Football

Real Madrid, resting Mbappé ahead of a trip to Lisbon, beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Bernabéu to extend their league winning run to eight games and move top for at least 48 hours. Gonzalo struck early, Vinicius won and scored two penalties, and Valverde added a fine third as the home side turned efficiency into a statement result.

Real Sociedad took a significant step in the Copa del Rey semi-final at San Mamés, imposing long spells of control and finally turning superiority into a goal through Beñat Turrientes. Athletic’s stand-in cup goalkeeper Alex Padilla kept the tie alive with key saves, while a late first-half handball appeal was waved away after a VAR check.

Benjamin Sesko struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at the London Stadium, cancelling out Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener and leaving West Ham frustrated in their push for Premier League survival.

Middlesbrough extended their winning run to six matches with a 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane, a result that lifted them above Coventry City and back to the top of the Championship for the first time since mid-October.

Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba struck a late winner as Aston Villa recovered from two goals down to beat Red Bull Salzburg 3-2 at Villa Park, a match that also saw Ollie Watkins forced off with a hamstring issue. Elsewhere, Rangers’ campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat at Porto, while Lyon finished top and several playoff and top-eight places were decided across the final slate of fixtures.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase has ended, leaving 24 teams in contention. Here is when the knockout playoff draw takes place, how seeding and the bracket work, and the key dates through to the final in Budapest.

Liverpool booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with an emphatic 6-0 win over Qarabag at Anfield, finishing third in the league phase. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice as Arne Slot’s side produced a timely response to recent struggles, though Jeremie Frimpong’s early injury added to a growing defensive crisis.

Cardiff City maintained their four-point lead at the top of League One with a commanding 4-0 victory over Barnsley at Cardiff City Stadium, extending an outstanding home record and adding another clean sheet to their season tally.

Cristiano Ronaldo called for “full focus” from Al-Nassr after a 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun cut the gap to league leaders Al-Hilal to five points after 17 games, as the club enters a decisive stretch of the Saudi Pro League season.

Thierno Barry’s 76th-minute finish earned Everton a 1-1 home draw with Leeds after James Justin’s first-half opener, extending the Toffees’ winless run at home to five league matches.