Nick Cushing credited New York City's resilience after they inflicted a crushing derby loss on the New York Red Bulls, calling on them to carry that momentum into Wednesday's meeting with FC Cincinnati.
NYCFC were routed 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union just two weeks ago, but they responded by thrashing their cross-city rivals by the same scoreline on the road on Saturday.
That result lifted them to fifth in the Eastern Conference and within one win of sealing a playoff place, something their next opponents Cincinnati have already done.
Reflecting on NYCFC's last result, Cushing said: "I've got some things to say about the 5-1 loss. A lot of the way that I see that game is in a boxing metaphor.
"I know there are many champion boxers that have been champion and have been knocked out in the first round, and they don't retire. They go back to the training ring.
"They go back to the gym, and they come back and become champions again. It's difficult and you have to accept it. Now our focus turns to Cincinnati."
Cincinnati, meanwhile, have seen their hopes of retaining the Supporters' Shield all but extinguished after losing 1-0 at home to Los Angeles FC last time out.
With the MLS Cup now the Orange and Blue's target, Pat Noonan is focused on getting the best out of star midfielder Luciano Acosta, who has been battling a niggling injury.
Noonan said of Acosta: "The more games he gets, the better going into the playoffs.
"He's had enough games and been back without physical limitations but obviously he did take that knock.
"A lot of times our attack does go through him and when he's on it, he's on it. It's just about us trying to find good spots for him."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York City – Alonso Martinez
Martinez netted twice in NYCFC's derby rout of the Red Bulls last time out, pulling further clear at the top of the club's scoring charts for 2024 with 14 MLS goals.
He also has five goals in New York's last three regular-season home games, last failing to net in such a match in late June.
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has 28 goal involvements (12 goals, 16 assists) in MLS this season, a tally only bettered by Portland Timbers star Evander (29 – 15 goals and 14 assists).
No player can match Acosta's 98 chances created in the league this year, though, and he will be key if Cincinnati are to seriously challenge for the MLS Cup in the coming weeks.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Cincinnati saw their four-game unbeaten run in MLS play (two wins, two draws) brought to an end with their defeat to LAFC last time out.
They have gone unbeaten through their last five MLS matches against NYCFC, winning three and drawing two while outscoring their opponents 12-6 in those games.
However, NYCFC have only lost two of their last eight MLS games on home soil (four wins, two draws), versus the MLS Cup holders, the Columbus Crew, and the Union. A draw could be on the cards on Wednesday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York City – 36.7%
FC Cincinnati – 37.1%
Draw – 26.3%
Arsenal's Timber agrees with Rodri's fixture congestion concerns
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is the latest player to criticise the fixture schedule, saying he agrees with comments made by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
City's Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Premier League clash against Arsenal earlier in September, warned of possible strike action as players face an expanded Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
Timber missed most of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has played in all six of Arsenal's Premier League games this term, and is expected to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.
"I totally agree with them," Timber told reporters when asked about Rodri's comments.
"It's a big topic in dressing rooms. I didn't play last season so I'm just enjoying playing now. I totally understand what they're saying.
"Definitely [players are more at risk]. I think it's honestly a dangerous thing. Even last week we played City and City played two days later. That's too much.
"I think it's a really good thing that the players are speaking out now. It doesn't look like it will be getting any less. We're trying to be there every game and give our best, but it gets harder and harder. Especially in England where there's no winter break."
Arsenal drew their opening Champions League group game away at Atalanta and face a PSG side that will be without forward Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped due to disciplinary issues.
But Mikel Arteta says PSG will nevertheless pose a huge threat.
"They are really tough. They dominate every phase of play. They have very clear intentions," Arteta said.
"When they don't have the ball they want it straight back and they confront you. That's Luis [Enrique].
"Anywhere he is, he plays the same context."
Barcelona boss Flick will not take Young Boys for granted
Hansi Flick will not be resting his key players as Barcelona take on Young Boys in the Champions League.
Barcelona's winning start in LaLiga came to a shuddering halt when they slumped to a 4-2 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday.
Flick said after that defeat that he had made too many changes.
And while he hopeful midfielder Frenkie de Jong can return as Barca look to bounce back after suffering two losses in 10 days, following their defeat to Monaco in their first Champions League match, he is still set to be without Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Gavi and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
"We will play with the team we believe to be the best in order to beat Young Boys. The first game we lost, yes. But we must not be depressed," Flick told reporters.
"We have to recover our balance after the defeat at Osasuna. We have to build the game with fewer mistakes. Responsibilities must be assumed.
"We need fresh legs and Frenkie's return is great news. Even if it's just for five or 10 minutes. If he gets the chance, he'll play."
Young Boys will arrive in Spain following a 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa in their opening Champions League match at home.
Asked if the five-time European champions have lost respect after their defeat at Monaco, Flick said: "I am positive we can win, we play good football - entertaining football. And if we need to gain the respect of our opponents once again, we're going to work hard on that."
Flick added he is in contact with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has reportedly agreed to come out of retirement to help Barca following first-choice Ter Stegen's season-ending injury.
He added: "Yes, I spoke with him, but I'm not going to say anything more. If he signs for Barca in the next few days at the next press conference we can talk about the issue, but not now."
Alonso 'honoured' to face Champions League heavyweights Milan
Bayer Leverkusen are "honoured" to take on a team with the pedigree of Milan, so says Xabi Alonso.
Milan made a poor start to the season, failing to earn a win in their opening three Serie A games while they also lost their Champions League meeting with Liverpool.
However, they have turned things around on the domestic front with three successive victories, including a 2-1 win over reigning Serie A champions and city rivals Inter.
Milan have won the European Cup/Champions League on seven occasions, and Alonso - who was part of the Liverpool side that famously overcame the Rossoneri on penalties in the 2005 final - says it is an honour to go up against one of the continent's great clubs.
"Fundamental for my career. After 20 years we still talk about that night," Alonso said.
"Then two years later we lost to Milan but that victory in 2005 was incredible. It was [nearly] 20 years ago, we have to think about tomorrow. Milan is still the history of the Champions League.
"I've always liked Milan. Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello, and great players, and to play against them is a great honour for us."
Despite Milan's inconsistent start to 2024-25, Bundesliga champions Leverkusen know to expect a stern test.
"It's one of those games when you have to play smart. With the ball, without the ball, you have to be patient, you have to be ready, you have to be focused," Alonso said.
"An Italian team is always dangerous. They know how to have patience. They are ready to defend low or to play with possession.
"Milan don't have to be dominant to be dangerous. Sometimes they have good possession, sometimes they have good counter-attacks."
Leverkusen won 4-0 away at Feyenoord in their opening Champions League match, and Alonso is relishing playing in Europe's elite club competition in front of the home fans on Tuesday.
"We're excited that the Champions League is back in our stadium," he added.
"That we're back in this competition and that we're playing our first home game against a huge club in the history of football."
Leverkusen are aiming to win their opening two games of a Champions League campaign for the first time since 2001-02, a season in which they would go on to reach the final.
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