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• Alonso: DFB-Pokal tie with Bayern 'almost a final' for Leverkusen

  Xabi Alonso is viewing Bayer Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal clash with Bayern Munich as "a final".

  Holders Leverkusen, who also won the Bundesliga last season, visit Bayern in the last 16 on Tuesday.

  Leverkusen have been unable to sustain the immaculate form they showed domestically last term, though they have only lost one league match.

  They sit seven points behind leaders Bayern, who drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with Jamal Musiala scoring a late equaliser.

  "The cup is one game and anything can happen," Alonso said on Monday.

  "Tomorrow is like a final for us. There is no tougher game than a game at the Allianz Arena.

  "Normally if Bayern play at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga, the Champions League or the DFB-Pokal they are always the favourites.

  "It is the biggest challenge. Almost a final."

  Leverkusen will be without key striker Victor Boniface just as Bayern are missing top scorer Harry Kane.

  But Alonso said he was happy to have forward Patrik Schick firing on all cylinders, with the Czech having netted the winner versus Union Berlin on Saturday after his hat-trick against Heidenheim a week earlier.

  Schick had also scored in Leverkusen's midweek 5-0 demolition of Salzburg in the Champions League.

  "Patrik is in a top moment," Alonso said.

  "He not only scores, but does a lot of other things right, also against Union Berlin in an intense game against a tough defence. I am happy he is having this good feeling."

• Rooney left 'embarrassed' by heavy Plymouth defeats

  Wayne Rooney has been left "embarrassed" by Plymouth Argyle's recent performances on the back of conceding 10 goals in the space of two games.

  Plymouth are winless in four Championship matches, with that run having seen them drop to just one place above the relegation zone.

  Their goal difference has taken a huge hit in the past week, however, following a 6-1 loss to Norwich City and a 4-0 defeat to Bristol City.

  Rooney, who was appointed as head coach in May, is reportedly under pressure, and Manchester United's record goalscorer knows matters must improve swiftly.

  "I've been criticised since I was a 16-year-old boy, my whole career," Rooney said, as reported by BBC Sport.

  "What you always want is weapons to fight back with – at the minute we've got none.

  "So we have to take it on the chin and hope that we get through this, because the last two games arguably have been the toughest and hardest week of my managerial career.

  "So I need to find a way to get through it, but also get that message through to the players to make sure I lift them.

  "It's at a point now where the players need to understand that they need to give more and they need to show more character, more fight, more desire.

  "It was very difficult walking over [to the fans] and not feel embarrassed."

   

  Plymouth have the lowest expected goals (xG) in the Championship this season, having accumulated only 12.7. However, they have netted 18 times.

  It is a bad mix for Rooney, though, as Argyle have the highest xG against, with their 35.8 xGA five clear of next-worst Stoke City (30.8), while Plymouth have also conceded the most goals (38) and shots (324, 40 more than any other side).

  "Ultimately it's my responsibility – I take full responsibility for the results, I pick the team, I pick the tactics," Rooney added.

  "But I think the players are at a stage now where they need to hear, not just in the dressing room, but they need to hear it from outside as well, that they have to show more.

  "We've got a duty to this football club to show a pride, a respect, a passion, a fight for this club and the last two games I feel it hasn't been there."

• Mount Pleasant crush Molynes United 4-0 to go top Jamaica Premier League table

  Mount Pleasant FA delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating Molynes United 4-0 at Drax Hall to reclaim the top spot in the Jamaica Premier League standings. The victory, their third in succession, extended Mount Pleasant's unbeaten streak.

  Substitute Shaqueil Bradford starred with a second-half double, breaking the resistance of a Molynes team that had come into the match on a two-game winning run. The win puts Mount Pleasant on 25 points from 12 games, while Molynes remain in 12th place with 10 points, precariously just one point above the relegation zone.

  Mount Pleasant could have taken the lead earlier, but Daniel Green missed a penalty in the 35th minute. However, the home side eventually found the breakthrough in the 56th minute when Raheem Edwards slotted home. Bradford then took over, scoring twice in quick succession in the 66th and 74th minutes, before Nicholas Nelson rounded off the victory with an 83rd-minute goal.

  Tivoli Gardens secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season, edging Chapelton Maroons 3-2 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Goals from Nickalia Fuller (11') and Kavan Wilson (34') gave Tivoli an early 2-0 lead, but Leaughn Williams (38') and Jahvon James (60') brought Chapelton level. With the game finely poised, Shaquille Jones scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, lifting Tivoli to eighth place with 13 points.

  Dunbeholden United staged a dramatic comeback at home, scoring twice late to earn a 3-3 draw against Portmore United. The visitors appeared to be cruising, leading 3-1 after goals from Tarick Ximines (18'), Nickoy Gayle (49'), and Emilio Rosseau (72'). Dunbeholden, however, refused to go quietly. Chantamoi Taylor (61') gave them a lifeline, followed by strikes from Shakeen Powell (75') and Chevoy Watkin (90+1'), rescuing a point in added time.

  At the Ferdie Neita Sports Complex, Racing United and Humble Lion played to a 1-1 draw. Nickyle Ellis opened the scoring for Racing United in the 47th minute, but Roshane Sharpe equalized in the 58th minute, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.

  Mount Pleasant’s dominant display and unbeaten streak keep them in pole position as the league heats up. With more exciting fixtures ahead, the race for the Jamaica Premier League title continues to intensify.