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Maurizio Sarri praised the "incredible" Cristiano Ronaldo after the star's pair of penalties helped Juventus draw 2-2 with Atalanta.

Ronaldo converted two spot-kicks in Turin on Saturday as Juve took another step towards the Serie A title.

The Portugal international cancelled out Duvan Zapata's opener before securing a point in the 90th minute after Ruslan Malinovskiy had restored Atalanta's lead.

Sarri, whose side are eight points clear at the top with six games to play, hailed Ronaldo's ability to handle the pressure.

"He is a champion with his feet but also with his head," Sarri told a news conference.

"He manages to handle the pressures he has on him in an incredible way."

Juventus were coming off a 4-2 loss to AC Milan on Tuesday, and maintained a nine-point lead over third-placed Atalanta.

Sarri felt Juventus deserved their point, with their busy run of fixtures continuing against Sassuolo on Wednesday.

"Tonight's point was sweaty and deserved. We drew against one of the best teams in Europe, and it's a very important result," he said.

"Merit goes to a second half of quality, in which we attacked Atalanta higher, while focusing on their physical decline, and we scored goals in our best moment.

"The game in Milan, in which we played well for a long time, could have left us with waste. In the first half we suffered, but in the second half we came out well.

"The Scudetto race is by no means closed, there are still 18 points available. It is a very difficult phase of the season, the games are very expensive, and it is difficult to find continuity."

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, meanwhile, believed his side were worthy of picking up all three points. 

"I'm definitely more proud. We played great in the first half and in the second half there was a comeback by Juve," he told a news conference.

"But with our play, we managed to take the lead and play a great game anyway. Of course, we are also upset because we deserved to win. But, in football, your performance is not always enough."

In spite of not being one of the traditional hotbeds of Indian football, Jharkhand has been slowly and steadily building a football culture. The Jharkhand Football Association (JFA) is ticking all the right boxes to spread the sport in every nook and corner of the state. 

They have been aggressively promoting women's football for the past four-five years. And in 2019 they even reaped rewards in the Sub-Junior and Junior Girls National Football Championship bagging gold and silver respectively in the two competitions. The national selectors have also taken cognizance of their hard work and have summoned eight girls to the India U17 women's camp that is set to start from July 20 in Goa. 

Under the stewardship of JFA secretary Ghulam Rabbani, the state association has been undertaking ambitious scouting programmes in 10-12 districts of Jharkhand. Suryaman Pradhan and Asish Bose lead these scouting missions. Apart from scouring the urban centres like Bokaro, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, the two men also travel to tribal-dominated areas like Gulma, Ramgarh, and Koderma to spot the hidden gems. 

"Gulma is a very productive district. The girls from Gulma are the brightest. We go to around 11-12 districts and try to bring out the best talents from there. At first, we don't tell them anything. We just watch them play. If we like someone we approach their parents so that they can be trained further," narrated Pradhan to Goal. 

Most of these girls hail from tribal areas and financially weak backgrounds, where education, diet and training are still a distant dream. The selected girls are often admitted to a residential missionary school where they are nourished, educated and trained to take the next step in football.  

"The girls train for almost two years in these schools. The school coaches work on their basics and after that, they are sent to various football academies that are there in the state. The best ones are given a chance in SAI (Sports Authority of India) Ranchi complex. But all of them cannot be placed and this is a cause of concern. So many of them stay back at home. When they are at home they work in the fields and even involve themselves in ploughing and cattle grazing. Although they train twice a day, one must admit that the development is hindered. But we remain in constant touch with all players and check on their progress," said Pradhan, who is himself a D-license holder. 

The rigours of agriculture have made them physically strong while being exposed to poverty and hardships have fortified them mentally. Football for these girls is an easy way to change their lives for the better and to ensure that their families are fed two square meals a day. 

"One of the girls came to us and at that time she had never participated in a competition  But after watching her play, I immediately told the headmaster and Rabbani Sir to apply for her passport. She is now with the India U17 team. So, you see that football is being perceived as a game-changer in their lives. More importantly, they are obedient and will practice for hours without even complaining. 30 round ground ke marne ko bolenge toh bhi maaregi. (Will run for 30 rounds around the ground without complaining). Bhookh hai seekhne ka (They are hungry to learn)."

Bose, who is a shadow partner of Pradhan, feels that the girls could be more benefitted if they could hold the state camp for a few more months rather than the customary one month camp before the national championship.

"If we had got some sponsors then we would have conducted the camp for three-four months. Now it is done for 25 days. Sometimes we get only 15 days." 

But the issue can be resolved in the near future as Jharkhand has been granted a 'special-state' status by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after the phenomenal success of the U14 and U17 district tournaments. These tournaments also allow the coaches to provide the girls with compeitive matches which they deem paramount to their development. 

"The AIFF has come forward to help us. The 'Special State' status should be a major boost to our ambitions. We are striving to push the girls of our state to a better future. We hope that a national level training camp will be held in Jharkhand in the coming months," informed Rabbani, who is also in touch with the Jharkhand government to ensure that a certain per cent of the jobs is reserved for the girls who bring glory to the state by playing football. 

Jharkhand scored 24 goals in two matches of the group stage of the sub-junior championship. Nitu Linda, a cadet groomed by Pradhan and Bose, struck 13 times in the tournament. But the duo is not willing to rest on their laurels. At 57, Pradhan feels that his journey has just started and he is ready to scale any heights to help the girls of his state have a brighter future. 

"Trophy ke peeche nehi bhaagte hai hum. Ladikyo ko India k liye kaabil banana hai. (I don't run after trophies. But the girls should be capable of representing India)," asserts Pradhan whose personal journey as a player stopped leagues before donning the famed blue jersey of the national team. 

Kerala Blasters' all-time top scorer and former PSG striker Bartholomew Ogbeche is the latest name in the list of players who could soon be part of the City Football Group-owned Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC.

Blasters and Mumbai City are close to finalizing a deal and if things go as planned, it will be another good move pulled off by the Islanders since the conclusion of the 2019-20 season of ISL. 

The Indian football fraternity was curious and excited when the ISL took it upon themselves to announce the arrival of CFG to India. The owners of clubs such as Manchester City, Melbourne City and Girona officially took a majority stake in Mumbai City in November 2019. 

It was important for the new owners to watch Indian football closely both before and after taking over and that's exactly what they did. The group seems to have done plenty of work behind the scenes and come up with a solid plan for their first full season in charge. And they are making their presence felt in their first summer transfer window. 

Having missed out on a playoff spot last season, changes were bound to be made. They have roped in Sergio Lobera, the master tactician behind the attractive football that FC Goa showcased in the last three seasons. It is a definitive indication of the direction that the club wants to take. 

With a deal for Ogbeche more or less wrapped up, the Nigerian is set to join the likes of former FC Goa stalwarts Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai in donning the blue kit next season. It is very clear that Mumbai City's squad will be restructured to fit the philosophy of their Spanish head coach. In doing so, the aggressive and professional workflow of the new-look Islanders will help the team put out a strong squad capable of challenging for the title.

Ogbeche, a former wonderkid, has had a phenomenal impact in the ISL although he is 35 years old. Fans can expect more such good moves from their favourite club in the coming days - they are globally known for trying to make a mark with their investment both on and off the field and raise the profile of the club.

Ogbeche is a player who offers a lot to any attack. He gets involved in the build-up play heavily and brings his teammates into play. He scores goals from outside the box with a lethal right foot and also takes up intelligent positions inside the box. It is a trait Sergio Lobera loves in his strikers, as evidenced by how Ferran Corominas has been a success under him at FC Goa.

The move is also mutually beneficial. Ogbeche has pumped in goals galore despite playing for two teams who have struggled to offer him quality service from the wings in the ISL. However, he can expect that to change for the better at Mumbai City with the squad Lobera is assembling and the style his teams play.

It will be interesting to see how the Mumbai City squad shapes up in the coming weeks. 

Somebody other than three-time champions ATK, two-time champions Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC needs to go all out for the ISL trophy for the league to not be termed as a three-horse race.

And going by what is known about Mumbai City's involvement in the transfer market, it is safe to say that they are off to a good start. 

Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as Manchester City ran riot in a 5-0 away victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

England international Sterling made it six goals in five games, moving on to 27 strikes in all competitions – his best scoring tally in a single season.

His opener and a goal from Gabriel Jesus, who ended Saturday's match with two assists, ensured City were in complete control by half-time after making six changes to their starting XI.

Sterling netted again and Bernardo Silva scored before the hour mark as Brighton, who remain eight points clear of the bottom three, had no answer.

Nine minutes before the end, a determined Sterling grabbed his third in unusual circumstances.

Jesus and Eric Garcia had already missed early chances by the time Sterling put the visitors in front after 21 minutes.

He cut inside from the left and impressively found the far corner from 20 yards after collecting Jesus' headed lay-off.

Jesus had a shot deflected onto the crossbar by Brighton defender Lewis Dunk and also showed some great footwork to create a chance which Riyad Mahrez narrowly fired wide.

But City were not to be denied, Jesus tapping in from under the crossbar after Rodri had helped on a Kevin De Bruyne corner a minute before the break.

De Bruyne cannoned a free-kick off the post shortly after the restart and City soon got their third after 53 minutes when Sterling headed in Mahrez’s in-swinging free-kick from inside the six-yard box.

It was four in the visitors' next attack when Mat Ryan could not hold Bernardo Silva's deflected effort and Jesus kept the ball alive to allow the Portugal international to convert a simple follow-up.

Sterling's hat-trick goal saw him force his way past Dunk and Adam Webster before somehow creeping a header between Ryan's legs while he fell to the ground, with a scrambling Dan Burn then helping it over the line.
 

What does it mean? City emphatically end away-day blues

City had lost their last three Premier League away games, while they had scored just three times in their last six top-flight matches on their travels, despite an expected goals figure of 13.

They had no issues bringing those poor runs to a welcome end with a victory that confirms a Champions League spot and all but secures second place in the Premier League after Chelsea's defeat against Sheffield United.

Jesus impresses with Aguero out

Brazil international Jesus scored his first goal since lockdown against Newcastle United last time out and, apart from the superb Sterling, was excellent as City's other standout in this game.

He scored one and assisted two as well as being a constant threat in a lively 63-minute outing. He now has 20 goals and 10 assists in a season where he has become even more important with Sergio Aguero out injured.

Brighton backline a concern

Convincing home defeats against Manchester United, Liverpool and now City mean Brighton, who did not register a shot on target, are not yet mathematically safe.

Facing Pep Guardiola's side is a formidable task at the best of times, but their defending did themselves no favours here, with City players constantly finding themselves unmarked close to goal.

Key Opta Facts: Sterling in elite company

- City have won their last two Premier League games by 5+ goals, the first time this has happened since City themselves did so in three consecutive matches in September 2017.
- Since the 2015-16 season when he joined City, only Harry Kane (9) and Aguero (7) have scored more Premier League hat-tricks than Sterling (4).
- Jesus has scored in 32 Premier League games for Man City – they have won 31 of those games and drew the other. City have now won their last 29 Premier League games when Jesus has scored.
- Brighton have lost all six of their Premier League matches against Man City, scoring just two goals and shipping 20.
- Mahrez has registered 13 assists in all competitions for Man City, with this his best tally of assists in a season in all competitions as a Premier League player.

What's next?

City will likely make changes ahead of their FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal when they host struggling Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday, a day before Brighton could seal safety when they play away to Southampton.

Raheem Sterling is now enjoying the most prolific season of his career after his hat-trick in Manchester City’s 5-0 win at Brighton took his tally to 27 in all competitions.

The England international opened the scoring at the Amex Stadium with a low drive into the bottom corner from just outside the area after 21 minutes.

Gabriel Jesus doubled City’s advantage shortly before half-time, with Sterling making it 3-0 with a rare header eight minutes into the second half, ensuring he surpassed his previous best goal tally of 25.

Bernardo Silva made it 4-0 five minutes later as City threatened to cut through the Seagulls defence at will.

Fittingly it was Sterling who put a final gloss on the scoreline when he capitalised on a mix-up in the Brighton defence to scramble another header over the line and wrap up his hat-trick.

It is the second hat-trick Sterling has scored this season after he hit a treble in City’s 5-1 Champions League win over Atalanta in October. It is also the 32nd time City have scored four or more goals under Pep Guardiola since he took charge in 2016, more than any other Premier League side in that time.

It is a reflection of the standards achieved by Guardiola during his tenure, with Sterling one of the players who seems to have benefited most from the Catalan’s stewardship.

The 25-year-old has scored 20 or more goals in each of the last three seasons, with his tally increasing with each passing year.

This latest treble means he overtakes Sergio Aguero as City’s top scorer in the Premier League and is now just four goals behind Jamie Vardy in the race for the Golden Boot.

"The most important thing for me is to add goals to the team. We want to win the FA Cup and the Champions League otherwise these goals don’t mean anything. I need to make sure they count," Sterling told Sky Sports.

Saturday's win ensures City will finish second in the Premier League, though that will be little consolation after winning back-to-back titles.

Sterling, though, thinks he has identified where the team has gone wrong this year.

"The problem we’ve had this season is creating a lot of chances and last season we finished them and buried games early on. This season we’ve not had the luck but we’re growing and doing things right," he added.

"We were disappointed last week to lose at Southampton. We created chances but couldn’t finish them. But it's great to bounce back with an away win."

Mikel Arteta has shot down any suggestion that Kieran Tierney could leave Arsenal when the transfer window opens.

The left-back arrived at the Gunners last summer in a £25 million ($30m) deal from Celtic, but has endured an injury-hit first season in north London.

That led to some suggestions that the Scotland International could be moved on, with his former boss Brendan Rodgers said to be lining him up as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Ben Chilwell at Leicester City.

But having returned to full fitness during the coronavirus-enforced shutdown, Tierney has become a regular since the restart - starting six of Arsenal’s seven games, with his performances earning widespread acclaim.

And ahead of Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham, Arteta put an end to any suggestion that the left-back could be one of the players who leaves the Emirates this summer to help fund a rebuild.

“He’s not going anywhere,” said the Spaniard. “I really like him.

“I’m very impressed him. Everybody loves him at the club and he earns that every single day with the way he treats people, the way he works and the energy he brings to the place.

“And then with his performances, I am delighted. He has adapted really well, he is a player that gives you everything in every session and every game. And the quality he has added as well.

“He’s still so young, he has things to improve obviously but he’s been a great addition to the team.”

Arteta admits that Tierney has endured some difficulties since leaving his boyhood club Celtic and making the move to England last summer.

He arrived injured and then after battling his way back to fitness he dislocated his shoulder against West Ham in December and found himself sidelined for a further three months.

But the 23-year-old is now reaping the rewards for the way he worked during those tough moments, according to Arsenal's head coach.

“He had a really difficult period because of the injury, because he moved to a different city and to a different context,” said Arteta.

“In Glasgow he was at a club that was winning all the time where he was very settled. It was a challenge for him and he’s been dealing with that in the best possible way, with some difficulties.

“He needed the club to support him, he needed his team-mates to make life easier for him and we all tried to help him. But you help him with pleasure because of what he brings and how willing he is all the time to work and improve.”

Former Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena has spoken about his return to Mamelodi Sundowns and the reception he received on his first training session with the club. 

The Soweto-born mentor linked up with the Brazilians in Rustenburg on Friday after receiving his test results for Covid-19. 

He rejoined the Tshwane giants as Pitso Mosimane's assistant and he said the players showed him the same respect they did before he left for the Sea Robbers three years ago.  

"It was fantastic. A warm welcome; the coaches welcomed me very well, the sessions were very well organised, the players gave me the normal amount of respect that they gave me before I left," Mokwena told the Sundowns media team.

The 35-year-old revealed he was excited to be received by players he's familiar with and left at the club - some of which are Sundowns senior players. 

"Of course, seeing a lot of very familiar faces like Hlompho Kekana, Denis Onyango, Themba Zwane, Kennedy Mweene, it is always exciting because most of these players that are at Sundowns are people that I have got very good relations with," he added. 

Mokwena feels Sundowns have got a family member in him in as much as he considers the club and the players his family. He is already looking forward to contributing positively toward the club's success. 

"I left Mamelodi Sundowns knowing that they are not just players that I know, but they are family and they know that in me that they have got a family member for life because of the good relationship that we had and I am glad that when I left Sundowns, I could easily consider myself a good person and I would like to still consider myself a good person when I return." 

"I think that for me, it has allowed me to really embrace this opportunity that I have been given,” he added.

Mokwena will work alongside Manqoba Mngqithi as Mosimane's additional assistant just like in the good old days when Sundowns dominated the South African league and went on to conquer the continent. 

His presence in the Sundowns bench was valuable in Mosimane delivering the Caf Champions League trophy in 2016. 

And according to Mosimane, Mokwena's return presents the club with a chance to add another continental crown to their trophy cabinet. 

Cristiano Ronaldo twice scored from the penalty spot as Juventus put an end to Atalanta's winning streak, the Serie A leaders rallying late to secure a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Substitute Ruslan Malinovskiy fired in an 80th-minute goal that had Gian Piero Gasperini's in-form side on course to move into second place in the table courtesy of a 10th straight league win.

Duvan Zapata had put the visitors into the lead as they dominated in the first half, though they were pegged back soon after the break when a handball call against Marten de Roon allowed Ronaldo to level.

Having surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Milan in midweek, Maurizio Sarri's side appeared on course to suffer a second successive loss, in the process cutting their lead at the summit to six points.

However, referee Piero Giacomelli pointed to the spot for a second time when the ball struck Luis Muriel's arm in the 90th minute, allowing Ronaldo to deny Atalanta and leave Juve eight clear of Lazio.

The Portuguese had barely been involved in a first half that saw the away team strike in the 16th minute, Zapata collecting Alejandro Gomez's clever pass to fire past Wojciech Szczesny.

Juve were presented with the chance to equalise when De Roon – in close proximity to the opposing player and with his arms down – was penalised for blocking a cross.

Atalanta seemed to run out of steam as the clock ticked on but, having gone close with a left-footed attempt earlier, Malinovskiy slammed home with his right from the edge of the area to make it 2-1.

Still, there was a late twist to the absorbing tale when Muriel unfortunately left an arm dangling out when defending at a corner, allowing Ronaldo to have the last word and secure Juve a much-needed point.

What does it mean? Draw a positive for champions

When Ronaldo doubled the lead following Adrien Rabiot's exquisite opener in Milan on Tuesday, the Bianconeri appeared to be coasting towards a double-digit advantage at the summit.

Their San Siro collapse was spectacular, and a further defeat at home to a fast-finishing challenger here would have raised serious questions over their stamina down the stretch. Instead, with Lazio losing to Sassuolo earlier in the day, they have a comfortable cushion ahead of the run-in.

Euro vision for the future

A title tilt may be beyond them now with six games remaining, but Atalanta were a joy to watch for the first 45 minutes at Allianz Stadium. The revamped Champions League format will make them dangerous opponents in the competition, starting with a quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Getting a handle on it

Another Serie A fixture, another penalty for handball. Well, two actually. There is no doubting on each occasion that the ball struck an arm, but neither case was a clear example of a deliberate movement. VAR checks were never going to lead to a change of the on-field call either.

Key Opta Facts

- Juventus' current unbeaten home run in Serie A stands at 37 games - only Liverpool have a better such run in the top five European leagues.
- Atalanta became the first side with three players to score 15+ goals in a single Serie A campaign (Muriel 17, Josip Ilicic and Zapata 15) since Juventus in 1951-52.
- Ronaldo has scored 18 league goals in 2020, at least three more than any other player in top five European leagues.
- Since Serie A's restart, Gomez has provided six assists, more than any other players in Europe's big five competitions (level with Lionel Messi).
- Gomez was also making his 300th appearance in Serie A. Since 2010-11, he is one of five players with at least 50 goals and 50 assists in the competition (61 goals and 67 assists).

What's next?

Juve travel to Sassuolo on Wednesday before hosting a faltering Lazio. Atalanta, meanwhile, take on struggling Brescia on Tuesday.

Arturo Vidal vowed Barcelona will fight all the way after a scrappy  1-0 win at Real Valladolid kept their title hopes alive.

Had they dropped points for a fourth time since La Liga's restart, there would surely have been no coming back for Quique Setien's side.

But Vidal's fine finish in the 15th minute, coupled with a second-half starring role for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, kept pressure on leaders Real Madrid.

Until Zinedine Zidane's team cannot be caught, there will always be hope in the Barcelona ranks that Los Blancos might stumble.

"We know it depends. We just have to win all the games that we have remaining," Vidal said in a post-match interview.

"It doesn't depend on us. We just have to do what we have to do and see what the other teams around us do."

There is only one "other team" that Barcelona are concerned about, and Madrid will go to Granada on Monday hoping to capitalise on their game in hand by going four points clear with two games to play.

Barcelona have German shot-stopper Ter Stegen to thank for the fact Madrid cannot be crowned champions in that game, given that would have been the case had Setien's team dropped points in Valladolid.

Barcelona missed chances, particularly in the first half, which saw one awful fluffed effort from Antoine Griezmann, who missed his kick from in front of goal.

By the closing stages, the final whistle could not come soon enough for the flagging visiting players.

"We had our chances and didn't take them and we knew they'd have theirs," Vidal said.

"We have to improve going forward and take our chances. The important thing is we've done what we came here to do and we've got three points."

It was a hot early evening in Valladolid, and Vidal indicated Barcelona were feeling the pace in the second half.

"It's difficult against a team that were very hard to play and they played very well. Also, the conditions complicated things slightly, but I'm glad we won," he added.

"We knew we'd have to work very hard and wouldn't necessarily be able to maintain our rhythm throughout.

"We wanted to improve. We kept ourselves in the title race and that's the most important thing."

Diego Costa guaranteed 10-man Atletico Madrid's place in next season's Champions League by heading home the winner in a 1-0 LaLiga victory over Real Betis.

Atleti looked destined to hold on for at most a draw after Mario Hermoso was shown a straight red card for a foul on Loren Moron, but substitute Costa steered home Yannick Carrasco's free-kick in the 74th minute to secure a top-four finish for Diego Simeone's men.

After seeing goals for Angel Correa and Alvaro Morata overturned by VAR, there were concerns Costa's header would be ruled out during a lengthy check for handball.

However, the goal was allowed to stand, ensuring Atleti will return to European football's top table in 2020-21.

Correa slammed home a volley midway through the first half, but after a trip to the pitchside monitor, referee Jose Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez ruled it out for a handball by Marcos Llorente in the build-up.

Andres Guardado drilled a low effort just outside the upright before Morata dinked a wonderful finish over Dani Martin but was deemed offside following a lengthy VAR review.

Atletico lost Kieran Trippier to an injury before half-time and would have fallen behind had Loren hit the target with his chip over Jan Oblak following a fortuitous bounce of the ball.

Simeone sent on Carrasco, Vitolo and Costa to begin a push for a winner but he was forced to make a defensive change – Felipe replacing Correa – after Hermoso was given his marching orders in the 57th minute.

Betis, playing for the first time since it was announced Manuel Pellegrini will be their new head coach next season, pushed for a winner but Atleti held firm.

Simeone's side then snatched all three points when Costa guided Carrasco's free-kick delivery into the bottom-right corner.

What does it mean? Time for rotation

Although Atletico have won just two of their past four matches, they are now unbeaten in nine since LaLiga resumed in June.

Their superior head-to-head record against Villarreal means Javi Calleja's side will battle it out with fourth-placed Sevilla for the final Champions League qualification berth.

With Atleti out of reach, Simeone can start to consider resting players ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against RB Leipzig next month.

Costa makes the difference

Simeone has been using Llorente up front because he does not think Costa and Morata make a good pairing, but the Brazil-born Spain international staked his claim for more minutes with an important goal.

Bartra to blame

Three points were there for the taking for Betis, but Bartra was too deep when Carrasco swung in his free-kick and Costa took full advantage to net the winner.

What's next?

Atletico travel to Madrid rivals Getafe on Thursday, when Betis host relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves.

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has conceded Lionel Messi needs a rest but that the club couldn't afford to rest him on Saturday as they scraped to a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid. 

Arturo Vidal scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute with Messi claiming his 20th league assist of the season in the process. 

Despite dominating possession, Setien's side struggled to wrap up the victory with Messi forced to play the full 90 minutes. 

With Barcelona still within touching distance of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, their manager admitted that though Messi needs a break, games like the one against Valladolid aren't the right time to sacrifice him. 

"Of course," Setien said post-match when asked whether Messi needed a rest. "I've said it before, but the score was too tight.

"If we'd have scored more goals in the first half, maybe more players would've been rested. The team was tired.

"They had players up front with quality and committed men forward. We couldn't cover the whole pitch. We had to drop back and that made it more difficult for us.

"We should've put the match to bed in the first half - we could've scored two or three goals. [There was] the anxiety of knowing that you're only 1-0 up and that they can score at any moment.

"In the second half, we struggled. We noticed fatigue in some players to a point."

Luis Suarez was given a rest on Saturday with the Uruguayan striker named on the bench and ultimately coming on just after half-time as Antoine Griezmann was forced off. 

"It's good to give him a rest," Setien said about his decision not to start Suarez.

"Suarez had played five full games in a row and had to rest at some point. [Griezmann] came off because of some [injury] problems. He asked to come off himself."

Barcelona are now one point behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race, though Zinedine Zidane's side do have a game in hand, with Setien aware his side now rely on Real slipping up.

"We're doing enough to be better than where we are," Setien added. "I don't know if [it's enough] to win La Liga because [Real Madrid] are winning all their games.

"We've done enough [against Valladolid] and we've created lots of chances and we weren't clinical enough in the end."

Riyad Mahrez achieved a Premier League landmark following his assist in Manchester City’s 5-0 thumping of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling’s hat-trick helped the Citizens run riot at the American Express Community Stadium to seal a runners-up spot in the English topflight this term, as well as a place in next season’s Champions League.

With City two goals up against the Seagulls, Pep Guardiola’s men added a third in the 53rd minute when Sterling headed past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan an in-swinging free-kick from Mahrez inside the six-yard box.

Following that assist, the Algeria international now boasts of 13 assists for the Etihad Stadium outfit this season.

That mark also stood as his best tally of assists since becoming a player in the English elite division having joined Leicester City from French outfit Le Havre on January 11, 2014, on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Also, playing against Graham Potter’s men was his 30th league appearance this term with 10 goals to show for it.

Two years later after joining the Foxes, the 29-year-old was named PFA Player of the Year after scoring 17 goals and setting up a further 10 as Claudio Ranieri’s side won the Premier League title.

Since joining the Etihad Stadium outfit in 2018 for £60 million (€68m/$80m) on a five-year deal, the 2016 African Player of the Year winner has won one Premier League title, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and two English Football League Cup diadems.

Mahrez recently revealed that Guardiola’s men have a strong chance to lift this season’s Champions League should they beat Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid to the quarter-final ticket.

“I think it is a good time to win the Champions League,” the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner told Goal.

 “We have the team, we have the manager, we have everything, so it is a good time.

“I don’t know if we are the best, but we are good enough to win it. The Champions League is difficult; everyone wants to win it, so it is going to be a big battle.”

Manchester City will now focus their attention on Wednesday’s league encounter with Bournemouth before taking on eternal rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Chelsea new-boy Hakim Ziyech is anticipating his debut match at Stamford Bridge after his first training session at the club's facility on Saturday.

Ziyech has arrived in London for his new adventure with the Blues after signing a five-year deal from Ajax which was reportedly around £ €40 million.

The Morocco international was welcomed to Cobham by former goalkeeper Petr Cech for his first training programme at club while the rest of his new teammates travelled to Sheffield for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.

Frank Lampard’s side were hammered 3-0 at Bramall Lane as David McGoldrick's double and Oli McBurnie’s lone goal handed them their second defeat in their last six league outings.

Although he is not expected to play for Chelsea until next season, Ziyech described his feelings after the light training session on Saturday.

“First session done for Chelsea. Very excited and happy to be here and can’t wait to see you guys at the Bridge soon,” he wrote on Instagram.

This season, Ziyech was involved in 24 goals before leaving Ajax which include a tally of eight goals and 16 assists in all competitions.

The 27-year-old's last competitive match was against Heerenveen on March 7 before the Dutch Eredivisie was declared null and void because of the coronavirus pandemic.

After agreeing to join Chelsea in February, the three-time Ajax Player of the Year said the Blues’ attacking style of play influenced his decision to move to England.

“Happy, proud, I am excited and I cannot wait. It (Chelsea) is a big club in a big competition," Ziyech said .

“I like the style of play, they play really attacking football, and that is something that fits me and that is one of the biggest reasons I chose, therefore.”

Chelsea are third in the Premier League table and they are jostling to qualify for next season's Uefa Champions League.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his players deserve to play in the Champions League next season following a 5-0 smashing of Brighton on Saturday. 

The victory has sealed second spot in the Premier League for City but their place in the next Champions League campaign remains up in the air with a formal decision on their two-year European ban to be handed down on Monday. 

Guardiola has always stressed the club's innocence in relation to alleged Financial Fair Play breaches and is hopeful his players will be rewarded for their performances like the one against Brighton with Champions League football next season. 

“I was pleased with everything tonight – the result and the levels we reached,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “We are now at a good level and are ready to play the last games of the Premier League and in the Champions League.

“We’ve forgotten the Southampton result as we played incredibly well there. Football sometimes is strange. We just didn’t score there.

“We’re a team who create a lot of chances and today we converted them.

“We’ve qualified for the Champions League which was the minimum requirement for this club. And these players have done it for the last six or seven years.

“We won it on the pitch and hopefully on Monday UEFA will allow these players to play next season. They deserve to be in the Champions League.”

Raheem Sterling stole the show on Saturday as he scored his third hat-trick of the season in what's been his most prolific campaign in front of goal. 

“For a long time, he has been getting better,” Guardiola said of his English winger. “His finishing, his shooting and that’s because he trains hard.

“It’s good for us to have him at the end of the season.”

Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, ended his goal drought and Guardiola was quick to stress there's more to his game than just finding the back of the net. 

“He fought well. Before he scored, we had been delighted with his performances," Guardiola said.

"Tonight he didn’t just get his goal, he made lots of good chances too. It’s unbelievable that he’s scored.”

Arsenal are embarking on a new era under Mikel Arteta, and they will mark the occasion with a brand-new collection of shirts from Adidas after their deal with Puma expired.

Goal has the latest information about the North Londoners' 2020-21 shirts - home, away and third - as well as when they expected to be fully released and more.

New 2020-21 football kits: Chelsea, Bayern Munich & all the top clubs' shirts & jerseys revealed

Arsenal's 2020-21 home kit

The Gunners' latest home strip has yet to be announced, but leaks circulating online have suggested that it will sport a darker shade of red alongside the club's traditional white sleeves.

The new home kit is the first under Arsenal's new deal with Adidas, who took over from previous supplier Puma.

The dark shade of red has a subtle geometric pattern, and it looks like the white-capped sleeves will be adorned with stripes - similar to the Germany and Juventus home kit.

Arsenal's brand-new home jersey is expected to be fully revealed in late July, with supporters likely able to purchase the kit soon after.

Arsenal's 2020-21 away kit & release date

No details have been released on Arsenal's away kit, but if leaks online are to be believed, the Gunners will be outfitted in an off-white strip with a red streaks during their away days.

The pattern resembles a marble surface, which could be a nod to the famed Marble Halls at their old home of Highbury.

Arsenal's away kit is expected to be launched in late in July.

Arsenal's 2020-21 third kit & release date

Arsenal's third kit is suggested to be completely blue and repeating the marbled pattern from the potential away kit.

With the home jersey and away strip expected to be released in July, the third shirt could be slated for unveiling in August.

Manchester United will be hoping to show off their brand-new Adidas jerseys in the Champions League next season as they target a top-four Premier League finish this campaign.

Goal has the latest information about the Red Devils' 2020-21 shirts - home, away and third - as well as when they expected to be fully released and more.

New 2020-21 football kits: Chelsea, Bayern Munich & all the top clubs' shirts & jerseys revealed

Man Utd's 2020-21 home kit

The Red Devils' new home kit under Adidas has yet to be revealed, though leaks circulating online have hinted that it won't be much different to the 2017-18 edition with the trademark red - but with some added accents.

It is dominantly all-red save for the signature Adidas white stripes across the shoulders, along with the black and yellow stripes.

Man Utd's home kit is expected to be released in late July.

Man Utd's 2020-21 away kit & release date

Leaks have suggested that the Manchester club's away kit will be a dark black - or green - colour, with a subtle pattern all over.

They have drawn speculation that the ridge-like pattern on the kit is a subtle nod to the cover of the iconic 'Unknown Pleasures' album artwork by Manchester Joy Division.

Of course, it's all conjecture at this point, but the away kit could be a tribute to the pulsating waves on the album cover as it is one of the most recognisable pieces of artwork in music history.

The away kit could be released in late July alongside the home kit, if not a few weeks later in August.

Man Utd's 2020-21 third kit & release date

Details on Man Utd's third kit are scarce but if online leaks are to be believed, it will sport a standout design of jagged black stripes across a white background.

Man Utd's third kit is expected to be released in August.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has advised Bukayo Saka to enjoy the plaudits he is receiving because of his impressive performances this season.

Saka has proven his versatility in Arteta’s side this campaign, playing both defensive and attacking roles impressively on different occasions.

He recently broke his Premier League duck in the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian descent laid his 12th assist in the 2019-20 season for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who scored Arsenal's only goal in their 1-1 draw against Leicester City.

When quizzed for his advice for the 18-year-old who is gathering attention from all angles, Arteta thinks there is no call for concern.

“First of all, enjoy the moment,” the Spanish manager was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

“Football has some really good moments and some difficult moments. You are doing so well, enjoy it. But then understand this changes in 24, 48 hours. You have to live [on] your toes all the time, ready to react and act.

“Bukayo is like this. Every training session, he doesn’t give you any sign there’s something different. There are going to be moments when he was a little bit up and down.

“It’s normal because it happens to every player, whether you are 18 or 38. He needs to understand that, take it naturally and we are here to support him, to try to make him better, and that’s it – enjoy.”

Saka has played in all of Arsenal’s matches since the resumption of football in England, and he is in contention for his first North London derby when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The teenager has played 35 matches across all competitions this season, including 23 Premier League outings.

Saka joined Arsenal’s academy at the tender age of eight and he recently committed his future to the club with a long-term contract that will last until 2024.