There is bad blood between Max Allegri and Cesc Fabregas, as they had another row in the press room after the Milan coach was sent off, as the Como tactician apologised for ‘unsporting behaviour.’

There had already been tension between the two coaches when Milan beat Como 3-1 at the Stadio Sinigaglia on January 15, with the Rossoneri winning very much against the run of play.

What caused Allegri-Fabregas row tonight

The situation erupted during tonight’s 1-1 draw at San Siro when Fabregas seemed to reach across the touchline and either tug Alexis Saelemaekers by the shirt or push him when play was on-going.

The Milan winger reacted angrily, sparking a response from the Como team manager, who then got into a shouting match with Allegri.

It seems the initial Fabregas tweak was not spotted by the referee or any of his assistants, because the red cards went to Allegri and the Como member of staff.

This annoyed Allegri, who joked “in that case next time I see someone run past me, I’ll just go into a sliding tackle.”

Afterwards, Fabregas immediately made an apology in all his post-match interviews and the press conference.

“I apologise, it was just a little touch and Allegri’s response was exaggerated, but I admit I shouldn’t have done it,” said the Spaniard.

“It was unsporting behaviour, as Cristian Chivu said the other day, we’ve got to keep our hands to ourselves, especially if you are a coach.

“I would’ve got angry too, so I can only apologise and say I hope it never happens again in my career.”

However, Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia reveal Allegri was waiting to come on and give his press conference when he crossed paths with Fabregas, the pair exchanged more tense words away from the cameras.

Lautaro Martinez was forced off with an injury tonight, in one of many painful moments as the Nerazzurri slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

Cristian Chivu’s side came into the first leg of their Champions League play-off, knowing it was going to be a tough test in the freezing temperatures and on the artificial pitch.

Speaking after the game, Chivu described Lautaro as “lost”, and when prompted to elaborate, confirmed “it’s pretty serious.”

Inter forward Lautaro to undergo medical exams on Friday

Sky Italia are now reporting that the Argentine forward will undergo tests on Friday to establish the seriousness and nature of the injury, which early reports indicated may be calf-related.

It looks unlikely, therefore, that the Argentine will be available for the second leg of the play-off, due to take place next Tuesday at San Siro.

It comes as a major blow to Chivu’s side, who need to overcome a two-goal deficit to progress in Europe and are still attempting to consolidate their lead at the top of Serie A.

Lautaro has been ever-present this season for the Nerazzurri and whilst the club have talented back-up options in the likes of Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny, their talismanic forward’s absence is sure to sting.

Rafael Leao and Ardon Jashari argue Milan ‘played better’ in their 1-1 draw than they did when beating Como 3-1 last month, but insist the Scudetto race is still open.

These teams met at the Stadio Sinigaglia on January 15 and the Rossoneri ran out 3-1 winners with goals largely against the run of play and heroics from Mike Maignan.

The goalkeeper went from hero to villain this evening, as his howler gifted Nico Paz the opener, until an inspired Jashari ball over the top found Leao for a precise lob.

Leao and Jashari saw strong Milan

“It was a game that we should’ve won, as we played much better compared to the last time we beat Como,” Leao told DAZN Italia.

“We had more of the ball, although we should’ve been more decisive in front of goal in the first half. We conceded, but we kept pushing and had to be more determined on the final cross.”

Milan slide seven points behind leaders Inter in the Serie A table, despite extending their unbeaten run to 24 rounds.

Can they still dream of winning the Scudetto this season?

“There are many games left to play, Serie A is becoming a very difficult league, you never know who can win or lose,” insisted Leao.

“We can only do our best, we’ll try to win the next game and then we’ll see. We want to keep climbing.”

After his goal, the Milan striker made the effort to run over to Maignan and hug the goalkeeper, as if to reassure him after that costly error on Nico Paz.

“He is a very important person for me, we already played together at Lille and he helps me every day. It was a difficult moment after that error, but this is a fantastic group, we have the energy to aim high,” concluded Leao.

Jashari had his first start in midfield alongside Luka Modric, as Adrien Rabiot was suspended, and he provided the decisive assist for Leao.

“I agree with Rafa, it was for sure a difficult game, but we played better than the first game in Como,” Jashari told DAZN Italia.

“We were dangerous when we played behind them, that’s how we scored as well. It’s sad we couldn’t win tonight, but we look forward to the next match.”

Inter fell to a 3-1 defeat on a cold night in Norway to a strong Bodo/Glimt side who used their artificial pitch to their advantage to overcome the Nerazzurri with a quick-fire second-half double.

Speaking to the press after the game, Chivu was quick to acknowledge the inevitable point about the pitch, saying his side “tried, despite the pitch” but also acknowledged that “it’s not an excuse, but I can’t be too harsh on the players,” he said, via FCInter1908.

He added that “[Bodo/Glimt] are more accustomed to this pitch, that’s not an excuse. The tie is wide open, there’s the return leg to come. We knew they are a team that can hurt you on the break, now we’ll try to advance to the next round at San Siro.”

Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter – Chivu: ‘Lautaro is lost’

Cristian Chivu also issued a pretty concerning statement that Lautaro Martinez is “lost” and when asked to elaborate on what he means by “lost”, he said “it means Lautaro got injured, it’s pretty serious.”

“I think he’s hurt and he will be out for a while,” he concluded on the matter.

The Romanian added that the Nerazzurri have “a few issues” that “we need to take stock of.”

When asked if his side showed a ‘lack of determination’, Chivu replied that “We asked for pressure on the markers but that was not the problem.”

“The problem is that on some transitions,” he added, “we were surprised by their speed on the break.”

Inter and Chivu must now prepare for the second leg, next week at San Siro. They have a two-goal deficit to overcome, and there can be no blaming of the pitch if they don’t turn the tie around.

Max Allegri insists Milan must see the 1-1 draw with Como as ‘a valuable point’ for the top four, and explains why Cesc Fabregas sparked the situation for his red card.

This Week 24 fixture had been postponed from February 8 because San Siro was being used for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, but plans for months to move it to Australia were shelved.

Instead, it was just put back by 10 days, and Como took the lead when Nico Paz pounced on a Mike Maignan howler, but Rafael Leao cancelled it out with a fantastic lob on the Ardon Jashari ball over the top.

Allegri looks on the bright side for Milan

“It was not an easy match against Como, who in the first half took advantage of a mistake during a balanced encounter,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

“Errors can happen, the team reacted well and could’ve made more of other opportunities that we created. We have gained a point on Juventus, Napoli and Roma, so we just need to focus on getting back to winning ways against Parma this weekend.”

Milan are still unbeaten in 24 Serie A rounds, since the opening weekend against Cremonese, but now slide seven points adrift of leaders Inter.

“It was a very balanced and at times even dull game in the first half. We attacked the line well, Leao scored a great goal and Jashari put in a wonderful pass. We’ve got to stay calm, keep working, get players back from injury. We had Saelemaekers and Pulisic back off the bench today, Fullkrug did well as a substitute as always.

“We are currently on track for our objective, and this is a very useful point to achieve those aims.”

The gap with leaders Inter is opening up and this can take some of the pressure off the Nerazzurri going into the Derby della Madonnina next month.

“Football is wonderful because there’s always something unexpected from one day to the next. All we can do is keep working, trying to continue the unbeaten run, and above all get back to winning ways so we can maintain the gap from the chasing pack,” insisted the Milan coach.

Allegri and the Como team manager were both sent off for a tense row on the touchline during the second half, but it wasn’t entirely clear what had sparked it.

“I think there was a foul with Saelemaekers who was on the counter, he was pulled I think by Fabregas. If that’s allowed, then next time someone runs by me, I’ll go into a sliding tackle,” joked Allegri.

“Saelemaekers reacted angrily, I went over there trying to defend my player, then someone came up to me, but nothing really happened.”

The footage shows that there were three players right on the touchline battling for the ball, Fabregas pushed Saelemaekers in the back with the ball in play, but Allegri was penalised for leaving his technical area.

Strahinja Pavlovic was substituted at half-time after struggling with a knock, so are there any updates on the Milan defender?

“Fortunately, Pavlovic is fine.”

Cesc Fabregas apologised for his touchline row with Max Allegri, but was ‘very proud’ of Como’s 1-1 draw with Milan. ‘The one time you aren’t perfect, they hurt you.’

The Rossoneri won 3-1 at the Stadio Sinigaglia when these sides met on January 15, despite Como dominating possession and having more chances.

They made changes in light of that encounter, moving to three at the back and using a False 9 system to give the Milan defence fewer reference points in their marking.

Nico Paz pounced on a Mike Maignan howler to give them the lead, but Rafael Leao ran onto a long Ardon Jashari ball over the top to lob Jean Butez for the equaliser.

Fabregas calms Milan vs. Como tension

There was tension on the touchline between Alexis Saelemaekers, a member of Como’s staff, and Milan coach Allegri, which Fabregas wanted to discuss right off the bat.

“I want to apologise first and foremost, I did something I am not proud of, and was unsporting. We’ve got to keep our hands to ourselves, as Chivu said the other day, especially the coaches,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.

The Como team manager was sent off along with Allegri for that argument.

“It was a game where our goalkeeper was only really tested at the 70^th minute, which shows how well we did. We showed impressive calm and focus in this atmosphere, especially for such a young and inexperienced squad.

“We lost a silly ball and know that when we leave too much space for the counter-attack against world class players, they can hurt you. It was practically the only time they played it behind us, but that shows you the level, as one time you aren’t perfect, that is when they hurt you.

“We can only try to aspire to the perfect performance, which of course does not exist, but we hope to one day get close to it.”

The former midfielder has become something of a challenger to those who adjust their teams to neutralise the strengths of others, but tonight he showed it can be done in a balanced way.

“I am very proud of this strong performance, now we need to do it again on Saturday if we want to pick up points in Turin. We’ve got to get our heads there too. The team proved that playing one way or another, we still manage to give a good account of ourselves, and it was important to put in this performance after the defeat to Fiorentina.”

Luka Modric was pulling the midfield strings for Milan this evening.

“It’s a true pleasure to watch him play. What can you say, when he’s 41 years old and playing at this level? You try to press him with three or four players, he doesn’t care, he just controls it perfectly and turns to get away. We can be thankful that he is in Serie A and we get to watch him every week.”

Nico Paz will be suspended for the showdown with Juventus in Turin, as he was booked today for a mistimed sliding tackle. Can Como keep up the pace with the European places?

“I try not to talk about the table. We had two tough months, as we were not accustomed to playing every two or three days. We did it with 17 players available, so we need to rotate, have fresh legs, players who are convinced they can play, that’s why I don’t tell them until the last minute who is starting. I want them all concentrated and on their toes.

“The body is not going to be at 100 per cent, the doctors say you should leave 72 hours minimum between matches and we don’t have that, but we’ve got to keep going.”

Bodo/Glimt and Inter played out an exciting match in their Champions League play-off first leg, with Inter collapsing in the second half to slump to a 3-1 defeat.

Football Italia’s Man of the Match was Bodo forward Kasper Høgh.

Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter – Player Ratings

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin 6; Sjøvold 6.5, Bjørtuft 6, Gundersen 7, Bjørkan 7; Evjen 6.5, Berg 7, Fet 7.5; Blomberg 7, Høgh 9, Hauge 7.5

Best Bodo/Glimt player: Kasper Høgh – The Danish forward keeps up his impressive form in the Champions League with a goal and two assists this evening, spearheading his side to a massive victory over a strong Inter team. Was a menace for the Inter backline and deserves his plaudits.

Lowest Bodo/Glimt rating: Nikita Haikin – Bit harsh to have to pick a lowest rating but goalkeeper Nikita Haikin did nothing to shout about. He made a few easy saves and potentially could have done more to prevent Inter’s goal but he had a decent game overall.

Coach: Kjetil Knutsen 8 – Continues his giant-killing displays in Europe with tonight’s opponents added to the scalps of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid this season. Put out his strongest team, allowed them to soak up and neutralise Inter’s pressure – and then coached his side to an impressive second half display to pick up an important win.

Inter: Sommer 5.5; Akanji 5.5, Acerbi 5.5, Bastoni 6; Darmian 7 (Luis Henrique), Sucic 6.5, Barella 7, Mkhitaryan 6 (Zielinski), Augusto 6; Lautaro 6.5 (Thuram 6), Esposito 7 (Bonny)

Best Inter player: Nicolo Barella – Not much more the midfielder could have done, playing the regista role in place of the still-absent Hakan Calhanoglu. He created a number of chances for his attackers and was strong in his midfield battles.

Lowest Inter rating: Manuel Akanji – Arguably could have been any of Inter’s back line and goalkeeper but Akanji was especially weak on all fronts. Bastoni was beaten far more often by his man but was more instrumental in Inter’s other phases of play. Acerbi looked weak but less exposed than Akanji, sitting on the right-hand side of the back three.

Coach: Cristian Chivu 5 – Made some questionable adjustments to his side that make you wonder if the Champions League is being seen as second priority to the Scudetto. The Nerazzurri look placid without Federico Dimarco and whilst Darmian and Carlos Augusto were not horrific on the wings, they did not offer the sort of killer final ball that Dimarco can deliver. His substitutions failed to inspire either and matters were made worse when Lautaro Martinez was forced off with an injury.

Inter capitulated in the second-half on a freezing night in Norway, losing 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt after conceding two goals in the space of three minutes in the second half.

The Nerazzurri came into the game with a lot of debate around their hosts’ artificial turf and the freezing temperatures of the Norwegian city ahead of the Champions League play-off first leg.

However, the occasion got the better of Cristian Chivu’s side and has left them with it all to do in the second leg at San Siro next week.

You can relive all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Bodo/Glimt took the lead after a nervy first twenty minutes, with midfielder Sondre Fet scoring a lovely goal, beating Yann Sommer in the Inter net.

Their lead, however, did not last long. Ten minutes later, Italian youngster Francesco Pio Esposito equalised – after a Nicolo Barella cross was nodded down by Carlos Augusto and turned in by the Italy international.

Inter had a couple of late chances in the first half but neither amounted to a serious attempt on goal.

Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter – Second-half double sinks Nerazzurri

The second half started brightly for the Nerazzurri, with Lautaro Martinez hitting the woodwork before Bodo goalkeeper Haikin saved a Carlos Augusto free-kick.

However, after a more tame ten minutes, it was the hosts who would score the next goal, with former Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge converting after an error from Carlos Augusto gifted Bodo/Glimt the ball in a dangerous position.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Inter, who found themselves 3-1 down just three minutes later, with Kasper Høgh tapping the ball in from close range after good work from Ole Blomberg.

Inter were also forced into a change after Lautaro Martinez felt an issue in his calf, with Marcus Thuram coming on in his place.

However, Thuram and the rest of Chivu’s substitutes offered too little, too late, as Bodo confirmed their victory, with a two-goal advantage heading into next week’s pivotal tie at San Siro.

18-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Aspmyra Stadion

Bodø/Glimt

Inter

3 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Sondre Brunstad Fet (Assist: Kasper Högh)		20'
		30'		Pio Esposito (Assist: Carlos Augusto)
		45'		Pio Esposito

2nd half

Jens Petter Hauge (Assist: Kasper Högh)		61'
Kasper Högh (Assist: Ole Didrik Blomberg)		64'
Ole Didrik Blomberg		77'

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

8

Total shots

15

6

Shots on target

4

1

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

4

3

Corners

3

0

Offsides

3

12

Fouls

6

Bodø/Glimt

Inter

Starting lineups

12

Nikita Haikin

Goalkeeper

15

Fredrik Björkan

Defender

6

Jostein Gundersen

Defender

89'

4

Odin Bjørtuft

Defender

20

Fredrik Sjövold

Midfielder

7

Patrick Berg

Midfielder

19

Sondre Brunstad Fet

Midfielder

89'

26

Hakon Evjen

Attacker

10

Jens Petter Hauge

Attacker

9

Kasper Högh

Attacker

78'

11

Ole Didrik Blomberg

Attacker

78'

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

75'

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

76'

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

90'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

76'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

14

Ulrik Saltnes

Midfielder

1

Julian Faye Lund

Goalkeeper

22

Anders Klynge

Midfielder

45

Isak Sjong

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Bassi

Midfielder

94

August Mikkelsen

Attacker

2

Villads Nielsen

Defender

23

Magnus Riisnæs

Midfielder

8

Sondre Auklend

Midfielder

78'

21

Andreas Helmersen

Attacker

78'

5

Haitam Aleesami

Defender

89'

25

Isak Dybvik Määttä

Midfielder

89'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

45

Leonardo Bovo

Midfielder

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

61'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

75'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

76'

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

76'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

90'

Rafael Leao’s remarkable lob cancelled out a Mike Maignan howler on Nico Paz, as Milan were held 1-1 by Como in this rescheduled tie.

This Week 24 fixture was meant to be played on February 8, but with San Siro out of action for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony, they planned to move it to Perth, Australia. Months of negotiations broke down and it was instead rescheduled for 10 days later.

Adrien Rabiot was suspended, with Santiago Gimenez injured, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic not fully fit, but Rafael Leao and Ardon Jashari returned to the starting XI. Como knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia to reach the semi-finals, but in Serie A were held 0-0 by 10-man Atalanta and lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina. Alvaro Morata sat out a ban, with Assane Diao and Edoardo Goldaniga sidelined, but Nico Paz was used as a False 9. These sides met on January 15, with Milan winning 3-1 amid Mike Maignan heroics.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Mergim Vojvoda had the ball in the net with a curler off the inside of the right boot after 25 minutes, but only after he had wandered offside.

Rafael Leao’s angled drive tested Jean Butez at the near post, but while Maignan was the hero last month, he was the villain here.

The goalkeeper was so busy looking to where he could play out from the back that he didn’t realise Nico Paz had ghosted into his path, intercepting the pass to score into an empty net.

Milan tried to fight back immediately, Butez flying to push the Fikayo Tomori bullet header over the bar, but Tomori also needed a decisive interception at the other end to prevent Jacobo Ramon tapping in the Nico Paz free kick. On the resulting corner, Maignan made a tricky save from point-blank range on Sergi Roberto.

Strahinja Pavlovic went off with a knock, replaced by Matteo Gabbia for the restart, while Nico Paz was booked and will be suspended for the showdown with Juventus this weekend.

Just as Como were pouring forward seeking a second, they were caught by a moment of Milan magic. A long Ardon Jashari ball over the top sent Rafael Leao running against two defenders and the on-rushing Butez, he let it bounce and placed a precise lob into the empty net from 25 metres out.

Milan nearly turned the game around completely moments later, but Youssouf Fofana couldn’t keep his header down from five yards on the Alexis Saelemaekers cross.

Rafael Leao also saw his header hit the underside of the bar, but he was offside on the Gabbia flick-on from a corner, while Douvikas fired his volley onto the side-netting at the back post.

Max Allegri was sent off following a furious touchline row with a member of the Como staff, which had started with Saelemaekers and the visiting team manager. Saelemaekers was involved in controversy again when Como wanted him to receive a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Martin Baturina.

Milan 1-1 Como

Nico Paz 32 (C), Rafael Leao 64 (M)

18-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 24

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Milan

Como

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

32'

Nico Paz

2nd half

		53'		Nico Paz
Rafael Leão (Assist: Ardon Jashari)		64'
		64'		Jean Butez
Rafael Leão		68'
		68'		Jacobo Ramón
Alexis Saelemaekers		87'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

6

Total shots

10

4

Shots on target

4

2

Shots off target

3

0

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

4

5

Offsides

1

11

Fouls

12

Milan

Como

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

46'

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

55'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

56'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

62'

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

82'

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

71'

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

90'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

78'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

71'

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

79'

Substitutes

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

46'

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

55'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

56'

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

62'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

82'

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

42

Jayden Addai

Attacker

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

71'

3

Álex Valle

Defender

71'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

78'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

79'

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

90'

According to a report from talkSPORT, Tottenham star Xavi Simons made the personal decision to scrap the allowed time off and remain at the training ground, demonstrating a level of commitment that has quickly endeared him to the supporters.

The squad were surprisingly granted five days off following last week’s demoralising 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, a result that ultimately cost manager Thomas Frank his job.

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However, while some teammates took the opportunity to recharge in sunnier climates, Simons was reportedly putting in grueling extra hours at Hotspur Way.

His focus? Ensuring he is in peak physical and tactical condition for this Sunday’s high-stakes North London derby against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Xavi Simons skips day off to prepare for North London Derby

Simons’ dedication comes at a key moment as interim head coach Igor Tudor takes the reins.

Tudor, the former Juventus boss appointed earlier this week, is known for demanding high intensity and tactical discipline, traits Simons is clearly eager to display.

By sacrificing his rest period, the 22-year-old midfielder is sending a clear message to the new coaching staff.

With Tottenham sitting in 16th place and just five points above the relegation zone, Simons appears determined to lead by example.

Unlocking Simons’ true potential will be massive for Spurs

Unlocking the full potential of Xavi Simons is one of Igor Tudor’s most important task.

Despite the club’s struggles, Simons has been a rare bright spot this season, recently topping Premier League passing statistics for defence-splitting passes in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

While he has not been able to replicate his form from RB Leipzig as yet, he remains one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe.

There is reason why top clubs like Liverpool were interested in signing him in the summer, while Chelsea also tried to sign him before Spurs eventually hijacked the deal.

Xavi Simons stats across various clubs via Transfermarkt

The Dutch playmaker has the vision and creative flair to dismantle any defense, but under Thomas Frank, he often appeared isolated in a stuttering system.

If Tudor can build a framework that allows Simons to thrive as the central creative heartbeat, Spurs may have the x-factor needed to derail Arsenal’s title charge and climb away from the drop zone.

For the fans, seeing their star man grinding away while others rest is the perfect fuel for a derby-day atmosphere.

The post Tottenham fans will love what Xavi Simons was seen doing behind the scenes ahead of the North London Derby appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have lost two massive points as Wolves come down from two goal down to draw 2-2. 

The equaliser comes late in stoppage time after a huge mistake from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

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Despite holding a comfortable two-goal lead for much of the match, Mikel Arteta’s side crumbled late in the game, dropping two vital points in the race for the crown.

Hugo Bueno’s stunning goal gave the home side some confidence to get something from the game. And indeed, their hard work paid off right at the death of the game.

David Raya and Gabriel Magalhaes mix-up as Wolves score in stoppage time

The defining moment of the match arrived when Wolves swung a hopeful cross into the Arsenal penalty area.

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes seemed well-positioned to clear the danger with ease, but Raya made the fateful decision to race off his line to claim the ball.

The Spaniard collided with his own teammate, spilling the cross directly into the path of Tom Edozie.

Edozie’s fierce strike toward the open net hit Riccardo Calafiori before going over the line, silencing the away supporters.

Watch the incident below:

Wolves have EQUALISED in the 94th minute! ? pic.twitter.com/O7TbC5nKtZ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2026

Are Arsenal bottling the league again?

The result raises immediate and uncomfortable questions about Arsenal’s composure.

With Manchester City relentlessly breathing down their necks, the margin for error has evaporated.

Should City emerge victorious in their upcoming clash against Newcastle United, they will move to within just two points of the Gunners.

The post Watch: Horrible David Raya mistake costs Arsenal as Wolves rescue dramatic 2-2 draw appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Antoine Semenyo over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 3/5 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Desperate to make up some ground in the Premier League title chase on Saturday night, Manchester City will welcome Newcastle to the Etihad. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, watching Arsenal suffering a remarkable last-gasp collapse away at Wolves in midweek, Manchester […]

The post Prediction: Manchester City vs Newcastle – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Manchester City vs Newcastle – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Scottish Cup TV Schedule

World Soccer Talk’s Scottish Cup TV schedule consistently updates with each game from Scotland’s top cup tournament.

In many ways, the Scottish Cup resembles that of the FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB Pokal and any other major club tournament. The one caveat to that statement is that it, unsurprisingly, only applies to clubs in Scotland.

Clubs such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and Aberdeen frequently excel in the competition, but the tournament consistently produces unexpected storylines. For example, the 2021 Scottish Cup Final featured St. Johnstone and Hibernian, proving that the trophy remains within reach for clubs across the country. This unpredictability is a hallmark of the competition, as shown again in 2024 when Celtic and Rangers met in the first Old Firm final since 2002.

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The 2016 Scottish Cup Final featured Hibernian and Rangers. For one, both clubs compete in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of league soccer in the country. Additionally, Hibs sought its first Scottish Cup title in 114 years. The dramatic final needed a stoppage-time winner to break Hibernian’s drought.

Despite playing in the second division, the triumph opened European potential for Hibs.

The Scottish Cup, also known as the Scottish FA Cup, guarantees a spot in the following season’s Europa League. Moreover, the competition used to have the runner-up reach the qualification stage, but that changed in 2014 to open up for placement in the Scottish Premiership.

Still, the Scottish Cup presents the opportunity for any club in the Scottish FA. Those in the Scottish Professional Football League, or the top four divisions, as well as the clubs in the fifth and sixth divisions qualify automatically. Clubs beneath that level, including amateur and junior teams, go through extended qualifying to reach the Scottish Cup.

History of the Scottish Cup

The Scottish Cup TV schedule features familiar names for soccer fans. Celtic has the most wins in the competition at 42. Just behind Scotland’s most successful side is its Old Firm rival Rangers, which has 34 Scottish Cups.

Despite the combined 76 Scottish Cups, there is still variety in terms of winners. In total, 25 different clubs can say they lifted the Scottish Cup. Yet, some of these clubs do not exist.

Aberdeen is the current defending champion for the 2025/26 season. They defeated Celtic 4–3 on penalties in the May 2025 final after a 1–1 draw at Hampden Park.

While the FA Cup is the oldest organized competition in the world, the Scottish Cup does produce the oldest trophy in the world. That is just because the current FA Cup trophy came around in 1911.

Interestingly, the Scottish FA uses the same trophy from 1874 in the celebrations after the final. Then, the winners receive a replica to hold on to, while the original goes back into a museum.

ESPN holds the rights in the United States to broadcast the Scottish Cup. Consequently, a number of games go through ESPN+.

Following a fairly successful era, Arne Slot is undergoing a restructuring at Liverpool, making radical changes to his squad. With the departures of Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team has decided to reinforce itself with new players. Virgil van Dijk continues to be a cornerstone of the team, making a summer departure unlikely. However, the Dutchman has already surprisingly identified one of the Reds’ stars as a potential future captain.

Even though Virgil van Dijk remains one of Liverpool’s best players, nothing about his future at the club is guaranteed. Despite being under contract until 2027, the veteran has not been offered a new deal. In addition, vice-captain Andrew Robertson and third captain Mohamed Salah appear to be heading toward an exit. In light of this situation, the Dutchman has already pointed to a possible future captain for the Reds.

After the latest game, Van Dijk was asked whether he considers Dominik Szoboszlai to be the future captain of the team. He replied, “He has been very good. Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it…in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

Unlike in previous seasons, Dominik Szoboszlai has become Liverpool’s most distinctive player. Due to his versatility, the Hungarian has made an impact as a right back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even right winger. Additionally, he has shown great defensive commitment, leading by example. Given this, the 25-year-old has already established himself as a leader on the team and is among the favorites to be the future Reds’ captain.

Report: Liverpool near Szoboszlai future amid Real Madrid rumors

In a multimillion-euro transfer worth €70 million, Dominik Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool as a full-fledged star, promising to lead the team in the near future. However, he did not have a good first season, even being labeled as a failed signing. Surprisingly, the Hungarian has raised his level of play, becoming linked with Real Madrid. In order to secure his continuity, the Reds have supposedly made a decision.

According to Graeme Bailey in TEAMtalk, Liverpool have decided to offer Szoboszlai a contract renewal, as his current deal expires in 2028. Considering his level of play and Real Madrid links, the Hungarian would be asking for £250,000 per week, doubling his current salary. With this, he would rise among the highest-paid players in the squad, and the front office appears willing to accept this request. For this reason, the Reds remain quite positive about his continuity.

Lionel Messi will be in the spotlight this weekend as Inter Miami travel to the West Coast to face LAFC in their opening match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season as they begin their title defense. Ahead of the clash with Son Heung-min, another global face of the league, the Argentine star has received a major squad boost.

After a preseason that fell well short of expectations, including the postponement of their final friendly against Independiente del Valle due to Messi’s injury, Inter Miami entered the final stretch of preparation with uncertainty surrounding the roster. Messi provided relief by returning to training on Wednesday, and now even more good news has arrived in Fort Lauderdale.

As reported by journalist Jose Armando, Germán Berterame has finally received his work visa and will be available for the MLS opener against LAFC. The Mexico international had been dealing with bureaucratic issues in recent days, preventing him from training with the Herons, but once clearance was granted he immediately rejoined the squad.

Inter Miami paid Monterrey $15 million to sign Berterame in one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history. The striker featured during preseason, debuting against Atlético Nacional in Colombia and even scoring his first goal in pink against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

However, once the team returned to Fort Lauderdale, Berterame was sidelined awaiting permit approval, a situation that would forced him to miss the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico (now rescheduled for Feb. 26). This latest development makes the striker available to train alongside his teammates to prepare for the MLS opener.

All bureaucracy obstacles cleared at Inter Miami

During the 2026 preseason, Inter Miami had to deal with multiple administrative hurdles affecting several players, not only new arrivals but also returning members of the squad. In addition to Berterame, Micael also spent time away from team training while waiting for work authorization.

Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the complications in comments to the club’s official media channels: “We’re still making a few adjustments because with visa matters and certain administrative issues, it can sometimes be a bit more complicated in this league to have everyone available at the same time. But we’re hopeful that we’ll be fully ready for the Saturday match.“

Other players who were navigating paperwork were midfielder Telasco Segovia and defender Maximiliano Falcón, both of whom were completing their green card processes. All have now finalized their documentation and are cleared to train and be available for the season opener.

Every Inter Miami player, including Mess, took part in Wednesday’s training session except Sergio Reguilón, who has been sidelined with an injury since the preseason opener against Alianza Lima in late January. Aside from the Spanish defender, the Herons will have a full squad available for the showdown with LAFC.

The signing of James Rodriguez by Minnesota United was the most significant transfer in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 season, as he is a global superstar who shined for years in Europe and continues to perform at a high level internationally with Colombia. This Saturday, the club opens its season against Austin FC, and all eyes are on the 34-year-old star.

“James Rodriguez has received his work visa and can now train, play in matches for Minnesota United FC,” reporter Andy Greder wrote on his official X account Wednesday. “The paperwork hurdle is cleared, but the question about his debut date is up in the air.”

Rodriguez was officially announced as a Minnesota signing nearly two weeks ago but had not been able to fully integrate with his new club due to pending administrative procedures, similar to what happened with Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende and German Berterame.

With those issues now resolved, the question is whether the midfielder will be ready to be considered for Saturday’s match. “While James Rodriguez has his work visa to play for Minnesota United, the Colombian did NOT travel with team to Austin on Wednesday,” Greder clarified.

“Loons coach Cam Knowles talks on Friday,” the report added, suggesting he will likely provide a clearer update on James’ status. “Colombian has a few official days of prep before Minnesota opens MLS season Saturday at Austin FC.”

When was James Rodriguez’s last official match?

Questions surrounding James Rodriguez’s availability for Saturday are understandable. Despite his undeniable talent, he is nearly 35 years old and has not trained regularly with his teammates over the past two weeks due to those administrative delays.

With only three days before Minnesota United’s 2026 MLS opener against Austin FC, it will be up to the player and the coaching staff to determine whether it is best for him to see action immediately with his new club.

If he does feature, it would mark Rodriguez’s first official match in more than three months. The last time the midfielder played was with the Colombia national team in a friendly against Australia on November 18 of last year. He played the full 90 minutes and scored one of the goals in a 3-0 victory.

At the club level, James Rodriguez’s inactivity stretches even further. He concluded his time with Leon of Mexico in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 on November 8 with a 2-1 loss to Puebla. After that, he parted ways with the Mexican club and has not played an official match since.

Europa League TV Schedule

We’re your No. 1 source for the UEFA Europa League schedule for fans in the USA.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast the UEFA Europa League until the end of the 2029/30 season. In total, it’ll be more than four full seasons of coverage from the Group Stage all the way to the league finals every year.

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For the Europa League, every single game will be streamed through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial.

Spanish-language rights for UEFA club competitions are held by TelevisaUnivision, which has sublicensed a package of matches to DAZN for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, DAZN exclusively streams a select package of matches that are not available on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. DAZN streams three Spanish-language matches per round exclusively. For the tournament’s final stages—including the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Europa League Final—DAZN shares co-exclusive Spanish-language rights with TelevisaUnivision.

Annual Europa League Schedule

The UEFA Europa League has introduced a new format since the 2024/25 season, aiming to enhance the competition’s structure and provide fans with more engaging matches.

• Expanded League Phase: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single league phase featuring 36 teams, increased from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents (four home and four away), instead of the previous six matches against three teams.
• Qualification to Knockout Stage:
  • The top eight teams in the league phase automatically advance to the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged playoff to compete for a place in the Round of 16.
  • Teams finishing 25th and below are eliminated from European competitions for that season.
• Scheduling: The league phase matches are spread over eight matchdays, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

Europa League History

After the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was discontinued in 1971–72, the Europa League – then called the UEFA Cup – was established. Popular during its time, the Fairs Cup was a tournament available to teams from cities that held trade fairs.

The competition became more difficult to manage as the number of teams competing increased, therefore UEFA opted to substitute the UEFA Cup. The event quickly gained a reputation for being very competitive as its popularity soared over the years. In order to keep fans interested, the UEFA Europa League changed its structure many times.

In the past, only the domestic league runners-up were eligible to participate. However, in 1999, it was combined with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA’s former inferior European tournament.

Since then, the UEFA Cup has expanded to include the champions of domestic cup tournaments. And those teams that didn’t make it beyond the UEFA Champions League’s third qualifying round could still play in the UEFA Cup.

The same was true for the third-place teams in the UCL group stage. A total of three clubs chosen from the domestic League Cup winners and Fair Play representatives will also be participating.

Format changes and expansion

With more clubs from lower levels taking part, the number of teams competing grew, and the competition’s structure underwent many revisions. A group stage, similar to that of the Champions League, was added to the competition in 2004–05 as it grew to include more clubs.

Because of this change, not only was the level of competition raised, but lesser teams were given an equal opportunity to play in the European grand arena.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Europa League’

Its current name, the UEFA Europa League, dates back to the 2009–10 championship. Also at this period, the new Europa League replaced the UEFA Intertoto Cup, the third-tier tournament run by UEFA.

The current format calls for qualifying and a play-off to set the scene for the group stage at the beginning of September. Currently, there are 48 teams competing in the group stage. The teams who finish first and second in their respective groups will advance to the knockout round.

Except for the final, every elimination round is a two-legged tie, much as in the Champions League. A year after the tournament ends, the victorious team returns the trophy to UEFA. When the trophy is returned, the club will be allowed to retain a miniature version of it.

Europa League: 21st century and modern history

Over the years, the UEFA Europa League has played host to many memorable finals. Amazing comebacks and nail-biting finals have left a lasting impression on football fans from the tournament. As an example, consider Liverpool‘s 2000–01 season victory against Alaves, in which they rallied from a 3–1 halftime deficit to win 5–4 in a historically exciting final.

Also unforgettable from the 2020–21 campaign was the nail-biting final between Villarreal and Manchester United, which went to a penalty shootout. In a momentous occasion for the club, Villarreal came out on top, winning their first major European championship.

Winners of the Europa League now get automatic entry to the Champions League group stage, elevating the competition’s profile in recent years. Clubs are much more interested in participating in the tournament now that they may compete against the top teams in Europe.

UEFA Club Competitions

The UEFA Europa League isn’t the only European club competition. UEFA also features the following European football competitions: UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League.

Champions League TV Schedule

Find out where, when, and how to watch the giants of European soccer with our Champions League TV schedule.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League games. This also includes UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup until the end of the 2029/30 season. Coverage from the Group Stage all the way through to the final every year to determine who will be crowned UEFA champions will continue through the rest of the decade.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, a new sublicensing agreement between TelevisaUnivision and DAZN has changed how Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S. access the tournament. While TelevisaUnivision remains the primary Spanish-language rights holder, DAZN now exclusively streams 38 Champions League matches per season in Spanish.

These matches are streamed exclusively on the DAZN platform and are not simulcast on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. In addition to these exclusive games, DAZN also shares co-exclusive rights with TelevisaUnivision for the most high-profile fixtures later in the tournament, including: All four Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, and the Champions League Final.

This partnership ensures that every single match of the competition is available with Spanish-language commentary across the combined platforms of TelevisaUnivision and DAZN.

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For the Champions League schedule, every single game of the super league will be streamed exclusively through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial. Very few games will air on TV via CBS and/or CBS Sports Network.

Annual Champions League Schedule

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024/25 season, enhancing the competition’s structure and increasing the number of participating teams. This update aims to provide fans with more exciting and meaningful matches throughout the tournament.

• Expanded League Phase: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single league phase comprising 36 teams, an increase from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents (four home and four away), instead of the previous six matches against three teams.
• Qualification to Knockout Stage:
  • The top eight teams in the league phase will automatically advance to the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff to compete for a place in the Round of 16.
  • Teams finishing 25th and below will be eliminated from European competitions for that season.
• Scheduling: The league phase matches are spread over ten weeks, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

UCL on American TV, from past to present

An average of 2.1 million fans watched the 2023 Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on CBS in the United States.

The Champions League started out on US TV in the late 1990s on ESPN. During the mid-2000s on ESPN is really when the competition began to become somewhat of a phenomenon in the US for the first time. By 2010 broadcasts shifted to FOX Sports, where UCL games in English would remain for nearly a decade.

In 2018, coverage moved to Turner Sports. English broadcasts on TNT and Bleacher Report Live were not particularly well received, similar to FOX’s tenure with the competition. However Turner’s viewership figures ended up much higher than FOX Sports due to better distribution for their networks.

Meanwhile Univision acquired the Spanish rights, which has proven to be a popular move.

CBS surprisingly swooped in to secure English-language UEFA club competition rights from 2021-24. Comprehensive coverage of games, across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and the main CBS Network, have generally been received positively.

Both the CBS and Univision deals have since been extended (through 2029/30 and 2026/27, respectively).

Champions League History

Midway through the twentieth century, the Champions League’s history began. In 1930, Swiss club Servette attempted to establish a competition for the continent’s best clubs by fielding a national champions’ team.

Champion teams from the ten most powerful European soccer countries of the time were invited to compete in a competition known as “Coupe des Nations,” which was a huge success. Hungarian club Ujpest won the championship, but despite the tournament’s popularity, it was never held again owing to funding constraints.

Then almost two decades later, a precursor to the Copa Libertadores, the Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones (South American Championship of Champions) began play in 1948 following years of planning and preparation. The notion of a continental club champions league only captivated French sports writer Jacques Ferran.

Thus, the European Football Association’s official history of the European Cup credits Jacques Ferran and Gabriel Hanot, writers for the French sports daily L’Équipe, as the tournament’s original creators. Hanot had a dream that was realized in 1955 when he saw the first European Cup play.

Meanwhile, Ferran revealed that the South American Championship of Champions provided the impetus for the creation of the European Cup in interviews with the Brazilian sports TV show Globo Esporte in 2015 and the Chilean daily El Mercurio in 2018. “How could Europe, which wanted to be ahead of the rest of the world, not be able to accomplish a competition of the same kind as the South American one? We needed to follow that example,” he said.

How did the European Cup come to be?

In April of 1955, officials from Europe’s top clubs got together to draft competitive guidelines. Game one of the inaugural UEFA Champions League, featuring Sporting Club de Lisbon and FK Partizan, has begun. The name “UEFA Champions League” did not appear until much later. The European Champion Clubs’ Cup or European Cup has been the name of this competition from its inception.

The first event included the best clubs in Europe, and Real Madrid came out on top. This event marked the beginning of a tournament that would come to stand as a benchmark for success and a showcase for thrilling contests.

Early editions of the European Cup used a knockout-style bracket that matched together national champions from different countries. Real Madrid, led by legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas, established early dominance and won the championship five times in a row between 1956 and 1960. It was not until the 1960s, however, that the event was open to more than just the national winners.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Champions League’

The 1992 rebranding to the UEFA Champions League was a watershed moment for the event. Many people see the Champions League’s use of groups instead of a round-robin structure as what sets it apart from the European Cup.

The group stage increased the competition’s competitiveness and gave more teams from around Europe a chance to participate. This broadened the Champions League’s field of participants and paved the way for it to become a worldwide phenomenon.

However, a group stage was implemented in 1991; the name change only formalized the reorganization. The format of the tournament has evolved to include elements of both group play and round-robin play.

UEFA Champions League: 21st century and modern history

During the ’90s and ’00s, the Champions League schedule saw unparalleled levels of acclaim. The introduction of satellite television and other technological developments helped spread the game over the world. The competition was watched by people throughout the globe, not only in Europe. Because of this increase in attention, the Champions League has received significant commercial investment. This has turned it into a successful business with attractive sponsorship agreements and media contracts.

In the minds of soccer fans everywhere, the UEFA Champions League produces legendary occasions. The 2005 final between Liverpool and AC Milan and Manchester United‘s last-minute heroics against Bayern Munich in 1999 are just a few instances. These moments embody the raw passion, unpredictability and absolute brilliance that constitute the core of the event.

Teams and styles emerge

Soccer ideologies and tactical advancements have all met in Champions League games. The tournament showcased emerging playing styles as they became commonplace. In the 1990s, defense dominated as Italian teams controlled Europe. In the mid-2000s, Barcelona showed tiki-taka can beat the best teams with ease. Roberto Baggio’s dominant AC Milan side of the late 1980s and Pep Guardiola’s 2009-11 Barcelona epitomize these elite squads in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Contemporary dynasties emerged in European soccer around the start of the 21st century. Real Madrid’s Galacticos era made long-term dominance by teams like Barcelona and Bayern possible. Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo exemplified the wave of talent from across the world coming together on one team. However, that Real Madrid side never achieved what became the greatest feat for any club. The best teams of all time won the treble, a collection of three trophies in one season. Those trophies are the domestic league, domestic cup and the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City accomplished this in 2022/23 and PSG in 2024/2025.

Serie A TV Schedule

Browse the Serie A TV schedule for games shown on US television and online. Along with the schedule, find out how to watch Serie A in the USA.

How to watch Serie A on US TV

Paramount+ (via CBS Sports) and DAZN hold the rights to Italian Serie A in the United States.

Paramount+ remains the exclusive English-language home of Serie A in the US, streaming every match of the Serie A season plus Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, with select games also airing on CBS linear channels.

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Paramount+ is available on a number of devices including PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.

Starting with the 2025–26 season, DAZN holds the Spanish-language rights to Serie A in the United States. Each matchday, DAZN broadcasts 10 games in Spanish, including five exclusive fixtures and five additional non-exclusive ones, all tailored to Spanish-speaking audiences in the U.S., U.S. territories, and the Caribbean. This marks a shift from previous seasons, when FOX Deportes carried a limited selection of matches in Spanish.

Meanwhile, Serie A games in Canada are available via Fubo.

Radio coverage

Avid radio listeners can tune into channel 85 on SiriusXM to find Serie A coverage, both for live matches and weekly commentary of the Italian league. AS Roma fans can also check out Roma Radio on the TuneIn app.

Watch Serie A matches in local pubs

Finally, if you want to interact with fellow soccer fans while watching your favorite Italian club’s matches you could always find a local pub in or near your area. Many club websites provide a list of official sports bars here in America which show most, if not all, of that team’s matches (Note: If you happen to be in New York City, Smithfield Hall airs many Serie A games).

About Italian soccer schedules

The Italian soccer system mimics the other major leagues in Europe. Serie A is the top flight, represented by mainstay teams like Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma, Napoli and others. Beneath this, Serie B is the second tier, similar to England’s Championship.

We also have TV listings for Serie A teams playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, summer friendlies, domestic competitions such as the Italian Cup, and games featuring the Italy national team. Bookmark this page and return to it often. You’ll find the latest schedule of TV games, in many cases posted before the information is officially released.

Watch Serie B games from the United States

You can watch select Serie B games on FOX Sports, however most games appear only on the somewhat obscure FOX Soccer Plus channel. Fubo does carry the network, however.

Serie A History

With the 1929-30 season, Serie A as we know it today had its start. On September 17, 1929, the first season of Serie A started, kicking off a legacy that is still going strong today. Seventeen teams battled it out for the title in the first season of Serie A.

In the first two games, the stage was set for an incredible trip that encapsulated the essence of Italian soccer Their first Serie A championship came from Ambrosiana-Inter, whose name was Internazionale back then. An exciting new sensation was born as the league’s popularity skyrocketed and passionate audiences went to stadiums all around Italy.

Regional organizations governed the tournament for almost twenty years. Between 1922 and 1929, many arrangements were tested until multiple interregional divisions merged into one. The second-highest level, Serie B, was also established during this period.

That was about the time when the dominant Fascist party in Italy ordered that no foreigners may play in the league. Many people of Italian ancestry came to the United States from South America, a phenomenon known as ‘rimpatriato’, which helped to mitigate this.

The Serie A has been played using a round-robin system since the 1929–30 season, with each team playing the other side both at home and away. Prior to this, the champion was decided via regional and inter-regional rounds.

Post-war renaissance and dominance of giants

The Grande Torino emerged in the years after WWII, ushering in a golden age of Italian soccer. From 1943 through 1949, Torino FC won five straight Serie A championships under the tutelage of coach Vittorio Pozzo. A tragic aircraft accident in 1949 killed several members of the Grande Torino squad and ended the team’s illustrious run. This incident is still a significant part of Serie A’s history.

The Serie A was put on hold from 1915 to 1919 and again from 1944 to 1945 because of the First and Second World Wars, respectively.

In the latter half of the 20th century, two soccer behemoths—AC Milan and Juventus—rose to prominence, becoming unstoppable in Serie A and leaving indelible marks on European tournaments. The 1989 and 1990 European Cup victories by the Rossoneri, coached by Arrigo Sacchi and subsequently Fabio Capello, proved Serie A’s dominance on the continent.

Contrarily, Juventus established their supremacy throughout a decade of consistent success in the 1980s and 1990s when they won several Serie A championships and the UEFA Champions League. The Bianconeri’s golden age was defined by players like Roberto Baggio, Paolo Rossi, and Alessandro Del Piero.

Serie A: 21st century and modern history

Twenty Italian teams have participated in each season of Serie A since 2004–05. A club may participate in the UEFA Champions League if they finish in the top four in Serie A; a team can participate in the UEFA Europa League if they finish in fifth place and win the Coppa Italia.

The three clubs finishing worst in the league are sent to Serie B. The top three teams from Serie B will be taking their spot.

A low point for Serie A occurred in 2006 during the Calciopoli scandal, which exposed extensive match-fixing and corruption involving several elite Italian teams. Four clubs from the Serie A were named: Fiorentina, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Point deductions, relegations, and hefty penalties were the consequences of the aftermath, which momentarily damaged the league’s prestige. But among Juventus’ numerous eras of supremacy, the most recent being from 2011 to 2020, when the Turin club won an unparalleled nine consecutive trophies.

With a fresh emphasis on luring A-list players and expanding its audience throughout the world, Serie A has been on the rise again in recent years. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent three years at Juventus (2018-2021), Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s second successful stint at AC Milan (2020-2023) and other international superstars have pumped up the competition and added interest to Serie A.

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has written a recounting of his life and career in The Player’s Tribune, describing Luciano Spalletti as “like a father to me”, when he moved to Napoli from Lille at a difficult personal time.

In the article, titled ‘A Prayer From the Gutter’, he covers the entirety of his career, from playing barefoot in the streets of Nigeria as a boy, to having to help provide for his family at a young age – before his big break after a heartbreaking rejection.

It is quite the touching tale for the former Napoli man, and he was clearly very fond of his time in Naples.

Osimhen recounted how transfer negotiations at Lille prevented him from being able to go home and visit his dying father at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. He even considered “never playing football again” after the incident, as he was so “disgusted” by how the club operate as a business.

Osimhen said “When I left Lille, I was lost. When I came to Napoli, I was found.”

“I really have to thank the city and the fans and my teammates for turning my life around.

“I remember the first meeting I had when I arrived, I told the coach, Mr. Spalletti, “I am not well. I am very angry right now. Very sad. My head is not straight.””

Osimhen went on to describe Spalletti as “like a father to me. When I wasn’t doing something right, he came for my neck. But he believed in me deep in his soul, I swear. He thought I could be the best in the world.”

Osimhen: ‘Spalletti would sleep in his office at Napoli, I chose Galatasaray for their passion’

The Nigerian forward then described the hard working conditions expected at Napoli:

“We couldn’t even complain, because Mr. Spalletti was sleeping in his office during that time. He had a little bed set up. Like in the army. He had a wife at home, but for five months, he slept there.

“I remember before big matches he would tell us, “You guys don’t understand what will happen if you win the title. Me? They might speak about me for 2 or 3 years. But you players, they will speak about you until you are old men.””

His time at Napoli was summed up quite well in the end by the Galatasaray forward: “To win a title is one thing. But to win a Scudetto for Napoli for the first time in 33 years is true history. This is why I choose the teams that I choose.”

On this topic, he went on to describe why he left Napoli and, in particular, why he chose Galatasaray.

“When I left Napoli, do you know how many people told me, “Do not go to Turkey. Are you crazy?”

“A former agent even told me, “No, no, no. Don’t go there. It’s not a smart move.”

“But I think with my heart. I wanted to play for Galatasaray. How can I go from the emotion of Napoli to just any club? Impossible. Boring.

“I wanted to go to a top 3 club in the world in terms of passion. Those are the kind of people who really understand me. The ones who live football in a different way.”

Newcastle United’s emphatic 6-1 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League play-off was momentarily overshadowed by a heated confrontation between star man Anthony Gordon and captain Kieran Trippier.

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Despite the Magpies effectively sealing their place in the last 16 with a dominant display in Baku, the visible friction between two of Eddie Howe’s key players became a major talking point.

What happened between Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier?

The disagreement erupted just before half-time at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Already leading 4-0, Newcastle were awarded a second penalty after Gordon, who is reportedly been put up for sale, was fouled by goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.

Having already converted one spot-kick and scored twice from open play, Gordon was determined to take the strike to complete a four-goal haul.

However, Trippier appeared frustrated with Gordon’s “greed” and insistent approach.

The veteran defender was seen engaging in a lively, heated exchange with the 24-year-old on the pitch.

The tension followed them into the tunnel; as the teams left for the break, teammates were forced to intervene and separate the pair as the argument continued.

A disagreement between Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier that continued going in at the half-time break ?@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Qdibtv23B5

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2026

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Tottenham fans will love what Xavi Simons was seen doing behind the scenes ahead of the North London Derby

Feb 18 2026, 22:58

Watch: Horrible David Raya mistake costs Arsenal as Wolves rescue dramatic 2-2 draw

Feb 18 2026, 22:07

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

Gordon’s record-breaking performance vs Qarabag

While the argument drew headlines, Liverpool linked Gordon’s performance on the pitch was nothing short of historic.

By netting four times in a single half, the England international shattered several long-standing records:

• Fastest Englishman: He recorded the fastest-ever hat-trick by an Englishman in Champions League history, needing just 33 minutes to reach the milestone.

• Shearer Surpassed: With 10 European goals this season, Gordon has officially eclipsed Alan Shearer’s club record for the most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single European campaign.

• Elite Club: He becomes only the second player in the history of the Champions League to score four goals in the first half of a match, joining Luiz Adriano (2014).

Anthony Gordon rewrote the Champions League record books tonight. ?

? Most goals for Newcastle in a single campaign (10)

? First Newcastle player to score four in a match

? Fastest hat-trick by an English player

? Fastest hat-trick for an English club from kick-off

?… pic.twitter.com/ZgELMYJyn3

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 18, 2026

Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy added the gloss to a 6-1 scoreline that matches Newcastle’s biggest-ever win in European competition.

The post Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Joel Piroe has been linked with a move away from Leeds United in recent months.

He was linked with an exit in January, but a move did not materialise. It seems that he could be on the move at the end of the season. He has struggled to secure regular opportunities at the Premier League club, and he needs to leave to play more often.

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Joel Piroe needs a fresh start

The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and sitting on the bench at Leeds United will not benefit him.

Journalist Graham Smyth believes that his time is up at Elland Road, and the English club is likely to cash in on him. It will be interesting to see whether he can join a club that offers regular opportunities.

He has shown his qualities with Leeds United in the past, and there is no doubt that he could be a very useful player in the right team.

“It’s just not happening for Joel Piroe,” Smyth said on the Square Ball podcast.

“You can talk about rustiness all you like, but the entire stadium at St. Andrew’s sensed that the ball needed to go to Calvert-Lewin earlier than it did, and he just hung on that fraction too long.

“He dwelt on it a little bit longer, which is a shame because we have seen him thread passes and cut defences open.

“It’s just not happening for him.”

More Stories / Latest News

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Leeds need to replace Piroe

Meanwhile, Leeds United should look to add more quality and depth to the attacking unit. They need a reliable finisher who can find the back of the net regularly. They have been overly dependent on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

They are looking to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and they need more quality and depth in that area of the pitch to compete at the highest level.

The post “It’s just not happening..”: Journalist feels 26-year-old’s time is up at Leeds United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lucas Digne has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has been an important player for the West Midlands club, and LOSC Lille are now looking to bring him back, according to Media Foot. It will be interesting to see if he is attracted to the idea of joining his boyhood club once again.

Digne was also linked with Milan recently.

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Can Villa afford to lose Lucas Digne?

Digne has been very useful to Aston Villa and is a key player for them. He has a contract with them until 2028, and it will be interesting to see if the English club is willing to sanction his departure. They are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will look to fight for trophies next season. They cannot afford to sell an experienced player like him.

Lille might have to make an attractive offer to convince them. Digne has been a reliable performer in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that he would be an excellent acquisition for the French outfit as well. He has the quality and the experience to help them improve. He knows the club well from his previous spell with them, and he could make an immediate impact.

More Stories / Latest News

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Feb 18 2026, 21:34

Can Lille sign Digne?

It will be interesting to see whether the French outfit is willing to test Aston Villa’s resolve with an offer in the coming months. Villa cannot afford to lose their best players if they want to build a formidable team.

They must look to bring in a top-quality replacement before letting the French international defender leave the club. He is not just an important player for them, he is also one of the leaders of the dressing room.

The post Report: Ligue 1 giants ready to raid Aston Villa for veteran star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

A report via SportWitness claims the 31-year-old is looking to force a move away from the club in the summer.

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Vlachodimos wants out

The 31-year-old Greek international has struggled for gametime since he joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in 2024. Newcastle paid £20 million to sign the goalkeeper, but he is not a key part of their plans anymore. He needs to leave the club in order to play more often.

The goalkeeper joined Sevilla on loan last summer, and he has been a key player for them. The player is now looking to join the Spanish club permanently when his loan deal ends. His representatives are currently pushing for a permanent exit, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are prepared to sanction the departure.

He is a quality player, and he showed that during his time at Nottingham Forest as well. He will be looking to play regularly, and Sevilla seems like the ideal place for him right now.

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Newcastle must sell Odysseas Vlachodimos

Newcastle are unlikely to recoup the £20 million they paid for him, and they will have to accept a loss on their investment. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Newcastle already have Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at their disposal. It does not make sense for them to hold onto the Greek International against his wishes. They should look to cash in on the player while he still retains some value. Sitting on the bench will only cause his value to plummet further.

It will be interesting to see whether Sevilla is willing to make an offer to sign him in the summer. He could prove to be a very useful player for them in the long run.

The post Report: £20m Newcastle ace wants to play for La Liga club next season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Vinicius has been in the discussion over the last few hours because of another controversy related to racism. He claimed that Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni insulted him in a derogatory way after his goal in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, which sparked a debate.

Many figures shared their opinions on social media. A notable voice defending Vinicius was fellow Brazilian Luisão. The former defender, who previously played for Benfica, commented on a post made by the Portuguese club defending Prestianni.

Luisão wrote: “This jersey is too big. I love Benfica. It’s my second skin. You must be worthy of wearing this sacred jersey. This text makes it worse. Prestianni’s post makes it worse because it’s a lie. In soccer you win with courage and fighting spirit. It was racist. I’m ashamed of that.”

The former player also replied to users who disagreed with him: “I defend the club and I have experience; I know what I’m talking about. I don’t judge anyone. I think Benfica is too big to get involved in this, whether it’s true or not. From my experience, I know it’s true.”

Marc Clattenburg’s controversial opinion on Vinicius

The alleged incident involving Prestianni brought more attention to the situation. Another point of discussion was the eight-minute stoppage by the referee. Former referee Mark Clattenburg spoke about it in his role with Amazon Prime.

He explained how the situation unfolded: “Once Vinicius makes a comment to the referee, he has to follow the protocol. He has to follow the rules established by UEFA when these types of things happen.”

Clattenburg also shared his view on how Vinicius handled the moment after scoring: “Vinicius didn’t help himself very much. He made it harder for the referee. He scored a wonderful goal. What he must do is celebrate it and then move to his side.”

When are they playing the rematch?

Beyond the controversy, there was a match for a place in the Champions League round of 16. Real Madrid took the first step with a 1-0 victory, while Benfica will try to overturn the result.

The second leg of the playoff is scheduled for next Wednesday in Madrid. Before that match, Real Madrid will visit Osasuna in La Liga to defend their lead. Benfica are set to face AVS in the Primeira Liga.

Liverpool have fortified their roster with world-class players, yet they haven’t managed to shine this season, struggling to secure a spot for UEFA Champions League qualification. Consequently, Arne Slot‘s team are reportedly planning to make significant changes to the squad, eyeing the addition of a Premier League star midfielder ahead the 2026-27 season. However, the Reds encounter stiff competition from PSG.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain highly attentive to Morgan Rogers, as he is viewed as a difference-making talent. However, they face strong competition from PSG, who see him as their ideal creative midfield addition. Under contract with Aston Villa until 2031, the 23-year-old star could be set for a multimillion-dollar transfer above $100 million, given his status as a cornerstone of the team.

Even though coach Arne Slot already has Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operating in similar roles, Rogers would not necessarily clash with either of them. The Englishman would thrive as an attacking midfielder, the German could shift to the left wing, and the Hungarian could anchor the base of midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, offering more tactical flexibility, while also providing cover in the event of a potential departure of Curtis Jones.

Not only Liverpool and PSG are interested in Morgan Rogers. Due to his impressive impact in the Premier League, the 23-year-old star has also attracted attention from Manchester United and Arsenal. Although Aston Villa aren’t in a financial rush, they might be open to selling him for a substantial offer as part of a rebuilding strategy. However, the English side may prefer to transfer him to the French side, avoiding the reinforcement of a direct rival.

Morgan Rogers arrival could lead three Liverpool players out

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Liverpool have struggled offensively, with their new signings falling short of expectations. However, since they are young players, the front office will maintain a strong commitment to Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. In a bold move, they are considering a significant investment in Morgan Rogers, hoping to revitalize the team. To make this happen, they may part ways with three important players.

With the Englishman’s outstanding level, Aston Villa could demand more than $80 million for his transfer, as he has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. The Reds appear willing to pay that amount for him. To facilitate this move, they are reportedly open to the departures of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Mohamed Salah, as their performances have not met expectations and their exits could help finance the signing of the 23-year-old star.

Alongside Rogers, Liverpool may need further reinforcements in attack, as they would lack dribbling wingers—a reported necessity for Arne Slot. With that in mind, the Reds could be forced into another multi-million-dollar investment, as they require greater squad depth to compete again for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son recently made headlines with his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament, where he represented the national team at U-16 level. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding his famous surname, he delivered solid performances that justified the growing hype around his development.

He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory and nearly scoring on two occasions shortly after coming on. He then started against the Netherlands, playing the first half of a 1-0 win, before coming off the bench in the final against Germany, where his team secured a 3-1 victory to lift the trophy.

This triumph marked his third international title in less than a year, following earlier youth-level successes in 2025. Even without scoring, his presence contributed to the collective success of the squad, reinforcing his growing importance within the setup.

As Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. continue to share parallel soccer journeys, a new question is quietly taking shape: which national team will Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. ultimately choose if he reaches senior level? Due to FIFA eligibility rules, family heritage, and residency history, he has five possible options.

Five possible options

Portugal: The most logical choice

Through his father’s nationality, Ronaldo Jr. is automatically eligible to represent Portugal, and he has already played for the Portuguese youth setup. Given Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status with the national team, this path is widely viewed as the most natural and symbolic choice.

United States: Eligibility by birth

Ronaldo Jr. was born in California in 2010, which grants him U.S. citizenship and eligibility to play for the United States national team. With the American team on the rise and co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, his potential commitment would be a massive sporting and commercial boost.

Spain: Residency during Real Madrid era

During Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic spell at Real Madrid, the family lived in Spain for several years. Under Spanish law and FIFA regulations, a player who lived in a country for three years before the age of 10 can apply for citizenship, making Spain another realistic option.

England: Time spent during Manchester United return

Ronaldo Jr. also spent several years in England during his father’s second stint at Manchester United. While residency requirements are more complex, there is a pathway for eligibility through extended residence and formalities.

Cape Verde: Family heritage route

Finally, Ronaldo Jr. could represent Cape Verde through his grandmother’s heritage. While this is considered the least likely choice, it remains a fascinating option that highlights his diverse background.

What his future choice could mean

For now, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. continues to represent Portugal at youth level, following a familiar path while keeping his long-term options open. His recent success at the Algarve tournament confirms that his progress is based on performance, not just pedigree.

Whether he ultimately commits to one nation or another remains a future decision. What is already clear, however, is that Ronaldo Jr. is no longer just a famous name—he is a developing footballer with real international stakes ahead.

Lionel Messi has been one of the most frequently mentioned names throughout Barcelona’s presidential campaign. All candidates have addressed his situation, offering different views on the role he could play at the club moving forward. In this case, the Argentine forward was brought up in relation to the possible signing of Erling Haaland.

“In the coming days we will explain the proposal we have been working on for years to reconcile with Messi,” Marc Ciria said this week in an interview with Cadena SER. “We know that Messi’s future is linked to Barcelona. He wants to heal the emotional wound with the club and become a strategic partner.”

Those comments are consistent with what the candidate has said in recent months. Barcelona not only remain indebted to Messi after the turbulent circumstances of his 2021 departure, but they also view him as essential in building the club’s sporting structure for the years ahead.

That includes the transfer strategy. When asked about the possible signing of elite stars, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Ciria was clear: “To sign Haaland, we must bring Messi back as a strategic partner.”

How Messi would help facilitate Haaland’s signing, according to Ciria

Marc Ciria’s recent statements make clear his belief that repairing the relationship with Lionel Messi is essential to planning Barcelona’s sporting future. The presidential candidate has expanded on that logic in the past.

“Messi’s return would generate 200 million euros,” Ciria said in a December interview, pointing specifically to the Argentine forward’s commercial value. “The increase in revenue that this deal would provide is essential. An agreement with Messi is almost vital for Barca.”

Based on those remarks, Ciria’s plan envisions Lionel Messi’s return generating significant revenue that would allow Barcelona to navigate the financial struggles of recent years. In turn, the Spanish club would be in a position to seriously negotiate the signing of top-tier stars such as Erling Haaland — a move that currently appears financially out of reach.

Ciria doubles down on Messi’s return to Barcelona

Alongside those interview remarks, Marc Ciria this week presented an action plan that includes diagnoses and proposed solutions to Barcelona’s current challenges. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi played a central role.

“We are very aware of what moves the hearts of the fans. And Messi still makes them beat,” the candidate said. “Leo has never fully left, and that’s why we want him to return with everything he represents. We have a plan.” Those words were accompanied by a mural in Barcelona depicting Messi holding the No. 10 jersey alongside the message: “Looking forward to seeing you again.”

Anthony Gordon went on a rampage on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, helping Newcastle United surge ahead of Qarabag in style by scoring four goals before halftime. After such an astonishing individual display, questions arose about how many times the competition’s all-time leading scorers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have achieved such a feat.

The game started quickly for the Magpies, with Dan Burn threading a pass through for Gordon to open the scoring after 122 seconds, the fastest goal by any Newcastle player in the history of the competition. Then in the 32nd minute, after Harvey Barnes was fouled in the box, Gordon added his third goal of the night from the penalty spot.

Shortly after play resumed, Qarabag gave the ball away, and following a failed touch from a defender, Gordon pounced, rounded goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski and scored Newcastle’s fourth to complete his hat trick. Just before halftime, the winger was brought down inside the box again and, as the designated taker, calmly slotted home his fourth of the match.

Now sitting second in the scoring table just behind Kylian Mbappé (13), Gordon has made history for the English side, becoming the first player in club history to score four goals in a European match. In addition, with 10 goals in the 2025-26 edition, he has also become Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League as well as the club’s single-season record holder.

How many times have Messi and Ronaldo scored four goals in UCL before halftime?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand as the two greatest scorers in Champions League history, each producing elite performances for more than a decade. However, Gordon appears to have something on them in this particular category.

Neither Ronaldo nor Messi has ever scored four goals in the first half of a Champions League match. Both superstars have recorded four-goal games, but none of those came within the opening 45 minutes.

In fact, Gordon is only the second player ever to accomplish the feat in Europe’s top competition. The first was Luiz Adriano, who, while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, scored four first-half goals against BATE Borisov before adding a fifth after the break during the 2014-15 group stage.

Still, Ronaldo and Messi have their own remarkable four-goal records. Ronaldo netted four against Malmö FF in a 20-minute span (39th to 59th minute), while Messi produced his haul in a dazzling display against Arsenal in 2009, scoring in the 21st, 37th, 42nd and 88th minutes.

For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi defined an era, rewriting records, winning Ballon d’Ors, and shaping the identity of the club and the club wherever they played. Now, in 2026, the spotlight is slowly shifting from the legends themselves to the next generation. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Ciro Messi are beginning to make headlines in their own right, and recent youth tournaments across Europe and the United States have reignited the debate over which family might produce the next global superstar.

While Cristiano Jr. has been closely followed by scouts and media during his recent international exploits, Lionel Messi quietly watched a special moment unfold from the sidelines as his youngest son celebrated a major youth triumph. The parallel narratives unfolding on different continents have reminded fans that the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is far from over—it is simply evolving into a new chapter.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has become a central figure in youth soccer conversations following his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with Portugal’s U-16 national team. Carrying one of the most famous surnames in the sport, the 15-year-old has been under intense scrutiny, but his performances have started to justify the attention.

He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory and nearly scoring twice with dangerous attempts shortly after entering the match. His progress continued with a starting role in a 1-0 win over the Netherlands, where he played the first half and contributed to a disciplined team performance. Portugal later defeated Germany 3-1 to lift the tournament trophy, with the 15-year-old winger coming off the bench for around 20 minutes in the decisive match.

The unbeaten campaign marked another milestone in his development, adding to an already impressive youth résumé. This was his third international trophy in less than a year, following U-15 and U-16 triumphs in 2025. Even without scoring, his contributions underlined a growing maturity and consistency that have caught the attention of scouts, federations, and fans alike.

Similar narrative taking place in the US

While Ronaldo Jr. was lifting silverware in Europe, another emotional story has been quietly unfolding across the Atlantic. Lionel Messi, now a global icon and the face of soccer in the United States, has been present to witness his youngest son’s milestone moment in youth soccer.

In a prestigious American youth tournament, Inter Miami’s academy team, featuring Ciro Messi, produced a standout campaign that ended in silverware. The moment was particularly symbolic, with the 38-year-old Argentine superstar watching from the stands as a proud father rather than a player.

Ciro Messi played a key role in his team’s success, helping them lift a major youth trophy at the Weston Cup. The scene of Messi celebrating his son’s achievement resonated with fans around the world, highlighting a softer side of the soccer legend.

Proud father Lionel Messi watches

For Messi, the moment represented more than just a youth title. It was a glimpse into the future of his own soccer legacy. Once a shy boy from Rosario who conquered the world, Messi is now watching his children grow within the sport that defined his life.

Ciro, still very young, is already showing signs of soccer talent. He plays as a forward in Inter Miami’s youth setup and has demonstrated an eye for goal that inevitably invites comparisons to his father. In a recent academy match, he scored one of his trademark goals and followed it with a rehearsed celebration that contrasted sharply with Messi’s famously understated style.

MLS TV Schedule

The MLS TV schedule features 30 teams. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, won the 2025 MLS Cup to become the most recent champion.

The MLS season kicks off in February, with the regular season running through October. The MLS Cup Playoffs follow soon after.

With a total of 30 teams in the league, each team plays a total of 34 games. Seventeen of those are at home, and 17 are on the road for an even split. Almost all games now are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How to Watch MLS in 2026

The broadcasting landscape for Major League Soccer has evolved into a streamlined, all-in-one experience. As of the 2026 season, the standalone “MLS Season Pass” is no longer a separate subscription. Instead, every single Major League Soccer match has been fully integrated into the standard Apple TV subscription.

Apple TV: The Exclusive Streaming Home

For a single monthly price of $12.99, fans now receive complete access to the entire Apple TV library of original content alongside every MLS regular-season game, the MLS Cup Playoffs, and the Leagues Cup. There are no longer separate fees or standalone passes required to follow the league.

• No Blackouts: Every match is available globally with no local broadcast blackouts.
• Multilingual Coverage: All matches feature dedicated English and Spanish broadcast teams, while matches involving Canadian clubs also offer French commentary.
• Enhanced Features: Subscribers can still access “MLS 360″—the live whip-around show providing look-ins to every goal and key moment—and have the option to switch to local home radio broadcasts for any match.

Linear TV Coverage on FOX Sports

While Apple TV is the primary home for every game, FOX Sports remains the linear television partner for 2026.

• Match Volume: FOX will broadcast a total of 34 matches this season.
• Channels: These matches are split between the main FOX broadcast network (15 games) and FS1 (19 games).
• Availability: Even when a match is airing on FOX or FS1, it remains available to stream for all Apple TV subscribers.

Club Benefits

Full-season ticket members for any MLS club continue to receive a complimentary subscription. In 2026, this benefit has been upgraded to include a full year of the complete Apple TV service, giving season ticket holders access to all movies, shows, and MLS matches in one place.

MLS History: From Survival to Global Powerhouse

Major League Soccer’s journey is a tale of perseverance and unwavering dedication. Since its 1996 debut, the league has transformed from a domestic experiment into a global player, proving that American soccer culture is both distinct and flourishing.

The Early Struggles and Founding

MLS began in 1993 as a promise made for hosting the 1994 World Cup. Launching in 1996 with just 10 teams—including iconic original clubs like the LA Galaxy, D.C. United, and New York Red Bulls—the league initially struggled to find its footing. Despite losing over $250 million in its first five years, the league survived through strategic expansion and the birth of soccer-specific stadiums.

The Modern Era: Inter Miami and the “Messi Milestone”

The 21st century saw a seismic shift in how the world views MLS. While the “Beckham Rule” in 2007 first brought international eyes to the league, the 2023 arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF officially ended the “retirement league” myth.

• Inter Miami’s 2025 Dominance: The 2025 season marked the most successful campaign for the club, culminating in their first-ever MLS Cup title on December 6, 2025.
• A Season of Records: Led by Messi—who secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals—Inter Miami set a league record by scoring 101 total goals across the regular season and playoffs.
• The 30-Team Milestone: In 2025, the league officially reached its current capacity of 30 clubs with the historic debut of San Diego FC.

2026 and Beyond: The Global Stage

The 2026 season represents the most significant year for soccer in North America.

• New Stadiums: Inter Miami is set to open its long-awaited permanent home, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4, 2026.
• World Cup Integration: For the first time, MLS will pause its regular season from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• The 2027 Calendar Shift: Looking ahead, the league has announced a historic move to a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027. This shift will finally align MLS with the global transfer market and top European leagues, ensuring the MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage every May.

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has expressed his eagerness to move on from the controversy surrounding Alessandro Bastoni and Pierre Kalulu’s red card in the Derby d’Italia as his side focus on tonight’s Champions League play-off against Bodo/Glimt.

You can follow all the action from the first leg, in addition to Milan-Como, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Speaking on Sky, Marotta discussed several topics.

First he was asked about the debate surrounding tonight’s stadium, with Bodo/Glimt’s home pitch being an artificial turf. It has caused problems for some teams visiting the Norwegian side but Marotta dismissed it was any breaking news:

“We don’t want to get into controversy, we know this is an old-school synthetic pitch that inevitably is problematic. We must adapt to this situation too.”

Speaking about the Bastoni debate, the Inter president said:

“I don’t want to add anything else, this is a chapter that left a bitter taste in the mouth. We want to focus on this very difficult match, hoping that all the Italian teams can go through to the next phase in Europe.”

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter – Marotta on Italian football crisis & Stankovic buy-back

Marotta then addressed ongoing issues within Italian football, that he described as “going backwards in terms of quality, results and appeal.”

He added that “The foreign funds arrived during a moment of difficulty and complexity in the Calcio world, and if not for them, the Milanese clubs would be in a much worse situation.”

“Since Oaktree took over, we invested, and can consider ourselves fortunate in that sense. I am not sceptical about foreign funds owning clubs at all. Obviously, they must also have the desire to invest and not just have speculative interests.”

Marotta was then asked to talk about Aleksandar Stankovic, who is enjoying a fantastic season with Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge.

Stankovic joined the Belgian side last summer but the Nerazzurri kept a buy-back clause in his contract.

With his performances improving month-on-month, it seems fairly likely that Inter will activate said clause.

On the matter, Marotta said:

“He is from a fine football family and is doing very well. We have the option to buy him back, and we didn’t put that in the deal for no reason.

“It is premature to talk about it now, we’ll see what happens. He is our player and is having a wonderful experience in the Belgian league and Champions League.”

{rsn-live-v2}

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has spoken to Prime Video ahead of Inter’s Champions League play-off first leg against Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt.

In the interview, he said that “there can be no alibis or excuses” when asked about playing in freezing conditions on an artificial turf in Norway – stating that “the pitch shouldn’t worry us, we have to be mentally and physically ready to play in these conditions.”

Inter vs Bodo/Glimt – Chivu warns of ‘proven’ opposition

He warned his side not to underestimate their opposition tonight, describing the Norwegian club’s “intensity that they are capable of on this pitch.”

Chivu said Bodo/Glimt have “proven themselves with the results they’ve achieved and beyond,” with all quotes via FCInterNews.

Finally, the Romanian coach underlined that the play-off covers two legs.

“There are two games to play, you have to play with maturity and understanding in these conditions. And you have to remember that it will be played over two legs. You have to do everything to secure qualification.”

You can follow all the action from the game, as well as Milan’s Serie A clash against Como, where they look to close the gap on their city rivals in the Scudetto race, on our Live Blog.

Milan director Igli Tare shrugs off Scudetto talk ahead of tonight’s rescheduled clash with Como and assures Rafael Leao ‘is doing much better physically.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

This Week 24 fixture was meant to be on February 8, but the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza needed to prepare for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

For many months, the plan was to move the entire match over to Perth, Australia, until negotiations with the local authorities broke down.

Instead, it was just shuffled along by 10 days once San Siro was back in action.

Tare not interested in Milan title talk

DAZN Italia reporters on the touchline asked Tare before kick-off if this match would be potentially decisive to keep clinging to the Scudetto dream.

“We are not clinging to anything, as there are 14 more rounds to go including this one. We must try to give a sense of consistency to the work we’ve done so far. It won’t be easy, but a win tonight would be very important for the table,” replied the Milan director.

“It is absolutely not crucial for the Scudetto, there is such a long way to go, but we are coming off back-to-back wins and we want to keep building that momentum.”

Leao returns to the starting XI with Christopher Nkunku, though Adrien Rabiot is suspended, with Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek only fit for the bench.

“The positive thing about Leao is that in the last 10 days he is doing much better physically. The issue remains, but he’s certainly stronger now, you can see it in training. We never doubted his qualities.”

Tare was also asked about the controversy over Alessandro Bastoni’s simulation to get Pierre Kalulu sent off in Inter 3-2 Juventus last week, but the former Lazio striker was not interested in getting drawn into the debate.

“These are things that happened in the past and will happen again in future. It is not good for football, we must all take a step back and try to let the referees do their work in the best possible way.

“There’s no point discussing this now, we want to look at the next 90 minutes with positivity.”

Cesc Fabregas gives hints who is playing False 9 for Como this evening against Milan, warning they must ‘not just keep the ball, but hurt them when we have the chance.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

This fixture was originally meant to be on February 8, but had to be moved because San Siro was being used for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

After months of negotiations with the Australian authorities to shift it over to Perth, those plans were abandoned and it was simply delayed by 10 days.

Fabregas reshuffles Como for Milan test

“If we need to motivate lads in a night like this, then we have a problem,” joked Fabregas on DAZN Italia.

“We are coming off a day that didn’t go well with Fiorentina, but the great thing about football is that it gives you the chance to make up for it four days later in an incredible stadium like this.”

Como have eliminated Napoli from the Coppa Italia on penalties and will face Inter in the semi-final next month, but in the last two Serie A games were held 0-0 by 10-man Atalanta and lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina.

“We are not a team built to play twice a week, so we need to spread out some of the playing time, as we’ve been playing regularly for a while now. I think the lads are doing well, we rotated in the past and the lads responded well, so I have faith in everyone.”

Milan beat Como 3-1 on January 15, despite having far less possession, so Fabregas makes adjustments here with a three-man defence and no recognised centre-forward.

Will Maxence Caqueret, Nico Paz or Martin Baturina be the False 9 this evening?

“They are all sort of False 9, we’ll see mobility, the way we play means creating spaces that we think can be useful to hurt Milan. When one player vacates that space, another can occupy it,” replied Fabregas.

“This is about not just keeping the ball, but trying to hurt Milan when we have the chance.”

Vincenzo Italiano hopes Bologna have ‘turned a corner’ after their crisis and can build on that in the Europa League play-off with SK Brann. ‘It was an odd game in the group phase.’

The first leg kicks off in Bergen, Norway, on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

The Rossoblu plane arrived quite late and there was no time for a pitch inspection, but the coach was already concerned with what he could see of the turf.

“It’s dark, but the pitch still doesn’t look in perfect condition, so we’ll be able to evaluate it tomorrow,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is the first leg, we need to get a result that can allow us to do our best in the home match and go through to the next phase of the competition.”

Italiano and Bologna know Brann dangers

Brann have been focusing only on preparing for this game, as the Norwegian domestic tournaments are currently on their winter break.

These sides met at the Stadio Dall’Ara in the Europa League group phase, ending 0-0 despite Charalampos Lykogiannis getting sent off after just 23 minutes.

“They have been in a training retreat in Spain to prepare for this important match. We already faced them in the group phase, but I expect a different atmosphere on their own turf, we already saw other teams struggled here. We must adapt straight away to all the difficulties that it presents,” added Italiano.

“It was an odd game in the group phase, as we went down to 10 men straight away, but even then we did really well. It’s a long game for the play-off, it is decided over 180 minutes, so we’ll see what happens.”

Bologna had been in an epic crisis, crashing out of the Coppa Italia and sliding down the Serie A standings, but got back on track at the weekend with a 2-1 victory away to Torino.

“It was important to end that run of defeats in Serie A, but we must also try to build on that in Europe and the league, as we lost ground there and must show that we have turned a corner. Winning helps you to work with enthusiasm and confidence.

“The Europa League is a good tournament, it is satisfying to go far, and gives you the self-belief that we can also take to Serie A. We had cared about the Coppa Italia too, but unfortunately we went out there.”

Lykogiannis is out injured for this trip, with Lorenzo De Silvestri and Torbjorn Heggem cup-tied.

“I think teams involved in many competitions are always forced to evaluate the fixture list and the fitness levels, so we are forced to rotate,” concluded Italiano.

Bologna squad for Brann

Pessina, Ravaglia, Skorupski; Casale, Heggem, Lucumi, Joao Mario, Miranda, Vitik, Zortea; Ferguson, Freuler, Moro, Pobega, Sohm; Bernardeschi, Cambiaghi, Castro, Dallinga, Dominguez, Odgaard, Orsolini, Rowe

Bodo/Glimt welcome Inter on a freezing cold February evening in Norway, in what promises to be an interesting match as the two sides tussle in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie – Nerazzurri head coach Cristian Chivu has decided to start Matteo Darmian in a surprising move.

The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET) and you can follow all the action from that game, and Milan’s Serie A clash against Como, on our Live Blog.

The Serie A leaders looked strong for most of the Champions League league phase but narrowly missed out on a place in the top eight – which would have seen them bypass this tricky play-off tie altogether.

However, the cards have been dealt and Chivu has opted to rotate his team in part for the match.

La nostra formazione
Forza Nerazzurri pic.twitter.com/xxIMbcQdrP

— Inter (@Inter) February 18, 2026

The second leg will decide the Nerazzurri’s fate in the competition next Tuesday at San Siro, but they will hope to get themselves off to a good start this evening.

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter – Official Lineups

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge

Inter: Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Akanji; Darmian, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Pio Esposito, Lautaro

18-02-2026 20:00

Knockout phase play-offs

Aspmyra Stadion

Bodø/Glimt

Inter

3 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Sondre Brunstad Fet (Assist: Kasper Högh)		20'
		30'		Pio Esposito (Assist: Carlos Augusto)
		45'		Pio Esposito

2nd half

Jens Petter Hauge (Assist: Kasper Högh)		61'
Kasper Högh (Assist: Ole Didrik Blomberg)		64'
Ole Didrik Blomberg		77'

Match statistic

42

Possession %

58

8

Total shots

15

6

Shots on target

4

1

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

4

3

Corners

3

0

Offsides

3

12

Fouls

6

Bodø/Glimt

Inter

Starting lineups

12

Nikita Haikin

Goalkeeper

15

Fredrik Björkan

Defender

6

Jostein Gundersen

Defender

89'

4

Odin Bjørtuft

Defender

20

Fredrik Sjövold

Midfielder

7

Patrick Berg

Midfielder

19

Sondre Brunstad Fet

Midfielder

89'

26

Hakon Evjen

Attacker

10

Jens Petter Hauge

Attacker

9

Kasper Högh

Attacker

78'

11

Ole Didrik Blomberg

Attacker

78'

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

95

Alessandro Bastoni

Defender

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

75'

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

76'

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

90'

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

76'

10

Lautaro Martínez

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

14

Ulrik Saltnes

Midfielder

1

Julian Faye Lund

Goalkeeper

22

Anders Klynge

Midfielder

45

Isak Sjong

Goalkeeper

24

Daniel Bassi

Midfielder

94

August Mikkelsen

Attacker

2

Villads Nielsen

Defender

23

Magnus Riisnæs

Midfielder

8

Sondre Auklend

Midfielder

78'

21

Andreas Helmersen

Attacker

78'

5

Haitam Aleesami

Defender

89'

25

Isak Dybvik Määttä

Midfielder

89'

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

45

Leonardo Bovo

Midfielder

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

61'

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

75'

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

76'

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

76'

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

90'

Milan have Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku upfront for the rescheduled Serie A clash with Como’s Nico Paz and Martin Baturina.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

This Week 24 fixture was meant to be on February 8, but moved because the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza needed to prepare for the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

For many months, the plan was to move the entire match over to Perth, Australia, until negotiations with the local authorities broke down.

Instead, it was just shuffled along by 10 days once San Siro was back in action.

Milan are unbeaten in Serie A since the opening weekend, and are the only side keeping up with leaders Inter after winning four of the last five.

Adrien Rabiot was sent off against Pisa and is therefore suspended, with Santiago Gimenez a long-term absentee.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic are also not at 100 per cent, but Rafael Leao returns to the starting XI with Nkunku.

Ardon Jashari is also back in midfield with Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci, forming a new trio.

Como are becoming a truly ambitious club in only their second season back in Serie A under coach Cesc Fabregas.

They knocked Napoli out of the Coppa Italia on penalties last week and will face Inter in the semi-finals next month.

Their Serie A form stuttered a little lately, held 0-0 by 10-man Atalanta with a last-gasp saved Nico Paz penalty, then suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina.

Alvaro Morata was sent off in that match and is therefore suspended against his former club, with Assane Diao and Edoardo Goldaniga injured.

Martin Baturina has flourished in recent months, but Maxence Caqueret steps in to provide more physicality to the attack, using Nico Paz as a centre-forward ahead of a three-man defence.

Como have lost all three of their Serie A meetings with Milan since returning to the top flight in 2024, including a 3-1 home result back on January 15 with heroics from Mike Maignan.

Milan vs. Como line-ups

Milan: Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Athekame, Jashari, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leao

Como: Butez; Kempf, Ramon, Diego Carlos; Van Der Brempt, Perrone, Sergi Roberto, Vojvoda; Caqueret, Baturina; Nico Paz

18-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 24

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Milan

Como

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

32'

Nico Paz

2nd half

		53'		Nico Paz
Rafael Leão (Assist: Ardon Jashari)		64'
		64'		Jean Butez
Rafael Leão		68'
		68'		Jacobo Ramón
Alexis Saelemaekers		87'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

6

Total shots

10

4

Shots on target

4

2

Shots off target

3

0

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

4

5

Offsides

1

11

Fouls

12

Milan

Como

Starting lineups

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

46'

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

55'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

56'

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

62'

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

82'

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

71'

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

90'

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

78'

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

71'

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

79'

Substitutes

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

46'

56

Alexis Saelemaekers

Midfielder

55'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

56'

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

62'

11

Christian Pulisic

Attacker

82'

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

42

Jayden Addai

Attacker

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

71'

3

Álex Valle

Defender

71'

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

78'

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

79'

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

90'

Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as their primary target to bolster the left flank, according to reports from CalcioMercato.

The Italian giants are reportedly preparing for a summer shake-up that could see current wing-back Andrea Cambiaso depart the Allianz Stadium.

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Cambiaso, who is under contract until 2029, has had an inconsistent first half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite a flashes of brilliance, including a goal in the recent 3-2 Derby d’Italia loss to Inter Milan, the Ligurian defender has struggled for consistency.

With a valuation of approximately €40 million, Juventus are reportedly open to a sale if an appropriate offer arrives, with several Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Bayern Munich previously linked to the 25-year-old.

Juventus want Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie

If Cambiaso leaves, Juventus management has already identified the “chosen one” to take his place.

Destiny Udogie is no stranger to Serie A, having risen through the ranks at Hellas Verona before becoming a breakout star at Udinese.

His blend of technical finesse and a “great physical structure” makes him an ideal fit for the Bianconeri’s tactical evolution.

At 23, Udogie fits the profile of the young, dynamic talent Juventus is looking to build around.

The club is reportedly “ready to sink the blow” and launch a formal pursuit should Cambiaso’s departure materialize this summer.

Destiny Udogie has been an excellent signing for Tottenham

Since moving to North London, Udogie has established himself as a key figure in Tottenham’s squad.

He also played a key role in Spurs’ UEFA Europa League win in 2025, demonstrating remarkable versatility.

Under the current setup at Spurs, he has matured defensively while maintaining the explosive forward runs that characterised his time in Italy.

However, with a contract running until 2030, Tottenham holds all the leverage.

While Juventus view him as the perfect homecoming candidate, pryng the “powerhouse” away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would likely require a fee significantly higher than the €18m Spurs initially paid for his services.

Big summer ahead for Tottenham

Spurs could see several star players leave this summer after what has been an awful domestic season.

Cristian Romero is one of them. Romero has been left frustrated with the club’s situation and is linked with a summer exit.

Several clubs including Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid are said to be keen on signing him.

Micky van de Ven is another star defender linked with a move away and Liverpool have emerged as surprise contenders to sign him as a long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement.

The post Tottenham star could leave alongside Cristian Romero as Serie A giants eye stunning swoop appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Felix Nmecha has performed well for Borussia Dortmund and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are positioning themselves for a summer for the German midfielder, as per FussballDaten. It remains to be seen where he will end up. The player has a contract with the German club until 2028, and he could cost around €45-55 million.

The German club rates the 25-year-old highly, and they will not let him leave for cheap. It remains to be seen whether the interested parties are prepared to pay up. Nmecha’s “homegrown” status makes him an attractive prospect.

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Felix Nmecha would be a superb option

Tottenham are looking to add more physicality and robustness in the middle of the park. They believe that the German could be an ideal fit for their fast-paced playing style.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been scouting the player over the last five matches and believe he could be the ideal acquisition for their long-term project.

As for Manchester United, they believe that Nmecha could be a quality alternative to Casemiro, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. The former Manchester City Academy player could fill the void left by the Brazilian international.

More Stories / Latest News

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Feb 18 2026, 22:58

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Feb 18 2026, 22:07

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

Where will Nmecha end up?

All three clubs have the financial muscle to pay his asking price, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Even though the €45-55 million asking price might seem like a premium right now, the 25-year-old could end up justifying the investment in future.

The post Man Utd, Chelsea & Tottenham chase €55m homegrown midfield powerhouse appeared first on CaughtOffside.

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in securing his signature. According to a report from Defensa Central, Liverpool have made initial contact to sign the talented young midfielder, and the player is in discussion over a potential move.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have yet to make any effort to sign the player. Smit has tremendous potential and could prove an excellent acquisition for Liverpool.

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Liverpool eye move for Kees Smit

The report claims that Liverpool could make an enormous offer to secure the services of the Netherlands midfielder before anyone else.

Liverpool are the first to speak to the Dutchman regarding any potential move, and they are looking to finalise the deal as quickly as possible in order to avoid any potential complications.

Real Madrid and Arsenal could use more quality in the middle of the park as well, and the 20-year-old would be an excellent long-term investment for them. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s efforts will encourage them to make a move in the coming weeks. Smit will add more technical ability, control, and creativity in the middle of the park for the Gunners.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham fans will love what Xavi Simons was seen doing behind the scenes ahead of the North London Derby

Feb 18 2026, 22:58

Watch: Horrible David Raya mistake costs Arsenal as Wolves rescue dramatic 2-2 draw

Feb 18 2026, 22:07

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

Where will Smit end up?

Smit is an elite prospect with a bright future and could develop into a star. Signing him for the right amount of money in the summer could prove to be a masterstroke in the long run.

The opportunity to play in the Premier League or La Liga will be exciting for the young midfielder. He will look to compete at the highest level, and all three clubs could be attractive destinations for him. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

The post Liverpool accelerate talks for 20-year-old generational talent to outpace Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are interested in signing the Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

The South American has been excellent for Liverpool since joining them in 2023. He is currently one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and Manchester United are hoping to secure his signature.

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Man United plan to sign Mac Allister

They would be prepared to offer a player and cash to get the deal done. According to a report from Fichajes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Mason Mount are on the list of expendables, and they could be used as makeweights in the deal to sign the World Cup winner.

All three players have struggled to make their Mark at Manchester United this season, and it is unlikely. Liverpool will accept them as part of the deal to sell one of their best players.

Mac Allister might not be too keen on joining Manchester United either. If he leaves Liverpool, he will want to join a bigger club where he can fight for major trophies. Manchester United are not at the level required to win league titles or the UEFA Champions League. Joining them might seem like a step down for the player.

Also, Liverpool will not want to sanction his departure to a direct rival. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also been linked with Mac Allister.

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Feb 18 2026, 22:58

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Feb 18 2026, 22:07

Watch: Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier involved in heated argument during 6-1 win over Qarabag

Feb 18 2026, 21:34

Liverpool must keep Alexis Mac Allister

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The player has also been linked to clubs like Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to sanction his departure. Any fee is likely to exceed €80 million, and it remains to be seen whether any club is willing to make a concrete proposal to sign the player.

Ideally, Liverpool should keep their best players so they can build a formidable team. The South American is certainly an important player for them, and they cannot afford to lose him.

The post Man Utd dangle struggling trio in player-plus-cash move for €80m midfield maestro appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United’s leadership is reportedly reeling from a “seller’s remorse” of significant proportions.

According to a report from The Mirror, Old Trafford chiefs have been left deeply frustrated by the financial terms of the deal that sent homegrown star Marcus Rashford to Barcelona last summer.

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What originally looked like a necessary parting of ways has transformed into a strategic nightmare for the United board.

Man United may end up selling Rashford for cheap

The crux of United’s frustration lies in the fine print. At the time of the loan, United agreed to a “first option” clause allowing Barcelona to make the move permanent for a maximum of £26m.

With Rashford’s current market value now estimated to be closer to £50m, the United hierarchy realises they have effectively undervalued their asset by half.

Adding insult to injury, the report suggests Barcelona may attempt to exploit Rashford’s public desire to stay in Spain to negotiate that £26m figure even lower, even though the club finds the value the agreed price of exceptional value.

Rashford back to his best at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford, whose got shunned at Man United after falling out with former manager Ruben Amorim, has undergone a stunning career revival since arriving at the Camp Nou on an initial loan basis.

The change of scenery appears to have been exactly what the 28-year-old forward needed. In 34 appearances for the Spanish giants, Rashford has netted 10 goals and assisted another 13, re-establishing himself as one of Europe’s most clinical transitions threats.

Marcus Rashford stats via Transfermarkt

His resurgence hasn’t just caught the eye of the Culés; it has also earned him a recall to the England national team under Thomas Tuchel.

With Rashford very likely to leave the club for Barcelona in the summer, where will this transfer mistake count in the growing list of Manchester United’s recent transfer fails.

The post Man United regret Marcus Rashford deal as Barcelona clause backfires appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the French international midfielder Khephren Thuram.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, both teams are looking to improve their midfield and have identified the 24-year-old as a target. Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the international, and they have been keeping tabs on him since his days with OGC Nice.

Meanwhile, Liverpool has been monitoring the player for quite some time, and they believe he could elevate their midfield. Thuram has also been linked to Arsenal.

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Khephren Thuram keen on Juventus stay

Thuram has done quite well since joining Italian club Juventus, and he has no plans to leave the club yet. The report claims that he could commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract. The development will come as a blow to Manchester United and Liverpool.

They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 24-year-old could have been ideal. He is excellent at carrying the ball, bringing physicality and defensive steel to the team. He has been a complete midfielder for Juventus.

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Thuram would be an excellent option

At 24, there is plenty of room for improvement, and with experience, he could develop into a top-class player. There is no doubt that he is good enough to play for the biggest clubs in the world. It will be interesting to see if he decides to sign an extension with the Italian outfit. It would certainly close any potential door to the Premier League for now.

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool need more quality in the middle of the park, and they should move on to other targets if they fail to sign the Frenchman.

The post Liverpool and Man United zero in on 24-year-old rising midfield star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are also interested in signing the 20-year-old Swedish international midfielder. They are long-term admirers of the player, and they have been tracking his progress for quite some time.

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Lucas Bergvall is an asset for Spurs

Bergvall has performed well for Tottenham since joining, and he is highly rated at the club. They will not want to sanction his departure, especially to a Premier League rival.

It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa make a move for him at the end of the season. Liverpool has registered an interest in signing the player, and the club hierarchy is monitoring his progress.

Tottenham rate the player highly, and they believe he’s one of the best young talents in European football right now. They are looking to build for the future, and they simply cannot afford to lose an elite prospect like him. It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa test their resolve with an offer at the end of the season.

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Can Spurs hold on to Bergvall?

Tottenham are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. They could lose key players in the summer, especially if they finish in the bottom half of the league table. It will be interesting to see if the 20-year-old midfielder is attracted to the idea of joining a bigger club in the summer.

Liverpool could use more technical ability in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be an excellent education. He will add creativity and goals in the middle of the park. They are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and the opportunity to play for them could be hard to turn down for the youngster.

The post Liverpool look to poach elite Tottenham prospect for creativity boost appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Scott Parker revealed he was “hugely disappointed” in his Burnley side after their FA Cup exit to Mansfield Town last weekend. The Clarets lost 2-1 to the League One outfit on Saturday, marking the first time since 2016-17 they have been eliminated from the FA Cup by a side in the third tier or lower […]

The post Parker ´hugely disappointed´ after Burnley fail to build on league win appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Parker ´hugely disappointed´ after Burnley fail to build on league win appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has backed Dominik Szoboszlai to lead the club in the future. The 25-year-old midfielder signed for the Reds ahead of the 2023-24 season, helping them win the Premier League title last season as well as reaching the EFL Cup final, where they lost to Newcastle United. Though Arne Slot’s side […]

The post Van Dijk backs Szoboszlai to inherit Liverpool armband appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Van Dijk backs Szoboszlai to inherit Liverpool armband appeared first on Soccer News.

While Real Madrid secured an important victory against Benfica, the result took a back seat. During the match, Vinícius Jr. reported racist acts allegedly committed by Gianluca Prestianni. In response, UEFA has already taken action by opening an investigation into the situation. Meanwhile, the Brazilian has been receiving consistent support from several former players, with Thierry Henry among the most recent to issue strong criticism of the young Argentine.

“We don’t know what Prestianni has said, because he was very courageous by putting his shirt over his mouth to make sure that we weren’t going to see what he said…Vinicus can tell us his side, and Prestianni, I’m sure, will not tell us what he actually said… Let’s see how big of a man Prestianni is. Tell us what you said. You must have said something, because you can’t go to Mbappe and say, ‘I didn’t say anything’,” Thierry Henry said, via CBS Sports.

Even though it is quite difficult to prove that Gianluca Prestianni engaged in racist acts against Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, he is being heavily judged for covering his mouth while arguing. In response, UEFA will launch an investigation based on the testimony of both players, also including statements from other players as witnesses to what happened. Nevertheless, the legend Thierry Henry has called for transparency from the Argentine star.

Along with Henry’s statements, former player Micah Richards joined in, strongly criticizing the young Argentine star: “Prestianni is a coward. He’s an absolute coward. No one will ever know what he said, only him and Vinicius Junior. But to pull your shirt over your mouth and now we’re having a conversation about whether he said it or not…Vini’s reaction shows it is something serious,” he said, via CBS Sports.

Gianluca Prestianni may face uncertain future at Benfica

Although he arrived at Benfica as a highly rated young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni has not managed to live up to expectations at the club. Not only has he remained far from shining in terms of goal-scoring output, but he has also failed to stand out at a collective level. On top of that, Vinícius Jr.’s racism accusations have tested the patience of several Portuguese club supporters, who are now calling for his departure, while UEFA’s ruling could ultimately determine his future.

In case UEFA finds Prestianni guilty, Benfica fans could intensify their push for him to leave the team. Moreover, he could find it quite difficult to secure a new club in Europe, as being associated with racist acts is something few sides would be willing to take on. Added to this, his underwhelming performances would only compound the situation, given that he has not managed to be decisive during his time at the Portuguese club.

The American sensation Christian Pulisic is reportedly making waves in the European transfer market anew, with rumors swirling that he may be making a triumphant return to the Premier League. As the season reaches its decisive phase and the 2026 World Cup approaches, the forward’s future has emerged as a major storyline, with an English giant monitoring his situation closely and Milan facing crucial decisions about their squad’s long-term direction.

The Rossoneri have enjoyed Pulisic’s best version in Italy, and his rise has naturally reignited interest from England. Yet, as summer approaches, the question remains: is a sensational return to the Premier League really on the cards?

Since arriving at San Siro in 2023, the American has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency in England, he has reinvented himself in Serie A, becoming a central figure in Milan’s attack and a fan favorite. His performances have been consistent, productive, and increasingly influential in decisive moments.

Across his spell in Italy, Pulisic has registered 42 goals and 22 assists in 121 appearances, an impressive return for a player often deployed on the wing or as a creative playmaker. At just 27 years old, he is entering what many consider the prime years of his career, which explains why Premier League clubs are once again circling.

Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been linked with a move. Each club sees Pulisic as a potential solution to attacking inconsistencies, valuing his versatility, technical ability, and experience at the highest level. Reports suggest that some English clubs view him as a “serious” candidate to refresh their offensive options, while others have kept him on their radar for several seasons.

The World Cup factor and market dynamics

The timing of this speculation is no coincidence. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Pulisic is expected to be one of the tournament’s marquee names, both on and off the pitch. A strong international showing could significantly boost his market value and attract even more interest.

Players heading into a World Cup often become prime targets for clubs looking to secure proven performers with global appeal. For Pulisic, a standout tournament on home soil could be career-defining, potentially triggering a bidding war among Europe’s elite. His profile as a USMNT leader and global star makes him a commercially attractive signing as well.

Milan’s true position revealed

While speculation continues, Milan’s internal stance has now become clearer. Despite interest from England and reports suggesting the player could be open to a return, Milan is likely to reject any approaches for Pulisic this summer, according to Football Insider. “Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all taken an interest in Christian Pulisic, but AC Milan are likely to reject any approaches,” the report reveals.

The club is said to be planning a contract renewal and sees Pulisic as a cornerstone of their project, particularly as they aim to compete domestically and in Europe. With no urgent financial pressure, the Rossoneri are not inclined to sell one of their top performers, especially with the World Cup potentially increasing his value further.

With Lionel Messi as captain, Argentina national team won the 2022 World Cup with a squad full of players who had flown under the radar for years before the tournament. After lifting the trophy, a former FC Barcelona prospect revealed that one of his Albiceleste teammates once failed a trial with the club — and did so with a blunt assessment: “He was very bad.”

Back when he was 17 and still part of Boca Juniors’ youth system, Nahuel Molina traveled to Spain for a trial hoping to make the leap to Europe, specifically with one of the game’s biggest clubs. However, one player who did pass that trial, Éric Montes, later claimed Molina fell well short of the standard Barcelona expected.

In an interview with Spanish outlet Post United, Montes recalled details of that trial a decade ago: “During one preseason, three Argentinians came in for trials and didn’t meet the level — they were very bad. I later found out that Nahuel Molina was one of them.”

Even though the identities of the other two Argentines never became public, Montes said none of them matched the club’s expectations to stay. He also highlighted the contrast between his own path and Molina’s. “To show you how things are, he was a ‘Matao.’ Look at the Matao now and look at me,” Montes added, using Spanish football slang for a player considered limited or low-level.

While Montes remained at Barcelona’s academy after the trial, he never made his debut in Spain’s first division. In contrast, Molina eventually broke through after joining Atlético Madrid in 2022 and went on to win multiple trophies alongside Messi with Argentina — a striking turnaround from that failed trial in Spain.

Molina, Montes, and the Barcelona bubble

The careers of Molina and Montes serve as a reminder of how quickly a player’s trajectory can change, even after time inside one of soccer’s most prestigious academies. Though he never debuted for Boca Juniors’ first team, the Argentine right back moved to Europe with Udinese in 2020 before later joining Atlético Madrid to then conquer the World Cup, while Montes’ career took a far different path.

He never broke into Barcelona’s senior squad and instead went on loan to lower-division Spanish clubs such as Peralada, Cultural Leonesa, Albacete, Gimnàstic, and Manresa before retiring at 27 because of a serious knee injury. “You leave the Barcelona bubble and start to realize what real life is,” he reflected.

Los Angeles FC made their official debut of the 2026 season this Tuesday with a commanding 6-1 victory over Real España of Honduras in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Son Heung-min was the star of the match, helping him reach an impressive record.

“Heung-Min Son is only the second player to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match,” said sports statistics expert MisterChip on his X account, clarifying that this stat only applies to the modern era of the tournament, since its restructuring in 2008.

The South Korean forward was key to LAFC’s victory. In the 11th minute, he assisted David Martinez for the 2-0 lead, and moments later scored a penalty himself to extend the advantage. He then set up Denis Bouanga for the fourth goal and contributed to Timothy Tillman’s fifth goal before halftime.

In nearly two decades of Concacaf Champions Cup history, only once had a player produced such a first-half performance. The only precedent is Argentine forward Franco Jara, who posted the same numbers during Pachuca’s 11-0 win over Police United of Belize in 2016.

Son rested with Inter Miami clash in mind

After that brilliant first half, LAFC slowed down after the break, which showed in the match’s pace. The hosts allowed Real España to reduce the deficit early in the second half, and coach Marc Dos Santos decided to give several key players rest.

Son Heung-min was substituted in the 62nd minute for Nathan Ordaz and was off the field when Bouanga scored LAFC’s sixth and final goal. The forward’s exit was clearly intended to preserve his fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.

Next week, LAFC will face the second leg against Real España in California, aiming to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. But before that, they have an even tougher challenge: the MLS 2026 season opener on Saturday against Inter Miami. Messi’s availability, however, remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.

Another record for Son

In addition to his key contributions to LAFC’s 6-1 win over Real España, Son Heung-min also etched his name into his country’s soccer history. With his penalty goal, he became the first South Korean player to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Scudetto battle is on the line in a pivotal Serie A matchup against Como at San Siro, and Christian Pulisic is back in the spotlight as Milan gets ready for the match. With the pressure mounting and the season entering a defining phase, questions surrounding his absence from the starting lineup have sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike.

This clash arrives at a pivotal moment for Milan, which is chasing its arch-rival Inter at the top of the table and cannot afford to drop points. Yet, as kickoff approaches, one of its most influential attacking players is missing from the starting XI.

The rescheduled Matchday 24 fixture takes place on February 18 at San Siro, originally postponed due to the stadium’s involvement in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. For the Rossoneri, this match represents a chance to cut the gap to its city rivals and keep its title ambitions alive.

The opposition arrives under Cesc Fabregas with European ambitions of its own, seeking revenge after a recent defeat and aiming to climb into the top six. The clash is loaded with narrative threads, tactical duels, and historical context, with the hosts boasting a dominant record in the fixture and an impressive unbeaten run this season.

What’s more, Milan enters the match unbeaten in 23 consecutive league games, with its only defeat coming on the opening day, while Como is winless in its last three outings.

Why Pulisic isn’t starting

Midway through the buildup, the reason for Pulisic’s absence emerged, and it centers on fitness concerns rather than tactical exclusion. “Aside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Let’s see if he’ll be there,” boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted ahead of the match.

The American star has been dealing with persistent physical discomfort, which has affected his availability and consistency throughout the season. While he has returned to action in recent weeks, the club is carefully managing his workload to avoid aggravating existing issues, including recurring muscle problems.

Reports suggest that Allegri faced a decision between several attacking options and opted to prioritize player management, especially with other forwards like Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek competing for starting roles.

Season of impact despite setbacks

Despite his physical struggles, Pulisic remains one of the club’s most productive players this season. He has scored 10 goals in all competitions, underlining his importance to Allegri’s tactical system and his ability to deliver in decisive moments.

The 27-year-old’s absence from the starting lineup is not a sign of diminished status but rather a reflection of careful management. Allegri’s cautious approach suggests that the American winger is expected to play a crucial role in the decisive phase of the season, once fully fit.

Throughout his professional career, Vinicius Jr has exposed various racist incidents in different stadiums. Not only players but also fans have been sanctioned, setting an important precedent in the sport. Despite this, the Brazilian has once again reported alleged episodes of discrimination, this time involving Gianluca Prestianni. In response, FIFA is discussing a major regulatory change within the Players’ Voice Panel following this latest episode.

In an interview with Sky Sports, former player and member of the Players’ Voice Panel, Mikael Silvestre revealed that they are looking for ways to sanction players who talk by covering their mouths. However, he clarified that it is one thing to cover your mouth to talk about tactics with your teammates and quite another to cover it while arguing with an opponent. This will not be easy, as he said they will need to talk to the referees to know what they can and cannot do.

Far from being an established measure, the Players’ Voice Panel remains uncertain about these possible actions, as FIFA has not announced any official changes. They seek more transparency in discussions between rivals, as there would be evidence of what was discussed, avoiding debate about its authenticity. What is certain is that racism has no place in soccer, and several measures have already been taken to eliminate these acts from the sport.

FIFA has already taken action against racism crackdown

FIFA has taken firm action to eliminate racist behavior from soccer. In 1962, the rejection of racial discrimination was first formally included in its statutes. Alongside this, FIFA established the Disciplinary Code and the Code of Ethics, launching the “Say No To Racism” campaign to enforce stricter sanctions. In May 2024, Gianni Infantino set a precedent by leading the introduction of various on-field protocols, which have given greater visibility to the issue.

To combat racism in soccer, Infantino announced the adoption of five pillars: regulations and sanctions, action on the field, criminal cases, education, and a joint stance of players. In addition, they announced that a “no racism” gesture would be implemented to activate the protocol. Along with this, a three-step protocol is followed: detention, suspension, and definitive abandonment of the match. Finally, extreme sanctions are included.

With this in mind, enforcing sanctions on players who obscure their mouths during disputes could greatly increase transparency within the sport. Ensuring that all spoken words are recorded would be instrumental in investigating future allegations of racism. However, implementing this change would demand significant collaboration with referees to establish clear guidelines on the types of sanctions to be enforced.

Fiorentina have a decimated squad for their Conference League play-off against Jagiellonia, as the conditions do not bode well.

The first leg kicks off on Thursday at the Stadion Miejski w Bialymstoku in Bialystok at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

The decider will then be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence next week.

Coach Paolo Vanoli’s mood was boosted by last week’s unexpected 2-1 Serie A victory away to Como, which lifted them out of the Serie A relegation zone.

However, it came at a cost, because they had to leave several top players behind for this trip to Poland due to fitness concerns.

David De Gea suffered a dislocated finger on his left hand during the win over Como, while January signing Manor Solomon has flu symptoms.

Moise Kean, Dodo, De Gea and Manor Solomon remain in Florence, along with injured Albert Gudmundsson and Tariq Lamptey.

Marco Brescianini, Oliver Christensen and Daniele Rugani are not on the UEFA squad list for this stage of the competition, so are ineligible.

It means Vanoli has had to call up eight players from the Fiorentina youth team, including two goalkeepers.

Luca Lezzerini should therefore play his first UEFA match for the Viola since the 3-2 Europa League defeat to PAOK in November 2016.

No risks will be taken with the most important players, considering the conditions in Poland, where it has been snowing heavily.

This is not a synthetic or even hybrid pitch, so it has suffered more than most from the freezing temperatures.

Fiorentina squad for Jagiellonia

Balbo, Bertolini, Bonanno, Braschi, Comuzzo, Deli, Fabbian, Fagioli, Fazzini, Fortini, Gosens, Harrison, Kouadio, Leonardelli, Lezzerini, Magalotti, Mandragora, Ndour, Parisi, Piccoli, Pongracic, Ranieri, Sadotti

Milan are working hard to sign Luka Modric to a new one-year contract extension, after the legendary Croatian midfielder continues to play an important role for the Rossoneri.

The Croatian veteran has been a huge hit in Lombardy, after signing from Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer in a one-year deal.

So far this season, he has played nearly 2000 minutes for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, in all competitions, scoring twice, assisting three more and being an ever-present cog in the Rossoneri machine.

Milan working hard on Modric contract

According to CalcioMercato, there is a ‘growing optimism’ at Milan that Modric will agree to a new deal, after Allegri has developed a reported ‘relationship of great mutual respect and trust’ with the former Madrid midfielder.

The Croatian will turn 41 in September and it looks increasingly likely that he will continue into yet another year of football – for a man who in his own words just loves playing the sport.

There is already a clause in his contract that allows the club to trigger a one-year extension, with a higher salary of around €4.5 million, if the club qualify for the Champions League.

Of course, the former Ballon d’Or winner also wants guarantees that he will continue to play a starring role for the club – not content to just sit on the bench.

Inter make a chilly trip to Bodo/Glimt this evening, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off clash against the Norwegian side.

The match promises to be interesting for a number of reasons, with cold temperatures and an artificial pitch for the Nerazzurri to contend with – and the Serie A side have four players at risk of missing the second leg if they receive a booking tonight.

As noted by FCInterNews, Lautaro Martinez, Francesco Acerbi, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Alessandro Bastoni are all in danger of a one-match ban.

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter – Challenging Nerazzurri test with bans on the line

For players like Martinez, Mkhitaryan and Bastoni especially, being without them in the return leg could become a problem if Inter do not pick up a comfortable result in Norway.

However, that is easier said than done.

It is a tricky place for any team to go in the Champions League and strong teams like Manchester City have already slipped up in the freezing cold city of Bodø.

Inter hoped to avoid having to participate in the play-offs but just missed out on a place in the top eight of the league phase, giving them an awkward play-off tie against an unpredictable team.

Follow all the action from the match, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from the club, and they have identified his replacement. 

They want to sign the 28-year-old Argentine defender Marcos Senesi to replace Romero, as per Fichajes. The experienced defender has shown his quality in the Premier League with Bournemouth, and he could be an excellent addition to Tottenham.

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What’s next for Marcos Senesi?

He will be a free agent in the summer, and the opportunity to secure his signature on a bargain cannot be passed up. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done. The player is reportedly on the radar of clubs like Barcelona as well.

Barcelona are certainly a bigger club compared to Tottenham, and they could offer him the platform to fight for titles. It will be interesting to see how Tottenham convince the player to join them instead.

Senesi has played his best football in the Premier League, and he could be tempted to continue in England. However, Tottenham must convince him of their ambition and their project. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

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Senesi could be a useful addition

Romero has been a key player for Tottenham, and they need to replace him properly if he decides to leave. Signing a reliable Premier League performer to replace one of the players could be a wise decision. The 28-year-old could settle in quickly and make an immediate impact.

Tottenham has had a disappointing season so far and is fighting for survival in the Premier League. They will need to raise their performance levels and finish in a respectable position if they want to attract quality players in the summer.

The post Tottenham identify compatriot as ideal replacement amid star’s exit rumours appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are interested in signing the Real Madrid attacker Endrick. 

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Lyon and has been excellent for the French outfit, with five goals and an assist in six matches. His performance has attracted Manchester United’s attention, and they believe he could be a quality long-term investment. According to Fichajes, they are leading the race to complete the deal.

Chelsea are also interested in Endrick.

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Man United step up move for Endrick

Other English clubs are monitoring his progress as well, which has accelerated Manchester United’s efforts, and they are now looking to wrap up the move quickly. They are aware that Real Madrid will not sell the player cheaply, and they will have to pay a premium to complete the deal.

The Brazilian was regarded as a world-class talent when he moved to Spain. He struggled to secure regular opportunities at Real Madrid, and he has now shown his quality at Lyon. He will be desperate for regular opportunities, and joining Manchester United could be exciting for him. They might be able to offer him more opportunities than Real Madrid.

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Can Man United sign Endrick?

The report claims that Real Madrid could make a substantial profit from the player. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follows up on their interest with an official offer to complete the deal.

They need more creativity and cutting-edge in the final third, and the 19-year-old could be the ideal fit for them. If they can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, the deal could look like a masterstroke in future. Manchester United have done well to groom young players in the past, and they could help the Brazilian fulfil his potential.

The opportunity to play regularly in England will be exciting for the player as well.

The post Man United plot summer raid for 19-year-old wonderkid lighting up top league appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah is likely to be on his way out of the club in the summer.

The Egyptian has been an exceptional performer for the team, and Liverpool will need to replace him properly. The club hierarchy has identified Michael Olise as the replacement for the Egyptian.

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Liverpool keen on Michael Olise

According to a report from Fichajes, they are fully aware of the fact that Bayern Munich are unwilling to sell the French attacker. Therefore, they are prepared to make a historic effort to get the deal done. Liverpool could offer close to €200 million in order to sign the international attacker. It will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich is ready to accept the offer in the summer.

Olise is one of the best attacking players in the world, and he has been exceptional for the German club. He has the qualities used to do well in the Premier League as well, and there is no doubt that he could be the ideal replacement for Salah.

It remains to be seen as the situation develops.

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Olise would be a superb signing

Liverpool will be hoping to fight for major trophies, and they need elite players at their disposal. The French International would be a defining acquisition for them.

Olise has previously shown his quality in England with Crystal Palace. The opportunity to return will be exciting for him. He will look to prove his quality in the Premier League once again. Apart from his ability to create opportunities and find the back of the net, he will also bring explosive pace and unpredictability to the team. He will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise an agreement quickly. He will look to sort out his long-term future and focus on his football once again.

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Inter Miami are just days away from officially starting their 2026 season. They will make their Major League Soccer debut this Saturday on the road against Los Angeles FC, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi’s fitness.

The 38-year-old forward had raised concerns last week after a muscle issue kept him out of the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, forcing that match to be postponed to February 26. That situation also cast doubt on Messi’s availability for the MLS opener, but those worries now appear to be easing.

“Lionel Messi is in this morning’s training,” journalist Jose Armando reported Wednesday on his official X account. The report was quickly followed by a video showing the Argentine star taking part in ball exercises. “Lionel Messi in very good spirits and back with his teammates.”

This is reassuring news for Inter Miami, who just a few days ago were genuinely concerned about the fitness of their most important player at a crucial moment of the year. Still, these positive signs have not yet been accompanied by official confirmation regarding Messi’s availability for Saturday’s match, which will likely depend on how he feels during the remaining training sessions this week.

Messi can’t take any risks right now

From past seasons, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have learned important lessons. In both 2024 and 2025, the forward missed games due to muscle problems that, rather than resolving quickly, lingered for several weeks. In his eagerness to return to competition, Messi sometimes accelerated his recovery timeline, which in certain cases proved counterproductive.

This year, the risk could be even greater. Beyond club commitments, Messi faces two major challenges with Argentina: the March Finalissima against Spain and the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June to July.

The forward has not yet confirmed his participation in the tournament in North America and has made it clear that the decision will depend on how he feels physically. Any muscle discomfort will need careful attention to avoid aggravating injuries that could potentially affect his chances of playing with Argentina.

Inter Miami prepare to face LAFC

While Lionel Messi’s fitness is Inter Miami’s biggest concern right now, it is not the only one. Just three days before the MLS opener against LAFC, the Herons received important news regarding another star of the squad.

“German Berterame received his work permit. He is already training with the team and will be available this weekend,” Jose Armando wrote Wednesday. “The only absence for Inter Miami is Sergio Reguilon, who is still not doing on-field work.” With this scenario, head coach Javier Mascherano will have almost all of his players available to start the 2026 MLS season.

Vinicius once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy during a tense European night, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching closely as soccer’s governing bodies moved to address yet another racism allegation. The incident unfolded during a high-stakes Champions League playoff clash, prompting immediate reactions from officials, players, and fans, and reigniting the debate over discrimination in modern soccer.

As the clubs battled for continental progression, the spotlight quickly shifted from tactics and goals to a serious allegation that could carry significant consequences for all involved.

The controversy erupted during the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday, when Vinicius scored and celebrated near the corner flag. Moments later, a confrontation occurred between the Brazilian forward and opposing player Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth before allegedly making discriminatory remarks.

The Brazilian winger immediately reported the incident to the referee, triggering UEFA’s anti-discrimination protocol and briefly halting the match. The incident overshadowed the fixture, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Spanish side, denting the Portuguese club’s hopes of advancing.

UEFA later confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the allegations. “The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where issues are reported, proceedings are opened and, if they lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website,” the governing body stated.

What did Vinicius say?

Following the match, Vinicius addressed the situation publicly, expressing frustration and disbelief. “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. Nothing that happened today is new to me in my life and in my family’s life,” he wrote on social media, while also questioning the yellow card he received for celebrating his goal.

Benfica, though, denied any racist intent and described the exchange as a misunderstanding during a tense moment, but the allegation reignited broader discussions about racism in European soccer and the effectiveness of existing disciplinary mechanisms.

How did Infantino react?

In the middle of the growing storm, FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered a powerful and uncompromising response, condemning the alleged incident in the strongest terms. “I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinicius Junior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF,” Infantino said. “There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.”

Infantino also highlighted FIFA’s ongoing initiatives to combat discrimination. “At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur,” he added.

The head of the governing body also praised the referee’s handling of the situation, acknowledging the importance of immediate action during matches. “I commend referee François Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation,” he noted.

Infantino concluded by reaffirming soccer’s stance against discrimination: “FIFA and soccer show full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”

Match Overview

Matchday 31 delivers high drama as Arsenal protect their four-point lead atop the table against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners sit on 57 points, ahead of Manchester City, and could stretch that gap to seven with a win.

Facing one of the best European teams this season will be the Wolves, who stuck on nine points from 26 matches—are desperate for a lifeline. Title hopes and survival dreams collide in this must-see Premier League clash—don’t miss it.

Match Overview

A coveted spot in the Round of 16 hangs in the balance as Bayer Leverkusen square off with Olympiacos in what shapes up as one of the toughest matchups to call this round. Leverkusen’s experience in one of Europe’s top domestic leagues gives them a slight edge on paper, but their uneven performances in this competition have left the door open for an upset.

Olympiacos, thriving throughout the 2025/2026 season, view this as a prime opportunity to make a statement by knocking out a talented yet unpredictable German side. With everything on the line and momentum swinging both ways, this is a high-stakes European showdown you won’t want to miss.

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Match Overview

After missing automatic Round of 16 qualification by just one point, Inter Milan enter the knockout stage determined to prove they remain true title contenders following last season’s runner-up finish. Standing in their way will be Bodo/Glimt.

The fearless Norwegian side have already shown they can challenge Europe’s elite and won’t shy away from the spotlight. With pride, momentum, and a place in the next round on the line, this is a clash you won’t want to miss.

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Following their emphatic victory in the previous Champions League match, Benfica arrived with high ambitions of defeating Real Madrid. However, they were beaten by a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr., who later reported alleged racist acts by Gianluca Prestianni. While UEFA has already taken action on the matter, the Argentine remains firm in his innocence, issuing a strong response on social media.

“If so many people claim that I supposedly made a racist comment toward Vinícius Júnior, why didn’t anyone else react? Accusing someone of something serious is not right, especially when it isn’t true… Everyone is pointing the finger at me just because I covered my mouth with my shirt, when they know that all football players cover their mouths to talk. Don’t try to make things up anymore,” Gianluca Prestianni said, via X.

In line with the Argentine’s statements, Benfica have decided to unconditionally support their player: “Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its full support and belief in the version presented by Gianluca Prestianni… the team regrets the smear campaign targeting the player.” Additionally, they have uploaded several videos to demonstrate that no other Real Madrid player could have heard the conversation between Prestianni and Vinicius, denying Mbappe’s version.

Although UEFA has decided that the Ethics and Discipline Inspector will investigate Gianluca Prestianni, he could still be available for the second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. According to SkySports, the investigation could take more than a few days, meaning the Argentine could be part of the squad if coach José Mourinho considers it appropriate. However, he could end up being suspended for more than 10 matches if found guilty.

Gianluca Prestianni’s performances continue to struggle at Benfica

After his arrival from Vélez Sarsfield as a highly touted young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni set high expectations among Benfica fans, who anticipated a strong performance. In his first season, he scored just two goals and provided three assists in 19 matches. Rather than improving, he has managed only two goals and two assists in 30 matches this season, leaving supporters disappointed with his overall impact.

Given this situation, coach José Mourinho might consider keeping Prestianni on the bench in favor of Dodi Lukébakio. Beyond just his underwhelming performance, his altercation with Vinicius Jr. could disrupt the team’s balance, potentially detrimental during matches. At just 20 years old, he faces a significant challenge to solidify his position in the starting lineup as he contends with a faction of fans who are increasingly critical of his continued presence in the team.

Arsenal has been knocking on the Premier League title’s door for a few years. After coming up short to Manchester City and Erling Haaland’s scoring ability over the last two seasons, they are now four points clear in the race. This sustained success has been largely linked to Bukayo Saka, who has extended his contract.

The right winger has delivered on expectations since breaking into the first team. With his dribbling and creativity, he has turned his left foot into a major weapon for Mikel Arteta’s side. That is why the club did not hesitate to secure his future with a new deal.

Saka will now earn £300,000 per week (approximately $380,000), which equals about $19.8 million annually, according to BBC. The contract runs through 2031, bringing stability for the fans. However, this large figure is still not the highest in the Premier League. For comparison, Haaland earns £500,000 per week (approximately $635,000), the equivalent of about $33 million per year, after signing a deal last year that runs for a decade.

Saka’s season with Arsenal

Arteta has kept the team competitive regardless of injuries, and having depth in almost every position can be decisive in a long and demanding season for a club chasing multiple trophies like Arsenal.

For Saka, the current season has not been ideal statistically. In the Premier League he has scored 4 goals in 22 matches, a drop compared to the previous years.

His numbers in other competitions also do not stand out. He has no goals in one FA Cup match and one in four Carabao Cup appearances. In Europe he has played six matches and scored two goals. Saka has appeared in 33 matches with seven goals this season, but his importance to the lineup remains unquestioned.

Arsenal’s next challenges

The path to a Premier League title still includes Manchester City as the main rival. Arsenal’s current advantage is four points, reduced from six after the recent draw with Brentford reopened the race.

A return to stronger form looks necessary because there will be little margin for error. Arsenal visit Wolverhampton on Wednesday in the Premier League, then face Tottenham Hotspur in a Sunday derby, before closing the month against Chelsea.

Match Overview

The Serie A race heats up as AC Milan face Como in a matchup packed with implications near the top of the table. Milan sit on 53 points, eight behind leaders Inter Milan, and need a win to cut that gap to five and stay firmly in the title chase.

Como, meanwhile, are pushing for Europe with 41 points; three points would move them into the Conference League spot and within two of Juventus, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle on both sides.

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Torino have confirmed that Scottish forward Ché Adams will miss up to three weeks after being pulled out of training and undergoing medical examinations that revealed a fresh injury.

According to the official statement from the Turin club, Adams has “undergone medical examinations that have revealed a partial sprain in the soleus muscle of his right leg.”

Frustrating blow for Torino as Adams confirmed injured

In short, it means that the forward will miss around 20 days of football, putting him out of action for Sunday’s trip to Genoa and the match against Lazio on March 1.

It will then be touch-and-go as to whether or not he is available for the match against Napoli after that.

It is a frustrating setback for the forward especially, who will want to be in prime condition for this summer’s World Cup.

Fortunately, Scotland qualified automatically and therefore Adams’ injury comes as no real blow to the national set-up, other than concerns if it becomes a reoccurring issue in the run-up to the tournament in North America & Mexico.

Former Juventus midfielder Massimo Mauro has claimed that whilst there is nothing special about struggling left-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal, there is a deeper rooted problem at the club in that they are missing the “five or six players who control the game, the ones they’ve always had.”

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mauro said “Cambiaso isn’t a leader, he’s just a normal person.”

However, he added that “neither he nor [Juan] Cabal are Juventus’ problem – rather the lack of five or six players who control the game, the ones they’ve always had.”

Mauro, on the whole, was not impressed by the players at Juventus’ disposal and claimed that “the coach [Luciano Spalletti] is the only one the club need to keep.”

Juventus brushed aside by Galatasaray in Istanbul

Juventus were humbled in a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Galatasaray on Tuesday night, with two goals from former Napoli man Noa Lang and a Juan Cabal red card adding insult to injury. Cabal had only come on for Cambiaso at half-time and it took him twenty minutes to pick up two yellow cards, putting a massive dent in the Bianconeri’s hopes of staying in the Champions League.

It would now take a miracle in Turin for Juventus to qualify for the next round but former players like Mauro remain unconvinced that the club have what it takes to pull it out of the bag.

On the upside, elimination from the continental competition would allow the Bianconeri to focus their efforts on a top four place in Serie A.

Milan are preparing to host Como at San Siro this evening, as the Rossoneri look to increase their pressure on league leaders Inter and prevent their rivals from running away in the Scudetto race. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to miss the match, with Christopher Nkunku ready to pair with Rafael Leao in attack.

The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) and provides the Rossoneri with a fascinating challenge in Cesc Fabregas’ tricky Como side.

According to Sky Sport, via CalcioMercato, Loftus-Cheek is struggling with his overall fitness and is not ready to lead the line for Milan.

Milan vs Como – Loftus-Cheek to miss San Siro clash

Loftus-Cheek has scored in back-to-back games for the Rossoneri, playing in the front two but now Nkunku will step in to replace him.

The Frenchman has been inconsistent to say the least, since his big money move from Chelsea last summer.

However, Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping that Nkunku can step up in what may turn out to be a pivotal game in the race for the Scudetto.

Vinicius Junior scored a glorious winner as Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0 in a bad-tempered first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at the Estadio da Luz. Tuesday’s match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes as the action was paused for 10 minutes in the immediate aftermath of Vinicius’ 50th-minute strike. The Brazilian appeared outraged […]

The post Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius scores wondergoal but chaotic scenes mar first-leg win appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid: Vinicius scores wondergoal but chaotic scenes mar first-leg win appeared first on Soccer News.

There’s been some outstanding goalkeeping on display in the Champions League playoffs this week. Who did it best? Three top saves 🧤@QatarAirways | #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/SVwu3TRLJi — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026

The post Trubin, Courtois, Safonov – Top saves in Champions League playoff first-leg encounters (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Trubin, Courtois, Safonov – Top saves in Champions League playoff first-leg encounters (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, with Hungary boss Marco Rossi recently stating that it was a youth dream for his side’s captain to play for Los Blancos. However, Szoboszlai’s agent Matyas Esterhazy has moved swiftly to play such claims down, insisting that his client remains focused solely on Liverpool, […]

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

Verdict: Rayan over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to extend on their sensational European charge this weekend, Bournemouth will travel to east London on Saturday evening when they meet West Ham. West Ham Starting with the hosts, although West Ham might open Saturday’s fixtures sat three points adrift in the […]

The post Prediction: West Ham vs Bournemouth – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: West Ham vs Bournemouth – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, with Hungary boss Marco Rossi recently stating that it was a youth dream for his side’s captain to play for Los Blancos. However, Szoboszlai’s agent Matyas Esterhazy has moved swiftly to play such claims down, insisting that his client remains focused solely on Liverpool, […]

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, with Hungary boss Marco Rossi recently stating that it was a youth dream for his side’s captain to play for Los Blancos. However, Szoboszlai’s agent Matyas Esterhazy has moved swiftly to play such claims down, insisting that his client remains focused solely on Liverpool, […]

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Szoboszlai set for new Liverpool contract amid Real Madrid links appeared first on Soccer News.

After their latest defeat in the Champions League, Real Madrid came into the match against Benfica needing a win, setting a winning pace in the playoffs. In a closely contested game, Los Blancos claimed the victory thanks to an impressive goal from Vinicius Jr. However, all of this was overshadowed by the Brazilian’s complaints against Gianluca Prestianni for racist acts. To approach that, UEFA has already stepped in, taking measures to resolve the issue.

Following the game, UEFA released a statement on Vinicius Jr’s complaints: “The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed. They are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage,” reported UEFA.

Taking actions on Brazilian accusations on Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni, UEFA has taken measures: “A UEFA Ethics and Discipline Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior during the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League Knock-out play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on February 17, 2026. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

During the investigation, UEFA will gather statements from both players and additional witnesses, as Kylian Mbappé has made strong remarks on the issue. In case they find that Prestianni engaged in racist acts against Vinicius Jr., he may face severe sanctions. According to Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine player could be suspended for at least 10 matches or a set period of time.

Benfica stand by Gianluca Prestianni amid Vinicius Jr. storm

Not only did Kylian Mbappé fully support Vinicius Jr., but several Real Madrid players, including Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, also voiced their backing. However, Gianluca Prestianni has maintained his stance of innocence, even reporting threats from opposing players. After UEFA’s announcement of the investigation, Benfica have decided to stand by the Argentine player, publicly supporting him in a statement.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica also reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct while playing for the Club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The Club regrets the smear campaign to which the player has been subjected,” SL Benfica announced on their website.

While Benfica continue to support the Argentine, José Mourinho has chosen to remain neutral, stating that Gianluca tells him one thing and Vinicius another. Far from being a straightforward process, UEFA may take several days to reach a final decision, as Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey, making it difficult to verify his words. Nevertheless, the Argentine is facing harsh criticism from several former players, including Thierry Henry.

Juventus and centre-back Gleison Bremer can breathe a sigh of relief following his early withdrawal during Tuesday night’s 5-2 loss away against Galatasaray, as medical tests have confirmed that the Brazilian has not torn a muscle in his leg. 

When is Bremer expected to return for Juventus?

Bremer was forced off the pitch in the 37th minute of Juventus’s 5-2 Champions League play-off defeat against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening with the scores 2-1 in favour of the Bianconeri at the time. Many outlets in Italy suggest that it was not a coincidence that Juventus collapsed in the second half after their most trusted defender went off. 

Initial reports suspected that it was a muscular injury that was troubling Bremer during the first half in Istanbul.