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Sevilla beat Inter in thrilling final

Europa League kings Sevilla won the tournament for a record sixth time thanks to victory over Inter Milan in a thrilling final in Cologne.

The drama started when Sevilla defender Diego Carlos fouled Romelu Lukaku for an Inter penalty - and ended when Lukaku deflected Carlos' bicycle kick into his own net.

It means Inter Milan's wait for a trophy will tick over into a 10th year at least.

Lukaku gave the Italian side an early lead from the penalty spot for his 34th goal of the season, extending his record of scoring in consecutive Europa League games to 11.

Luuk de Jong scored two headers - from Jesus Navas and Ever Banega crosses - to put Sevilla into the lead.

Inter were level when Diego Godin nodded in to make it 2-2 in the 35th minute.

The game could not continue at that high tempo, but with extra-time on the cards, there was a twist to come.

Carlos flew into the air to meet a high ball with an overhead kick which was going wide until Lukaku stuck out a leg and diverted it past his own goalkeeper.

It was a first trophy in the managerial career of Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, whose side are unbeaten since February, a run of 21 games.

"This is a magnificent club," said the former Spain and Real Madrid boss. "I hope all the fans can celebrate it but with caution.

Larsson joins Barcelona’s coaching staff

Former Barcelona player Henrik Larsson has joined the club's coaching staff on a two-year deal.

Larsson, 48, spent two seasons at Barca as a player from 2004 to 2006, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Former FC Twente and Hoffenheim head coach Alfred Schreuder has also joined Ronald Koeman's backroom team.

Koeman left his role as Netherlands boss to succeed Quique Setien as Barcelona head coach on Wednesday.

The Dutchman played alongside ex-Sweden striker Larsson at Feyenoord between 1995 and 1997.

Larsson also had spells at Celtic and Manchester United during his playing career, as well as earning 106 caps for Sweden.

Since his retirement from playing in 2009, he has coached Landskrona, Falkenberg and Helsingborg in his homeland.

Mark Cavendish left out of Bahrain McLaren squad for Tour de France

Mark Cavendish will not be competing at the Tour de France after Bahrain McLaren omitted the British cyclist from their squad which was announced on Friday.

Cavendish, who has won 30 stages on the Tour and considered one of the best sprinters in the event's history, joined the team last year along with Belgian rider Dylan Teuns, who has also missed the cut.

Spaniard Mikel Landa, who finished fourth on the 2017 Tour, is set to lead the team at the race this year.

"This year's parcours is very well suited to Mikel and his form is strong," team principal Rod Ellingworth said in a statement.

Cavendish is one of a number of a number of British former champions who will not take part in the Tour this year, with Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas left out of the Team Ineos squad.

Nishikori tests positive for coronavirus for second time

Japan's Kei Nishikori has tested positive for coronavirus for a second time, 10 days before the US Open.

The 2014 US Open runner-up, 30, has been in isolation since last weekend and is missing the Cincinnati Masters.

He tested positive for a second time on Friday and will need two negative tests to compete in the Grand Slam.

The US Open in New York starts on August 31 and America's public health authority states that those who test positive must isolate for 10 days.

Nishikori, 30, will quarantine in Florida but, should he fail to record two negative tests, he will have to remain in isolation until 1 September, after the US Open starts.

"Just a little update, I just took another Covid test and am still positive," said Nishikori. "I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation.

"Next test will be early next week, at which time we will update you with more information."

from Bola Esho's Blog