Defending

It comes as no surprise but Real Madrid, for the 31st time in 31 editions of the competition, has reached the Champions League Round of 16 with two matches still to play.

Group F looked decidedly simple for Real alongside RB Leipzig, Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk, but Shakhtar almost handed los Blancos their first defeat of the campaign Tuesday after Oleksandr Zubkov had given the "home" side a 46th-minute advantage in Warsaw, Poland.

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies has suffered a skull contusion after he was kicked in the head during Saturday's draw with Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga champions said on Sunday.

Davies, 21, was challenging Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham for the ball towards the end of the first half and his head came into contact with the English midfielder's raised boot.

American defender Auston Trusty was the hero for EFL Championship side Birmingham City on Saturday after scoring a brace in his team’s 3-0 victory vs. Bristol City.

The 24-year-old from Media, Pennsylvania, isn’t known for scoring goals. Trusty had three goals across 181 games in his club career coming into the game. Saturday’s clash with Bristol City will be one that the Arsenal loanee never forgets.

The New York Red Bulls announced a new four-year contract for defender John Tolkin on Wednesday.

The deal runs through the 2027 season and includes an option for 2028.

"We are very excited to sign John to a new contract and keep him with the club," NYRB head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a news release. "He had a very successful season, and we are pleased to have him on our team for years to come."

INKED ✍️

In the 17th minute of Real Salt Lake’s match against Atlas on Thursday night, defender Aaron Herrera let fly from 70 yards out and spectacularly scored without the ball bouncing once.

GOLAZO!

AARON HERRERA SCORED FROM 70 YARDS AWAY pic.twitter.com/z3UosHKcks

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 23, 2022

It doesn't seem fair to even call it a tackle. A more apt description would be “murder attempt.” Wolves found itself behind early against Manchester City, but center back Nathan Collins almost killed Man City winger Jack Grealish with a ridiculous challenge, as City cruised to a 3-0 win. 

Wolves Red Card — Nathan Collins Horror Tackle On Jack Grealish

A straight red card to Nathan Collins for this foul on Jack Grealish. Wolves are down to 10 men.

Robert Lewandowski was about to mark his return to Munich with a goal against his former club. He looked sure to finish with aplomb as he had hundreds of times before while playing with Bayern. Then, from out of nowhere, came Noussair Mazraoui to save the day. 

Bayern Munich beat Barcelona yet again in the Champions League, spoiling Lewandowski’s return to the Allianz Arena with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday. Lucas Hernández and Leroy Sané scored four minutes apart early in the second half as Bayern went top of Group C. 

After being told he wouldn't play a minute at Barcelona this season, Sergiño Dest has successfully engineered a move away from the Camp Nou by joining AC Milan on a one-year loan with an option to make it permanent for $20 million.