinhos put Manchester United's progression into the last 16 of the Champions League on hold as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-1 win at Old Trafford. 

Marcus Rashford scored in his third successive Champions League appearance against PSG to restore parity following Neymar's opener, which was the quickest goal United have conceded in the competition since September 2015.  

Anthony Martial missed a glaring chance to complete the turnaround and Edinson Cavani hit the crossbar against his former club, with United made to pay when Marquinhos prodded PSG back in front, his effort standing after a long VAR check. 

Fred, who had been fortunate to escape a red card in the first half, received his marching orders for a tackle on United old boy Ander Herrera not long after the second goal, with PSG sealing the victory when Neymar tucked home in added time. 

United had thrived on the counter in previous games between the teams but were caught out on the break themselves six minutes in. 

Mbappe thumped a strike into a crowd of red shirts, with Neymar on hand to lash home the rebound from an acute angle. 

Matters looked set to get worse for United when Fred appeared to headbutt Leandro Paredes, yet despite checking the incident on the pitch-side monitor, referee Daniele Orsato only brandished a yellow. 

PSG's frustration was compounded just after the half-hour – Rashford keeping up his fine run against the Ligue 1 club when his shot deflected in off Danilo Pereira.

Rashford turned provider four minutes into the second half only to see Martial slice over, before he then saw a goal-bound strike blocked by Marquinhos after Cavani's lob struck the bar. 

PSG's captain was involved at the other end seven minutes later when his header hit the woodwork, before De Gea pulled off a brilliant stop to deny Mitchel Bakker. 

However, United conceded from the resulting corner, Marquinhos nudging in from point-blank range after Abdou Diallo had kept the attack alive, with Fred's second booking soon after ruining United's hopes of another comeback.

Mbappe squandered a golden chance to make it 3-1 himself but atoned when he played through Rafinha, who kept his cool to tee up Neymar.

What does it mean? All to play for in the group 

United, PSG and RB Leipzig now all sit on nine points heading into the final matchday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side – who travel to Germany next week – still only need a point, regardless of what last season's runners up do in their home clash with Istanbul Basaksehir.

A draw against the Turkish side will guarantee PSG's place in the knockout stages. 

Brazil stars deliver for PSG  

Neymar will take the headlines for two brilliantly taken goals, which came with two of his three attempts, all of which were on target, but compatriot Marquinhos was equally impressive. 

He made two blocks, but has now scored three goals in the Champions League since the competition resumed in August – more than any other defender and more than any other PSG player in that time. 

Fred, Martial made to pay 

It was far from the same story for United's Brazilian representative in Fred, who escaped in the first half before eventually seeing red, albeit for a challenge which seemed a fair one. In total, the combative midfielder conceded four fouls, second only to Scott McTominay. 

Martial, meanwhile, had two fantastic chances to put United into the lead early in the second half, yet failed on both occasions. 

Key Opta facts

- Excluding games played at neutral venues, this is the first fixture in the competition's history to see the opening four meetings all won by the visiting team.
- United have now lost more of their eight home games in all competitions this season (4) than they did in 28 matches at Old Trafford last season (3).
- Fred was the 49th different Brazilian player to receive a Champions League red card. Only France has had more players sent off in the competition's history (55).
- Since his Champions League debut in 2013, only Cristiano Ronaldo (79), Robert Lewandowski (60) and Lionel Messi (59) have more goals in the competition than Neymar (38).
- Rashford has scored more goals in five Champions League games this season (6) than he managed in 18 appearances in the competition across his two previous campaigns (5).

What's next?  

United will aim to secure a fourth straight Premier League victory when they take on West Ham – and their former manager David Moyes – on Saturday, while PSG visit Montpellier. 

Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud has become the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick on a record breaking night, after scoring all four of his side's goals in their win over Sevilla on Wednesday. 

Just over two months since his 34th birthday, the France international put his name into the history books as he hit top gear for the Blues after being given a rare start by Frank Lampard. 

Giroud's first goal came after just eight minutes following some incisive build-up play from Kai Havertz. Giroud's second then came via a chip in the 55th minute after Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic created a chance for their forward. 

A historic hat-trick was then wrapped up in the 75th minute as he got on the end of a cross from N'Golo Kante. Not done there, Giroud bagged his fourth goal of the night in the 84th minute after winning and converting a penalty. 

While Giroud is the oldest to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, Ferenc Puskas did score three goals in the European Cup aged 38 years and 173 days in 1965. 

Giroud is now just the second Frenchman to score two Champions League hat-tricks, with only Real Madrid's Karim Benzema the other player to do so. 

Lampard was the last player to score four goals in a single game for Chelsea with the Blues current manager achieving that feat back in March 2010 against Aston Villa. 

Giroud, who was substituted after scoring his fourth goal against Sevilla, has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and recently hinted a move away in January could be on the cards. 

"It's worrying. I thought I still had a role to play at Chelsea but my playing time is getting reduced a lot. It's going to have to change or a decision must be made," Giroud told Telefoot last month. "I am clear-headed about my situation: I will have to make a decision in January. I hope to make the right one, as I have always done."

Chelsea's big win against Sevilla has secured them top spot in Group E with one game to play with Lampard's side dropping just two points in the competition to date. 

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are planning for the January transfer window and they will be prepared for what he expects to be an ‘unpredictable’ market.

The Gunners were active in the summer, signing Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey in big money deals and also snapping up Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea, but Arteta knows he needs to add more to his squad, especially in the attacking midfield area, with Red Bull Salzburg star Dominik Szoboszlai a player of genuine interest.

The January market is set to be a difficult one, however, with clubs across the globe still massively restricted due to the financial implications of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Money is expected to be tight at Arsenal and Arteta has already had to leave Mesut Ozil and Sokratis out of his 25-man squads for the Premier League and Europa League due to the number of players he has at his disposal.

Despite that, Arsenal’s manager says discussions are well underway to ensure some business could be done in the winter window, should the possibility arise.

“We are planning, talking with [technical director] Edu and with the club about the things we can do in January,” he said. “At the moment it's pretty difficult, unpredictable as well in terms of places as we are very restricted at the moment.

“We'll see what happens, I think things will move in the market, we will be prepared, we will need to do something knowing the limitations of that market in January and the limitations we have as well to sign players.”

Arsenal have scored just 10 times in as many Premier League games this season, with goals from midfield a real problem once again.

Granit Xhaka has scored just five goals since the start of the 2018-19 season, while Mohamed Elneny has only netted twice for Arsenal since he arrived from Basel in 2016. Dani Ceballos meanwhile has yet to add to the two strikes during his first season on loan from Real Madrid.

It is an area Arteta accepts Arsenal must improve if they are to win games on a more regular basis, but the Spaniard admits it will be difficult with the current options he has in his midfield.

“If you say ‘can they do it?’ it’s a question mark,” he said. “Have they done it in the past? The answer is no. We haven’t had any goals from midfield, it’s not something that happened this year. It happened in other years and is something that has to be addressed.

“To change the qualities and characteristics of players is very, very difficult. So again, it’s necessary. A big team needs players in midfield who score goals.

“They need central defenders that score goals from set-pieces to add to that. If you start to lose those margins, you start to lose points, you start to be away from the top team, this is not any science.”

Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso claims Victor Osimhen is not smiling after he missed their Uefa Europa League trip to AZ Alkmaar.

The 21-year-old suffered a dislocated shoulder during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone on November 13, after scoring a goal in the 4-4 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

He has consequently missed Napoli's last three matches across all competitions, which include a 4-0 win over Roma in the Serie A and a 2-0 victory against Rijeka in the Europa League.

The Parthenopeans left Naples on Wednesday for Alkmaar and Gattuso has revealed how Osimhen felt after he was dropped from his 20-man travelling squad.

“It bothers me to see him mad and not smiling,” Gattuso said, per Gianluca Di Marzio. “He is upset and that is normal. We must ease him back in, we hope he will heal as quickly as possible.”

Osimhen has scored two goals in six Serie A matches since he arrived from Lille in the summer, however, Gattuso reserved praise for Dries Mertens as he chases his first goal in the European competition this season.

“Mertens pushes and helps his teammates even when his play is spotty,” he said.

“He knows that he hasn't been scoring but he is critical for our team spirit. He helps keep us together and he should improve."

Napoli sit at the top of Group F table with nine points after four matches - two points above second-placed Real Sociedad and Thursday's hosts AZ Alkmaar.

Gattuso has warned his team against complacency as they aim to secure their place in the Europa League last-16.

He added; “Their team is strong technically and we cannot permit ourselves to be lazy.

“Quality wins some matches, but not all. If you want to win, it takes head and heart. We play together in good and bad, it will be a tough match tomorrow. I haven't decided on a formation, I will take things into consideration."

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has questioned referee Daniele Orsato's decisions regarding his team-mate Fred, who was eventually sent off during his side's loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Fred escaped a red card after VAR examined a first-half incident with Leandro Paredes, as the United midfielder appeared to headbutt his opponent. 

Orsato chose to give the Brazilian a yellow, acknowledging wrongdoing but deeming the incident still fell short of a red-card offence. 

Fred would, however, eventually receive his marching orders in the 70th minute as he was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on former United midfielder Ander Herrera.

That card would prove costly, as the visitors secured a 3-1 win in the Champions League tie. Neymar scored in the sixth minute before Marcus Rashford equalised, but goals from Marquinhos and a second from Neymar gave PSG all three points.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Maguire indicated his dismay with the result, saying he believes his side deserved more from the Group H tie.

"Disappointing night. We wanted to win the game, win the group. Football is a game of fine margins," the England international said. "We had better chances. Their two goals are scrappy goals – ricochet and pinball around the box. I feel we deserved something.

"You've got to take your chances and not give away soft goals. We're still in control of going through to the knockout stages."

Maguire also questioned Orsato's decision to give Fred a yellow card for the clash with Paredes and then award a second yellow later in the game.

"It's strange how he gave a yellow card [in the first half]. It's either a red card or nothing," Maguire said. "It's not a yellow card [in the second half]. He wins the ball. I was two yards away, the linesman was five yards [away]. Every time you go to the floor, especially in Europe, you get a booking."

PSG, Man Utd and RB Leipzig will now all go into the final matchday on nine points, with two teams set to advance to the knockout phase and one to be sent to the Europa League. 

Olivier Giroud said he wanted to simply "enjoy the night" rather than worry about his role at Chelsea after making a spectacular statement in Wednesday's Champions League win over Sevilla.

The French star scored four goals in Chelsea's 4-0 triumph over Sevilla, becoming the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick on a record-breaking night.

Giroud's manager Frank Lampard was the last Chelsea player to score four goals in a single game, having achieved that feat back in March 2010 against Aston Villa. 

Giroud's performance will have given Lampard some decisions to make, with the French star making his case for a more regular role under the former midfielder.

Giroud has often been left behind the likes of Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner this season, having featured in just five Premier League matches.

But, fresh off his four-goal effort, Giroud says he isn't concerned with his place in the team, at least not for the time being.

"Let me enjoy the night and that great win," he told BT Sport, "and after that we will rest and we will see what the gaffer's plan is."

He added: "When you win 4-0 in a Champions League away game it's always a great feeling and a good performance from the team. We took the game from the front foot and we were efficient up front, especially for me because I scored four goals.

"I didn't know until two years ago that you called it a perfect hat-trick, when I scored against Kiev in Europa League I said, 'What do you mean?' It was good, I had good assists though.

"I will try to carry on like that to finish the good job of the team and it's always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history, so I'm pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals."

Chelsea are set to host Leeds this weekend, marking the first occasion fans will be welcomed to Stamford Bridge this season.

And Giroud says he is excited to see supporters return to stadiums, which he believes will be a boost for the players on the field.

"It's been a long time, we miss our fans, football is not the same sport," he said. "The passion is not the same without the fans so obviously we are looking forward to Saturday and we hope for a nice welcome."

Odion Ighalo made his debut appearance in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday as Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Shanghai Shenhua loanee was introduced as a 90th-minute substitute for Aaron Wan-Bissaka  but his introduction could not save the Red Devils from going down at Old Trafford.

Neymar secured all three points for PSG in the stoppage time with his second goal of the night after Marquinhos restored their lead in the second half.

The Brazil star broke the deadlock for the French champions in the sixth minute but Marcus Rashford cancelled out the opener just before half-time. Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were reduced to 10 men after Fred received a second yellow card in the 70th minute.

Prior to his debut on Wednesday, Ighalo has played the role of an unused substitute in Manchester United's last four outings in the Champions League this season.

Senegal's Idrissa Gueye was also introduced as a late substitute for PSG while Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly watched the entire match on the bench.

So far this season, the former Super Eagles striker has played four matches across all competitions for Manchester United, which include nine minutes of football in the Premier League.

He played a starring role for the Red Devils in the Europa League earlier this year, following his loan signing from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

The 31-year-old scored two goals in five appearances before they were knocked out of the tournament in the semi-finals.

Wednesday's loss at Old Trafford dropped Manchester United to second in Group H, level on nine points with leaders PSG and third-placed RB Leipzig after five outings.

They need to avoid defeat when they visit Leipzig for their final group match on December 8 in order to advance to the Champions League knockout stage.

Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre has hit out at the decision to award Lazio a penalty in their 1-1 Champions League draw on Wednesday. 

After Raphael Guerreiro had opened the scoring for Dortmund in the 44th minute, Lazio were handed a lifeline in the 67th minute after Nico Schulz was ruled to have fouled Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the box as he went to clear the ball.

Replays showed little contact between the two as the Lazio midfielder seemingly made the most of the incident. The spot-kick was allowed to stand however, with Ciro Immobile making no mistake with his penalty. 

Neither side would then be able to find a winner as Favre's side secured their spot in the knockout stages with a point, but the coach was left to rue what was a controversial penalty decision in favour of Lazio. 

"We had our chances to score the second goal. Then we concede an unnecessary penalty against us, which isn't one," Favre told Sky post-match. 

"That's incredible. That's theatre, he is in a swimming pool. He exaggerates. But we are through to the next round. That's the most important thing."

Dortmund, who confirmed star striker Erling Haaland will be sidelined until the new year prior to the match, suffered another injury scare late in the match with veteran centre-back Mats Hummels forced from the field. 

Club director Michael Zorc is hopeful that Hummels won't join Dortmund's growing injury list after chatting with the 31-year-old following the full-time whistle. 

"I spoke to him briefly, we hope it was just a knock on his foot. We hope that he will be able to recover quickly and that no ligaments have been damaged," Zorc said.

"We have a few [injured] players on our hands and we hope that he will be able to play again this weekend."

Dortmund next face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday before rounding out their Champions League group campaign against Zenit in Russia next week. 

Favre's side have had an inconsistent season to date and are currently fourth in Germany's top-flight – four points behind league leaders and fierce rivals Bayern Munich. 

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has said "we'll have to see" if four-goal hero Olivier Giroud will start for the Blues on Saturday against Leeds United. 

Giroud turned in an incredible performance on Wednesday at Sevilla, scoring all four goals as Chelsea defeated the La Liga side 4-0.

The 34-year-old set a host of records on the night, including becoming the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Lampard marvelled at the performance of his veteran striker. 

"Four goals at this level and the quality of the goals, individual aspects from Olivier, team aspects in the first half, from back to front the team were great," Lampard said.

"[It was an] amazing solo performance from Olivier. [I'm] delighted with him, delighted with the team. This is a difficult place to come. There were moments in the first half where it was tough and we dealt with it.

"Olivier is reliable, full stop. Not just for us but his international goals for France, he's up there with great French individuals, he's got great statistics.

"I'm not too bothered about that in a way but I am bothered about what he gives us on the pitch. There couldn't be a team-mate there that the players are happier for because of the way Olivier is around the training pitch and in the games."

Despite his four-goal outburst, Giroud has found playing time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge this season. The France international has regularly found himself behind Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner in the Blues pecking order.

Giroud has made just five Premier League appearances this season, all of which have come off the bench.

Asked if he would hand Giroud his first league start of the season against Leeds, Lampard replied: "We'll have to see – it's a tight turnaround but it's four goals in a game. It's not just his performance but when you play him and utilise his strengths and his speed, there's a real balance in the rest of the team."

Chelsea go into Saturday's match in third place in the Premier League, two points behind Tottenham and Liverpool.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has said he wants to play alongside former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi next season. 

Neymar and Messi were together at Barcelona for four seasons between 2013 and 2017, combining to devastating effect in the Blaugrana's forward line. 

Alongside Luis Suarez, Neymar and Messi would help Barcelona win La Liga twice and the Champions League once, along with three Copa del Rey titles. 

Neymar left Barca in the summer of 2017, however, joining PSG in a world-record €222 million transfer. 

The Brazilian has been frequently linked with a return to Barcelona since he left Camp Nou, nearly making the move on several occasions.

Meanwhile, Messi's future with Barca is in major doubt after a tumultuous summer that saw him request a move away, only to rescind that request after the club vowed he would have to battle them in court over the validity of his release clause. 

But the Argentine's deal with Barcelona will expire at the end of the current season, meaning he could be in the final months of his legendary run with the Blaugrana.

Though it's not clear where a possible reunion would take place, Neymar insisted that he wants to play alongside Messi again after Wednesday's vital 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester United.

"What I want the most is to enjoy playing with him again," Neymar told ESPN after scoring a pair of goals against United.

When asked where that reunion would occur, Neymar said with a laugh: "He can play in my role, it wouldn't be a problem with me!"

He added: "For sure, next year we have to do it."

The Brazilian star scored in the sixth minute at Old Trafford and then sealed the match in second-half stoppage time as the Ligue 1 side went top of a tightly contested Group H.

PSG are on nine points, as are Man Utd and RB Leipzig, heading into the final matchday of the group next week.

But Neymar's side only need a draw against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday to clinch progression to the knockout phase, which would leave United and Leipzig to fight for one remaining spot in the last 16.

Speaking to Eleven Sports PT after the match, Neymar insisted that he hasn't even considered the possibility of finishing third in the group and playing in the Europa League. 

"I've never seen myself knocked out of the Champion's League or playing the Europa League," Neymar said. "It never went through my head and it won't. 

"With these difficulties, I managed to grow up, to take responsibility. I did not come here to play the Europa League."

Ronald Koeman claimed he has seen a "big change" in his Barcelona players compared to the way they started the season in La Liga.

The Blaugrana made it five wins out of five Champions League matches with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ferencvaros in Champions League Group G on Wednesday.

Barca will have the chance to win all six of their group games for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign when they face Juventus at Camp Nou next Tuesday.

Koeman's side have struggled in La Liga this season, though, and are 12 points behind leaders Real Sociedad – albeit with two games in hand – after losing three and drawing two of their opening nine games.

The Dutchman, however, suggested there has been a significant difference in the performances produced by his players in recent weeks.

It was emphasised by Barcelona's stylish second goal, scored by Martin Braithwaite, which featured a sequence of 33 consecutive passes in the build-up – the most for a goal scored in the Champions League this season.

"Lately, we have more effectiveness," Koeman said in a post-match media conference. "In defence we can still improve, but we are on the right track and hopefully we can continue like this.

"The difference is the team has been effective in the games. It is quite a big change compared to the beginning of the season. The hunger that we have, you have to prove it.

"The most important thing is to get to the last 16 of the Champions League, but if you win six out of six it would be a historic milestone."

Barcelona's win in Hungary was secured thanks to additional goals from Antoine Griezmann and fellow France international Ousmane Dembele, who netted from the penalty spot.

Koeman was particularly impressed with an eye-catching performance from Dembele.

The 23-year-old was a menacing presence on the left flank and attempted five shots, more than any other Barca player.

"Dembele is a great player," added the Barcelona head coach.

"He is very fast, he plays with both legs and is physically very well. For the coach it is difficult to make decisions when people like Dembele are playing as they are.

"There is a lot of competition in attack. You can see that we have a good squad and we have been able to let several players rest.

"Those who have played have shown that there is competition, and want to play well and create chances."

Cristiano Ronaldo thanked "players, coaches and loyal opponents" after the Juventus star scored the 750th goal of his remarkable career.

Ronaldo reached the milestone with a simple finish 57 minutes into Juve's 3-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in their Champions League Group G clash on Wednesday.

It was his 75th across all competitions for Juve after his 2018 move from Real Madrid – where he scored 450 goals.

The 35-year-old, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, reached that mammoth total for Madrid in just 438 matches across all competitions, following his then world-record move from Manchester United in 2009.

During his six-year stint at Old Trafford, he scored 118 times for the Red Devils.

Ronaldo, who recently surpassed the 100-goal mark for Portugal, becoming only the second male footballer to reach a century at international level after Iran's Ali Daei, is comfortably Madrid's all-time leading scorer, with 127 more goals than Los Blancos legend Raul, whose haul came from 741 appearances.

Despite missing several weeks of the campaign after testing positive for coronavirus, Ronaldo has been in fine form this season, having netted eight times from just four Serie A starts, though his strike against Dynamo was only his second in the Champions League this term.

Following his landmark achievement, Ronaldo used his official Twitter account to thank not only his team-mates and coaches – he has worked under the likes of Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane – but also his opponents.

"750 goals, 750 happy moments, 750 smiles in the faces of our supporters," he wrote. 

"Thank you to all the players and coaches that helped me reach this amazing number, thank you to all my loyal opponents that made me work harder and harder everyday."

Ronaldo will now set his sights on goal 751 when Juve take on Torino on Saturday – he has scored three goals from his four Serie A appearances against the Bianconeri's city rivals.

New Hearts of Oak coach Kosta Papic has urged the club's supporters to allow him enough time to turn the Accra-based outfit's fortunes around.

The Serbian, who has also worked in Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and eSwatini, was appointed head coach of the Phobians on Tuesday, marking his return to the club after 11 years.

Hearts have not begun the 2020-21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season on a good note as they have drawn one and lost one of two matches played so far.

"I would like to tell the supporters to be patient with me, I have just arrived. I did not have a preseason with the club and I barely know the players here. I will start training with the squad to know what to do," Papic told Wontumi FM.

During his first stint between 2008 and 2009, Papic helped Hearts clinch the league title, the club having failed to defend the cup the season earlier.

The Phobians, the second most successful club in GPL history, have not won the title since Papic's inspired success.

“I have 100 per cent confidence that Papic can will turn things around," former Hearts attacker Kofi Abanga, who played under the supervision of Papic in 2009, told Silver FM on the coach's return to the helm of affairs.

"With Hearts when there is a new coach, almost all players get rejuvenated and give their all so as to get selected by him.

“He is a great talent spotter and if he repeats what he did during our time, things will work out nicely.

“Individually, Hearts have good players… the likes of Emmanuel Nettey, [Benjamin] Afutu and others… Individually they are good so with Kosta Papic, Hearts will become prominent again.”

Papic worked in Nigeria before first making the trip to Ghana in 2008, managing Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Kwara United and Enyimba. The 60-year-old had also coached South African outfits Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs.

His most recent job being a one-year spell in charge of the eSwatini national team which ended last year, Papic has also worked with Young Africans of Tanzania as well as South African clubs Black Leopards, Chippa United, Polokwane City and Royal Eagles.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) head coach Mike Mutebi has explained why it would be good not to have fans in the opening matches of the Ugandan Premier League season.

The league will begin without fans in attendance but the veteran tactician has advised clubs and supporters must learn to live with the new normal occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is something we have to live with,” Mutebi said as per Sports Nation.

“When the government allows, we will be happy to have them back. However, it may be a good thing to play without fans because there will not be pressure on the players.”

The 13-Premier League winners have often had difficulties facing Bright Stars but Mutebi pegs his hopes on the preparations they have had ahead of the opener at Kavumba Stadium.

“Bright Stars have always given us a problem. However, we have to do our best to overcome our first game,” he added.

“We have prepared well, the players and technical staff have undergone Covid-19 tests and the new lads have managed to fit in well and are eager to play not to warm the bench here.”

The coach also spoke about other league opponents and specifically claimed SC Villa should not be underrated given the kind of off-pitch issues they have had to deal with in the past season.

“All teams are going to compete, there is lots of strength at Express, URA and Vipers SC,” he concluded. “About eight clubs are capable of winning this title.

“People shouldn’t underestimate SC Villa because of their problems, they can build on that position in the last season.”

KCCA will miss Gift Ali, Julius Poloto, Sadat Anaku, John Revita and Moses Aliro for the opener as they are sidelined by injuries

The Kampala club saw Mustafa Kizza, Mike Mutyaba, Muzamir Mutyaba, and Erisa Ssekisambu leave during the previous season and went ahead to beef up the squad with a number of new signings.

KCCA FC 2020/21 Squad:

Mwirusi Ali Ramadhan, Kato Samuel Nemeyimana, Musana Hassan, Musa Ramathan, Revita John, Mazengo Loro Stefano, Gift Ali Abubakar, Ayella Dominic, Aheebwa Brian, Balinya Juma, Kigozi Samson Andrew, Kawooya Andrew, Magambo Peter, Anaku Sadat Happy. Mugume Ashraf, Achai Herbert, Keziron Kizito, Lwanga Charles, Sserwadda Steven, Anukani Bright, Ssenyonjo Samuel, Poloto Julius, Bukenya Joseph Kizza, Lukwago Charles, Iguma Denis, Aliro Moses Okabo, Kalanzi Moses, Obenchan Fillbert, Matovu Hassan Muyomba, and Kafumbe Joseph.

Nairobi City Stars skipper Anthony Kimani has hailed the team’s perfect start to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.

The promoted side got off to a flying start in the 2020-21 campaign after they managed to secure a 2-0 win away to Nzoia Sugar on Sunday.

Kimani, who joined the Simba wa Nairobi from Bandari, also marked his debut for the team with a goal after 16 minutes when he finished off a Davis Agesa cross with a cheeky finish to beat diving Nzoia keeper Mustapha Oduor at the far post.

Oliver Maloba then assured maximum points for the National Super League champions after he powered home the second goal from close range.

“It was the kind of start we had hoped for; a winning one. We are glad we achieved it,” Kimani, playing his 227th Premier League game, said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“The winning start reiterates our preparedness for the league even though we had been out of the top league for years. We can now approach the upcoming games with a lot more confidence.

Kimanzi returned to the club in mid-2019 and pushed their case for promotion from the second tier with, other than great leadership and experience, three MVP awards and as many goals and ten crucial assists.

Meanwhile, defender Salim Abdalla was voted the best player for City Stars by the technical bench after the 2-0 win.

Shitu, who joined City Stars from AFC Leopards, partnered Kenedy Onyango at the heart of defense and time and again thwarted Nzoia Sugar forwards, led by experienced Philip Muchuma, from the red zone.

Speaking after the match, Abdalla said: “It was a very good starting game. The win was the most important one. We, however, have some improvements to make heading to our next game where we will be looking for another positive result.”

In an earlier interview, striker Agesa revealed his happiness after he helped his side to win with two assists.

“It’s great to be back in the Premier League; especially with a victory,” Agesa said as quoted by the club’s official website. “I could not ask for much with my two assists for my teammates to score. I feel proud of them, for the team, and for the technical bench.

“We now need to build upon this win in the next match.”

Agesa could have left the scene with a goal of his own, if not two, had he not sent a long-range effort wide in the first period, and directed a loose ball wide late in the second-half.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Wilfred Ndidi will make a return to the team when they tackle Zorya in their penultimate Europa League group game on Thursday.

Ndidi went under the knife in September and he has missed over two months of action after he picked up an injury around his abductor against Burnley at the King Power Stadium.

The Nigeria midfield dynamo is expected to return to the Foxes' set-up with Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira, who have also recovered from their respective injuries.

“It's an opportunity for us to play some of our players that are coming back from injury and some of our young players,” Rodgers said in his pre-match conference.

“We’ve left a few of our senior players behind, who have all played a lot of football for us and their countries. They can prepare for the weekend.

"Wilfred Ndidi, it’ll be fantastic to see him back. Çaglar Soyuncu will play. Ricardo Pereira as well. Timothy Castagne is still out, we’ll see how he is when we get back."

Ndidi has played just two matches for Leicester City this season. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Daniel Amartey is still on the sidelines as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered against West Ham United on October 4.

Leicester City are Group G leaders with 10 points after four games and they are a point away from securing their spot in the knockout stage.