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MANCHESTER — Manchester City kept their Champions League campaign alive by beating Belgian side Club Brugge 3-1 in a nervy must-win match on Wednesday thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic and substitute Savinho, and a Brugge own goal.

The victory in their league-phase finale secured Pep Guardiola's men a spot in the two-legged playoff knockout round. They finished 22nd in the table, three places above elimination. They face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the knockout stage.

It's Captain America, baby.

Christian Pulisic came up big once again for AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, scoring the momentary equalizer against GNK Dinamo Zagreb. The American received the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, took a quick turn and sliced the ball into the bottom left corner in the 53rd minute.

Pulisic goal vs. Dinamo Zagreb

It couldn't get better than this, América fans.

Club América is reportedly planning to stage a highly anticipated friendly against Real Madrid at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in October 2025, according to ESPN. The match, scheduled to coincide with the club’s 109th anniversary on October 12, would see Mexican fans’ return to the stadium for the first time in over 18 months since winning their 15th league title in May, 2024.

Inter Miami and Messi fans won't like this one.

New York City FC's supporters group, Third Rail, received the prestigious "Best Tifo of the Year" award from the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) for their "Don't Be Plastic!" Barbie-themed tifo, unveiled during the club's 2024 MLS Season home match against Inter Miami.

LONDON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defended his decision to again omit forward Marcus Rashford from his squad for Sunday's 1-0 win over Fulham, insisting he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all.

Rashford has not featured for United since mid-December, after he admitted that he was ready for a new challenge in his career, with the England international not in the team's travelling party for Sunday's narrow Premier League victory.

Ronaldo has marked another milestone in his illustrious career by netting his 920th goal in a 3-1 win for Al Nassr against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo 920th goal vs. Al Fateh

The Portuguese icon’s goal came in the 87th minute following a well-timed interception by the Al Nassr midfield in the opposition's half. Ronaldo was perfectly placed to latch onto a precise cross from Sadio Mané from the left flank, with the 39-year-old sealing the victory for his team.

You won't be seeing a whole lot of Messi, U.S. Open Cup fans.

Inter Miami is almost confirmed to be one of 11 MLS teams not participating in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, as the tournament will only feature 16 MLS clubs, Inter Miami insider reporter José Armando reports.

Inter Miami OUT of U.S. Open Cup in 2025; will play Concacaf Champions Cup

The teams participating in the domestic cup competition will automatically be placed into the Round of 32, which is reportedly set to take place on May 6-7.

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

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

He's officially back, ladies and gents.

Kylian Mbappé delivered a spectacular performance as he netted his first-ever hat-trick for Real Madrid, leading his team to a 3-0 LaLiga victory over Real Valladolid away at the José Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday.

Watch: Mbappé hat trick vs. Real Valladolid

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a sublime one-two with Jude Bellingham. The quick exchange saw Mbappé glide into the box and slot the ball past Valladolid’s goalkeeper with ease, giving Madrid the lead.

MANCHESTER — Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has joined AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season, the two clubs announced on Friday.

Milan said in a statement that they also have an option to buy the England right-back, with Sky Italy saying Walker would cost around $5.24 million.

Kyle Walker Milan loan