Football

Ryan Dow gave the visitors a shock lead after 16 minutes as he slotted home Charlie Reilly’s cross, but Airdrie hit back to go into half-time with a 2-1 lead as on-loan Rangers midfielder Arron Lyall equalised in the 39th minute and teenager Liam McStravick found the bottom corner.

Former Arbroath loanee Mason Hancock’s header extended the hosts’ lead two minutes after the break before David Gold pulled one back for the away side.

But Charlie Telfer restored the Diamonds’ two-goal cushion with a close-range shot and ex-Arbroath midfielder Craig Watson put the score beyond doubt 12 minutes from time.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe combined superbly to inspire Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-0 Ligue 1 win at Ajaccio on Friday.

The defending champions were without the suspended Neymar, leaving it up to the two other stars on their forward line to send PSG six points clear at the top. They did so in style.

Mbappe, who recently slammed reports of him wanting to leave the club as "completely false", cut a frustrated figure for much of the game even after breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute.

He was teed up by Messi for that opener before missing a series of chances to claim a hat-trick.

However, a commanding PSG display was eventually reflected by the scoreline as Mbappe and Messi linked up brilliantly for the latter to make it 2-0 before the long-time Real Madrid target added further gloss with his second.

Van de Beek has continually been linked with a move to LaLiga giants Madrid, who previously contacted Ajax over a possible deal at the start of the season.

The 22-year-old Netherlands international has also reportedly emerged as a target for Premier League side United.

Ten Hag was asked about the future of Van de Beek on the eve of Thursday's Europa League clash against Getafe in Madrid.

"I do not think so [that he will leave]," Ajax boss Ten Hag told reporters in his news conference.

"He has had a great evolution and has attracted international attention. There are players who are in the spotlight and then things change."

Ten Hag added: "Donny van de Beek has had a stormy progression the last months. A lot of big clubs noticed this.

"That's has been the last one and a half years like this with our players. We have not to think about this, but we have been doing these the last one and a half years already."

In 2019-20, Van de Beek has scored 10 goals in all competitions for Dutch champions Ajax – eight of those in the Eredivisie.

The England international moved to the Netherlands last month after cutting short his controversial stint in Saudi Arabia.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes for John van ‘t Schip’s side against PSV.

Ajax, who trail the runaway leaders by 21 points, struck first through Steven Berghuis but were pegged back by a Luuk de Jong equaliser.

After the match, Henderson tweeted: “Loved every second of that. Lots of positives to take. On to the next one.”

Midfielder Van Der Vaart moves to Amsterdam from Danish side Esbjerg after Ajax bought out the remainder of the 17-year-old’s contract.

A club statement read: “Ajax has signed Damian Van Der Vaart. The midfielder has agreed to a contract lasting one season, until June 30, 2024.

“This marks the first contract with Ajax for the 17-year-old youth player.”

Esbjerg’s talent manager Anders Brynaa revealed an agreeable deal had been brokered which allowed the young Dutchman to move to Amsterdam.

“Over a long period, we have had a good dialogue with Ajax regarding a possible change of club for Damian Van Der Vaart, who has wanted to pursue the opportunity in his home country,” Brynaa told the Esbjerg club website.

“As a club, we have been financially compensated in an agreement that makes sense for all parties and we therefore thank Damian for his efforts for EfB and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

A post shared by Rafael van der Vaart (@rafaelvdvaart)

Rafael Van Der Vaart started his career in the Ajax academy.

He later joined German club Hamburg before a move to Real Madrid in 2008 and a spell with English Premier League side Tottenham.

The Dutchman – part of the Oranje side which reached the 2010 World Cup final – retired from playing in 2018 at Esbjerg, where he later had a short stint as an assistant coach.

The 25-year-old is set to be an important figure for his country at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where he will have another chance to impress possible suitors.

The former Club America player was said to have been the subject of a €50million offer from Chelsea in the last transfer window, which Ajax refused, leaving Alvarez by his own admission "very disappointed".

Alvarez has been unable to prevent Ajax slipping to an early exit from the Champions League, but domestically they are leading the way in the Eredivisie, even after losing head coach Erik ten Hag and star winger Antony to Manchester United.

United are among the clubs to have been linked with Alvarez, who hopes the "difficult situation" of the last transfer window can be quickly forgotten.

"Of course there was interest from Chelsea. Nobody expected that they would make another offer," Alvarez said. "Ajax really couldn't go anywhere. They couldn't do anything more. They didn't have a player in my position."

Speaking to ESPN, Alvarez said he "fought as far as I could" before committing to Ajax for this season, knowing future opportunities could arise should he again be a top performer.

He has attempted more tackles (38), contested the most duels for the ball (174) and made more interceptions (22) than any other Ajax player so far this term.

By producing on the pitch, he is keeping the door open for more transfer opportunities in the future.

"Eventually you are aware that everything changes. A better competition, a better life for yourself and for your family. Because that's what it's all about in the end," Alvarez said.

"I've always thought for myself that I'm here because of my love for football, but also for my family.

"On the other hand, it motivates me enormously that clubs of that size keep an eye on my matches, my actions. I am very disappointed, but I am convinced that sooner or later a big club will come for me."

Onana, who is expected to join Inter at the end of the season on a free transfer, was travelling from the capital Yaounde to the port city of Douala, where the Indomitable Lions are gathering ahead of their World Cup play-off against Algeria.

Local media showed pictures of the car in which Onana was travelling, and another vehicle, with the front part of each being badly mangled.

Onana, 25, was taken from the crash site to the Cameroon team base and posed for pictures, appearing unhurt; however, it was determined he should head for hospital check-ups.

"Andre Onana is fine," the team's official Twitter page stated. "The Indomitable Lions goalkeeper joined his team-mates in the den in Douala this morning.

"More fear than harm for the moment after the traffic accident he suffered early this morning in Sombo on the Yaounde to Douala axis.

"Andre Onana will undergo in-depth examinations in a referral hospital centre in Douala."

Cameroon will host Algeria in the first leg of their play-off on Friday, with the second leg taking place in Blida next Tuesday. The aggregate winner will qualify for the Qatar 2022 finals.

Gesser, who joined the Eredivisie club three years ago, was due to be part of the Under-17 set-up in the coming season.

A minute's silence will be held ahead of Ajax 1 and Jong Ajax matches on Saturday, with flags flown at half-mast at the training centre.

The club said in a statement on Saturday: "Ajax has received the terrible news that Noah Gesser has passed away. The sixteen-year-old youth academy player was killed in a car accident with his brother on Friday evening.

"Ajax is deeply moved by this tragic event. The club wishes Gesser’s loved ones strength in the coming time in dealing with this immeasurable loss."

The home side had taken the lead through Anthony Musaba and had the lion’s share of chances but two unfortunate moments for Famewo ensured the away side claimed victory.

The win sees Cardiff climb to 10th in the Championship table whilst Wednesday remain in the relegation zone and six points from safety.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl made two changes to the team from the dramatic 2-1 win over QPR, with Liam Palmer and George Byers coming in.

Cardiff boss Erol Bulut made three switches to the side that lost 3-0 at Hull, with Joe Ralls, Callum Robinson and Josh Bowler joining the starting XI.

It was a first half of few clear-cut chances. Wednesday had the first opening as Marvin Johnson’s cross found Bailey Cadamarteri but team-mate Anthony Musaba got in the way of his effort.

The home side took the lead in the 28th minute with a brilliantly worked goal. Johnson found Musaba, who skilfully beat his man before crashing the ball past Jak Alnwick to give the Dutchman his third goal in four Championship games.

In the first chance of the second half, Will Vaulks whipped in a free-kick from the right but Cadamarteri’s volley was comfortably saved.

Callum Paterson then cut the ball back to Byers but the midfielder saw his effort blocked.

Skipper Barry Bannan drove through the middle of the park and played in Johnson but Alnwick got down well to deny him.

Wednesday would come to regret not making their dominance count as Cardiff got an equaliser out of nowhere in the 74th minute. Karlan Grant’s driven ball across the box took a wicked deflection off Famewo and crept into the bottom corner to level proceedings.

The Owls looked to regain the advantage as Bannan played through Cadamarteri but Alnwick was there once more to thwart the striker.

Incredibly, Cardiff turned the game around and went ahead in the 88th minute. Cameron Dawson spilled a tame effort and lightning struck twice for Famewo as whilst trying to clear the danger, he could only turn into his own net once more.

Wednesday had a couple of late penalty shouts but saw them turned down by referee Sam Barrott and the Bluebirds held on to claim all three points.

The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.

Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.

Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.

Data Debrief

Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.

Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.

The eight-time champions took an early lead and never looked like missing out on a 13th appearance in the showpiece as they went on to seal a 5-1 aggregate triumph at Cairo International Stadium. 

Just as they did in the first leg, Al Ahly quickly opened the scoring when Marwan Mohsen tucked the ball past Ahmed Tagnaouti in the fifth minute and a VAR check showed the offside flag had been incorrectly raised. 

Hussein El Shahat doubled the Egyptian side's advantage when he turned Yahia Attiyat inside out, and Yasser Ibrahim's header before the hour mark effectively ended the tie as a contest. 

Substitute Zouheir El-Moutaraji's thunderous 20-yard drive pulled one back for Wydad in the 82nd minute but last year's runners-up were unable to secure a return to the final. 

Al Ahly have lost their previous two final appearances and will have to overcome domestic rivals Zamalek or Raja Casablanca if they are to win the Champions League for the first time since 2013. 

The Portugal international needed just five minutes to tee up Brazilian team-mate Talisca, who added the second of his account late on in the match at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.

Ronaldo got on the scoresheet himself in first-half stoppage time, with Marcelo Brozovic also on target before Fashon Sakala's 86th-minute consolation finish on Tuesday.

Victory marks Al Nassr's first win of the new league season after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Al Raed in their opener.

Data Debrief: Al Nassr dominance continues

Al Fayha are now winless in their last 111 Pro League matches against Al Nassr (D3 L8), their longest current winless streak against any opponent.

Luis Castro's side, by contrast, have scored in their last 21 league outings, their longest such run since a streak between December 2019 to October 2020.

Pioli, taking charge of his second game of the Saudi Pro League club, saw his side go close to opening the scoring early on when Talisca's effort struck the woodwork. 

But Al-Nassr's dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute of first-half injury time when Sadio Mane headed beyond Ibrahim Zaid after Sultan Al Ghannam's cross. 

However, the hosts stunned Pioli's side just after the hour-mark as Basil Al Sayyali turned home his second goal of the season with an emphatic finish off the crossbar.

Al-Nassr's frustrations continued heading into the closing stages as Mane, Mohammed Marran and Wesley saw their efforts repelled by their plucky opponents. 

But with the game poised for extra-time, a defensive mix-up between Saud Al Rashed and Zaid allowed Bu Washl to steal in, finishing into an empty net to send the visitors into the hat for the next round. 

Data Debrief: Pioli feels Ronaldo absence

Without Cristiano Ronaldo within their ranks, Al-Nassr lacked a clinical finisher at the top end of the pitch, failing to capitalise on the opportunities they created. 

The visitors ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.16, but only eight of their 21 shots were on target, whilst they also missed five big chances. 

Mane was the notable standout for Pioli's side, registering more touches in the opposition box (eight) and total shots (five) than anyone for Al-Nassr. 

Pioli, taking charge of his second game for the Saudi Pro League club, saw his side go close to opening the scoring early on when Talisca's effort struck the woodwork. 

But Al-Nassr's dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute of first-half injury time when Sadio Mane headed beyond Ibrahim Zaid after Sultan Al Ghannam's cross. 

However, the hosts stunned Pioli's side just after the hour-mark as Basil Al Sayyali turned home his second goal of the season with an emphatic finish off the crossbar.

Al-Nassr's frustrations continued heading into the closing stages as Mane, Mohammed Marran and Wesley saw efforts repelled by their plucky opponents. 

But with the game poised for extra-time, a defensive mix-up between Saud Al Rashed and Zaid allowed Bu Washl to steal in, finishing into an empty net to put the visitors into the hat for the next round. 

Data Debrief: Pioli feels Ronaldo absence

Without Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, Al-Nassr lacked a clinical finisher at the top end of the pitch, failing to capitalise on the opportunities they created. 

The visitors ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.16, but only eight of their 21 shots were on target, whilst they also missed five big chances. 

Mane was the notable standout for Pioli's side, registering more touches in the opposition box (eight) and total shots (five) than anyone for Al-Nassr. 

Former Wolves star Neves slotted in from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, as Al Hilal completed a rapid comeback.

Having fallen behind to Lucas Zelarayan's 57th-minute opener, Al Hilal responded swiftly through Micheal before Salem Al Najdi fouled Mohammed Al Qahtani in the penalty area.

Ex-Barcelona winger Cristian Trello and Al Fateh coach Slaven Bilic were booked for their complaints, with Neves making no mistake, paving the way for Ali Al Bulayhi to seal victory in the 15th minute of an extended period of stoppage time.

Data Debrief

Al Hilal have now won 21 games on the spin in the league. They have scored 86 goals across their 28 matches this season, winning 26 in total.

They had 19 shots on Friday, accumulating 2.34 xG to Al Fateh's 0.25, with pass-master Neves creating three chances to go along with his goal.

Faiz Selemani restored parity after Mitrovic's 15th-minute opener at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, only for Jorge Jesus' hosts to roar back and be crowned champions with three games remaining.

Ahmed Al Juwaid's own goal handed the initiative back to the dominant Al Hilal, who led 4-1 at the break after Mitrovic added another to his tally and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was on target.

The second of Mitrovic's strikes took him to a team-leading 26 league goals this term as Al Hilal breezed to another title, moving an unassailable 12 points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

Jesus' side are unbeaten through all 31 games this season after securing their record-extending 19th top-flight crown in history, while Al Hazm need to win their last three matches to have any chance of staying up.

Al Hazm's relegation rivals Al Tai boosted their chances of survival in Saturday's earlier clash after a 1-1 draw away against Al Raed.

Al Tai are just a point away from 15th-placed Abha Club in their bid for top-flight safety after Ibrahim Al Nakhli's strike was cancelled out by Al Raed's Mohammed Fouzair in the second half.

Without Karim Benzema, Al Ittihad ultimately lacked the firepower to make their numerical advantage count in Tuesday's clash.

Former Lazio midfielder, who joined Al Hilal as part of their spending spree last year, received a straight red card in the 42nd minute.

Al Ittihad's Abderrazzaq Hamed-Allah cancelled out Micheal's opener, but Abdulhamid popped up with the winner in the 81st minute.

Al Hilal are 10-time King's Cup winners, having won their 10th title last season.

The Saudi Pro League leaders, who are still without the injured Neymar, will now face either Al Khaleej or Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the final at the end of May.

Data Debrief: Malcom in the middle

Al Hilal might be missing their star Brazilian Neymar, but his compatriot Malcom is delivering when it comes to playmaking.

The former Zenit attacker set up both of Al Hilal's goals, creating three chances in total and registering a pass accuracy of 92.6 per cent, better than any of his team-mates.

The damage was done during a late first-half surge by the reigning champions, who leapfrogged Al-Ittihad to the summit of the table.

Al-Hilal broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through former Napoli and Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who finished after Renan Lodi initially struck the woodwork.

Malcom doubled the lead four minutes later, then Ali Al Bulayhi made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time.

Former Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest defender Lodi then got in the act to make it four within three minutes of the restart.

The hosts finished the contest the stronger of the two sides with Hammam Al Hammami and a William Troost-Ekong penalty halving the deficit, but that rally could not prevent the visitors from remaining perfect after their first five games.

Data Debrief: Al-Hilal remain perfect

Al-Hilal have won each of their opening five games in a Saudi Pro League season for the third time in their history, also achieving the feat in 2010-11 and 2018-19.

Jorge Jesus' side also continued their dominant record against newly promoted clubs, having now won each of their last nine such matches.

Despite their late surge, Al Kholood suffered their third defeat of the season, though there was individual cause for celebration, as former Al-Hilal player Mohammed Jahfali came on for his 200th Saudi Pro League appearance.

The Portugal forward joined Al Nassr on December 30 after his acrimonious departure from Manchester United, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract reportedly worth around €200million (£177m) per year.

Reports suggested Ronaldo's agreement included an additional bonus to act as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid, with the Middle East aiming to host another tournament after Qatar 2022.

Al Nassr strongly denied claims Ronaldo had been offered a financial incentive to secure FIFA's top tournament, with Spain, Ukraine and his home country Portugal among the others to make a joint bid to host.

"Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr does not entail commitments to any World Cup bids," a statement read.

"His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his team-mates to help the club achieve success."

Ronaldo is yet to make his debut for Al Nassr after missing Friday's clash with Al Tai as he served the first part of a two-match ban from the English Football Association.

Mitrovic, who netted a brace in Al Hilal's 4-1 win over Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup final a week ago, got his league tally up and running in a rampant first half display. 

The Serbian opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock, steering the ball in from close range after being found by Abdullah Al Hamddan inside the area. 

He doubled his total shortly before the break, combining again with Al Hamddan before producing a trademark header beyond the grasp of Paulo Vítor. 

The triumph was confirmed after Sergej Milinkovic-Savic curled home an exquisite free-kick in first half injury time to net his 14th goal for the club. 

Al Hilal failed to replicate their clinical showing after the interval with none of their five shots on target, but the damage had already been done in the first 45 minutes. 

Data Debrief: Mitrovic continues incredible run

Since his move to Saudi Arabia from Fulham, Mitrovic has not stopped scoring, with his brace taking his tally to 30 goals in 29 Saudi Pro League appearances. 

The visitors accumulated an expected goals (xG) of 1.94 in the encounter, with Mitrovic contributing 0.77 to that total with his four shots in the contest.