Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Champions League Roundup
Galatasaray secured a victory espn.com over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with the final score 1-0 on a raucous night in Istanbul. Tottenham's goalkeeper was subbed bbc.com after just 17 minutes of their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, after conceding three goals in the opening quarter of an hour. Mikel Arteta stated that Arsenal must prove espn.com their Champions League credentials against Bayer Leverkusen, as he believes they belong in Europe's elite. Real Madrid's Álvaro Arbeloa espn.com said that his team shouldn't feel inferior to Manchester City ahead of their Champions League tie.
Player News and Analysis
Gianluigi Donnarumma believes Manchester City has an advantage espn.com due to the absence of Kylian Mbappé for Real Madrid in their Champions League tie. Kai Havertz is returning to Bayer Leverkusen for the first time since his exit, and he returns having found new hunger skysports.com after the "worst pain" of his career. Kyle Walker announced his retirement espn.com from international football, ending his England career with 96 caps.
Match Preparations and Predictions
Hansi Flick said Barcelona has the quality espn.com to deal with the financial might of the Premier League as they prepare for their Champions League last-16 first leg. Javier Mascherano said that Inter Miami is ready espn.com for a revenge-minded Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Newcastle's Eddie Howe skysports.com sent a hidden message to his players ahead of their match with Barcelona, calling it the biggest game in Newcastle's history.
Financial and Regulatory Concerns
Uefa is seriously concerned about the impact of Premier League spending rules bbc.com on competitive balance. Sheffield Wednesday will likely start next season with a 15-point deduction skysports.com.
Transfer Rumors and Deals
Real Madrid are monitoring Man City's Rodri espn.com, according to transfer rumors. Juventus is reportedly targeting Tottenham's Spence bbc.com.
International Football
Mexico has begun granting visas espn.com to some of Iraq's national team players ahead of their World Cup playoff match. The Spanish Football Federation president expects a decision soon regarding whether the Finalissima will be in Qatar espn.com.
Other Sports News
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka skysports.com to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals. Jack Draper is relishing facing Djokovic skysports.com in the last 16 at Indian Wells. Rory McIlroy is set for a late arrival skysports.com at The Players due to a back injury.
Cheltenham Festival Highlights
Old Park Star claimed victory skysports.com in the Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Kargese secured success skysports.com in the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase.
Additional News
Former footballer Joey Barton was remanded in custody skysports.com after appearing in court charged with an assault. Two MLS players received lifetime bans espn.com for violating the league's gambling policy. The head of Kick It Out said that regulator proposals put diversity on the subs' bench bbc.com.
Concerns and Challenges
Martin O'Neill fears the larger allocation of away fans may not happen anymore bbc.com at meetings of Celtic and Rangers. Ten players from a Jamaican club bbc.com were denied entry to the US.