Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Drama
Bodø/Glimt espn.com stunned Inter Milan with a historic 2-1 victory, eliminating last year's finalists 5-2 on aggregate. The Norwegian side's triumph has left Italian clubs bbc.com on the brink of a historic embarrassment, with the prospect of none making the last. Atlético Madrid espn.com secured their place with Alexander Sørloth scoring a hat trick in a 4-1 win over Club Brugge. Meanwhile, Newcastle bbc.com sent a message to potential opponents in the last, with Jacob Murphy stating they will "bring it on" against challengers like Chelsea and Barcelona after progressing through the play-offs.
Transfer Window Gossip
Manchester United bbc.com and Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest players Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson. In other transfer news, Barcelona espn.com have completed the signing of England youth international and Norwich City winger Ajay Tavares, while Manchester United bbc.com are claimed to be considering re-signing Scott Mc Tominay from Napoli. MLS espn.com has hired a search firm to lead the recruitment drive for a potential successor to league commissioner Don Garber, whose contract expires at the end of 2027.
International Concerns
Mexico espn.com coach Javier Aguirre assured everyone will be safe for their friendly against Iceland in Queretaro this Wednesday amid security concerns across the country. The Portuguese soccer federation espn.com said it was monitoring the situation in Mexico amid a surge in violence ahead of its friendly against the Mexican national team in March. In women's football, England skysports.com have been grouped with Scotland and Ireland for this summer's Women's T20 World Cup as the full schedule was finalized.
League Updates
Wrexham espn.com continued their push for a fourth successive promotion with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Portsmouth in the Sky Bet Championship. In Scotland, Dundee United skysports.com and Aberdeen played out a goalless draw in a grim Scottish Premiership game. Celtic bbc.com are unsuccessful in their appeal against Auston Trusty's red card but St Mirren's Richard King had his weekend dismissal overturned. The Premier League skysports.com relegation battle is heating up as the season progresses.
Player News & Controversies
Johnny Cardoso espn.com described his first Champions League goal as a "perfect" night after scoring in Atlético Madrid's victory. Leah Williamson skysports.com, England captain, 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. In Saudi Arabia, Ivan Toney espn.com was involved in a bizarre altercation, commenting on his opponent's bad breath.