Marco Bianchi 
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has joined Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al Qadsiah, prompting a wave of criticism from fans and the LGBTQ+ community due to Saudi Arabia’s laws against same‑sex relationships. The move follows her contract termination with Gotham FC and adds her to a growing list of players facing backlash for transfers to Saudi clubs.
Wrexham AFC have secured the permanent transfer of Burkina Faso international Issa Kabore from Manchester City on a three‑year contract. The deal, valued at up to £4.75 million, includes a 20% sell‑on clause for City and bolsters the Red Dragons’ left‑side options as they push for promotion to the Premier League.
Slovan Bratislava secured a place in the Champions League after a dramatic extra‑time victory over Celje. Cristian Martinez’s decisive flick over the goalkeeper clinched the win, sending the Slovak side through to the next round.
Viking FK defeated Dinamo Zagreb 3-1, clinching a historic qualification for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. The win marks a major milestone for the Norwegian side as they advance to Europe’s premier club competition.
AEK Athens cruised past Levski Sofia with a dominant 4-0 victory, securing their place in the Champions League. The win highlighted AEK’s strong performance in the qualifying round.
Azerbaijani club Sabah staged a dramatic comeback, erasing a 4-2 first‑leg deficit to win 6-4 on aggregate against Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The victory sends Sabah to the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in its history.
Fenerbahce secured a place in the Champions League group stage after an 18‑year gap by beating Lyon 2‑0, with goals from Vedat Muriqi and Archie Brown. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Turkish club in European competition.
Three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist, 39, announced she will retire from professional golf following this week’s FM Championship near Boston. She will also captain Europe in the upcoming Solheim Cup and reflected on her 18‑year career, including three major titles and nine LPGA victories.
Al‑Nassr, reduced to ten men after a goalkeeper red card, trailed 2‑0 at half‑time. Manager Ange Postecoglou took off Cristiano Ronaldo, and the substitutes Sadio Mane and Abdulelah Al Amri sparked a comeback, with Mane scoring the winner in added time. The 3‑2 victory moved Al‑Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League play‑off after surrendering a four‑goal aggregate lead to LASK, losing 5‑4 on aggregate. Manager Martin O’Neill accepted full responsibility for the collapse, while captain Callum McGregor and former players criticised the team’s performance.