Looking for Soccer News?

Nabil Bentaleb has called on his Schalke 04 teammates to work on always getting the ball into opposition area if they want to end their winless streak in the Bundesliga.

Schalke 04 have only won a league match this campaign – a 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim – with nine points after 21 matches.

On Saturday, Bentaleb returned to action after serving two months suspension from the first-team, and he produced an impressive performance in their goalless draw against Taiwo Awoniyi’s Union Berlin.

The Algeria midfielder complained of fatigue after 64 minutes of action and he also hinted his teammates on how to score goals after they played 180 minutes of football in the Bundesliga without finding the back of the net.

“After just under an hour, my legs started getting heavier. I’ll work hard in the coming days and do some extra work," Bentaleb told the club website.

“We have to get the ball into the opposition area more often. If you want to score, you have to get the shots off.”

Next up for Schalke 04 is the Revierderby against Borussia Dortmund on February 20 and Bentaleb is anticipating a ‘very special’ encounter at the Veltins-Arena.

“I’ve already had the chance to play in a few derbies. These games are always very special and anything can happen,” he added.

Meanwhile, coach Christian Gross was full of praise for Bentaleb’s contribution in the middle of the park and he is ready to help him attain top match fitness.

“The first half gives us hope. Nabil was a bright spark, but obviously he is still lacking match practice and fitness. What is clear, however, is that he has not played for the last two months,” Gross said.

Miralem Pjanic insists he has not been told by manager Ronald Koeman why he isn't playing more at Barcelona.

The midfielder was expected to play a big role at Camp Nou this season after arriving last summer in a deal that saw Arthur move in the other direction to Juventus. 

However, he has started just five Liga games for Barcelona, and has admitted he doesn't agree with Koeman's decision to not use him more.

What has Pjanic said

In an interview with Telefoot, the Bosnian said: "I have played at all the clubs I've been at and with all the coaches I've had. A situation like this has never happened to me. Of course it’s not easy, I accept it with great difficulty.

"I don't have the exact reasons why I've not had the playing time I expected.

"I keep working and you have to respect the decisions that are taken, even if you don't agree. I want to leave my mark at this club."

Pjanic's first season at Barca

The 30-year-old was a key figure at Juventus for four seasons, and with Roma, Lyon and Metz before that. 

However, Pjanic has often found himself on the bench under Koeman. He has started all six of his team's Champions League matches this season, but just five of 23 league games. 

Recently the emergence of youngsters Riqui Puig and Ilaix Moriba in midfield have dealt a further blow to Pjanic's chances of regular minutes. 

Pjanic has yet to register a goal or an assist this season. Only once in his career – in 2008-09 with Lyon – has Pjanic gone through an entire season without scoring a goal.

What's next for Barcelona

Barcelona will face PSG on Tuesday in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League last-16 tie. 

Pjanic will be hoping to continue his run of starting all of his side's Champions League matches this term, with PSG star Neymar set to miss out on the reunion against his old side after suffering an adductor injury.

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that he is unlikely to welcome back Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey from injury ahead of Arsenal's Europa League clash with Benfica.

The duo sat out the Gunners' 4-2 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired the hosts to a first win in four games.

And it appears left-back Tierney and midfielder Partey will have to sit out another game, with Arsenal due to take on Benfica in Rome on Thursday.

What's been said?

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta said: "It seems unlikely at the moment, but I don’t know. Probably if there is one player who has got a bigger chance, it’s Kieran.

"Probably in the next few days he can start to do some parts with the team. But I don’t know how he is going to evolve when he gets a little bit closer to training with the group."

What games have Tierney and Partey missed?

Scotland international Tierney has not played since the Gunners' 3-0 win over Newcastle last month, when an Aubameyang double helped fire the hosts to a comfortable victory.

Since then, he has missed six games in all, including his side's FA Cup exit to Southampton, a reverse victory in the Premier League, a draw with Manchester United and losses against Wolves and Aston Villa.

Conversely, Partey featured in all those matches for the club, but was forced off with a hamstring injury heading into the final quarter-hour against Dean Smith's side at Villa Park, meaning that this weekend's game was his first absence since a cup win over Newcastle in early January.

The bigger picture

While Partey's setbacks have already become a recurring nightmare for Arteta, both his and Tierney's absences ahead of a return to Europa League action are an issue the Spaniard could really do without.

The Gunners travel to Rome to face Portuguese side Benfica - in a fixture relocated for Covid-19 reasons - and the Scotsman's absence in particular is likely to be felt.

With just two wins from six since the former Celtic man was forced to the sidelines, his importance at the back for Arsenal cannot be underestimated in a crucial encounter, particularly with the club's European qualification ambitions somewhat stymied in a close-fought mid-table scramble in the Premier League.

While Partey's absence is also likely to be felt, his prolonged layoffs this season means that Arteta has already found ways - if not wholly successful ones - to compensate for when he is missing in action, though a surprise early return would be a significant boost.

Further reading

Harry Maguire has expressed his displeasure with the decision of the referee not to award Manchester United a penalty after Semi Ajayi timeless challenge in their 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The Nigeria international was handed his 23rd Premier League appearance in the encounter and made gave a good account of himself to ensure the Baggies avoided defeat at the Hawthorns.

After Bruno Fernandes cancelled out Senegal international Mbaye Diagne’s opener, the Red Devils thought they had a great chance to seal the victory in the 63rd minute when Ajayi was adjudged to have committed a foul in the area.

Referee Craig Pawson initially awarded a penalty but overturned the decision after consulting the Video Assistant Referee 

Maguire was believed to be offside before Ajayi’s tackle on him which subsequently ruled out the initial penalty awarded to the Red Devils.

The 27-year-old England international has expressed his frustration with the referee’s decision and called for an improvement.

"We were so certain it was a penalty. Not sure why they needed to send him [the referee] to a monitor. The clip was minimal but it was a penalty,” Maguire told Sky Sports.

“It seems like the decisions are going against us. We can't be relying on VAR decisions - we have to improve."

Despite the draw, West Brom remain in the 19th position on the Premier League table after gathering 13 points from 24 games.

Ajayi has made 24 appearances for West Bromwich Albion across all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

The centre-back will hope to help the Baggies end their winless run when they take on Burnley in their next league game on February 20.

The Nigeria international has been with West Brom since the summer of 2019 when he teamed up with the side for Rotherham United.

The Super Eagles defender has been delivering spectacular performances for West Brom since his arrival at the club.

Adam Ounas scored his first goal for Crotone in Sunday’s 2-1 Italian top-flight defeat to Sassuolo.

Having parted ways with Cagliari in January 2021 due to a lack of playing time, the Algeria international joined the Pythagoreans from Napoli for the rest of the season with an option to buy.

In just his second game, however, he found the net but his team bowed at home to Roberto De Zerbi’s side

Having lost their last three league games (against Fiorentina, Genoa and AC Milan), Giovanni Sroppa’s men were hoping to end their awful spell against the Black and Greens, who bowed 2-1 to Spezia last time out.

However, it was the visitors who drew the first blood through Domenico Berardi in the 14th minute. Receiving a short pass from Francesco Caputo at the edge of Crotone box, the Italian forward fired the ball past goalkeeper Alex Cordaz.

Twelve minutes later, the hosts levelled matters through the 24-year-old Algerian winger, who found his way in the visitors’ backline, dribbled past his marker before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.

Three minutes before the half-time break, Samuel Di Carmine put Crotone ahead, albeit, his effort was cancelled out by referee Ivano Pezzuto after VAR reviews.

Four minutes into the second half, Caputo doubled Sassuolo’s advantage with a fine penalty kick following Vladimir Golemic’s inept challenge on Manuel Locatelli. The Italian sent an unstoppable penalty past Cordaz into the roof of the net.

A lethargic second-half display from Sroppa’s team did not help their cause in terms of getting the equaliser.

Mert Muldur scored the third goal for the Mapei Stadium giants with less than six minutes left to the end of the game, but it was chalked off for having committed a foul in the process.

While Cote d'Ivoire's Koffi Djidji was in action from start to finish, Ounas was substituted in the 89th minute for Andrea Rispoli. Nigeria international Simeon Nwankwo was introduced in the 73rd minute for Di Carmine, whereas Libya's Ahmad Benali did not make matchday squad.

On the other side, Equatorial Guinea's Pedro Obiang was brought in for Francesco Magnanelli after 72 minutes with Cote d'Ivoire's Hamed Traore coming in 10 minutes earlier for Maxime Lopez.

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Boca vs Gimnasia

Boca performed a clean sweep in domestic competition over 2020 with league and cup wins, and once more start out as one of the favourites in this new tournament. 

That success, though, was overshadowed by a disappointing exit from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of Santos, extending the club's drought to 14 years. 

The pressure is on to perform at continental level, but Boca will also be expected to reach the latter stages of this Copa as a bare minimum. 

Gimnasia's 2020 campaign was overshadowed by the death of coach Diego Maradona, which provoked worldwide mourning for the Argentina legend. 

But the Lobo nevertheless fought through to the latter stages of the Copa Maradona, finishing third in their final group to narrowly miss out on a place in the decider.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Boca vs Gimnasia team news

Boca will give Jorman Campuzano a little more time to recover from a niggling injury problem, with the Colombian left out of coach Miguel Angel Russo's squad.

Leandro Martini and Mariano Messera, who took over the Gimnasia job on an interim basis in November after Maradona's passing, are now permanent appointments, and will start Nelson Insfran in goal against Boca following the exit of Jorge Broun to Rosario Central.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Zinedine Zidane is at a loss to explain the injury crisis that has struck Real Madrid after seeing right-back Dani Carvajal forced off in the first half of Sunday's 2-0 win against Valencia.

Carvajal lasted less than 30 minutes as he pulled up with a knee problem after being struck by the ball.

Madrid were already without several key players for Sunday's game due to injury.

What has been said?

Zidane is perplexed by the sudden increase in fitness issues in his squad and hopes Carvajal is not kept out for long.

"I don't understand. There are a lot of injuries, I'm worried. When I lose a player, as a coach it bothers me. It's a relapse," Zidane told reporters.

"I'm sorry for Carva. He played 25 minutes very well and I'm upset because he's very important to us.

"But I can't explain the reasoning [behind the injury problems] to you. As a coach, having injuries is the worst. They've come back to hurt us again.

"I only hope that [Carvajal's injury] is a small one. We'll see what the injury is and for how long he'll be out for."

Toni Kroos, who netted the home side's second goal after Karim Benzema gave them an early lead, added: "We're very worried about all the injuries and we don't know if winning all the remaining games will be enough to win the league, but we'll give our all."

Which Madrid players are currently injured?

Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Eder Militao were all unavailable for selection ahead of kick-off on Sunday.

Hazard, who has been limited to just 13 appearances in all competitions this season, suffered a muscle injury at the start of February. Zidane said on Saturday that he could be back training with the rest of the squad next week.

Madrid captain Ramos last featured in the draw against Osasuna on January 9 and could be kept out until April. 

Left-back Marcelo was kept out of the clash with Los Che with a muscle problem and is expected to be out until March.

Alvaro Odriozola and Rodrygo are both out with hamstring injuries, while Eder Militao has missed the last two matches with a knock.

Madrid were at least able to see Lucas Vazquez return to action against Valencia. He recovered from muscle trouble to make the bench on Sunday and ended up replacing Carvajal.

The bigger picture

Madrid have won three matches in a row and now sit second in the table. They trail city rivals Atletico by five points, though Diego Simeone's side have two games in hand. Barcelona, meanwhile, are three points behind Zidane's men and have one game in hand.

Desperate to increase pressure on Atletico and with a Champions League clash against Atalanta coming up on February 24, the coach will be anxious to see some of his stars return from injury very soon.

"There are many injuries, but we will continue. I hope our players recover," the Frenchman added.

"We are going to continue and we are not going to look at the other teams. I am happy for my players and we were very good defensively.

"With the ball we made very good plays, especially in the first half."

Further reading

Uganda U20 African Cup of Nations' leader of delegation Rodgers Mulindwa has urged the players to be disciplined and have unity in order to achieve success.

The Hippos are in Mauritania already and have conducted a few training sessions in Noukchout and Mulindwa feels discipline is the key factor on the part of players, as they represent the nation at the continental podium.

"Discipline on and off the pitch is key to a team’s success," Mulindwa said during a meeting with the team.

"Players must be well-disciplined to achieve the best in football. It should be practised in whatever situation that a player goes through. Having good discipline helps a player do the right things at the right time."

Muilndwa also stressed the need for the players to be united as they appear in the country's first-ever participation in the tournament.

"Without teamwork, victory cannot be achieved in football," he said. "Let us all work together and be flexible enough to be successful. To become victorious, we need to work together in whatever situation. 

"When we win, we win together and when we lose, we lose together."

Learning from mistakes is also another factor that Mulindwa pointed out as key for the Hippos as they fly Uganda's flag in north Africa.

"Players should be able to learn from mistakes and never get demoralised because of making a blunder," he concluded. "Let us build from the mistakes. Never run away from your target, dream and vision as you should remain focused. 

"You need to fight for the image of Caf Executive Member, Fufa President Moses Magogo and the entire football family in Uganda. All our hopes are in you, compete and make us proud."

Uganda will open the Group A campaign on February 15 against Mozambique where Cameroon and Mauritania are also members of the group

The Hippos are in the competition weeks after the Cranes were eliminated in the group stage of the African Nations Championship in Cameroon. The U17 side has also qualified for the tournament that will be held in Morocco.

Uganda’s Afcon U20 squad:

Goalkeepers: Komakech Jack (18) (Ascent SA), Oyo Delton (Busoga United FC), Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala (SC Villa).

Defenders: Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Busoga United FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC) Kafumbe Joseph (KCCA FC), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC), Baligeya Simon (Kibuli SS), Abdul Azizi Kayondo (Vipers SC)

Midfielders: Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC) Sserwadda Steven (KCCA FC), Eyamu Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Kawooya Andrew (KCCA FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Wabyoona Faisal (Big Talent SA).

Forwards: Bogere Ivan (Proline FC), Ssenyonjo Samuel (KCCA FC), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Basangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Bukenya Joseph Kizza (KCCA FC), Ssali Alpha Thierry (Proline FC).

The agent of Lille centre-back Sven Botman has denied that the club have reached an agreement to sell him.

Reports emanating from Canal+ in France had suggested that a big European club had agreed to buy the 21-year-old in the summer, with a fee in the region of €45 million (£39m/$55m) suggested.

The names of no clubs had been put forward in the report, although it was later indicated that the deal had been struck with a Premier League team.

What did Botman’s agent say?

Speaking to Voetbalzone, Nikkie Bruinenberg, the agent of Botman, simply dismissed the report as “fake news”, indicating that no such agreement has been struck.

Botman is under contract with Lille until 2025, having only joined the club last summer as a replacement for Gabriel, who was transferred to Arsenal.

With Lille, he has developed rapidly into an important first-team player and has regularly partnered Jose Fonte at the heart of the defence. Indeed, in 30 matches for LOSC this season, he has not committed an error that has led to a chance, let alone a goal. Such consistency and reliability has led him to be regarded as one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1.

Having been signed for only €8m from Ajax, where he failed to earn a first-team appearance, the Ligue 1 leaders are set to benefit from a massive windfall on the centre-back if and when he is sold.

Who could sign Botman?

Premier League clubs were thought to be circling for the defender during the January transfer window. With Liverpool crippled in the heart of their rearguard by long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, they were regularly linked to the Lille player.

Manchester United, too, have been associated with Botman. The Old Trafford side have long had problems finding a reliable centre-back combination and it is thought that they are likely suitors for the young Dutchman, who has been capped as high as Under-20 level.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC will line up in front of the Premier Soccer League's Disciplinary Committee on Monday after having been charged with interrupting a match when they paid tribute to the late Bafana Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca last year.

Ngcongca was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in KwaZulu-Natal on November 23, 2020, at the age of 33.

Five days later, when the Brazilians hosted Stellenbosch FC in a league match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, both sets of players stopped the game in the 16th minute to clap their hands in honour of the Cape Town-born Ngcongca, whose jersey number had been 16.

The hearing this Monday was confirmed by senior Sundowns representative Yogesh Singh, who told TimesLIVE on Sunday: “We have been charged and the matter is sitting tomorrow [Monday].”

The clubs have been charged with not stopping their players from delaying or disrupting a game.

Further charges are related to the arrangement of activities during a PSL match without getting prior approval, as well as for bringing into disrepute the sponsors‚ the PSL‚ Safa‚ Caf and Fifa.

The match against Stellies, which was won 3-0 by Sundowns, was refereed by Jelly Chavani. It is not clear at this stage if he will face any punishment for his part in allowing the pause to the game.

Just weeks after Ngcongca’s death, another Sundowns defender, Motjeka Madisha, also passed way in the same manner, in a car accident in Kempton Park on December 12.

Its also been reported that Masandawana could face another sanction – after they paused their match against Chippa United in the second minute to pay tribute to Madisha, who wore the number two on his back for the Brazilians.

In that case, though, the ball had gone out of play when the players and officials made their applause in Madisha’s honour.

The PSL officially sanctioned a moment of silence for Madisha for all games in the week of the second of February this year.

Mostafa Mohamed scored a late match-winning goal for Galatasaray in their 2-1 win over Kasimpasa on Sunday.

The Egypt youth star, who joined Fatih Terim's side on a temporary deal from Zamalek on February 1, took his tally to three goals after three appearances in the Turkish Super Lig.

While his goal was not enough in Tuesday's cup defeat to Alanyaspor, the 23-year-old inspired the Lions back to winning form.

Sunday's outing was the third time Mohamed helped Galatasaray seal maximum points after he scored the only goal in their derby win over Fenerbahce last Saturday, and his goalscoring league debut against Istanbul Basaksehir a fortnight ago.

Kerem Akturkoglu got the hosts off to a flying start at the Turk Telekom Stadium in the ninth minute but his lead was cut short by Isaac Thelin's 51st-minute equaliser for Kasimpasa.

With the game heading for a draw, Galatasaray were awarded a penalty at the death and Mohamed stepped up to win the match for the Lions from the spot in the 89th minute.

The 23-year-old was in action from start to finish alongside Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo, while Henry Onyekuru came on as a 71st-minute substitute.

Prior to his European sojourn, Mohamed was a prominent fixture in the Zamalek squad and he was the top scorer in the 2019-20 Caf Champions League with nine goals in 10 matches, as the Egyptian outfit finished as runner-up behind Al Ahly.

Galatasaray are on a six-game winning streak in the Super Lig and they will be aiming to extend the fine form when they host Alanyaspor on February 20.

Although they are level on 51 points with Fenerbahce, they sit at the top of the table with a superior goal difference.

Kenya international Michael Olunga helped Al-Duhail SC to a 2-0 win against Al Rayyan in a Qatar Stars League match played at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Sunday.

The towering striker scored in the 73rd minute, after Duhail had taken a deserved lead in the 37th minute courtesy of Ian Mohammad, to help his side keep their second spot on the 12-team table.

Duhail, who lost to Egypt’s Al Ahly 1-0 in the Fifa Club World Cup 2020 on February 4 at the Education City Stadium, were the better side in the match as they knew a win will help them cut the lead of run-away leaders Al Sadd to 13 points.

After a cagey start to the first half, Duhail managed to settle down but they were forced to wait until the 37th minute when Mohammad powered home with his left foot, which beat Saj Al Hajiri in Rayyan goal.

Duhail went into the break leading 1-0 and on resumption, they continued to pile pressure but missed a golden opportunity when Mohammed Muntari failed to connect with a well-delivered cross, with only the keeper to beat.

Muntari was again provided with another chance to make it 2-0 for the home team but he headed wide, after being teed up by Edmilson Junior from the right wing.

Olunga then came on in the 56th minute and his first touch could have given Duhail the second goal but Rayyan's Dame Traore reacted quickly to stop him from pulling the trigger with his left foot.

But it did not take long as Olunga finally scored the second goal in the 73rd minute, this time around finishing off a well-laid pass from Junior, who had done the donkey work of dancing past Rayyan’s rearguard.

The former Gor Mahia striker could have added his second, as he raced clear onto another through-ball from Junior, but his final effort was weak and could not trouble Rayyan’s custodian.

Duhail then held on to the two-goal cushion to snatch maximum points which have now seen them reach 31 points from 16 matches, while Al Sadd are top on 44 points from 16 matches.

Olunga’s Duhail will now shift their focus to the Qatar Cup where they are scheduled to take on Al-Gharafa on February 18.

Clarke Oduor was an unused substitute as Barnsley ended Brentford's 22-match unbeaten run after emerging 2-0 victors in their Championship game staged at the Brentford Community Stadium on Sunday.

Conor Chaplin and Carlton Morris struck in either half to hand the visitors maximum points.

It was the Reds who showed their intentions from the first whistle, pushing forward and pressing the Bees to ensure they struggled to get the ball in the final third.

Barnsley's efforts were rewarded after just 13 minutes when Callum Brittain picked out Chaplin inside the 18-yard area and the latter bundled home from six yards to hand his team a deserved lead.

In the 37th minute, Brittain, once again, managed to get past his marker before crossing the ball to Morris but the goalkeeper pulled off a fantastic save to deny him. 

It was an encouraging display from the visitors who gave their best to ensure their hosts did not get their way back into the game, especially in the first half.

Brentford started the second half casually and as a result, they were punished again in the 47th minute. 

Morris managed to get onto a cross ahead of his marker, composed himself before unleashing a fierce strike that found its way into the back of the net via the inside of the post.

In the 50th minute, the hosts had a good chance to score their first goal when they won a corner. Vitaly Janelt brought it in, picking out the unmarked Ethan Pinnock, but the latter headed over from 12-yards.

The Bees had another chance to score when they won a free-kick in a good area. Janelt stepped up but none of his teammates managed to connect the ball. 

Despite late pressure by Brentford, Barnsley kept their cool to ensure they got maximum points and moved to the 12th position with 39 points from the 28 games they have played. It was their 11th win of the season.

For Brentford, this was their fourth loss in the current campaign. They have managed to win 16 out of the 29 matches played and drawn nine and as a result, they are placed second on the table with 57 points, one fewer than leaders Norwich.

Gabriel Martinelli has hailed his "amazing" relationship with fellow Arsenal youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, adding that the trio's bond extends both on and off the pitch.

The three young Gunners have emerged as key bright lights this term at the Emirates Stadium, even as Mikel Arteta's side continue to endure mixed form on the domestic front.

The Brazilian forward, who joined from Ituano in 2019, has proved an eye-catching presence when he plays alongside Three Lions starlet Saka and highly rated Smith Rowe, and has now revealed that they share a close rapport together.

What Martinelli said

Speaking ahead of his side's Valentine's Day clash with Leeds in the Premier League, the teenager opened up on the threesome's bond, noting that they help keep each other grounded through their openness.

"Yeah, they are amazing," he told Sky Sports. "We have a very good relationship. Not just on the pitch, but off it as well.

"In the dressing room, we sit next to each other. We always talk and we're always having fun, which is nice for us."

Teenager dead-set on victory

Martinelli has found himself foiled somewhat in north London by a succession of injury problems, several of which have restricted his chances under Arteta this term.

But the 19-year-old cannot be doubted for his commitment to Arsenal's cause, revealing that he and his team-mates never approach a game - even ones against proverbial underdogs like Leeds - as an easy ride.

"We go to every single game to win, you know," he added. "We go there to beat them."

Further reading

Mbaye Diagne scored his first West Bromwich Albion goal in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

The Senegalese, who joined the Baggies from Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray until the end of the 2020-21 season, had gone on a run of four games without a goal.

However, against the Red Devils at the Hawthorns, he found the back of the net to ensure points were shared with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

Just two minutes into the game, the striker outmuscled Victor Lindelof to get his head a fantastic cross from Conor Gallagher past David Dea Gea.

Thanks to the goal, Diagne became only the 20th Senegalese to find the net in the Premier League as well as the 12th different player from the West African country to score an English top-flight goal under manager Sam Allardyce.

Others are Abdoulaye Faye (Bolton Wanderers), El Hadji Diouf (Bolton Wanderers), Khalilou Fadiga (Bolton Wanderers), Habib Beye (Newcastle United), Papa Bouba Diop (West Ham United), Mohamed Diame (West Ham United), Diafra Sakho (West Ham United), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United), Dame N'Doye (Sunderland), Idrissa Gueye (Everton) and Oumar Niasse (Everton).

Also, no other manager has had more than four different players from Senegal score under them in the competition.

A minute before the half-time break, Bruno Fernandes levelled matters for the Old Trafford giants after pulling away from his defender in the middle of the box to get on the end of Luke Shaw's cross.

After the break, Scott McTominay had an effort cleared off the line while Diagne sent a shot over the bar from close range. Harry Maguire almost won it in the final seconds, but his header was tipped onto the post by Johnstone.

Diagne, who had a notable game, was in action from start to finish alongside Nigeria international Semi Ajayi.

With the result, the Red Devils moved back above Leicester City and into second place on the table on goal difference but are seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

As for West Brom, they stay in 19th and are currently 12 points from safety having accrued 13 points from 24 outings so far in the 2020-21 English elite division campaign.

Next up for them is a trip to Turf Moor for their clash against Sean Dyche’s Burnley.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was left fuming by referee Craig Pawson's decision to overturn a penalty in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Brom on Sunday. 

Maguire went down midway through the second half under a challenge from Semi Ajayi, with Pawson pointing to the spot to award United a penalty. 

But after a VAR review of the incident on a free kick, Pawson ruled that Ajayi didn't make sufficient contact for Maguire to go to ground.

What Maguire said about the decision

"We created a lot of chances - enough to win the game," Maguire told Sky Sports. "It was tough for ourselves with the goal we conceded - for us it was a foul.

"We played the game in their half. We can do more and improve but it's disappointing. It was a tough job against a team that defends deep. In the second half we played with a great tempo.

"I was so certain it was a penalty. I don't understand why he's been sent to check it. 

"I'm goalside of the defender, I feel a touch on my shoulder, he's pulling me back, and then I feel a clip on my heels as well. It was minimal, but it's a penalty, especially after the referee points to the spot you think there's no chance it's getting overturned.

"I was so confident it was going to be given, but it seems like the decisions at the moment are going against us. We can't be relying on VAR though, we huffed and puffed and have to improve."

What the pundits said

On Sky Sports after the game, both Graeme Souness and Gary Neville agreed that Maguire went down too easily for the incident to have been a foul, with the latter pointing out the defender may have been offside anyway.

"He goes to ground as though he's been hit with a baseball bat," Souness said. "If he said he thinks it's a penalty, it's not enough to bring him down the way he goes down.

"This is such a bad result for Manchester United. He's just said it's a difficult place to come, West Brom have won one game at home against the bottom team, that's a difficult place to go if you're second or third in the league?"

Neville added: "The strange thing is they didn't look at the offside to start with, Maguire's not complaining too much. 

"He's got it right, he just goes down off that hand off the shoulder, it's not enough to make Maguire fall."

What West Brom said about the decision

"The confusing thing is Harry Maguire is offside before it," head coach Sam Allardyce told Sky Sports. "What should have been the decision is that this is offside so let's play on. I'm massively confused.

"If he gave the penalty and that was the winner then that would have been an absolute injustice."

Defender Kyle Bartley added: "It didn't look a foul in real time. I'm not a massive fan of VAR personally but today it's gone in our favour."

Another poor result for Man Utd

Mbaye Diagne opened the scoring for the Baggies in the second minute and Bruno Fernandes equalised before half-time with a spectacular volley.

But United could not find a winner and the draw at The Hawthorns represented the team's third in their past four Premier League matches.

Overall, United have won just one in five league games, falling seven points behind league-leading Manchester City, who also have a game in hand.

Further reading

Mohamed Salah has promised Liverpool fans that the team will "fight like champions" to turn their dismal form around.

The reigning Premier League title holders suffered a third consecutive defeat on Saturday when they were beaten 3-1 by Leicester.

The result leaves them in fourth place and 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand over their rivals.

Salah reassures Reds fans

Reds coach Jurgen Klopp believes their hopes of retaining the English crown are over, but Salah has vowed he and his team-mates will do all they can to get back on track.

He posted on Twitter: "It’s been a tough period for many reasons. We are champions and we will fight like champions, until the very end. We will not allow this season to be defined by the recent results we’ve had. That is my promise to all of you."

Liverpool's injury situation worsens

Liverpool have been plagued by injuries this season, with their defence hit hardest with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all out long term.

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who has been filling in at centre-back, and new signing Ben Davies were unavailable for the trip to Leicester on Saturday.

But the situation got worse during the clash with Brendan Rodgers' side, as James Milner was forced off just 17 minutes in. Klopp later confirmed that the midfielder had a hamstring problem and the club are waiting to find out the severity of the injury.

What next for Klopp's men?

While the domestic situation is getting dim for the Anfield side, they will be looking to keep their hopes of European glory alive on Tuesday when they face RB Leipzig for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Four days later they will host Merseyside rivals Everton, who are just three points behind them in the league, followed by a trip to Sheffield United a week later and then a home match against Fulham.

Further reading

Champions League action returns for 2021, with games taking place in February and March as the last-16 stage of the competition approaches.

Bundesliga and La Liga teams account for half of the competitors at this point in the tournament, with the rest being drawn from Serie A, the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the Primeira Liga.

Goal brings you all you need to know about when this season's Champions League last-16 games are with the full schedule, as well as how to watch live on TV in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

On this page

Champions League 2020-21 last 16 fixtures

This season's Champions League knockout stage has thrown up some fascinating ties, with the showdown between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain perhaps being the pick of the round.

Reigning champions Bayern Munich must overcome Italian side Lazio if they are to continue their title defence, while Jurgen Klopp goes head-to-head with Julian Nagelsmann as Liverpool play RB Leipzig.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal as Juventus take on Porto, while his former club Real Madrid face a difficult task in the form of swashbuckling Atalanta.

Thomas Tuchel's first big test as Chelsea boss comes against Atletico Madrid, while Borussia Dortmund have been paired with La Liga outfit Sevilla.

Pep Guardiola's quest to win a European crown with Manchester City continues with a difficult double-header against German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Return to top

Champions League last 16: UK TV channels & live streams

BT Sport has the rights to broadcast Champions League games in the United Kingdom.

All games are being shown on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 3, as well as BT Sport Live, the network's streaming platform.

You can see all the games and corresponding TV channels below.

First leg

Second leg

Return to top

Champions League last 16: U.S. TV channels & live streams

CBS and Univision have the rights to broadcast Champions League games in the United States.

All games are being shown on CBS All Access, TUDN, Univision, Unimas and Galavision, as well as the networks' respective streaming platforms.

You can see all the games and corresponding TV channels below.

First leg

Second leg

Return to top