German soccer player discovers he has a tumor, asks to keep playing anyway

Eintracht Frankfurt captain Marco Russ received some awful news this week, learning that he has a tumor requiring an operation. It was discovered when he was selected for drug testing and his test came up positive, even though he hadn’t been doping. He went to a doctor and got the bad news shortly afterwards.

Despite that, Russ wants to play. Eintracht is in a two-legged relegation playoff against Nürnburg to stay in the Bundesliga, and he’s asked the manager to play. He’s available for Thursday’s game, but it’s unknown whether or not he’ll start. His surgery is scheduled for the day after the second leg, which takes place next Monday.

Coke’s winner at the end of a gorgeous team move for Sevilla. (r/soccer)

Renato Sanches’ contract with Bayern Munich has big add-ons for individual honors. (Bild)

Rafa Benítez is only staying at Newcastle if he gets some transfer money. (BBC)

New Aston Villa owner Tony Xia says he’s going to make them a powerhouse. (Guardian)

Real Madrid will be sweating with Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo unwilling to rule out playing at the Olympics. (Mirror)

It looks like Alan Pardew is getting paid. (Telegraph)

From the rumor mill: James Rodríguez wants a Manchester United move. (ESPN FC)

Katelyn Burns on following your favorite foreign team post-relegation. (Unusual Efforts)

Will Magee on Liverpool progressing under Jürgen Klopp despite disappointments. (Vice)

Gabriele Marcotti on AC Milan going nowhere. (ESPN FC)

Sevilla won their third straight Europa League title. Liverpool fans are trying to feel OK about it. (Liverpool Offside)

América got a leg up on Monterrey in Liguilla. (ESPN FC)

Highlights of the MLS games are here. (MLS)

Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Nürnburg (2:30 p.m.) -- The Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoff is usually pretty wild.

Liga MX: León vs. Pachuca (9 p.m.) -- The first leg of the other semifinal.