Juventus riduce i carichi, personalizzato per Ramsey

Lavoro defaticante dopo la partitella di allenamento contro l'Under 23 (finalista di Coppa Italia di serie C) di ieri sera. E' proseguito così l'avvicinamento della Juventus alla ripresa, fissata venerdì con la semifinale di ritorno di Coppa Italia. Contro il Milan all'Allianz Stadium si ripartirà dall'1-1 dell'andata. Bisognerà quindi essere subito brillanti ed è per questo che Sarri e lo staff tecnico hanno deciso di non caricare troppo i muscoli di Ronaldo e compagni, programmando una seduta mattutina a ritmi ridotti.

Non ha preso parte all'allenamento Aaron Ramsey, alle prese con un fastidio muscolare: è stato preservato durante la partitella di ieri sera, ha svolto una tabella personalizzata questa mattina. Il gallese verrà poi reintegrato gradualmente insieme al resto dei compagni, l'obiettivo è comunque di averlo a disposizione per il Milan. Il centrocampista non è stato l'unico indisponibile nella sfida in famiglia: anche Giorgio Chiellini, Gonzalo Higuain e Merih Demiral hanno proseguito con il lavoro personalizzato. 

Everton will return to Premier League at home to Liverpool in Merseyside derby

It's now been over three months since a ball was kicked in the Premier League, but the wait is almost over for the restart and Carlo Ancelotti's side will host neighbours Liverpool at Goodison Park on June 21.

Everton will return to Premier League action later this month against their Merseyside rivals, Liverpool, who could secure their first title in 30 years with a win at Goodison Park. 

It’s been over three months since Carlo Ancelotti’s men drew 1-1 at home to Manchester United, a game where the Toffees led after just three minutes thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal. 

However, the global COVID-19 pandemic brought a stop to all sporting action, meaning the Premier League, and other leagues around the world, were put on hold.  

It was unsure, at one point, whether the league could restart or whether it would be null and void, but the English top-flight returns on June 17 with two matches.

Toffees restart Premier League season with Merseyside derby

As it stands, with nine games to go in the 2019-20 season, Everton sit 12th in the table and are just six points outside of the top seven, with the team in seventh earning a qualification spot in next seasons Europa League. 

Before the league came to a halt, the Toffees had won two and drew one of their previous four games. Ancelotti’s men had beaten both Crystal Palace and Watford in February and scored six goal across the two matches. 

The Premier League have announced the dates for the provisional dates for the first three matchdays on its return. Everton will host title-chasing Liverpool on Sunday, June 21, a game that will be free to air on Sky Sports. 

Ancelotti’s side will follow that up with a trip to Carrow Road to face a Norwich City outfit, who are battling for survival at the bottom, just three days after the derby. 

The Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals will take place the following weekend, meaning the Toffees have a week to prepare for the home game against Leicester City on July 1. 

Confirmed Fixtures

Sunday, June 21 - Everton vs Liverpool - Sky Sports and Pick – 7pm 

Wednesday, June 24 - Norwich City vs Everton - BBC Sport – 6pm 

Wednesday, July 1 - Everton vs Leicester City - Sky Sports - 6pm 

Luis Suárez recibe el alta médica

El delantero uruguayo del FC Barcelona ya tiene el ‘ok’ médico y podría entrar en la convocatoria para enfrentarse al Mallorca.

Era la notícia más esperada para el barcelonismo. Luis Suárez ha recibido luz verde en su recuperación y ya dispone del alta médica y ya puede volver a disputar minutos con el primer equipo del FC Barcelona. El delantero “charrúa” llevaba cinco meses en el dique seco y ha aprovechado el parón por el coronavirus para acelerar su recuperación.

La vuelta del pistolero

Han pasado 147 días desde que Luis Suárez cayera lesionado en la semifinal de la Supercopa de España ante el Atlético de Madrid en Arabia Saudí el 12 de enero. El delantero centro uruguayo sufrió una lesión en el menisco externo de la rodilla derecha y tuvo que pasar por quirófano para ser intervenido por el Doctor Cugat, que le realizó una artroscopia.

Antes de lesionarse, Luis Suárez había participado en 17 encuentros de Liga Santander, en los que anotó 11 goles y se convirtió en el tercer máximo goleador en la lucha por el Pichichi, tan solo superado por Karim Benzema (2º con 14) y Leo Messi (1º con 19).

Cabe recordar que esta era la tercera lesión que Luis Suárez había sufrido esta temporada 2019/20. El 3 de noviembre sufrió un esguince de tobillo que le mantuvo apartado 5 días de los terrenos de juego. Antes, el día 17 de agosto, sufrió una lesión muscular ante el Athletic Club en San Mamés, que le mantuvo en el dique seco durante 26 días. Así pues, las lesiones han mermado el rendimiento del delantero “charrúa”, que ha visto interrumpida la regularidad sobre el césped.

La vuelta de Luis Suárez es una noticia muy positiva para Quique Setién, que ha recuperado uno de sus mejores efectivos. Con Dembélé lesionado y Ansu Fati entre algodones, el regreso de Luis Suárez permite al FC Barcelona recuperar “chispa” en la delantera de cara al regreso de la Liga Santander.

Bleues: Deschamps donne "parfois son avis tactique" à Corinne Diacre

Corinne Diacre, sélectionneure des Bleues, a fait savoir sur Europe 1 qu'elle discutait souvent avec Didier Deschamps, pour obtenir son point de vue sur des questions tactiques ou sur ses joueuses.

"Les échanges sont toujours intéressants et constructifs". Corinne Diacre s'est dit satisfaite de ses discussions avec Didier Deschamps, dans une interview diffusée ce samedi par Europe 1. La sélectionneure de l'équipe de France féminine de football a déclaré qu'elle s'entretenait "très régulièrement" avec son homologue masculin.

"Je lui donne mon point de vue de l'intérieur"

"Didier regarde de plus en plus le foot féminin. Parfois, il me donne son avis sur certaines choses d'un point de vue tactique, sur certains joueuses. Et je lui donne mon point de vue de l'intérieur", a confié Corinne Diacre, soulignant la "crédibilité" du sélectionneur des Bleus, eu égard à son palmarès de double champion du monde. 

"Il ne faut pas se leurrer, les résultats sont très importants quand on occupe ce poste", a ajouté la technicienne éliminée avec les Bleues en quarts de finale du Mondial 2019 par les États-Unis (2-1).

Corinne Diacre devait en principe se retrouver à un an du prochain championnat d'Europe féminin. La crise sanitaire a cependant obligé les instances dirigeantes à reporter d'un an la compétition, désormais prévue du 6 au 31 juillet 2022.

Can stellt sich klar hinter Favre: „Großartiger Trainer, der zu 100 Prozent zum BVB passt“

CAN HÄLT DIE DISKUSSIONEN UM FAVRE NICHT FÜR GERECHTFERTIGT. FOTO: STUART FRANKLIN/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES

Infolge der Heimniederlage gegen den FC Bayern sah sich Lucien Favre bei Borussia Dortmund einmal mehr einer Trainerdiskussion ausgesetzt. An der hatte der Schweizer mit kryptischen Aussagen in einem TV-Interview seine Aktien, dennoch bemerkten manche Kommentatoren, der Coach erhalte zu wenig Unterstützung vom Verein. Emre Can setzte nach dem 1:0 über Hertha BSC ein glasklares Statement.

„Er ist ein großartiger Trainer, zu 100 Prozent. Manchmal wird gemeckert und über den Trainer geredet, was ich nicht verstehen kann, wenn man die Punktausbeute sieht“, so der Nationalspieler bei Sky. Der 26-Jährige meint damit die Rückrunde, beziehungsweise die Zeit, die er beim BVB verbracht hat. Der Mittelfeldmann kam Ende Januar von Juventus Turin. Seither hat Dortmund alle Bundesligaspiele mit Ausnahme der Partien gegen Bayer Leverkusen und den FC Bayern für sich entschieden. Aber auch über diesen Zeitpunkt hinaus weist Favre gute Statistiken auf.

Bester Punkteschnitt der BVB-Historie

Tatsächlich hat kein BVB-Trainer historisch einen besseren Punkteschnitt aufzuweisen als der 62-Jährige. Allerdings hat Dortmund unter ihm noch keinen großen Titel gewonnen. Zudem stellen Beobachter immer wieder in Frage, ob der eher ruhige Schweizer als Typ zum Verein passt. Für Can steht das überhaupt nicht zur Diskussion. „Ich finde, es ist ein großartiger Trainer, der zu 100 Prozent zum BVB passt. Ich hoffe, dass ich noch mehrere Jahre mit ihm hier arbeiten kann.“

„Sehr gut gemacht“

Der so gelobte Chefcoach seinerseits dürfte nichts dagegen haben, weiter auf Can setzen zu können. Den 26-Jährigen warf er gegen Hertha ins recht kalte Wasser. „Es ist nicht einfach gewesen, er ist es mehr gewöhnt, auf der rechten Seite zu spielen in der Dreierkette. Zentral hat er es nur in Wolfsburg gemacht, aber er hat das heute sehr gut gemacht“, lobte Favre den Siegtorschützen. Auch ohne den gesperrten Mats Hummels habe der BVB auch dank Can im Spielaufbau die richtige Balance zwischen Geduld, Risiko und Cleverness gefunden.

FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez suspended by MLS following allegations of domestic abuse

Major League Soccer announced Friday that it had suspended FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez, following a report to the Frisco Police Department alleging incidents of domestic abuse.

MLS is conducting an independent investigation into the matter and will remain in close communication with FC Dallas, local law enforcement and the MLS Players Association throughout the process.

Gonzalez proactively submitted to, and is currently undergoing, an assessment by Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) doctors. Gonzalez will not be eligible to participate in any team activity until the assessment is complete, he is cleared for participation by the SABH Program doctors and Major League Soccer completes its investigation.

FC Dallas released the following statement on the allegations:

Earlier this week, we learned of allegations involving goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez.

FC Dallas takes these matters extremely seriously and fully supports the league’s swift action to suspend the player while an investigation takes place. We continue to work closely with Major League Soccer regarding this. 

As this is an ongoing investigation, FC Dallas will not have further comment at this time.  

Moreirense vence na visita ao Boavista

O Moreirense somou este sábado a segunda vitória fora de casa, ao vencer o Boavista, por 1-0, na visita ao Estádio do Bessa, no Porto, em jogo da 25.ª jornada da I Liga de futebol.

Um golo do médio Filipe Soares, aos 48 minutos, bastou para a equipa de Moreira de Cónegos triunfar pela segunda vez fora de portas neste campeonato e somar o sétimo encontro sem perder, depois de Carraça, já nos descontos, ter desperdiçado uma grande penalidade para o Boavista, ao atirar ao poste.

Os boavisteiros acabaram o encontro reduzidos a 10, com a expulsão de Fabiano, por acumulação de amarelos, aos 90+5.

Com a vitória de hoje, o Moreirense é agora oitavo, com 33 pontos, em igualdade pontual com o Santa Clara, nono, enquanto o Boavista é 11.º, com 29, os mesmos pontos de Vitória de Setúbal e Belenenses SAD, numa classificação liderada pela Benfica.

Nasce la nuova Inter: Nainggolan resta, Kumbulla è vicino nonostante la Juve

La NBA riparte: si giocherà in un'unica sede

Ibra l'insaziabile: "Vuole vincere sempre, anche con i cavalli"

Troppi i circa 20 milioni per acquistarlo, così come i più di 4 all'anno per lo stipendio, Piazzare Ninggolan, per l'Inter, non è un'impresa semplicissima. Ecco allora un'ipotesi molto probabile: tenersi il Ninja e inserirlo nei meccanismi del cantrocampo di Conte. Un'impresa non certo complicata viste le caratterisiche del belga che sarebbe perfetto nel ruolo di incursore di metà campo, un classico nel calcio contiano.

Già nello scorso ritriro estivo, prima del prestito al Cagliari, il nuovo allenatore nerazzurro aveva detto a Marotta che si sarebbe tenuto volentieri il Ninja, ma la società ha preferito lasciarlo andare. In questa occasione, invece, l'Inter si ritroverà in casa un giocatore dalle caratteristiche giuste cha andrebbe a colmare il vuoto lasciato dalla probabile partenza di Vecino. 


Sempre apertissima, poi, la pista che porta al difensore del Verona Kumbulla. L'offerta della Juve, 22 milioni più tre prestiti, non interferisce sulla trattativa, già aperta da tempo, con l'Inter. In più, la dirigenza nerazzurra può contare sul gradimento del giocatore. 

OL: Ederson tacle Puel, qui ne voulait que "des joueurs qui savent courir"

Coupe du monde de basket 2019: l’année de la France?

Ligue des Champions : Dortmund fait craquer le PSG, l'Atlético vient à bout…

Invité dans une interview pour L'Equipe à donner le nom de l'entraîneur qui l'a le plus déçu, l'ancien milieu brésilien Ederson, passé par Nice et l'OL, a cité Claude Puel. Un coach qui, selon lui, "n'a jamais accepté" son style de jeu.

© AFP Ederson en 2011

Passé par l'OL entre 2008 et 2012, l'ancien milieu brésilien Ederson a connu deux entraîneurs dans le Rhône: Claude Puel et Rémi Garde. Et de son propre aveu, le courant n'est pas franchement bien passé avec l'un des deux. Dans un entretien accordé à L'Equipe, celui qui a pris sa retraite en début d'année a cité Puel comme le coach l'ayant "le plus déçu" au cours de sa carrière professionnelle, débutée en 2003.

"Il n'a jamais accepté ma spécificité"

"On n'avait vraiment pas la même vision du foot. Lui, il ne voulait que des joueurs qui savent courir, tacler et défendre. J'ai essayé mais ce n'était pas mon truc. Il n'a jamais accepté ma spécificité. La force d'un entraîneur, c'est de s'adapter au style de ses joueurs, non?", a-t-il confié.

Titulaire lors de sa première saison chez les Gones, la première également de Puel à l'OL, Ederson avait vu son temps de jeu se réduire sérieusement dès l'année suivante. Plombé ensuite par plusieurs pépins physiques, il avait retrouvé de la confiance au cours de la saison 2011-2012 avec l'arrivée de Garde sur le banc. Avant de prendre la direction de la Lazio, libre de tout contrat.

"Mon agent avait déjà bien avancé avec la Lazio Rome et je n'avais plus qu'à signer. Mais Rémi Garde m'a expliqué sa façon de voir les choses et m'a dit qu'il comptait sur moi. J'étais partagé car je sentais qu'on allait enfin pouvoir s'éclater à Lyon mais, de l'autre côté, on avait déjà presque tout ficelé avec la Lazio. J'ai failli tout annuler, mais j'ai reculé. J'avais donné ma parole", a détaillé l'ancien Niçois. Rentré au Brésil en 2015, du côté de Flamengo, il a vaincu un cancer des testicules en 2018 et espérait retrouver les terrains après cette bataille. Mais des douleurs au genou et un divorce à gérer l'ont finalement convaincu de raccrocher les crampons.

Militão: “Estamos preparados para todo”

El retorno de la Liga está más cerca que nunca, después de 3 meses de parón podrá volver a rodar el balón en los campos de España. Los equipos llevan entrenándose desde que se estrenó la fase 0 en todas las comunidades del país. Han tenido que ejercitarse en solitario y más tarde en grupos, para seguir con las normas establecidas por el gobierno. Hoy en día, se les puede ver tocar balón y jugar pachangas entre ellos.

El brasileño expresó: “Volver al campo con todos los jugadores, es una alegría”. Todos los jugadores del equipo blanco indicaron su felicidad de volver a jugar y así poder disfrutar otra vez de la competición. El domingo 14 el Real Madrid jugará su partido contra el Éibar y representará la jornada 28 de la Liga. Tres días más tarde, los merengues se enfrentarán al Valencia el jueves 18, también en Valdebebas.

El equipo se ha estado ejercitando con trabajos físicos y con contacto de balón. El defensa comentó: “El contacto con el balón también es importante, lo físico, creo que estamos volviendo bien y haciendo las cosas muy bien”. Zidane se ha puesto en marcha, para que los jugadores den todo para poder ganar esta Liga. El primer puesto está bastante disputado ya que solo existen dos puntos de diferencia con el primer puesto, que ahora mismo está ocupado por el Barcelona.

Militão explicó que el cree que el equipo está muy bien y preparados para volver pronto a la Liga. Las ganas de los jugadores se ve en la intensidad de los entrenamientos que hay cada día, al igual que la pasión que Zidane transmite a los demás. Todos los equipos saben que van a volver a jugar sin la afición en los estadios, y esto es un punto en contra. Ya que el fútbol sin la animación y sin los cánticos no es lo mismo, y sería bastante raro la imagen del campo vacío.

Cierto es que ahora mismo esa imagen va a ser repetida en todos los partidos de la Liga, pero más adelante se espera que esto cambie a mejor y vuelva todo a la normalidad. Militão habló sobre este tema y contestó: “Vamos a llevar a la afición todos juntos en el corazón”. El equipo dará todo para ganar todos los partidos y así conseguir un título para toda su afición.  

Focus on Sancho means Manchester United are forgetting about another problem position

With the links to Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham hogging the limelight over recent weeks and months, the United board needs to be careful not to overlook another area that requires  reinforcements.

Manchester United have long been linked with right-wingers, strikers and centre-backs though they seem to be glossing over another pivotal position that needs reinforcements. The defensive midfield.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be a divisive figure amongst supporters regarding his credibility and suitability for the job as manager of one of the world’s biggest clubs but his record in the transfer window has appeased almost everyone.

Chelsea are forcing United's hand

With Chelsea already making significant moves in the transfer market, United fans are starting to become increasingly anxious at the sight of one of their closest rivals considerably strengthening their hand whilst the Red Devils only have hope to cling to.

20-year-old Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jadon Sancho has been continuously linked for even longer than the world has been in lockdown but still, no serious progress has been made.

The former Manchester City winger should undoubtedly remain Ed Woodward’s top priority but another area of the pitch that needs addressing is going relatively unnoticed. Many supporters and pundits alike are calling for additional support up-front, or in defence whether that be at left-back or in the middle, ignoring the fact that United only have one recognised defensive midfielder in Nemanja Matic who will be 32 by the start of next season.

Defensive midfield a more pressing issue

Although the Serbian’s return to form before football was put on pause deservedly resulted in a one-year contract extension and Scott McTominay winning a plethora of fans for his determined displays in the role, neither are suitable candidates in the long-term if United want to reel Liverpool and City in.

Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams and arguably an improved Victor Lindelof, an injury-free Eric Bailly or a matured Axel Tuanzebe could, however, be the answer in their respective problem position for the next 5-10 years.

The Stretford End faithful are drooling at the prospect of witnessing Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes play together as dual playmakers but that partnership will only be feasible and effective if there is an equally impressive counterbalance just behind them in the centre of the park allowing their attacking flair to flourish. Imagine Xavi and Iniesta without Busquets. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne without Fernandinho. Or Luka Modric and Toni Kroos without Casemiro.

McTominay could play higher-up

This isn’t to downplay McTominay’s ability as the 23-year-old Scottish international has been one of United’s standout performers since his first-team breakthrough, but it is clear that he is more comfortable further forward. The addition of a holding midfielder such as Wilfred Ndidi, Sandro Tonali or Benfica’s Florentino Luis who has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford, would allow McTominay the freedom to play in his natural position.

The Scotsman would be able to fill into the holding role when required or replace either Pogba or Fernandes in the more advanced roles on a big European night or a critical Premier League encounter. A role Darren Fletcher made fashionable at United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

Fletcher and Ji Sung-Park would often come into the starting line-up at the expense of one of their more flamboyant teammates to add solidity and steel to the team and it is a role that a humble McTominay would and should still relish.

The academy graduate has already shown an eye for goal to go with his natural fitness and work rate meaning he could even evolve and enhance the role that his compatriot filled for many years.

With the likes of Ndidi or Luis primarily starting in the holding position and McTominay filling in whether at the base of midfield or further forward, there would still be space for an ever-improving Fred and a promising Angel Gomes over the course of a 50/60 game season where injuries come into play and rotation is key. Especially as Juan Mata and Matic are deep into their twilight years with only one year remaining on their contracts.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Bayern Munich: Bayern close in on title after proving too good for Werkself

Bayern Munich moved to within six points of the Bundesliga title after coming from behind to beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 at the BayArena.

First-half efforts from Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry ensured Lucas Alario's ninth-minute opener was forgotten by the interval.

Robert Lewandowski's 44th goal of the season stretched Bayern's lead but Leverkusen, who were without top scorer Kai Havertz, pulled one back in the dying stages as 17-year-old Florian Wirtz became the league's youngest-ever scorer.

Story of the match

After a lively, physical opening, Leverkusen caught out Bayern's defence to snatch the lead. Julian Baumgartlinger lifted the ball through to Alario, who coolly prodded past Manuel Neuer. A VAR review showed that he had beaten David Alaba's belated offside trap.

Bayern then began to establish control and went agonisingly close to an equaliser on 24 minutes. Thomas Muller dug out a brilliant dinked cross, but neither Lewandowski nor Coman could generate the power to beat Lukas Hradecky from point-blank range.

When Coman's next chance arrived shortly afterwards, he took it with aplomb. Goretzka stole possession off a careless Moussa Diaby in the centre circle and set his team-mate away. Coman proceeded to open up his body and whip the ball into the far corner to level the scores.

Bayern then motored clear in the final minutes of the first half. Leverkusen piled in on Neuer's goal as they attacked a corner, but that left them vulnerable to a counter when Bayern regained possession. The leaders swept upfield, and after Coman's flick, Muller worked the ball to Goretzka, who found the bottom right corner with a driven cross-goal shot to score in back-to-back games. Hradecky got a significant touch and will feel he ought to have done better.

Alaba's pinged aerial ball to Lewandowski, who chested down and flashed a shot wide just before Goretzka's strike, ought to have been a warning for Leverkusen. Yet they were repeatedly undone when Bayern chose to go direct.

Jerome Boateng floated Gnabry in-behind on 43 minutes, and though Hradecky prevailed in their first one-against-one battle by saving with his left leg, he saw the ball chipped over his head and into the net in stoppage time after Joshua Kimmich's almost identical long ball bypassed the defence. 

There were opportunities at both ends early in the second half. First, Diaby, who had an immensely frustrating afternoon, lashed high and wide after substitute Wendell knocked him through, then Muller sidefooted past the post after Coman laid the ball into his path on the edge of the area.

Not long after the hour mark, Coman looked to tee-up Gnabry from the byline but the German fired over after striding onto a half-volley.

Soon enough, Bayern had the fourth to wrap up the game. Muller tied Kevin de Bruyne's record of 20 Bundesliga assists with a superb, nonchalant cross that Lewandowski powered past a rooted Hradecky.

There were a couple of positives for Leverkusen to take in the closing stages. Kevin Volland returned from injury and exchanged passes with fellow sub Kerem Demirbay in the build-up to an 89th-minute consolation. Wirtz, aged 17 years and 34 days, stepped inside Kimmich and bent it past Neuer, taking his first Bundesliga goal as it were his 100th. 

Takeaways

Bayern's firepower simply too much for their rivals

An eighth consecutive Bundesliga title beckons for Bayern Munich, who have now won 17 of their 20 league games under Hansi Flick.

What separates them from a strong chasing pack? Goals. 90, to be precise, over the course of 30 matches. That's a record for this stage of the season.

Here, they again showed occasional defensive vulnerabilities, but their front four, augmented by the rampaging Alphonso Davies, is just overwhelmingly good.

Philippe Coutinho (injured today) and Ivan Perisic offer quite some depth.

Make no mistake, they are sufficiently lethal - whether facing a regimented block or springing into a counter - to conquer Europe if and when the Champions League resumes.

Man of the match - Leon Goretzka

Goretzka's assist for Bayern's equaliser - a firm, opportunistic challenge and a perfectly-weighted release - epitomised his imposing, assured performance. He then gave the visitors a lead they never relinquished with a driven end to a flowing counter.

What's next?

Bayern will be without two talismanic figures when they host the dangerous Borussia Monchengladbach next Saturday. Lewandowski and Muller both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in the first half, triggering a suspension.

Leverkusen, level on points with Gladbach in the hunt for Champions League football, will look to pile the misery on Schalke in the Sunday evening kick-off. 

Los fichajes del Sevilla para la reanudación

En la plantilla hay jugadores que con Julen Lopetegui no han contado con muchos minutos pero ahora tienen una oportunidad de oro para reivindicarse.

El gran fondo de armario con el que cuenta Lopetegui en su primera temporada como técnico del Sevilla, tiene consecuencias para algunos jugadores. Y es que a pesar de haber apostado muy fuerte económicamente por alguno de ellos, el entrenador vasco siempre ha destacado por tener a 'sus jugadores tipo' y no ha rotado a excepeción de la fase de grupos de la Europa League y la Copa del Rey. Estos jugadores, con la realidad de los 5 cambios y repetidas veces 2 partidos por semana, van a tener más minutos y se va a poder evaluar si tienen nivel para seguir en Nervión la temporada 20/21.

Munir el Haddadi

El jugador de origen marroquí, desde que llegó procedente del FC Barcelona en enero del año pasado por tan solo 1 millón de euros, ha dejado buenas sensaciones en el Sánchez-Pizjuán. En media temporada, metió 7 goles y dió 2 asistencias, mientras que en esta temporada, lleva otros 7 goles y 3 asistencias. Cifras engañosas, puesto que en liga solo son 2 de esos goles. Competicion donde solamente ha jugado 10 partidos y ni la mitad de titular. Encadenó 2 titularidades ante Osasuna y Villarreal con dos goles y curiosamente, a partir de ahí, dejó de contar, ni siquiera entraba en las convocatorias. Es un jugador que siempre que juega aporta y ha demostrado tener algo muy valioso, gol. 

Munir celebrando un gol. Fuente: Sevilla FC

Rony Lopes

La inversión más grande de la historia del Sevilla apenas ha jugado el 4% de los minutos del equipo en liga. El llegar en menor forma que sus compañeros, sumados al buen rendimiento de Nolito en el primer tramo, la reconversión de Oliver Torres a falso extremo en algunas ocasiones y el nivelazo de Lucas Ocampos, han privado al portugués de jugar apenas 14 partidos hasta el parón, siendo la mitad de ellos en Europa League. Con los cambios en la competición liguera, va a tener la oportunidad de demostrar que vale los 25 millones que Monchi pagó por el los últimos días de mercado veraniego. 

Sergi Gómez

El central empezó la temporada aceptando en rol de cuarto central, sin jugar casi minutos. Con la salida de Carriço a China pasó a ser el suplente de la pareja formada por Diego Carlos y Koundé, cuando empezó a entrar en la rotación. No levantó la voz ni mostró su disconformidad pese a no contar; lo que hizo fue trabajar y ganarse el sitio. Hubo un tramo donde parecía haberle ganado la partida al joven central francés, sumando varias titularidades consecutivas. Después de una temporada pasada, donde fue el jugador que más minutos disputó de la plantilla hasta la salida de Pablo Machín, esta campaña ha estado viviendo todo o contrario. Suma 16 partidos, número que ascenderá cuando se reanude la liga por la falta de centrales con la que cuenta la plantilla y el buen trabajo del catalán, siempre cumplidor.

Sergi Gómez celebrando un triunfo. Fuente: LaLiga

Nemanja Gudelj

El serbio ha contado con bastantes minutos, pero aun así, da la sensación de que su fichaje ha sido tan acertado, que parecen pocos, es el suplente de Fernando, y cuando no está, lo sustituye a la perfección. Llegó desde China gratis y su fichaje de entrada no convencía, pero ha demostrado ser un jugador de equipo, comprometido y muy válido para el Sevilla. Con la acumulación de partidos, va a entrar mucho más que antes, que le daba rotación al brasileño y cuando el equipo necesitaba amarrar un resultado.

Gudelj en un partido con el Sevilla. Fuente: Sevilla FC

Fernando

El más imprescindible de todos. Se lesionó en el último partido contra Osasuna y no tenía buena pinta, con estos casi 3 meses de confinamiento se ha podido recuperar y estará en el derbi del próximo jueves. Si las competiciones no se hubieran parado, el pivote se hubiera perdido casi todo lo que restaba de temporada y Lopetegui no habría podido alinear a uno de sus jugadores capitales.

Fernando en un partido con el Sevilla. Fuente: Sevilla FC

10 Man RB Leipzig Blow Lead Late To Paderborn

RB Leipzig dropped points at home once again, allowing a stoppage time equalizer in a game turned on its head thanks to Dayot Upamecano's first half red card.

Christian Strohdiek's dramatic stoppage time goal for Paderborn canceled out Patrik Schick's first-half opener as 10 man RB Leipizig dropped points at home once again, making it still no home wins since the Bundesliga restart.

Leipzig Start Bright, Then Fade

Leipzig started the match brightly, carving up the visitors at every opportunity. In the first 10 minutes, Timo Werner, Patrik Schick, and Christopher Nkuku all had shots blocked or saved. Suffice it to say, it looked like it was going to be a long day for Paderborn keeper Leopold Zingerle.

In the 27th minute, the three aforementioned attackers hit their stride in unison. Nkuku played Werner into the box. Werner centered it. And Schick slotted it home. 1-0 to the hosts.

In the first half, Schick was on fire. The Czech international had two shots on target, including his goal, one key pass, and a big chance created (SofaScore). On top of that, he won both of his two duels, one in the air and one on the ground.

With the goal, Schick took his Bundesliga tally to double digits and Werner upped his assists to eight in the league (staying tied for first in combined goals and assists, 33, with Robert Lewandowski, who scored for Bayern Munich Saturday).

But then, it all went downhill.

Upamecano Showers Early

Center back Dayot Upamecano received his first yellow card in the 16th minute for a hard foul. Then, just two minutes before the half, he kicked the ball in frustration after a call from the referee he clearly disagreed with. Generally, refs don't like that. And Saturday's man in charge was no different.

Upamecano received a second yellow which allowed him to enjoy the entire shower room to himself, ahead of schedule.

The Frenchman's sending off proved costly for Leipzig. First, Paderborn had played well up to that point, not sitting back and soaking up pressure, instead playing open and expansive.

But down to 10 men, Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann decided to bunker down. At the half, left back Marcel Halstenberg subbed on for Schick and the hosts went into an extremely defensive back five. And as the half wore on, the midfield and defenders sat deeper and deeper, leaving Werner on an island so secluded it hasn't been discovered yet.

Leipzig, a team in the Champions League quarterfinals and fighting to qualify for next year's competition, were on their heels against dead last, four win, negative 29 goal difference Paderborn.

Bend And Break

Leipzig were treading water as the match wore on. American Tyler Adams luckily avoided giving away a penalty. Paderborn were dominating possession. They were outshooting the hosts, both total and on target. At some point, Leipzig's bend would have to break.

And finally it did, in stoppage time.

Paderborn's corner fell to Marlon Ritter at the top of the box and he blasted it towards goal. Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi saved it, but poorly parried back into danger and straight to captain Strohdiek who fired it home to steal a point for the visitors.

Amadou Haidara had a last second opportunity to snatch the lead back for Leipzig, but muffed his chance.

Tight Top Four Race

Leipzig have no one to blame but themselves for dropping points at home once again. From Upamecano's red card to abandoning their style of play for the entire second half, Leipzig thoroughly deserved only one point.

Borussia Monchengladbach lost Friday night and Bayer Leverkusen lost Saturday to leaders Bayern Munich. Leipzig could have cemented their spot in the top four. However, they frustratingly didn't take advantage of it.

On 59 points with four games to go, Leipzig cannot afford more slip ups. Gladbach and Leverkusen are right on their heels, just three points behind.

Leipzig, no matter how young they are, have to dig deep and will themselves to a top-four spot. Next up Friday's match away to midtable Hoffenheim. 

Freiburg 1-0 Borussia Monchengladbach: Freiburg add another twist to heated race for Europe

This was not part of the script for Marco Rose's Borussia Monchengladbach.

After dispatching Union Berlin, the natural next step was consolidation of their place in the top four at the Schwarzwald-Stadion.

Freiburg, though, made no compromises for their high-flying opponents as they exercised the giant-killing; inflicting a huge dent in Gladbach's Champions League aspirations.

The first-half was a game of few chances, but an inspired second-half performance from the obdurate hosts provided an emphatic answer to questions surrounding their form since the restart. Suddenly, ambitions of reaching the Europa League places aren't all that fanciful.

Story of the match

The chemistry between the combative duo of Alassane Plea and Marcus Thuram was showcased for all to see last Saturday in the 4-1 crushing of Union Berlin.

To see Thuram extend his Bundesliga tally to 10 goals was to elicit little surprise for viewers, but sidekick Plea - with two goals and one assist that day -  is enjoying a stellar season of his own. An understated one at that.

The Frenchman has 20 goal contributions this season - and it was almost 21 after 16 minutes. Lars Stindl scythed the Freiburg defence in two with a perfectly-weighted through ball to Plea, who was smothered by Freiburg keeper Alexander Schwolow. Moments later, Schwolow was equal to the task again as he parried Stindl's effort from range.

Despite conceding a promising chance for the unmarked Luca Waldschmidt in the 8th minute, the visitors had hit their rhythm seamlessly, assuming control of the opening exchanges.  

Freiburg, who have demonstrated their ability to mix it with the best on myriad occasions this season, were content to retreat into their shape. The success of the Bundesliga's biggest overachievers has been built on sturdy foundations, and today was no different. 

They would emerge from their shell as the half progressed, but, in doing so, allowed Gladbach to breach their backline with increasing regularity. The marauding runs of Ramy Bensebaini and Stefan Lainer from full-back positions posed unanswerable issues.

Gladbach even had the ball in the back of the net at once stage, as Florian Neuhaus found the target from a penalty box scramble. The midfielder was adjudged to have been standing in an offside position, cutting Gladbach's celebrations short. 

Freiburg, though, weren't afraid to make their presence felt in Gladbach's half. On the stroke of half time, Lucas Höler drove through the heart of the Gladbach defense, rifling down the throat of Yann Sommer.

Robin Koch's clean volley from distance then skidded wide of the left-post shortly after the interval. Nevertheless, Gladbach were the team with the stronger grasp on proceedings, playing some slick football at times. Philipp Lienhart had to stretch every sinew to prevent Thuram from converting Lainer's fizzed cross in the 53rd minute.

It had seemed inevitable at times that Freiburg's veil of resistance would shatter, but five minutes later, the resolve paid dividends. With his first touch of the game, substitute Nils Petersen headed home a pinpoint Vincenzo Grifo free-kick to give Freiburg an unexpected lead.

It was a major setback for Gladbach, and the ascension would become a whole lot steeper when Alassane Plea then received a second yellow card for an innocuous lunge on Koch. Gladbach's prospects had been completely upended.

Max Eberl, Gladbach's sporting director, would also be dismissed (for dissent) in what was a dramatic turn of events.

Freiburg refused to rest on their laurels as Koch got forward from midfield in the 77th minute. Sommer denied him in front of goal, and would then display impressive reactions to block Höler's downward header at the far post seven minutes later. 

A disconsolate Thuram hid his face in his shirt at the final whistle. His influence had been stifled throughout, though the dejection was not a reflection of his own performance. He knew, as did the rest of the team, that defeats like this weigh heavily come the end of the season.

State of play in the Champions League places

Never before has the need to qualify for the Champions League been so urgent in the Bundesliga, and on few occasions has the race been so tight. 

League leaders Bayern Munich have all but guaranteed their position in UEFA's top competition next season (along with the title), though Borussia Dortmund, who are 2nd on 60 points, and RB Leipzig - who are third on 58 points - will be forced to tussle it out with Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen over the coming weeks, who are both tied on 56 points.

The TV money from the competition will provide financial security and support for clubs next season, which is highly likely to be played behind closed doors, resulting in a substantial loss of matchday revenue. 

The situation is heightened in Germany, where - due to less money being earned from TV rights sales - reliance on matchday income is greater. Monchengladbach, in particular, need financial justification for their relatively vast outlay in the transfer market last summer.

Five doesn't fit into four, though, so someone is going to miss out.