Vinicius Junior scored and then alleged he had been racially abused during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win away to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, while Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to beat Monaco 3-2.
Nottingham Forest’s new boss Vitor Pereira insists he has full faith in owner Evangelos Marinakis following a chaotic season that has seen three managers dismissed.
Spanish champions Barcelona fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona on Monday to leave them trailing Real Madrid by two points at the top of La Liga.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique dismissed any suggestions of dressing room disharmony as the reigning European champions prepared to put their continental title on the line this midweek against domestic rivals Monaco.
Ahead of Benfica’s clash with Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho rejected suggestions he is plotting a return to the Spanish giants under Florentino Perez.
Niko Kovac wants Borussia Dortmund to translate strong domestic performances into Champions League success when they face Atalanta in a high-stakes knockout play-off clash.
Mohamed Salah, Serhou Guirassy and Edmond Tapsoba were among the standout African performers across the latest round of European football action.
Kylian Mbappe is set to return for Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown at Benfica, placing fresh focus on his high-stakes partnership with Vinicius Junior.
Mikel Arteta admitted concern over Arsenal’s swelling injury list, warning key absences could derail their push for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
The Gunners delivered a controlled, four-goal victory over Wigan to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.