Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League & European Action
Real Madrid bbc.com launched an investigation after a supporter allegedly performed a Nazi salute before their Champions League win against Benfica. Ronaldo espn.com acquired a 25% ownership stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria. PSG espn.com advanced to set up a Barcelona or Chelsea clash after defeating Monaco 5-4 on aggregate.
Champions League Drama
Atalanta skysports.com scraped through with a last-gasp turnaround to reach the Champions League last. Galatasaray bbc.com scored twice in extra time to oust 10-man Juventus 7-5 on aggregate. Newcastle bbc.com swept aside Qarabag 3-2 to progress 9-3 on aggregate. Atletico Madrid bbc.com sealed their last-16 spot with Alexander Sorloth's hat-trick against Club Brugge. Bayer Leverkusen bbc.com advanced after a 0-0 draw against Olympiakos.
Women's Football
WSL sides bbc.com face challenges as the Asian Cup gets underway. Wales international Hannah Cain bbc.com says female players' mental health can be affected by "really ugly" social media abuse. Manchester United midfielder Jess Park bbc.com has been in brilliant form since her summer move - but can she take that into England's upcoming matches?
Championship & Domestic Leagues
Wrexham bbc.com manager Phil Parkinson urged his players to "appreciate" the challenge of their Championship play-off push. West Brom bbc.com face uncertainty after Eric Ramsay's winless 44 days in charge. Chelsea academy player Chris Atherton bbc.com switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
Player Performances & Transfers
Benjamin Sesko skysports.com has become Manchester United's super sub after scoring three decisive goals in his last four games. 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 to lead Al Nassr back into first place in the Saudi Pro League. Joao Pedro skysports.com is thriving as Chelsea's No 9 striker.
VAR & Controversial Decisions
Juventus' Lloyd Kelly bbc.com received a straight red card after his second yellow in their Champions League exit against Galatasaray. VAR overturned espn.com a decision in Atalanta's win, leading to a decisive penalty. Celtic's Martin O'Neill bbc.com branded VAR "debilitating" for officials on the pitch.
Club Ownership & Investment
Cristiano Ronaldo bought a 25% stake in Spanish club Almeria. LAFC secured Denis Bouanga with a multiyear DP extension. Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada espn.com said extensive cost-cutting measures are starting to pay off.
International Football
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 bbc.com will be played at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
Other Sports News
South Africa skysports.com took a giant leap toward the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies. Conor Benn skysports.com will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury's April 11 bout. Katie Boulter skysports.com recorded her seventh straight win on the WTA Tour as Camila Osorio retired from their Merida Open clash.
Managerial & Club Issues
Celtic fans bbc.co.uk are unhappy according to podcast discussions. Aston Villa bbc.com are being analyzed as this season's big overperformers. Celtic bbc.com are linked with Plymouth's Tolaj and Pepple as Hearts consider a move for Rangers defender.
Financial & Commercial
Manchester United CEO hailed the impact of cost-cutting moves. Thousands of Glasgow council staff bbc.com will receive a World Cup holiday costing £520,000 from balances.