Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Drama
Atalanta skysports.com pulled off a thrilling last-gasp turnaround to reach the Champions League last. Juventus battled valiantly into extra-time with 10 men but couldn't overcome their first-leg deficit. Galatasaray bbc.com scored twice in extra time to oust 10-man Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, despite Lloyd Kelly's controversial red card.
Real Madrid Controversy
Real Madrid bbc.com launched an investigation after a supporter allegedly performed a Nazi salute before their Champions League win against Benfica. Real Madrid bbc.com described their victory as "for everyone who stands against racism" after midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni's comments. Vinícius Junior espn.com sealed Madrid's progress amid Benfica boos, with the forward being loudly jeered at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Premier League and Transfers
Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com acquired a 25% ownership stake in Spanish second division club UD Almería. Denis Bouanga espn.com signed a multiyear designated player extension with LAFC. Philippe Coutinho espn.com is considering a move to MLS or retirement at age, according to sources.
Player Performances and Awards
João Pedro skysports.com is thriving as Chelsea's No, making an impact in his new role. Writers are debating the Premier League Player of the Year espn.com, with no consensus on the top performer as the season approaches its business end. Mimi Rhodes skysports.com sits two shots behind the early leader at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore.
International Football
Chris Atherton bbc.com switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. Scotland fans espn.com received FIFA approval to wear their sporrans at this summer's World Cup matches. The Republic of Ireland's home Nations League fixture against Israel on October 4 will be played at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
Domestic League Action
Wrexham bbc.com faces a crucial Championship play-off push as the regular season nears its end. Barry Ferguson bbc.com expressed confidence in Rangers' ability to win the Old Firm derby and stay in the Scottish Premiership title race. Martin O'Neill bbc.com criticized VAR as "debilitating" for on-field officials in Scottish football.
Other Football News
Real Madrid espn.com has shown interest in Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães, while Chelsea remains keen on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. 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. Cristiano 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 bottom-side Al Najma.
Women's Football
Wales international Hannah Cain bbc.com spoke about how "really ugly" social media abuse can affect the mental health of female players. Manchester United midfielder Jess Park bbc.com is in brilliant form since her summer move and aims to translate that into England's upcoming matches.
Upcoming Fixtures and Events
Conor Benn skysports.com will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury's April 11 bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chantelle Cameron's promoters skysports.com expressed interest in having her face Katie Taylor in the legendary Irish fighter's final professional contest later this year.