Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 1:43 PM ET
Premier League Men's Football
Manchester United strengthened their Champions League bid espn.com with a convincing 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, opening up a three-point buffer skysports.com on their top-four rivals. The Red Devils now have a significant advantage in the race for European qualification after this crucial win at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Newcastle boosted their European hopes skysports.com with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, injecting life into their bid to secure continental competition next season. Anthony Gordon was the match-winner and hit back at pundits bbc.com Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer after their criticism of his recent performances.
In other Premier League action, Arsenal secured a vital late win bbc.com over Everton with teenager Max Dowman playing a key role in what could prove to be a season-defining moment. The 16-year-old made his mark after pulling on an Arsenal shirt bbc.com, breaking records and contributing to the 2-0 victory that kept their top-four hopes alive. However, VAR drew criticism skysports.com from Jamie Redknapp for failing to award a penalty when Kai Havertz appeared to be fouled by Michael Keane. West Ham snatched a crucial point espn.com against Manchester City, who were hampered by Erling Haaland's continued goal drought, with the Norwegian striker going missing in a match where his team needed a win.
European Football & International Action
Real Madrid moved within a point of Barcelona espn.com after Federico Valverde's golden streak continued with his fourth goal in nine days in a 4-1 win over Elche. Álvaro Arbeloa praised Arda Güler's long-range strike espn.com as "amazing" and a "work of art" after the midfielder scored from inside his own half. In LaLiga, Atlético Madrid moved up to third place espn.com with a 1-0 victory over Getafe. Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany slammed referee decisions espn.com after Luis Díaz was sent off in their draw at Bayer Leverkusen, with the official later admitting he had made an error.
Internationally, France retained their Six Nations title skysports.com with a dramatic 48-46 victory over England in Paris, where Thomas Ramos' last-gasp penalty sealed the win. However, Spain and Argentina's scheduled Finalissima clash espn.com in Qatar has been canceled, UEFA confirmed on Sunday. Meanwhile, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was denied a vote espn.com in Sunday's presidential election after failing to update his club membership.
Women's Football & Scottish Action
Chelsea retained their Women's League Cup skysports.com with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, with Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones scoring the decisive goals. The result cemented Bompastor's side dominance skysports.com in domestic cup competitions. In the Women's Super League, Manchester City stuttered skysports.com in their title pursuit with a goalless draw against lowly Aston Villa, while Arsenal and Liverpool piled pressure on Leicester skysports.com with victories in their respective matches.
In Scotland, Rangers closed in on Hearts and Celtic skysports.com with a nervy 1-0 win over St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium, moving to within three points of leaders Hearts. However, Hearts suffered a setback skysports.com in their title bid with a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, dropping three valuable points. Goalkeeper Jack Butland is open to extending his Rangers contract bbc.com, as the team looks to maintain their challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
Transfer & Club News
Liverpool have extended Alisson's contract espn.com until 2027 after triggering the 12-month option, providing stability