Football/Soccer 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 8:43 AM ET
Champions League Drama
Manchester City's 3-0 first-leg victory over Real Madrid has sent shockwaves through European football, with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold admitting espn.com there was widespread expectation the Spanish giants would "get battered" at the Etihad. However, City winger Jérémy Doku has warned espn.com that the tie is far from over, insisting the English champions "still believe" they can reach the semifinals despite the commanding lead.
Premier League Race Analysis
The Champions League disappointment extended to all four English clubs, who failed to secure first-leg wins skysports.com in their respective last-16 ties. This comes as analysts examine how the Premier League run-in is shaping up bbc.com, with questions mounting about which teams will clinch Champions League qualification and who faces relegation battles in the season's final stretch.
Rising Stars and International Fixtures
Antoine Semenyo has joined an exclusive club espn.com after making his Champions League debut for Manchester City, having played in every rung of English football from nonleague to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Wales have named an unchanged side skysports.com for their Six Nations finale against Italy, with coach Steve Tandy challenging his players to "go up another level" as they seek to end their losing streak.
Women's Soccer Preview
As the NWSL prepares for its 2026 season, analysts have released comprehensive predictions espn.com for all 16 teams, assessing key offseason moves and questions surrounding stars like Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, and the league's emerging talents as they prepare for another competitive campaign.