The Athletic | Football
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
Every football story that matters. Breaking news. In-depth analysis.
🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic
🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic
The chant rang out around Molineux eight minutes into the game. It became deafening after full time.
“Second again, ole, ole.”
After conceding a 94th-minute equaliser to bottom side Wolves, the question now is: is it happening again?
✍️ @dtathletic.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
“Second again, ole, ole.”
After conceding a 94th-minute equaliser to bottom side Wolves, the question now is: is it happening again?
✍️ @dtathletic.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 19, 2026 at 8:39 AM
The chant rang out around Molineux eight minutes into the game. It became deafening after full time.
“Second again, ole, ole.”
After conceding a 94th-minute equaliser to bottom side Wolves, the question now is: is it happening again?
✍️ @dtathletic.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
“Second again, ole, ole.”
After conceding a 94th-minute equaliser to bottom side Wolves, the question now is: is it happening again?
✍️ @dtathletic.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Before Wolves' comeback against Arsenal, no team starting the day at the bottom of the Premier League had avoided defeat to a team at the top of the table when trailing by two goals or more.
An unwanted moment of history for Mikel Arteta's side.
Stat: Opta
An unwanted moment of history for Mikel Arteta's side.
Stat: Opta
February 18, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Before Wolves' comeback against Arsenal, no team starting the day at the bottom of the Premier League had avoided defeat to a team at the top of the table when trailing by two goals or more.
An unwanted moment of history for Mikel Arteta's side.
Stat: Opta
An unwanted moment of history for Mikel Arteta's side.
Stat: Opta
Club Brugge twice fight back from behind to draw 3-3 against Atletico Madrid.
Christos Tzolis' equaliser means it will be all square heading back to the Spanish capital.
Atletico are now without a clean sheet in nine Champions League games - their longest run in the history of the competition.
Christos Tzolis' equaliser means it will be all square heading back to the Spanish capital.
Atletico are now without a clean sheet in nine Champions League games - their longest run in the history of the competition.
February 18, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Club Brugge twice fight back from behind to draw 3-3 against Atletico Madrid.
Christos Tzolis' equaliser means it will be all square heading back to the Spanish capital.
Atletico are now without a clean sheet in nine Champions League games - their longest run in the history of the competition.
Christos Tzolis' equaliser means it will be all square heading back to the Spanish capital.
Atletico are now without a clean sheet in nine Champions League games - their longest run in the history of the competition.
Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League. They won't feel like it.
Mikel Arteta's side drop more points in 2026 and dangle a carrot in front of Manchester City.
A spirited fightback from Wolves, who came from two goals down, may have blown the title race wide open.
Mikel Arteta's side drop more points in 2026 and dangle a carrot in front of Manchester City.
A spirited fightback from Wolves, who came from two goals down, may have blown the title race wide open.
February 18, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League. They won't feel like it.
Mikel Arteta's side drop more points in 2026 and dangle a carrot in front of Manchester City.
A spirited fightback from Wolves, who came from two goals down, may have blown the title race wide open.
Mikel Arteta's side drop more points in 2026 and dangle a carrot in front of Manchester City.
A spirited fightback from Wolves, who came from two goals down, may have blown the title race wide open.
One of the greatest nights in Bodo/Glimt's history.
They have beaten Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and now, last season's finalists Inter.
Kjetil Knutsen's side become the first Norwegian club to win three consecutive European Cup/UEFA Champions League matches.
They have beaten Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and now, last season's finalists Inter.
Kjetil Knutsen's side become the first Norwegian club to win three consecutive European Cup/UEFA Champions League matches.
February 18, 2026 at 9:53 PM
One of the greatest nights in Bodo/Glimt's history.
They have beaten Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and now, last season's finalists Inter.
Kjetil Knutsen's side become the first Norwegian club to win three consecutive European Cup/UEFA Champions League matches.
They have beaten Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and now, last season's finalists Inter.
Kjetil Knutsen's side become the first Norwegian club to win three consecutive European Cup/UEFA Champions League matches.
Milan miss out on the chance to go within five points of rivals Inter at the top of Serie A — they drew 1-1 with Como at San Siro.
Rafael Leao's chipped effort cancelled out Nico Paz's first half opener — Como themselves failed to significantly close the gap to Juventus.
Rafael Leao's chipped effort cancelled out Nico Paz's first half opener — Como themselves failed to significantly close the gap to Juventus.
February 18, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Milan miss out on the chance to go within five points of rivals Inter at the top of Serie A — they drew 1-1 with Como at San Siro.
Rafael Leao's chipped effort cancelled out Nico Paz's first half opener — Como themselves failed to significantly close the gap to Juventus.
Rafael Leao's chipped effort cancelled out Nico Paz's first half opener — Como themselves failed to significantly close the gap to Juventus.
Bodo/Glimt won their final two games in the league phase to reach the play-off round.
They might be about to add last season's Champions League finalists Inter to their list of incredible scalps.
Two quick fire goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh have put the Norwegian side 3-1 up.
They might be about to add last season's Champions League finalists Inter to their list of incredible scalps.
Two quick fire goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh have put the Norwegian side 3-1 up.
February 18, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Bodo/Glimt won their final two games in the league phase to reach the play-off round.
They might be about to add last season's Champions League finalists Inter to their list of incredible scalps.
Two quick fire goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh have put the Norwegian side 3-1 up.
They might be about to add last season's Champions League finalists Inter to their list of incredible scalps.
Two quick fire goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh have put the Norwegian side 3-1 up.
Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal the lead against Wolves with his first goal since 3 December, ending a 15-game goal drought.
The England international was unmarked as he headed home Declan Rice's cross.
New contract, new central role, new lease of life for Saka?
The England international was unmarked as he headed home Declan Rice's cross.
New contract, new central role, new lease of life for Saka?
February 18, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal the lead against Wolves with his first goal since 3 December, ending a 15-game goal drought.
The England international was unmarked as he headed home Declan Rice's cross.
New contract, new central role, new lease of life for Saka?
The England international was unmarked as he headed home Declan Rice's cross.
New contract, new central role, new lease of life for Saka?
Only Kylian Mbappe (13 goals, one assist) has more goal involvements in this season's Champions League than Anthony Gordon, who has 12 (10 goals, two assists).
No other player has more than eight.
No other player has more than eight.
February 18, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Only Kylian Mbappe (13 goals, one assist) has more goal involvements in this season's Champions League than Anthony Gordon, who has 12 (10 goals, two assists).
No other player has more than eight.
No other player has more than eight.
Newcastle United had to travel 2,529 miles to face Qarabag.
The game was over after 35 minutes.
Anthony Gordon scored four on the night, including two penalties, to take his tally to 10 in the competition as Eddie Howe's side hit Qarabag for six in Baku.
The game was over after 35 minutes.
Anthony Gordon scored four on the night, including two penalties, to take his tally to 10 in the competition as Eddie Howe's side hit Qarabag for six in Baku.
February 18, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Newcastle United had to travel 2,529 miles to face Qarabag.
The game was over after 35 minutes.
Anthony Gordon scored four on the night, including two penalties, to take his tally to 10 in the competition as Eddie Howe's side hit Qarabag for six in Baku.
The game was over after 35 minutes.
Anthony Gordon scored four on the night, including two penalties, to take his tally to 10 in the competition as Eddie Howe's side hit Qarabag for six in Baku.
Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Gary Rowett as their new manager.
The 51-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season and replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked last month after a run of just two wins in eight league games.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
The 51-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season and replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked last month after a run of just two wins in eight league games.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Gary Rowett as their new manager.
The 51-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season and replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked last month after a run of just two wins in eight league games.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
The 51-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season and replaces Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked last month after a run of just two wins in eight league games.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Anthony Gordon has scored four, including two from the penalty spot, as Newcastle United run riot in the first half against Qarabag.
Malick Thiaw was also on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe's side lead 5-0 in Baku. In truth, it could have been more. Newcastle won't have had an easier game this season.
Malick Thiaw was also on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe's side lead 5-0 in Baku. In truth, it could have been more. Newcastle won't have had an easier game this season.
February 18, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Anthony Gordon has scored four, including two from the penalty spot, as Newcastle United run riot in the first half against Qarabag.
Malick Thiaw was also on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe's side lead 5-0 in Baku. In truth, it could have been more. Newcastle won't have had an easier game this season.
Malick Thiaw was also on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe's side lead 5-0 in Baku. In truth, it could have been more. Newcastle won't have had an easier game this season.
Anthony Gordon has a Champions League hat-trick after just 34 minutes as Newcastle United lead Qarabag 4-0 in Baku.
His second, and Newcastle's third, came from the penalty spot after Matheus Silva was adjudged to have his hand in an 'unnatural position' when Harvey Barnes' shot was blocked.
His second, and Newcastle's third, came from the penalty spot after Matheus Silva was adjudged to have his hand in an 'unnatural position' when Harvey Barnes' shot was blocked.
February 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Anthony Gordon has a Champions League hat-trick after just 34 minutes as Newcastle United lead Qarabag 4-0 in Baku.
His second, and Newcastle's third, came from the penalty spot after Matheus Silva was adjudged to have his hand in an 'unnatural position' when Harvey Barnes' shot was blocked.
His second, and Newcastle's third, came from the penalty spot after Matheus Silva was adjudged to have his hand in an 'unnatural position' when Harvey Barnes' shot was blocked.
Newcastle United's journey of 2,529 miles to Baku is the longest ever distance travelled by an English team for a Champions League away match, but it hasn't slowed them down.
Goals from Anthony Gordon and Malick Thiaw in the first eight minutes have put Eddie Howe's side in control against Qarabag.
Goals from Anthony Gordon and Malick Thiaw in the first eight minutes have put Eddie Howe's side in control against Qarabag.
February 18, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Newcastle United's journey of 2,529 miles to Baku is the longest ever distance travelled by an English team for a Champions League away match, but it hasn't slowed them down.
Goals from Anthony Gordon and Malick Thiaw in the first eight minutes have put Eddie Howe's side in control against Qarabag.
Goals from Anthony Gordon and Malick Thiaw in the first eight minutes have put Eddie Howe's side in control against Qarabag.
Ahead of this summer's World Cup, FIFA has consistently claimed that the tournament is "for everyone."
But as @melanieanzidei.bsky.social writes from personal experience, immigrant communities across the United States are increasingly feeling shut out of soccer's biggest show.
But as @melanieanzidei.bsky.social writes from personal experience, immigrant communities across the United States are increasingly feeling shut out of soccer's biggest show.
FIFA claim of a ‘World Cup for everyone’ doesn’t align with immigrant soccer fans, like me
The melting pot I grew up in had one constant: soccer was the thread that weaved so many of us together.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Ahead of this summer's World Cup, FIFA has consistently claimed that the tournament is "for everyone."
But as @melanieanzidei.bsky.social writes from personal experience, immigrant communities across the United States are increasingly feeling shut out of soccer's biggest show.
But as @melanieanzidei.bsky.social writes from personal experience, immigrant communities across the United States are increasingly feeling shut out of soccer's biggest show.
Newcastle United's 5,061-mile trip to face Qarabag in Azerbaijan is the longest ever made by an English side in the competition — and they are top for distance travelled by Premier League teams in this term's Champions League.
📝 @conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
📝 @conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Newcastle United's 5,061-mile trip to face Qarabag in Azerbaijan is the longest ever made by an English side in the competition — and they are top for distance travelled by Premier League teams in this term's Champions League.
📝 @conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
📝 @conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Arsenal have almost half the distance to travel for their remaining away matches compared to Manchester City — and the shortest distance out of all Premier League sides.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Arsenal have almost half the distance to travel for their remaining away matches compared to Manchester City — and the shortest distance out of all Premier League sides.
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
UEFA has opened an investigation into Vinicius Junior’s allegations of racist abuse but Gianluca Prestianni, the player accused, is likely to be available to play in next week’s second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Bernabeu.
UEFA opens investigation into Vinicius Jr racism allegations, Gianluca Prestianni likely available for second leg
Benfica's 1-0 loss against Real Madrid was stopped for around eight minutes after the alleged abuse was reported.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:02 PM
UEFA has opened an investigation into Vinicius Junior’s allegations of racist abuse but Gianluca Prestianni, the player accused, is likely to be available to play in next week’s second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Bernabeu.
In the second instalment of a three-part series examining Manchester United's midfield, we explore who the club should when replacing Casemiro this summer.
@markcarey93.bsky.social & @thom-harris.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
@markcarey93.bsky.social & @thom-harris.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 1:01 PM
In the second instalment of a three-part series examining Manchester United's midfield, we explore who the club should when replacing Casemiro this summer.
@markcarey93.bsky.social & @thom-harris.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
@markcarey93.bsky.social & @thom-harris.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Long-range goals are back in the Premier League.
The best players are manufacturing the space they need to make long-distance goals an increasingly reliable source of joy.
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social analyses exactly how they do it.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
The best players are manufacturing the space they need to make long-distance goals an increasingly reliable source of joy.
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social analyses exactly how they do it.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 18, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Long-range goals are back in the Premier League.
The best players are manufacturing the space they need to make long-distance goals an increasingly reliable source of joy.
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social analyses exactly how they do it.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
The best players are manufacturing the space they need to make long-distance goals an increasingly reliable source of joy.
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social analyses exactly how they do it.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
▪️ Victoria 'Posh Spice' Beckham v 'The Posh' (Peterborough United)
▪️ A 'Cold Palmer' beard trimmer
▪️ Why you can't buy an official Manchester United or Real Madrid shirt with Ronaldo on the back
@adamcrafton.bsky.social digs into the weird and wonderful world of football and trademarks.
▪️ A 'Cold Palmer' beard trimmer
▪️ Why you can't buy an official Manchester United or Real Madrid shirt with Ronaldo on the back
@adamcrafton.bsky.social digs into the weird and wonderful world of football and trademarks.
Inside the world of football trademarks – from Lionel Messi sportswear to Cole Palmer mopeds
Footballers have been known to attempt to trademark their name, likeness, or even celebration — but there are pitfalls...
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:20 PM
▪️ Victoria 'Posh Spice' Beckham v 'The Posh' (Peterborough United)
▪️ A 'Cold Palmer' beard trimmer
▪️ Why you can't buy an official Manchester United or Real Madrid shirt with Ronaldo on the back
@adamcrafton.bsky.social digs into the weird and wonderful world of football and trademarks.
▪️ A 'Cold Palmer' beard trimmer
▪️ Why you can't buy an official Manchester United or Real Madrid shirt with Ronaldo on the back
@adamcrafton.bsky.social digs into the weird and wonderful world of football and trademarks.
When it comes to Jose Mourinho's comments about Vinicius Junior alleging he was racially abused by a Benfica player, it is difficult to know where to start.
But the line about Benfica legend Eusebio is as good a place as any.
✍️ @nickmiller79.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
But the line about Benfica legend Eusebio is as good a place as any.
✍️ @nickmiller79.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 9:04 AM
When it comes to Jose Mourinho's comments about Vinicius Junior alleging he was racially abused by a Benfica player, it is difficult to know where to start.
But the line about Benfica legend Eusebio is as good a place as any.
✍️ @nickmiller79.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
But the line about Benfica legend Eusebio is as good a place as any.
✍️ @nickmiller79.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius Junior of inciting an incident that ended with the Real Madrid forward alleging racist abuse during the two sides’ Champions League play-off game on Tuesday night.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
February 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius Junior of inciting an incident that ended with the Real Madrid forward alleging racist abuse during the two sides’ Champions League play-off game on Tuesday night.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Borussia Dortmund will take a two-goal lead into their second leg against Atalanta next week.
Goals from Serhou Guirassy & Maximilian Beier give the German team their 100th win in the European Cup/Champions League.
Goals from Serhou Guirassy & Maximilian Beier give the German team their 100th win in the European Cup/Champions League.
February 17, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Borussia Dortmund will take a two-goal lead into their second leg against Atalanta next week.
Goals from Serhou Guirassy & Maximilian Beier give the German team their 100th win in the European Cup/Champions League.
Goals from Serhou Guirassy & Maximilian Beier give the German team their 100th win in the European Cup/Champions League.
Vinicius Junior's stunning strike is the difference between Benfica and Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz.
The game was halted for 10 minutes in the second half after an incident of alleged racist abuse following the goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side will take a slender lead back to the Bernabeu.
The game was halted for 10 minutes in the second half after an incident of alleged racist abuse following the goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side will take a slender lead back to the Bernabeu.
February 17, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Vinicius Junior's stunning strike is the difference between Benfica and Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz.
The game was halted for 10 minutes in the second half after an incident of alleged racist abuse following the goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side will take a slender lead back to the Bernabeu.
The game was halted for 10 minutes in the second half after an incident of alleged racist abuse following the goal.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side will take a slender lead back to the Bernabeu.