Soccer

4:28 AM ET Even while Real Madrid have been imposing a magnificent stranglehold on LaLiga‘s title race, it has been fascinating to see and hear Xavi Hernandez’s early attempts to coax and even taunt a reaction out of Barcelona, as they languish seven places and 18 points behind their eternal rivals. To put it mildly,

4:00 AM ET Tor-Kristian Karlsen The January transfer window is getting ever closer and clubs are starting to think seriously about the players they want to strengthen their squads. 2 Related Traditionally, mid-season isn’t a time for major moves, but the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on football finances is unpredictable and the summer window saw plenty

12:07 PM ET What a weekend! Even before the chaos of the Champions League draw, the past 48 hours delivered a ton of talking points across Europe’s top leagues. Real Madrid‘s big derby win over Atletico Madrid feels decisive in LaLiga’s title race, while Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all won to keep all three

11:07 AM ET Paris Saint-Germain must win the Champions League the hard way after being paired with Real Madrid in the re-drawn Round of 16 on Monday, following a software error that led to the initial draw — which had PSG facing Manchester United — being declared void by UEFA. – Champions League draw: PSG-Real

5:53 AM ET Champions League holders Chelsea will find out their opponents for the knockout stages of the competition with the draw taking place at 11 a.m. GMT / 6 a.m. ET on Monday. Thomas Tuchel’s side are looking to become the first club to retain the Champions League title since Real Madrid in 2018.

8:07 PM ET Was this the weekend that saw decisive moves by the leaders in Spain and Germany? Real Madrid and Bayern Munich fans certainly hope so! Elsewhere, Juventus dropped more points, a USMNT youngster scored a vital goal and Manchester United were thankful for their world-class goalkeeper. Here are Rob Dawson, Andrew Cesare Richardson,

Dec 10, 2021 Sid LoweSpain writer “Wanted: Worthy Rival for a Decent Derby.” Oh, they got that all right. It was November 2011, more than a decade into a long, long run of dominance from Real Madrid and their fans were getting bored, or so they claimed. They said they actually wanted Atletico Madrid to

5:00 AM ET PORTLAND, Ore. — When fans started lining up outside Providence Park on Monday, five days before the Timbers were set to host their first MLS Cup, their rationale boiled down to something simple: They wanted to experience history. Portland has billed itself as Soccer City USA for decades and the opportunities to

9:19 PM ET PORTLAND, Ore. — Ronny Deila is a man of his word. Minutes after New York City FC had claimed its first MLS Cup, beating the Portland Timbers via penalties, there was Deila, the coach stripping down to his underwear in front of the team’s fans and doing pushups on the Providence Park

2:29 PM ET Two-hundred-thirty-eight days ago, 27 teams had visions of lifting MLS Cup. That dream has long been extinguished for all but the Portland Timbers and New York City FC, who contest the league’s showpiece event on Saturday (3 p.m. ET, stream live on ABC). For the first time, the Rose City plays host

5:50 PM ET Caitlin Murray OL Reign has decided not to protect USWNT player Megan Rapinoe in upcoming NWSL expansion draft. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images United States women’s team stars Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Kelley O’Hara are among those who have been left unprotected by their teams and are available to be taken in next

10:44 AM ET PORTLAND, Ore. — On a rainy Thursday at Providence Park, the Portland Timbers‘ home venue has all the trappings of base camp on Mount Everest. Shelters have been constructed. Sleeping bags and blankets are everywhere. Propane canisters and space heaters provide little additional warmth against the December chill. Adult beverages are expected

Dec 9, 2021 No matter what he does as Aston Villa manager, Steven Gerrard’s post-playing career will ultimately be defined by whether his path takes him back to Liverpool. Football loves the story of a returning hero and there are none bigger than Gerrard when it comes to going back to the club he graced

4:00 AM ET Ralf Rangnick has identified Manchester United’s midfield as an area of weakness — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest. Jump to: Chelsea fear Azpilicueta exit | Man City keen on Arsenal’s Tavares | Van De Beek’s Everton move is off | Spurs’ Bergwijn on the move? Rangnick talks up Bellingham, Haidara, Phillips

12:17 PM ET EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Young midfielder Richy Ledezma had just completed his first full contact session in nearly a year. It was with the Under-19s; the 21-year-old was smiling, his teeth chattering in the cold and rain on the balcony of PSV Eindhoven‘s training centre as he talked it through. One of the

7:00 AM ET Matchday six of the Champions League brought the group stage to a close. Three teams — Ajax, Bayern Munich and Liverpool — qualified for the knockout phase with a 100% record while Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United ensured that the Premier League will be fully represented in the round of 16.

4:00 AM ET Tor-Kristian Karlsen The Champions League is a competition that defines careers. A few good performances on the biggest club stage in Europe can enhance a player’s reputation, get them a new contract, or even attract a host of scouts from opposing teams. 2 Related Over the years we have been blessed to

Barcelona will play in the Europa League in the new year. The very same Barcelona that wanted to — and still want to — form a European Super League earlier this year are no longer good enough to make the knockout rounds of the Champions League, missing it for the first time in 17 seasons.