Manchester City's Premier League title challenge was dealt a big blow by a 1-1 draw at lowly West...

Manchester City's Premier League title challenge was dealt a big blow by a 1-1 draw at lowly West Ham which left them trailing nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.Pep Guardiola's side took the lead through Bernardo Silva's first-half goal, but Konstantinos Mavropanos hauled West Ham level before the interval at the London Stadium.Just hours after Arsenal scored twice in the final minutes against Everton to seal a priceless 2-0 victory, second-placed City cracked under the pressure of trying to keep pace with the Gunners.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>City have a game in hand on Arsenal but they look destined to miss out in a title race that could turn into a procession long before the finish line.Draws in their last two league matches against relegation-threatened West Ham and Nottingham Forest have exposed the flaws in a City team expensively rebuilt by Guardiola with limited success over the last 18 months.They will have to improve significantly to have any hope of a miraculous recovery from 3-0 down against Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday.Guardiola's men then head to Wembley to face Arsenal in the League Cup final before meeting Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.As if that wasn't problematic enough for spluttering City, their next two league games after the three cup matches are against Chelsea and Arsenal.By the end of that five-game gauntlet, City could be facing up to the painful prospect of a second successive season without major silverware.West Ham are out of the relegation zone for the first time in 100 days -- one point ahead of Forest, who play their game in hand against Fulham on Sunday.Ruthlessly exposed by Real in midweek, the defensive weaknesses that have plagued City this season are combining with Erling Haaland's barren spell to leave the title challengers bereft at both ends of the pitch.<h3>Impotent City</h3>Haaland has only scored three times in his last 12 league games and the Norway striker was largely anonymous once again.Guardiola moaned that he had been "massacred" by critics for his team selection against Real.Once again, his tactics were worthy of debate as City monopolised possession for long periods, but did little to threaten West Ham despite starting with Haaland and Omar Marmoush up front.When City finally pieced together a threatening raid, they immediately carved open the West Ham defence to take the lead in the 31st minute.Silva made a dangerous run down the left edge of the West Ham penalty area, but he got a huge stroke of luck as his miscued cross towards Haaland caught goalkeeper Mads Hermansen by surprise as it looped in at the far post.Silva's sheepish expression told its own story but the Portugal midfielder wasn't about to complain after scoring for just the second time in the league this season.Yet City's lead lasted just four minutes as Gianluigi Donnarumma's blunder gifted West Ham their equaliser.The City 'keeper should have claimed Jarrod Bowen's corner but he completely misjudged the delivery and was punished by Mavropanos, who headed home from close range via the underside of the crossbar.Antoine Semenyo wasted a golden opportunity to restore City's lead before half-time, shooting wide after Haaland pounced on Aaron Wan-Bissaka's mistake.Watching from the stands as he served a touchline ban, Guardiola was in contact with assistant Pep Lijnders by phone, the pair introducing Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku in a desperate bid to turn the tide.Cherki immediately sent Haaland through for a low strike that Hermansen pushed around the post.Haaland made a hash of finishing Doku's pass with a scuffed effort and Cherki's free-kick clipped the bar.But City looked increasingly impotent before Marc Guehi blazed over in stoppage-time as their title dreams started to fade.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Phil Foden and Erling Haaland of Manchester City look dejected following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England.

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Man City held at West Ham in another blow to Premier League title bid

Inter Milan suffered another wobble in their bid to reclaim the Serie A title after Saturday's 1-...

Inter Milan suffered another wobble in their bid to reclaim the Serie A title after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Atalanta, who bounced back from Champions League humiliation against Bayern Munich.Nikola Krstovic earned a point for Atalanta by scoring in the 82nd minute at the San Siro, cancelling out Pio Esposito's angled drive after 26 minutes for the hosts who had looked to be extending their league lead to 10 points.But Inter coach Cristian Chivu and his players were livid at Krstovic's goal being awarded after what they saw as a push on Denzel Dumfries by Kamaldeen Sulemana, whose saved shot led to the leveller.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chivu was sent off for his vehement protests against the officials in a heated end to what had up to that point been a humdrum affair in soaking wet Milan.Dumfries held his head in his hands when referee Gianluca Manganiello pointed to the centre circle to give the goal which handed AC Milan the chance to move to within five points of their local rivals.Home fans were again outraged moments later when Davide Frattesi went down looking for a penalty under a challenge from Giorgio Scalvini, who tapped his Italy teammate's foot and was cleared of committing a foul.No-one from Inter spoke to media after the game in protest at the decisions.Milan, who prevailed in their local derby with Inter last weekend, travel to Rome to take on Lazio on Sunday night and can reignite a title race which looked as good as over a week ago.A fighting point for Atalanta came after Tuesday's humiliating 6-1 defeat by Bayern in the Champions League, a competition for which they will struggle to qualify for this season.Atalanta, who have to face Bayern in Munich on Wednesday, are six points behind fourth-placed Juventus who won 1-0 at Udinese in the day's late match thanks to Jeremie Boga's third goal is as many matches.That gap will increase to seven if either Como or Roma win their key clash on Sunday evening, with both teams two points behind Juve in fifth and sixth."I really liked the reaction of the team, it's very easy to still be affected as it was only four days ago that we played Bayern," said Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino."But the team played like men, like the good players that they are."<h3>McTominay back</h3>Reigning champions Napoli trail Inter by nine points in third place after coming from behind to beat Lecce 2-1 in Naples where Scott McTominay made his return from injury.Rasmus Hojlund and Matteo Politano's goals overturned Jamil Siebert's surprise early opener for Lecce as Napoli consolidated their top-four position, eight points above Roma and Como.More good news for coach Antonio Conte, who has had to deal with a raft of injury problems all season, came in the shape of McTominay who made his first appearance in over a month as a half-time substitute.Scotland midfielder McTominay has become a huge fan favourite at Napoli since arriving from Manchester United, and his return came as Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Anguissa continued their comebacks from injury.De Bruyne replaced Anguissa at the break and looked in decent nick in his second appearance since tearing his hamstring while scoring a penalty against Inter in October.There was a worrying moment late on when Lecce attacker Lameck Banda had to be rushed from the field with the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in hushed silence after he fell to the turf.Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco told broadcaster DAZN that Banda was not in danger and that it was a blow to the chest moments before which caused a fall reminiscent of Edoardo Bove's on-pitch heart attack while playing for Fiorentina last season.

Inter Milan's Polish midfielder #7 Piotr Zielinski (2R) reacts at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Atalanta at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, on March 14, 2026.

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Leaders Inter livid after draw, McTominay returns for victorious Napoli

Newcastle forward Anthony sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea on Saturday that dealt a major blow to...

Newcastle forward Anthony sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea on Saturday that dealt a major blow to the Blues' bid to qualify for the Champions League.Gordon netted in the first half at Stamford Bridge to leave Chelsea in fifth place in the Premier League.After crashing to a 5-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek, Chelsea suffered an unwanted hangover with a disjointed display in west London.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>An evening that started with Chelsea's players bizarrely surrounding referee Paul Tierney during their pre-match huddle ended with the Blues' Champions League hopes in disarray.Liam Rosenior's side trail third-placed Manchester United and fourth-placed Aston Villa by three points and have played a game more than both their top-four rivals.United and Villa are in action on Sunday when they meet at Old Trafford, while sixth-placed Liverpool -- behind Chelsea on goal difference -- will go above the Blues if they avoid defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.Newcastle were also in Champions League action in midweek, earning a creditable 1-1 draw against Barcelona at St James' Park.And Eddie Howe's side were more vibrant than Chelsea in the early stages.Tino Livramento's 18th minute pass split their defence, allowing Joe Willock to burst unimpeded through the middle unchecked.Willock provided the killer pass for Gordon and the England forward applied the finishing touch into the empty net.Rumbles of discontent from Chelsea supporters were soon audible as every blocked shot or misplayed pass raised the anxiety levels.There was little to reassure the frustrated fans in the first half as Chelsea laboured to make the most of their possession.Willock's drive was tipped over by Robert Sanchez at his near post, while Jacob Ramsey's shot deflected off Trevoh Chalobah and required a smart save from the Blues keeper.Sanchez, back in for the injured Filip Jorgensen, nearly produced the latest in a long line of blunders this season, but Wesley Fofana saved the keeper after his wayward pass.Chelsea striker Liam Delap fired woefully over the bar from six yards, then Chalobah headed wide under pressure from Ramsdale.Reece James came within inches with a late free-kick and Joao Pedro's header landed on the roof of the goal, but Newcastle held firm.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon scoring his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on March 14, 2026 in London, England.

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Chelsea fall at home to Newcastle to compound miserable week

Max Dowman became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League as the 16-year-old inspired ...

Max Dowman became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League as the 16-year-old inspired Arsenal's late surge to beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday and close in on a first Premier League title for 22 years.The Gunners struggled to break down a dogged Everton defence for 89 minutes until Dowman's cross fell to Viktor Gyokeres to open the scoring.The teenager then ran from deep inside his own half to roll into an empty net after Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ventured forward for a corner in stoppage time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Victory opens up a 10-point lead for Arsenal at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand.City can cut the gap when they visit West Ham later, but Arsenal overcame a nervy display to take another giant leap towards ending their long wait to be champions of England.Mikel Arteta's men remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, but again lacked for a creative spark until Dowman's introduction as a late substitute.For the first time this season Kai Havertz started a Premier League game up front as Arteta dropped top scorer Gyokeres to the bench.Havertz could not believe he was not awarded a penalty midway through the first half when the German international appeared to be clipped by Michael Keane as he burst clear on goal.Everton were without first-choice centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, but kept the hosts at arm's length and provided a punch going forward.Dwight McNeil curled a fine effort off the post early on and only a fine save by David Raya denied Beto early in the second period.Despite their advantage at the top of the table, the tension around the Emirates Stadium spilled from the stands onto the pitch in the second half.The home side were largely restricted to pot shots from range as Pickford parried Eberechi Eze's powerful drive.Arteta turned to Dowman for inspiration and he duly delivered with some help from Pickford.The England goalkeeper got caught under the winger's cross and the ball rebounded kindly off Piero Hincapie into the path of Gyokeres, who could not miss.Arteta sprinted down the touchline in jubilation and there was an even greater outpouring of joy deep into stoppage time.Dowman coolly sidestepped Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall inside his own half before sprinting clear on goal unchallenged to make Premier League history.At 16 and 73 days he breaks James Vaughan's record as the youngest scorer in the competition's history.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Max Dowman celebrates scoring the 2nd Arsenal goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England.

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Dowman becomes youngest EPL scorer, strengthens Arsenal's title push

Lens missed the chance to move top of Ligue 1 and put pressure on Paris Saint-Germain as they sli...

Lens missed the chance to move top of Ligue 1 and put pressure on Paris Saint-Germain as they slipped to a 2-1 loss at Lorient on Saturday.Pierre Sage's side were aiming to go two points clear of PSG at the summit, with the reigning champions not playing this weekend so they can rest for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg at Chelsea.But Lens, targeting a second Ligue 1 title and first since 1998, fell to a costly defeat and have now won only one of their last four league matches.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We had a lot of possession, but we weren't creative enough to fashion chances," said Lens coach Sage. "We missed an opportunity."Bamba Dieng put Lorient into an 18th-minute lead, bundling in from close range at the second time of asking after Lens failed to deal with a corner.The visitors hit back, though, shortly after half-time, as Odsonne Edouard collected the ball inside the Lorient half, carried it to the edge of the box and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner to score his 10th league goal of the season.Lens had the momentum and went close to taking the lead shortly before the hour mark when Florian Thauvin headed a corner narrowly over.But Lorient regained the advantage in the 65th minute, as Aiyegun Tosin stabbed the ball in from almost on the goal-line after just about controlling Arsene Kouassi's cross.Lens piled on the pressure late on with a series of set-pieces but could not force another equaliser.Lorient climbed to eighth in the table, just four points behind sixth-placed Lille, who visit fifth-placed Rennes Sunday, in the race for European qualification.Nice claimed a vital 2-0 win at Angers to climb eight points clear of the relegation play-off place and snap a six-game winless run in the league.

Lorient's Cameroonian midfielder #62 Arthur Avom Ebong (R) fights for the ball with Lens' Malian midfielder #08 Mamadou Sangare during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and RC Lens at Yves-Allainmat stadium in Lorient, western France on March 14, 2026.

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Lens suffer blow to title hopes with Lorient loss

Atletico Madrid scraped a 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, with the visitors reduced t...

Atletico Madrid scraped a 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, with the visitors reduced to 10 men when Abdel Abqar was sent off for touching Alexander Sorloth in a sensitive area.Nahuel Molina's thunderbolt from distance helped third-place Atletico cut the gap to the top two, but the bizarre incident early in the second half involving Getafe defender Abqar was the biggest talking point.The Moroccan, who insisted he did not mean to touch the Atletico striker's crotch, appeared to pinch the Norwegian, who threw him to the floor angrily.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was not my intention to touch the player in this area," Abqar, who was dismissed after a VAR review, told Movistar."You see it in very game, and in football, we're touching, clashing and everything, but I never thought about touching him in that area..."I don't know what the referee saw but you can see it clearly and I swear that I never thought about touching him there."Abqar explained he was trying to touch Sorloth's stomach, "as you do sometimes to know where your opponent is".Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated his line-up ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg trip to Tottenham, but was still able to secure a sixth win in the last seven matches across all competitions.The Rojiblancos, third, moved within six points of second-place Real Madrid, who host Elche later on. League leaders Barca, fourth points clear of Los Blancos, host Sevilla Sunday.Defender Molina's superb strike, lashed into the top corner from over 25 yards out after eight minutes, was enough to split the teams at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.It was a more taxing clash than their rollicking 5-2 victory over Tottenham in midweek.Sorloth could have doubled Atletico's lead but nodded Alex Baena's cross against the post at the end of a razor-sharp counter-attack.Getafe's afternoon took a turn for the worse 10 minutes into the second half when Abqar was dismissed for seeming to grab at Sorloth's groin."These are things that happened 30 years ago, the referee was right to sent him off," said Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso."Before you could do this (in football), now there is no place for these things."Despite Atletico's numerical advantage the visitors had the better of the second half and created good chances to equalise.Mauro Arambarri fired narrowly over when in on goal and Musso made a fine late save to push away Adrian Liso's header in stoppage time.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Abdel Abqar of Getafe CF see the red card during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Getafe CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on March 14, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.

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Abqar sent off for touching Sorloth's genitals as Getafe lose at Atletico

Nahuel Molina scored a spectacular long-range strike as Atletico Madrid scraped a 1-0 win over Ge...

Nahuel Molina scored a spectacular long-range strike as Atletico Madrid scraped a 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday to cut the gap to the top two.Getafe were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Abdel Abqar was sent off for appearing to pinch Atletico's Alexander Sorloth in a sensitive area.Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated his line-up ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg trip to Tottenham, but was still able to secure a sixth win in the last seven matches across all competitions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Rojiblancos, third, moved within six points of second-place Real Madrid, who host Elche later on. League leaders Barca, fourth points clear of Los Blancos, host Sevilla Sunday.Defender Molina's superb strike, lashed into the top corner from over 25 yards out after eight minutes, was enough to split the teams at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.It was a more taxing clash than their rollicking 5-2 victory over Tottenham in midweek.Sorloth could have doubled Atletico's lead but nodded Alex Baena's cross against the post at the end of a razor-sharp counter-attack.Getafe's afternoon took a turn for the worse when Moroccan defender Abqar was dismissed for grabbing at Sorloth's crotch, with the angry Norwegian striker throwing him to the floor.Despite Atletico's numerical advantage the visitors had the better of the second half and created good chances to equalise.Mauro Arambarri fired narrowly over when in on goal and Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso made a fine late save to push away Adrian Liso's header in stoppage time.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Nahuel Molina of Atletico de Madrid (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Getafe CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

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Molina's rocket earns Atletico Madrid win over 10-man Getafe

Leaders Bayern Munich held on for a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen despite finishing with nine men ...

Leaders Bayern Munich held on for a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen despite finishing with nine men in an eventful Bundesliga clash on Saturday.Second-placed Borussia Dortmund's comfortable home win at Augsburg drew them nine points behind reigning champions Bayern with eight games to play.Aleix Garcia's goal gave Leverkusen the lead and Bayern striker Nicolas Jackson saw red before half-time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Luis Diaz levelled things up but then picked up a second yellow card for diving in the box.Bayern held firm to grab a point, even as Leverkusen had two efforts chalked off in stoppage time.Bayern also had strikes from Jonathan Tah and substitute Harry Kane ruled out by VAR for handball in a sometimes manic match at the BayArena."It was a poor performance from the referee," Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told DAZN."Why he (Diaz) gets a red card, nobody in the stadium knows anymore, it's insane..."Someone needs to explain to me why that's a yellow card at that stage of the game."It's a huge blow and he'll be out for the next game."Leverkusen, who held Arsenal to the same scoreline on Wednesday, travel to London for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.Garcia finished off a fluid team move to put Leverkusen ahead six minutes in, the Spain midfielder collecting a Patrik Schick pass and chipping the ball over third-choice Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, playing with Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig out injured.Former Leverkusen centre-back Tah looked to have levelled things up midway through the first half when he found the net from a corner, but VAR intervened.Bayern's hopes took a further hit when Jackson saw red for sinking his studs into Martin Terrier's ankle just before the break.With 30 minutes left, Bayern brought Kane on as a substitute after his recent absence with a calf knock and the England captain thought he had scored just 47 seconds later, but again VAR spotted a handball.Diaz finally grabbed Bayern an equaliser when he guided a pin-point Michael Olise pass in with 69 minutes gone.Chasing a winner, the Colombian went down in the box under light contact from Leverkusen 'keeper Janis Blaswich and was shown a second yellow for diving.Down to nine men for the first time since 2001, Bayern dug deep despite their numerical disadvantage in the dying stages to cling on for a point.<h3>Dortmund inch closer</h3>Dortmund moved two points closer to Bayern with Karim Adeyemi and Luca Reggiani both getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 home win over Augsburg."We really enjoyed it today. We controlled the game," Dortmund's Felix Nmecha told DAZN.Adeyemi gave Dortmund the lead in the 13th minute, turning in a Maximilian Beier pass from close range.Stodgy and uninspired in beating a 10-man Cologne last week, Dortmund showed fluency in attack, although Adeyemi and Beier took turns in hitting the crossbar before the break as Augsburg stayed in the game.But just before the hour mark, 18-year-old centre-back Reggiani headed in a Julian Ryerson corner for his first Bundesliga goal.The victory took Dortmund to 58 points, one more than their final total last season.In Saturday's late game, promoted Hamburg drew 1-1 at home with Cologne, with Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira's lobbed opener for the hosts cancelled out by Said El Mala heading home from close range. Elsewhere, Arnaud Kalimuendo scored as Eintracht Frankfurt beat last-placed Heidenheim 1-0.Wolfsburg's bid to beat the drop took a hit in a 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim which left them stranded in the relegation zone.

Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich) on the ground during Matchday 26 1.Bundesliga: Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 14 2026.

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Bundesliga roundup: 9-man Bayern hold on to draw with Leverkusen

Brighton beat Sunderland 1-0 to climb into the top half of the Premier League, while Burnley held...

Brighton beat Sunderland 1-0 to climb into the top half of the Premier League, while Burnley held Bournemouth before Arsenal and Manchester City reignite their battle for the title on Saturday.The Gunners can open up a 10-point lead at the top of the table for a few hours at least when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium in a 1730 GMT kick-off.City must bounce back from their Champions League trouncing by Real Madrid when they visit West Ham later in a match of significance at both ends of the table.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>West Ham sit in the relegation zone but can leapfrog Nottingham Forest and Tottenham with victory over Pep Guardiola's men.Sunderland were unbeaten in their first 11 home games back in the top flight but have now lost their last three at the Stadium of Light to slip to 12th.Yankuba Minteh scored the only goal when his shot somehow squeezed past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at his near post.Brighton move above the Black Cats on goal difference and into 10th.A 0-0 draw at Turf Moor did little for either side as Burnley slip closer to relegation and Bournemouth failed to move in on the European places.The Clarets are eight points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.Bournemouth remain in ninth, three points behind Brentford in what is likely to be the final European spot in seventh.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stadium of Light on March 14, 2026 in Sunderland, England.

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Brighton win at Sunderland, Bournemouth held by Burnley

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said young midfielder Gavi is able to face Sevilla on Sunday in La Li...

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said young midfielder Gavi is able to face Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga after a long injury lay-off.The 21-year-old Spain international suffered a severe knee injury in August and will be on the bench at Camp Nou this weekend."He's available, I'm happy, maybe he's also available for some minutes, it's good to have him back and you can see in the training his dynamic," Flick told reporters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I like what I see, but also we have to take care of him."Gavi, who also missed most of the 2023-24 season with another knee injury, is a tenacious midfielder that can offer intensity in midfield that La Liga leaders Barca have missed at times this season."At the moment he's got the right attitude from what I can see and this is good," added Flick."I love his intention to play, to give everything for this club and this team, and it's good news that he's back."Barcelona hold a four-point lead at the top of the table on Real Madrid, who face Elche on Saturday, and will face Newcastle on Wednesday in the Champions League."We will see," said Flick, when asked if teenage star Lamine Yamal might be rested for Sevilla's visit to Catalonia.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Gavi of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Gavi ready to feature for Barcelona after 7 months on sidelines

Nottingham Forest suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Midtjylland in the Europa League last-16 fi...

Nottingham Forest suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Midtjylland in the Europa League last-16 first leg, while Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought as the Aston Villa striker sealed a 1-0 win at Lille on Thursday.Vitor Pereira's side were rocked by Cho Gue-sung's late strike at the City Ground as Forest succumbed to the Danish underdogs for the second time this season.Beaten 3-2 at home by Midtjylland in the group stage in October when Ange Postecoglou was the second of Forest's four managers this term, the Premier League strugglers must secure the first away win against the Danes this season in the second leg on March 19 to have a chance of advancing.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Midtjylland have won 12 of their last 14 matches in European competitions.Forest, above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference, went close when Omari Hutchinson's 30-yard rocket was tipped over by Elias Rafn Olafsson.Elliot Anderson's curler forced another fine save from Olafsson before Midtjylland's Philip Billing headed off the line to stop Pedro Bravo scoring an own goal.In torrential rain, Forest lost their footing in the 80th minute, triggering jeers from their frustrated fans.Ousmane Diao's cross reached Cho and the South Korea striker planted a composed header past Matz Sels from close range."It is difficult to explain. We created so many chances to score. Even if we were to draw, it would not have been fair," Pereira said. "They had two chances, and they scored. But we had enough time and the game was there. Even the rain played against us!"At the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Watkins netted for the first time in eight games in all competitions to put Villa on track for a place in the quarter-finals.The England international's second-half goal was only his ninth in a disappointing personal campaign, with just two in his last 13 matches.He made the breakthrough in the 61st minute, meeting Emiliano Buendia's flick on with a looping header over Lille keeper Berke Ozer.Thanks to Watkins, Unai Emery's side, who beat Lille in the 2024 UEFA Conference League quarter-finals, will head into the second leg at Villa Park as favourites to advance.Villa have won eight of their nine Europa games this season as they step up their bid to end a 30-year trophy drought.<h3>'A serious match'</h3>Emery's men had stumbled in recent weeks, suffering a chastening defeat at bottom of the table Wolves and a 4-1 thrashing by Chelsea.But beating Lille was a major boost before a crucial clash at Manchester United on Sunday in the race to qualify for the Champions League.It was also a landmark 100th victory for Emery as Villa boss."Ollie is working and being consistent with his task," Emery said. "The most important thing is how we played a serious match. "We know how difficult it is with the atmosphere they have here."Brazil striker Endrick salvaged a 1-1 draw for Lyon at 10-man Celta Vigo.Celta's Javier Rueda swept in Williot Swedberg's cross in the 25th minute.But the Spanish side had Borja Iglesias sent off for a second booking in the 54th minute.And Lyon escaped thanks to on-loan Real Madrid teenager Endrick, whose shot from the edge of the area in the 87th minute was fumbled over the line by Celta keeper Ionut Radu.Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini rescued a 1-1 draw in the all-Italian showdown at Bologna.Fifth-placed Roma, 12 points above eighth-placed Bologna in Serie A, fell behind when Federico Bernardeschi struck in the 50th minute with a clinical finish from Jonathan Rowe's assist.Pellegrini came off the bench to haul Roma level in the 71st minute, tapping in from Donyell Malen's pass.Portuguese league leaders Porto won 2-1 at Stuttgart and Genk beat Freiburg 1-0 in Belgium.Ferencvaros defeated Sporting Braga 2-0 in Budapest, while Panathinaikos earned a shock 1-0 home win against Real Betis.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Cho Gue-Sang of FC Midtjylland celebrates with teammates after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Nottingham Forest FC and FC Midtjylland at City Ground on March 12, 2026 in Nottingham, England.

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Europa League roundup: Forest stunned by Midtjylland; Villa beat Lille

A gift by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and two late goals by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave tit...

A gift by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and two late goals by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave title holders Paris Saint-Germain a stunning 5-2 win over the English side in a thrilling Champions League last 16, first leg on Wednesday.It looked as if Chelsea would return to London for next week's second leg with a draw, and perhaps the upper hand in the tie, after they twice came from behind in the first hour at the Parc des Princes.Bradley Barcola's early opener for PSG was cancelled out by Malo Gusto, and a fantastic Ousmane Dembele finish which put the hosts back ahead just prior to the interval was followed by Enzo Fernandez making it 2-2.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, a careless Jorgensen pass out was intercepted, allowing Vitinha to score PSG's third with a delightful lob on 74 minutes, and substitute Kvaratskhelia smashed in a superb fourth for the hosts four minutes from time.As if that were not enough, Kvaratskhelia scored again in stoppage time, leaving the reigning European champions seemingly with one foot in the quarter-finals before the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.The tie may not be over, but this result also gives PSG a measure of revenge in the first meeting of the teams since Chelsea crushed an exhausted French side 3-0 in last July's Club World Cup final.Nine of Chelsea's starting XI that day lined up at kick-off here, the exceptions being Jorgensen -– preferred here to Robert Sanchez –- and defender Wesley Fofana.They also have a different coach now, of course, with Liam Rosenior having succeeded Enzo Maresca in the dugout in January.This game saw him make his return to France, where he did a fine job over 18 months at Strasbourg, the club who belong to the same BlueCo consortium which owns Chelsea.His start in west London has been promising enough, but an exit from Europe will now be difficult to avoid, especially as PSG seemed to have their hunger back here after some patchy performances in recent weeks.Luis Enrique's team, who won three knockout ties against Premier League sides en route to European glory last year, have struggled to rediscover their form of last season with that marathon campaign taking its toll.<h3>Goalkeeping errors</h3>Ballon d'Or winner Dembele was starting here for just the 15th time in PSG's 41 matches so far this term. He had played 90 minutes just four times before Wednesday.They are a mere point ahead of Lens at the top of Ligue 1 and also out of the French Cup, while they came into this game with just two wins in seven in Europe.Yet they came flying out of the blocks, going ahead on 10 minutes as Neves nodded the ball down for Barcola, who controlled before firing in off the underside of the crossbar for his first Champions League goal in over a year.The champions were in the mood as Jorgensen tipped a Dembele effort onto the post and Barcola curled wide, but there is a feeling that their decision to sell Gianluigi Donnarumma may cost them.Matfei Safonov has recently become the first-choice goalkeeper and he was at fault for Chelsea's first equaliser just before the half-hour mark.Fernandez found Gusto in splendid isolation on the Chelsea right and the French full-back scored with a shot which really should have been kept out by Safonov.The Russian redeemed himself on 39 minutes by parrying a Cole Palmer shot, 14 seconds before Dembele made it 2-1.He was released by Desire Doue, ran through on goal and feinted one way then the other before scoring with a shot that deflected in off Fofana.His 12th goal of the season separated the teams at half-time, but again Chelsea hit back to equalise as the hour approached.Pedro Neto flew down the left and cut the ball back for the unmarked Fernandez to fire in first-time.Then Chelsea collapsed, as Barcola intercepted a Jorgensen pass and Vitinha finished in style, before Kvaratskhelia's stunning solo effort and late finish from Achraf Hakimi's assist made it a night to remember for the hosts.

Paris Saint-Germain's Georgian forward #07 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 11, 2026.

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Late goals help PSG thump Chelsea in 1st leg of Champions League tilt

Bodo/Glimt continued their dream debut Champions League campaign by swatting aside Sporting Lisbo...

Bodo/Glimt continued their dream debut Champions League campaign by swatting aside Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on Wednesday to take a big step towards the quarter-finals.The Norwegians racked up a remarkable fifth consecutive win in the competition in the last-16 first leg at Aspmyra Stadion.Sondre Brunstad Fet put Bodo ahead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark and Ole Didrik Blomberg made it two in first-half injury time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kasper Hogh scored his fifth Champions League goal in as many games with 19 minutes remaining to spark wild celebrations.Bodo claimed shock wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to progress from the league phase and then beat Inter Milan home and away in the knockout play-off round.The Champions League debutants are now in pole position to reach the last eight, where Bayer Leverkusen or Arsenal await, ahead of next Tuesday's second leg in Portugal.Sporting are hoping to reach the last eight for the first time since 1983 after securing a surprise seventh-placed finish in the league phase to automatically qualify for the last 16, but will need a miraculous comeback in the return match.Bodo started brightly and came close to an eighth-minute opener when Blomberg got in behind and pulled the ball across for Jens Petter Hauge but the in-form forward could only fire narrowly wide.Sporting threatened for the first time on the counter-attack straight after Bodo midfielder Hakon Evjen was denied at the other end by an onrushing Rui Silva, but Luis Guilherme's low shot was well held by home goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.The hosts were rewarded for their pressure in the 29th minute as they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Georgios Vagiannidis on Sondre Fet, who stepped up to score himself by sending Silva the wrong way.Bodo grabbed a second goal in added time, Blomberg slipping the ball into the corner and producing a back-flip in celebration.Sporting enjoyed more of the ball after the interval but struggled to create chances.Bodo always looked dangerous and Hogh, who also scored against Man City, Atletico and Inter, steered in Blomberg's low cross from close range to cap off another magnificent night for the Norwegian underdogs.

BODO, NORWAY - MARCH 11: Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Aspmyra Stadion on March 11, 2026 in Bodo, Norway.

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Bodo/Glimt down Sporting to continue dream Champions League debut

Federico Valverde's superb first-half hat-trick helped Real Madrid demolish Manchester City 3-0 i...

Federico Valverde's superb first-half hat-trick helped Real Madrid demolish Manchester City 3-0 in a surprise Champions League last 16 first leg rout on Wednesday.Los Blancos were missing several key players including Kylian Mbappe but Uruguayan midfielder Valverde's stunning treble, netted inside a 22-minute spell, crushed Pep Guardiola's team at the Santiago Bernabeu.Vinicius Junior missed a penalty in the second half as Madrid could have built further on their significant lead ahead of the second leg in Manchester next Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Even though Madrid are the record 15-time winners, their sketchy form offered little reason to believe they would pull off such a dominant result in what has become a modern Champions League classic.City, who won the competition for the first and only time in 2023, even beat Madrid in the league phase and have strengthened since then.However the Spanish giants produced their most convincing display of the season just when it mattered most to leave the Premier League visitors stunned."(It was) incredible, you dream of nights like this," Valverde told Movistar."It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game like this. I'm really happy but above all because the team won."Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, shorn of injured stars Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes among several others, started 18-year-old midfielder Thiago Pitarch after some recent bright displays.Arbeloa said he was expecting a surprise or two from former Barca coach Guardiola, and the Catalan selected a particularly attacking line-up, seeking to capitalise on the frailties Madrid have exhibited this season.Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi made their Champions League debuts and for an all-too-brief period City seemed to be settling in at the Bernabeu, before they unravelled."Now it feels really bad, now it feels really dark," City midfielder Bernardo Silva told TNT Sports."Tomorrow is another day and for sure next week we will go to the game thinking we have a chance."Madrid took the lead against the run of play when Courtois thumped a long ball down the pitch in Valverde's direction.Nico O'Reilly misjudged it and the Madrid midfielder blazed through on goal. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma came out to try and stop him but Valverde nipped around him and rolled home in the 20th minute.Seven minutes later Madrid's captain struck again. Vinicius Junior fed the midfielder who coolly drilled past Donnarumma to double the hosts' lead.<h3>Best for last</h3>After a difficult first half of the season, consigned to playing at right-back mostly under Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa's arrival in January has unleashed Valverde.The 27-year-old snatched a last-gasp winner at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Friday and said that victory was one which had raised the team's morale.It appeared he was grasping for optimism ahead of the City clash in which most imagined Madrid to be underdogs, but Los Blancos played like a side who had found belief again.Valverde completed a first career hat-trick before half-time with the best of his three strikes.Valverde neatly flicked Brahim Diaz's pass over the helpless Guehi and then volleyed home with aplomb as the Bernabeu crowd roared in delight. Finally they saw a Madrid they recognised, dynamic and, above all, competitive.Diaz nearly netted a fourth soon after half-time but Donnarumma denied him, with City continuing to struggle after the interval.Vinicius should have, after the Italian goalkeeper brought him down in the box, but Donnarumma read the Brazilian's intentions and saved his low penalty.Man City's top scorer Haaland was kept quiet all night by Madrid centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen, with Guardiola replacing him even while chasing a goal.Instead City's best chance to pull one back fell to O'Reilly as Pitarch's focus waned, but Courtois made a stunning reaction save with his leg to deny him and secure a precious clean sheet."The feelings we were getting from outside were not of much confidence in this team, (but) we showed we're Real Madrid and you can never count us out," a proud Arbeloa told Movistar.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Federico Valverde of Real Madrid CF scores his and the team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

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Valverde takes down Man City to put Real Madrid on brink of UCL quarters

Kai Havertz scored an 89th-minute penalty to snatch Arsenal a 1-1 draw away against Bayer Leverku...

Kai Havertz scored an 89th-minute penalty to snatch Arsenal a 1-1 draw away against Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday.Arsenal, who won all eight of their games in the league phase, fell behind to a simple Leverkusen corner when Robert Andrich headed in moments after half-time.But in the dying stages, substitute Havertz stepped up to convert against his former side after Noni Madueke was brought down in the box.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I know how hard it is to come here... and we knew what to expect," Havertz, playing against Leverkusen for the first time, said."We didn't play our best today. But we're going home with a good result. We need to step on the gas next week. We'll have our fans behind us, which is very important."Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta lamented his side losing their grip on the match early in the second half."We had the game well under control, but didn't score. Then we let the game slip away. That was unnecessary," Arteta said. "We gave them hope and it was a different game. In the last 20-25 minutes, we played better again and I think the equaliser was deserved."Leverkusen will need a big performance next Tuesday in the return leg to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since finishing runners-up to Real Madrid in 2002."We've shown we can beat Arsenal. We're travelling there believing we can take something away from London. Otherwise we wouldn't make the trip," Andrich told reporters.<h3>Arsenal lacking fluency</h3>The Premier League leaders lacked fluency and the set-piece specialists were ineffective despite several dangerous free-kicks, but now need just to win at home next week to make the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season.With a young side still gelling after a summer rebuild, Leverkusen have been inconsistent this campaign but showed enough to suggest they could still threaten Arsenal at the Emirates next week.Both sides were tentative in the first half, with Leverkusen wary of Arsenal's firepower and the Gunners even more risk averse than usual with next week's return leg at home.Arsenal had two free-kicks near the hosts' box inside the opening four minutes, but both came to nothing.Leverkusen were dangerous on the break, particularly through teenage forward Christian Kofane. The best chance of the opening period fell to Gabriel Martinelli, who blasted against the crossbar with 19 minutes gone.Leverkusen turned up the heat after half-time and were ahead within a minute.Martin Terrier forced an excellent fingertip save from David Raya from a Grimaldo cross after Leverkusen attacked straight from kick-off.Grimaldo took the ensuing corner and found Andrich in acres of space at the far post, giving the Germany midfielder a simple header to score.After the goal, Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand -- who questioned the legality of the visitors' dead-ball tactics pre-match -- got involved in a fiery exchange with Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. Arsenal's first corner came on the hour mark and was greeted with a huge cheer from the 2,100-strong travelling contingent.Arsenal grew increasingly frustrated but were handed a lifeline when substitute Malik Tillman was adjudged to have fouled Madueke in the box.Havertz, who was greeted with warm applause when subbed on, nervelessly slotted the ball into the bottom corner and reacted with a muted celebration against his first professional club.

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MARCH 11: Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Arsenal FC at BayArena on March 11, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Late Havertz penalty earns Arsenal draw at Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday announced the extension of Felix Nmecha's contract by two years un...

Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday announced the extension of Felix Nmecha's contract by two years until 2030. German tabloid Bild said the Germany midfielder would have improved terms under the new deal. "I am very grateful for the club's trust. I want to repay that trust by giving my best for Borussia Dortmund," Nmecha said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nmecha, 25, came through the Manchester City academy before moving to Wolfsburg in 2021. He joined Dortmund two years later for a reported fee of 30 million euros ($34 million). Having improved under coach Niko Kovac, who also managed him at Wolfsburg, Nmecha reportedly attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs, including a potential return to City. Nmecha has scored 13 goals in 108 matches for Dortmund. He has played six times for Germany, scoring once. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl said Nmecha is "extremely valuable to us in the center of the pitch, and he always finds creative solutions, even under pressure. "He brings incredible quality to the field – both for us and for the German national team."The extension is a boost for Dortmund amid an inconsistent season. Despite one of their best league campaigns in recent years, Dortmund sit well behind leaders Bayern Munich and have already crashed out of both the Champions League and the German Cup. Alongside captain and centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, Nmecha is among Dortmund's most promising players and has made himself key to the team's midfield under Kovac.

Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund) gestures during Matchday 24 1.Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany on February 28 2026.

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In-demand Nmecha signs new Dortmund deal through 2030

Bayern Munich put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday by sweeping aside At...

Bayern Munich put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday by sweeping aside Atalanta 6-1 in a powerful demonstration of why the German giants are one of the favourites to win the competition.In front in the 12th minute in Bergamo through Josip Stanisic, Bayern are all-but through following a stunning brace from standout player Michael Olise and further strikes from Serge Gnabry, Nicolas Jackson and Jamal Musiala.Bayern have lost just once at home this season and Tuesday's marauding display, which came with Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala both starting on the bench, left Atalanta with basically no chance of progressing.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A blockbuster tie against one of Real Madrid or Manchester City awaits Bayern in the next round, save for a historic collapse in next week's second leg in Munich."That was the kind of performance we wanted. We were dangerous right throughout the match," said Kompany to Prime Video."We've got talent and quality in the team... So it's no surprise when the lads deliver like this."For Atalanta it will be a comeback too far after the thrilling way they got past Borussia Dortmund and into the last 16, and their elimination would end Italy's participation in the Champions League for this season.Being knocked out by European royalty is not disgrace for the traditionally tiny club punching way above its weight over at home and abroad the last decade.But it was a chastening night for both Raffaele Palladino's players, who were applauded off by their vociferous support both at half-time and the final whistle, and Italian football."You can't say anything other than compliment Bayern.. unfortunately it didn't go as we'd hoped and we have to accept the defeat," said Mario Pasalic, who scored the hosts' consolation goal in stoppage time."We just have to try to play the second leg with a bit of pride."<h3>No mercy</h3>Even without Kane and Musiala Bayern came straight for Atalanta, pressing relentlessly, and Michael Olise twice tested the hosts' goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi in the first five minutes.It was Luis Diaz's effort, deflected out for a corner, which led to x Stanisic taking advantage of poor defending at the subsequent set piece.Atalanta were asleep as Olise rolled his corner to Gnabry who, completely unmarked in the penalty area, pushed the ball on to Stanisic to push home from close range.Olise left Atalanta with a mountain to climb in the 22nd minute when he drifted in from the right flank and beautifully curled in his second Champions League goal of the season.The France forward was again key for Bayern's third three minutes later, his beautiful first touch with the outside of his left foot leading to a Gnabry flying through on goal and effectively ending the tie as a contest.Gnabry also had time to clip the crossbar as Bayern ran riot, and coach Vincent Kompany showed no mercy by bringing on Musiala and Alphonso Davies at the break.Jackson drilled in the fourth in the 52nd minute and from there the night began to take an embarrassing turn for Atalanta whose fans could do nothing but clap when Olise leathered in the goal of the night in the 64th minute.Jackson set up Musiala to guide home Bayern's sixth three minutes later, and by the time Pasalic netted for Atalanta with the last kick of the game the away side could have had double figures.It wasn't all positive for Bayern as Davies had to be substituted with a hamstring problem, the latest in a long line of injuries for the Canadian who has had a tough few years.But the small pocket of Bayern fans in the corner of the New Balance Arena weren't complaining as their team rolled on towards a showdown with City or Madrid.

TOPSHOT - Bayern Munich's French midfielder #17 Michael Olise celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16, first leg football match between Atalanta and Bayern Munich at the Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, on March 10, 2026.

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Bayern, without Kane, hit Atalanta for 6 goals in Champions League rout

Lamine Yamal's penalty with the last kick of the game rescued Barcelona from defeat at Newcastle ...

Lamine Yamal's penalty with the last kick of the game rescued Barcelona from defeat at Newcastle in a 1-1 Champions League last 16, first leg draw on Tuesday.The Magpies were headed for a night to savour at St. James' Park when Harvey Barnes opened the scoring on 86 minutes.Yamal had been a peripheral figure but showed the composure of one of the world's best players from the spot after Dani Olmo was tripped by Malick Thiaw deep into stoppage time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Liga champions still have work to do when the sides meet again on March 18, but will leave Tyneside relieved after a sub-par performance from Hansi Flick's side.Newcastle's bid to make the quarter-finals for the first time was dealt a blow before kick-off when Anthony Gordon was forced to start on the bench due to illness.Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more than Gordon's 10 Champions League goals this season and the England international's threat was badly missed as Newcastle applied early pressure.Eddie Howe had billed this game as the biggest in the club's history and the desire to make amends for a FA Cup exit to Manchester City and a dissapointing Premier League season showed.Howe made a bold choice with Gordon's replacement as William Osula came in at the expense of club record signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa up front.Osula's pace troubled Barca's high defensive line early on, but Newcastle's best attempt to break the deadlock before half-time came from a corner.Joan Garcia spilled his attempt to save Sandro Tonali's header and needed to be rescued by a goal-line clearance from Pau Cubarsi.The home side continued to press for a breakthrough in the second period.Anthony Elanga should have picked out Barnes for a simple finish when his low cross was cut out by Garcia.It took nearly 70 minutes for the visitors to create a clear sight of goal when Robert Lewandowski prodded wide from Raphinha's cross.That was Lewandowski's final act as he was replaced by Marcus Rashford, who scored twice when the sides met at St. James' Park in the League Phase.Howe also turned to his bench in search of a winner with Gordon among those introduced.The offside flag came to Barca's aid when Joelinton thought he had opened the scoring after Barnes struck the post.The visitors' desire just to see the game out at 0-0 was evidenced when Ronald Araujo tried to hold up play by rolling back on the field after going down injured.Italian referee Marco Guida refused to let the Uruguayan defender immediately back onto the field and Newcastle took full advantage as Barnes was unmarked at the back post, where Araujo should have been, to convert Jacob Murphy's cross.Much of Newcastle's fine work was undone by one mistake as Thiaw flicked out a leg to bring down the jinking Olmo inside the box.Yamal coolly sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way to leave Newcastle needing heroics in the Camp Nou next week to reach the last eight.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Yamal's last-second penalty rescues Barca from UCL defeat at Newcastle

Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg on ...

Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday as Mario Lemina's goal left the Reds in danger of a shock exit.Arne Slot's side paid the price for a disjointed display in Istanbul, with Lemina netting in the first half at raucous RAMS Park.The six-time European champions hope to salvage a turbulent campaign by winning the Champions League for the first time since 2019.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Liverpool, languishing in sixth place in the Premier League less than a year after winning the title, will need a second leg escape act at Anfield on March 18 to avoid arguably the lowest moment in their miserable season.Slot won't look back fondly on his 100th game in charge of Liverpool, who defended poorly and lacked cohesion in attack.Mohamed Salah made his 81st Champions League appearance for Liverpool, surpassing Jamie Carragher for the most games in the competition by a Reds player.But, not for the first time this season, it was a night to forget for the Egypt forward, who was hauled off in the 60th minute after an anonymous performance.The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Galatasaray in the group stage in September and once again they wilted in the hostile atmosphere generated by Galatasaray's frenzied fans.The Turkish club's intimidating fans famously greeted Manchester United with a 'welcome to hell' banner at the Istanbul airport prior to a 1993 European Cup clash.They set the tone for another febrile environment by reprising that message on a banner before kick-off.In their first Champions League last-16 tie since 2014, Galatasaray extended their unbeaten run in home knockout matches in the competition to 11 matches since 1973.<h3>Vulnerable Liverpool</h3>Florian Wirtz made his first Liverpool start since February 14 after a back injury.But Wirtz wasted a chance to mark his return with a goal inside three minutes when he intercepted a wayward pass by Galatasaray keeper Ugurcan Cakir, only to drag his shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.Instead, it was Galatasaray who took the lead in the seventh minute as Liverpool's set-piece woes proved costly once again.Vulnerable to conceding from corners all season, Liverpool were ruthlessly exposed as Victor Osimhen climbed above Joe Gomez to flick on and former Wolves midfielder Lemina punished sloppy marking from Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez with a diving header from close-range.Shell-shocked Liverpool were ragged at the back and Osimhen was left unmarked to head wide from 10 yards.Slot's men briefly sparked into life when a flowing move featuring deft passes from Ekitike and Alexis Mac Allister carved open the Galatasaray defence, but Wirtz fired straight at Cakir.Deputised for Alisson Becker, who suffered an injury in training this week, Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had to scramble across to save Noa Lang's curler.Mamardashvili made another fine save to repel Davinson Sanchez's header after the defender towered over Virgil van Dijk.Desperately lacking rhythm and momentum, Liverpool were lucky not to be breached again when Ibrahima Konate's sloppy mistake handed Osimhen a chance that the Nigerian blazed over.Dominik Szoboszlai tried to lift Liverpool out of their lethargy with a blast that tested Cakir from distance immediately after half-time.Mac Allister was guilty of a poor miss moments later, shooting wide from just inside the area.Liverpool escaped after more shambolic defending allowed Osimhen to tap in, with Baris Alper Yilmaz ruled offside build-up even though he wasn't interfering with play.Ekitike squandered a golden opportunity when Cakir raced off his line to block the striker's shot.Even when Liverpool finally got the ball in the Galatasaray net, they were denied as VAR ruled Konate used his arm to guide Szoboszlai's 70th minute corner past Cakir.Encapsulating Liverpool's night to forget, Cody Gakpo fired inches wide in the final moments.

Galatasaray's Gabonese midfielder #99 Mario Lemina celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex in Istanbul on March 10, 2026.

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Lemina hands Galatasaray advantage in UCL last-16 clash with Liverpool

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras will miss Wednesday's Champions League match against Manches...

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras will miss Wednesday's Champions League match against Manchester City, while superstar striker Kylian Mbappe did not train on Monday with his team-mates as he recovers from a knee sprain.Madrid's top goalscorer Mbappe is not expected to feature at the Santiago Bernabeu against Pep Guardiola's side because of the knee problem which has bothered him since last December.Carreras "has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the calf of his right leg", Madrid said in a statement Monday, without specifying how long he is expected to miss.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Los Blancos have several absences ahead of the clash against Man City, with Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos and David Alaba all recovering from injuries.The biggest worry for Madrid is Mbappe's likely absence, without a clear timeline for when the France captain will be back in action, although Spanish media say he is targeting the return leg next week.Mbappe has missed Madrid's last three matches and recently went to Paris for tests and treatment on his knee.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 09: Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid is training at Ciudad Real Madrid on March 09, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

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Mbappe misses training again as Carreras ruled out of Man City match

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