Lazar Samardzic scored with the final kick of the game to send Atalanta into the Champions League last 16 following a chaotic victory over Borussia Dortmund.
The substitute kept his composure to smash a penalty into the roof of the net deep into stoppage time.
However, the decisive moment was overshadowed by a furious finale that saw three red cards brandished moments before the winner.
Stoppage-time mayhem
Tensions boiled over in Bergamo as the high-stakes encounter reached its conclusion.
An incident in added time reportedly left a player with a head injury as the referee struggled to regain control.
Official confirmation of the dismissed players is expected shortly following the mass confrontation.
Samardzic the hero
Despite the ugly scenes, the Serbia midfielder remained focused to convert the spot-kick.
The result ensures the Serie A club progress to the knockout stages at the expense of their German opponents.
Manchester United have yet to formally reopen contract negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo despite the midfielder looking to commit his long-term future to the club.
The academy graduate’s current deal runs until the summer of 2027, but uncertainty remains regarding an extension.
Mainoo previously rejected a new offer over a year ago and had sought a loan move after seeing playing time limited under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Carrick resurgence
Since re-establishing himself as a key figure under Michael Carrick, the 20-year-old has indicated a desire to stay at Old Trafford.
However, reports suggest that club officials have not yet restarted formal discussions regarding an improved package.
The energetic midfielder has amassed 92 appearances for the Red Devils since his breakthrough in the 2022-23 campaign.
Casemiro exit confirmed
United are under pressure to retain their homegrown talent following the confirmation that Casemiro will depart this summer.
The club declined to trigger a one-year extension option in the Brazilian’s contract, allowing the 34-year-old to leave on a free transfer.
The five-time Champions League winner is reportedly considering offers from Major League Soccer and Serie A.
“I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” said Casemiro.
“From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.”
Recruitment chiefs at Old Trafford remain in the market for further midfield reinforcements regardless of the outcome of Mainoo’s negotiations.
Marcus Rashford is poised to complete a permanent transfer to Barcelona after the Spanish club agreed to meet his £26m buyout clause.
The England international is reportedly willing to accept a significant wage reduction to ensure his departure from Manchester United becomes official.
Rashford’s representatives met with Barcelona sporting director Deco on Monday to accelerate negotiations regarding personal terms.
Financial compromise
Hansi Flick’s side have been working to restructure the forward’s salary to fit within their financial constraints.
The Manchester United academy graduate has reportedly made it clear he will do whatever is necessary to remain in Catalonia.
Barcelona originally hoped to negotiate a lower transfer fee but have now reportedly accepted the €30m (£26m) figure required to secure his services.
Club officials are said to be calmly finalising the agreement, with optimism that the player’s market value will rise significantly in the future.
Rediscovering form in Spain
The 26-year-old moved to La Liga on a season-long loan seeking regular first-team football after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Following a brief loan spell at Aston Villa last year, the attacker appears to have revitalised his career under Flick.
He has contributed significantly to the team’s attack, registering 10 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season.
‘I want to stay at Barca’
Rashford has made no secret of his desire to turn his temporary switch into a long-term stay.
“I’m adapting very well to the club and the city,” Rashford told Spanish outlet Sport.
“From the moment I arrived I felt that everyone welcomed me very well.”
He added that while staying is the ultimate objective, his immediate focus remains on securing silverware.
“Of course what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s an end goal.”
“The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles.”
A formal announcement regarding the permanent transfer is expected at the conclusion of the current season.
Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Brighton utility man Jack Hinshelwood in a summer deal valued at approximately £48m.
The Gunners are reportedly prioritising the versatile 20-year-old as they look to bolster their ranks with elite young talent.
Mikel Arteta’s side face stiff competition for his signature, with Manchester City and Liverpool also monitoring the situation closely.
However, the north London club are believed to be at the head of the queue ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Versatility appeals to Arteta
Hinshelwood’s ability to operate across the pitch is viewed as a major asset by the Arsenal recruitment team.
While predominantly a central midfielder, the England Under-21 international has featured effectively at both right-back and left-back this season.
This adaptability mirrors the profile of player Arteta has frequently targeted to provide depth across multiple competitions.
The Worthing-born talent is considered one of the brightest prospects on the south coast, having already established himself as a Premier League regular.
Seagulls demand significant fee
Brighton are understood to be demanding a fee in the region of £48m to sanction a departure.
The Seagulls hold a strong negotiating position, with the player’s contract at the Amex Stadium running until 2028.
Any sale would represent pure profit for the club given Hinshelwood’s status as an academy graduate.
Arsenal, currently challenging for the Premier League title, are expected to test Brighton’s resolve as they plan for the long-term future of their midfield.
Kris Boyd believes the loser of Sunday’s Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox will be eliminated from the Scottish Premiership title race as Hearts continue to lead the pack.
The traditional dominance of the Glasgow giants has been challenged this season, with the Jam Tarts currently sitting four points clear at the summit of the table.
Danny Rohl’s side occupy second place, while their city rivals trail a further two points behind, albeit with a game in hand.
High stakes in Glasgow
The encounter at Ibrox on Sunday carries significantly more weight than usual given the emergence of a genuine third force in the division.
Rangers missed an opportunity to close the gap last weekend, requiring a comeback to salvage a draw against Livingston.
Despite that slip-up, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes the momentum currently lies with the home side.
“At this moment in time with Celtic, and the way the season has gone, every sensible person would make Rangers favourites for Sunday.”
Chris Sutton, former Celtic striker
Sutton highlighted the contrasting atmospheres surrounding the two clubs as a deciding factor.
The pundit suggests that while there is nervousness at Ibrox following the Livingston result, the environment is far more stable than at Parkhead.
“Rangers are a more harmonious club at this moment in time. There’s a nervousness among the fanbase… but they’re still a team where they’ve got a slip-up in them.”
Boyd predicts title elimination
With Hearts expected to secure three points against Aberdeen on Saturday, the pressure on the Glasgow duo to keep pace is immense.
Former Rangers forward Kris Boyd feels that a defeat for either side would be terminal to their championship aspirations.
“Whoever loses it, for me, is out of it, especially Celtic. I can’t see any way back for Celtic if Rangers are to get the victory.”
Kris Boyd, former Rangers striker
The Hoops have a game in hand to play on Wednesday, but points on the board are crucial as the season enters its latter stages.
Boyd insists that home advantage will play a pivotal role for Rohl’s men in this high-pressure scenario.
“I don’t think Danny Rohl has any problem in getting his team up for an Old Firm game anyway, but at home, I don’t think there’ll be any problem.”
Sunday’s match kicks off at 12:00 GMT.
Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday knowing a win will bolster their Premier League title bid and extend a formidable record against capital rivals.
The Gunners are entering the final countdown of the season with just 10 matches separating them from a potential first league crown in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side regained momentum in the title race with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
William Saliba has urged his teammates to handle the intensity of the run-in as the pressure mounts.
“There is always a pressure because it’s the best league in the world but we’ll give everything and we will embrace the pressure,” said the French defender.
Dominance in the capital
Sunday’s fixture presents an opportunity for the league leaders to continue a relentless run of form against local opposition.
Following the victory against Spurs, the north London club have won 18 and lost just one of their last 25 meetings with teams from the capital.
Their recent history against Chelsea is particularly strong, with Arsenal remaining unbeaten against the Blues since August 2021.
The two sides have met 10 times since that defeat, with the Gunners reasserting authority in the fixture.
Navigating the run-in
The fixture list appears favourable for Arteta’s men, with three of their final five games to be played at home.
Furthermore, three of their last four matches are London derbies against Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace.
However, a pivotal trip to the Etihad Stadium to face defending champions Manchester City remains the only away fixture against a top-half side.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has suggested Arsenal are capable of winning at City to prove their credentials.
Arteta demands passion
Manager Arteta believes the motivation of ending the club’s long wait for silverware is driving the squad forward.
“It’s the purpose that we have, the objective that we have, it’s what we love doing,” Arteta explained regarding the title charge.
“Football shows you that, keep going, whatever you do, you win, keep going.”
“If you lose, drop, keep going, because it is worth it, especially with the people that we have in this club.”
Arsenal and Manchester City face the prospect of playing each other four times in just 28 days following the upcoming Champions League draw.
A potentially chaotic calendar
The two Premier League title rivals are on course for a congested run of fixtures across March and April which could determine the outcome of their respective seasons.
They will discover their European fate at 11:00 GMT on Friday when the quarter-final pairings are decided.
Should the two sides be drawn together, it would create a sequence of four matches that effectively serves as a series to decide the destination of major silverware.
The intense period is scheduled to begin with the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 22 March.
The dates for the diary
The Wembley showpiece kicks off the battle between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, with the winner likely to take significant momentum into the season’s run-in.
If the English giants are paired in Europe, the quarter-final first leg would take place on 7 or 8 April.
The return leg would follow a week later, with the Gunners guaranteed to play the second fixture at home as a reward for topping the Champions League league phase.
Sandwiched between these potential European nights is a critical Premier League encounter.
The league fixture at Etihad Stadium is currently pencilled in for 18 April, though it is expected to be moved for television coverage.
European pathways
Both clubs sit in the same half of the draw, meaning a quarter-final meeting remains a distinct possibility if they navigate the last 16.
Beyond a potential domestic clash, the north London side’s route to glory could involve tough tests against the likes of Borussia Dortmund or Atalanta.
Alternatively, a more favourable path might pit Arteta’s men against Bayer Leverkusen or Sporting Lisbon.
The congested schedule is already causing logistical issues, with Arsenal’s home game against Everton facing a potential reschedule.
That fixture, currently set for 15 March, may be brought forward by 24 hours depending on how the balls fall during Friday’s draw.
Barcelona board member Joan Soler has insisted the club are financially capable of signing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland this summer.
Soler’s comments come just weeks before the Catalan giants hold their presidential elections.
The club has navigated severe economic turbulence in recent years, grappling with debts exceeding £1bn.
Ambitions for Premier League stars
Despite the well-documented fiscal issues, the current administration claims to have stabilised the ship.
Soler, a key figure under current president Joan Laporta, believes the La Liga leaders can now compete for the world’s most expensive talent.
He specifically identified the Premier League’s top scorer and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as viable targets.
“Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland,” Soler told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.
“These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona’s finances are ready for it.”
Election pressure and wage limits
Laporta is the favourite to win re-election when members vote on 15 March.
However, rival candidates have accused the current board of embellishing the reality of the club’s recovery.
The delay in returning to the Spotify Camp Nou has further strained revenue streams.
Soler maintained that while big signings are possible, the club will not break its salary cap structure.
“At the end of the day, Barca must be very careful about the commitments it makes regarding its wage structure,” he added.
“We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it. We must sign players at market prices while keeping an eye on our wage structure.”
Replacing Lewandowski
The pursuit of a marquee forward is driven by the contract situation of Robert Lewandowski.
The veteran Polish international’s current deal is set to expire in June.
Sporting director Deco is reportedly exploring the market for a long-term successor to the former Bayern Munich star.
While Haaland remains the dream target, World Cup winner Alvarez is considered a strong alternative.
However, Atletico Madrid have reportedly placed a valuation of nearly £175m on the Argentine attacker.