Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Shockers
Liverpool espn.com suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat at Molineux against last-place Wolves, with manager Arne Slot labeling it the "same old story" for his side's defensive frailties bbc.com. Wolves victory bbc.com moves them six points clear of the relegation zone, though manager Rob Edwards insisted they are not yet thinking about survival.
Sunderland bbc.com secured a crucial 1-0 win at Elland Road through a second-half controversial penalty skysports.com converted by Habib Diarra. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was left fuming, claiming a similar appeal in the first half was wrongly ignored bbc.com. The result takes Sunderland to 40 points, with manager Sunderland bbc.com stating his side has "pretty much ensured" Premier League survival.
Everton bbc.com ended a dismal home run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley, with James Tarkowski and Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall scoring. Manager David Moyes wants his players to believe Europe bbc.com is within reach, while Burnley boss Scott Parker admitted he was "searching for answers" after the loss bbc.com.
Bournemouth bbc.com was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Brentford after being denied what manager Andoni Iraola called a "clear" second-half penalty bbc.com. VAR controversy skysports.com again took center stage, with Iraola stating, "I cannot accept it." Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted his side had a bit of luck bbc.com in securing the point.
European & Transfer Focus
Barcelona espn.com was left "disappointed but proud" after a valiant Copa del Rey comeback attempt fell short against Atlético Madrid. The Catalans' European exit comes as the club's spending limit espn.com rose by nearly €100 million, potentially fueling summer moves. Barcelona interest bbc.com in Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is set to intensify.
International & Women's Football
Scotland bbc.com hammered Luxembourg 7-0 in a World Cup qualifier, with captain Caroline Weir hitting a hat-trick. The Lionesses bbc.com began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a "clear win" over Ukraine, delivering exactly what manager Sarina Wiegman demanded.
Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, his club Al Nassr confirmed. Meanwhile, Real Madrid winger Rodrygo espn.com will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup after tearing his ACL and meniscus.
Cup Drama & Lower Leagues
Port Vale bbc.com caused a major FA Cup upset, beating Championship side Bristol City 1-0 after extra-time to reach the fifth round for the first time in 30 years.
Other Notable Headlines
KSI skysports.com has bought a stake in sixth-tier club Dagenham & Redbridge and vowed to take them to the Premier League. Tottenham have written to the PGMOL to raise concerns bbc.com over recent refereeing decisions. Flamengo bbc.com sacked manager Filipe Luis, the ex-Chelsea defender, just hours after an 8-0 win. Tickets espn.com for the World Cup playoffs in Mexico will sell for less than $17.