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. The Spanish giants advanced to the last 16 bbc.com despite a 2-1 defeat, with Vinícius Junior back to his best form. Atletico Madrid bbc.com secured their spot in the knockout stage with a 4-1 victory over Club Brugge, powered by Alexander Sorloth's hat-trick - only the second player in club history to achieve this feat in the competition. Bayer Leverkusen bbc.com advanced after a 0-0 draw against Olympiakos, while Newcastle bbc.com swept aside Qarabag 3-2 to progress 9-3 on aggregate. Galatasaray bbc.com scored twice in extra time to oust 10-man Juventus 7-5 on aggregate, despite Lloyd Kelly's controversial red card that became a straight red after his second yellow. Atalanta skysports.com pulled off a thrilling last-gasp turnaround to make the last, becoming the saviors of Italian football's reputation after Juventus' elimination. Paris Saint-Germain bbc.com held on against 10-man Monaco despite a late scare, advancing 5-4 on aggregate after Mamadou Coulibaly's red card. Bodo/Glimt bbc.com continued their giant-killing run, making the last 16 after defeating Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan on their journey.
Premier League & Domestic News
Chelsea bbc.com recorded a pre-tax loss of £355m for 2024-25 - the highest loss ever made by an English football club - according to Uefa financial figures. The club's spending spree under new ownership has raised questions about sustainability. Manchester United skysports.com striker Benjamin Sesko has become the club's super sub, scoring three decisive goals in his last four games, but is pushing for a first start under Michael Carrick. Arsenal espn.com confirmed Olivia Smith has withdrawn from Canada's She Believes Cup squad after sustaining a concussion. Barcelona espn.com face a potential six-week absence for Frenkie de Jong after he suffered a hamstring injury in training. Brentford bbc.com head coach Keith Andrews signed a new contract running until 2032, securing his long-term future at the club.
Women's Football & International
Sam Kerr espn.com faces what feels like a career-defining moment with the 2026 Women's Asian Cup approaching, with an air of finality surrounding the Australian star's journey. The Asian Cup bbc.com will significantly impact Women's Super League sides as players depart for international duty. Wales international Hannah Cain bbc.com spoke out about the "really ugly" social media abuse affecting female players' mental health. England's Mimi Rhodes skysports.com sits two shots behind the early lead after the opening round of the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore.
Transfer Market & Ownership
Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com acquired a 25% ownership stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria, expanding his football investment portfolio. LAFC espn.com secured their star forward Denis Bouanga with a multiyear contract extension. Real Madrid have their eye on Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães espn.com, while Chelsea remain keen on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. The Premier League's handling of the Manchester City case continues to draw criticism, with La Liga president Javier Tebas saying the league has been "damaged" by the lack of a verdict.
Other Developments
Singapore bbc.com will launch its first direct-to-customer Premier League streaming service next season, with the league exploring global expansion of this model. Celtic skysports.com salvaged some pride despite exiting the Europa League 4-2 on aggregate to Stuttgart, earning their first-ever victory in Germany through Luke Mc Cowan's first-minute strike. Senegal's 20-year-old defender Mamadou Sarr bbc.com is pushing for a first Premier League start with Chelsea after a rapid rise under Liam Rosenior. Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou bbc.com dismissed talk of his side being in the Scottish Premiership title race as "irrelevant," though questions remain about their potential. Walsall bbc.com faces another winter of discontent with a split fanbase, questions over playing style, and no home win since Boxing Day. West Brom bbc.com must decide their next steps with relegation looming after Eric Ramsay's winless 44-day spell in charge.