Juventus dropped their first Europa League points in a 2-2 draw with Rennes, while Benfica thrashed Omonia, Leverkusen beat OFI, and Bournemouth maintained their perfect campaign.
PETA has urged Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot Phoenix, citing animal welfare concerns, stadium-related stress and safety risks, while calling for an end to live animal mascots.
Teenager Alphadjo Cisse became the youngest Italian to score a hat-trick in European club competition, leading AC Milan to a resounding 4-0 victory over RB Salzburg in the Europa League, marking Milan's first continental treble in 24 years.
New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus included 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad for upcoming Nations League matches, emphasising that team selection will strictly depend on current performance.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni should be banned from the Champions League after the Argentine was accused of directing a racist slur at Vinicius Jr.
UEFA has fined Benfica 40,000 euros for racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accused opponents and supporters of 'bullying' Vinicius Jr, citing rough treatment in their 2-1 LaLiga win against Espanyol and calling it a 'pattern that repeats itself'.
Manchester City have agreed a Man City Match Transfer Record With $169m Fernandez Blockbuster million deal for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, matching the Premier League record and taking their summer spending close to 400 million.
Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.
UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations of a racist slur directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match.
For Mourinho, it was an emotional night at the Estadio da Luz, capped by an extraordinary 98th-minute header from Trubin that ensured Benfica snatched a last-16 spot on goal difference.
Real Madrid overcame an early deficit to defeat Benfica 2-1, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League last 16.
The Premier League once again led the global transfer market in 2026, with clubs making significant investments in top talent. This summer saw four major signings exceeding 100 million, including Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, Bradley Barcola to Liverpool, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Elliot Anderson also to Manchester City, highlighting the league's financial power and ambition.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed speculation surrounding midfielder Enzo Fernandez's future ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Vinicius Jr scored a sublime second-half winner as Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in their Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, which was halted for 11 match under FIFA's anti-racism protocol.
Inter Milan and Napoli secured victories in their Serie A openers, while Racing Lens and Olympique Lyonnais also began their Ligue 1 campaigns with wins, setting an early pace in their respective leagues.
Argentina's veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football after a 17-year career, which included winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
The upcoming LaLiga season promises an intense battle as Barcelona defends its title against a revamped Real Madrid, led by returning manager Jose Mourinho, and a turbulent Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid has made significant signings and brought back Mourinho after two trophyless seasons, while Barcelona relies on continuity and its World Cup-winning core. Atletico Madrid faces pressure on manager Diego Simeone and a potential transfer saga involving Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for a dramatic season.
Jose Mourinho has indicated he is open to a return to Real Madrid, stating his agent is in contact with the club, but emphasised that no formal offer has been made and he is taking his time to decide.
Prestianni Law enforced for the first time at FIFA World Cup as Almiron sees red.
Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Extra time goals see Chelsea down 10-man Benfica to advance to quarters
Miami's Hard Rock Stadium was awash in Argentine passion as Boca Juniors fans turned it into a little Buenos Aires for their team's 2-2 draw with Benfica on Monday.
Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union
The incident occurred over the weekend in Herning, the central Danish town where the club is based, according to Midtjylland.
Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Group winners Flamengo were held 1-1 by Los Angeles FC to finish on seven points, one ahead of Chelsea. Esperance finished third with three points while LA FC were bottom with one point.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a signed Lionel Messi jersey and expressed his excitement on social media.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
Kylian Mbappe criticised Real Madrid's lack of hunger and consistency after their 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica, saying champions must show desire every time as Real slipped into the playoffs.
Barcelona's Raphinha scored deep into stoppage time to hand his side a dramatic 5-4 comeback win at Benfica and a place in the Champions League last 16.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday.
IMAGES from UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday
Osasuna defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a LaLiga match, with goals from Ante Budimir and Raul Garcia del Haro. The loss gives Barcelona a chance to overtake Real Madrid in the title race.
Punjab Kings emerge as most-searched IPL team on Google in 2025
A penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the 10th minute of stoppage time rescued Real Madrid, giving them an agonising 2-1 victory over local rivals Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.
Real Madrid ended a turbulent week with a 2-0 LaLiga win over lowly Levante on Saturday courtesy of second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio.
A round-up of Tuesday's action in the UEFA Champions League.
Messi had asked to be withdrawn in the reverse fixture at Benfica last week due to the calf problem but PSG boss Christophe Galtier expects him to return for the weekend clash against third-placed Olympique de Marseille.
