Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Drama
Atalanta espn.com shocked Borussia Dortmund with a last-gasp penalty to advance to the round of. Paris Saint-Germain espn.com and Real Madrid also secured their spots in the next round while Juventus faces extra time against Galatasaray. Bodø/Glimt espn.com pulled off another European upset, defeating Inter Milan 2-1 at home to knock out the Italian giants 5-2 on aggregate.
Saudi Pro League Action
Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com scored in his third straight match since returning from his boycott, leading Al Nassr to a 5-0 victory over bottom-side Al Najma to reclaim first place in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar's return has reignited his team's title challenge.
Scottish Football
Martin O'Neill bbc.com criticized VAR as "debilitating" for referees and called the Scottish FA's appeal process "worthless." Barry Ferguson bbc.com expressed confidence in Rangers ahead of the Old Firm derby, believing the title race will "go to the wire." Hearts face injury concerns with Stuart Findlay bbc.com out for six weeks and Eduardo Ageu ruled out for the season.
Premier League Financials
Manchester United espn.com CEO Omar Berrada stated that extensive cost-cutting measures are starting to pay off as the club released their latest financial results. The club's finances are reportedly in "much better shape" following the strategic changes.
Player News and Transfers
Philippe Coutinho espn.com is considering a move to MLS or retirement at age. Weston Mc Kennie espn.com is close to signing a new contract with Juventus. Chelsea bbc.com and West Ham were fined for a "mass confrontation" between players during their January match.
International Football
Scotland espn.com received FIFA approval for fans to wear traditional kilts at their World Cup matches. FIFA espn.com expressed "full confidence" in Mexico hosting World Cup games despite recent unrest and violence. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre espn.com assured everyone will be safe at their friendly against Iceland in Querétaro.
Women's Football
The Republic of Ireland's bbc.com home Nations League fixture against Israel on October 4 will be played at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The Lionesses bbc.com will host Ukraine in their Women's World Cup qualifier at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in June.
Managerial Changes
West Brom skysports.com sacked Eric Ramsay after just 44 days in charge as head coach. Hearts head coach Derek Mc Innes skysports.com revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson is rooting for his side to win the Scottish Premiership title.
Other Football News
Shakhtar Donetsk espn.com chief executive Sergei Palkin called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to visit Ukraine and witness the destruction caused by war. Benjamin Nygren bbc.com is attracting Premier League interest while Hearts await injury updates on five players.