Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League & FA Cup Action
LAFC espn.com goalkeeper Hugo Lloris recorded his fourth clean sheet as the team maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas. David Martínez scored the decisive goal in the second half. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough skysports.com thrashed QPR 4-0 at Loftus Road to boost their automatic promotion hopes, while Leeds skysports.com powered past Norwich 3-0 to reach their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2003.
Scottish Football Turmoil
Disgraceful scenes bbc.com marred the Old Firm cup tie as Rangers and Celtic fans invaded the pitch at Ibrox following Celtic's victory. The 120-minute match was already ugly before the post-match chaos erupted. Aberdeen skysports.com suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup, with interim manager Barry Robson fearing relegation trouble after the embarrassing exit.
MLS & International Soccer
Lionel Messi espn.com scored his 899th career goal to help Inter Miami defeat D.C. United 2-1 in front of 72,026 fans. The Argentine superstar's performance came as Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas revealed Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually, including ownership shares. However, USMNT defender Sergiño Dest espn.com limped off with a hamstring injury during PSV Eindhoven's match, raising concerns for the national team.
Women's Soccer Highlights
The United States women's national team espn.com secured the She Believes Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Colombia, with Alyssa Thompson scoring the decisive goal in the 82nd minute. In Australian women's cricket, Alyssa Healy skysports.com bid farewell to international cricket after leading Australia to a crushing ten-wicket victory over India in her final match as captain.
Lower League & Cup Drama
Port Vale bbc.com continued their remarkable FA Cup run despite being bottom of League One, reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history. Southampton skysports.com caused an upset with a 1-0 victory over Fulham in controversial circumstances, while AFC Wimbledon skysports.com deepened Northampton's relegation woes with a 1-0 win.
European Football Developments
Julian Brandt espn.com will leave Borussia Dortmund at season's end, according to managing director Lars Ricken. In Spain, Lamine Yamal espn.com produced another match-winning moment with a stunning strike to give Barcelona a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
FA Cup Upsets & Drama
Chelsea espn.com twice came from behind to avoid an FA Cup shock, eventually defeating 10-man Wrexham 4-2 in extra time. The match was overshadowed by a controversial red card decision against Wrexham's George Dobson, which referee Peter Bankes initially booked before upgrading to a sending off. Liam Rosenior espn.com admitted Chelsea were "lucky" to progress after crucial VAR decisions went against the Championship side in the six-goal thriller.
Other Football News
Andy Robertson espn.com insisted he was "never not committed" to Liverpool despite January interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Pep Guardiola skysports.com will serve a two-match touchline ban after receiving his sixth booking of the season during Manchester City's FA Cup win over Newcastle. The match highlighted City's depth as they performed well without Erling Haaland, with Marmoush espn.com and others stepping up in a 3-1 victory.