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Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opponents Comoros are confident that they won’t be affected by the tournament rescheduling announced by the Confederation of African Football on Tuesday.

President Ahmad Ahmad announced that the 33rd edition of the biennial competition had been postponed by a year to January 2022 following a Caf Executive Committee meeting, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, with the confederation unable to schedule all outstanding qualifiers before the end of the year.

The news comes as a blow for the Harambee Stars’ Group G opponents Comoros, who are unlikely group leaders after taking four points from their opening two matches, but head coach Amir Abdou is optimistic that their qualification ambitions won’t be affected.

“This period of confinement has slowed us down in terms of our progression, but we will still continue with the staff and the players,” Abdou told Goal. “We’ve done a lot of interaction, a lot of video work with the players, and it’s allowed us to work on some aspects we had in terms of the team.

“We remain optimistic for what’s coming and we respect the decision,” he added. “We wait, wisely, the upcoming decisions to be ready to attack and pick up our qualification matches.”

Currently ranked 133rd in the world, the Comoros have never qualified for the Afcon finals, having first attempted to qualify for the 2010 edition.

However, under the stewardship of Abdou, they have made significant strides in recent years, taking five points during the 2019 Afcon qualifying campaign and holding both Morocco and Cameroon at home.

Previously, during the 2018 World Cup qualifying, they reached the second round of qualification for the first time, and defeated Togo in their first 2021 qualifier to register their first away victory in either major qualifying campaign.

“We’re in a good dynamic,” Abdou continued, “but the standings are anecdotal, we’ve only just started the competition, it’s a mini-championship.

“It’s true that right now we’re the leaders, but things can change quickly—either upwards or downwards.

“In terms of motivation, we’re here, we’re very motivated to reach our objectives, we want to do beautiful things for our people and for all of my players involved, so for us, the objective is to prepare well to reach qualification.”

Comoros followed up their 1-0 victory over Togo in Lome in November with a 0-0 draw against Egypt in Moroni, further demonstrating their ability to stifle and stymie the continent’s biggest footballing nations.

They were due to face the Harambee Stars in a double-header in March, but the fixtures were postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While Kenya began qualification strongly—with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Alexandria—they failed to break down Togo in their next fixture, after being held 1-1 in Kasarani.

Leroy Sane has completed a move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City that could be worth up to €60 million (£55m/$67m).

The 24-year-old winger, who had spent four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions.

A switch to the Allianz Arena for Sane had been in the pipeline for some time, with Bayern first making their interest known during the summer of 2019.

An untimely injury scuppered those plans, with a serious knee problem picked up in a Community Shield clash with Liverpool.

Sane has, however, worked his way back to full fitness and will now be returning to his homeland to open the next chapter in his career.

He has told Bayern’s official website: “FC Bayern is a great club with big goals - and these goals suit me as well. I'm looking forward to the new challenge and can't wait to train with the team.

“I know Hansi Flick from the U21 national team, we had a very good relationship there. I want to win as many trophies as possible with FC Bayern, and the Champions League is the top priority.”

Bayern’s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on acquiring the services of a top target: “We’re very happy to welcome Leroy Sane to FC Bayern.

“He is an outstanding player who has proven his qualities over the past few years, especially in the national team.

"Our goal is to gather the best German players at FC Bayern and the signing of Leroy emphasises this goal. I would like to congratulate Hasan Salihamidzic on successfully concluding the transfer.”

Salihamidzic added: “We’re delighted Leroy is to be a Bayern player. Leroy is a difference-maker and will strengthen our team with his quality.

“With Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Leroy, we’re now even better equipped at a very high level in the wide positions that are important for our game.

“I would like to thank Manchester City for the trusting and constructive negotiations. I would also like to thank our president and chairman of the supervisory board, Herbert Hainer, who supported us with this transfer right from the start under the difficult circumstances of coronavirus.”

Sane took in 135 appearances for City on the back of a 2016 transfer from Schalke, with 39 goals and 45 assists recorded across 135 appearances.

He helped the Blues to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup triumph and two League Cup successes.

On parting with an exciting talent, former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola told City’s official website: “We wish Leroy all the best in this new chapter of his career.

“Leroy has been part of one of the most special periods in this club’s history and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone here at Manchester City.”

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “From arriving as a fledgling young talent four years ago, we are proud of the contribution Leroy has made since joining Manchester City. He leaves with many friends and fond memories of his time at the Etihad.”

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Themba Zwane says he is hungry for more success at the Tshwane giants.

The man nicknamed Mshishi is one of the best players in the country and he has enjoyed a lot of success during his time with Masandawana.

Mshishi has helped Sundowns win eight major trophies including three Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and he has set his sights on his fourth league winner's medal.

The Brazilians are the most decorated team in the history of the PSL having won a record nine league trophies.

“It will mean a lot to me,” Zwane said of the possible record 10th championship when speaking to the club's official website.

“When I came to Sundowns in 2011, I told myself that I want to create history and make history to repeat itself," the 30-year-old player, who joined Sundowns from lower division side Vardos FC, continued.

"To be honest I was ready for anything and I manage the pressure because I know what people want from me. I am expected to deliver at all times.”

Sundowns are placed second on the league standings - four points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs - but have a game in hand.

The current season has been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the campaign is expected to resume soon.

Zwane has been very influential for the Brazilians this season having netted 13 goals and registered 10 assists across all competitions.

“The secret is that you need to be consistent and work hard. Remember that at Sundowns we have a lot of quality players so if you don’t do that they will take your place,” he said.

Last season, Mshishi hit the back of the net 11 times and registered seven assists and he credited his teammates for his consistency and outstanding performances.

“I am trying to improve the ‘Mshishi’ of last season of course. I only compete with myself, and give credit to my teammates because they make things to be easy for me," he concluded.

Zwane has also helped Sundowns clinch the Caf Champions League title, Caf Super Cup title, two Telkom Knockout Cups and a Nedbank Cup title.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has forgiven forward Bernard Morrison and promised to use his services until the end of the season.

The Ghanaian player has not been a regular starter for the Jangwani Street-based giants, only managing to come on as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw against Azam FC after the Mainland Premier League resumed on June 13.

The player is at loggerheads with the club after it emerged he had been approached by rivals Simba SC over a possible transfer in the coming window, a move which irked Yanga’s top brass who vowed to teach him a lesson by asking the coach to bench him in the remaining matches.

Eymael has now told Goal he has forgiven the player after he reported to training on Thursday as they prepare for their next league matches against Biashara United and Kagera Sugar.

“I have forgiven [Morisson] and I am now ready to work with him,” Eymael told Goal on Friday.

“He came to training on Thursday and apologised to me and the players and he also came to me after training for a long chat and explained to me why he has not been coming to training.

“I think I have understood his situation and like a father, I have forgiven him, I don’t want to keep a grudge with the player, I have told him I am ready to work with him, he has also promised to commit himself with good displays.”

Asked whether the player will now be involved in the coming match against Biashara United, Eymael said: “Morrison has shown the commitment to come back and get involved but let us wait and see, I don’t want to comment on that issue now.

“What I am sure about, he will definitely be available to play against Simba in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, for the next two away matches in Shinyanga, I don’t think he will be able to make the squad.”

In a recent interview, Morrison - who initially signed a short-term deal with Yanga although there has been a push and pull between him and the team since the league resumed - did not hide his love for Yanga supporters even though contract issues have threatened their relationship.

The former Orlando Pirates star admitted he had lost trust with some of the Yanga officials but said he did not have issues with fans.

“First of all, I would like to say thank you to the fans for their support during our last game against Azam. I was away for the last two games but when I came, they showed me love so I will thank them and always appreciate their support,” Morrison told Global TV.

“On matters of contract, I have heard people say I do not want to play for Yanga and a lot of other things but I just want them to know that when I got into this country I trained and played in two games before I even had a contract with Yanga.

“That shows I have a love for the club and I came here to work. When I spoke with the coach, he told me to have trust with the management and him because they will bring the contract since they were still talking about it.”

Yanga are keen to finish the season in the second position and also clinch the FA Cup.

Mason Greenwood is already looking “like Cristiano Ronaldo” at Manchester United, claims Dimitar Berbatov, with the 18-year-old forward being backed to follow in illustrious footsteps.

Another highly-rated product of the Old Trafford academy system has been enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2019-20.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered the youngster regular outings, and seen that show of faith rewarded with an impressive haul of 13 goals.

It took Ronaldo until his fourth season with United to better that mark, with the Portuguese going on to become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time great.

Berbatov believes Greenwood boasts the potential to tread a similar path, with there plenty to be excited about when it comes to a teenage talent shining on a senior stage.

The former Red Devils striker told The Mirror: "Greenwood, against Brighton, was like Ronaldo.

"His left foot is unbelievable along with his vision, I don't think many signings are needed to take United to that next level.

"They need to be really classy players to make the difference, someone who is going to be better than the current squad of players."

Solskjaer is aware that United have another rough diamond on their hands in Greenwood, with the intention being to polish him into a talismanic presence.

The United boss has said: "He's getting better. You can see clearly that he's maturing and improving, he's only 18 still so we will see more from him.

"I've said it throughout the year that as long as we can get him faced up in and around the box he'll create chances for us but in this game [a 3-0 win over Brighton] his hold-up play and his link-up play and general movement was fantastic as well.

"It's great when he can go inside and outside, both to his left and right.

"He's a special talent, a special kid that we are going to look after, try to develop into a top, top player.

"He's doing well now but he is still young and has things to learn. He knows that but we have a special talent there we have to nurture."

Odion Ighalo’s strike against Norwich City has been nominated for Manchester United Goal of the Month award for June.

The 31-year-old forward has been in fine form since joining the Red Devils in January on loan from Chinese Super Lig side Shanghai Shenhua.

Against Norwich, the former Nigeria international was handed his 12th appearance and scored a sublime goal to help Ole Gunnar Solskjær's men secure a place in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

The former Watford marksman opened the scoring in the encounter when he volleyed home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Tim Krul with no chance.

The strike is the forward’s fifth goal since teaming up with the Old Trafford outfit and has now been shortlisted for the best goal award in the month under review.

Ighalo will compete with Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, who beat him to the Player of the Month prize in March, and Mason Greenwood for a chance to scoop the award for the second time.  

The forward won the accolade in March when his brilliant strike against LASK in a Europa League game was adjudged the best effort in the month.

Ighalo was handed a loan extension by the Old Trafford outfit last month following his eye-catching performances which have endeared him to the Red Devils fans.

The forward enjoyed great success in his first spell in the Premier League as he scored 36 goals in 90 league appearances for Watford during his three-year stay with the side.

The striker also showed his consistency in front of goal for Chinese sides Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua before making a stunning switch to the Old Trafford.

Ighalo will hope to open his Premier League account for the Red Devil when they square off against Bournemouth on Saturday, having failed to find the back of the net in his last seven league matches.

Newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool were brought down to earth with a bump on Thursday when they fell three goals behind at half-time in a Premier League game for the first time in five years.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have spent the past week celebrating the club’s first title win in 30 years, secured courtesy of Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea, meaning only pride was on the line when the Reds travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on the side they had just deposed as champions.

Liverpool certainly played like little was riding on the game during the first 45 minutes. City, in contrast, performed like they wanted to send a message to Klopp’s side ahead of their title defence next season, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s side from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling had been hauled down by Joe Gomez. The Belgian has now been involved in 30 goals in his last 31 Premier League appearances, consisting of 12 goals and 18 assists.

Sterling then got on the scoresheet himself from Phil Foden’s pass, his first Premier League goal against his former club in his ninth appearance against them. England Under-21 international Foden then made it 3-0 to City shortly before the break with a fine finish from De Bruyne’s pass.

It was a bruising 45 minutes for Liverpool and the first time they have been 3-0 down at the break since a 6-1 thrashing at Stoke on the final day of the 2014-15 season, in what was captain Steven Gerrard’s final game for the club.

Brendan Rodgers was Reds boss that day, though he would only be in the job for another four months, with Klopp succeeding the Northern Irishman in October 2015.

It is testament to the progress made under the German that Liverpool have rarely come close to suffering a similar result since.

The Champions League, Premier League, Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies have all been secured over the past two years, with Klopp signalling his determination to build a trophy-laden dynasty at Anfield.

Their horror first half at the Etihad matters little in the context of this season, but suggests Liverpool will face a real fight if they are to hold off City make it back-to-back titles next campaign.

Liverpool's first game since being confirmed as Premier League champions did not go to plan as deposed title-holders Manchester City romped to a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

The Reds' first top-flight title in 30 years was confirmed when City lost to Chelsea last week and the celebrations of their long-awaited success perhaps caught up with Jurgen Klopp's side, who were ruthlessly dismantled by the rampant hosts. 

A Kevin De Bruyne penalty and clinical finishes from Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden put the game to bed before half-time, while an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal in the second half added to the ignominy.

Liverpool remain a whopping 20 points ahead of City, who are 11 clear of third-place Leicester City.

The visitors had started brightly, Mohamed Salah crashing a low effort against the post inside the opening 20 minutes.

City soon hit the front, though, De Bruyne stroking home a 25th-minute penalty after Sterling was hauled down by Joe Gomez following a sumptuous turn.

Sterling made it 2-0 when he collected Foden's pass inside the area and cleverly clipped past Alisson from eight yards.

Foden added a sublime third shortly before the break, firing over Alisson after the brilliant De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan had combined to carve open Liverpool's defence.

Substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain then turned into his own net in the 66th minute as he stretched to clear Sterling's effort on goal.

City substitute Riyad Mahrez had a stoppage-time goal ruled out by VAR after a handball by Foden in the build-up, but it mattered little as the damage had been well and truly inflicted on Klopp's men by then.

What does it mean? Wounded City humble new champions

Given the scoreline, you would be forgiven for thinking Klopp had decided to field a team of youngsters following their confirmation as Premier League champions. As it was, this was the Reds' strongest XI. They were no match for a City side clearly hurt by losing their title last week, though.

Pep Guardiola will have seen this as an opportunity to lay down a marker for next season and his side did not let him down. Roll on the 2020-21 campaign.

Sterling finally makes his mark against Reds

The England international had to wait until his ninth appearance against his former club to net against them and he certainly enjoyed the moment. He was superb throughout, linking up with De Bruyne and Foden to devastating effect.

Gomez endures game to forget       

Gomez and Sterling had a spat while on England duty last year and the Liverpool defender had a torrid time against his international colleague here.

The City man forced Gomez into a foul for De Bruyne's penalty and generally ran him ragged throughout.

Key Opta Facts:

- Liverpool's two heaviest Premier League defeats under Jurgen Klopp have both been at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City.
- Manchester City have won their last four home Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 14-0.
- Liverpool have failed to score in five consecutive away games in all competitions for the first time since April 1992, when they went eight on the road without a goal.
- This was the joint-heaviest defeat by a side already crowned Premier League champions in a season, with Arsenal losing 4-0 away at Liverpool in 1997-98, which was also the game after they won the title.
- Raheem Sterling scored his first Premier League goal against former side Liverpool in his ninth appearance against the Reds in the competition.
- Phil Foden has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 17 appearances in all competitions (6 goals, 8 assists), despite only starting 10 of those 17 games.

What's next?

Guardiola's men travel to Southampton on Sunday, while the Reds host relegation-threatened Aston Villa at Anfield on the same day.

Mohamed Salah claimed Liverpool’s victory over Leicester City on October 5 last year, proved to be their inspiration in this season’s Premier League title race.

The Reds needed a 95th-minute penalty from James Milner to silence the Foxes 2-1 at Anfield Stadium after James Maddison had levelled Sadio Mane’s first-half effort.

The result helped Jurgen Klopp’s men extend their English top-flight winning run to 17 as well as maintain an early lead in the log.

Nevertheless, Liverpool emerged as champions for the first time since 1990 after Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City failed to win at Stamford Bridge last week.

Speaking to Sky Sport, the Egypt international disclosed that victory over Brendan Rodgers’ men fueled their desire to win the diadem.

"Last season, we didn't have that luck. This season we had it - because you still need the luck anyway - so that moment felt like it was our season so let's go for it.,” Salah said.

"I think the first time we felt [a big moment towards winning the league] was when we beat Manchester City here [at Anfield].

"We said 'OK, now we'll go for it'. Then I think a few games as well, like Leicester City here when we won in the last minute, we knew mentally 'OK, this is our season now'.”

The ex-AS Roma star also reflected on how he felt last term, realising the Reds would lose the English top-flight trophy to the Citizens, comparing it with their success this season.

"I do remember last year the game against Manchester United away, when we drew, and I went to the dressing room, I put a towel over my head and I started to cry because that's the moment I felt like we had lost the Premier League," he continued.

"I think after that game, Manchester City stepped into first place then I was like 'it's going to be tough now because there are only a few games left' and you have to wait for them to draw games or something.

"When I look back to that, it's like 'Great, wow!' it's unbelievable to win it this season after last season because we lost it by one point. It's crazy to lose the Premier League with a one-point difference, it's unbelievable.”

Odion Ighalo believes he has different qualities to Manchester United's other strikers which will enable him to boost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attack.

The Nigerian has scored five goals in four starts since arriving on the final day of the January transfer window, and while the 31-year-old has impressed with his own goal tally, he explained he has been given a different role to play in order to help his teammates.

“If you can’t touch the ball or you can’t do anything with the ball, you have to unsettle the defenders so your other teammates can move and do something with the ball. It’s what I was trying to do in the first half against Norwich when I wasn’t getting too many balls,” Ighalo explained to United Review.

“Just keep running, keep putting pressure on them and making them make mistakes so you can have other channels for the players to go into.”

Ighalo, who had his loan deal extended until January 2021, has previous Premier League experience with Watford, however he believes he is a better player now than the one who left Vicarage Road in 2017.

“I think I’ve gained more experience now and I push my game a little bit more than when I was at Watford,” Ighalo said.

“I think I’m even stronger now than I was then and have a bit more fighting ability now to give, plus I have the experience to do what it takes on the field to score goals and to help the team. I feel I have improved from then to now.

“You have to keep the mentality the same, work hard and take the chance when it comes. You play for the team, even if you don’t score a goal, you can give an assist and work for the team. That’s the most important thing because it’s a team game.”

Ighalo’s strength and tendency to play with his back to goal gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a different option and with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood all in good form the 31-year-old is relishing being part of a squad with so much talent.

“Martial is very skilful, he’s a direct striker. He likes to play with the ball at his feet. Rashy likes to run in behind. I think I bring different things to the strikers we have,” Ighalo said.

“I can play with my back to goal, I can keep the ball. I’m strong so it’s different, you know, and for the different games, we play different patterns and with different strategies. So, it’s good to have different types of striker in order to accomplish what you want.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp dismissed suggestions his side were not motivated enough for their match against Manchester City, saying his players displayed a “brilliant attitude” despite being on the end of a 4-0 defeat.

The Reds arrived at Ethad Stadium as newly-crowned Premier League champions and were given a guard of honour by City, title winners the past two seasons, before kick-off.

However, that was the only generosity City offered all evening as Pep Guardiola’s side put in a ruthless display that suggests they will push the Merseysiders all the way for the title next season.

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden were on target in the first half, the first time Liverpool went into half-time of a Premier League game 3-0 down since a 6-1 defeat away at Stoke more than five years ago.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s own goal completed the rout after the break, though Riyad Mahrez thought he had made it five in stoppage-time only for VAR to rule his goal out for handball.

It was Liverpool’s heaviest Premier League defeat since a 5-0 thrashing by the same opposition at the same venue in September 2017. Such a scoreline raised inevitable questions about Liverpool’s preparations and whether they had taken the foot off the gas given the title had already been secured.

Klopp bristled at such suggestions after the game, however, vehemently defending his side’s performance and insisting his players were as committed as they have been all season.

"Is the game important to us? I saw a brilliant attitude,” he told Sky Sports.

"They were quicker than us in mind. We lacked fluidity. Against Man City you have massive problems.

"We had moments. We had chances, we didn't use them. The result we have to take.

"If you want to lead this story in direction we were not focused, then do it. I liked my teams attitude, you ask again. Isn't it nice another team can be champions when Man City can play so well.

"Man City are incredible. I saw their season, they didn't play a bad game."

Britt Assombalonga was on the scoresheet in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 defeat to Hull City in Thursday’s championship game.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international was handed his 23rd league start in the encounter but his effort was not enough to help his side avoid their 16th defeat of the season.

The forward was, however, able to end his uninspiring form in front of goal, having gone 12 games without finding the back of the net, with his last goal being against QPR in November.  

After returning to winning way against Stoke City, the 27-year-old aimed to help the Smoggies continue the fine form when he handed his side the lead, dispatching his effort from the penalty spot with only four minutes into the encounter.

Herbie Kane, however, levelled proceedings for the KCOM Stadium outfit four minutes later before Mallik Wilks grabbed the match-winner at the death.

The forward featured for 79 minutes before manager Neil Warnock replaced him with Ashley Fletcher in his quest to ensure his side avoided defeat in the encounter.

Assombalonga has now scored seven goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.  

The defeat saw Middlesbrough drop to 21st on the Championship table after gathering 44 points from 40 games.

The Smoggies are now three places and one point above the relegation zone, after 10 wins, 14 draws and 16 losses.

Assombalonga has been at the Riverside Stadium since 2017 after joining the side from Nottingham Forest and has found the back of the net 35 times in 108 league games.

The forward will hope to help Middlesbrough bounce back to victory when they face Queens Park Rangers at home on Sunday.

Sergio Ramos scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat Getafe 1-0 to go four points clear at the top of LaLiga.

The leaders were far from convincing in a frantic derby at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium on Thursday, but captain Ramos secured a precious victory 11 minutes from time after Mathias Olivera was adjudged to have upended Dani Carvajal.

Victory for Los Blancos, who rested Eden Hazard, was their sixth in a row and they are strong favourites to dethrone stuttering Barcelona with five matches to play.

Getafe were unfortunate to make the short journey home without a point, but Madrid march on in their pursuit of the title.

Champions League hopefuls Getafe started brightly and Thibaut Courtois produced an agile save to deny Nemanja Maksimovic an opening goal eight minutes in.

David Soria brilliantly tipped away Vinicius Junior's close-range effort at the other end after Ferland Mendy and Luka Modric exchanged passes before the Getafe goalkeeper kept out Isco's volley.

Eder Militao replaced Raphael Varane, who took a blow to the head, during a pulsating first half that ended goalless.

Modric came close with a long-range drive that deflected narrowly wide and the lively Jaime Mata saw his measured effort land on the roof of the net following some suspect Madrid defending.

Zinedine Zidane brought on Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio midway through the second half, but Madrid continued to lack a cutting edge against a well-drilled Getafe side.

Madrid were not to be denied maximum points, though, as Olivera dangled out a leg and to bring down the marauding Carvajal and an ice-cool Ramos tucked the spot-kick to Soria's left.

What does it mean? Madrid showing the hallmark of champions

This will most definitely not go down as one of Madrid's more impressive performances this season, but they were still able to edge out tough opposition.

It was the sort of victory that champions are able to grind out and they have conceded only two goals in six victories since the season resumed.

Ramos a tower of strength

Madrid had some shaky moments as Getafe played with great intensity throughout, but skipper Ramos was rock solid for the majority of the match. He showed his prowess from 12 yards out to cap an impressive performance.

Vinicius fails to provide the spark

Vinicius came into the side with Hazard putting his feet up, but the Brazilian had a night to forget, lacking composure and showing only the odd flash of quality on the left flank as Karim Benzema was starved of service.

What's next?

Madrid will look to take another step towards the title at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, when Getafe visit Osasuna.

Raheem Sterling insisted that Manchester City are in the process of "evolving" after beating newly-crowned champions Liverpool 4-0, while also stating that "next season started today".

City gave the Reds a guard of honour as a mark of respect for their first league title triumph in 30 years, before proceeding to hand them their second defeat of the campaign.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Sterling finished off a swift counterattack to double scoreline just after the half-hour mark.

Phil Foden added a third for the hosts, firing past Alisson in the Liverpool net after playing a neat one two with De Bruyne on the edge of the box.

City continued to push for more goals in the second period, and Sterling thought he had grabbed his second in the 66th minute as he saw his seemingly goalbound shot diverted into the far corner by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The strike was ultimately credited as an own goal for Oxlade-Chamberlain, and substitute Riyad Mahrez also saw a late effort ruled out due to Foden's handball in the build-up.

The match finished 4-0 , which flattered Liverpool considering the number of chances Pep Guardiola's men created, and Sterling was in high spirits in his post-match interview.

Asked how motivated City were to get one over on the 2019-2020 Premier League winners, the 25-year-old told Sky Sports: "They (Liverpool) have been brilliant all year, we wanted to have a good game against them.

"We knew we were behind, have been disappointing at times. We had a test against the current champions to make a point and we did brilliantly. Next season started today and we did well.

"This is a team that is evolving and changing, you can see the maturity Phil (Foden) is playing with. I think in the future we have some great players."

Guardiola will now start preparing his players for a trip to St Mary's to face Southampton on Sunday, which comes three days before a home clash against Newcastle.

Carabao Cup winners City could end up finishing the season with three trophies despite missing out on the Premier League, with the FA Cup and Champions League still up for grabs over the next two months.

Pep Guardiola insisted that "Liverpool arrived with no beers in their blood" after Manchester City's victory over the Premier League champions at Etihad Stadium.

City put the Reds to the sword in Thursday night's top of the table clash, running out 4-0 winners thanks to efforts from Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal.

Liverpool started the game well, with Mohamed Salah coming closest to opening the scoring when he struck the post, but the momentum of the match quickly changed after City were awarded a penalty.

Joe Gomez left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot after bringing down Sterling in the box, and De Bruyne stepped up to cooly slot the ball past Reds number one Alisson from 12 yards.

Sterling doubled the home side's lead when he finished off a quick break, before Foden's superb individual effort put City 3-0 up right on half-time.

The England international beat Allison again in the 66th minute, but Chamberlain was credited with the goal after seeing his attempted clearance find its way into the back of the net.

City were good value for their comprehensive victory in the end, while Liverpool seemed to suffer a hangover of sorts after a week of celebrations on Merseyside.

Jurgen Klopp's men were officially crowned Premier League winners following Chelsea's win over City last Thursday, but Guardiola does not believe that his side came up against a below-par Reds outfit at the Etihad.

He told reporters post-match: "We beat the champions, an extraordinary team. We are brave to play, they are brave to play.

"My team I like every single game. We tried to play football, take risks. The best team I have ever faced in my life at high pressing.

"We had the courage to play in the small spaces.

"It is important. I saw the guard of honour, how they work inside, how focused they were. They didn't even say thank you because they were focused.

"They drank a lot of beers this week but they arrived here with no beers in their blood which is why I give us a lot of credit."

Sheffield United’s Lys Mousset has scored more goals as a substitute than any player in 2019-20 Premier League season.

The Senegal prospect came from the bench to fire past Hugo Lloris as the Blades sliced Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Bramall Lane on Thursday night.

Having been replaced in the first-half of his side’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United owing to a knock suffered, the 24-year-old was excused from Sheffield’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Nevertheless, he made a comeback against Jose Mourinho’s men after replacing David McGoldrick in the 63rd minute.

He made an instant impact six minutes later after doubling the Blades’ lead after tucking into the net from six yards out thanks to a cross from Enda Stevens.

That marked his first league goal in 2020 as well his sixth in 27 appearances for Chris Wilder’s men in his debut season at Bramall Lane having joined from Bournemouth on July 21, 2019 for a record fee in the region of £10m on a three-year contract.

The effort also ensured that he is the Premier League’s highest-scoring substitute so far with three goals, while no club has scored more goals through substitutes than Sheffield.

Following this result, Wilders men climbed to seventh in the log having accrued 47 points from 32 appearances – five points behind Manchester United who occupy the Europa League spot.

His team returns to action on Sunday, facing Burnley at Turf Moor, while Spurs host Alex Iwobi’s Everton on Monday.

Born to a Senegalese father and a French mother, the striker is eligible to represent Senegal at senior level despite featuring for the Europeans at U20 and U21 levels.

He has expressed his willingness to play for the Teranga Lions if called up by coach Aliou Cisse.

“It is true that I have always been attracted to Senegal. I don't watch a lot of football, but when Senegal play I am always in front of my TV. I support them like crazy,” Mousset told Goal.

“The story with the French team is not over because I don't have a selection yet, but if Senegal called me I would say yes.”

Liverpool have failed to score in five consecutive away fixtures for the first time in 28 years after being humbled by Manchester City.

The Reds secured the Premier League title after City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea last week, becoming the first club to secure the trophy with seven matches to spare.

Jurgen Klopp's men are also on course to break the record points haul of 100, which was set by City in 2018-19, but they took their eye off the ball at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

After being welcomed onto the pitch by a guard of honour from the home side, Liverpool started the brighter in a top of the table clash devoid of any atmosphere due to the continued absence of supporters amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it was Pep Guardiola's Blues who ended up taking the lead, with Kevin De Bruyne coolly converted a penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box.

Sterling grabbed his 13th goal of the season to put City 2-0 up with 35 minutes on the clock, as he finished off a flowing counter-attack after showing great composure in the box.

Foden scored the home side's third goal just before the half-time whistle, sending an unstoppable shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson following a quick one-two with De Bruyne.

An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal compounded the Reds misery in the second period, as City reduced the gap at the top of the Premier League to 20 points with five games left to play.

Liverpool have now gone five consecutive away games without scoring in all competitions for the first time since April 1992, when they endured an eight-match run on the road without a goal.

Their second defeat was also the joint heaviest by a side already crowned champions in Premier League history, with Liverpool having also beaten Arsenal by a 4-0 scoreline the game after their coronation in 1997-98.

Klopp's two worst losses in charge at Anfield have both come at the hands of City, who also thrashed the Reds 5-0 in September 2017, but Reds' supporters are unlikely to be too disheartened given their position in the table.

Liverpool will now have to pick themselves up again ahead of a meeting with Aston Villa on Sunday, while City gear up for a tough trip to Southampton.