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Kakamega Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti has conceded the team's plan was spoiled once KCB FC got their goal in the first half. 

Simon Abuko scored KCB’s opener in the 40th minute in the first half where they were clearly a dominant side as they were also flagged for offside on two occasions.  

The Bankers had to wait until the fourth minute of added time to get the second one. David Owino scored the winning goal that gave the home side another win in the campaign.  

The 44-year-old tactician believes his team had done well in maintaining their hosts until the time they got their goal.

"I appreciate KCB for their display against us," Muyoti told Goal.

"We had contained them well in the first half but they got their chance and used it. We were disappointed because our game plan was spoiled after they scored.  

"In the second half we tried to rectify things, it was much better but again they managed to get another goal in the latter stages of the game."

The former Kenya midfielder has now set his eyes on their next assignment hoping to make things right.

"It was a disappointing result from my boys, we will have to go to the drawing board once again to work and come up with tactics enabling us to win our next game."

The Bankers, the pre-season favourites, opened the campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win against Posta Rangers before they picked three points against Nairobi City Stars in an encounter that ended with a 1-0 result.

There was action on several pitches across the country on Sunday.

At Mumias Sports Complex, Vihiga United recorded their first season victory after beating Nzoia Sugar 2-1.

Norman Werunga scored the opening goal for the debutants in the second minute from the spot after Hilary Otieno had been fouled.

Gabriel Wandera equalised for the Sugar Millers in the 41st minute after Moses Mudavadi spotted him in a good goalscoring position with a neat pass.

Lesley Otieno restored the home side’s lead in the 46th minute and the goals were enough to condemn Nzoia Sugar to a second loss in the season.

The win for Vihiga United came before they face bigger tests ahead as Tusker, AFC Leopards and KCB are their three upcoming rivals respectively.

Finally, Wazito FC and Posta Rangers picked up a 0-0 draw at Utalii Ground in FKF Premier League action.

Manchester United lack “balance” in their side and “don’t look like they’re going to score goals”, says Paul Scholes.

The Red Devils opened the 2020-21 campaign with alarming leaks once again springing in their defensive unit.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has successfully sought to address those faults, with United conceding just four goals through their last five Premier League games.

They shut arch-rivals Manchester City out in their latest fixture, as a derby date at Old Trafford ended in a drab goalless draw, but firepower is now looking in short supply.

Solskjaer’s side created little when playing host to their neighbours on Saturday, with Scholes questioning a system that includes two holding midfield players.

For him, that approach reins in United’s attacking instincts, with it difficult for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to make an impact when they lack the required support and service.

Scholes told Premier League Productions: “You go right back to that Tottenham game where they had a massive shock conceding six goals, they had to change the way they were playing.

“They had to play the two holding midfielders to protect the centre-halves because they were giving chances away all the time.

“I thought [Raheem] Sterling was poor, I thought [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka did well against him.

“Defensively, Wan-Bissaka throws himself into challenges, [Victor] Lindelof was as good as he probably has been and [Harry] Maguire was good.

“They had that protection, but it takes away from the attacking side then because you can’t really think of any chances United created.

“It’s compromising everything, they cannot get the balance right in the team. If they play one holding midfielder they look like they’re going to score goals but look like they’ll concede as well.”

Scholes added: “They look much more solid with the two holding midfield players but then they don’t look like they’re going to score goals.”

United’s inconsistency this season has them sat eighth in the English top-flight table.

They are, however, only five points off the leaders and boast a game in hand on all of those above them after making a delayed start to their 2020-21 campaign.

A meeting with rock-bottom Sheffield United is next up for the Red Devils, with Solskjaer’s side set to put their impressive away record on the line at Bramall Lane on Thursday.

Harry Kane is the only Tottenham star that would get into Liverpool's team, according to Graeme Souness, who says Spurs are "still a long way off" the Reds.

Tottenham are sitting top of the table after the first 12 rounds of fixtures at the start of the season.

Jose Mourinho's side are unbeaten since losing their opening game against Everton in August, with seven wins and four draws recorded.

Spurs dropped points away at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, which gave Liverpool the chance to return to the summit by beating Fulham at Craven Cottage, but the reigning champions failed to seize their opportunity.

Jurgen Klopp's men were only able to match Tottenham's 1-1 draw, which means they are still trailing in second place on goal difference heading into a heavyweight midweek meeting.

Spurs will head to Anfield on Wednesday knowing they can lay down a marker of their title credentials by beating the Reds, but Souness still believes there is a clear gap in quality between the two sides.

The Liverpool legend has acknowledged the threat Kane will pose, but feels Tottenham are lagging behind his old club in terms of strength in depth - even as Klopp continues to deal with a defensive injury crisis.

“Liverpool are the real deal in every department and Spurs are still a long way off that," Souness told The Times.

“The only Spurs player who would get in Liverpool’s line-up is Kane, because Sadio Mane can do everything Son can, and will also go to war with you.

“I don’t see Liverpool getting mugged as easily as Arsenal did, though there is more chance of it happening without Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho, their best defensive midfielder, in the back four.”

The former Reds midfielder did, however, admit that Mourinho has had a huge impact at Spurs since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino in the managerial hot seat last year.

Souness is not a fan of the Portuguese tactician's preferred style of play, but can see him delivering silverware in north London if he is backed in the transfer market.

"Mourinho deserves credit for how he has set up Spurs," he added.

“He had a look at what he’s got and said, ‘this is the way to get the best out of these players and get results’.

“Whether he gets the backing long-term and enjoys a bit of luck in the transfer market to evolve, as he did at Chelsea, time will tell.

“The word is out now on how they will play in the big games, sitting in. It’s going to be a difficult watch, but it will be accepted by the fans in the short term if it brings success.

“Two League Cups in 29 years is not enough for a big club.”

Legendary Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung was awarded the GQ Men of the Year Award in the highest category - the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Lifetime Achievement Award.

Motaung was given the accolade on Saturday night in Sandton. He was not there to receive it himself but was represented by his son, Kaizer Motaung Jnr.

“I wish to accept this award on behalf of my father and mentor, Mr Kaizer Motaung Snr. I’d like to say thank you to GQ South Africa for recognising the original glamour boy. He is a true leader and innovator. He is a king amongst kings to us,” Motaung Jnr said, as quoted by the Kaizer Chiefs website.

Managing Director of Moet Hennessy for Africa and the Middle East, Pascal Asin, elaborated on why the Kaizer Chiefs chairman was honoured:

“This year, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege presented the Lifetime Achievement award to Kaizer Motaung. The award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to South African sport over the last 50 years and who continues to be dedicated to the progression of the industry.

"We are honoured to have been able to present this to Kaizer Motaung, an exceptional individual who continues to play a vital role in South African soccer.”

While Chiefs have struggled on the field in recent years, they remain South Africa's best supported and most popular club.

The 76-year-old Soweto-born Motaung began his own playing career with Orlando Pirates.

In 1968 he signed for Atlanta Chiefs in the United States and scored two goals on debut, against Manchester City in a friendly match.

On his return to South Africa in 1970, Motaung set up his own team, Kaizer Chiefs – the club is celebrating it’s 50th birthday this year.

While paying tribute to her father back in 2015, Motaung’s daughter Jessica previously elaborated on how his time in America influenced him.

“The States was a spiritual awaking for my father, attending Dr Martin Luther King’s church changed his life," she said.

“He too started having a dream fuelled by black consciousness, his love and passion for the game and yearning for his motherland South Africa. Deeply impressed with Atlanta Chiefs’ approach to the business of sport resonated well with my father and helped guide and grow his dream into a vision.”

Motaung was also instrumental, together with Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza, in formulating the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 1996.

The other winners from Saturday night's GQ function were:

1. Entertainer of the Year: Elsa Majimbo
2. Musician of the Year: Master KG
3. Humanitarian of the Year: Ladles of Love
4. Man of Today: Kabelo Mabalane
5. Man of Today: Peteni Kuzwayo
6. Editor’s Award: Dr Esther Mahlangu
7. Designer of the Year: Thebe Magugu
8. Woman of the Year: Bonang Matheba
9. Innovator of the Year: Ahren Posthumus
10. Activist of the Year: The ManKind Project

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has revealed the club will not rush to sign players during the mini-transfer window.

The Mainland Premier League mini-transfer window is set to open on December 16, Wednesday, and run to January 15, 2020.

With Yanga leading the 18-team table with an unbeaten run, the Burundian tactician has now said he will not move into panic buying during the window but will use the opportunity to sign players who will add some value with what they already have.

“If the opportunity [of signing players] will come, we will add some players but not for the sake of just signing but rather, we will be keen to see what extra skills he has to benefit the team,” Kaze said as quoted by Daily News.

The Burundian, who is yet to lose a match since joining the Jangwani giants as a replacement for fired Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic, has further said he will soon unveil a list of players who will be released to join other clubs on loan deals.

Yanga maintained their top spot at the 18-team league table after cruising past Mwadui FC 5-0 in a match played at CCM Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga on Saturday.

Winger Deus Kaseke scored the opener for Yanga in the first-half before they turned on the screw to score goals from Yacouba Songne (2), Tuisila Kisinda, and skipper Lamine Moro.

Kaze now feels the team should build their 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.

“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.

We at Goal.com have teamed up with the gaming series FIFA 21 to identify the top 11 players existing in the game today.

Join us in the poll sponsored by FIFA 21 and vote for your favorite right winger (off the five below) but before that here is a quick snippet on the players:

Lionel Messi: His name means a lot to football fans. Considered by many as the GOAT. Always ready to make the difference, whatever are the circumstances. Overal FIFA 21 Rating: 93

Mohamed Salah: Won the Premier League trophy. His season was outstanding and he is now considered as one of the best players in the world. Overal FIFA 21 Rating: 90

Riyad Mahrez: Riyad is again considered as one of the greatest players in England, especially after his move to Manchester City. Very talented, and with Guardiola, he is getting even better. Overal FIFA 20 Rating: 85

Serge Gnabry: The variety in his attack is frightening and compliments the likes of Lewandowski and Müller exceptionally, which in turn allows Hansi Flick’s team to play an attacking and fluid brand of football.. Overal FIFA 21 Rating: 85

Jadon Sancho: A winger has to possess many attributes to be considered as one of the best in the world. He has to be creative, to have a very good output to be able to create space by his movement, whether it is by his ball-carrying ability from deep or by his ability to run into depth beyond the defensive line. And Sancho is already close to it, hence why he is so effective. Overal FIFA 21 Rating: 87

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba says he is not focused on rivals KCCA FC who have made a good start in the league and his main objective is to help his team perform well in the league.

While the Kasasiro Boys have started the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) campaign on a high winning their opening three games, the reigning champions started with a 1-1 draw with Wakiso Giants. 

Disan Galiwango delivered a corner in the seventh minute which was met superbly by Muhammad Shaban's header for the opener.  

The teams headed into the half-time break with Vipers leading by a solitary goal, but it was the home team who looked more threatening on resumption as they sought to draw level. 

Their relentless efforts were rewarded in the 65th minute when Viane Sekajugo scored to make the score 1-1. 

"It is a bad start, but we can build on that, the league has just started but we need to start winning games and chasing the title," Kajoba stated after the draw.

"We are not focussing on KCCA FC or any team that has won three games, we need to collect as many points as we can and that means we have to win every game.  

"The objective is to win all your games. If you win, you give yourself a very good chance but if you do not, then you put yourself in a difficult position."  

The tactician also praised Muhammad Shaban who made a return to the team with a goal. The forward has been out for more than a year owing to a knee injury.

"Shaban is a striker of genuine quality," Kajoba continued.

"We all know how dangerous he is, he can score goals and will be important for us."

Kajoba did not have kind words for the opponent's pitch which he believes played a role in their draw. 

"You cannot come from a surface like the one we have at Kitende and then expect to play well at such a field. When we first came in, I looked at how drenched it was and knew we were going to struggle to impose ourselves in the game. I think the field was a hazard to us. 

"But we also have to learn how to take chances because if Orit had put away the chances he had, we should have been 3-0 up by the time they levelled."  

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has paid a moving tribute to late defender Motjeka Madisha, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Sunday morning.

Madisha was only 25-years-old and had been a mainstay in the centre of the Sundowns defence while he was also in the process of becoming a regular for the national team, Bafana Bafana.

At his time of passing, he had 12 senior caps to his credit and had played 123 matches for Masandawana after joining them from Highlands Park in 2016.

Following the player's untimely death on Sunday, Mokwena penned an emotional farewell letter to Madisha on Twitter , in which he revealed the close relationship they had enjoyed.  

"In this life, I can say I was truly loved," Mokwena wrote. "I don’t know if I could ever love you the way you loved me...you called me daddy and even after the doctors banned hugs and handshakes at work, you refused my fist and demanded a hug. We spoke just yesterday when you checked up on me...

"You did that without fail... I was your biggest critic but also one of your biggest believers. I write this with tears in my eyes, head pounding because I’m in so much pain, my entire body feels like it’s carrying pieces of my broken heart with a piece of me torn abruptly out of my ribs. You were my son. My Ace. My Madisha. Rest In Peace my boy, daddy will always love you."

Sadly, Madisha has joined an ever-increasing list of Premier Soccer League (PSL) stars whose lives have been cut short by motor vehicle accidents over the past couple of decades.

At the time of his passing, Sundowns and the South African soccer fraternity were still reeling from the death of another former Bafana Bafana defender, Anele Ngcongca, who died in a car accident in KwaZulu-Natal on November 23. Ngcongca was 33-years old at the time of his passing.

Another former Sundowns star to die in this tragic manner was Gift Leremi, who like Madisha had a very bright future ahead of him. Leremi was only 22-years-old when he passed away in 2007.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa has now revealed the decision to remove ‘rebel’ clubs Mathare United and Zoo FC from the Premier League is final and a closed chapter.

Speaking to Goal on Monday, the FKF boss has further explained the federation will not replace the two teams, who were suspended after failing to endorse the broadcast deal involving FKF partners StarTimes, and that the league for the 2020-21 season will now have 16 teams.

“It is a closed chapter for Mathare United and Zoo,” Mwendwa told Goal on Monday. “We gave the two teams 48 hours to sign the deal and it elapsed last Friday with none of them endorsing the same, and the National Executive Committee (NEC) has passed to remove them from the league and that is final."

In this case, FKF suspended the two teams, and after the ban, they were removed from the fixtures, we now wait for the AGM congress to come and ratify the decision, but for now, the two clubs are removed, because the National Executive Committee (NEC) have powers to remove any club as they wait for the Special Congress to decide and that is what we have done, so we are waiting for the AGM in February.

“But for now the two clubs have already been removed and that is the end of the teams in the Kenyan top-flight, we will not rescind the decision, it is final and nothing will change.”

Mwendwa continued: “For now we have closed the chapter, we will have 16 teams, and they will not be replaced, and for the players, we have opened a 14-day transfer window so that they can secure other clubs to play for, the window opened on Friday at 5 pm and will run for the next 14 days.”

Asked what will happen if the clubs change their tough stand and endorse the deal now, Mwendwa said: “We gave the clubs a Friday deadline [of 48 hours] and it has already passed, what happens if the deadline has passed? We now have 16 teams and that is what we will have for the 2020-21 season.”

Mathare and Zoo had been given a 48-hour ultimatum to sign the deal but upon the period elapsing on Friday, FKF cited its constitution and an accompanying NEC decision that sealed the fate of the two sides.

Despite the decision being passed on Saturday, the two clubs are yet to communicate their next course of action.

Former Japan international and Vissel Kobe defender Gotoku Sakai has expressed his satisfaction at the kind of treatment he received during the 2020 AFC Champions League East Zone tournament held in Qatar.

The West Zone finals, also held in Qatar in September, was also organised under the supervision of a team of experts from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, LOC’s Health and Safety department and the AFC. 

Sakai was interacting with the press after the East Zone final on Sunday where Vissel Kobe were beaten 2-1 by Ulsan Hyundai. Sakai, who had tested positive for Covid-19 in March, shared his experience as a telling attribute to the efforts put in to fight the virus. 

"We knew before we came here about the situation (bio-bubble) – that we would not be able to go out and that it was very important to stay in the hotel as per the rules and sometimes even be restricted to the room. The situation (being in the bio-bubble) was even helpful in that we were able to focus completely on the game and not be bothered about other things," he was quoted ahead of their tie against Ulsan.

"Everything was good in the hotel including the food. We were also served a lot of Japanese items. I am happy with the stay. That is the reason why we got good results," added the former VFB Stuggart and Hamburg player.

Ulsan Hyundai coach Kim Do-hoon also echoed Sakai's sentiments with regard to the Covid safety protocols put in place at the competition.

"We were tested for Coronavirus every time we played a game on the previous day – this made us feel safe and I thank the LOC and the AFC. The bubble system was implemented right through and we could not meet anyone from outside. Good quarantine infrastructure was also provided [for the three players who had joined the squad in Qatar after the national team friendlies in Austria where there was a COVID outbreak among six players]," informed the 50-year-old.

Ulsan are now set to face Perspolis in the AFC Champions League final on Saturday at the Al Janoub stadium in Doha. 

There were neither vociferous reactions nor thunderous applause from the stands but Bengaluru FC showed Kerala Blasters FC how to win the big games once again on Sunday. 

The 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) fixture between the two teams whose fan clubs have been at war on social media in the last few years delivered its promise to be an entertaining affair. 

Going into the game, the Blues had just one win to their name but were unbeaten after four rounds. Blasters, on the other hand, were winless. At the end of the day, however, the game turned out to be a lesson handed to Blasters by the winning team on how to take chances when they present themselves. 

Kibu Vicuna's attack had been struggling and the former Mohun Bagan head coach responded to Gary Hooper's sub-par displays by giving him additional support upfront. Jordan Murray partnered the former Celtic striker in an unconventional and certainly unusual 4-4-2 for the team. Rahul KP and Facundo Pereyra flanked the two strikers and in the absence of the injured Sergio Cidoncha and unfit Sahal Abdul Samad. Vicente Gomez and Jeakson Singh guarded the midfield. 

The first few minutes were okay and Blasters were doing a good job of keeping the game alive. In the 17th minute, the Blues committed too many players forward for a corner and were hammered on a lightning-quick counter-attack. It was initiated by Hooper who dribbled almost the length of the pitch from his own box before releasing Rahul into the box. The Malayali winger finished the move in style and gave Blasters the lead. 

Everything looked rosy for a little over 10 minutes before disaster struck. Costa Nhamoinesu's red card suspension meant Vicuna had to make a decision as to who would partner Bakary Kone at centre-back. He had Abdul Hakku, who is a natural centre-back but he chose Lalruatthara, who has shone as a full-back but knows the centre-back role too. The move backfired. 

Ruatthara, in just his 14th start since the glittering 2017-18 season in which he won the ISL Emerging Player of the Year award, made a mess of a straightforward clearance and allowed Cleiton Silva to snatch the ball and hit the net. 

The Blues kept pushing forward after the restart and took their chances efficiently. There was no one to track Ashique Kuruniyan as he received the ball on the left and drilled a low cross into the centre of the box which was guided into the net by Kristian Opseth. Minutes later, Albino Gomes' poor backpass was received by Ruatthara who was dispossessed by Cleiton Silva again. Silva squared it to Opseth and he left it for Dimas Delgado who caressed the ball into the net with a good finish. 

Blasters pulled one back when Vicente Gomez's flick found its way past Gurpreet after Murray interfered with the play as the ball travelled across the goal. The goal wasn't disallowed although the striker was offside - even that couldn't inspire a Blasters comeback. 

Sunil Chhetri had attempted a panenka penalty and failed in the second half after Kone fouled Opseth inside the box. However, he made amends by easily getting the better of right-back Prasanth inside the box as he headed in a cross from Khabra.

The story was over before the full-time whistle was blown.  It was anticlimactic in a way after the build-up ahead of the fixture. In the end, Bengaluru made it five wins in seven games against Blasters and reiterated who's the boss in the south. 

After getting off to a winning start in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL), Chennaiyin have since struggled to pick up points. 

They are now without a win in four matches and the team hasn't clicked in the final third. In their last four games, Csaba Laszlo's team has only scored one goal despite creating chances. 

Sunday's game against NorthEast United was a good fixture to turn things around, especially because NorthEast had let in first-half goals in three of their previous five fixtures. But things didn't go according to plan. 

The game had six shots on target overall and four were from Chennaiyin. While that usually indicates that the contest was somewhat entertaining, don't let the numbers fool you. It was a boring and scrappy affair that neither team wanted to lose. 

The ball was largely stuck in the midfield where Khassa Camara and Lalengmawia played around with their feet and Deepak Tangri and Germanpreet Singh ran around the pitch trying to stop them from spraying those passes around. The end result wasn't a sight to behold. 

While NorthEast continued to be solid and organized at the back, Chennaiyin did create chances to score. However, the Machans were incredibly wasteful in front of goal, which meant the game continued to be goalless till the full-time whistle was blown. 

Lallianzuala Chhangte, famous for his speed and quick feet from the flanks and infamous for his poor finishing, exhibited both sides of his game. He had arguably the best chance of the game in the second half when Gurmeet Singh parried Jakub Sylvester's effort straight into his path inside the box. Facing an empty net, the former Delhi Dynamos winger sent the ball into the stands, proving the point about a lack of composure once he gets into dangerous areas. 

Chennaiyin missed the presence of Rafa Crivellaro, who was rested for the game, and Anirudh Thapa, who wasn't fit to start and ended up playing the last 15 minutes. Those two players would have ensured a quicker start for Chennaiyin and a better foundation in the final third. Even though the team didn't struggle to create chances, there was a distinct lack of quality in the final third that needs to be addressed. 

Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona if he does not accept a pay cut, according to presential candidate Emili Rousaud.

Messi's future remains an important topic at embattled La Liga giants Barca after the superstar captain handed in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 campaign.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was tipped to join Premier League powerhouse Manchester City before opting to remain in Spain, though he has since been linked to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.

Rousaud, who is in the running for the presidential election which takes place on January 24 following Josep Maria Bartomeu's resignation in October, discussed Messi's future amid the coronavirus pandemic

"We'll have to sit down with Messi and ask him to make a salary cut," Rousaud told ARA.

"Right now, with things as they are, it's unsustainable.

"We'll ask him to make the sacrifice. If there's no agreement, then Messi will leave."

Rousaud added: "Messi has written the most brilliant pages in the club's history. We have to honour our legends, but the reality is what it is.

"I believe that things have to be said as they are. We can't fool our members. We'll make every effort to ensure he stays, but always with the interests of the club first."

Messi scored as Ronald Koeman's Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Levante in La Liga on Sunday.

After losses to Juventus in the Champions League and Cadiz in La Liga, Barca bounced back courtesy of Messi's 76th-minute winner to move within nine points of competition leaders Real Sociedad but with two games in hand.

Barca will a chance to close the gap on Real Sociedad when the two teams meet in the league at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.

Messi has been involved in 37 goals in his La Liga career against Levante (22 goals and 15 assists), more than against any other team in the competition.

The 33-year-old has scored 449 goals in La Liga and he is just one shy of becoming the first player to reach 450 with just one club in the top five European leagues.

Thomas Tuchel is awaiting the results of a scan on Monday after Neymar was carried off on a stretcher at the end of Paris Saint-Germain's loss to Lyon.

Neymar appeared to suffer a serious injury , amid reports of a broken ankle, following a challenge from Thiago Mendes late in Sunday's surprise 1-0 Ligue 1 defeat at home to Lyon .

PSG star Neymar was in tears as he left the field on a stretcher in stoppage time, with Mendes sent off after a VAR review in the French capital.

Asked about Neymar post-game, PSG head coach Tuchel told Telefoot: "No news, he's with the doctors and we have to wait for the exams tomorrow."

Neymar's injury compounded PSG's woes as the French champions slumped to their fourth Ligue 1 defeat of the season and a first home loss to rivals Lyon in the league since 2007 – the visitors snapping a 12-match winless streak.

Tino Kadewere scored the only goal at Parc des Princes, putting Lyon ahead after Karl Toko Ekambi pounced on Presnel Kimpembe's error.

PSG have now lost four of their first 14 Ligue 1 games this season, their worst tally of defeats at this stage since 2009-10, when the club finished 13th.

The result left PSG third in the standings, a point behind leaders Lille and Lyon through 14 games as pressure mounts on Tuchel.

"It's very clear we weren't ready to play a competitive match. We made easy mistakes in dangerous situations," said Tuchel, whose side mustered just seven attempts.

"We didn't play in a disciplined way, we didn't follow the plan. We saw a very mentally tired team after Manchester United, Montpellier and [Istanbul] Basaksehir. It's not a good game in general, I saw a game with a very low level."

Tuchel added: "It doesn't change anything, you can never control the result but this performance is not enough. It's our fault. If we give gifts like that, it means that it's not serious enough because we have the qualities to win every match.

"We're going to push again. We made some steps forward, but today is a big step back."

Moussa Marega found the net as FC Porto silenced Tondela 2-1 in Sunday’s Portuguese Cup encounter.

First-half strike by the Malian and Mehdi Taremi were all Sergio Conceicao’s men needed to qualify for the tournament’s Round of 16.

Unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, Porto came into the clash on the back of their 2-0 away victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, while Tondela were aiming to end their losing streak following defeats in their last two outings.

The Gold and Greens recorded the first shot on target at the Estadio do Dragao, however, it was the hosts who took the lead in the fourth minute through Taremi.

Standing in the penalty area, the Iran international received a low pass from Tecatito Corona before firing past a helpless goalkeeper Pedro Trigueira.

In the 20th minute, however, the visitors levelled matter through Joao Mendes before Marega restored the lead for Conceicao’s team four minutes later after combining well with Brazilian midfielder Otavio.

Thanks to that strike, the 29-year-old African has now overtaken Radamel Falcao on Porto’s all-time topscorer’s list with 41 goals.

Three minutes into the second-half, Nigeria international Sanusi Zaidu sent a low cross to a goal-bound Marega, but his shot was saved by Trigueira.

With no goals scored for the remaining minutes of the tie, Tondela were sent packing from the tournament.

DR Congo Chancel Mbemba was in action from start to finish for Porto, while Super Eagles’ Zaidu was replaced by Luis Diaz in the 52nd minute. Marega came off for Martinez Toni with nine minutes left to play. Whereas, Senegal duo of Mamadou Loum and Mouhamed Mbaye plus Guinea Bissau's Nanu were not listed for action.

For the visiting side, Algeria’s duo of Naoufel Khacef and Abdel Medioub, Mauritania’s Souleymane Anne and Guinea Bissau’s Joao Jaquite played a role, but Cape Verde’s Telmo Arcanjo and Senegal’s Babacar Niasse were not dressed for action.

Next up for the Dragons is Wednesday's Portuguese League Cup encounter versus Pacos de Ferreira. Four days later, they lock horns with Nacional in a Primeira Liga clash. On the log, the 29-time Portuguese kings are third in the log having garnered 19 points from nine encounters.

Ronald Koeman felt his Barcelona side showed fighting spirit to get their Liga campaign back on track with a 1-0 victory against Levante.

Barca looked set for another sapping result in a dreadful week, after a 3-0 Champions League loss at home to Juventus followed a 2-1 Liga setback against Cadiz.

But a familiar hero stepped forward on Sunday, with Lionel Messi dispatching Frenkie De Jong's throughball 14 minutes from time.

Messi has been involved in 37 goals in his La Liga career against Levante (22 goals and 15 assists), more than against any other team in the competition.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 449 goals in La Liga and he is just one shy of becoming the first player to reach 450 with just one club in the top five European leagues.

"It's true it was a very complicated game today. We created a lot of chances and we did improve as the game went on," Koeman told LaLiga TV after Barca cut the gap between themselves, and Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid at the summit to nine points.

"We were better in the second half because we pushed higher up the pitch and won a lot of balls back. We still created as well.

"But we still struggled to take the lead. I think it's a deserved victory and very hard-earned victory as well."

Levante gave a shaky Barcelona defence plenty to think about during the first half, with Jorge de Frutos and Dani Gomez each spurning good chances,

"We weren't expecting a game where they pressed us as much as they did but we knew that could happen, especially with so many balls being played around the midfield area," Koeman said.

"There were moments where we played well but we do have to admit that they had two very clear chances in the first half.

"During the game we did change our formation and pushed a little bit higher and I think we were better in the second 45."

The former Netherlands coach has been criticised by some sections of the Barcelona fanbase and media for the perceived conservatism of his 4-2-3-1 setup.

Throwing on an extra centre-back in Samuel Umtiti in place of Antoine Griezmann for the closing minutes invited further mirth from his detractors but Koeman felt the ends justified the means.

"If there's little bit left in the game and the opponent is throwing players forward, it's better to shore up the defence, particularly from set plays," he added, with a crunch midweek clash versus Sociedad at Camp Nou next on the agenda.

"It was very important for us to win. We had to win and hopefully this helps us with our confidence."

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney says the team deserved to be booed by their own supporters after crashing to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium in a 1-0 loss against Burnley on Sunday.

In the first match Gunners fans could attend at their home venue since March following the Covid-19 pandemic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 73rd minute own goal condemned their home side to defeat - with the red card earned by former skipper Granit Xhaka making their task harder 15 minutes earlier.

Audible noises of discontent could be heard from the Arsenal fans following the final whistle, with the result leaving them in 15th position on the Premier League with only four wins from 12 matches.

"[The boos] was deserved," Tierney told Sky Sports after the match.

"They are coming out here and supporting us."

Arsenal dominated for much of the match until Xhaka was shown his marching orders for grabbing at the throat of Ashley Westwood, but failed to make the most of their possession and chances in front of goal.

Tierney refused to blame Xhaka's red card for costing Arsenal the game, but admitted their quest for three points became much harder after the Swiss midfielder's brain fade.

He also pointedly said the club was still behind under-fire coach Mikel Arteta and called on the team to lift in coming matches.

"It is hard to say the red card cost us the game. It was always going to be a lot tougher," Tierney said.

"We are not showing the manager what we can do and how much we believe in him.

"Every game there are signs we are doing a bit better but it is still not good enough. At half time we need to be going in in the lead but we are not doing that.

"Hard work is the only thing [that can fix this], nothing else for it. There are no excuses. There is nothing I can say that will make people believe a positive thing is going to come out of this.

"We are lucky we have a great manager. We just need to show better on the pitch."

Arsenal's next match comes against Southampton at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will continue to ease Sergio Aguero back into first-team contention despite missing his star striker in a dour Manchester derby draw with United at the weekend. 

The Argentine returned to Guardiola's team midweek off the bench against Marseille after a prolonged spell out due to injury. 

But the manager was unable to call on Aguero's services against United after he suffered a bout on gastroenteritis. 

City struggled in front of goal in his absence, mustering just two shots on target as Saturday's clash at Old Trafford ended in a 0-0 stalemate. 

But Pep used the example of Nathan Ake to show why Aguero would not be rushed back before he is 100 per cent ready.

"With Sergio it is one step at a time," he explained to reporters. "He made one training session, he was four months out and there are players who, for them, not to be in the squad would not be fair to them.

"That is why sometimes I have to handle the balance of the team. For me it is so tough, to drop Nathan Ake after he was exceptional against Marseille.

"He could not be selected today because there is this rule that there cannot be 19 or 20 players when all the players are available for the squad, some are at home.

"Hopefully Sergio will be back, make more training sessions and as many minutes as possible to come back as soon as possible."

Another player looking to win his way back into Pep's first-team plans is Aymeric Laporte, but he may have to wait his turn after John Stones and Ruben Dias consolidated themselves in the middle of defence during the centre-back's injury absence.

"He deserves to be in the team but John Stones and Ruben also deserve to be in the team," Guardiola said of Laporte.

"They played incredibly well in the last games and didn't make one single mistake.

"Aymeric played so well against Marseille and that is the point - team selection. Nathan Ake played extraordinarily well against Marseille but I have to make a selection. They didn't make mistakes.

"What they have to do is work harder, better and the moment will come, and when the moment comes have a good performance.

"Every player in every squad has incredible skills, like United, Spurs and Liverpool. But it is about how you perform right now. Right now. John and Ruben performed brilliantly, so they play."

City are back in action on Tuesday, when they host West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad Stadium. 

Pep's charges currently sit in ninth place in the Premier League, six points behind joint leaders Tottenham and Liverpool having played one game fewer.