A memorable UEFA Women’s Champions League season resumes this week with the first leg of the knockout phase playoffs, headlined by Arsenal’s attempts to defend their title and a batch of first-timers who hope to extend their stay in Europe’s top club competition.
The Gunners will face Belgium’s OH Leuven, who have become the Champions League’s Cinderella story during their first-ever stint in the competition proper. Leuven went undefeated against a handful of well-regarded sides during the league phase, proving their worth against some Champions League regulars in the process. How they match up against one of the game’s elites in Arsenal, who are in the midst of a resurgence after a poor start to the season, is another question entirely, though.
Fellow UWCL newcomers Manchester United also return to action with a tie against Atletico Madrid, one that will offer a litmus test of their progress in the midst of a memorable season. Two-time Women’s Champions League winners Wolfsburg, meanwhile, will take on six-time Italian champions Juventus and the fixture list is rounded out by Real Madrid’s faceoff with Paris FC.
The winners of these ties await meetings with Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals after that quartet secured direct passageway to the final eight with a top four finish in the league phase.
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Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
How to watch
Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network will each be a one-stop shop for the first leg of the Women’s Champions League knockout phase playoffs, with both platforms simulcasting all coverage and every minute of the action. Coverage will begin with a new edition of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Today pre-match show before the early match, while studio coverage resumes in between matches and concludes with the post-match show to recap the action on Wednesday and Thursday.
UEFA Women’s Champions League bracket
Knockout phase playoffs first leg schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Storylines for the knockout phase playoffs
Are Arsenal turning things around?: The reigning European champions got off to a slow start this season, so much so that they missed out on a direct berth to the Champions League quarterfinals and currently sit outside the top three in the Women’s Super League as things stand, meaning qualification for next season’s competition is no sure thing. They may have officially corrected course, though – they have just one loss in their last 14, a stretch that includes lifting the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. The list also includes impressive wins over Chelsea and Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City in recent weeks, a signal that the Gunners might be peaking at just the right time as the business end of the European season begins.
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They have an intriguing obstacle in front of them in OH Leuven, the Belgian side that have become everyone’s favorite underdog and reached the knockouts in their first-ever Champions League season. They went unbeaten against Paris FC, Twente, Roma and Paris Saint-Germain but their two losses in the league phase might be telling. Defeats to Barcelona and Arsenal, who breezed through a 3-0 win on Matchday 6, indicate that Leuven may still be a step behind the elites of the game.
Can Manchester United keep going?: Manchester United have been on a steady upward trajectory since they were officially founded in 2018, a path that has allowed them to reach new heights this season. They currently sit second in the WSL, eight points adrift of league leaders Manchester City but rising above the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal in the process, and finished just one point short of a direct berth in the UWCL quarterfinals, returning to their first-ever European season as a true dark horse. Their knockout phase playoff tie against Atletico Madrid, though, will test them in more ways than one as United continue a memorable season.
United got the better of Atleti in a 1-0 win on Matchday 2 thanks to a goal from Fridolina Rolfo, who has been a boon since her summer move from Barcelona. Rolfo has three goals for United in the Champions League so far, doing her best to contribute to a goal-shy attacking unit that scored just seven times during the league phase. United are also one of three teams that qualified for the knockouts with a negative goal differential, though U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce will be counted on to come up big. Atleti, though, have their own attacking star in Spain international Fiamma Benitez, who has four goals in the UWCL this season. The Spanish side also have the benefit of experience – they have four of their last five two-legged ties in UEFA competition, while United have one win and one loss, a signal of their lack of experience at this level.
Dana White recently shared an update on the UFC White House event and made a bold prediction about the scope of the card.
The UFC White House event will take place in June as part of the historic America250 celebrations. The event will feature a stacked fight card with some of the promotion’s biggest stars expected to compete. The bouts will notably take place on the South Lawn, with the fighters set to walk out of the Oval Office.
In a recent interview on CBS Sports, White confirmed that he’ll be busy with matchmaking for the card this week and claimed that it will be “the most-watched UFC event” ever. He said:
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“This is a one-of-one event. It’s something that will never happen again… All the logistics are done, and we believe this is going to be the most-watched UFC event ever… It’s going to introduce a lot of people to [professional fighting], those who’ve never seen it before.”
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He added:
“When you talk about me, my executive team, the staff that works here, the media that covers us, and the fighters, this is going to be the most unique, amazing nights of our entire careers… When we go to do something, I like to deliver, and I like to deliver big. It’s going to be special.”
Dana White shares attendance numbers for UFC White House
In an interview on the CBS Morning show, the UFC CEO claimed that about 5000 people would be on the South Lawn and about 85,000 people on the park across the street. He said:
“We’ve literally just got done on all the logistics of how to set it up there, how many people we can have. It’s looking like we are going to have five thousand people on the White House lawn, on the South lawn and then across the street, it’s a park, it’s called the Ellipse, we are going to have eighty five thousand people there, we are going to have big screens.”
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has accused a viral fan Frank Ilett of chasing attention after his unusual haircut challenge became a major talking point during United’s recent run of form.
Rooney said the focus should be on the team and their progress under interim coach Michael Carrick, rather than off-field distractions involving supporters.
“I’d put him to the other side of the country, he’s DOING MY HEAD IN.”
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“We’re talking about Carrick and United trying to win their fifth game in a row and the whole thing is about this guy getting his haircut.”
The former England captain suggested the fan was enjoying the spotlight and might be unhappy if United kept winning and the attention faded.
“I bet he’d be devastated if United win the fifth game because all of a sudden he’s IRRELEVANT.”
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Rooney’s comments have sparked mixed reactions among Manchester United supporters on social media, with some backing his view while others defended the fan’s harmless challenge.
The fan, Frank Ilett, popularly known online as The United Strand, had gone viral for refusing to cut his hair until United won five games in a row. His challenge reached 493 days and attracted huge attention online, with over 265,000 viewers watching his live stream during United’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.
Carrick’s first four games in charge ended in victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, leaving Ilett just one win away from completing his challenge. However, United failed to beat West Ham, forcing him to continue the challenge.
Tomas Soucek gave West Ham the lead in the second half, while Casemiro had a goal ruled out for offside. United later equalised, but the draw ended their winning streak and left the fan “heartbroken” on his live stream.
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“It’s tough,” Ilett said after the match. “It’s tough to think, really. We go again, I guess.”
With United failing to secure the fifth straight win, The United Strand will continue his haircut challenge, while Rooney’s blunt remarks continue to dominate debate among fans.
NEW DELHI: Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq once again found himself at the centre of a fierce debate over his bowling action after his match-winning performance against the United States in the 2026 T20 World Cup, with veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stepping in to defend bowlers amid mounting criticism online. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tariq’s distinctive “pause-and-deliver” action sparked a fresh wave of “chucking” accusations on social media despite the ICC having cleared his action twice last year.
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“Even football doesn’t allow players to pause during a penalty run-up anymore. How is this ok? Action — all good. But pause? That too while loading to deliver. This can’t be continued seriously,” Goswami posted.Ashwin, however, offered a different perspective, agreeing with the football analogy but arguing that cricket’s regulations often place disproportionate restrictions on bowlers. “Agree football doesn’t allow it! While the batter can switch-hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after committing to bat on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler?” Ashwin wrote on social media. “In fact, the bowler isn’t allowed to change the arm with which he/she bowls without informing the umpire. They should first change that rule.”Under ICC rules, a bowler’s elbow extension must not exceed 15 degrees between the arm reaching horizontal and the point of release — a guideline frequently referenced in online criticism of Tariq. The spinner has previously addressed the scrutiny, insisting that his arm bend is natural.
Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has finally spoken about the most difficult period of his career, revealing the mental health struggles that forced him to step away from football.
After months of silence, the defender has now returned to the pitch and, more importantly, to a better mental place.
The defender explained that the match was an important step in his recovery and confidence.
“The truth is, I’m feeling really good. I felt very comfortable. I think I played a good game. I was also able to help with the goal, which was great for me.
“Physically, I felt strong too. At the end, I was obviously tired because I hadn’t played so many minutes in a long time, but overall, I’m very, very happy.”
The red card against Chelsea
The Uruguayan also reflected on how much he has changed since his red card in London on November 25, an incident that marked the start of his break from football.
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Araujo was sent off against Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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“I’ve changed quite a bit because I’ve learned a lot during this time. I think it was what I needed to do after that decision I made.
“I feel different and I’m happy about that because I’m more comfortable, happier. I can enjoy what I love doing, which is playing football, and that helps a lot.”
When asked what exactly had changed, Araujo explained that the time away helped him gain a new perspective on life and football.
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“Well, you see things from another point of view. I felt that the worst of the worst was over and now I see things differently.
“The time I took off was for a reason, because in the end I was able to work on it with professionals, with my family, and spiritually, which was what I needed.”
Looking back at the red card against Chelsea, Araujo revealed that the moment was only part of a deeper and longer struggle.
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“It was a combination of things. I hadn’t been feeling well for a long time, maybe more than a year and a half. You try to be strong, but I felt that I wasn’t well.
“Not only on a sporting level, but also on a family and personal level. I wasn’t feeling myself, and that was when I clicked and said: Something is happening, I need to raise my hand and ask for help.
“I’m one of those people who keep everything to myself, but you also have to understand that there are professionals who can help you.
“I needed to raise my hand and say that something was happening to me in order to recover.”
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Been dealing with it for a long time
He also revealed the extent of the issue, admitting that anxiety had turned into depression while he was still playing matches.
Araujo has opened up on his mental state. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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“In the moment, you feel sad, but then, when the game is over, it all hits you. I already felt that I wasn’t well, that’s the truth, but out of inertia, you try to keep going, and sometimes you need help.
“I had been suffering from anxiety for a year and a half, which turned into depression, and I was playing like that. That doesn’t help, because you don’t feel like yourself on the field.
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“When I wasn’t feeling well, I knew something was going on. That day, I realised that I needed to talk to professionals and the club so they could help me.”
Despite the mental struggle, Araujo insisted that quitting football was never truly on his mind.
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“I didn’t think about giving up playing, but you consider a lot of things because I wasn’t feeling myself.
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“I knew my performance wasn’t what I’m capable of. That’s why you consider a lot of things, but it wasn’t the idea.”
“First, I spoke to Deco because he’s the sporting director and he’s close to us. I told him what was happening to me.
“At first, he was a little surprised because it’s not very common for a Barcelona player to tell him these things, but he took it very well, in a very personal way.
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“From the very first minute, Deco called the president and the coach. They were spectacular.
“I’m very grateful to Deco, the president, the coach, and also to the people behind the scenes who you might not see, who are part of our day-to-day lives. The club gave me everything I needed to recover.”
Araujo is thankful to Flick. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“He took it very personally. Flick knows my condition, and it was clear that I wasn’t performing at my best. He knew something was going on.
“From the beginning, he sent me messages telling me to take my time recovering, that the most important thing was to get through it well.”
Araujo admitted that the dressing room also played a key role during his darkest days.
“A huge one. After making the decision, I had some really bad days. I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was hard, because I had always dreamed of playing football and now I had to stop.”
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He also remembered the encouraging words from teammates, which helped him stay motivated.
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“They were all very nice messages from Pedri, Frenkie… Messages like, “Take it easy, get well, and come back as the titan you always are.” That was really nice because you see that they trust you.”
Support from the football community
Finally, Araujo revealed that the support went beyond Barcelona, with players from other clubs reaching out privately.
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“That surprised me a lot. When I decided to stop, I didn’t imagine the boom it would cause, but, of course, we’re at Barça. Players from other teams in Italy and Germany.
“They appreciated what I had done.
“Some told me they had been through the same thing but had kept it to themselves because they were perhaps being paid, they were afraid to stop, afraid of how people would react.”
Puerto Rico’s Xander Zayas had perhaps the best eight-day period any boxer could ask for.
After defeating Abass Baraou in front of 12,000 of his hometown fans in San Juan on Jan. 31 to unify the WBA and WBO super welterweight titles, Zayas flew straight to San Francisco so he could rehearse with Bad Bunny for his Puerto Rico-inspired performance at Super Bowl LX’s halftime show this past Sunday.
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“Man, the day of [the Super Bowl] was a very big energy,” Zayas told Uncrowned’s “The Boys in the Back” show Tuesday, “not just from me but from everybody in the cast — all the dancers, all the models, all the actors. Even [Bad Bunny]. Everybody was just so amped up when we got there and were setting up. When we were waiting for the music to start dropping, everybody was just so anxious and ready to go, fired up. You could tell it was just an amazing atmosphere.
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“Being a part of it and being able to go to a couple of events, I got to meet some great people — J Balvin, Ronald Acuña, Lady Gaga,” Zayas continued. “I was actually surprised that most of these artists and big athletes knew who I was, [they] knew my name. Obviously, J Balvin — when I come up to him, he’s like, “Oh, you’re the fighter, right?” It was insane. Ricky Martin did the same thing. Ricky Martin, when he met me, he was like, ‘Man, you’re Xander Zayas, man. That’s amazing.’ It was insane. Great experience. It was beautiful to be part of such a historic event, and I can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Zayas signed a marketing deal with Bad Bunny’s Rimas Sports this past September to help him become a star. The partnership paved the way for Zayas to appear on a halftime show watched by more than 128.2 million viewers and experience a surge in popularity.
Zayas’ relationship with Bad Bunny was a much-needed move for the 23-year-old. As the youngest unified male world champion in boxing, Zayas is clearly succeeding inside the ring. The gate receipts for his latest fight with Baraou are expected to exceed $1 million, representing the vast local support he is receiving. However, Zayas’s unification bout with Baraou struggled to garner the interest it deserved on the wider stage.
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That is because two months prior to Zayas signing with Bad Bunny, his promoter, Top Rank, lost its broadcast deal with ESPN and has yet to replace it. As a result, Zayas’ fight with Baraou was streamed on Top Rank’s FAST channels. To make matters worse, the bout was forced to compete for coverage alongside the highly-anticipated Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez matchup, which took place at the same time, further reducing its presence.
Zayas already has two super welterweight world titles, and now he’s setting his sights on picking up the other two. WBC titlist Sebastian Fundora already has a fight with Keith Thurman locked in for March 28, however newly-crowned IBF champion Josh Kelly dethroned Bakhram Murtazaliev just hours before Zayas’ win over Baraou, perfectly aligning the pair’s fight schedules.
“What I do know is that [Top Rank has] already made a call to Matchroom [Kelly’s promoter] and team Josh Kelly because that’s who I want to face next,” Zayas said. “That’s what I told [Top Rank] that I wanted to do. I wanted to collect a third belt. So I know they did that. We’re waiting on a response from Josh Kelly’s team, and hopefully we can make something happen for the summer.”
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“Yessir [the goal is to be undisputed]. Again, just little by little, step by step — the next step hopefully is Josh Kelly. That’s what I want. That’s what he wants because he’s also said the same thing, so we’re both on the same page. Now it’s making sure that it gets done, and then after that, seeing what’s next, and hopefully Sebastian Fundora right after I win that belt.”
“[The Kelly fight] must be in the United States — neutral ground, kind of, for both of us,” Zayas added, “me being Puerto Rican and him being from England. I don’t think it’ll take place either in England or in Puerto Rico. But here in the United States is something that we can make happen, for sure.”
Kelly, from Sunderland, is keen on a fight at his football team’s stadium, Stadium of Light. He said after his win over Murtazaliev that his main preference was to fight at his home stadium next. An initial conversation has taken place between Matchroom and the club to stage a summer blockbuster event. Kelly is also interested in a clash with fellow Brit Conor Benn, but Benn is understood to be pursuing title options at welterweight. Kelly’s promoter also represents top 154-pound contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Jake Paul’s business partner and co-founder of MVP Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, has highlighted three possible options for the internet star’s next outing.
Prior to the finish, Paul had spent most of their fight in survival mode, doing his best to evade each of Joshua’s attacks while repeatedly throwing himself to the canvas.
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Given the terrific size difference between them, though, Paul could perhaps be forgiven for not wishing to engage with his hard-hitting opponent.
He is, after all, far from a natural heavyweight, and with such limited professional boxing experience, too, it seems that he has now made the wise decision to move back down to 200lbs.
Since then, the pair have expressed varying degrees of interest in a potential rematch, which MVP promoter Bidarian has named as a fight that ‘should be made.’
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Speaking with Boxing Social, Bidarian discussed the likelihood of Fury-Paul 2 while, at the same time, mentioning Viddal Riley and Darren Till as possible opponents.
“The most obvious [opponent] is Tommy Fury – that’s a fight that should be made if Tommy is reasonable, in terms of what the terms are of the fight.
“But I think Viddal Riley’s an interesting fight; I think Darren Till’s an interesting fight. Those three names come to mind as interesting fights.”
British champion Riley and would be considered an almighty favourite against Paul, with his most notable wins having come against Cheavon Clarke and Mikael Lawal.
Former UFC fighter Till, meanwhile, is perhaps a more favourable option for Paul, given that their levels of boxing experience are not exactly worlds apart.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Tom Pelissero on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
This is not a secret: the Minnesota Vikings will onboard a new quarterback this offseason, either to support J.J. McCarthy as a veteran backup or compete for his job at training camp. And thanks to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, an early list is reportedly on the table, including Kirk Cousins, Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, and Geno Smith.
Pelissero’s list puts Cousins, Jones, Murray, and Smith in the Vikings’ orbit as Minnesota weighs its big quarterback decision.
It’s not a list from heaven, but Minnesota could do much worse.
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Pelissero’s List Illuminates Minnesota’s Quarterback Plan
The quarterback position takes center stage early in the Vikings’ offseason.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins surveys the field late at Bank of America Stadium during a road matchup, operating Minnesota’s offense in the fourth quarter on Oct. 1, 2023, as the game tightened in Charlotte. The moment captured Cousins managing pressure and clock while the Vikings pushed for a finish against Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
Kirk Cousins
If Cousins’ return to Minnesota is a genuine possibility, the central question becomes not whether it happens, but what role he would fill.
Cousins was an undisputed QB1 for years, but that’s no longer the case. A reunion would be complex, and Kevin O’Connell would face three options: immediately install Cousins as the Week 1 starter, allow him to compete with J.J. McCarthy, or use him as a strictly backup option — the same insurance role he was projected for in Atlanta in 2025.
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In 2023, his last season as Minnesota’s starter, Cousins ranked fifth in the NFL among quarterbacks in EPA per play. In 2024, that number plummeted to 30th out of 35 qualifying passers. Any assessment must consider his torn Achilles from a few years ago; projecting Cousins’ performance in 2026 demands more realism and less nostalgia.
The primary allure of a return lies in the financial aspect. Because the Falcons have essentially already paid Cousins — handsomely — for 2026, his next contract will likely be a bargain. That changes the discourse significantly. The cap-related frustration that followed him from 2018 to 2023 disappears if his salary aligns with that of a backup.
If affordability eliminates the resentment that once surrounded Cousins, will parts of the fanbase that rejected him at his previous price now embrace him at a discount — especially if his role is flexible rather than guaranteed? Who knows.
Mac Jones
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The main item surrounding Jones’s 2026 plans isn’t if he can start in the NFL, but what it would cost to acquire him.
In 2025, Jones started eight games for San Francisco, leading the 49ers to a 5–3 record. Extrapolated to a full season, those numbers project to 4,570 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 69.6 percent completion rate. That’s Top 15 QB stuff.
Those statistics are also comparable to Sam Darnold’s 2024 season, the same year Minnesota finished 14–3. Neither Jones’s recent game film nor his efficiency metrics suggest he would suddenly regress in Minnesota.
San Francisco is positioned to capitalize on the desperation of quarterback-needy teams via trade, and Minnesota must decide if it will enter the Jones sweepstakes. Jones is a good fit for many teams. Ultimately, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski must decide if sending 1st- or 2nd-Round pick to The Bay — or something similar — is worth it.
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Kyler Murray
Murray’s talent is evident, regardless of other options.
Over seven seasons, his EPA+CPOE numbers exceed those of Baker Mayfield, C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, and Daniel Jones — all quarterbacks currently projected to start in 2026. That established efficiency isn’t negotiable, even though some Vikings fans are oddly hesitant about Murray to Minnesota.
Arizona’s situation strengthens Murray’s case for change. With a new head coach, the Cardinals seem ready to move on after seven years and just one playoff appearance with Murray. The man could be traded any day or released in March.
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Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray prepares on the sideline at State Farm Stadium before kickoff, pulling on his helmet prior to facing Atlanta on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale. The pregame scene showed Murray locked in as Arizona finalized plans and personnel ahead of a home matchup under bright desert lights. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images.
Considering only realistic possibilities, Murray quickly emerges as a top candidate. Based on his career production and status as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, he represents the best quarterback Minnesota could realistically acquire this offseason, barring improbable trades involving players like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson.
Murray has everything going for him on any given Sunday — aside from height — passing accuracy, arm strength, speed, mobility, and experience.
Geno Smith
Smith’s extensive resume sets him apart from many quarterbacks available this offseason, making him an attractive option for teams that want stability and insurance.
Since 2013, Smith has started 98 games, with his teams compiling a 42–56 record along the way. He averages roughly 203 passing yards per game, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 124 to 89, and has added 12 rushing touchdowns.
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Raiders quarterback Geno Smith watches the sideline at NRG Stadium during a road contest, tracking communication as Las Vegas faced Houston on Dec. 21, 2025, in Texas. The in-game moment reflected Smith assessing adjustments and flow while the offense navigated a challenging environment away from home under prime-time conditions. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
Seattle’s decision to name him their starter in 2022 revitalized his career, as Smith seized the opportunity, delivering a breakout season with 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He retained the role for three seasons before joining the Raiders via trade, which propelled the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win after signing Sam Darnold in 2025 free agency.
However, Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas appears short-lived. With the Raiders widely expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza using the first overall pick in April, Smith could be traded or demoted. Should he seek a new team, Minnesota is a decent landing spot for all parties.
It’s worth noting that Smith will turn 36 in October.
