Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Upsets
Bodo/Glimt espn.com pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history by knocking out Italian giants Inter Milan. The Norwegian side advanced on away goals after a dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw. Meanwhile, Alexander Sørloth espn.com scored a hat trick as Atlético Madrid secured their place in the last 16 with a 4-1 second-leg playoff win against Club Brugge.
Player Fitness & Transfers
Kylian Mbappé espn.com is unlikely to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League playoff second leg with Benfica as he continues to struggle with a knee problem, sources have told ESPN. In transfer news, Manchester United skysports.com have joined the chase for Morgan Gibbs-White, while Manchester United and Chelsea bbc.com eye Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha. Additionally, Wolverhampton bbc.com forward Mateus Mane is at the centre of a tug of war between England and Portugal.
Off-Field Issues
Senegal's prime minister says it is "regrettable" that 18 of its football fans have been handed prison sentences related to disturbances at the 2025 Afcon final. Paris Saint-Germain espn.com defender Achraf Hakimi insists he will "allow the truth to come out publicly" after learning he is to face trial for an alleged rape. Borussia Dortmund espn.com says "disproportionate" police measures have prevented some of its fans from traveling to Italy for Wednesday's Champions League game against Atalanta.
Premier League Race
Manchester United's summer signings are providing hope for the future as they push for Champions League qualification. Benjamin Sesko espn.com says he must embrace the pressure that comes with playing for Manchester United if he's going to succeed at Old Trafford. The Red Devils secured a 1-0 win against Everton, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens espn.com receiving high praise from head coach Michael Carrick.
VAR & Refereeing
Celtic are unsuccessful in their appeal against Auston Trusty's red card but St Mirren's Richard King has his weekend dismissal overturned. Referee Craig Pawson initially awarded Rayan Cherki's late goal for Manchester City against Liverpool because he "didn't see" Erling Haaland's foul on Dominik Szoboszlai. Celtic bbc.com want VAR use 'reviewed' after Trusty red card appeal fails.
Women's Football
England captain Leah Williamson suggested players would be willing to go on strike if their concerns over player welfare and playing schedules aren't addressed. Caroline Weir bbc.com is "more determined than ever" to reach a World Cup after being installed as Melissa Andreatta's captain. England have been grouped with Scotland and Ireland for this summer's Women's T20 World Cup.
International Football
The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday it was monitoring the situation in Mexico amid a surge in violence ahead of its friendly against the Mexican national team in March. Mexico espn.com plans to proceed with its friendly match scheduled against Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro amid unrest and violence in the country, sources told ESPN. Professional clubs in Argentina have agreed to strike from March 5-8 in protest against what they consider judicial persecution of Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia.
Other Football News
Everton bbc.com manager David Moyes says his side were "worth more than a defeat" after losing 1-0 to Manchester United in the Premier League. The Toffees continue to struggle at their new stadium, raising questions about the "new stadium curse" in the Premier League era. Meanwhile, Barcelona espn.com have completed the signing of England youth international and Norwich City winger Ajay Tavares, the club has announced.