Bayern Munich secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo to take complete control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Vincent Kompany’s side produced a devastating first-half display to completely blow their Italian hosts away.
The emphatic win was achieved despite star striker Harry Kane remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.
However, the sweeping away triumph was severely marred by a triple injury blow for the German heavyweights.
Olise shines in dominant first half
Josip Stanisic opened the scoring after just 12 minutes by tapping in a precise pass from Serge Gnabry.
Michael Olise doubled the advantage shortly after with a spectacular curling effort into the far corner of the net.
The relentless Bavarians added a third before the break when Olise set up Gnabry to fire home following a surging run into the box.
The Serie A outfit struggled to gain any foothold, heavily feeling the absences of key figures like Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere.
Injuries sour sensational victory
Nicolas Jackson made it four early in the second half to maintain the brutal momentum for the visitors.
The former Crystal Palace playmaker then grabbed his second of the night before Jamal Musiala volleyed home a sixth.
Despite the ruthless attacking performance, Bayern’s concerns quickly shifted to the treatment room.
Alphonso Davies left the pitch in clear distress after pulling up in the 70th minute with an unspecified muscle issue.
Goalkeeping crisis looms for Kompany
The Canadian international was shielded by teammates and consoled by his manager following another cruel physical setback.
Adding to the medical woes, Musiala limped off in added time with a concerning ankle problem.
Back-up goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, deputising for the already sidelined Manuel Neuer, also sustained an injury following a heavy collision.
Mario Pasalic netted a late consolation for the hosts deep into stoppage time.
The six-time European champions will host the return leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday holding a seemingly unassailable five-goal cushion.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has separated from his fiancée and entered a legal custody battle over their two young daughters.
The 27-year-old Slovenian confirmed the split from long-term partner Anamaria Goltes in a statement, citing difficulties in bringing his family to the United States during the basketball season.
“I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement,” Doncic said.
“Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”
Legal proceedings begin in California
Goltes recently filed a petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees, a legal move the former Dallas Mavericks guard was reportedly unaware of.
Sources indicate the Los Angeles playmaker has consistently provided for his family financially since signing a three-year, $165m contract extension in August.
In response to the escalating situation, the basketball superstar filed an interim injunction with Slovenian courts on 26 February to establish immediate contact with his children.
He has reportedly not seen his daughters, Gabriela and Olivia, since a tense overseas visit late last year.
Police called during maternity ward visit
The couple welcomed their second child in Slovenia during December, prompting the player to miss consecutive games against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics to travel back to Europe.
A dispute ensued at Kranj Maternity Hospital when the high-scoring guard expressed a desire to bring his eldest daughter back to America.
Police were called to the medical facility by Goltes, but responding officers later confirmed that no criminal offenses or misdemeanors had taken place.
Following the incident, the player left peacefully and flew back to the United States on the same day.
“I was there for the birth of my daughter, so that means everything to me, but it was definitely a roller coaster,” he remarked upon returning to his team.
Speculation regarding the couple’s relationship status had intensified in recent weeks after all photographs of the pair were deleted from Goltes’ social media accounts.
Arsenal are planning a summer move to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer when his current contract expires.
The 29-year-old Germany international will be available for nothing at the end of the season, attracting heavy interest from the North London club.
Mikel Arteta’s side are actively seeking to bolster their central options ahead of the next Premier League campaign.
Tonali price tag deters suitors
Meanwhile, the Gunners have reportedly ended their pursuit of Newcastle United’s Italian playmaker Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies have slapped a hefty £77m price tag on the 25-year-old, effectively pricing Juventus out of a potential return to Serie A.
However, domestic rivals Manchester United and Manchester City remain closely monitoring the former AC Milan star’s situation.
A three-way Premier League battle is also brewing over Freiburg’s emerging 20-year-old Swiss talent Johan Manzambi, with Chelsea joining United and Arsenal in the hunt.
Silva eyed by Juventus as Chelsea retain Delap
In Italy, Juventus have initiated discussions regarding a move for Manchester City veteran Bernardo Silva.
The 31-year-old Portuguese international is nearing the end of his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Back in London, Chelsea have decided against selling striker Liam Delap during the upcoming transfer window.
The 23-year-old Englishman has endured a frustrating, injury-plagued season at Stamford Bridge, managing just a single league goal.
Liverpool seek defensive reinforcements
Liverpool are actively scanning the market for defensive additions, identifying Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nnamdi Collins as a primary target.
The 22-year-old German youth international is also currently being tracked by Arsenal scouts.
Elsewhere, Barcelona are exploring alternative attacking options if they fail to secure a permanent deal for on-loan England forward Marcus Rashford.
Finally, Crystal Palace are at the front of the queue to sign Millwall winger Femi Azeez, fighting off interest from Everton and Brentford.
Lamine Yamal converted a 94th-minute penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Harvey Barnes appeared to have secured a famous victory for the Premier League side when he steered home at the back post with five minutes of normal time remaining.
However, a rash challenge on Fermin Lopez deep into stoppage time prompted the referee to immediately point to the spot.
The teenage Spanish sensation stepped up to send goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way and deny Eddie Howe’s team a vital first-leg advantage.
Magpies rue missed opportunities
The hosts had earlier celebrated what they thought was the opening goal with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton reacted quickest to convert after a Barnes effort struck the woodwork, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.
Despite dominating promising attacking positions throughout a lively first half, the Tyneside outfit struggled to seriously test visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The blistering pace of Anthony Elanga provided a constant outlet for the home side, though a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved a recurring frustration.
Tie delicately poised for Catalonia return
At the other end, the Catalan giants created their clearest opening from open play just past the hour mark.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski stretched to meet a dangerous cross from Raphinha but could only guide his strike narrowly wide of the post under intense defensive pressure.
Marcus Rashford, who scored twice at this venue during the league phase of the competition, was introduced for the final 20 minutes but could not repeat his previous heroics against English opposition.
Instead, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall produced an impressive display to contain the electric Yamal for much of the evening, before the late defensive lapse cost his team dearly.
The late equaliser dramatically alters the complexion of the tie ahead of next week’s daunting second leg at the Nou Camp.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first leg following a disastrous first-half collapse.
Igor Tudor’s relegation-threatened side found themselves four goals behind within just 22 minutes of a chaotic European encounter.
Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was substituted uninjured inside the opening 20 minutes after being at fault for two of the early strikes.
Pedro Porro managed to pull a goal back for the struggling Premier League outfit, but their defensive frailties remained glaringly obvious.
Van de Ven survives dismissal scare
The spotlight quickly shifted to Micky van de Ven after the Dutch defender flew into a reckless challenge in the 38th minute.
The Netherlands international was highly fortunate to avoid a straight red card, managing to stay on the pitch despite the severity of the tackle.
This latest disciplinary incident follows closely on the heels of his sending-off during a recent 3-1 domestic defeat against Crystal Palace.
Prominent football journalists were quick to condemn the actions of the lightning-fast centre-back.
“Micky Van de Ven very, very lucky. Bad challenge. Should be red.”
Supporters question defender’s commitment
While sympathetic towards their substituted goalkeeper, the travelling support directed significant anger towards their central defender.
Fans took to social media to accuse the former Wolfsburg man of being completely disengaged and tarnishing his legacy in North London.
“Van de Ven should ABSOLUTELY be deducted wages. His performances this season have been absolutely scandalous, almost deliberately bad.”
Another furious spectator suggested the player’s recent form could even deter potential suitors from making a transfer bid.
“It’s time for Van de Ven to pack his bags he has completely checked out.”
The heavy European defeat compounds a miserable campaign for the Tottenham squad.
Currently battling against relegation in the domestic league, Tudor’s men face an almost impossible task ahead of the return leg.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals after a dominant 6-2 6-4 straight-sets victory over 16th seed Naomi Osaka on Tuesday.
The Belarusian top seed extended her flawless run in the California desert, where she is yet to drop a single set in the tournament.
It was the first meeting between the two players since the 2018 US Open, a match the Japanese star won en route to claiming her maiden major title.
Early dominance sets the tone
Osaka began the contest confidently with a strong opening service game, but soon succumbed to a brief dip in form.
Capitalising on two double faults from her opponent, the reigning world number one broke serve early to establish a 2-1 lead.
She then tightened her grip on the opening set with a barrage of powerful backhands, serving it out comfortably with a clinical ace.
Decisive break secures straight-sets win
Although the second set started with a series of solid holds, the formidable Belarusian once again used her devastating firepower to take control.
A crucial break in the sixth game secured a 4-2 advantage, allowing her to confidently close out the match and secure her quarter-final berth.
Speaking after the match, the victorious top seed expressed her satisfaction at overturning the result of their previous encounter.
Renewed rivalry and future prospects
“Yeah that’s crazy, for so many years we only played once, but I’m pretty sure we are playing many more matches now she’s coming back playing great tennis.”
“I’m happy that I put so much pressure on her today, that I brought variety to the court.”
Last year’s runner-up will now continue her quest for a first Indian Wells title against either 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko or American Amanda Anisimova.
Barcelona have identified two alternative wingers as they weigh up whether to trigger the £26m permanent purchase option for Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.
The Catalan giants are eager to secure the England international on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell away from Old Trafford.
However, Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli and Mallorca prospect Jan Virgili are being monitored as contingency plans if the deal collapses.
The Spanish heavyweights still hold a 20 per cent stake in Ezzalzouli and retained half of Virgili’s economic rights after selling him for £3m last summer.
Financial constraints and squad roles
A permanent stay in Spain remains the most probable outcome for the United academy graduate, despite this renewed interest in the younger duo.
Reports in Spain suggest an agreement over wages is already in place, though conflicting sources claim personal terms are yet to be finalised.
The La Liga leaders must carefully balance their ongoing financial difficulties against a squad hierarchy where the 26-year-old is not guaranteed a regular starting berth.
With wide players Raphinha and Lamine Yamal currently preferred on the flanks when fully fit, the versatile attacker has frequently found himself utilised as an impact substitute.
Search for a central striker
Manager Hansi Flick also faces the pressing task of finding a long-term successor to veteran talisman Robert Lewandowski.
Allocating significant funds to a new centre-forward could heavily restrict the budget available to finalise a permanent deal for the English forward.
The loanee recently operated centrally during a Copa Del Rey semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid, though the Catalan side were ultimately eliminated on aggregate.
Flick praises professional mindset
Despite accepting a diminished starting role in recent domestic fixtures, the player’s attitude has drawn immense praise from his head coach.
“I try to speak to every player when they are not selected and the last time I checked with him he replied to me, ‘Boss, you don’t have to tell me about your decisions.'”
Flick revealed that the forward prioritised the team’s broader success over his individual playing time.
“The most important thing is the team. We have to win the three points. The rest is not that important.”
The German tactician described this selfless response as the perfect mentality for a squad competing on multiple fronts.
“What I can say is that he is an absolutely professional player. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he is at his best level.”
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to join the Kansas City Chiefs as the 2026 NFL free agency period opens with a flurry of major running back moves.
The highly sought-after rusher arrives in Missouri following a stellar campaign where he recorded the second 1,000-yard season of his four-year professional career.
His addition addresses a critical area of need for a franchise attempting to rebound from a highly disappointing 6-11 record in 2025.
The Chiefs have not featured a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt achieved the feat nine years ago.
Kansas City are also anticipating the return of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes from a knee injury in September, providing hope for a revitalised offence.
Dowdle heads to Pittsburgh
In another significant backfield shift, Rico Dowdle has agreed to a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The dynamic runner is expected to bring a decisive, straight-line rushing style to Mike McCarthy’s newly reshaped squad.
Dowdle previously enjoyed a breakout stretch with the Carolina Panthers, proving his capability as a versatile offensive weapon in both the running and passing games.
He will likely form a formidable split-backfield partnership alongside Jaylen Warren in Pennsylvania.
Etienne swaps Jacksonville for New Orleans
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have bolstered their offensive arsenal by acquiring 27-year-old Travis Etienne Jr.
The former Jacksonville Jaguar finished the 2025 season as a top-tier running back, regaining much of the elite volume he demonstrated in 2023.
His arrival adds immediate pedigree and top-end speed to a Saints rushing attack looking to dominate the upcoming campaign.