Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×FA Cup Drama
Chelsea espn.com twice came from behind to avoid an FA Cup shock with a 4-2 extra-time victory at 10-man Wrexham on Saturday. Wrexham espn.com are looking to get promoted to the Premier League, but their FA Cup loss to Chelsea gives them a reminder of what they will expect should they get promoted. Liam Rosenior espn.com said Chelsea were "lucky" to seal a 4-2 FA Cup fifth round win against Wrexham after two crucial VAR decisions went against the EFL Championship team during a nail-biting tie at Stok Cae. VAR review espn.com explains why Wrexham's Dobson was sent off for his challenge on Garnacho - referee Peter Bankes initially cautioned Dobson for a foul before changing it to a red card.
Manchester City skysports.com booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-1 comeback win at Newcastle on Saturday night. Arsenal bbc.com needed their big guns to come off the bench to help them past Mansfield, but it was 16-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon who made history. Arsenal's Arteta espn.com has one of Arsenal's strongest ever squads but, with four competitions in play, he is still learning how to rotate.
La Liga & European Action
Lamine Yamal espn.com once again showed his ability to decide a game when Barcelona's teenage star broke the deadlock with a gorgeous strike to earn a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Barcelona now go four points clear at the top of La Liga. Atletico Madrid bbc.com beat Real Sociedad 3-2 in a match briefly interrupted when a pigeon stopped play - with unflappable defender Jose Gimenez plucking the bird off the pitch and taking it to safety.
Scottish Football
Dunfermline skysports.com dumped holders Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup with a stunning 3-0 win at KDM Group East End Park. Motherwell skysports.com's hopes of gatecrashing the Scottish Premiership title race suffered a blow when they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Dundee.
Transfer News & Rumors
Manchester United bbc.com set their sights on one of Bournemouth's star players, while Unai Emery could be on his way out at Aston Villa and Newcastle United need to target a new shot-stopper. Tottenham Hotspur espn.com could replace manager Igor Tudor soon, while Barcelona eye Spurs' most promising young defender. Napoli bbc.com hope to fend off Premier League interest for Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay.
Managerial Moves
Borussia Dortmund espn.com managing director Lars Ricken confirmed Julian Brandt is to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. Pep Guardiola espn.com has dropped a hint that he's ready to stay on as Manchester City manager by warning the rest of the Premier League that his team will only realise their full potential next season.
Player Updates
Ryan Gravenberch espn.com has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield, the Premier League club has announced. Roma striker Evan Ferguson bbc.com will miss the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off after being ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
USWNT Action
The USWNT espn.com takes on Columbia in She Believes Cup action, continuing their preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Other Sports Highlights
Jack Draper skysports.com began the defence of his Indian Wells title with a three-set win over Roberto Bautista Agut to move into the third round. Rory McIlroy skysports.com has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill due to a back injury. Russian athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Paralympics under their own flag for the first time since 2014 have won their country's first medals.
FA Cup Upsets & Results
Arsenal's Eze came off the bench to score the winning goal against League One side Mansfield, sending the Gunners through to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Coventry and Millwall skysports.com won their matches while Ipswich was held by Leicester in EFL action.
Women's Football
Rhian Wilkinson bbc.com says Wales have room to improve despite hailing a job well done following their emphatic first win in 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying. Lucy Bronze bbc.com made her 145th senior appearance for England on Saturday - few have been better performances.
International Football
England skysports.com and head coach Steve Borthwick could ill afford another setback after sobering defeats to Scotland and Ireland. Lewis Ferguson and Kieron Bowie bbc.com are set to feature as Bologna host Verona in Serie A with live coverage on BBC Alba.