Europe

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham struck a last-gasp goal to give the holders a 3-2 first-leg victory over Manchester City in an edge-of-your-seat Champions League knockout phase playoff on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Diaz also struck for Real, to cancel out a double from City's Erling Haaland.

England international Bellingham scored the winner in the 92nd minute when Vinicius looped the ball over from the left and the Englishman got in front of John Stones to tap home.

Bellingham goal vs Man City

LONDON — Australia women's soccer captain Sam Kerr was on Tuesday found not guilty of racially abusing a British police officer after a dispute with a cab driver.

Kerr, who has Indian ancestry, called officer Stephen Lovell "stupid and white" after police were called following a drunken dispute with a cab driver in the early hours of January 30, 2023.

Clubs worldwide spent a record $2.35 billion on international transfers in men's soccer in the January window, nearly a 58% increase from last year, world soccer's governing body FIFA said in a study published on Friday.

According to FIFA's International Transfer Snapshot, the amount is also 47.1% higher than the previous record set in January 2023 when there was a total outlay of $1.57 billion.

LIVERPOOL — Holders Liverpool punched their return ticket to Wembley and a League Cup final against Newcastle United after a 4-0 rout, and 4-1 aggregate victory, over a toothless Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday.

The runaway favorites took the lead, to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against the injury-depleted visitors, when Cody Gakpo fired in a right-foot shot in the 34th minute from a Mohamed Salah cross.

LONDON — Australia women's soccer captain Sam Kerr said she felt British police treated her differently because of the color of her skin, as she gave evidence in a London court on Wednesday while on trial accused of racially abusing a white police officer.

Kerr, who has Indian ancestry, told officer Stephen Lovell that "you guys are fucking stupid and white" after police were called following a drunken dispute with a cab driver in the early hours of Jan. 30, 2023.

Sam Kerr police officer video

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

NOTTINGHAM — Fired-up Nottingham Forest thumped Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0 helped by a hat trick from striker Chris Wood in their Premier League clash at the City Ground on Saturday in an emphatic bounce back from last week's humbling 5-0 loss at Bournemouth.

Forest move to 47 points after 24 games to consolidate third spot as they chase Champions League qualification, while Brighton are ninth on 34. Forest are now level with second-placed Arsenal, who host Manchester City in fourth on Sunday.

United States women’s national team fans have noticed a new trend happening. American players are flocking across the pond with more USWNT players in Europe by the week.

The biggest story in January was Chelsea breaking the bank and spending $1.1 million on Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC. This set the record for the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history.

Two more USWNT players have also left the NWSL as Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn both departed Gotham FC for European clubs.