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Dybala Double Sends Roma to Europa League Last 16, Fenerbahce, Alkmaar and Real Sociedad Advance 

Football - Europa League - Knockout Phase Playoff - Second Leg - AS Roma v FC Porto - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - February 20, 2025 AS Roma's Paulo Dybala scores their first goal past FC Porto's Diogo Costa. (Reuters)
Football - Europa League - Knockout Phase Playoff - Second Leg - AS Roma v FC Porto - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - February 20, 2025 AS Roma's Paulo Dybala scores their first goal past FC Porto's Diogo Costa. (Reuters)
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Dybala Double Sends Roma to Europa League Last 16, Fenerbahce, Alkmaar and Real Sociedad Advance 

Football - Europa League - Knockout Phase Playoff - Second Leg - AS Roma v FC Porto - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - February 20, 2025 AS Roma's Paulo Dybala scores their first goal past FC Porto's Diogo Costa. (Reuters)
Football - Europa League - Knockout Phase Playoff - Second Leg - AS Roma v FC Porto - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - February 20, 2025 AS Roma's Paulo Dybala scores their first goal past FC Porto's Diogo Costa. (Reuters)

Paulo Dybala struck twice in four minutes as Roma beat Porto 3-2 to reach the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday.

Dybala returned from a knee injury sustained in the first-leg 1-1 draw a week ago in Portugal, and Roma advanced on a 4-3 aggregate score.

Porto went ahead thanks to Samu’s acrobatic volley over his shoulder to take a 2-1 aggregate lead but Dybala started the comeback with an equalizer in the 35th with a left-footed shot inside the far post. The second clinical finish came from inside the area to the near post.

Porto’s hopes were dented when Stephen Eustáquio was sent off after getting a red card only six minutes into the second half.

Substitute Niccolò Pisilli added the third before another substitute Devyne Rensch’s own goal in stoppage time.

Roma, the 2022 Conference League champion, will next play either Lazio or Bilbao.

The game between Anderlecht and Fenerbahce was briefly suspended due to crowd trouble in Brussels. The problems took place shortly after Youssef En-Nesyri scored for Fenerbahce in the fourth minute. The Turkish team had won the first leg 3-0. After a 2-2 draw, Fenerbahce advanced 5-2 on aggregate.

The match had been suspended for “security issues,” UEFA said. Riot police were deployed in the stands and play resumed after some 15 minutes.

Alkmaar advanced after a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray that saw the Dutch club reach the next round on a 6-3 aggregate score.

Alkmaar got goals from Seiya Maikuma and Denso Kasius before Victor Osimhen struck for the Istanbul club. Roland Sallai’s equalizer salvaged at least a draw on the night for the hosts.

Alkmaar is set to face either Manchester United or Tottenham next.

Romanian team FCSB beat PAOK 2-0 to progress on a 4-1 aggregate score.

Norway’s Bodø/Glimt scored twice in extra time to beat Dutch side Twente 5-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate. Three goals in stoppage time sent the match to extra time where goals from substitute Sondre Brunstad Fet (111th) and an own from Arno Verschueren (114th) confirmed the win. The Norwegian team is amid a winter break that will not end until the start of the domestic league on March 29.

Luka Sučić’s first-half double led Real Sociedad to a 5-2 victory over 10-man Midtjylland and to the round of 16 on a 7-3 aggregate score to next play either Tottenham or Manchester United.

Viktoria Plzen overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to beat Ferencvaros 3-0.

Ajax’s 2-0 advantage against Saint-Gilloise was erased in the first half as the Dutch powerhouse was reduced to 10 with Davy Klaassen sent off. Substitute Kenneth Taylor converted a spot kick three minutes into extra time for Ajax to advance.

The eight winners of the playoffs will be unseeded teams in Friday’s draw and will host the first-leg games on March 6.

The top eight in the 36-team league standings — Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United, Tottenham, Frankfurt, Lyon, Olympiacos and Rangers — had made straight the round of 16. They will host second legs on March 13.

Conference League

In the third-tier Conference League, Real Betis was reduced to 10 men eight minutes before time and conceded a winning goal from Gent but still advanced thanks to its 3-0 victory in the first leg.

Molde was also down to 10 from the final minute but went on to prevail in a penalty shootout over Shamrock Rovers after winning 1-0 in Dublin.

Copenhagen edged European newcomer Heidenheim 3-1 in extra time to make the next round 4-3 on aggregate.

Pafos advanced after beating Omonoia an all-Cypriot matchup 2-1 following a 1-1 draw a week ago.

Bosnia’s Borac held Olimpija 0-0 in Ljubljana to advance 1-0 on aggregate.

Panathinaikos is into the next round with a 2-0 victory over Víkingur Reykjavík on 3-2 aggregate. Jagiellonia beat TSC 6-2 on aggregate after a 3-1 home win. Celje upset APOEL 2-0 at home and has advanced.

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Sports

Cartel Violence Fuels Doubts About FIFA World Cup Games in Mexico

People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
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Cartel Violence Fuels Doubts About FIFA World Cup Games in Mexico

People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
People walk at a parking lot of a supermarket where several vehicles were consumed by flames days after a series of blockades and attacks by organized crime following a military operation in which drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Hugo Alejandro Pérez was in his house a few miles from the Mexican stadium that is slated to host FIFA World Cup games when gunfire and explosions erupted just outside his door.

The 53-year-old restaurant owner was already skeptical about his city, Guadalajara, hosting the international sporting event.

He saw a government that failed to fix basic things, like water service to his home, along with cartel violence in the surrounding state of Jalisco and shook his head. The surge of bloodshed this week following the Mexican military's killing of the country’s most powerful cartel boss offered more confirmation of his doubts.

“I don’t think they should host the World Cup here,” Peréz said. “We have so many problems, and they want to invest in the World Cup? With all the violence, it’s not a good idea.”

Peréz joined other people Tuesday in questioning Guadalajara's capacity to be a host city for the summer soccer competition, even as the Mexican government vowed that the international event — hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada — will not be affected.

President offers ‘every guarantee’ for World Cup President Claudia Sheinbaum was asked at her daily news briefing what guarantees there are that World Cup matches will be held in Jalisco. “Every guarantee,” she said, adding that there was “no risk” for fans coming to the tournament.

Jalisco Gov. Jesús Pablo Lemus said he had spoken with local FIFA officials, who have "absolutely no intention of removing any venues from Mexico. The three venues remain completely unchanged.”

The same day, the Portuguese soccer federation said it was “closely monitoring the delicate situation” in Mexico.” Its national team was scheduled to play Mexico’s team in a friendly on March 28 at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is scheduled to host the opening World Cup match on June 11.

Jalisco, in western Mexico, was already facing scrutiny. The state has been plagued by some of the starkest examples of cartel violence in recent years, including the discovery of a cartel killing site at a ranch last March and a crisis of disappearances.

The state, with Guadalajara as its capital, is the central hub for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, whose leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” was killed Sunday in a capture attempt by the military.

The operation and waves of violence killed 70 people. Cartel gunmen set fire to cars to block streets in states across the country, namely Jalisco, and fought with Mexican forces into Monday as the government said the conflict was under control.

The death of Oseguera Cervantes came as Mexico’s government has stepped up its offensive against cartels in an effort to meet demands by US President Donald Trump to crack down on criminal groups. The cartel, also known as CJNG, is one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico.

The White House confirmed that the US provided intelligence support to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump appeared to briefly reference the operation during his State of the Union address, saying “We’ve also taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins of all. You saw that yesterday.”

Drug lord's death could lead to more violence Peréz, the restaurant owner, also commended Sheinbaum's efforts to go after cartels, saying the government has taken cartel violence more seriously than her predecessors. At the same time, he said, local authorities in Jalisco have fallen short in protecting civilians.

The root concern for many is that the death of “El Mencho” could pave the way for more violence. Killing capos, in what's become known as the “kingpin strategy,” has been criticized by Sheinbaum herself because it can often spark internal conflict between cartel factions and push rival cartels to make territorial grabs.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, an academic at the Brookings Institution, said she doesn't see more acts of “revenge” by the cartel as likely, but the future remains uncertain, especially after leading figures in both CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel have been knocked out in recent years.

“If there is no clear line of succession (in CJNG), we might see a lot of fighting within the cartel, its breakup, and there are a lot of scenarios," she said.

On Sunday, when firefights broke out between the cartel and soldiers, and gunmen began to burn a car just feet in front of Peréz's house, he let people on the street scramble inside his home to seek cover. The fighting raged for an hour.

Now he says he doesn't see the point of holding the games, adding that he doubts any of the money from the games will trickle down to businesses in working-class neighborhoods like his, even if they are just a 10-minute drive from the stadium. Similar tensions have simmered in Mexico City.

The World Cup is expected to be a $3 billion economic engine in Mexico, according to the Mexican Soccer Federation.

“It doesn't help us residents at all, honestly. They should move it to Monterrey or Mexico City. But right now here, we're not convinced,” The Associated Press quoted him as saying. "Things aren't in good enough shape for foreigners to be coming to Jalisco for an event like this.”

On Monday, some foreign tourists trapped in the violence in the city of Puerto Vallarta took to social media to warn of the violence, with a few remarking that they didn't plan to return.

Hope of snapping back to normal Despite that, Guadalajara was snapping back to its normal rhythm Tuesday. Many businesses opened their doors for the first time in two days, and streets were packed with traffic.

Workers were busy fixing up the exterior of the soccer stadium that will host World Cup matches. Cyclists zipped around outside the stadium, and parents played with children in parks.

Heavily armed police officers and National Guard members roamed the city, a sign for some that the government had the situation under control.

Juan Carlos Pila, a 55-year-old taxi driver, rolled his eyes at the reports of violence after spending two days waiting with his family for things to calm down. He said social media and local news outlets were overplaying the extent of the violence.

“People should come, man. Everyone is welcome,” he said.

Others, like Maria Dolores Aguirre, simply hoped for the best. Aguirre runs a small corner story in the cobblestoned tourist town of Tapalpa tucked away in Jalisco's mountains, where Mexico's military killed “El Mencho."

Aguirre’s family business of over 50 years depends on the flow of tourists to the normally sleepy town. Now she worries bloodshed will deal a blow to her livelihood and change towns like hers.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. ... The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Sports

‘We Won’t Talk About That’: Benfica’s Tralhao Shuts Down Questions on Prestianni 

SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
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‘We Won’t Talk About That’: Benfica’s Tralhao Shuts Down Questions on Prestianni 

SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)
SL Benfica's assistant coach Joao Tralhao give a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff second leg football match against Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on February 24, 2026. (AFP)

Benfica assistant coach Joao Tralhao said his side's identity did not depend on any individual player as he declined to comment on the suspension of winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of Wednesday's Champions League playoff second leg at Real Madrid.

Prestianni received a provisional one-match suspension from UEFA on Monday after he was accused of directing a racist slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during the Spanish club's 1-0 first-leg win in Lisbon last week.

The 20-year-old Argentine winger denied the allegation, stating Vinicius "misunderstood what he thinks he heard," with Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni saying Prestianni admitted ‌to making a ‌homophobic remark instead.

"We are not going to talk about the ‌topic ⁠you asked about," ⁠Tralhao told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

"What we can say is that, regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity — a clear identity... whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois condemned both racism and homophobia earlier on Tuesday, describing any form of insult as "just as serious".

He also criticized Benfica fans who made monkey gestures during the first leg, calling ⁠their behavior "deplorable" and "shameful" while defending Vinicius' goal celebration as harmless.

The ‌situation adds tension to Benfica's preparations for the match. ‌Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes said the squad experienced "a little bit different week."

"It's like a final tomorrow. ‌We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium," the 30-year-old ‌Norwegian added.

Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.

Mourinho, 63, stirred controversy after the first leg by suggesting Vinicius had provoked the crowd with his goal celebration.

Though absent from the bench on Wednesday, Mourinho ‌led training on Tuesday, where Prestianni participated with the team.

"I don’t know where he (Mourinho) will be. We prepared this match anticipating ⁠every scenario that ⁠may happen... From our side, as staff, we prepared the team, we prepared all the scenarios so that tomorrow we can perform at our level,” Tralhao said.

UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior, with a decision expected after proceedings conclude.

Benfica have appealed Prestianni's provisional suspension.

"We filed an appeal because we understand that nothing has been proven," Benfica President Rui Costa told reporters in Lisbon on Tuesday.

"It doesn't justify the player's absence from this game.

"I wasn't on the pitch to know what was said. What I can say is that I believe in my player. Prestianni is being crucified as a racist person and I can assure you that he is not.

"I expected something definitive, but in the end, there was only this provisional suspension."

Sports

Swansea Celebrity Co-Owner Snoop Dogg Receives Grand Welcome on First Visit 

Football - Championship - Swansea City v Preston North End - Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - February 24, 2026 Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg poses with kids before the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
Football - Championship - Swansea City v Preston North End - Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - February 24, 2026 Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg poses with kids before the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
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Swansea Celebrity Co-Owner Snoop Dogg Receives Grand Welcome on First Visit 

Football - Championship - Swansea City v Preston North End - Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - February 24, 2026 Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg poses with kids before the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
Football - Championship - Swansea City v Preston North End - Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - February 24, 2026 Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg poses with kids before the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

American rapper ‌and producer Snoop Dogg received a guard of honor and was greeted with twirling white towels on Tuesday on his first visit to Swansea City since becoming an investor with the Welsh side last year.

Dressed in Swansea's colors, the 54-year-old ‌took the ‌field ahead of the ‌Championship ⁠game against Preston ⁠North End through a guard of honor comprising young footballers from Wales, as over 20,000 fans filled the stands.

The match ended 1-1, with Swansea's ⁠Liam Cullen netting a ‌95th-minute equalizer.

Swansea ‌head coach Vitor Matos told reporters that ‌Snoop Dogg had spoken with ‌the players in the dressing room.

"He's someone that likes to be involved. He was involved not only ‌with us, but as well with the (US) Olympic team. ⁠He ⁠really loves sports," added Matos.

"It's good for him to be involved. I'm happy that we have someone like him who loves the club, loves the city, wants to be here."

Swansea, who are 14th in the English second tier, face Ipswich Town on Saturday.