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ISL 2020-21: Hyderabad FC vs East Bengal - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

The depleted hosts will be looking to keep their unbeaten run intact against the winless Red and Golds...

Hyderabad are looking for their second win since their season opener while East Bengal are yet to score their first goal in the Indian Super League (ISL) as the two sides go head to head at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, on Tuesday evening.

Game Hyderabad FC vs East Bengal
Date Tuesday, December 15
Time 7:30 PM IST (GMT +5:30)
 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

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

India (English) TV channels Online streaming
Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV


Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Hindi TV channels Bengali TV channels
Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3, Star Gold 2 Star Sports Bangla
 
Malayalam TV channels Kannada TV channels
Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies Star Sports Kannada
 
Tamil TV Channels Telegu TV channels
Star Sports Tamil Star Sports Telugu

 

TEAM NEWS

Hyderabad FC Possible XI:   

Injured - Joel Chianese, Luis Sastre, Fran Sandaza
Doubtful - None     
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Aridane Santana, Liston Colaco      


East Bengal Possible XI: 

Injured - Aaron Holloway, Danny Fox, Sankar Roy 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Eugeneson Lyngdoh    

Key Players - Anthony Pilkington, Jacques Maghoma       

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Balotelli can be fundamental for Monza reaching Serie A – Raiola

The veteran striker has joined the second-tier side and could help them break new ground as they aim to reach the top flight for the first time

Mario Balotelli can be an essential player in helping Monza achieve their century-old dream of top-flight football for the first time in their history, according to agent Mino Raiola.

The veteran striker raised eyebrows this month when it was announced that he had signed for the Serie B outfit, following his dismissal from Brescia ahead of the new campaign earlier this year.

The Italy international, who has carved out a tumultuous reputation off the pitch to match his maverick talents on it, has reunited with former Milan chairman Adriano Galliani in the Lombardy region.

The arrival of the 30-year-old forward is seen as a further sign of the club's ambition, as they aim to secure Serie A status for the first time ever, following their promotion from Serie C last term.

Speaking on the move, agent Raiola feels that the attacker has chosen a team where can make himself a lightning rod for new opportunities, hailing Galliani for his vision in the process.

"[Balotelli] can be fundamental for Monza," he stated, speaking at this year's Golden Boy awards.

"His potential is undisputed but he is behind in his preparations and we will do everything we can to get him in top condition.

"Having Balotelli sends out a signal that Monza do not want to play in Serie B for long. Galliani is a person I respect very much. Our friendship goes back to his time with Milan."

Balotelli had previously been training with Serie D outfit Franciacorta earlier this year while he was a free agent, in order to keep up his fitness.

His availability piqued the interest of a host of sides, including a reported bid by lower-league English outfit Barnsley to bring him to South Yorkshire.

As recently as a fortnight ago, reports indicated that he had agreed a move to join Vasco da Gama in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, taking him out of Europe for the first time in his career.

His choice to join Monza keeps him in his home country,  with his new club set to next play Virtus Entella in Serie B on Tuesday.

 

FOLLOW: USWNT takes Argentina at SheBelieves Cup

The veteran was named in the Blues squad earlier in the season and appeared in Premier League 2 action

Petr Cech’s return to playing action with Chelsea did not work out as he would have hoped as he conceded two goals in a 3-2 win over Tottenham in Premier League 2 action.

The Blues great retired from the professional ranks in 2019, following a couple of seasons at Arsenal, but returned to the Chelsea coaching staff later that year.

In October of this year, his name surprisingly figured in Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad, with the club confirming he was included as emergency cover.

Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero are ahead of Cech in the goalkeeping pecking order, so he is unlikely to secure any playing time in the first team.

However, he was named as a starter against Tottenham in the Premier League 2 match on Monday evening.

Cech, who made 494 appearances during an 11-year Chelsea career which earned him 13 medals, was the high-profile figure on the pitch, but he got off to a poor start when conceding on three minutes.

The goalkeeper had little chance of keeping out Jubril Okedina’s effort, which came about after a ball from a corner was lofted back into the box.

However, disappointingly for Cech, the corner came about after his attempted pass to a team-mate went straight out for a corner.

Tottenham were completely dominant in the opening period and Cech conceded again on 17 minutes.

He started to come and collect a cross from Harvey White, but the ball had too much fizz on it and Cech was in no-man’s land as Dane Scarlett beat him with an excellent header.

Cech was embarrassed with his distribution prior to the opening goal and he was almost left red faced again with a sloppy pass, but a Tottenham attack was halted by a foul.

Chelsea were much improved after the break and quickfire goals from Marcel Lewis and Myles Peart-Harris drew them level.

Cech had little to do in the second half - his only piece of handling came when he caught a cross in injury time - until the 73rd-minute when a mass brawl broke out after a poor tackle from Alfie Devine on Danny Drinkwater.

Both players were shown red cards, and Cech came out to act as peacemaker and usher Tottenham youngster Devine away to ensure he did not get into any further trouble.

Chelsea continued to dominate, and goalscorers Lewis and Peart-Harris combined for the winner on 88 minutes - with the former cutting the ball back for the latter to fire home and send the Blues top of the table.

Cech was not the only legendary name to appear on the pitch at Kingsmeadow, as Maurizio Pochettino - son of former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino - came on as a late substitute for Spurs.

'Ibrahimovic can play until he's 50!' - AC Milan star's agent Raiola

The veteran forward has been in sensational form in Serie A this term, and has been backed to stay at the top of his game well into his forties

Mamelodi Sundowns announce 'period of uncertainty' as Madisha death takes new twist

The Downs star has been widely mourned but the Brazilians as well as the player’s family are yet taking a more cautious approach to the tragedy

Mamelodi Sundowns say a “difficult period of uncertainty” surrounds the reported death of defender Motjeka Madisha as the player’s family await DNA identification of the remains burnt beyond recognition in a car crash that occurred early Sunday morning in the East Rand.

Madisha is thought to have been the driver of the car involved in the horrific accident but Sundowns have taken a cautious approach in confirming that their player was a casualty in the incident.

While messages of condolences have been pouring in from different spheres, the Brazilians are yet to give a conclusive statement on the situation.

But Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has already expressed grief on social media.

A new twist has emerged in the said death of the Downs star as police reported the accident occurred early Sunday, but Sundowns have stated that the tragic incident happened on Saturday night.

“The family of Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka “Ace” Madisha met with the pathologists early this morning to establish if the person who passed away in a car crash, late this past Saturday night on 12 December 2020, is indeed their son,” Sundowns said in a statement.

“The nature of the horrific car crash that took place on the Zuurfontein Road near Chloorkop requires that all processes be followed by the necessary authorities with relevant expertise to confirm the identity of the driver.

“The Madisha family requests privacy and the relevant protocols be followed during this difficult period of uncertainty. Mamelodi Sundowns will communicate further details after consultation with the Madisha family once the DNA test results have been released.”

The accident occurred just after Sundowns celebrated their 50th anniversary on Saturday night although the defender is said to have not attended the event.

Madisha was a key Downs player this season, playing five of the team’s six Premier Soccer League games as well as the MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic.

He was also part of the Bafana Bafana fold.

Original author: Michael Madyira

'Let's see what happens in the summer' - Raiola stirs up Pogba transfer talk

The France international's representative has once again talked up a move for his client

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has moved to clarify his recent comments about his client, saying if the midfielder is to leave Manchester United it will be in the summer.

Raiola caused a stir earlier this month during an interview with Tuttosport, when he said: “I can say that it’s over for Paul Pogba at Manchester United. 

“Paul is unhappy with Man Utd as he is no longer able to express himself in the way that he would like and as he is expected to. Paul needs a new team, a change of air.”

Pogba was silent on the subject, before posting on Instagram that he was “1000% involved!”

In the post, he added: “I’ve always fought and will always fight for Manchester United, my team-mates and the fans. Bla bla is not important. The future is far, today is what matters.”

Pogba had a solid game during United’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer trusting his player to control the ball in the middle of the park.

If there was any hope that things would settle down surrounding the France international, they were dashed when Raiola broke cover to comment on his player’s future plans.

Raiola intimated that he would prefer a move in January, but suggested circumstances make that difficult so it is more likely a transfer will materialise in the summer.

“When it comes to him in England they are sensitive, perhaps too sensitive,” Raiola said at the Tuttosport's Golden Boy awards. “In January the great players hardly move, then in the summer let's see what happens.

“Pogba will have a great future.”

Red Devils boss Solskjaer has been critical of Pogba’s agent, urging him to stop making public announcements and allow his player to do the talking on the pitch.

After putting in a decent shift from the bench in the 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig in the Champions League and following it up with a 90-minute showing against City, Pogba went some way to putting the recent furore behind him.

As such, it will be disappointing to the Old Trafford outfit that Raiola has put transfer talk back in the spotlight.

Tariq Lamptey: Brighton boss Potter confident of return for Fulham showdown 

The Seagulls trainer sheds light on the Ghana target's fitness situation ahead of their next Premier League game

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter is hopeful of welcoming England U21 defender of Ghanaian descent, Tariq Lamptey, back in his set-up for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Fulham.

The 20-year-old was a surprise absentee as the Seagulls succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Leicester City.

He has become a key figure for Brighton this season following a January transfer from Chelsea.

"We will see, this one [Leicester City Premier League encounter] just probably came a bit too soon," Potter said, Tribalfootball reports.

"We just want to make sure he was fully recovered.

"He was feeling a bit of a sensation on his hamstring, so we decided to err on the side of caution because of the nature of it.

"But we are hopeful he will be back for Wednesday [away to Fulham]."

Lamptey has featured in 10 of Brighton's 12 Premier League games played so far this season, starting in all 10 matches.

The right-back, who has one assist to his name, registered his first and only league goal in a 2-0 reversal to Tottenham Hotspur last month.

"I have known about Tariq from my England days. [Albion's head of recruitment and analysis] Paul Winstanley flagged him in the under-23s league. We knew that his contract was running down at Chelsea and we knew that they would offer him a new contract," Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth recently said of the youngster's progress at the club.

“We had a space coming up and maybe we had a chance to give Tariq some games and exposure and he has taken it with both hands. You don't quite know what you have got with a young player until you chuck them in and give them a go."

Lamptey's fine performances in the Premier League has caught the eye of Ghana football officials who have launched a bid for his services.

Born in Hillingdon to Ghanaian parents, the full-back, currently an England U21 star, remains eligible to switch international allegiance to Ghana.

He joins Arsenal striker Edward Nketiah, Anderlecht winger Francis Amuzu and Ajax and Netherlands youth striker Brian Brobbey on the wish list of Black Stars coach CK Akonnor.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Real Madrid's black 2022-23 third kit inspired by the magic of the Bernabeu

The midfielder has not played a single match this season but has recovered from injury ahead of the trip to Tshwane

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt has hinted at fielding fit-again midfielder Dumisani Zuma in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash against SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

With Chiefs having played 11 matches across all competitions this season, Zuma has not featured in any game so far.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic star was close to returning to action but picked up a hamstring injury last week and has since recovered ahead of the visit to Pretoria.

Hunt said he could give Zuma some playing minutes as he also stated he will not make changes to the squad that hosted Black Leopards last Wednesday.

“We will go into the match with the same squad that played against Black Leopards. Dumisani Zuma will return to the squad but we will see how it goes. We will perhaps bring him on during the match,” Hunt told the Chiefs official website.

After drawing 2-2 in their last match against Leopards last week, it was Chiefs’ fourth-straight match without tasting victory.

Hunt and his men are keen to pick themselves up from this setback and the coach says the key to redemption is to avoid errors.

Chiefs Captain Itumeleng Khune was guilty of some mistakes in the 2-2 draw against Leopards.

“We must just avoid committing crucial mistakes. We are playing against a SuperSport United which has energetic youngsters in their team. They will be a difficult opponent but it’s the same with all the teams that we face in this league,” Hunt said.

“SuperSport have their coach Kaitano Tembo whom I brought up to be my assistant, there will be history in that one.

"Even after losing two of their key players, Clayton Daniels and Aubrey Modiba, they still have a consistent squad and they have been together for a long time. \

"This league is strange; with one win you jump several notches up the log. We just got to win our matches.”

Chiefs are placed 12th on the PSL log while their opponents SuperSport are in position six.

Original author: Michael Madyira

'Messi's form could be better but I'm not worried' - Koeman confident Barca talisman will rediscover scoring touch

The former Ingwe official claims the Slum Boys stalwart was previously the architect of their woes, after they were expelled from the league
Original author: Kiplagat Sang

West Ham's Dazzling Comeback Is Our Latest Dose of the New Normal

The president says the forward has a bumper new deal sitting in front of him and that the club see him as a future captain in Turin

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has questioned Paulo Dybala’s comments about his contract, saying the Argentina international has an offer in front of him and that the club are awaiting his response.

Dybala snapped a goalless Serie A run that stretched back to July 4 when netting in the 3-1 win over Genoa on Sunday.

Following the game, Dybala spoke to the media about his contractual situation and suggested the club had left him waiting.

“My agent was in Turin for a long time and was never called up by the club,” Dybala told Sky Sport Italia after the game. “It disappoints me to hear talk of financial figures.

"It would be better if the truth could be told, because talking about those aspects in this period pits the fans against me, with all the love I have for Juventus." 

The forward’s comments crossed Agnelli’s radar, and he has suggested Dybala is in the wrong.

"I’ve heard the statements, it’s part of my job,” Agnelli told Tuttosport. “The good news is the goal [he scored]. Paulo had a difficult time after contracting Covid. I heard with great pleasure his love for Juventus. The love is reciprocated.

“We see him as the captain of the future.

"I know he has already received a proposal that would put him among the top 20 best-paid players in Europe. We’re looking forward to his response.”

Agnelli has fired a shot across Dybala’s bows, urging him to let his football do the talking and prove himself worthy of a bumper new contract.

“The most important thing is to see his answer on the pitch,” Agnelli said. "We all want him to be one of the top five players in Europe, he’s still not among them and he is aware of it."

Having ended his goalscoring drought, Dybala has three further games - Atalanta (December 16), Parma (December 19) and Fiorentina (December 22) before Serie A closes down for the Christmas and New Year spell.

With Juventus trailing Serie A leaders AC Milan by four points, having Dybala finding form will come as a huge boost to coach Andrea Pirlo.

Azam FC 2-2 Namungo FC: Ice-cream Makers drop points again

The Chamazi-based charges are now third on the table with 28 points, nine fewer than leaders Yanga SC

Azam FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Namungo FC in the Tanzania Mainland League game played on Monday.

Idd Selemani scored a brace while the visitors managed to get theirs through Charles Manyama and Stephen Sey.

This was coach George Lwandamina's first assignment after taking over from Vivien Bahati, who was serving on an interim basis following the sacking of Aristica Cioaba over poor performance.

The Zambian was not going to have it easy against Namungo, a team they defeated at the Azam Complex 2-1 last season, before falling by a solitary goal away.

The Ice-cream Makers started the game on a high, pressing from all departments. Their zeal paid dividends in the 19th minute as Seleman managed to find the back of the net.

However, the lead did not last long as the opponents gave their best to get an equalizer.  

Khamis Manyanya was fouled just outside the 18-yard area in the 24th minute and the referee did not hesitate to give the visitors a free-kick. Manyama cleverly curled the ball past the wall and goalkeeper to put the two teams on level terms.

The two teams went on the break with a goal each. 

After the break, the 2014 champions resorted to cautious play, and at some point, it seemed their tactic will get them a point against their hosts. 

But the travelling fans' hearts were broken when Nado managed to complete his brace in the 75th minute. It was a goal that had seemingly won maximum points, but it was not the case.

However, Namungo, who are representing Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup, managed to get an equalizer in stoppage time courtesy of Sey.

The result means Azam remain in the third position on the table with 28 points, nine fewer than leaders Yanga SC. The former have managed to get eight wins, four draws and three losses.

Namungo are in the 13th position with 17 points. They have managed to get four wins, five draws and four losses.

In another game played on Monday, Ihefu SC defeated Kagera Sugar 2-1.

Joseph Kinyozi opened the scoring for the hosts in the 38th minute before Issa Ngoah doubled the advantage in the 54th minute. Sadat Mohammed scored the consolation for Kagera.

Original author: Seth Willis

'Palace draw gives us fuel for Liverpool' - Hojbjerg insists Tottenham travelling to Anfield for three points

First face second in the Premier League on Wednesday and the Spurs defender says their frustration at a missed result will drive them towards victory

Tottenham will travel to Liverpool this week with a three-point haul firmly in mind, says Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, adding that their surprise stalemate with Crystal Palace will fuel their ambition at Anfield.

First will face second on Merseyside on Wednesday as Jose Mourinho's Spurs make the trip north to face Jurgen Klopp's Reds in one of the biggest games of the Premier League season so far.

The sides are locked together on 25 points at the summit, one ahead of third-place Leicester City, with Tottenham barely ahead thanks to a superior goal difference.

Both outfits missed the opportunity to pull clear of the other at the weekend as they both succumbed to shock draws in Sunday's top-flight matches.

Tottenham saw their advantage nullified by Jeffery Schlupp late on against a gutsy Palace side, while Liverpool were forced to come from behind against relegation-threatened Fulham for a point.

Yet Denmark international Hojbjerg, who joined the club in August from Southampton, says that the frustrations of a spurned chance will only drive them on to beat their title rivals on their own turf.

"If you could see the dressing room after the game, you would see a feeling of a bit of disappointment, which is good," the 25-year-old told the club's official website.

"It shows we are competing, and we want to compete and win every game. I think it’s a good sign that we’re not happy with a 1-1 draw here.

“We let the small details, the small moments, go into their hands. You know, sometimes small things together create one big thing. Maybe that happened.

"Palace have a physical presence around the box, they have good individual players and they are not easy to play against.

“We’re in a good moment and we have to keep going. We can’t let it slip away or get out of balance. We look forward to Wednesday [against Liverpool], then Sunday [against Leicester] and the game after that.

"Right now, it’s about living in the present, taking it game by game. We’re not happy with the 1-1, but it’s okay, it gives us fuel for Wednesday and we are ready to go again.”

Kenya striker Olunga extends Kashiwa Reysol contract - Reports

The forward has been in good goal-scoring form in his maiden season in the Japanese top flight and is the clear Golden Boot favourite

Kenya international Michael Olunga has reportedly extended his contract with Kashiwa Reysol for one more year.

Olunga has had quite an impact at the Japanese side as he has helped them a lot in terms of scoring goals in the top flight.

In the 2019 season in the J2 League, the former Thika United and Tusker striker netted 27 goals as the club won the title and returned to the top-tier.

In the current season, the Harambee Star has scored 26 goals and is the clear favourite to win the Golden Boot in his maiden season in the J1 League.

His contract was expected to end in January 2021 and should the club confirm the extension rumours, it would temporarily end speculation that Olunga was headed out as a number of clubs are keen to acquire his services.

Earlier, former Sofapaka and Gor Mahia striker Ronald Okoth advised Olunga not to be in a hurry to leave Kashiwa Reysol although he has already achieved a lot in Japan.

“Olunga has conquered the league and as a player, if you feel you want another challenge the best option is always to find another challenge in a different environment,” Okoth told Goal in a previous interview.

“But let us not lie to one another that the Japanese league is not competitive. Let us look at the progression of Olunga’s career and we can see he has the potential of performing in any league.

“He has performed in Japan and many see he is slightly above it and if I am asked he needs to seek another challenge.

“But again, one should not rush in making a decision that will have a great impact on his own career. If he gets a chance to join another league the better, but if it does not come he should remain where he is.”

Olunga was not part of the African Cup of Nations contingent that faced Comoros in November as the Harambee Stars drew 1-1 at home before going down 2-1 in Moroni.

His absence, occasioned by cases of coronavirus at his club, was hugely felt as Kenya failed to increase their chances of picking up points that would have taken them closer to another Afcon qualification.

Coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee felt if Olunga was present he would have scored goals for Kenya.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Terzic promises attacking football after replacing Favre at Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund named Edin Terzic as Lucien Favre's replacement on Sunday and the interim boss is after an instant response from his side.

Edin Terzic has vowed to prioritise attacking football at Borussia Dortmund after making the difficult decision to replace Lucien Favre as caretaker head coach.

Dortmund sacked Favre after Saturday's humiliating 5-1 loss to Stuttgart - their heaviest home defeat in over a decade - and placed Terzic in charge for the rest of the season.

The former Besiktas and West Ham assistant will take charge of BVB for the first time on Tuesday when they travel to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

And Terzic, who also worked as a scout during Jurgen Klopp's time at the Westfalenstadion, has made clear the Stuttgart performance can never be repeated. 

"The last 48 hours for me have not been normal because Saturday's defeat hurts," he said at a news conference on Monday. "I want to thank Lucien - we worked very well.

"Now everything is moving fast and we have to show a reaction. What we saw on Saturday was not Borussia Dortmund. We have to show a different face tomorrow."

Dortmund have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last eight games in all competitions but Terzic favours attacking football over remaining tight at the back.

"I'm a product of Borussia Dortmund. I come from the region and have been a fan for ages," he said. "I've been working here for 10 years now and I'm shaped by the past.

"There are two ways you can win a football game: you can concede fewer goals, or you can always try to score one more. I'm more for the latter."

Terzic returned to Dortmund's backroom staff in 2018 when Favre was appointed and has spent the past two-and-a-half years working as the Swiss coach's right-hand man.

And given his close friendship with the man he is replacing on a temporary basis, the 38-year-old admitted it was not an easy choice to accept the job.

"The night was short. I had to think about it because I was part of the coaching team and had to take responsibility for what happened on Saturday," he said.

"I sat down with my family and thought about it. I came to the conclusion that I would accept the assignment.

"I'm only human and I have emotions. The defeat hurt and I've spent more time with Lucien in the last two and a half years than with my family.

"It's not nice to see the decision that was taken, but this is football. The players need to have faith and courage and remember we have done a lot of good things together."

Favre guided Dortmund to a second-placed finish in his first season, two points behind champions Bayern Munich, and could not bridge the gap in his second campaign in charge.

BVB started this season with six wins in their opening eight games, but they have lost three home league matches in a row and are six points adrift of leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Explaining his decision to part ways with Favre, who was due to be out of contract at the end of the season, chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said: "We sat down after the game and came to a unanimous decision.

"It was the performances that led us to the conclusion. We believe the team needs new input. We have to turn things around.

"I spoke to Lucien personally yesterday and thanked him. He performed very well at this club for over two years."

Asked if Terzic could land the job on a permanent basis, Watzke replied: "We made the contract run until the summer of 2021. We will have at least 26 games before then - hopefully more.

"The focus is on getting the team back on track. The summer is a long way away and at that point we will discuss everything."

When do the Champions League last 16 matches take place? Barcelona vs PSG, Leipzig vs Liverpool & more dates

Can't wait to watch Lionel Messi and Neymar face off in the next round of the Champions League? Check out the full list of last 16 fixtures & more

The 2020-21 Champions League round of 16 draw has been made, with some mouthwatering fixtures to look forward to as the next phase of the European competition begins.

With European heavyweights Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain pitted against each other and Liverpool clashing with plucky Leipzig, Goal has rounded up the dates of all the Champions League last 16 fixtures.

Games will take place over two matchdays, with the first leg played the week of February 16 and the return leg played the week of March 9.

Barcelona and PSG will first meet on February 16, 2021 at Camp Nou, with the return leg at the Parc des Princes played on March 10.

It is the standout tie of the round, with former team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar set to meet for the first time since the Brazilian's record-breaking €222m (£200m/$250m) move to PSG in 2017 (as long as he recovers from his injury in time).

You can see the full Champions League last 16 draw & fixtures below in full.

The home team in the first leg is listed first, with the return leg played at the stadium of the second team.

Barcelona and PSG last met in the Champions League in the 2016-17 season in what has become one of the most memorable European moments of all-time, with Barcelona staging a comeback after a four-goal deficit to win 6–5 on aggregate. It remains the largest comeback in Champions League history.

In the same week, RB Leipzig will host six-time European champions Liverpool on February 16 with the second leg played at Anfield on March 10.

Other highlights in the first stage of the knockout phase include Porto battling it out with Juventus on February 17 and March 9, and Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea on February 23 and March 17.

All matches will kick-off 8pm GMT (3pm ET).

The draw for the quarter-finals will be held on March 19, 2021, with the first legs played on April 6 and 7 and the second legs played on April 13 and 14.

Original author: Goal

Inter Miami under MLS investigation for Matuidi signing

The Burundian tactician reveals why the new signing made it to the squad for the league game despite not being eligible to play

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has put in the open the reason striker Said Ntibazonkiza was named in their travelling squad for their Mainland Premier League match against Mwadui FC on Saturday.

The Burundian striker signed for the Jangwani giants at the end of August and he was not eligible to play for the side until the mini-window opens on Wednesday.

However, despite the player being not eligible to play, he was part of the squad that travelled to Shinyanga for the match against Mwadui which Yanga won 5-0 at Kambarage Stadium,

Kaze, who is yet to lose a match since taking over the reins as the coach of the team, has now said he took the striker along to help him have a look at the conditions of the regional stadiums so he can plan on how to play in the venues when he gets started.

“I decided to travel with [Said] because I wanted him to know the environment of the stadiums in the regions, because when he practices with his teammates there is something he will be discovering what he should do in those stadiums,” Kaze said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“Most importantly I instructed him to carefully examine the environment of the stadiums using his experience as if he finds something it may be beneficial to me as a coach and the team as a whole because we still have many matches to play away from the City.”

The win against Mwadui enabled Yanga to maintain their top spot on the 18-team league table as winger Deus Kaseke scored the opener in the first-half before they turned the screw to score goals from Yacouba Songne (two), Tuisila Kisinda, and skipper Lamine Moro.

Kaze feels the team should take confidence from the result and keep winning their matches until the end of the season.

“The most important thing now is to make sure that the performance of the team is consistent and thereafter, goals will automatically come," he added.

“For today [Saturday], we are grateful to pocket three points courtesy of five goals we scored and I believe that individual confidence of players will improve.

“Another three points that we came for, and I am glad we have managed to get them. The players showed their quality and it is true scoring goals increases the confidence of the team and players, individually, and it will help us to confidently approach forthcoming matches.”

Yanga have now amassed 37 points from 15 matches while second-placed Simba SC, who beat Mbeya City 1-0 courtesy of John Bocco’s strike, have collected 29 points from 13 matches and Azam are third on 27 points from 14 outings.

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Mumbai City FC dominated from the onset but settled for a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC

Mumbai City had to settle for a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Jamshedpur in the Indian Super League 2020-21 clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday.

The Islanders dominated the proceedings right from the off but failed to convert their chances in front of goal. Jamshedpur, on the contrary, were happy to sit back and defend.

Mumbai head coach Sergio Lobera accepted the fact that his side failed to score as they came up against a really strong side.

"They played really well defensively. We create our chances but we couldn't score. Sometimes this happens. We need to improve and we need to manage the situation and the game better. We have our chances," Sergio Lobera said after the game. 

The Men of Steel were reduced to 10 men after Aitor Monroy was sent off for a challenge on Rowlin Borges. Mumbai City failed to make use of the advantage and Lobera thus believes his side dropped two points. 

"I feel we lost two points. Obviously, in a different situation, you feel a point is enough but today, I feel we lost two points."

Mumbai City remain top of the table with 13 points from six matches and up next for them is a game against Hyderabad on December 20. 

  

Original author: Goal

Man Utd stars join academy training after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's week off orders

Centre-back John Stones has impressed boss Pep Guardiola since his return to the Manchester City starting line-up.

Sergio Aguero has returned to training with Manchester City and is in contention for the Premier League game with West Brom.

City boss Pep Guardiola was unable to call upon Aguero at Manchester United at the weekend due to illness, but the striker has returned to training and could be involved against the Baggies on Tuesday.

"Today he has trained, the last two or three days he did not,” Guardiola said of Aguero. “After today's training, we will decide on Tuesday.

"Eric Garcia is still not fit, Oleksandr Zinchenko neither. The rest are okay."

Aguero has been hampered by injuries this season, restricting the club's all-time leading scorer to just five appearances in all competitions, and Guardiola said at the weekend that the player would return to the side " one step at a time. "

City will be expected to return to winning ways when they host West Brom regardless of Aguero's availability, having won 13 on the spin against their next opponents in the league.

Indeed, the visitors have never recorded a victory at the Etihad Stadium, their last away success over City coming at Maine Road back in February 2003.

Guardiola has praised John Stones for his impressive recent form and made it clear all members of his Manchester City squad must be ready to play when required.

Stones has started three Premier League games in a row alongside Ruben Dias in the heart of the City defence, all of which have resulted in clean sheets.

The England international has seized his chance since earning a recall - he played in the 3-1 win over Wolves to open the league campaign, but had not featured in the competition prior to starting the 5-0 victory over Burnley on November 28.

His form has seen him keep Aymeric Laporte out of the line-up, though Guardiola is not interested in any complaints about a lack of minutes from within his squad, considering the crowded schedule City face in the coming weeks during the festive period.

"It depends on the performance," the City boss said when asked about Stones' selection ahead of Laporte during his media conference on Monday.

"John is performing well, so that's why he's playing. But there are a lot of games and anything can happen.

"Everyone has to be ready, I've told them that many times. Don't complain much, because around the corner you have the chance. Maybe not, but you have to be ready."

City drew 0-0 at Manchester United on Saturday in an uneventful derby, making it the third successive game against their neighbours in which they have failed to score.

It was just the fifth goalless draw between the sides in 47 Premier League meetings, albeit three of those stalemates have come in the last 11 clashes.

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The Porcupine Warriors trainer sheds light on the October signing's possible first appearance for the club

Asante Kotoko coach Maxwell Konadu reveals new Brazilian signing Fabio Gama Dos Santos is edging close to his first appearance for the club.

Despite sealing a transfer to the Porcupine Warriors in October, the 28-year-old is yet to turn out for the Kumasi-based side in a game due to fitness concerns.

Before his Kotoko switch, he was inactive for seven months, having last played for Swedish second division fold Jonkoping Sodra, with whom he parted ways in March.

"He is now almost ready while we are working on his documentation, his fitness level is now good. I was impressed with the way he trained this week," Konadu said, as reported by Footballghana.

“So let's see the coming days, everything is ready and we will be introducing him very soon."

Gama, a former Brazil U17 and U20 star, is the third Brazilian to sign for Kotoko in the last 15 years following Gleisson de Souza Ferreira in 2005 and Hermes da Silva in 2013.

"I will train individually for now because I’m not 100 per cent fit yet but as soon as I get ready, then I will start training with the team,” Gama was quoted by 3 News as saying last month.

“I can play like 15, 20, 30 minutes in the meantime and hope to be fit to help my teammates get a great season.

"If I'm being frank, I want to be a champion here. I didn't come here just to play but to be a champion - to win the domestic league and the Caf Champions League with Asante Kotoko."

Gama's acquisition has, however, been criticised by many, including former players of the club. 

“Signing Fabio Gama is a waste of money. Kotoko’s recruitment is poor. They don’t give the player’s time to settle and grow. Sacking players every season is their major problem," former Kotoko midfielder Ashitey Ollenu told Energy FM.

Former Kotoko striker Amed Toure is also unhappy by the club's decision: "We will pray for him [Gama] because I have said that the Ghana Premier League is not easy. It’s a game of ‘men’. But it also depends on the condition under which he will play in Ghana,” the Ivorian told Energy FM.

“I have seen pictures of the pitch Berekum Chelsea and Kotoko played on. Do you think he can play on this kind of pitch? Or you take him to Dormaa, do you think he can play well over there? Are you sure he can play at Tarkwa? Sometimes these things matter.

''So for me, although Kotoko is my former team and it’s where I started my professional career, for me I think it is useless."

Gama has also featured for Swedish side Varnomo and Brazilian clubs Bahia, Botafago-SP, Botafago, Serrano-BA, Operario-MS, SE Gama, ABC, Itabaiana-SE and UR Trabalhadore.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Diallo offered Man Utd exit advice by Ivory Coast boss ahead of summer transfer deadline

The Brazil international left the field on a stretcher follow a tough challenge from Lyon's Thiago Mendes

Neymar’s father has launched a blistering attack on football’s top brass and referees following the foul that saw his son stretchered off for Paris Saint-Germain against Lyon.

In added time of PSG’s 1-0 loss to Lyon on Sunday, Neymar was the victim of a tough challenge from Thiago Mendes - who was sent off following a VAR review - and the Brazil international left the field on a stretcher.

Tests on Monday have suggested the ankle injury is not as bad as had been initially feared, but Neymar’s father believes the time has come for administrators and officials to protect players from violent challenges.

Taking to Instagram, Neymar Sr said:  “Damn… how much longer? We have spoken about this so much, we have so underlined the excess of violence. 

“Why not stop it at the beginning, with the first foul, why wait until the seventh, eighth, ninth foul? 

“We are not taking the necessary measures throughout the whole game, where Neymar suffered the usual rotation of fouls, and always violent ones. 

“This encourages these types of players and attitudes. If this sort of thing is allowed to continue, football will really lose a lot.

“FOR HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THE VICTIM BE THE ONE AT FAULT?”

Making it clear that Neymar Sr feels the buck stops with the referees, he said: “It is up to the person who controls the match, the person who has the opportunity to protect… ahh… 

“What can we do? I hope that God looks after you.”

PSG confirmed on Monday that Neymar had suffered a sprain as opposed to a fracture, but they did not specify the timeframe for the 28-year-old’s return to the field.

The loss on Sunday resulted in PSG slipping to third in Ligue 1, albeit only a point behind Lille and Lyon. 

PSG have three games, Lorient (December 16), Lille (December 20) and Strasbourg (December 23), before Ligue 1 takes a break for the Christmas and New Year period.

Given the pain Neymar appeared to be in when he left the field, it would be a surprise were he to return to action before PSG travel to Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 on January 6.


FutPost.com