Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Drama
Atalanta skysports.com scraped through to the last 16 with a last-gasp penalty after a chaotic match against Club Brugge. Real Madrid bbc.com condemned a fan for allegedly performing a Nazi salute before their win against Benfica. Real Madrid bbc.com beat Benfica 2-1 to reach the last, with Vinícius sealing the win amid boos from Benfica fans.
Galatasaray bbc.com scored twice in extra time to oust 10-man Juventus 7-5 on aggregate after Lloyd Kelly's red card controversy. Galatasaray espn.com ended Juventus' rally to put Gala into the last, with Osimhen scoring the decisive goal. Atletico Madrid bbc.com sealed their last-16 spot with a Sorloth hat-trick against Club Brugge.
Bayer Leverkusen bbc.com advanced to face Bayern or Arsenal in the last 16 after a 0-0 draw against Olympiakos. Newcastle bbc.com swept aside Qarabag 3-2 to progress to the Round of 16 in the Champions League.
Player News & Transfers
Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com bought a 25% stake in Spanish second-division club Almeria. Ronaldo espn.com scored in his third straight match since returning from a boycott, leading Al Nassr back into first place in the Saudi Pro League with a 5-0 win over Al Najma.
Real Madrid espn.com are interested in Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães, while Chelsea remain keen on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. Philippe Coutinho espn.com is considering an MLS move or retirement at age.
Women's Football
Wales international Hannah Cain bbc.com says the mental health of female players can be affected by "really ugly" social media abuse. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens bbc.com says he is "just a normal guy" but his reputation is growing after an impressive debut season at Old Trafford.
England's Mimi Rhodes skysports.com sits two shots behind early leader Auston Kim after the opening round of the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore. Manchester United midfielder Jess Park bbc.com has been in brilliant form since her move in the summer - but can she take that into England's upcoming matches?
Domestic Leagues & Management
Chelsea academy player Chris Atherton bbc.com switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. Phil Parkinson bbc.com has urged his Wrexham players to "appreciate" the challenge of their Championship play-off push.
Martin O'Neill bbc.com believes VAR is "debilitating" for officials on the pitch as he brands the Scottish FA process for appealing against decisions "worthless". Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada espn.com said extensive cost-cutting measures are starting to pay off as the club released their latest financial results.
International Football
Scotland fans espn.com have been given the all-clear to wear their sporrans at the team's matches at this summer's World Cup. The Republic of Ireland's home Nations League fixture against Israel on 4 October will be played at Dublin's Avifa Stadium, says the Football Association of Ireland.
The Africa Cup of Nations bbc.com proved to be "a big stumbling block" when Manchester United discussed signing Victor Osimhen, according to former coach Benni Mc Carthy.
Player Performances & Awards
We're approaching the business end of the 2025-26 Premier League season espn.com, and it's time to start thinking about year-end awards. But who has stood out? With no consensus No.1 player, our writers debate...
Denis Bouanga espn.com has agreed to a multiyear contract extension with LAFC. Bad Bunny espn.com donned Pelé's '66 World Cup jacket in a tribute to the late Brazilian legend.
Other Football News
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni bbc.com says their win against Benfica was a "victory for everyone who stands against racism". Steven Warnock, Rory Smith, and Nedum Onuoha bbc.com broke down how Real Madrid's defence are vulnerable on Match of the Day with Mark Chapman.
Steven Warnock, Rory Smith, and Nedum Onuoha bbc.com analysed the events leading to Juventus' Lloyd Kelly receiving a red card on Match of the Day with Mark Chapman. Thomas Woods bbc.com writes that it is a good week for Fantasy Premier League managers to load up on Liverpool and Manchester United players.
Chantelle Cameron's promoters skysports.com say they "would love" for the Brit to be Katie Taylor's opponent in the legendary Irish fighter's final professional contest later this year. Katie Boulter skysports.com recorded her seventh straight win on the WTA Tour as Camila Osorio retired from their Merida Open clash.
Fabio Wardley skysports.com criticised the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk fighting elite kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. Sir Alex Ferguson skysports.com is rooting for Hearts to win the Scottish Premiership title, according to Hearts head coach Derek Mc Innes.
Hearts head coach Derek Mc Innes has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson is rooting for his side to win the Scottish Premiership title. Former Rangers captain and manager Barry Ferguson bbc.com believes the Scottish Premiership title race is going to "go to the wire" but is "confident" of Old Firm victory over Celtic on Sunday.