Sports
UWCL playoff round preview: Can Arsenal maintain winning momentum?
The inaugural UEFA Women’s Champions League play-offs get underway on Wednesday, ushering in a new chapter in the competition’s format and raising the stakes for the eight teams in the mix.
The sides that finished between fifth and 12th in the league phase now face a high-pressure, two-legged battle to progress to the knockouts and with little room for error, the play-offs present contrasting motivations. Established powers such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg are aiming to reaffirm their place among Europe’s elite, while Manchester United and OH Leuven hope to rewrite history and extend what has already been a standout debut campaign. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are driven by the chance to recapture former glory, each pushing to surpass their best-ever runs in the competition.
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Aside from Wolfsburg and Juventus — familiar adversaries from previous editions of the competition — all remaining ties feature opponents who already crossed paths in the league phase. However, much has changed since those earlier meetings, with the winter break and transfer window reshaping squads, form, and momentum across the board.
With quarterfinal places on the line at the end of March, the stakes are high. The winners will advance to face the four teams who secured automatic qualification to the knockouts: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and OL Lyonnes.
Arsenal vs. OH Leuven: Rejuvenated Arsenal present a different challenge
The last time Arsenal faced debutants OH Leuven came at the tail end of 2025 during a turbulent period for the reigning champions. A poor run of form had left them needing not only a win, but also several favourable results elsewhere to secure a top-four finish. Disappointing outcomes in both the Champions League and the Women’s Super League (WSL) had effectively derailed their European title defence and domestic push for a first title since 2019, with losses and draws all but ruling them out of contention.
That context could not be more different from the one surrounding this two-legged play-off, as Arsenal have started the second half of the season in formidable fashion. Taking seven points from fellow top three sides in their first three league matches of the year has sent a clear message, including a narrow 1-0 victory over champions-elect Manchester City that’s opened the door slightly on the title race. Momentum has carried beyond the domestic competitions, with Arsenal lifting the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup and claiming the mantle of world champions, though they were aided by the advantages afforded to them.
Their 3-0 victory over OH Leuven in the league phase came at a time when Arsenal were struggling for attacking fluency, regularly failing to convert chances, and showing uncharacteristic defensive vulnerability. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the performance was far from their best. Now, however, the title holders appear to have finally found their rhythm at both ends of the pitch, and OL Leuven are likely in for a far sterner test if they are to reach the knockouts for the first time.
Paris FC vs. Real Madrid: Spanish side’s chance for an El Clasico knockout
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Paris FC in the league phase, a result that summed up a campaign marked by inconsistency. Expectations around the side have often outpaced their on-pitch output, but a potential breakthrough looms if they can navigate the play-offs. Waiting on the other side could be the women’s Champions League’s first El Clasico since 2022 — a painful 5-2 drubbing — but old wounds may be the motivation needed to galvanise this Madrid squad.
Madrid endured 18 consecutive defeats at the hands of the Catalans. However, their landmark first Clasico victory in March 2025 has shifted the narrative. That result not only boosted belief domestically, but could also prove decisive in sharpening focus against Paris FC and in reigniting ambitions to challenge Europe’s elite, including last season’s finalists and former champions.
Historically, Madrid have never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of the competition. The desire to finally disrupt Barcelona’s dominance and secure a first-ever semifinal appearance may be the fuel that drives them forward.
There is no shortage of intent or ambition within the squad, but the execution has been lacking on pitch. Conversion remains their biggest concern. Despite averaging more than 20 shots per game this season, Madrid have repeatedly struggled to turn pressure into goals, often scoring just once or twice per match. If they can find greater ruthlessness in front of goal, the pathway to their deepest Champions League run yet may finally open.
Wolfsburg vs. Juventus: German side’s inability to hold positive positions proves Juve’s biggest chance
Wolfsburg have often looked in control during both individual matches and stretches of the league phase this season, yet time and again they have found ways to let those advantages slip. Few sides have been as consistently well-positioned, and few have been as frustrated by the outcomes. For example, the German giants managed to protect leads in their opening two fixtures before eight-time champions OL Lyonnes handed them their first defeat of the campaign. A subsequent victory over Manchester United appeared to steady the ship, leaving Wolfsburg in a strong position: if they could avoid defeat in their final two matches, a top-four finish would have been secured.
Instead, familiar flaws resurfaced. Against Real Madrid, Wolfsburg failed to capitalise despite enjoying a two-player advantage, falling to a damaging 2-0 defeat. Days later, an early lead against Chelsea once again went to waste, ending in a 2-1 loss. They ranked 16th out of 18 league-phase teams in minutes trailing (166), which reinforced a long-standing concern about the club: when Wolfsburg are on top, they too often struggle to maintain control and see games through.
That inconsistency makes this fixture difficult to predict. History offers some comfort — Wolfsburg remain one of the only winners of the competition — but recent years suggest a lingering psychological hurdle. They have not lifted the trophy since 2014 and memories of the 2023 final remain raw, when a commanding early 2-0 lead descended into a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona.
It is unlikely that Wolfsburg will have fixed this issue of surrendering winning positions ahead of facing Juventus. Until they prove otherwise, confidence in their ability to close out decisive moments will remain fragile, and the Italian side may look to capitalise on those fragilities to reach the knockouts.
Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United: Are we seeing the rise of Atletico?
Atletico and United have already crossed paths during the league phase, where the English debutants claimed a narrow 1-0 win. The Spanish side have quietly established themselves as one of the competition’s dark horses, navigating the group stage without elimination and, on paper at least, securing one of the more favourable routes to the knockout rounds.
United, making their competition debut, present a formidable challenge. Conscious of their struggles in front of goal earlier in the campaign, they have reinforced their attacking options with three new signings in an effort to add cutting edge. Yet Atleti’s steady rise has shifted the balance of the tie in their favour.
The ill-tempered contest that saw both sides reduced to 10 players last time out has only sharpened Atleti’s resolve as they look to make a statement on the European stage. The Spanish side found the net 13 times across their six league-phase matches, underlining their attacking threat, and both teams arrive in improved form compared to their last encounter.
Atletico also have won four of their last five two-legged ties in UEFA competitions. By contrast, United’s limited experience at this level is reflected in a mixed record, with one win and one defeat across two-legged ties.
For Atletico, this represents a chance to rekindle European momentum they have not truly felt since their quarter-final appearance in 2019-20. Having often struggled to even qualify in recent seasons, an impressive league campaign last year has altered perceptions. Now, belief is growing that this run could go further.
CHICAGO — Alabama players sat teary-eyed at their lockers Friday night at the United Center, still processing a season with plenty of twists before reaching its endpoint against Michigan in the Sweet 16.
The No. 4 seed Crimson Tide started their 14th different lineup against No. 1 seed Michigan, one that had carried them to two dominant wins in the NCAA tournament but ultimately wouldn’t measure up in a 90-77 loss. Alabama’s starters could have included center Charles Bediako and guard Aden Holloway, who both contributed during the season but are no longer with the team, albeit for very different reasons.
“We would not have gotten outrebounded by 13 tonight had we been able to continue to play [Bediako],” coach Nate Oats said.
Michigan held a 46-32 edge in rebounds and finished with 34 points in the paint, while the Tide had 20. Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell, a forward who had to play some center without another sizable low-post presence, acknowledged the season contained “some complicated things.”
“But as a team, we did a great job fighting all the adversity and keeping it between us,” he said.
Oats praised the group as one of the most enjoyable he has had, noting that the team’s leadership was the best he has seen in seven seasons at Alabama. The coach noted all the lineups Alabama used, and added that he “couldn’t be more proud of the group.”
The Tide played their third straight game without Holloway, their second-leading scorer (16.8 points per game) and a third-team All-SEC selection, who was arrested on a felony drug charge earlier this month. An Alabama judge granted Holloway’s request to travel Friday, but he did not join the team and remained banned from all school-related activities. Police found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in Holloway’s apartment after they executed a search warrant in Tuscaloosa.
Bediako’s absence was felt more in the Michigan loss, even though he last played for Alabama on Feb. 7 against Auburn. The 7-footer left Alabama for the NBA draft in 2023, signed a two-way NBA contract and played the past three seasons in the G League. He returned to play five games for the Tide and averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds while navigating the courts, but ultimately had a motion for a preliminary injunction denied by a state judge in February, ending his college career.
After Saturday’s loss, Oats referenced the case of Baylor center James Nnaji, another former NBA draft pick who never played in the league. Nnaji was cleared to play on Christmas Eve.
“We saw the opportunity to bring some size on after all the adversity we went through, after Nnaji was declared eligible, and most people, including ourselves, thought if they’re going to make Nnaji eligible, that Bediako would be eligible,” Oats said. “We had one judge who thought so. He would’ve definitely helped the situation with the rebounding.”
Guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and others said players have often talked about everything that transpired during the season, which is why they will never forget the 2025-26 team.
“We stayed together, we played for each other, we built off of continuous growth, selfless love and maximum effort,” Sherrell said. “We just stuck through this to those core values, and we went this far.”
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Tiger Woods was released from jail Friday night after he was arrested earlier in the day on a DUI charge following a car crash in Florida.
In a mugshot released hours after his arrest, Woods’ eyes appeared bloodshot, as he donned a blue polo inside the Martin County Jail in Florida.
Woods was seen leaving the jail in the passenger seat of a black SUV after his release on bail late Friday, according to The Associated Press.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed in a news conference that Woods was traveling at “a high rate of speed” when his vehicle collided with another car, resulting in his vehicle rolling over onto the driver’s side.
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Tiger Woods was booked into Martin County, Florida, jail on March 27, 2026. (AP)
Authorities said Woods “exemplified signs of impairment.” He blew “triple-zeroes” for alcohol but refused a urine test.
“DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests,” Budensiek added.
“We really weren’t suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case, and that proved to be true at the jail. … But when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused. And, so, he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
Woods was spotted on the phone after the crash, wearing navy blue shorts.
Woods was charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a test, all misdemeanor charges. No one was injured, authorities said. Woods was alone in the car and crawled out of the passenger door after the crash.
Tiger Woods was driven from the Martin County Jail after being arrested for driving under the influence following a car crash on March 27, 2026, in Stuart, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
VANESSA, KAI TRUMP TAKE IN TIGER WOODS’ RETURN TO GOLF AT TGL FINALS
“This could’ve been a lot worse,” Budensiek noted.
President Donald Trump commented on the arrest of his “very close friend.”
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “There was an accident, and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulty.”
Woods has not commented on the arrest.
Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after getting into a car crash on Friday. (Associated Press)
Woods currently is dating Trump’s ex-daughter-in-law, Vanessa, whose daughter, Kai, is set to play college golf in Miami next week.
This is Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and being asleep behind the wheel of a running car at 3 a.m.
In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.
Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Jason Oteri/AP)
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Woods made his return to competitive golf earlier this week in the TGL championship after rupturing his Achilles just before last year’s Masters (this year’s tournament is in less than two weeks). Woods has not appeared on the links since the 2024 PGA Championship, in which he missed the cut.
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Mohamed Salah formally broke the news on Tuesday that many Liverpool fans had felt was coming for several months: that he will be cutting his contract short and leaving Anfield on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Salah signed a new two-year deal with the Reds last summer. However, since then a dip in form, a slip down the pecking order, an explosive public outburst and a subsequent nosedive in his relationship with head coach Arne Slot, has seen the Egypt international fail to get as much game time as he feels he deserves.
However, since arriving in 2017, Salah has firmly established himself as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players and will undoubtedly depart a hero regardless of the current circumstances.
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The 33-year-old has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for the club (putting him third on their all-time list) and been instrumental in two Premier League title triumphs, domestic cup successes and the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2018-19.
He has also collected a number of individual plaudits, including three PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards, two Premier League Player of the Season awards and four Premier League Golden Boots.
Salah was also bestowed with the illustrious Puskás Award as part of The Best FIFA Award gala night in 2018, which — unlike the majority of his vast array of prizes and trophies — raised more than a few quizzical eyebrows around the world.
The forward was handed world football’s Goal of the Year award via an online fan vote for his strike against Everton in December 2017, when he collected the ball on the edge of the box before darting between two defenders and curling an exquisite finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Of course, it was and remains a perfectly decent goal. Yet many at the time were baffled to see Salah’s effort deemed to be the most beautiful goal scored that year … when it wasn’t even his best goal of 2017-18, or anywhere close.
The sentiment was even echoed by teammate James Milner, who offered wry congratulations to his then-Liverpool teammate after the winner was announced, fending off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and a clutch of scorching golazos from the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“Congrats Mo Salah on your 7th best goal from last season winning goal of the year,” Milner wrote in a social-media post which also featured “#oneofmanyworldies” among several hashtags and emojis.
But was Milner right? By our count there were at least six Salah strikes from his imperious 2017-18 season that deserved a place on the Puskás short list ahead of his goal in the Merseyside derby. But, whether you agree with this subjective list or not, it serves as a reminder of just what a player Salah has been for Liverpool.
Salah scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Southampton including a lovely effort from outside the box. The precise, angled finish was fairly similar to his strike against Everton but from a little further out.
2. Nov. 29, 2017 vs. Stoke City
Another rampant 3-0 win saw Salah score the goal of the game when he connected with a dinked cross from Sadio Mané to thump a vicious volley past the goalkeeper. The powerful finish was actually voted Goal of the Month by Liverpool fans.
Liverpool inflicted a first Premier League defeat of 2017-18 on Manchester City with a frantic 4-3 victory over the leaders at Anfield that went down as the game of the season. The score went from 1-1 to 4-1 in the space of just nine hectic minutes with Salah scoring what proved to be the decisive goal with an audacious 35-yard lob.
Liverpool and Spurs contested another dramatic thriller that saw the two sides trade stoppage-time goals in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Anfield. Salah opened the scoring for the home side before Victor Wanyama pegged them back with an absolutely monstrous hit from distance. The Egypt international then looked to have snatched a 91st-minute win when he wriggled through a cluster of four defenders and belted it past Hugo Lloris. However, a 96-minute penalty from Harry Kane spoiled the party somewhat.
5. March 17, 2018 vs. Watford
Salah scored four goals (and assisted the other) in a 5-0 rout at Anfield on what proved to be one of many virtuoso displays for the nimble forward this season. His first was good, the second was slick and the third was nigh-on ingenious as the Reds star somehow fended off an entire pack of defenders before prodding an improvised finish past the goalkeeper.
6. April 24, 2018 vs. AS Roma
If you’ll forgive the obvious pun, Salah filed another five-star performance in Liverpool’s 5-2 thrashing of his former club in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. He opened the scoring with his best goal of the night, curling an immaculate shot beyond the outstretched arm of future teammate Alisson Becker. He then dinked home a second before laying on assists for the Reds’ third and fourth goals of the evening.
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