The 16 teams taking part in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup learned their respective paths to the...

<p>The 16 teams taking part in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup learned their respective paths to the title during Thursday's group stage draw.</p><p>The United States, which will be playing on home soil, will take on Haiti, familiar foe Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia, the one non-CONCACAF invitee for the competition.</p><p>Canada, looking to improve on its quarterfinal exit from the 2023 edition, was drawn alongside Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mexico, still riding high after last month's CONCACAF Nations League title, is the reigning Gold Cup champion. El Tri defeated Panama in the 2023 final. They'll look to defend their crown after being drawn in a quartet with Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic.</p><p>The Mexicans have won the tournament a record nine times, two more than the United States. Canada's triumph in 2000 remains the lone major title won by the country's men's program. </p><p>No other nation has ever won the Gold Cup.</p><p>This summer's competition will prove particularly important for the trio. As co-hosts of next year's World Cup, the three all qualified automatically for that event, making the Gold Cup their last opportunity to play competitive, non-friendly matches until next year's marquee tournament.</p><p>Managers Mauricio Pochettino, Jesse Marsch, and Javier Aguirre will also have to contend with depleted squads for the event. Several star players will be absent for the Gold Cup while partaking in FIFA's Club World Cup, the supersized event that's running simultaneously in the United States this summer.</p><p>Here are the groups in full:</p><h3>Group A</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Mexico 🇲🇽</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Costa Rica 🇨🇷</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Suriname 🇸🇷</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Dominican Republic 🇩🇴</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group B</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Honduras 🇭🇳</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>El Salvador 🇸🇻</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Curacao 🇨🇼</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group C</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Panama 🇵🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Jamaica 🇯🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Guatemala 🇬🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Guadeloupe 🇫🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group D</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Haiti 🇭🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The top two finishers in each group advance to the knockout stage, which begins with the quarterfinal round June 28.</p><p>The tournament final will take place July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.</p><p>Of the 14 venues being used for the competition, 13 are in the United States; Vancouver's BC Place is the lone stadium in Canada that will stage games. The majority of the host sites are on the U.S. West Coast to avoid conflict or crossover with the aforementioned Club World Cup, which will be taking place on the East Coast of the country.</p><p><strong>Tournament schedule</strong></p><p><strong>Group stage</strong>: June 14-24<br><strong>Quarterfinals</strong>: June 28 and 29<br><strong>Semifinals</strong>: July 2<br><strong>Final</strong>: July 6</p><p>Mexico, as the defending champion, will play the tournament opener June 14.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: The Championship trophy is displayed during the Concacaf Gold Cup final match between Mexico and Panama at SoFi Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California.

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Gold Cup draw: USMNT, Canada learn groups for summer tournament

The Premier League secured an additional berth in the 2025-26 Champions League by virtue of Arsen...

<p>The Premier League secured an additional berth in the 2025-26 Champions League by virtue of Arsenal's big win over Real Madrid on Tuesday.</p><p>The Gunners' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261955" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261955">3-0 quarterfinal first-leg victory</a> ensured that whichever club finishes 5th in England's top flight will compete in Europe's elite club competition next season.</p><p>The European Performance Spot (EPS) was introduced by UEFA last year prior to the Champions League adopting a revamped 36-team format. Two leagues get rewarded with one extra place each.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Last season, Italy and Germany were the beneficiaries, with Bologna and Borussia Dortmund qualifying for this season's Champions League thanks to fifth-place finishes in their respective domestic divisions.</p><p>With England locking up one of the extra slots for 2025-26, the battle for the other berth is down to La Liga and Serie A. </p><p>Spain's top tier is currently second in UEFA's coefficient table. The door remains open for Serie A to overtake La Liga if Inter Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina make deep runs in the three European competitions while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Betis falter.</p><p>A potential Champions League semifinal meeting between Inter and Barca would likely be a must-win for Serie A.</p><p><strong>Coefficient table</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>League</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Teams Left</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Premier League</td>
<td>24.535</td>
<td>5/7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>La Liga</td>
<td> 21.964</td>
<td> 4/7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Serie A</td>
<td> 20.187</td>
<td> 3/8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43040290/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league">Dale Johnson, ESPN</a>)</p><p>In England, the race for a top-five spot looks set to go down to the final weeks of the campaign. Champions-elect Liverpool and Arsenal are all but over the line, with as many as seven teams in the mix behind them. Manchester City would miss out on the Champions League if the season ended today.</p><p><strong>Premier League table</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Liverpool</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+42</td>
<td>73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Arsenal</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+30</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Chelsea</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Newcastle</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>+13</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Man City</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7. Aston Villa</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8. Fulham</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9. Brighton</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Premier League could send a maximum of seven teams to next season's Champions League if Aston Villa win this season's tournament - they need to overcome a 3-1 deficit versus Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie - and one of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League title.</p><p>With Chelsea favorites to capture the Conference League title, it's possible for the Premier League to have 11 sides in Europe next season.</p>

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 8: Adidas UCL 2024/2025 official match ball Munich is displayed prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

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Premier League seals extra UCL berth for next season

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will undergo season-ending surgery "in the coming days" after ...

<p>Arsenal defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/91475" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/91475">Gabriel Magalhaes</a> will undergo season-ending surgery "in the coming days" after injuring his right hamstring in Tuesday's victory over Fulham, the club announced.</p><p>The Gunners said they're aiming for the Brazilian to be ready for the start of next season.</p><p>Gabriel's absence is a major setback for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, who play host to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash next week. The return fixture in Spain is the following week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The defender, 27, has been a mainstay at the heart of Arsenal's backline.</p><p>Fellow center-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101707" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101707">William Saliba</a> is the only outfield player to register more minutes for the north London club this season. The two have combined to create one of the most stout defensive partnerships in England, leading Arsenal to the best defensive record in the Premier League in 2024-25.</p><p>Gabriel has also been a key weapon from set pieces, scoring five goals in all competitions on the campaign.</p><p>With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/163325" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/163325">Riccardo Calafiori</a> also sidelined after an injury on international duty with Italy, Arteta called upon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/184975" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/184975">Jakub Kiwior</a> to replace Gabriel when he was forced out in the 16th minute versus Fulham.</p><p>Arsenal, second in the Premier League but 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, take on Everton this weekend before turning their attention to the anticipated Champions League tilt Tuesday with Real Madrid.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Gabriel of Arsenal looks dejected as he leaves the pitch with a member of the medical team after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2025 in London, England.

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Arsenal's Gabriel to undergo season-ending hamstring surgery

Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard says Major League Soccer restricted his access and no longer pe...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s personal bodyguard says Major League Soccer restricted his access and no longer permits him to be on the touchline or enter the field of play during Inter Miami matches.</p><p>Yassine Cheuko has become a fixture of Miami games since Messi joined the club in 2023. The bodyguard has gained widespread recognition and developed something of a cult following as videos spread on social media showing him patrolling the sidelines and racing to intercept pitch invaders seeking photos with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.</p><p>But Cheuko's presence hasn't been as pronounced in 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cheuko said MLS has taken full control of Messi's on-pitch security and that he's only allowed inside the locker room and mixed zones going forward.</p><p>"They don't allow me to be on the field anymore," Cheuko said during a rare video interview with House of Highlights, as reported Tuesday by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/messis-bodyguard-banned-touchline-inter-miami-games-2025-04-01/">Reuters</a> and other outlets.</p><p>House of Highlights, a social media channel, has since removed clips of the interview from its platforms.</p><p>"I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA, and in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so. There's a huge problem here; let me help Messi," Cheuko said.</p><p>"I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping," he added. "I'm not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It's fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better."</p><p>Messi and Cheuko are "quite upset" about the change in the latter's matchday access, sources close to Inter Miami told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247418/2025/04/01/messi-bodyguard-yassine-cheuko-mls-inter-miami-concacaf-access/">Pablo Maurer and Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"(Yassine) has always been really critical of all of the other security (across MLS) and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn't even be needed," said the source.</p><p>An MLS spokesperson told Maurer and Cardenas on Tuesday that the league hasn't changed its policies regarding team security personnel.</p><p>Cheuko, who various media outlets have erroneously identified as a former U.S. Navy SEAL, said he'll continue to work as part of Messi's personal security team outside the stadiums.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Yassine Chueko the body guard for Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF before the start of a MLS League game against D.C.United (0) at the Chase Stadium on May 18th, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

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Messi's bodyguard says MLS no longer allows him on field

The race for soccer's top individual accolade has never been more open. With Lionel Messi and Cri...

<p><em>The race for soccer's top individual accolade has never been more open. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly well and truly over - neither was nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year - opportunity beckons. Rodri took full advantage in 2024. Who will do the same this year? Each month until the award is presented in October, we'll publish fresh rankings looking at the top contenders. Here are the 10 leading candidates to win the trophy right now.</em></p><h3>10. Jude Bellingham</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GQ1jF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GQ1jF/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Bellingham ranked third in Ballon d'Or voting last year with 23 goals in his first season with Real Madrid. He's less than halfway to that number with just two months remaining in his sophomore year, but the English midfielder still has an impact on Carlo Ancelotti's side. </p><p>While opponents continue to treat Bellingham as a two-way threat, he's helped shore up a midfield that's sacrificed a bit of its goal-scoring tendencies for more defensive solidity. Bellingham's lost a bit of discipline along the way this season - he was suspended for two La Liga matches for abusive language - but continues to drive the ball forward.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>9. Pedri</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Attacking players almost always win the Ballon d'Or. A defender hasn't taken home the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, and even that took a Herculean, World Cup-winning effort. Scoring goals is simply the easiest way to garner individual acclaim and always has been. But Rodri's triumph last year, and Luka Modric's win in 2018, proved that majestic midfielders can get the recognition they deserve in this category.</p><p>Pedri, arguably the smoothest, most aesthetically pleasing midfielder in the sport right now, has an outside shot at ensuring the Ballon d'Or remains with a Spaniard for another year. Similar to his teammates on this list, the all-around operator could come away with several trophies this season after being central, literally and figuratively, to everything for Barcelona.</p><h3>8. Vinicius Junior</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lpBe4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lpBe4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Vinicius, and everybody associated with Real Madrid, will tell you that the Brazilian winger should already have one Ballon d'Or to his name. They're <em>still</em> rankled by Rodri's win last year. The 24-year-old is once again in the mix, but his path to the coveted golden trophy is more complicated than it was in 2024, thanks largely to the presence of his teammate Kylian Mbappe.</p><p>Nevertheless, Vinicius can't be ruled out. He has 24 goals in all competitions this season and could yet win La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup in the summer. He'll likely need to either fully outscore Mbappe or deliver a signature goal, as he has in recent Champions League finals, to leapfrog his French teammate in this race.</p><h3>7. Robert Lewandowski</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N0bTg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N0bTg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Barcelona's veteran striker has already scored 36 goals across all competitions - his highest tally since leaving Bayern Munich in 2021. He'll surely reach 40 with at least 13 matches remaining in the season. Droughts haven't been an issue: La Liga's leading scorer hasn't gone more than three games without a goal. But he's providing more than just offensive production.</p><p>Lewandowski, working again under Hansi Flick, has become the perfect foil in Barcelona's multi-faceted attack, pulling defenders with him as his younger teammates run into space. Flick's game plan could simply involve long balls to Lewandowski, but the 36-year-old, who's been remarkably healthy this season, has been willing to work for the team.</p><h3>6. Harry Kane</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-axEdt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/axEdt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Things really could change for Kane this season. He's expected to win his first career title with Bayern Munich, who lead the Bundesliga by six points, and could even eclipse the 44 goals he scored last season. Kane <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/harry-kane-ballon-dor-england-bayern-munich-b2718874.html">admitted</a> the change in "aura" at the club should boost his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or and that he couldn't have possibly won it while going trophyless at Tottenham Hotspur.</p><p>He's also elevated his play in big matches, scoring three of Bayern's five goals in the Champions League last-16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Kane's 10 Champions League tallies narrowly trail Raphinha's 11 this season.</p><h3>5. Lamine Yamal</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>While not as prolific as his rivals, Yamal, who's still only 17, has become a clear reference point for Barcelona's plentiful attack. The Spanish winger is a menace down the right: His 4.2 successful dribbles per game lead La Liga by a wide margin, and no one touches his 11 assists in the top flight. Barcelona are incredibly lucky to have a ready-made replacement for Lionel Messi directly in-house.</p><p>Yamal has missed some time due to injury this season, and his health remains of utmost importance as Barcelona lean ever more on his talent. They need only look at Ansu Fati down the long side of the bench to see the devastating impact injuries can have on a promising career.</p><h3>4. Ousmane Dembele</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C4mtZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C4mtZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Nobody has rocketed into contention quite like Dembele, who, at long last, has put all the pieces together after years of untapped promise. The French winger, embracing the role as PSG's main man after Mbappe's departure, is backing up his blistering pace and spellbinding dribbling with prolific finishing. He has more league goals this season (21) than in his last five years combined and is the current leader in the race for France's Golden Boot.</p><p>PSG are shoo-ins to win Ligue 1 and are heavy favorites for the Coupe de France. They also look like the best team in Europe right now and have a very real shot at finally claiming a Champions League title. Should they accomplish all that, with Dembele leading the charge, the 27-year-old's case for the Ballon d'Or will be hard to ignore.</p><h3>3. Mohamed Salah</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o6I8O" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o6I8O/36/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Salah's authoring an all-time great season. With 27 goals and 17 assists through 29 games, he's well on his way to breaking the record for goal involvements in a single Premier League campaign (47). Plus, Liverpool are cruising toward a 20th English top-flight title. Just a few weeks ago, Salah was the overwhelming favorite here.</p><p>However, he's since cooled off, and Liverpool's Champions League exit in the round of 16 seriously dented his chances in a year where the competition will loom large on voting. Liverpool's League Cup final loss didn't help either. What once looked like a potential quadruple-winning season has petered out somewhat, likely taking Salah's Ballon d'Or chances down with it.</p><h3>2. Kylian Mbappe</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TN0dq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TN0dq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Mbappe has burst into life at Real Madrid, overcoming personal issues that cost him time with the French national team while acclimating himself to his new club. He took the keys to Madrid's attack with a second-leg hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoff round. He also outperformed teammates Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in the lead-up to the March international break.</p><p>Mbappe has his pace back - he was missing that final step in the opening months of the season - and is forcing defenders to backpedal as they did when he spearheaded Paris Saint-Germain's attack. If Madrid make another deep Champions League run, Mbappe, who's on 30 goals and counting, could conceivably finish as top scorer in La Liga and Europe.</p><h3>1. Raphinha</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WE8ZY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WE8ZY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>As evidenced by having three other players on this list, Barcelona's success this season has been a collective effort. But make no mistake, Raphinha is leading the way. The Brazilian, a club captain, has benefitted most from Flick's direct style that emphasizes quick, vertical play.</p><p>Raphinha's creativity and clinical finishing have helped lift Barcelona to the top spot in La Liga, where he has 21 goal involvements. He's been even better in the Champions League, leading the competition with 11 tallies in 10 games. This summer's lack of marquee international events means the Champions League will carry more weight for voters, putting him in a strong position to become the first Barcelona player since Messi to win this award.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on</strong>:</p><ul>
<li>Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands)</li>
<li>Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid and Argentina)</li>
<li>Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich and Germany)</li>
</ul>

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Ballon d'Or Rankings: Is Salah finally starting to fade?

Dorival Junior's time on Brazil's bench could be coming to an end.  The Brazilian Football Confed...

<p>Dorival Junior's time on Brazil's bench could be coming to an end.</p><p>The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will have in-person meetings with Dorival and his staff Friday to discuss his future as coach of the Selecao, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44420085/brazil-meeting-decide-dorival-junior-future-coach">ESPN Brasil</a>.</p><p>The sit-down comes in the aftermath of Tuesday's humbling 4-1 loss to archrival Argentina in World Cup qualifying. While it's standard CBF practice for these types of reviews to take place following international windows, the lopsided loss in Buenos Aires prompted CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues to fast-track the meetings, according to ESPN.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"There's always a lot of pressure, but I never run away from my responsibilities," Dorival told reporters after the setback in Argentina, calling this the "most delicate moment" in his coaching career. "I'm aware of what this loss means and everything that's been going on."</p><p>He added: "I really believe in my work, in the development of this process. It's a complicated and difficult process, but I have no doubt that we'll find a way out."</p><p>Dorival has not been informed about a potential dismissal, but several possible replacements are being discussed internally by the CBF, sources told ESPN. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been a longtime target, while Flamengo's Filipe Luis and Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus are also candidates.</p><p>Dorival, 62, took over the storied national team in 2024, leaving Brazilian club Sao Paulo to replace Fernando Diniz in the role. He's been unable to return the five-time World Cup winner to previous glories, though.</p><p>Brazil was ousted from last summer's Copa America in the quarterfinals and has been inconsistent in World Cup qualifying, sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL standings.</p><p>Only the top six finishers will qualify automatically for next year's tournament that's being staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.</p>

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - 2025/03/25: Dorival Junior Head Coach of Brasil seen during the match between Argentina and Brasil as part of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at Estadio Monumental. Final score: Argentina 4 - 1 Brasil.

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Report: Dorival's future as Brazil coach under review after Argentina loss

Alphonso Davies has a torn ACL in his right knee and will require surgery, Bayern Munich announce...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> has a torn ACL in his right knee and will require surgery, Bayern Munich <a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2025/03/alphonso-davies-tears-cruciate-ligament---dayot-upamecano-also-sidelined-for-a-lengthy-period">announced</a> Wednesday.</p><p>The 24-year-old will miss "several months," ruling him out for the remainder of the European club season. He'll likely also be sidelined for this summer's Club World Cup.</p><p>Davies, the captain of Canada's men's national team, suffered the injury during his country's 2-1 win over the United States in Sunday's third-place CONCACAF Nations League match.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His agent, Nedal Huoseh, criticized Canada Soccer and head coach Jesse Marsch, saying the star left-back was "pressured" to play despite not being fully fit.</p><p>"I am very disappointed. Alphonso was not 100% after the Mexico (semifinal) game and it was planned that he was not going to start against the USA. On Saturday night, the expectation was he would not be in the (starting lineup)," Huoseh told <a href="https://x.com/onesoccer/status/1904871664623443980">Kristian Jack of OneSoccer</a>.</p><p>"As a captain I feel he was pressured to start the game by the coach. Alphonso is not the kind of guy to say no in those moments. He ended up playing and look what happened. Canada Soccer needs to do a better job managing these players, in my opinion. Alphonso is down and obviously really disappointed about this injury."</p><p>Canada Soccer <a href="https://twitter.com/onesoccer/status/1904913337961283709">told</a> OneSoccer its coaches and medical staff are "true professionals and have always prioritized player safety and wellbeing," and that any allegation "suggesting otherwise is untrue."</p><p>Davies went down after an early tackle from <a href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/193235">Patrick Agyemang</a> and required treatment on the pitch. After briefly attempting to play on, Davies was eventually substituted in the 12th minute.</p><p>He <a href="https://x.com/TSNScianitti/status/1903937280986992893">said</a> at the time that he was "good" after re-emerging from the locker room with ice on his knee.</p><p>"Unfortunately, there's always the risk of players returning from international breaks with injuries - this time we've been hit particularly hard," Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl said.</p><p>Bayern, nursing a six-point lead atop the Bundesliga and preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Inter Milan, also lost <a href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/85768">Dayot Upamecano</a> during the international window. </p><p>The French defender was diagnosed with "loose joints" in his left knee and will be out for several weeks.</p><p>"The absence of Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano weighs heavily on FC Bayern," Eberl added. "Phonzy will get all the support he needs on his road to recovery. We'll also be keeping a close eye on (Upamecano) in the coming weeks and expect him to be available again soon. We have a strong squad and will compensate for these absences. We'll now grow even closer together. The quality is there to continue pursuing our big goals."</p><p>Davies and Upamecano have combined for 39 league appearances this season, helping Bayern keep the best defensive record in Germany's top flight thus far.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Alphonso Davies of Canada looks on during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match between United States and Canada at SoFi Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Davies out with torn ACL, agent says Canada 'pressured' him to play

Canada bounced back from a disappointing semifinal loss in the CONCACAF Nations League, defeating...

<p>Canada bounced back from a disappointing semifinal loss in the CONCACAF Nations League, defeating the United States 2-1 on Sunday to seal third place in the competition and claim back-to-back wins over its continental rival for the first time since 1985.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/159817">Jonathan David</a> curled home the winning goal for Canada in the 59th minute, breaking the deadlock with a lovely left-footed effort from inside the penalty area for his 32nd international marker. </p><p>No Canadian has more goals for the men's national team than the Lille striker, whose five career goal contributions against the U.S. are also the most of any player since his first appearance against the Americans in 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We treated (this game) like it was a final," the 25-year-old told Matthew Scianitti of TSN after the match. "We showed great character."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/187409" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/187409">Tani Oluwaseyi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/193235" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/193235">Patrick Agyemang</a> exchanged close-range tallies in the opening half at SoFi Stadium.</p><p>Canada finished the match without captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> and head coach Jesse Marsch. The Bayern Munich left-back was substituted in the 12th minute with a knee issue, though he said he was "good" after leaving the pitch. The fiery bench boss, meanwhile, was shown a red card in the second half by referee Katia Itzel Garcia for overzealous protests after he thought Canada should've been awarded at least one penalty kick for successive incidents involving David inside the penalty area shortly before his eventual game-winning goal.</p><p>An irate Marsch watched the remainder of the match from the stands and will be banned for Canada's opening game at this summer's Gold Cup.</p><p>The United States, which conceded a stoppage-time goal in its shocking semifinal loss to Panama on Thursday, had won all three previous editions of the CONCACAF Nations League.</p><p>Instead of extending that streak, the Americans are now mired in their worst run against CONCACAF opposition in over five years, losing consecutive competitive games against regional opponents for the first time since 2019.</p><p>It was another dour display by Mauricio Pochettino's team, which once again struggled to turn its possession into sustained attacking pressure and clear-cut chances; outside of Agyemang's goal, the U.S. only had one other shot on target in the game despite trailing for the final 30-plus minutes.</p><p>Pochettino asked his players to be brave and show "character" ahead of the game but didn't get the response he'd hoped for after the loss to Panama.</p><p>His next opportunity to see progress from his team comes in June, when the U.S. will host Turkey (June 7) and Switzerland (June 10) in a pair of friendlies on home soil. Canada is also back in action on those same dates with home matches against Ukraine and Ivory Coast, respectively.</p><p>The two nations, which are co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico, will also participate in this summer's Gold Cup. However, both will likely be missing several stars as the CONCACAF event is taking place at the same time as the revamped Club World Cup.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Jonathan David #10 of Canada celebrates scoring during the second half against the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League third place match at SoFi Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada beats USMNT to seal 3rd place in Nations League

Canada captain Alphonso Davies was forced out of Sunday's Nations League third-place match agains...

<p>Canada captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> was forced out of Sunday's Nations League third-place match against the United States early in the first half with an apparent right knee issue.</p><p>The 24-year-old first went down after a challenge from U.S. forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/193235" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/193235">Patrick Agyemang</a> in the opening minutes and needed treatment on the pitch. He tried to continue playing but was clearly in discomfort and was ultimately substituted in the 12th minute.</p><p>Davies, who went straight to the dressing room after coming off the field, told Kristian Jack of OneSoccer that he was "good" despite having to leave the contest, according to <a href="https://x.com/TSNScianitti/status/1903937280986992893">Matthew Scianitti of TSN</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He returned to the bench with ice on his knee.</p><p>Head coach Jesse Marsch replaced Davies with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/209404" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/209404">Niko Sigur</a> and flipped right-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/165277" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/165277">Alistair Johnston</a> to an unfamiliar left-back role.</p><p>Johnston also inherited the captain's armband.</p><p>Canada eventually came away with a 2-1 victory to clinch third place in the competition.</p><p>Mexico won the CONCACAF Nations League title later in the night, beating Panama by the same scoreline in the tournament final.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Alphonso Davies #19 of Canada takes a throw-in during the Concacaf Nations League Semifinal match between Canada and Mexico at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada's Davies 'good' despite leaving USMNT match with knee issue

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino wants to see a strong response from h...

<p>United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino wants to see a strong response from his players following their surprising defeat to Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League.</p><p>Pochettino, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3247018" href="https://thescore.com/news/3247018">bemoaned</a> his team's lack of aggression and intensity after the humbling 1-0 semifinal loss, demanded a show of "character" ahead of Sunday's third-place match against continental rival Canada.</p><p>"I think what we want to see is the same focus and concentration and mental level in every single game, official (competition) or no official competition," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44360057/pochettino-usa-character-canada-concacaf-nations-league">Jeff Carlisle of ESPN</a>. "And for me, (Sunday) is going to be a game, an important game to see how we react. We need to show character ... It's not only about the result but it's also about (improving) our performance."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Argentine tactician called on his top playmakers, including AC Milan star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/60435" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/60435">Christian Pulisic</a>, to put Thursday's tentative performance behind them, saying they must play with more freedom and "trust that they can make a mistake."</p><p>"People that take risks is what we want, what we love and you cannot play football without risk," he added. "If you want to play safe, you are not going to affect the game. That is the important thing that also we were talking (about) yesterday - to take risks, is to be brave."</p><p>Pochettino said he accepts and understands the intense criticism directed at his side in recent days. Thursday's loss was viewed by many as a significant step backward for a team that's running out of opportunities to prepare for next year's World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico.</p><p>Canada head coach Jesse Marsch, a Wisconsin native who was once in the running for the U.S. job, is acutely aware of the conversations being had around the USMNT right now.</p><p>"I've heard from the camp that they're internally disappointed with their performance. Then, in the media here in the U.S., I think the media has been very aggressive about how disappointed they are in this team and now they've turned a little bit and put it toward the players," Marsch said. "So we would be very foolish that if based on those two factors, we don't expect a real hard game and a big response from the U.S. national team."</p><p>Marsch, who noted that the political rhetoric and climate surrounding the contest has "calmed" somewhat of late, expects his team to rise to the occasion following its own 2-0 semifinal loss to Mexico.</p><p>"Our guys are excited about the challenge. The disappointment of the game against Mexico is behind us," he said. </p><p>"I think we know there's some things that we can do better, but overall the performance was strong and our team continues to show that we are a good team and that we're going to continue to get better."</p><p>Canada won 2-1 when these two teams last met in a friendly match in Kansas City in September. The result was Canada's first away victory over the United States since 1957.</p><p>"I'd rather coach our team right now, 100%. No questions asked," Marsch <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3069607">said</a> after that triumph, which came before Pochettino took his place on the USMNT bench.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks with Weston McKennie #8 of the United States during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match against Panama at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Pochettino: USMNT must be brave, show 'character' vs. Canada

Canada's men's national soccer team couldn't capitalize on a golden opportunity Thursday, falling...

<p>Canada's men's national soccer team couldn't capitalize on a golden opportunity Thursday, falling 2-0 to Mexico in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engfa/players/16216" href="https://thescore.com/engfa/players/16216">Raul Jimenez</a> recorded both goals for the Mexicans, opening the scoring 46 seconds into the contest and then sealing the victory at SoFi Stadium with a sensational free-kick in the 75th minute. </p><p>El Tri will now take on surprise finalist Panama in Sunday's title game after the latter stunned the reigning champion United States in the first semifinal earlier in the night at the same venue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canadian men, still without a trophy since the 2000 Gold Cup, will have to settle for a third-place match against the Americans.</p><p>Jesse Marsch's team got off to the worst possible start Thursday, conceding the opening goal before many fans even sat down.</p><p>A scrappy sequence of play, which started from a Canadian throw-in, led the ball to bounce off multiple defenders and fall to Jimenez's feet inside the penalty area. The Fulham striker made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner and sending the pro-Mexican crowd in Inglewood, California wild.</p><p>Marsch and Canada were incensed later in the half when referee Hector Said Martinez and the VAR didn't award a penalty for what appeared to be a clear foul by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/85188" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/85188">Edson Alvarez</a> on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/99764" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/99764">Derek Cornelius</a>.</p><p>The on-field official wasn't even instructed to review the incident on the monitor despite replays showing Alvarez kicking the bottom of Cornelius' foot inside the penalty area.</p><p>"What I think is inexcusable ... is that it's not at least looked at by the head referee, right? First it's called a foul in the other direction which is strange, because we clearly get contact first," Marsch said after the match, according to <a href="https://x.com/joshuakloke/status/1902948089100734473">Joshua Kloke of The Athletic</a>. "But for me, this is the definition of a penalty."</p><p>That incident, and the fury it incited, only added to the chaotic atmosphere on the pitch, as five yellow cards were dished out in the first half to go along with 25 total fouls.</p><p>Canada, despite needing to push for an equalizer coming out of the halftime interval, generated little up front, failing to consistently put the Mexican defense under pressure. The Canadians finished the feisty affair with one shot on target en route to only their fourth loss in 14 games under Marsch.</p><p>Jimenez's curling free-kick in the 75th minute put the contest beyond doubt.</p><p>Mexico wisely killed the rhythm of the match, and the clock, after taking the 2-0 advantage, as a host of Canadian substitutes failed to turn the tide.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Derek Cornelius #13 of Canada (C) reacts during the second half of the Concacaf Nations League Semifinal match between Canada and Mexico at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada falls to Mexico, will play U.S. for 3rd place in Nations League

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he's tired of Atletico Madrid's complaints following...

<p>Real Madrid goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/9963" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/9963">Thibaut Courtois</a> said he's tired of Atletico Madrid's complaints following Wednesday's contentious Champions League encounter, chastising the club for "always crying" about perceived slights.</p><p>Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating their bitter city rivals 4-2 on penalties, knocking them out of the tournament for the fifth time in 11 years.</p><p>Atletico were incensed after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/182721" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/182721">Julian Alvarez</a>'s shootout goal was disallowed. The Argentine fired his effort into the roof of the net, but, after a dramatic VAR check that sparked confusion inside the stadium, it was ruled that he touched the ball twice when his foot slipped during his run-up.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Diego Simeone disputed the call after the match, insisting, "The ball doesn't move." Alvarez himself was "incredulous" over the decision, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44233131/atletico-madrid-julian-alvarez-incredulous-penalty-source">Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Courtois had no sympathy.</p><p>"It's bad luck for (Alvarez), but it can happen," the Belgian goalkeeper said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44233060/real-madrid-thibaut-courtois-atletico-madrid-always-crying">ESPN</a>. "For UEFA, it's clear. I'm sick of this victimhood, always crying about things like this. Referees don't want to benefit one team or another, not in Spain and not in Europe. For them, it was clear. With the technology, in the VAR room they saw it clearly. They have a lot of cameras and a lot of images."</p><p>Courtois said Atletico's approach to the game was to blame for their ouster, questioning why Simeone's side sat back after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/160089" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/160089">Conor Gallagher</a>'s first-minute goal leveled the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.</p><p>"If you're 1-0 up from the first minute and then you don't try to look for the second goal, I think that's where they got the game wrong," he added.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/160984" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/160984">Rodrygo</a> said he and his teammates noticed the double touch from the bench during the shootout and tried to pressure the referee to review the incident.</p><p>"I was on the bench, and the way the ball left his boot was very strange, as if he'd touched it twice," the Real Madrid forward told TNT Sports Brazil, as translated by ESPN.</p><p>"We had a camera behind us, and they started shouting, 'Two touches, two touches.' Then we started to put pressure on the referee, and he saw it."</p><p>Real Madrid have never been eliminated by Atletico in the competition. Los Blancos will now meet Arsenal in the quarterfinals as they look to defend their Champions League crown and claim a record-extending 16th European Cup.</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 12: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid celebrates the victory with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Courtois takes shot at Atletico amid penalty drama: 'Always crying'

And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the...

<p><em>And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the round of 16 came to an exciting conclusion Wednesday. Below, a collection of theScore's soccer editors review the last-16 action, providing one major takeaway from each of the fixtures.</em></p><h3>Yamal, Raphinha dazzle for Barca</h3><p><em>Barcelona beat Benfica 4-1 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/cropped_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">JOSEP LAGO / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Raphinha and Lamine Yamal assisted each other's goals in the 3-1 win over Benfica on Tuesday, once again proving their connection is as smooth as any in European competition. It's not that they simply look for one another but that their sweeping style of play - which leans heavily on dribbling and finding pockets of space - culminates in a cross or pass through the penalty area that lands in their path. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barcelona could just as easily thump the ball at Robert Lewandowski and hope he converts from range, but head coach Hansi Flick instead asks his talented wingers to make inverted runs into dangerous areas, and they end profiting off each other's trickery. - <em>Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Steady Inter a serious threat</h3><p><em>Inter Milan beat Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate</em></p><p>Simone Inzaghi's team is arguably the least glamorous of the title contenders remaining in the Champions League. But Inter might just be the most dangerous. They lack the mystique of Real Madrid, the youthful exuberance of Barcelona, or the slick interconnected passing of PSG. But what they have, in abundance, is veteran experience, solidity, and robustness.</p><p>The Serie A leaders never looked under any threat in their businesslike last-16 dismissal of Feyenoord. They've conceded only two goals in the entire tournament - the best defensive record thus far - and, with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, have genuine game-breakers up front. A very similar recipe got them within touching distance of the trophy two years ago. It could carry them all the way this time. - <em>Gianluca Nesci</em></p><h3>PSG finally put all the pieces together</h3><p><em>PSG beat Liverpool 4-1 on penalties (1-1 on aggregate)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/cropped_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ousmane Dembele and PSG's forwards - along with a dazzling midfield - get most of the attention, but the French club doesn't reach the quarterfinals without shutting down Liverpool's potent attack over two legs. Liverpool besieged PSG's defense for large portions of Tuesday's second leg after Dembele's early goal brought the visitors level on aggregate. But Liverpool's breakthrough moment never came, and PSG went on to prevail after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a pair of penalties.</p><p>PSG's defensive heroics at Anfield got them to the shootout in the first place. Willian Pacho was a standout performer Tuesday, producing key interceptions, blocks, and clearances. Nuno Mendes also produced critical interventions that were vital in keeping PSG alive in the tournament they're so desperate to win. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>Leverkusen crumble against Bayern</h3><p><em>Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 on aggregate</em></p><p>Leverkusen hadn't lost any of their previous six matches against Bayern Munich. But that was in domestic competition. "The Champions League is a bit more emotional," Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3232457" href="https://thescore.com/news/3232457">pointed out</a> before the teams' last-16 tie. "Emotional control is most important. Five bad minutes, and you're gone."</p><p>Gone they are after losing handily to their German rivals for exactly those reasons. Leverkusen conceded 9 minutes into the first leg and finished the game down to 10 men. Armed with a 3-0 aggregate lead, Bayern struck another two goals while restricting space for Leverkusen to attack. Alonso's side didn't have a shot on target until the 65th minute, by which point the tie was long gone. - <em>Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Guirassy keeps swinging for Dortmund</h3><p><em>Borussia Dortmund beat Lille 3-2 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/cropped_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Serhou Guirassy has been the only constant in Borussia Dortmund's seesaw of a season, and his skillful efforts in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Lille ensured his side's continued progress in the Champions League.</p><p>Just as everything seemed to go wrong - a pair of goal-line clearances and a couple of unbelievable point-blank saves unnerved Dortmund in the first half - Guirassy won the penalty that leveled the tie and assisted the goal that won it. He now has 14 goal involvements in the Champions League, the joint-most by an African player in a single season. Guirassy hasn't gone more than two games without having some material impact on the score line, showing the kind of consistency Dortmund have lacked in a year in which they've reached the Champions League quarterfinals while toiling in 10th place in the Bundesliga. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Asensio adds extra element for Villa</h3><p><em>Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate</em></p><p>When January transfers work as intended, they provide a critical midseason boost that can ignite a team and push it over the top. Marco Asensio's move to Aston Villa is a prime example. The Spaniard, who arrived in Birmingham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day of the January window, was largely a non-factor in the French capital for the first half of the campaign, scoring two league goals in limited minutes.</p><p>But his quality has never been in doubt, and he's reminding anyone who might have forgotten about that. The 29-year-old scored twice in Wednesday's second-leg win over Club Brugge, bringing his tally to seven goals in eight games since joining Aston Villa. Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, can bring crucial big-game experience to a club that will now feature in its first European Cup quarterfinal in 42 years. Together with manager Unai Emery, another continental expert, Villa have every chance to continue their unlikely run. To do so, they'll need to defeat none other than PSG, the squad that jettisoned Asensio, in the next round. - <em>Nesci</em></p><h3>Arsenal capitalize on rare breather</h3><p><em>Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/cropped_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Arsenal's last-16 affair with PSV Eindhoven played out <em>perfectly</em> for Mikel Arteta. With a quarterfinal berth virtually sealed after a ruthless 7-1 first-leg win last week, the Gunners coach jumped at a rare opportunity to rotate his bruised and battered squad Wednesday. Seldom-used loanee Raheem Sterling delivered a solid first-half display in a makeshift attack that also saw left-back Kieran Tierney start on the wing and midfielder Mikel Merino line up as the No. 9 through the middle.</p><p>Arsenal padded their lead to progress with a 9-3 win on aggregate before a difficult quarterfinal test against holders and 15-time winners Real Madrid. But Arsenal's Champions League adventure could get a huge boost by April with Gabriel Martinelli at full strength and Bukayo Saka's expected return. Their Premier League title push is all but over, but don't discount an Arsenal side that could put all their eggs in the Champions League basket. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>Real Madrid always find a way</h3><p><em>Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties (2-2 on aggregate)</em></p><p>As Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid approached penalties, only one team seemed like the clear winner. Not because they dominated or deserved to go through, but because they have always come out on top. Madrid, of course, obliged, beating Atletico in a shootout for the sixth time in six attempts. An unlucky double touch annulled Julian Alvarez's penalty, opening up the win for Madrid and serving up an excruciating reminder of their historical supremacy over Atletico.</p><p>It really felt different when Conor Gallagher leveled the tie on aggregate just a minute into the second leg. Atletico often defended with six at the back but still produced the lion's share of chances, forcing Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois into seven saves. Even Vinicius Junior missed a penalty, which he had done only twice before in his pro career and never before for Madrid. There wasn't much more Atletico could do. But the Champions League is a funny tournament. Sometimes only the tiniest margins count. And Madrid live in those margins. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p>

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Key thoughts and analysis from Champions League round of 16

Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League on Tuesday, keeping their cool ...

<p>Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League on Tuesday, keeping their cool in a penalty shootout at Anfield to advance to the quarterfinals.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/43614" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/43614">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a>, criticized after his team's first-leg loss last week, stepped up for the Ligue 1 leaders when it counted most, saving back-to-back spot-kicks from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/162705" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/162705">Darwin Nunez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/99998" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/99998">Curtis Jones</a> in the shootout.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/187930" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/187930">Desire Doue</a> confidently dispatched the decisive effort, giving Luis Enrique's team a 4-1 victory from the penalty spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The tie finished level at one goal apiece after normal time and 30 goalless minutes of extra time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/61590" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/61590">Ousmane Dembele</a>'s early tally Tuesday nullified <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/103076" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/103076">Harvey Elliott</a>'s late strike from the first leg, sending the enthralling encounter to extra time tied 1-1 on aggregate. The red-hot French winger also converted in the shootout.</p><p>Enrique proclaimed ahead of Tuesday's game that the winner of the last-16 matchup will go all the way to this year's final.</p><p>PSG, still seeking their first Champions League title, will now be confident of making good on that statement. They'll play either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the next round of the tournament.</p><p>Despite the nail-biting finish, PSG were deserving of advancing after dominating Arne Slot's men in a way few have managed this season. </p><p>Were it not for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/55092" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/55092">Alisson Becker</a>'s superhuman performance in the first leg in Paris, the tie likely would've been decided last week; the Brazilian netminder made 16 saves over the two fixtures, with PSG outshooting Liverpool 48-21 overall.</p><p>"It was a great performance. We really deserved to go through over the two legs, hands down," PSG captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/19670" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/19670">Marquinhos</a> told Canal Plus, as translated by <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/marquinhos-says-psg-have-no-limits-after-ousting-liverpool-from-champions-league-3f199e86">Agence France-Presse</a>. "To come here and win with a very young team, one of the youngest in the Champions League, I think the coach, the staff, everyone has done a great job and I am really happy."</p><p>For Liverpool, meanwhile, Tuesday's elimination brought a premature end to what looked like it could be a special Champions League run after the Merseyside outfit cruised to first place overall in the revamped opening phase.</p><p>Slot's team must now shift attention back to domestic matters.</p><p>The Reds, who have a massive 15-point lead atop the Premier League table, will look to claim a trophy Sunday when they take on Newcastle United in the League Cup final.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Players of PSG celebrate winning the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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PSG take down Liverpool in shootout to advance in Champions League

Manchester United unveiled plans to leave Old Trafford, their historic home ground, and build a n...

<p>Manchester United unveiled plans to leave Old Trafford, their historic home ground, and build a new 100,000-seat venue that co-owner Jim Ratcliffe says will be the "world's greatest football stadium."</p><p>The proposed arena, officially <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/Statement-Man-Utd-confirms-ambition-to-build-a-new-stadium-at-Old-Trafford?t=y&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=link_post&amp;utm_campaign=muwebsite">announced</a> Tuesday, would surpass Wembley Stadium as the largest in the United Kingdom. The club is hopeful the new stadium, which could reportedly cost £2 billion, can be finished in five years, though a start date for construction hasn't been announced.</p><p>Man United have spent the past year examining if they should redevelop Old Trafford, their deteriorating venue that was opened in 1910 and has had a capacity of 76,000 since its latest expansion in 2006. Instead, the 20-time English champions have opted to build a new venue as part of a widespread "regeneration of the Old Trafford area."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport," Ratcliffe said. "By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience, only footsteps from our historic home.</p><p>"Just as important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment, not just during the construction phase, but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete."</p><p>Conceptual images for the new venue and surrounding area were released by Foster + Partners, the British architectural firm appointed on the project. Lead architect Norman Foster said the stadium will be sheltered by an umbrella design that's "twice the size of Trafalgar Square" in London.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg" srcset="https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 220w, https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 320w, https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 640w, https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 768w, https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462467_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg" srcset="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 220w, https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 320w, https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 640w, https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 768w, https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462468_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 220w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 320w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 640w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 768w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462473_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg" srcset="https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 220w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 320w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 640w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 768w, https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0311%2Fr1462469_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Images courtesy: <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news">Manchester United, Foster + Partners</a>)</p><p>The club won't need to play matches away from Old Trafford while work on the new stadium is underway, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44203117/man-united-leave-old-trafford-100000-seater-stadium">Rob Dawson of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Manchester United said the regeneration project, which has government support, would be worth £7.3 billion to the U.K. economy. Funding specifics aren't yet known.</p><p>Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former manager who oversaw the greatest period of sustained success in club history, lauded the decision to leave Old Trafford and move into a new home.</p><p>"Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in," Ferguson said. "Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made."</p>

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Man United to replace Old Trafford with new 100,000-seat stadium

Barcelona's match against Osasuna was postponed Saturday after the club announced the sudden deat...

<p>Barcelona's match against Osasuna was postponed Saturday after the club announced the sudden death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia shortly before the scheduled kickoff time.</p><p>The La Liga fixture was slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET, with fans already inside the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium before the game was called off and supporters were informed of the situation.</p><p>Minarro Garcia, 53, joined Barcelona's staff in 2017. He began working with the first-team squad last summer after a spell with the club's futsal team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," Barcelona said in a statement.</p><p>Saturday's contest will be rescheduled for a "later date," the club added.</p><p>Osasuna president Luis Sabalza said his team had no objection to the decision to postpone the game.</p><p>"We understand that life is the most important thing and you can't play a game thinking that the person with whom you've lived with for so long is not there any more," he told DAZN, as translated by <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/barca-liga-match-postponed-after-club-doctor-dies-42ac2718">Agence France-Presse</a>.</p><p>Barcelona went into the weekend sitting atop of La Liga after 26 games, one point up on Atletico Madrid and three clear of Real Madrid.</p>

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: A detailed view of the corner flag prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 28, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Barca's match vs. Osasuna postponed after death of team doctor

Referees will award corner kicks beginning next season, instead of indirect free-kicks, to punish...

<p>Referees will award corner kicks beginning next season, instead of indirect free-kicks, to punish goalkeepers who try to waste time by holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds.</p><p>The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for the laws of the sport, unanimously approved the rule change at its 139th annual general meeting in Belfast.</p><p>Law 12.2 currently states that goalkeepers can only hold the ball in their hands for six seconds during open play, with the opposition being awarded an indirect free-kick if they exceed that allotted time. However, the rule is rarely enforced, which has given netminders an easy avenue to waste time.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds (with the referee using a visual five-second countdown), the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team (rather than the current indirect free kick for more than six seconds)," IFAB <a href="https://theifab.com/news/the-ifab-tackles-goalkeeper-time-wasting">said</a> in a statement.</p><p>The new rule has been trialed in various youth leagues this season, including in England and Italy, with referees raising their arm and then incrementally bringing it down to their side like a hand on a clock to indicate the countdown.</p><p>The IFAB said four corner kicks were awarded in the 400-plus matches that were part of the trial. FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom called the test "very successful."</p><p>The change will be implemented for the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins June 14 in the United States. It will then come into effect worldwide in July.</p>

LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: David Raya of Arsenal FC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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New rule will see corner kick awarded if goalkeepers waste time in 2025-26

Major League Soccer fined Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez undisclosed amounts for separate altercati...

<p>Major League Soccer fined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/4433" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/4433">Luis Suarez</a> undisclosed amounts for separate altercations during and after Inter Miami's season-opening 2-2 draw Saturday with New York City FC.</p><p>The league <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/inter-miami-s-messi-suarez-fined-by-mls-disciplinary-committee">said</a> in a statement Tuesday that both stars were disciplined for violating its "hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent" policy.</p><p>Messi grabbed New York City assistant coach Medhi Ballouchy by the back of the neck after the final whistle of a heated affair in which Miami played most of the game with 10 men.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Messi was also seen remonstrating with the match referee after the contest.</p><p>"I don't have too many things to say. It's difficult when you are on the pitch," Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said of his captain's exchange with Ballouchy, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44013464/lionel-messi-fined-grabbing-neck-nycfc-coach">Lizzy Becherano of ESPN</a>. "And sometimes you think that things are not going the right way because sometimes you can see some mistakes from the referee. But at the end, in football, to understand the players and the emotions of the player, you have to be inside on the pitch and try to see from afar, it's difficult.</p><p>"It's difficult sometimes to control the emotions. I think the press sometimes want to create a circus about it," Mascherano, Messi's compatriot and former teammate, added. "And that happens in every game that you can discuss with the referee, with some opposing players. It's like this. It's important, what we say in Argentina, what we say, the things that happen in the pitch stay in the pitch. And we forget, we are looking forward to the next game."</p><p>MLS punished Suarez for making contact with NYCFC defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/92461" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/92461">Birk Risa</a>'s neck seconds after the whistle to end the first half of the tetchy game at Chase Stadium.</p><p>Despite their fines, Messi and Suarez will be available for Inter Miami's next MLS match against the Houston Dynamo on March 2.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during the first half of the game against the New York City FC at Chase Stadium on February 22, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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MLS fines Messi for grabbing neck of NYCFC assistant coach

The Casey Stoney era is off to an encouraging start.  Canada's women's national soccer team won t...

<p>The Casey Stoney era is off to an encouraging start.</p><p>Canada's women's national soccer team won the Pinatar Cup for the first time Tuesday, blowing away Taiwan 7-0 in the last match of the four-team invitational tournament in Murcia, Spain.</p><p>Midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/199344" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/199344">Marie-Yasmine Alidou</a> scored a first-half hat-trick, leading the sixth-ranked Canadians to a comprehensive victory over the No. 42 team in the FIFA rankings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old Alidou, who plays for Portuguese club Benfica, scored three goals within the opening 33 minutes of the one-sided contest. She now has five tallies in eight appearances for the national team.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122110" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122110">Jordyn Huitema</a>, Megan Reid, and Clarissa Larisey also got on the scoresheet for Canada, which had 74% of the ball in a dominant first half.</p><p>Stoney, making her debut as Canada's new coach at the Pinatar Cup, oversaw a 1-1 draw with China in the tournament opener last week, followed by a 2-0 triumph over Mexico. Other results in the competition meant that a victory by any scoreline Tuesday would be enough for Stoney's side to win the event.</p><p>Canada wasted no time putting the match beyond doubt, with Alidou finding the net twice within the first 15 minutes.</p><p>Stoney made good on her stated goal of using her entire squad as she tries to familiarize herself with the players at her disposal. She made six changes from the lineup that started against Mexico and, in total, gave minutes to all but two players who were part of the roster for the three-match tournament. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/199343" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/199343">Simi Awujo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159908" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159908">Jade Rose</a>, both nursing injuries, were the only players called up who didn't see the pitch in Spain.</p><p>Stoney is hopeful Canada can schedule matches at home during the next international window, which runs from March 31 to April 8.</p>

BADAJOZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 25: Marie Yasmine Alidou of Canada celebrates a goal during the International Friendly match played between Spain and Canada at Francisco de la Hera stadium on October 25, 2024, in Badajoz, Spain.

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Alidou scores hat-trick as CanWNT beats Taiwan 7-0 to win Pinatar Cup

It feels as though every time Mohamed Salah finds the net, another record falls.  Liverpool's tal...

<p>It feels as though every time <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> finds the net, another record falls.</p><p>Liverpool's talisman broke new ground by opening the scoring in Sunday's 2-0 win over Manchester City, as his deflected effort from a clever corner kick routine brought him up to 40 goal involvements in the Premier League this season. The Egyptian is the only player in the history of the competition to reach that benchmark in two different campaigns. He also accomplished the feat in 2017-18 when he was involved in 42 league goals for the Reds.</p><p>Salah added an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/93042" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/93042">Dominik Szoboszlai</a>'s goal later in the first half against Pep Guardiola's team, bringing his tally to 41 and counting (25 goals, 16 assists).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Most goal involvements in single Premier League season</strong>:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Goal Involvements</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Alan Shearer (1994-95)</td>
<td>47*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Cole (1993-94)</td>
<td>47*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thierry Henry (2002-03)</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erling Haaland (2022-23)</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Suarez (2013-14)</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mohamed Salah (2017-18)</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Mohamed Salah (2024-25)</strong></td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robin van Persie (2011-12)</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Didier Drogba (2009-10)</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thierry Henry (2004-05)</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Indicates 42-game season</em></p><p>He's the first player in Europe's top leagues to be directly involved in 50 goals across all competitions in 2024-25. It took him only 38 matches.</p><p>Salah's strike also moved him into a tie for third on Liverpool's all-time scoring chart with Gordon Hodgson. The two sit level on 241 goals. Only Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346) have scored more for the Merseyside outfit.</p><p>With Sunday's win over Manchester City, Liverpool extended their lead atop the Premier League table to 11 points. The Reds have 11 games remaining as they look to secure a record-tying 20th English top-flight title.</p><p>"It is incredible. It is a very hard place to come and play here," Salah <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/we-need-another-title-says-salah-after-special-man-city-win-867be78f">said</a> after the impressive victory. "They are a tough team and they have an incredible manager I am glad in the end we won the game. It is special. Especially when you are in the title race, it is incredible."</p><p>He added: "We need another title. Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title."</p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/22556" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/22556">Virgil van Dijk</a>, goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/55092" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/55092">Alisson Becker</a>, and defenders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/69665" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/69665">Trent Alexander-Arnold</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/30847" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/30847">Andy Robertson</a> were also part of the squad with Salah when Liverpool ended their title drought by winning the league in 2020.</p><p>Salah's contract with Liverpool is set to expire this summer, and the two sides have thus far been unable to make any progress toward an extension.</p><p><strong>Salah's season by the numbers:</strong></p><p><strong>1</strong>: Salah is the first player in Premier League history to record at least one goal and one assist in each of the two games against the reigning champions in a single season.</p><p><strong>9</strong>: Salah is now up to nine league goals against Manchester City since Guardiola took the reigns at the Etihad. No player has more in that time against the Spaniard's decorated team.</p><p><strong>16</strong>: Salah has scored 16 away goals in England's top flight this season. That's level with Kevin Phillips (1999-2000) and Harry Kane (2022-23) for most in a single campaign.</p>

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 23, 2025.

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Salah says Liverpool 'need another title' after record-setting outing vs. City

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