Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Drama
Wolves bbc.com secured a vital 2-0 victory over third-placed Aston Villa at Molineux, ending their Premier League fewest-points record fears. Joao Gomes stunned Villa skysports.com with a sensational opener before his fellow countryman Rodrigo Gomes sealed the win in stoppage time. The result means Wolves have officially avoided finishing with fewer points than Derby County's record low. Villa manager Unai Emery bbc.com has conceded his Premier League title "dreams" are over following this defeat, with the club now needing to salvage their Champions League qualification hopes.
Rob Edwards bbc.com revealed the prospect of ending the season with fewer points than Derby County's record was "hanging over our heads" throughout the campaign, giving his side extra motivation. Emery preached positivity bbc.com after the loss, saying "now is the time to be together" in the Premier League top-four race. Villa's European hopes were further complicated by their Europa League draw skysports.com, which paired them with Lille in the last.
European Fixtures
Man City bbc.com will face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 for a fifth consecutive season, while Newcastle United have been drawn against Barcelona. Chelsea will play holders Paris St-German in another all-English matchup. In other European news, Augsburg bbc.com celebrated their 500th Bundesliga game with a win over Cologne, thanks to a well-taken goal by Rodrigo Ribeiro.
Transfer News
Norwich striker Josh Sargent bbc.com has completed his move to MLS side Toronto FC in a deal worth more than £20m. Former England and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard bbc.com is in positive talks with Brazilian club Corinthians. Newcastle's Anthony Gordon needs to stay "fully focused" according to head coach Eddie Howe bbc.com, after being linked with a move to Arsenal.
Manager Matters
Wolves manager Rob Edwards skysports.com has been praised for channeling his inner Jose Mourinho after masterminding the victory over Villa. West Ham's Crysencio Summerville bbc.com revealed how manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been helping him improve every day. VAR technology is to be used in Northern Ireland domestic football for the first time in next month's Bet Mc Lean Cup final between Linfield and Glentoran at Windsor Park bbc.com.
International Football
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi bbc.com was hauled to the ground by a pitch invader during a friendly in Puerto Rico. Wales manager Carrie Jones says her players are grateful to have Jess Fishlock bbc.com in the dressing room as they head into their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign. Manchester City's Muslim players are observing Ramadan during the ongoing season, with the club providing special support bbc.com to help them adapt.