Frank Lampard says Coventry City’s dramatic rise into the Championship play-offs is just the beginning of their journey. He urged his team to stay grounded after an impressive turnaround. Since taking charge in November with Coventry languishing in 17th, Lampard has overseen a remarkable resurgence that has propelled the West Midlands club into fifth place. Their 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday confirmed their play-off berth.. Speaking to talkSPORT after the match, Lampard praised the collective effort behind the club’s revival. “We came in on the 17th of November, so firstly I thank my staff. When you arrive mid-season, you want to make an immediate impact. They work tirelessly every day, supporting in areas where I’m not as strong,” he said. He also credited the existing squad and coaching staff for embracing the change and rising to the challenge. “To go from 17th to fifth and make the play-offs is a massive achievement, but it’s only the start. We’re not over-celebrating, this is a moment to thank the fans, who’ve stood by us all season. Everyone should enjoy tonight, but we know there’s more to do. ” Coventry will now turn their focus to the two-legged play-off against Sunderland, with a place in the Premier League just three games away.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has confirmed he is “fully fit” ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal. The 32-year-old Belgium international has missed Real’s last three matches due to injury but assured reporters on Monday that he is ready to return. “I am fully fit and I feel good,” Thibaut Courtois said. “It was not a big issue so I could train in the gym, and I have been on the pitch for the last day so I feel fine and 100 per cent.” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced to start 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in their surprise 2-1 loss to Valencia at the weekend, after back-up keeper Andriy Lunin also suffered an injury. Courtois’ return comes as a timely boost ahead of the crucial tie at the Emirates.

Bologna came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over AC Milan, moving up to sixth in Serie A and ending a 17-match winless streak against the Rossoneri dating back to January 2016. Both teams, battling for European qualification, started the game really great. AC Milan had an early chance to take the lead, but Santiago Giménez fired over the bar from close range after a pass from Yunas Musah. Bologna kept up the pressure, with Malick Thiaw nearly scoring an own goal when he deflected Benja Domínguez’s cross just wide. Dan Ndoye also missed a good opportunity before Mike Maignan had to make a save to keep out another effort from Domínguez.

Watford secured a 2-0 victory over Luton at Vicarage Road on Sunday to boost their position in the Championship play-off spot. After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat at Luton in October, the Hornets redeemed themselves with a dominant home win. Tom Dele-Bashiru converted an early penalty, and Edo Kayembe’s close-range finish before halftime sealed the win. The result marked Luton’s ninth loss in 12 league games, and pushed them to the bottom of the table.