Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Action
Emery's title dreams bbc.com are officially over after Aston Villa suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Wolves. The result dents Villa's Champions League hopes and ends any possibility of the Spanish coach achieving his title ambitions this season. Meanwhile, Wolves bbc.com secured a vital victory that ensured they avoided the Premier League fewest-points record previously held by Derby County. Joao Gomes skysports.com scored a sensational opener in the West Midlands derby, with his brother Rodrigo Gomes skysports.com adding a second in stoppage time to complete the upset.
European Fixtures
The Champions League draw pitted Real Madrid espn.com against Manchester City once again, creating another mouthwatering clash between European giants. Holders PSG will face Chelsea in the round-of-16, while Aston Villa skysports.com were drawn against Lille in the Europa League last. In Germany, Bayern Munich boss espn.com Vincent Kompany declared that winning Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund deserves a title in itself, highlighting the significance of the rivalry.
Transfer Activity
Toronto FC completed the signing espn.com of United States international Josh Sargent from Norwich City in a deal worth more than £20m. Sargent bbc.com joins the MLS side after an "unfortunate" exit from Norwich. Meanwhile, Corinthians bbc.com are in talks with former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard about a potential move to Brazil, while Anthony Gordon bbc.com remains the subject of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
US Soccer Developments
A prospective ownership group from Columbus, Ohio, led by the Haslam family, is exploring NWSL expansion espn.com, with the group confirming serious interest in bringing a National Women's Soccer League franchise to the city. In the MLS, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan espn.com delivered an American scoring record with his first professional goals for Philadelphia Union, continuing his emergence as the league's teenage sensation. The USWNT is evaluating young talent espn.com with eight players having six caps or less in their recent She Believes Cup squad.
Disciplinary Actions
Barcelona espn.com have implemented a new disciplinary measure under coach Hansi Fick, replacing dropped players with "huge" fines for those who arrive late on match days. In Portugal, Benfica espn.com suspended five supporters after an investigation found they engaged in behaviour of a "racist nature" during the club's match with Real Madrid. In Northern Ireland, VAR technology bbc.com is set to be used for the first time in next month's