Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Title Race
Unai Emery bbc.com has conceded his Premier League title "dreams" are over after Aston Villa's 2-0 defeat to Wolves. The Spanish manager walked down the tunnel immediately after Rodrigo Gomes' stoppage-time second goal sealed Wolves' victory at Molineux. Emery bbc.com remains focused on securing Champions League qualification despite the setback.
Wolves Avoid Relegation Record
Wolves bbc.com secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, ensuring they won't match Derby County's worst-ever Premier League points tally. Rob Edwards bbc.com admitted the prospect of breaking that unwanted record was "hanging over their heads" throughout the season. Gomes skysports.com sealed the win with a 97th-minute counter-attack, adding to his sensational first-half opener that stunned Villa skysports.com.
European Football
Chelsea bbc.com will face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last, while Manchester City takes on Real Madrid for a fifth consecutive season in the knockout stages. The draw sets up blockbuster ties for English clubs in Europe's premier competition.
Managerial Moves
Rangers bbc.com vice-chair Paraag Marathe is standing down due to multi-club ownership rules, with fellow director Gene Schneur doing the same. Meanwhile, Celtic bbc.com manager Martin O'Neill expressed surprise at Rangers counterpart Danny Rohl's comments ahead of Sunday's crucial Old Firm derby.
Transfer News
Manchester City bbc.com and Manchester United are targeting Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, while Inter Milan could revisit interest in Liverpool's Curtis Jones. In MLS, Norwich City bbc.com striker Josh Sargent completed his £20m move to Toronto FC.
International Football
Wales bbc.com players expressed gratitude for having Jess Fishlock in their squad as they begin their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign. In Northern Ireland, Kris Lindsay bbc.com has earned support from midfielder Nadene Caldwell to take the manager's role permanently after impressing during recent World Cup qualifiers.
Other Developments
Michael Carrick bbc.com says Manchester United's lack of European football this season has allowed his team to stay "laser-focused" on Premier League survival. Former England and Manchester United bbc.com midfielder Jesse Lingard is holding positive talks with Brazilian club Corinthians about a potential move.
Match Highlights
Rodrigo Ribeiro bbc.com scored the winner as Augsburg celebrated their 500th Bundesliga game with victory over Cologne. In a friendly in Puerto Rico, Lionel Messi bbc.com was tackled by a pitch invader during Inter Miami's match.
VAR Implementation
Video Assistant Referee bbc.com technology will make its debut in Northern Ireland domestic football next month during the Bet Mc Lean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park.
Financial News
Cardiff City bbc.com posted a £35m loss for the last financial year, with accounts revealing continued reliance on majority shareholder Vincent Tan's financial support, which totaled almost £90m by season's end.
Player Welfare
Former England international Conor Coady bbc.com emphasized the importance of supporting people in "any walk of life," while Eddie Howe bbc.com urged Anthony Gordon to stay "fully focused" after Newcastle United forward was linked with a move to Arsenal.