Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Developments
Newcastle bbc.com believes they can "raise their game" and compete with anyone in the Champions League last 16 after sweeping aside Qarabag in the knockout play-offs. 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 over Club Brugge. Meanwhile, Johnny Cardoso espn.com described his Champions League debut goal as a "perfect" night in Atlético's victory. Bodø/Glimt espn.com made history by dumping out last year's finalists Inter Milan to advance to the round of.
Barcelona's espn.com loss to Girona should have seen the winning goal disallowed according to the Spanish Referee's Committee, who admitted VAR missed a foul on Koundé. With the Champions League last-16 draw approaching Friday skysports.com, Premier League clubs are now 50 per cent clearer on potential opponents skysports.com. Kylian Mbappé espn.com is unlikely to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League playoff second leg with Benfica due to a knee problem.
Premier League Focus
Seven bbc.com Premier League clubs could potentially qualify for next season's Champions League, with Manchester United pushing for a return to Europe's elite competition. Senne Lammens espn.com received high praise from Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick after a crucial 1-0 win against Everton that helped United reach the top. Liverpool's habit of late drama espn.com continues to be a theme this season, with their 97th-minute winner being the latest heart-stopping moment.
Mikel Arteta bbc.com appears to have solved the Viktor Gyokeres problem at Arsenal, getting the best out of the striker in their win over Tottenham. Manchester United's successful summer signings espn.com are providing hope for the future as the club continues their push for Champions League qualification. Everton's struggles at their new stadium continue to raise questions about the new stadium curse bbc.com affecting Premier League clubs.
Transfer Gossip
Manchester United espn.com and Manchester City bbc.com are both reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest players Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson. In other transfer news, Orlando City espn.com is in talks to sign Atlético Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann, while Barcelona espn.com has completed the signing of Norwich City winger Ajay Tavares. Chicago Fire espn.com are among the clubs looking