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Neymar "seemed tense" during the Champions League final, according to Laurent Fournier, who says the attacker was the "most disappointing" player for Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon. 

Thomas Tuchel's men stood on the cusp of European glory after a thrilling run to this season's final.

Neymar scored in both legs of PSG's last 16 triumph over Borussia Dortmund, which took place before the coronavirus pandemic brought the season grinding to a halt.

The Brazilian picked up from where he left off when the Champions League resumed on August 7, inspiring wins against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in a revised straight knockout format which saw the quarter and semi-finals take place in Portugal.

He had the chances to have a similar impact in the showpiece event at Benfica's Estadio da Luz, but failed to make the most of several clear openings in the final third as Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produced a man of the match display between the sticks.

Bayern ultimately secured a sixth European title by beating PSG 1-0 on Sunday, with Kingsley Coman grabbing the only goal of the game in the 59th minute.

Neymar was inconsolable after the final whistle, and Fournier believes the weight of expectation on club football's biggest stage ultimately ended up taking its toll on the world's most expensive footballer.

The former PSG boss, who had two spells at Parc Des Princes as a player, told Le Parisien: "We are expecting more players like these two [Neymar and Kylian Mbappe] or even [Angel] Di Maria. I expected a very high level from them.

"It was the moment, the perfect match for them, but I had the impression that they lacked freshness. In the match, Neymar was the most disappointing. He was not the same as against Atalanta or Leipzig.

"It showed on his face. After his free-kick against Leipzig, he was laughing. Facing Munich, he was not. From the beginning, he seemed tense.

"It's normal to be tense when playing a final, I've known that, but it's amazing of him, maybe he put too much pressure on himself. We may have put too much on him."

Fournier went on to bemoan Marco Verratti's injury-enforced absence as he highlighted Bayern's dominance in the middle of the park.

"I thought that [Leandro] Paredes and [Ander] Herrera were going to bring more to the middle, so that they could launch Neymar and Mbappe. I was wrong, it was an illusion," said the Frenchman.

"They didn't get the ball high enough to be aggressive. Undoubtedly Verratti would have contributed more with his creativity. His absence was terrible. The physical impact is important in midfield and we were dominated. We lost the battle in the middle."

Fournier added on PSG's failure to rise to the occasion after reaching the Champions League final for the first time in their history: "Am I disappointed? Yes, because I really believed in it. I was really confident before the game. The quarterfinal and semi-final performances were promising, but in the end, it was only Atalanta and Leipzig.

"Against Bayern, the opponent is different. We were perhaps not ready. We were not used to facing a more aggressive and more skillful team. PSG did not hurt them enough."

Barely a day after outgoing Dan Birikwalira attacked Vipers SC of their ‘greed and ungratefulness’ the club has confirmed the departure of 13 players.

Birikwalira is among the stars Vipers have let go as they restructure for the upcoming season. To the left-back, the Venoms have always been less appreciative for their players given the manner of their departures.

“Left-back Dan Birikwalira who impressed when Vipers won the 2014/15 league title, is on his way out, having seen the recent loan with Kyetume United hampered by injury,” Vipers confirmed.

“The big problem is that there are dishonest people who pretend to be loyal at the club,” Birikwalira said on Sunday. “The irony is that the players who have done good things for Vipers are the ones who are always released with bad motives.

“I have done so many good things for Vipers ever since I was at school, winning trophies but the way we leave is always harsh because even the club cannot appreciate us, I won’t regret saying it and I won’t lie. We don’t admire to come back as it is elsewhere with former players at a club, that’s the truth.”

Brian Nkuubi is also exiting the Kitende club after playing for them in the last five seasons.

“With no offer of an extension to his [Nkuubi] contract following the arrival of David Bagoole from Busoga United, Vipers can now confirm the midfielder’s exit from the club,” the club’s statement read.

“The 26-year-old is unlikely to be short of offers now that he is a free agent due to his experience with almost eight seasons under his belt since making debut with Kira Young in 2012.”

Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan has also left the Premier League champions despite the fact he had two years remaining on his contract.

Last season loanees Janjali Joseph, Dickens Okwir, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Duncan Seninde, and Farouk Musisi have also left after mutually terminating their active contracts.

Tom Masiko, Steven Mukwala and Tito Okello, Fred Atuhwera, Baden Mujahid have left after the expiration of their contracts.

“The Venoms will also see out Brian Kalumba on loan to a yet to be confirmed club and its possible others will follow later as negotiations for their destinations continue,” the club’s statement added.

“The club wishes all the departing players the best of luck at their next destinations and thank them for what they have done at Kitende.”

Vipers have already signed Disan Galiwango from Express FC, Ibrahim Orit formerly of Mbarara City, ex-Bright Stars Jamil Kalisa, and David Bagoole from Busoga United.

Fabio Capello has blasted Juventus for “repeating the same mistakes”, with Bayern Munich’s Champions League final match-winner Kingsley Coman another of those to have slipped the net in Turin.

The France international helped his current employers to conquer the continent as they edged out Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon on Sunday.

Coman’s well-directed header saw him reward the faith of Bayern boss Hansi Flick, who had started the 24-year-old winger ahead of Croatia international Ivan Perisic.

Juventus’ star-studded squad were among those watching on from afar as European football’s biggest prize headed back to the Allianz Arena, with the Bianconeri having been dumped out at the quarter-final stage.

They will be reflecting on what could have been, with Coman a player who once graced their books.

He was snapped up from Paris Saint-Germain in 2014, but spent just one full season in Turin – taking in 22 appearances in total – before joining Bayern on loan in the 2015-16 campaign.

That move was eventually made permanent and Coman has added to his enviable medal collection on a regular basis while in Germany.

He is not the first young talent to have been passed on by Juve before hitting his peak, with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry another notable entry on that list, and Capello believes questions need to be asked of the Serie A giants and their transfer philosophy.

A man who spent two years in charge of the Bianconeri between 2004 and 2006 told Sky Sport Italia: “Coman is considered good enough to start in a Champions League final for Bayern Munich.

“Evidently, Juventus keep repeating the same mistakes. Henry arrived so young at Juventus, they let him go and then he flourished at Arsenal.

“Coman is following a similar path now in Munich. When you see quality, you must have the patience to wait. You cannot expect a young player to immediately be a protagonist at the highest level.”

Juve’s European failings in 2020 ended up costing Maurizio Sarri his job, with the Bianconeri hoping that club legend Andrea Pirlo – in his first managerial post – can push the club back into contention for the most prestigious of prizes.

Thiago Alcantara will have an offer from Liverpool on the table, says Dietmar Hamann, with the Spanish midfielder considered to have snubbed fresh terms at Bayern Munich for a reason.

The 29-year-old has been given the chance to stay at on the Allianz Arena. He has, however, knocked back efforts to tie him down on fresh terms beyond the summer of 2021.

With no deal agreed, it could be that a successful Champions League final appearance against Paris Saint-Germain proves to be Thiago’s last for Bayern.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the former Barcelona star, with Jurgen Klopp in the market for another creative influence. Hamann believes a transfer is destined to go through once a suitable fee has been agreed between buyers and sellers.

Hamann, who represented Bayern and Liverpool in his playing days, told talkSPORT: “It looks like he has been offered a contract in Munich that he turned down.

“He must have shown an interest of staying otherwise they wouldn’t have offered him a new contract, but at the last minute he turned round and said he might want to do something else.

“I’d be very surprised if he turned down a contract with Bayern Munich if he hasn’t got anything else. I’m sure he has got an offer from Liverpool, it’s probably about the transfer fee now.

“I never felt he was a defensive or a holding midfielder, but he has been absolutely magnificent. The way he pulled things together [against PSG], and he’s a brilliant footballer.

“He can give a new and different dimension to Liverpool’s midfield. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up at Liverpool.”

Questions have been asked of whether Liverpool need to be bringing in Thiago, given the midfield options that Klopp already has at his disposal.

Georginio Wijnaldum has, however, entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and the general consensus is that greater squad depth will help the Reds to maintain the standards they have set while collecting domestic, continental and global crowns over the course of the last 18 months, including ending a 30-year wait for the English top-flight title.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has explained his decision to hand Siphelele Ntshangase his first start of the season. 

Ntshangase had not been in Middendorp's plans for the campaign until he recently signed a new one-year deal and the German mentor feels the midfielder deserved some respect from the technical team.  

"He's a player who's in the bubble with Kaizer Chiefs and he deserved respect," Middendorp told the media.  

"And, despite you not believing it, he gets my full respect every second of working with him," he said. 

The 61-year-old said he is aware of stories that there are players he doesn't get along with within the Amakhosi squad but he feels he needed Ntshangase more against Stellenbosch because he's a ball-player, especially because some of his regulars were not available for selection. 

Lebogang Manyama was nursing an injury and couldn't start alongside Willard Katsande in central midfield as this has been the case this season. 

And he was happy with Ntshangase's performance on the night, considering that this was his first start in over a year. 

"I know stories are there that I don't like this one or I don't like that one, but we tried to have a ball-player, in particular, because some players were not available," continued Middendorp.  

"He didn't play for a long time. I was definitely not unhappy with him. He's a player, a ball receiver more or less on the same level where we had Willard Katsande."

Ntshangase could only last for the first 45 minutes on the pitch as he was replaced at half-time and according to Middendorp, the decision to take him off was more tactical than anything. 

"We were 1-0 down. So, we had to bring in somebody probably a little bit higher up and closer to the forwards, and that was the reason for taking Dumisani Zuma into the team, for more attacking forward spaces between the lines," he added.

"Siphelele is more a ball receiver with passing out of a deeper position, which, considering that he hasn't played for a long time, was definitely an acceptable performance, there's no doubt," concluded Middendorp. 

Former Gor Mahia defender Jacques Tuyisenge has parted ways with Angolan giants Petro Atletico.

The Rwandan has confirmed he will not be part of Os Tricolores for the 2020/21 Girabola campaign.

"I feel very grateful to have had an opportunity to be part of the Petro de Luanda family," Tuyisenge posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, August 24.

"It has been a great experience with you all. Thank you for giving me the chance to fulfil my potential here. I wish you the best in this continuing journey."

The striker left K'Ogalo for Angola in 2019, after helping the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side win three league titles during his three-year stint.

Despite his exit, the Rwandan international affirmed K'Ogalo will remain part of his history as he leaves to join Angolan side Petro Atletico. Tuyisenge arrived at Gor Mahia in January 2016 and became a regular goalscorer for the Kenya giants.

He managed to score 50 goals for the team and was one of the best strikers in the division.  

Tuyisenge has already been linked to the Tanzania Mainland League where, reportedly, champions Simba SC, their bitter rivals Yanga SC and Azam FC are interested in his services.

Coincidentally, his former team Gor Mahia are hunting the services of his teammate in the national team, Patrick Sibomana.

K'Ogalo recently lost Boniface Omondi to Wazito FC and are desperate to replace him in preparation for the 2020/21 season which includes continental and domestic assignments. The Rwandan international is seen as the player who can help improve the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side.

"Sibomana has accepted to join Gor Mahia but he just needs some assurances, most of which are financial," a source close to the club told Goal.

"He has experience of playing in continental games, he is also talented and competitive. We all know Gor Mahia will be playing in the [Caf] Champions League and a player like him is needed to bolster the squad.

"If everything goes according to plan, he will be confirmed before the end of August or early September."

Sibomana was among the 14 players released by Young Africans SC (Yanga SC) after the end of the 2019/20 season.

The 24-year-old had scored six goals in the Tanzania Mainland League in favour of the 27-time league champions, but his contract was not extended as Timu ya Wananchi felt they needed a better player in the offensive position.

William Saliba has been billed as a mix of Raphael Varane and Virgil van Dijk as the talented teenager prepares to begin his spell at Arsenal.

The Gunners put a £27 million (€30m/$35m) deal for the youngster in place during the summer of 2019. He was allowed to spend another year on loan at Saint Etienne, with his development benefitting from an extended stint in his native France.

Saliba is now in north London and ready to show a Premier League audience why he is generating so much hype. Many are tipping him to make an immediate impact with the Gunners, who have been crying out for a reliable option at the heart of their defence.

Saliba’s former youth coach, Jean-Luc Vannuchi, expects the 19-year-old to thrive in England as he blends the skills of established stars at Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Vannuchi told The Telegraph: "A mix of the two styles. With Varane because of his speed and power, and with Van Dijk it is the interceptions, the positioning on the pitch."

Vannuchi is in no doubt that the Gunners will find value in the big money agreement that put in place for Saliba, with the hot prospect expected to reach the very top of the game.

"My first impression was that this was the biggest man of his generation," Vannuchi added on his experiences with the centre-half. "The difference between him and the other players was massive.

"When he took the ball and ran into midfield, no one could stop him. He was like a monster compared to the others. When he played with Saint-Etienne it looked normal for him, even though he was so young."

Saliba's good reputation could be a double-edged sword, however, with former Arsenal defender Martin Keown saying the player is already under pressure to perform.

Keown said in The Independent: “It is one of those where I would have been happier if Arsenal had paid more money and brought him in straight at the start of last season.

“There have long-been questions over the Arsenal defence and Saliba was expensive, but he is also young and has not played that many professional games. It can’t be expected that he will walk straight into Arsenal, right into the team and be on it from the off.”

Arsenal are currently readying themselves for the 2020-21 campaign, with Mikel Arteta’s side having secured themselves European football by winning the FA Cup last season.

That success also means that they will be involved in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new campaign, with a Community Shield outing against Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday.

Midfielder Deo Kanda has confirmed his exit from Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC.

Kanda was on loan at Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Tout Puissant Mazembe and despite his midfield command that saw the team win a treble, his stay was not extended.

The Democratic Republic of Congo star scored eight goals for the giants who are preparing for the league start on September 6 and participation in the Champions League.

“I want to thank all players of Simba, officials, fans, the technical bench, and boss Mohamed Dewji for being part of my Simba journey,” Kanda said in a tweet.

“I consistently played with heart and I wish you all the best. I love you all.”

The arrival of Bernard Morrison is understood to have forced Simba SC not to renew Kanda’s contract. Other players who are set to depart are South Sudan’s international Sharaf Shaiboub, Brazilian star Tairone Santos, Yusuf Mlipili and Shiza Kichuya.

Meanwhile, Namungo have emerged as the front runners to secure Kichuya’s signature. The 2020 FA Cup finalists hope to get the Tanzanian in order to help them mount a meaningful challenge in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Kichuya, who was signed again by Simba in January, is expected to join the Lindi side on loan first before the deal is made permanent in the subsequent season.

Competition at Simba did not allow the Tanzanian to feature regularly for the eventual league winners and he has now reportedly moved to Namungo to resuscitate his career.

He is expected to replace Idd Kipwagile.

Kichuya attended the Namungo against Azam FC friendly match on Sunday further fuelling rumours that the move is complete and is only awaiting the formal announcement.

Coach Thierry Hiritimana has already signed Stephen Sey and Abdulhamin Humud and both featured in the Sunday tie against Azam at Chamazi Sports Complex.

The Tanzanian transfer window is expected to be closed at the end of August and clubs are in the race to conclude their business of strengthening the squads since the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) stated the window is not going to be extended.

TFF and the Premier League Board (TPLB) have already released the fixtures of the upcoming season which will start in September.

Mumbai City's Raynier Fernandes believes that the Islanders have a bright future after the club's takeover by the City Football Group (CFG). The CFG have 65 per cent stakes in the club ciurrently with Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh holding the remaining shares.

Mumbai City are yet to win the ISL so far and they have reached the play-offs just twice. Last season, they missed out on the same by a whisker after finishing fifth under Jorge Costa. Mumbai ended up parting ways with the Portuguese coach and have instead decided to rope in former FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera.

Lobera has been one of the most successful coaches in the ISL, thogh he is yet to win the title, and the Mmbai-born midifelder feels the club will only see their profile rise in the next few years.

"The two years (2018-2020) that I played for Mumbai City, it was amazing. Right from the training sessions, coach (Jorge Costa), to the matches, everything was just brilliant. It's just that we couldn't qualify for the play-offs but this is football [last season]. There are ups and downs and every team faces this problem but it is upon the players, coaches and the management to believe in each other and show what we got.

"Now that the City Football Group has come on board, it's a good thing for the club and for Indian football overall because there will be many new things that we will get to see, although now because of the lockdown it may take time. In the coming years, you will see the team perform well because the City Football Group will be coming with a plan. We just have to trust the plan and work on it," he told Goal.

The Ranbir Kapoor co-owned side have had a mixed performances over the last couple of seasons given the heavy defeats they suffered at the hands of FC Goa where they conceded 20 times in six matches. However, they did reach the play-off in the 2018-19 season and did a double over Bengaluru FC in 2019-20.

"Whenever we played them, it was very difficult. They keep the ball (FC Goa) and play. Their game plan was completely different from ours. The last two seasons in which I was there weren't that great and the only thing I can say about it is, now that's the past and we don't want to think about it.

"In the coming season, all the teams will be looking to get all three points in each and every game. So we are also looking forward to a great future with a good plan. We will be looking to not commit the same mistakes and try to be strong enough to beat each and every team with our own plan."

The club are set to undergo a change in philosophy with Lobera's possession-based football. In addition to the Spaniard, the club have roped in several other former Gaurs in Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai. They have also signed the likes of Tondonba Singh and Hmingthanmawia (Valpuia) from Chennaiyin FC and Aizawl FC respectively. Mumbai City are also in advance talks to finalising the signing of Bartholomew Ogbeche from Kerala Blasters to replace Moudou Sougou.

Season 7 of the ISL is expected to be staged as a single venue event in Goa from November and Raynier can't wait to get back to training with his team-mates.

"The main thing will always remain the training. Whatever we do in the training will show in the game. So I'm looking forward to the training. All the players are very excited and I hope everything gets back to normal soon for us to play football. I think there are a lot of good things that lie ahead for us and it's just a matter of time before we get back and showcase everything that we have.

"The season is bound to see a cramped schedule because it's in one region but as players, what we can do is, we have to be mentally aware of what is going to happen and also be prepared for it," he propounded.

Bayern Munich "have got to keep" Thiago Alcantara after his Champions League final masterclass, according to Owen Hargreaves, who says "Liverpool fans will being saying yes please" to a transfer for the midfielder.

Thiago has expressed a desire to undertake a new challenge away from the Bundesliga after turning down the chance to extend his current contract at Allianz Arena.

Bayern are prepared to cash in on the 31-year-old before he becomes a free agent in 2021, but only if their €30 million (£27m/$35m) asking price is met during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for Thiago's signature, with speculation over his future set to increase now that the 2019-20 campaign is officially over.

The Spaniard may have taken in his final appearance for Bayern in Sunday's Champions League final, which Hansi Flick's side won 1-0 against Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a Kingsley Coman header.

Thiago produced another stellar performance in the middle of the park to ensure that the German outfit triumphed in Lisbon, and Hargreaves thinks his old club should be doing everything possible to try and retain the playmaker's services.

"They have got to keep Thiago, he is so important and he was fantastic. Liverpool fans would have been watching that saying yes please," the ex-Bayern star told BT Sport post-match.

Hargreaves added on the difference between Bayern and PSG on Europe's biggest stage: "They have win 21 wins in a row, it wasn't the game we expected but Flick has found the big decisions at the right moments.

"[Manuel] Neuer and Thiago were outstanding. Bayern have more depth. If [Kylian] Mbappe and Neymar don't step up, who does? No one. But that is not the case at Bayern.

"He [Flick] has gone in and turned this team into a machine, everybody is blown away. The football has blown everyone away. He has brought everyone together."

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also reserved praise for Flick, who stuck to his usual high-defensive line despite the threat of PSG's three-pronged attack made up of Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria

"Flick deserves huge credit, to play him, sometimes we have seen people like Pep change their tactics, but he said no, we are here because of how we played and we are not going to change our way," said Ferdinand, who was also covering the game as a pundit for BT Sport.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has confirmed that he will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Signed from AC Milan in 2012, the 35-year-old Brazilian has been a mainstay of the Parc des Princes side for the duration of his stay in France and has won the affection of the fans.

Although he was due to be released at the end of June along with Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier, he and striker Eric Choupo-Moting both penned two-month extensions to their contracts to allow them to play in the Final 8 of the Champions League.

PSG got closer to winning the prize than they have previously, falling to a 1-0 defeat in Sunday’s final to Bayern Munich, an encounter that the veteran confirmed will be his last, despite the club’s Ultra groups campaigning for him to be awarded with an extension.

“It was my last game in Paris,” he told RMC Sport. “I am sad. I apologise to the fans. I thank all the supporters for their love. I'll come back, with another role, in this club I loved. I want to play for another 3-4 years and play in the World Cup in Qatar.”

Chelsea and Fiorentina continue to be linked with the centre-back, who head coach Thomas Tuchel paid tribute to in his post-match press conference, suggesting a last-ditch attempt could be made to keep him.

“I'm going to talk about this with the club, Leonardo, and all those who are in a position to create the team,” he said. “Thiago was my captain and it was a pleasure to have a player with quality and personality like him. 

“He extended his contract with us for two months. He gave his heart and energy on the pitch, he gave everything to win this Champions League. He deserved to win it. 

“We went through some tough times, there were some big disappointments. I'm absolutely proud that he was my captain. 

“We're going to talk to the club now, with him, to clarify the situation. No matter what the decision is, he'll still be my player. He's in my heart and it was incredible to play with him.”

Philippe Coutinho is unsure what his future holds ahead of his return to Barcelona from Bayern Munich.

Coutinho completed his loan spell at Bayern by winning the Champions League title after a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday.

The Brazil international is expected to make a permanent move from Barcelona this close season with the former Liverpool star linked with a return to the Premier League.

Coutinho, who came off the bench against PSG, said he was eager for a strong 2020-21 season – but he is unsure where that will be.

"I haven't thought about this. I have to go back and I want to work hard to have a great year," he told Movistar+ . "I don't know if [it will be] in Barcelona."

As Barca finished 2019-20 trophy-less, Coutinho won a treble at Bayern, who crushed the La Liga giants 8-2 in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Coutinho scored a brace in that game and also came off the bench against PSG as Kingsley Coman's second-half header was enough in the final.

It meant PSG were denied a maiden Champions League title, but Coutinho still had praise for his international team-mate Neymar, who was left in tears after the match. 

"I told him that he had a great season and he is going to fight for this and to be the best in the world," he said.

Asked about his playing future before the final, Coutinho stressed it hadn't crossed his mind. 

"My mind is fully focused on the competition. It’s a unique opportunity for us. I’m very happy to be in the Champions League final," Coutinho told Esporte Interativo. "On my future, I haven’t thought about it because I’m only thinking about the final."

Coutinho ended the 2019-20 season with 11 goals and nine assists to his name across all competitions with an ankle injury seeing him miss eight of Bayern's last nine Bundesliga games. 

The 28-year-old scored the same number of goals last season with Barcelona but managed only five assists with the club less than impressed with his output as they opted to send him out on loan.

Pictures of burned out and trashed vehicles near Paris' famous Champs-Elysees have emerged in the aftermath of PSG's defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Sunday.

Thousands of PSG fans had gathered near the landmark to watch the final and were left heartbroken as their team went down 1-0 courtesy of Kingsley Coman's second-half header.

Images uploaded by Getty Images photographers show plenty of unrest occurring after the match, with pictures of firefighters extinguishing a smoking vehicle, while another car is also pictured laying on its side.

There is also stills of perpetrators throwing flares in the Champs-Elysees, while rubbish bins can also be seen burning as PSG fans marched down the famous promenade in huge numbers.

France is still currently gripped by the coronavirus pandemic with the gathering of fans still occurring at both the Champs-Elysees and PSG's home ground Parc des Princes despite Paris being declared a Covid-19 red zone.

PSG weren't without their chances in the defeat to Bayern, with Kylian Mbappe missing a gilt-edged chance after being teed up by Ander Herrera, while Neymar had a goal-bound drive superbly saved by Manuel Neuer.

It was former PSG academy product Coman who broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, heading home Joshua Kimmich's cross at the back post.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel was disappointed by the outcome but proud of his players for the grit that they showed in the match.

"It was a real fight! I don't know if we can see it on TV," Tuchel said to RMC Sport. "We gave our all, we left our hearts on the field.

"We can't control the outcome. It's a goal that makes the difference between two super strong teams. I'm very proud of the way we played, of our mentality. That's all a coach can ask of his players.

"I'm disappointed, but not too disappointed. It's a close score. I'm convinced that if we score first we win the game 1-0."

PSG now only have six days to lick their wounds before beginning their campaign to retain the Ligue 1 title against Lens on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski said "never stop dreaming" after the Bayern Munich star finally won his first Champions League title.

Bayern claimed their sixth European Cup/Champions League crown and completed the 2019-20 treble thanks to Sunday's 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Kingsley Coman's second-half header separated the two teams in Lisbon, where Bayern became the first team in European Cup/Champions League history to win 11 successive games.

It capped a memorable night for Lewandowski, who had never won the Champions League prior to the PSG showdown after losing the 2012-13 final against Bayern during his time with Borussia Dortmund.

Lewandowski – an eight-time Bundesliga champion who enjoyed a remarkable season with 55 goals in all competitions – revelled in the achievement, writing via Instagram: "Never stop dreaming. Never give up when you fail.

"Work hard to achieve your goal. Thank you for your support, for believing in our abilities. We are the Champions of Europe!"

While Lewandowski did not score against PSG, the Bayern striker was still crowned the Champions League's top goalscorer in 2019-20.

Lewandowski scored 15 goals for Bayern, five more than Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland as the Poland international fell just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

Bayern manager Hansi Flick was careful not to single out his star striker solely for the club's successful season but concedes he hopes Lewandowski gets the recognition he deserves. 

"I don't highlight any individual players. But he became the top scorer and is incredibly important to us," Flick said post-match.

"I don't want to judge who was the best player. If the best player in the world is chosen, we hope that he will be right at the front there."

Lewandowski was a favourite to claim the Ballon d'Or this year before France Football made the controversial decision not to hand out the award due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand recently encouraged Lewandowski to start a petition to ensure the Ballon d'Or is awarded and the Polish star gets the recognition he deserves. 

Bayern are now set to enjoy a few weeks off with their first match of next season expected to take place on September 11 in the DFB-Pokal against Duren. 

An elated Hansi Flick declared that he's not set a deadline for when the party has to stop after Bayern Munich won the Champions League in Lisbon to complete the treble.

Kingsley Coman, promoted to the starting line-up by Flick, headed home the only goal of the game after 59 minutes to settle a tight final at the Estadio da Luz on Sunday.

Flick only took charge of Bayern on an interim basis after Niko Kovac's departure last November and since becoming permanent the coach has won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.

Bayern's victory over PSG in Lisbon was their 21st in a row and they are the first side to win every game in a Champions League campaign.

Flick said Die Roten will celebrate long and hard after they were crowned champions of Europe for a sixth time.

He told reporters: "I've not set a deadline for when the party has to stop. It's only right to celebrate when you win something. You have to have a party and I don't know when that party will end."

Bayern were not at their brilliant best in the final, but Flick felt they were worthy winners.

He added: "So many people deserve credit for this victory. You saw during winter how much determination we have in this team, which is obviously something you wish for as a coach.

"It was a high-tempo, high-octane match with chances at both ends. What was great was how the team played as a lot of people wondered how Bayern would defend against their impressive front line.

"I think we did a very good job on that score. We had a good attitude out there through the team that was great to see.

"We really make life difficult for the opposition. When you think how we worked defensively until the 92nd minute – [Robert] Lewandowski was chasing after the ball, that was incredible. It was a complete team performance."

Lewandowski ended the competition as top scorer with 15 goals to his name - only two short of Cristiano Ronaldo's record - and he urged everyone to never give up on their dreams after winning his first Champions League title. 

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have taken to social media to congratulate Bayern Munich after they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Champions League final on Sunday. 

A 59th-minute header from former PSG man Kingsley Coman proved enough for the Bundesliga giants as Thomas Tuchel's side were unable to claim their first Champions League crown. 

Having finally ended their quarter-final curse in the competition, the Parisians were unable to find a way past Manuel Neuer with both Mbappe and Neymar denied by Bayern's veteran shot-stopper. 

PSG's star Brazilian was brought to the club from Barcelona with one eye on Champions League success but is adamant his side gave it their all in Lisbon. 

"Losing is part of the sport, we try everything, we fight until the end," Neymar posted on Twitter. "Thanks for the support and affection from everyone. Congratulations Bayern." 

Mbappe, meanwhile, was unable to add to his impressive trophy collection with the 21-year-old already boasting a World Cup and four Ligue 1 titles. 

Much like Neymar, the Frenchman was quick to accept the result and congratulate his German opponents on their success. 

"Disappointed not to end this year with the best of awards, but life is made that way," Mbappe posted on Twitter. 

"We fought with all our might. Congratulations to Bayern. And a big thank you for your support." 

Brazilian defender Marquinhos was disappointed to see PSG come up short in the decider but was still proud of how far his side managed to go in the competition. 

"A final is not to be played, it is to be won. On the other hand, we're all proud of our team. We must be proud to have reached the final. We have to keep going in this way," he told RMC Sports.

"Now it's time to get back to our habits in Paris, to think about the next season." 

PSG now have less than a week to recover from defeat and prepare for the 2020-21 campaign with Tuchel's side set to face Lens in Ligue 1 action on August 29. Lens lost their Ligue 1 opener against Nice 2-1 on Sunday. 

Yoane Wissa was on the scoresheet as Lorient begin their Ligue 1 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Strasbourg on Sunday.

The 23-year-old played a key role as the Merlucciidaes secured promotion to the French top-flight after emerging as Ligue 2 champions.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo forward scored 15 goals in 28 league games during the 2019-20 campaign as Lorient secured promotion from Ligue 2.

Wissa was afforded a starting role against Racing, forming a three-man midfield along with Quentin Boisgard and Ivorian Stephane Diarra.

The forward shone in the encounter, opening his account to help Christophe Pelissier’s men secure all three points.

Lorient started the game on the backfoot as Mehdi Chahiri opened the scoring for Strasbourg at the half-hour mark after he was set up by Ludovic Ajorque

Wissa ignited the Merlus' comeback in the 51st minute when he levelled proceedings after receiving a timely assist from Boisgard.

Adrian Grbic then gave the Stade du Moustoir outfit the lead for the first time in the game, converting from the penalty spot at the hour mark.

With three minutes left to play, Pierre-Yves Hamel sealed the victory to ensure the Merlus begin the season with a victory.

Wissa featured for the duration of the game while Diarra only played for 12 minutes after suffering an injury and was replaced by Laurent Abergel.

The forward joined Lorient in 2018 from Angers and has made 29 appearances for the side, scoring 25 goals.

Wissa will hope to continue his impressive performances when Lorient take on Saint-Etienne in their next league game.

Bayern Munich were crowned Champions League winners on Sunday, giving a final flourish to a campaign which has been near to perfect for the Bundesliga giants.

Kingsley Coman struck against former club Paris Saint-Germain to score the only goal of the final, leading Bayern to continental glory in a 1-0 victory. 

It is the Bavarians' sixth win in the European Cup/Champions League, placing them joint-third in the overall trophy standings behind only Real Madrid, who have lifted the title 13 times, and AC Milan (seven). 

But never in the long history of the competition had a single team managed to negotiate the entire campaign without dropping a single point, until Hansi Flick's relentless champions appeared. 

Sunday's victory over PSG was their 11th in as many games in the 2019-20 Champions League, making Bayern the first side to post a 100 per cent record in the tournament. 

That impeccable run began all the way back in September 2019 with a 3-0 defeat of Red Star Belgrade, a result that set the tone for what turned out to be a thrilling, goal-filled dash to glory. 

Along the way Bayern netted 43 goals, a mark only bettered in Champions League history by Barcelona. 

The Catalans managed 45 in the 1999-00 edition, albeit having played 16 games to Bayern's 11. 

Flick was originally appointed only as an interim replacement for the sacked Niko Kovac earlier in 2019-20, earning a permanent appointment on the way to a brilliant run of results that saw Bayern lift the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and now the Champions League. 

Amazingly, it is only his third head coach job after spells with Victoria Bammental and Hoffenheim, the latter of which ended in 2005. 

The coach went on to spend eight years under Joachim Low as Germany's assistant, before returning to Munich, where he picked up four Bundesliga titles as a player, as part of Kovac's backroom staff. 

At 55, Flick is now the fourth-oldest coach to get his hands on the Champions League, with Bayern legend Jupp Heynckes, at 68, leading that ranking. 

In his 36 matches in charge so far the trainer has won 33, his side scoring an incredible 116 goals while conceding just 26.