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Brentford have no intention of parting with Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window after seeing their 33-goal frontman attract interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea and Leeds United.

A talented 25-year-old took the Championship by storm in 2020-21, finishing as the division's top scorer as he finally got the Bees over a promotion line through another nail-biting play-off campaign.

Failure to book a place among the Premier League elite would have made it difficult for the Bees - who have parted with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma and Neal Maupay in the recent past - to retain Toney's services, but they are back in the big time and looking to fend off interest in prized assets.

What has been said?

Brentford's co-director of football Rasmus Ankerson has told Sky Sports on the Toney transfer talk: "Ivan has done amazingly this season and if we hadn't have gone up then there would have been lots of Premier League interest in him. 

"Obviously now it's a different situation. 

"We would have had to look at that, but that's not a new thing for Brentford. 

"Season after season, player trading has been a big part of our business model. 

"We have to buy cheap, sell expensive and then reinvest the money into improving the team. It's not going to be a very different Brentford that we see in the future. 

"Ivan, like he said after the game, can't wait to start scoring goals in the Premier League. I'm sure that will be for us."

The bigger picture

Brentford are back in the top tier of English football for the first time in 74 years.

Toney has played a key role in bringing that long wait to a close, with his cooly converted penalty breaking the deadlock for the Bees in their play-off final clash with Swansea at Wembley.

It is easy to see why he would be of interest to others, with Tottenham facing the threat of losing Harry Kane while Chelsea are in the market for another No.9 as Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are edged towards the exits.

Questions have also been asked of Alexandre Lacazette's ongoing presence at Arsenal, how long Rodrigo will be sticking around at Leeds and whether David Moyes can get an out-and-out goalscorer into his West Ham squad ahead of a Europa League adventure in 2021-22.

Brentford, though, are ready to resist any approaches for their star forward, forcing those in the market for a physical presence to lead their line to explore alternative options.

Further reading

Gor Mahia have a chance to reduce the gap between them and table-toppers Tusker FC to seven points when they take on Wazito FC in a rescheduled FKF Premier League match on Monday.

K’Ogalo, who started the season on a rather bad note, are currently on a good run of results since the top-flight returned from the 56-day break occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, and a win against Wazito will see them jump to fourth on the table with 31 points, seven shy of leaders Tusker.

The Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto-led side will also have two matches in hand after their game against Wazito, meaning they are on the right track to retain the league title once again this season.

On the other hand, Wazito will be keen to end a bad run of three matches without a win which started with a 2-2 draw against Bandari, then they lost 2-0 to Sofapaka and picked up another 1-1 draw against Tusker.

The results are worrying Wazito coach Francis Kimanzi and he must work out ways of getting the team back on track against a K’Ogalo side that have won their last three matches – 1-0 against Nairobi City Stars, 2-1 against Sofapaka, and 1-0 against Vihiga United.

TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

In Kenya, the game will be LIVE on StarTimes.

Outside Kenya, the game will NOT be LIVE.

Squads & Team News

Wazito coach Kimanzi believes he has seen some good improvement in his squad in terms of fitness as they prepare to face Gor Mahia at Utalii grounds.

“We have had a good week, a more positive week with a very well-motivated group so you can’t compare it with the previous weeks because we have also seen development in terms of fitness,” Kimanzi said ahead of the game.

“Players are also coming back to competition again so if you compare the last two weeks and this week, we have made a huge development in our team in terms of how positive they handle every training.”

On the game, Kimanzi said: “We are well prepared because like I said earlier we have a different week and every week looks a little bit different because apart from some issues with injuries but it is a different week because when you are coming back from a long break you expect that slow start but I think we have picked well.

“This has been a very positive week and we expect a different match tomorrow [Monday].”

Probable XI for Wazito FC: Opiyo, Onyango, Ojwang', Omurwa, Odhiambo, Origa, Asembeka, Isuza, Kimani, Masika, Owino.

After beating Vihiga United 1-0 in their last outing, K’Ogalo coach Vaz Pinto was left a satisfied man despite the slim victory but he has now called on his players to make sure they use their chances to win matches emphatically.

“Against Vihiga we had to toil to get the win and such happens in football, but now we have to make sure we always make use of the chances we create because we must win matches with huge margins to build our goal difference,” Vaz Pinto told Goal ahead of the match.

“We know how tough Wazito are, we don’t want to underrate them, we want to go out there and play our game and we stick to our focus of getting maximum points, we want to win our matches and see where we will be at the end of the season.”

The Portuguese tactician is most likely set to stick with the starting XI that did duty against Vihiga at Mumias Complex with forward Clifton Miheso, who scored the all-important goal, set to lead the way once again.

Probable XI for Gor Mahia: Oluoch, Wesonga, Ochieng, Shakava, Momanyi, Wendo, Onyango, Muguna, Okello, Macharia, Miheso.

Match Preview

In the history of the league, the two teams have met three times and Wazito are yet to beat Gor Mahia.

In their first meeting when Wazito was promoted to the top-flight in the 2018-19 season, Gor Mahia won the first duel 1-0 and sealed a double over them after a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture.

Last season, Gor Mahia continued their dominance over them as they won the first round meeting 1-0 but the second round meeting could not take place as it was cancelled owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.

The two teams will be meeting for the first time this season but according to Gor Mahia captain Harun Shakava, they will not underrate their opponents despite the previous record favouring the reigning champions.

“Wazito side is another strong team and we can’t underrate them…It will be a tough battle but we hope to emerge victorious,” Shakava explained.  

While Gor Mahia are currently placed fifthth on the 18-team table with 28 points from 16 matches, Wazito are 10th on 23 points from 16 outings.

Zinedine Zidane has accused Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of a lack of respect in his final season in charge, while claiming "I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need".

Zidane has delivered three Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles across two separate spells at Santiago Bernabeu, but decided to resign for the second time following the club's first trophyless campaign since 2009-10.

The Frenchman has now come out to explain the main reasons behind his departure while opening up on his fractious relationship with Perez, who he has criticised for failing to support him during Real's worst run of form last season.

What's been said?

Spanish publication AS have published Zidane's open letter to supporters, which reads: "Dear Real Madrid fans, for more than 20 years, from the first day I arrived in Madrid and wore the white shirt, you’ve shown me your love. I wanted to write this letter, to say goodbye to you and explain my decision to leave the coaching job.

"I’m going, but I’m not jumping overboard, nor am I tired of coaching. In May 2018 I left because after two and a half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt the team needed a new approach to stay at the very highest level. Right now, things are different. I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term. 

"I understand football and I know the demands of a club like Real Madrid. I know when you don’t win, you have to leave. But with this a very important thing has been forgotten, everything I built day-to-day has been forgotten, what I brought to my relationships with the players, with the 150 people who work with and around the team. 

"I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies, but even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account, that there has been a failure to understand that these things also keep the dynamics of a great club going. To some extent I have even been rebuked for it.

"I want there to be respect for what we have achieved together. I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches. I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, just a little more recollection. 

"These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more. For it to last longer the human relationships are essential, they are more important than money, more important than fame, more important than everything. They need to be nurtured.

"That’s why it hurt me so much when I read in the press, after a defeat, that I would be sacked if I didn’t win the next game. It hurt me and the whole team because these deliberately leaked messages to the media negatively influenced the squad, they created doubts and misunderstandings. 

"Luckily I had these amazing lads who were with me to the death. When things turned ugly they saved me with magnificent victories. Because they believed in me and knew I believed in them."

Zidane's parting shot to the media

Zidane went on to directly address the reporters that had attempted to stir up controversy at the club throughout the 2020-21 campaign, calling for the media to do more to preserve the sanctity of the game and protect the players.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to send a message to the journalists," he added. "I’ve given hundreds of press conferences and unfortunately we have spoken very little of football, though I know that you love football, this sport that brings us together. 

"However, and without any desire to criticise or lecture, I would have liked the questions not to have always been about controversy, that we might have talked more often about the game and above all the players, who are and always will be the most important thing in this sport. Let’s not forget about football, let’s care for it."

Who has been touted to succeed Zidane at Real?

Goal has learned that Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is at the top of Real's list of candidates in their search for a new manager.

The Argentine has informed PSG of his desire to leave, but it is unclear whether he has his eye on the top job at the Bernabeu, with a potential return to Tottenham also being mooted.

Real are also thought to be interested in outgoing Inter boss Antonio Conte, while academy head coach Raul is also in the frame to replace Zidane.

Further reading

Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC have led Africa in condoling with their midfielder Clatous Chama, who lost his wife in Zambia.

The Msimbazi giants have come out to stand with the 29-year-old player after his wife, Mercy Chama, died at Kitwe Teaching Hospital following an illness on Sunday.

“The leadership of Simba is saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our midfielder Clatous Chama’s wife Mercy Mukuka Chama,” Simba wrote on their social media pages.

“We would like to pass our sincere, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to our player, and our hearts go out to his family in this time of sorrow and immense grief.”

Simba chairman Mohammed Dewji has also joined to condole with the Chama family, alongside teammates Larry Bwalya, Chris Mugalu and Uganda's new captain Emmanuel Okwi.

“We made a win against Namungo FC but our hearts are so heavy knowing that our brother Clatous Chama lost his beloved wife,” Dewji wrote. The Simba family mourns with you.

“May God Almighty grant you and your family strength to face the days ahead.”

Chama has enjoyed a good run with Simba this campaign, helping them to reach the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League where they were bundled out after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.

During the return leg when the Wekundu wa Msimbazi needed four goals to overturn the quarter-final first leg result having lost 4-0 at FNB Stadium, Chama was the main destroyer, setting up one goal scored by striker John Bocco and also added the third but Chiefs held on to advance.

His performance saw him named in the Champions League team of the week alongside four other Msimbazi players namely Bocco, assistant captain Hussein Mohamed, Shomari Kapombe, and winger Luis Miquissone.

Below is how Twitter condoled with the Zambian player after his loss.

The upcoming Copa America will not be played in Argentina because of a surge in Covid cases, CONMEBOL announced late Sunday night, putting the entire tournament in danger of not moving forward.

Previously, Colombia was ruled incapable of hosting the competition amid political unrest.

With the tournament just a couple of weeks away, reported last-ditch options include Chile or even the U.S, as CONMEBOL confirmed there were several nations that have offered themselves as potential hosts.

What has been said?

"CONMEBOL is analyzing offers from other countries that have shown interest in hosting the continental tournament,” the organization said in a statement. “Updates will be announced soon."

What is the Covid situation in Argentina?

As of the CONMEBOL announcement, Argentina had the fifth-worst Covid outbreak per capita in the world with 76 daily cases per 100,000 people - or more than 34,000 daily cases in total.

Cases in the nation have risen at a 54 percent rate over the past 14 days.

The country is currently in strict lockdown with most non-essential travel and activities, including football, banned, although its participants in the Libertadores and Sudamericana were allowed (or obliged) to play out their home games this week due to CONMEBOL's insistence.

Why couldn't Colombia host?

Originally, Colombia was supposed to co-host with Argentina, but that plan was scrapped amid civil upheaval that brought protests and violence to the streets.

This story will be updated.

Asisat Oshoala’s Barcelona have completed their treble having defeated Levante 4-2 in Sunday’s Copa de la Reina final.

The Blaugranes had won the Uefa Women’s Champions and Primera Division diadem for a record sixth time.

Against the Granores, Lluis Cortes’ women put up a sublime display to tear apart their opponent at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

Patricia Guijarro gave Barcelona a fifth-minute lead after heading past goalkeeper Maria Lopez a well-taken corner kick from Netherlands midfielder Lieke Martens.

Cortes’ doubled their lead in the 20th minute as Alexia Putellas flicked the ball past onrushing Lopez. Again, it was Martens who supplied the assist.

In the goal-laden first half, the reigning European champions increased their lead nine minutes later through another header. Martens completed her treble of assists when she set up Marta Torrejon.

In the second half, Levante stepped up their game to pull one goal back a minute to the hour mark as Alba Redondo rolled the ball inside the net after capitalising on a mix-up between goalkeeper Catalina Lluch and one of her defenders.

Fuelled by that strike, the Granores continued their push for more goals and that paid off in the 67th minute when Argentine midfielder Estefania Banini drilled home a sumptuous strike following a poor clearance in Barca’s goal area.

Six minutes later, Putellas completed her brace to put the game beyond Levante’s reach. After dispossessing Claudia Sanchez, the midfielder wasted no chance in putting the ball beyond the opposing goalkeeper.

Even at the introduction of Nigeria international Francisca Ordega, Redondo in the 85th minute, that could not help Maria Pry’s team to launch a late comeback.

For reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Oshoala, she was an unused substitute in the encounter that produced six goals.

Following her side’s 4-0 defeat of Chelsea at the Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, the 26-year-old became the first Nigerian as well as the first African to win the Uefa Women’s Champions League.

In a recent interview, she hoped her European triumph would inspire other young girls in Africa to chase their dreams.

"It was very important not to make the mistakes of the past [the 4-1 loss to Lyon] but to learn from it," Oshoala told BBC Sport Africa.

"I can only thank God who has made everything possible through sheer hard work, by playing alongside this incredibly talented group that creates a lovely family atmosphere.  

"It is a great feeling and I can't really put my emotions into words because it has been a tough journey to get here.  

"I hope this will continue to inspire other young girls in Africa and motivate everyone around the world that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to and work hard for it."

Karim Benzema has backed France international team-mate Kylian Mbappe to one day play for Real Madrid.

Mbappe has long been linked with a move to Los Blancos, having previously stated that it is one of his ambitions after revering Cristiano Ronaldo as a youngster.

Benzema, who has been at the club since 2009, is hopeful that his compatriot will soon join him in Spain.

What did he say?

“Mbappe at Real? We'll see what happens, but in any case he is welcome in Madrid. He has all the qualities to be a Real Madrid player, one day I hope,” Benzema told M6.

The French players have never teamed up together due to Benzema's international exile, which has ended just before Euro 2020. Mbappe has indicated on social media that he is excited to team up with the former Lyon striker.

Mbappe is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022 and has dithered over his decision whether to sign a new deal. This potentially puts him on the transfer market this summer as PSG will not want to lose one of the game’s star players for nothing next summer.

Real Madrid would doubtless love to move for the attacker in a bid to strengthen a team that was beaten to the Primera Division title by Atletico Madrid, but with money tight, they will struggle to raise the funds both to buy the player and to pay his sizeable wages.

Furthermore, losing head coach Zinedine Zidane, who quit last week, represents a blow to their hopes of capturing Mbappe imminently as ‘Zizou’ is an idol of the 22-year-old, who has previously spoken of his respect for the 1998 World Cup winner.

Further reading

Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 to win the UEFA Champions League 2020/21 and become the champions of Europe on Saturday night. 

Other than the team's big win, the Chelsea supporters and football lovers in India have one more thing to be proud of. The European champions have an Indian presence at their club. 

The person in the limelight now is a Malayali named Vinay Menon, who is a Wellness Consultant at the club since 2009.

Who is the Indian Vinay Menon at Chelsea? 

Vinay Menon is the grandson of an experienced Yoga guru from Kerala who completed a physical education degree from Calicut University before moving on to achieving big things abroad.

He then took an M.Phil in sports psychology and joined for Yoga Studies at the Pondicherry University. 

He worked at a resort in the Himalayas and hotels in Dubai before getting an offer to become the personal health consultant for Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich, who is also the billionaire owner of Premier League club Chelsea. 

Later, Abramovich appointed Vinay as the club's wellness consultant and has been with the Blues since 2009, working with several high-profile stars like Didier Drogba and John Terry. 

Interestingly, Vinay was not into football until he joined the Blues. He has represented Kerala in judo and was a state-level player. 

Vinay, who was part of the team that lifted the Champions League trophy in 2012, has witnessed a historic victory once again as Thomas Tuchel's team repeated the feat in Porto this weekend. 

Further reading

Tottenham defender Serge Aurier admits that he is set to depart the club this summer.

The Ivory Coast international has been linked with a return to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, but AC Milan and Spanish clubs are also interested in his services.

Aurier, meanwhile, has indicated that it is time to move on from Spurs.

What did he say?

“Everyone is aware that if I wanted to extend my deal at Tottenham, I would’ve done so already. I’m not going to do it in six months,” he told L’Equipe.

“I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere. The two parties, Tottenham’s board and my agents, have agreed upon the conditions. We’ll see after that.

“I’ve never hidden by desire to return to PSG one day. It’s the club of my heart, the one that I support and I feel free to speak about it.

“But I don’t want people to think that I’m stuck on them and I’m not closing the door on anyone.

“But if the club were to make an offer this summer, it’s sure that PSG would be my first choice.”

Aurier on Pochettino

A move back to PSG could see him reunite with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, though the Argentine coach could leave this summer.

But Aurier says the pair have a good relationship and believes Pochettino could thrive in the French capital if he stays. 

“We had a great relationship, despite what happened,” he said. “There was no serious problem between us but you are never the happiest player when you’re not on the pitch.

“I’ve always respected his work and his choices. I took pleasure in the style he wanted to play – and it’s the one he wants in Paris too.

“Physically, we were monsters. At PSG, we’ll really see his hand next season.”

Further reading

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has re-joined the Belgium backroom team for this summer’s European Championship.

Henry was due to work as a TV pundit for the tournament but has decided to swap media duties for a return to the Red Devils' dugout.

The 43-year-old first joined Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff in 2016 but stepped down just over two years later to take over at Ligue 1 side Monaco.

What’s been said?

News of Henry’s return was confirmed with a brief statement on Twitter, which read: "Unfinished business. We welcome back Thierry Henry in the staff for Euro 2020."

The former France international became Martinez’s second assistant alongside Graeme Jones in August 2016 and helped oversee a successful qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

Belgium went on to reach the semi-finals in Russia, losing to eventual winners France in the last four before beating England in the third/fourth place play-off.

Jones left the coaching staff after the tournament and Henry was promoted to assistant coach. However, his time in that position was short-lived as he left for Monaco in October.

Henry’s spell at Monaco was also brief, lasting just three months before he was sacked in January 2019. He then moved to MLS side Montreal Impact in November 2019 but stepped down in February this year in order to be closer to his family in London.

The bigger picture

Belgium are considered one of the favourites for the tournament thanks to a golden generation of talent that includes the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.

They have been placed in Group B alongside Russia, Finland and Denmark. Their opening match of the tournament is against Russia in Saint Petersburg on June 12.

Further reading

Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib has lauded Pitso Mosimane, describing him as a diamond who deserves a worthy contract.

The tactician has been a hit at the Red Devils, winning four trophies at the club to date, and the administrator has revealed not everyone at the club believed in the South African.

"I stand before you in peace and in pride," El Khatib said after a recent achievement where the club won the Caf Super Cup after defeating RS Berkane. 

"I saw a diamond in South Africa and I went alone to bring it over here, whilst no one believed in Pitso Mosimane. The board was amazed by this move.

"The first time I saw my diamond, my team was six years without winning the Caf Champions League. When I brought him over to Cairo, the doors of Africa opened and he brought to my hands the desired medal of Africa."

However, the administrator revealed not everyone is happy with what Mosimane has achieved.

He has further stated he went for brains and hopes no one will take his diamond away from the club. 

"I know a lot of mourning voices back home in Egypt are now angry because Mosimane once again delivered not one, not two, not three but the fourth title to my hands. Now he does not owe me anything, I am the one who owes him a worthy contract," El Khatib continued.

"Since no club has ever defeated Ahly by 5-0 in the Champions League [like Mamelodi Sundowns did in 2019 in the quarter-finals which was the biggest loss in Ahly's history] and only Mosimane did it.

"When I hire, I hire the brain, not the skin colour. I know Qatar has seen my diamond and there are no thieves around to steal it."

On Friday, Mohamed Sherif and Salah Mohsen struck a goal each at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, to hand their team the Super Cup trophy.

This season, the Red Devils are aiming at successfully defending their Champions League crown and winning the Egyptian top-tier title as well.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has attempted to play down speculation surrounding the future of boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Goal understands the Argentine has informed Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave the club amid interest in his services from Real Madrid and former club Tottenham.

However, Leonardo has suggested Pochettino, who only succeeded Thomas Tuchel in January, will not be leaving the French capital any time soon.

What did Leonardo say?

When asked by Europe 1 about the speculation surrounding the PSG coach, Leonardo said: “Mauricio Pochettino has two years on his contract with PSG, and we are very happy.”

That suggests PSG are ready to fight to keep Pochettino in Paris, despite interest from elsewhere.

Real Madrid have identified him as their number one target to replace Zinedine Zidane, who stepped down as Los Blancos coach for a second time last week.

Former club Spurs are also interested in bringing their former manager back to north London, with the Premier League club prepared to offer him the stability of a long-term contract to succeed Jose Mourinho, who replaced Pochettino in the Spurs hotseat back in November 2019.

The bigger picture

Goal understands that Pochettino retains a special affection towards PSG despite his desire to leave so will respect whatever decision the board makes about his future.

Leonardo’s latest comments suggests the Ligue 1 side have no intention in letting their manager go, meaning Pochettino will have little choice but to accept their decision.

Attention will therefore switch back to Real and Tottenham, who will likely have to make an extremely lucrative offer to PSG in order to persuade them to alter their stance and allow the 49-year-old to move on this summer.

Further reading

FC Arouca have ended a five-year break from the Primeira Liga after they triumphed 5-0 on aggregate against Rio Ave in the Liga Portugal 2 play-off game played on Sunday evening.

Having won the first-leg 3-0, the Arouquenses completed a double over Miguel Cardoso’s men with a 2-0 result at Estadio dos Arcos.

First-half goal from Arsenio plus a second-half effort by Jose Velazquez were all the visitors needed to secure the victory that earned them a return to the Portuguese elite division.

The impressive result away from home also extended Arouca’s winning streak to 11 in all competitions. For Rio Ave, they will begin life in the second tier when the 2021-22 season commences.

Needing to overturn their three-goal deficit, Cardoso’s men began the encounter on an impressive note, but, their attacking forays could not translate to goals as goalkeeper Victor Braga put up an outstanding performance in office.

Despite dominating ball possession, it was Arouca who took the lead in the 32nd minute courtesy of Arsenio.

After a one-two exchange with Pedro Moreira, the Portuguese midfielder drilled an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Pawel Kieszek.

Rio Ave almost levelled matters immediately but goalkeeper Braga punched Carlos Mane’s shot over the crossbar for a corner kick.

Three minutes into the second half, the visiting side were on the verge of extending their lead, albeit, Andre Silva’s header from a freekick sailed over the crossbar.

On the opposing side, Ronan low shot was stopped Braga following a poor clearance from Arouca defenders.

Rio Ave’s place in the second division was confirmed in the 59th minute as they conceded their second goal of the evening after Velazquez fired Quaresma’s cross past a stranded Kieszek.

Congo international Andre Bukia was handed a starter's role by Arouca, however, he was substituted for Brazilian forward Adilio in the 67th minute.

For Ghana's Lawrence Ofori, he was taken off for Mauro Caballero with eight minutes left to play. His compatriot Yaw Moses was not listed for action as well as Cameroon's Norbert Haymamba and Cape Verde duo of Junior Sena and Marco Soares.

For Rio Ave, Angola's Gelson Dala and Guinea Bissau's Pele were in action but could do little in rescuing the Vila do Conde based outfit.

Juventus have elected to extend the loan deal of Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata for a second season, Goal can confirm.

Morata arrived for a second spell at the Turin giants last summer on a temporary basis, with Juventus having the option to extend the deal by a year, buy the Spain international or terminate the agreement this summer.

And Juve have elected to keep hold of the 28-year-old forward, with the deal set to cost them a further €10 million (£8.5m/$12m).

Why are Juventus keeping Morata?

Morata was impressive in front of goal with Juventus last season as he scored 20 goals in 44 outings.

Furthermore, the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri has been important in this deal. Allegri has previously worked with Morata and got very good results with the former Real Madrid and Chelsea hitman, while the player also has a strong desire to stay with the Turin side.

Nevertheless, Juventus, whose financial difficulties are well known, tried to secure a discount on the loan fee for the striker, but Atletico Madrid rejected that attempt.

Due to these parameters, Allegri is returning to the squad at a difficult moment, although qualification for next season’s Champions League, which was secured on the final day of the season, should mean that there is greater financial flexibility.

In any case, Morata grants Juve a sense of continuity in their squad, despite the new cycle that they are working towards.

Further reading

Cruz Azul hosts Santos Laguna on Sunday in the second leg of the Liga MX final holding a 1-0 aggregate advantage that takes the club achingly close to ending a 24-year drought for the trophy.

Luis Romo provided the go-ahead goal in electric fashion on Thursday, nutmegging a defender amid a twisting run into the box before capitalizing on a fortunate bounce of the ball to find the back of the net. His effort provides favored Cruz Azul some added comfort at the Azteca Stadium in the return match.

However, Santos Laguna have been difficult to keep down during a magical run to the final.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream live online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (U.S.), the game can be watched live on TUDN USA or Univision. An online stream for the match will be available on TUDN App or Univision NOW.

Team news & rosters

Cruz Azul brings a healthy roster into the second leg, and while manager Juan Reynoso somewhat surprisingly did not start Gimenez in the attack after his semi-final heroics for the first leg, it's possible he changes tune for the second leg in a home environment where Gimenez could be more comfortable.

There will also be the decision of whether to play Ignacio Rivero as a full-back or pushed further forward into more of a wing role.

Predicted Cruz Azul starting XI:  Corona, Escobar, Aguilar, Dominguez, Aldrete, Baca, Fernandez, Romo, Rivero, Rodriguez, Gimenez.

Winger Brian Lozano is out for the season due to injury.

Predicted Santos Laguna starting XI : Acevedo, Orrantia, Doria, Caicedo, Monjaraz, Cervantes, Gorriaran, Valdes, Otero, Preciado, Aguirre.

Recent results & head-to-head

Cruz Azul & Santos Laguna last five results

Cruz Azul vs Santos Laguna head-to-head

Robert Lewandowski says he is “open-minded” about his future amid speculation he could seek to move on from Bayern Munich this summer, though he remains relaxed about any potential transfer.

The prolific Poland striker has been linked with a move away from Allianz Arena, with clubs in Italy, Spain and England rumoured to be interested.

However, the 32-year-old insists he is happy in Germany and therefore unlikely to actively push for a move.

What did Lewandowski say about his future?

When asked about his future, Lewandowski told Canal+: “I remain open-minded. I feel very good at Bayern, the city is superb, it's a great club.

“I am always curious to learn a new language, a new culture. But whether it will be in football or after my career, even I don't know.”

Lewandowski on the ‘pain’ of CL defeat

Though Bayern enjoyed another successful domestic season, winning a ninth successive Bundesliga title, they relinquished their grip on the Champions League after a quarter-final defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in April.

Lewandowski missed both legs against the French champions with a knee injury and admits he found it a tough watch from the sidelines.

“Against PSG, the pain was great,” he said. “You feel such helplessness, such weakness, the inability to help your teammates win the game. This helplessness bothers me.

“I think if I had been on the pitch maybe things would have turned out differently. But there is nothing I can do about it.

“Personally, it was difficult to accept this loss. We could have beaten them easily and moved on to the next round.”

Lewandowski calm about Muller record

As well as firing Bayern to another title, Lewandowski made Bundesliga history by scoring 41 league goals to break the record set by the legendary Gerd Muller in 1971-72.

The former Borussia Dortmund forward says such achievements are not what drives him, though he does take great pride at breaking a record he thought no-one would ever come close to achieving.

“I am not obsessed with records. When I take on new challenges, I try to do what no one has ever done. Because it pushes me to move forward,” he said.

“For me if you do something you love, you can achieve goals you thought were impossible.

“To be honest, I thought no player could come close to that record. Especially since I didn't play for several matches, I was injured for part of the season. And in reality, I don't realize the magnitude of it. I don't really feel it and maybe that's a good thing.”

Further reading

Moses Simon’s Nantes will remain in Ligue 1 for another season despite losing 1-0 to Toulouse on Sunday evening.

Vakoun Bayo scored the only goal of the return leg of the relegation play-off, although that could not help Les Violets’ cause.

Having recorded a 2-1 first-leg victory at the Stadium de Toulouse and with the tie ending 2-2 on aggregate, they progressed on the away goal rule.

With this result, Nantes will play in the French elite division for a ninth consecutive season.

Both teams put up a fine showing, but the first half produced no goals. However, Nantes’ Dennis Appiah and Randal Kolo Muani were cautioned by referee Benoit Bastien for contrasting reasons.

Having in mind that anything short of a resounding victory would spell doom for them, the visiting team stepped up their game in the second half.

Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Bayo put Patrice Garande’s men ahead

Left unmarked in the hosts’ penalty area, the Cote d’Ivoire international headed Amine Adli’s cross past a stranded goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

They pressed further for the all-important second goal but their attacking forays were halted by organised defending from Nantes.

Their ambition of increasing their lead suffered a massive blow in the 87th minute when they were reduced to ten men after Nathan N'Goumou was given his marching orders two minutes after his introduction.

The France youth international of Cameroonian and Gabonese descent was shown a straight red card for dangerous play against Cameroonian defender Jean-Charles Castelletto.

Benefitting from their opponents’ numerical disadvantage, Antoine Kombouare’s men held their nerves to retain their place in the French top flight.

While Ghana prospect Dennis Appiah, Castelletto and Mali’s Charles Traore were in action from start to finish, Nigeria international Simon was subbed off for Andrei Girotto with seven minutes left to play.

Also, Kalifa Coulibaly was handed a starter’s role but he was replaced by Marcus Regis Coco in the 65th minute.

Bayo, Cote d'Ivoire prospect Kelvin Adou, Kouadio Kone and French defender of Guinean background Bafode Diakite were on parade for Toulouse.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says his charges' performance was not good enough to claim a win over a "motivated" TS Galaxy side on Sunday.

The Buccaneers saw their three-match unbeaten run in the PSL come to an end when they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to the Rockets at Mbombela Stadium, with Masilake Phohlongo grabbing an early goal for the hosts.

Zinnbauer felt that Pirates had a poor start to the match, which saw them being reduced to 10 players after Abel Mabaso was sent off, but the hosts also went a man down after Given Msimango was red-carded. 

"Yes we were first 15, 20 minutes not in the game, you know when Pirates comes most opponents are motivated against us," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

"To win the duels, to win the game and if you're not in the game then you have no chance you can win, especially when you concede [early] and it's very hard. And the red card is coming, ok the opponent also got a red-card

"But in the second-half we had chances for the equaliser, we had it but if you don't score it's not possible you can win a game or get a draw. It was not enough today, the performance was not enough to get the three points."

Key attackers Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto were surprisingly left out of the starting line-up and Zinnbauer indicated that the duo was not fit enough to start the match. 

"The problem is that you have the players ready and if have the feeling or you get the information that the player, the muscle is tight or the conditioning is not enough for 90 minutes then it's better you bring fresh players," he continued.

"We have a good squad, we can change the squad but it's always before the game or after the game you have more information but Hotto is always on the highest level, Lorch was not possible from the start, it was clear. But we need him, that was the reason for the substitute.

"But overall it was not enough, ten, 20 minutes in the first-half, it's not enough you can win the game. You were not in a structure, you were not forward passing, it was always a reaction and it was not enough for a win."

The defeat left Pirates placed fourth on the league standings - level on points with third-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows and four points behind second-placed AmaZulu FC as the race to finish in the top three continues with two games left. 

"Yes, the second-half yes but it's not easy during the game you get the goal, you get the chance for the equaliser but [if] you can't score, you can't win a game," he added.

"We need the three points, I know the players know what has happened, they know after this 90 minutes what's happening [regarding the Caf spots on the log].

"We have to focus, analyse this game quick and then we need the head up, we play against Baroka, it's also a special game, we need the points if you want one of these places in the table, we need three points for this."

Pirates will play host to Baroka FC on Wednesday before they wrapped up their league campaign with a clash against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in Polokwane on June 5.