Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Drama
Real Madrid bbc.com launched an investigation after a supporter allegedly performed a Nazi salute before their Champions League win against Benfica. Vinícius Junior espn.com sealed Madrid's progress amid Benfica boos as the Brazilian forward faced jeers at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid bbc.com beat Benfica 2-1 to reach the last, with Aurelien Tchouameni saying the win was "for everyone who stands against racism." Atletico Madrid bbc.com secured their last-16 spot with Alexander Sorloth's hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Club Brugge, becoming only the second player in Atletico's history to net three in a Champions League match.
Galatasaray bbc.com scored twice in extra time to oust 10-man Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, despite Lloyd Kelly's red card. Newcastle bbc.com swept aside Qarabag 3-2 to progress to the Round of. Bayer Leverkusen bbc.com advanced after a 0-0 draw against Olympiakos secured a 2-0 aggregate victory. Paris Saint-Germain bbc.com avoided a late scare against 10-man Monaco, holding on despite a Jordan Teze goal after Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in quick succession.
Premier League & Transfer News
Manchester United espn.com CEO Omar Berrada said extensive cost-cutting measures are starting to pay off as the club released their latest financial results. Chelsea bbc.com and West Ham were fined £325,000 and £300,000 respectively for a "mass confrontation" between players in their January match. Real Madrid espn.com have their eye on Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães, while Chelsea remain keen on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Scottish Football
Hearts bbc.com will be without defender Stuart Findlay for six weeks while record signing Eduardo Ageu will miss the rest of the season. Celtic bbc.com fans' unhappiness was discussed on a BBC podcast, with the club linked to Plymouth pair Tolaj and Pepple as Hearts consider a move for Rangers defender. Rangers bbc.com are favorites for the Old Firm derby according to Barry Ferguson, who believes the title race will "go to the wire."
Other European Football
Denis Bouanga espn.com signed a multiyear contract extension with LAFC. Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com scored in his third straight match since returning from a boycott, leading Al Nassr to a 5-0 win over bottom-side Al Najma in the Saudi Pro League. Philippe Coutinho espn.com is considering a move to MLS or retirement at age. Weston Mc Kennie espn.com is on the verge of signing a new contract with Juventus.
International & Other News
Scotland espn.com fans have been given the all-clear to wear their sporrans at this summer's World Cup matches. Lionel Messi espn.com said he "deeply regrets" not learning English when younger. Mexico espn.com star 'Chucky' Lozano is being paid $6M to not play in MLS, with uncertainty over when he'll return to soccer. England bbc.com will host Ukraine in their Women's World Cup qualifier at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in June.
Boxing & Combat Sports
Katie Taylor skysports.com announced she plans to retire following a summer fight in Dublin. Chantelle Cameron's skysports.com promoters said they "would love" for the Brit to be Taylor's opponent in her final professional contest. Fabio Wardley skysports.com criticized the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk fighting elite kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, calling him "not a genuine" challenge. Wardley skysports.com also offered Tyson Fury a world title shot if he retains against Daniel Dubois.
Other Sports
Katie Boulter skysports.com recorded her seventh straight win on the WTA Tour as Camila Osorio retired from their Merida Open clash. New Zealand skysports.com beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs to knock the co-hosts out of the T20 World Cup and boost their own semi-final hopes. Jack Draper skysports.com saw his ATP Tour comeback ended by Arthur Rinderknech in Dubai. Jess Park bbc.com is targeting taking her Manchester United form into England's upcoming matches.