Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Shocks & Upsets
Bodo/Glimt espn.com pulled off one of the biggest-ever Champions League shocks by knocking out last year's finalists Inter Milan 5-2 on aggregate. The Norwegian minnows followed up their historic 3-0 first-leg win with a 2-1 victory at San Siro, joining the list of giant-killers in UCL history. Atlético Madrid espn.com also advanced to the last 16 with a dominant 4-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge, inspired by Alexander Sørloth's hat trick in the second leg.
Premier League & Domestic Drama
Jamie O'Hara skysports.com has slammed Tottenham's attitude and mentality, claiming they "haven't got the stomach for a relegation fight" after their heavy north London derby defeat to Arsenal. The former Spurs midfielder fears for his former side's chances of Premier League survival. Meanwhile, Manchester United bbc.com were reportedly put off signing Victor Osimhen due to concerns about his Africa Cup of Nations participation, according to former coach Benni Mc Carthy.
Transfer Rumors & Contract News
Weston Mc Kennie espn.com is on the verge of signing a new contract with Juventus, sources have told ESPN. In MLS news, Vancouver Whitecaps espn.com have signed reigning MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season. Meanwhile, MLS espn.com has hired a search firm to lead the recruitment drive for a potential successor to league commissioner Don Garber.
International Football & World Cup Concerns
FIFA are monitoring the situation in Mexico but have "full confidence" the country can host World Cup games amid recent unrest and violence. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre espn.com said his federation promised everyone will be safe at a friendly against Iceland in Queretaro. However, security concerns persist, with US government officials warning that there could be "catastrophic" consequences if host cities don't receive frozen federal funding. Portugal espn.com is also monitoring unrest before their friendly against Mexico.
Women's Football & Player Welfare
England captain Leah Williamson skysports.com suggested players would be willing to go on strike if their concerns over player welfare and playing schedules aren't addressed. The Lionesses will host Ukraine in their Women's World Cup qualifier at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in June. Meanwhile, Caroline Weir bbc.com says she is "more determined than ever" to reach a World Cup after being installed as Melissa Andreatta's captain.
Scottish Premiership & Domestic Leagues
Hearts will be without defender Stuart Findlay for six weeks while record signing Eduardo Ageu will miss the rest of the season due to injuries. Hearts head coach Derek Mc Innes skysports.com revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson is rooting for his side to win the Scottish Premiership title. Celtic are unsuccessful in their appeal against Auston Trusty's red card, while St Mirren's Richard King has his weekend dismissal overturned.
Other Football News
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi espn.com has spoken of his regret over not applying himself in his studies when he was young, particularly when learning English. In the Championship, Wrexham espn.com continued their push for a fourth successive promotion as they held on for a hard-fought 2-1 win over Portsmouth. Barcelona espn.com suffered a setback when Girona's winning goal against them last week should have been disallowed for a foul on Koundé, according to the Spanish Referee's Committee.
Champions League Last 16 Picture
The Champions League last-16 picture is becoming clearer ahead of Friday's draw, with Newcastle skysports.com completing a huge aggregate win over Qarabag. Newcastle's Jacob Murphy says they will relish whoever they face in the last 16 after progressing via the play-offs. Italian clubs are on the brink of a historic Champions League embarrassment, with the prospect of none making the last.
VAR & Officiating Debates
Celtic want VAR use "reviewed" after Trusty red card appeal fails. Meanwhile, 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. The debate over VAR's effectiveness continues, with questions about whether it's fit for purpose in Scotland.