📋✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @slbenfica_en pic.twitter.com/J8sMC5qqIM

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 17, 2026

The Premier League and EFL will continue the tradition of allowing brief match pauses at sunset during Ramadan to enable Muslim players to break their fast safely.

The Premier League and EFL have officially confirmed the return of matchday procedures to support Muslim players during Ramadan.

Brief pauses will be permitted in fixtures that coincide with sunset, allowing athletes to break their fast with water and energy gels.

These breaks ensure players can maintain physical performance while adhering to their religious commitments throughout the holy month.

Referees and team captains will coordinate before kickoff to identify natural stoppages, such as goal-kicks or throw-ins, for these pauses.

This established policy, first formally introduced in 2021, aims to minimize disruption to the game’s flow.

High-profile players like Mohamed Salah and William Saliba are among those expected to benefit from these accommodations during evening kickoffs across England.

The holy month, which begins this week, is a period dedicated to spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and personal growth.

By facilitating these mid-match breaks, English football continues to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and player welfare.

The league emphasizes that these pauses are strictly for hydration and nutrition, ensuring competitive integrity is maintained while respecting the faith of its diverse workforce.

Raphinha: “We have a lot of things to improve, but not just us. It’s very complicated when the rules are different depending on whether they’re in your favor or against you”.

“But if we have to play against everyone to win, no problem… We’re going to do it”.

Arsenal is officially introducing safe standing at the Emirates Stadium. The rollout begins in the Clock End lower next season, followed by the North Bank lower the year after. By the 2027/28 campaign, approximately 13,500 home and away fans will be in licensed standing areas.

However, the atmosphere comes at a cost: ticket prices are set to rise again. Both General Admission season tickets and Club Level seats will see a 3.9% increase starting next season.

🌙 Muslim Players in the Premier League Who Could Be Fasting During Ramadan.

🇫🇷 William Saliba — Arsenal
🇫🇷 Boubacar Kamara — Aston Villa
🇧🇪 Amadou Onana — Aston Villa
🇲🇦 Amine Adli — Bournemouth
🇹🇷 Enes Ünal — Bournemouth
🇧🇫 Dango Ouattara — Brentford
🇹🇷 Yunus Emre… pic.twitter.com/AVMOHpmr4e

— Alpha Index (@AlphaIndextz) February 17, 2026

Victor Osimhen has accused Napoli of betrayal and mistreatment following a breakdown in their relationship, while reaffirming his deep respect for former coach Luciano Spalletti ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Juventus.

Victor Osimhen has leveled explosive accusations against Napoli’s hierarchy, claiming he was “treated like a dog” during his tumultuous exit from the club.

In a candid interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian forward revealed that his relationship with the Partenopei shattered following a controversial TikTok video that mocked him, which he asserts was accompanied by racist undertones and “certain insinuations.”

The 27-year-old striker, now a key figure at Galatasaray, detailed a breakdown in trust regarding a “gentleman’s agreement” that was supposed to facilitate his summer transfer.

Instead, Osimhen claims the club ignored his career aspirations and attempted to force him into moves against his will.

“I worked hard to progress in my career, and I couldn’t accept that kind of treatment,” he stated firmly.Despite the bitter departure, Osimhen offered glowing praise for former manager Luciano Spalletti, dismissing rumors of a rift.

He described the coach as a “father figure” who instilled the belief necessary to secure the 2023 Scudetto.

The interview comes just as Osimhen prepares to lead Galatasaray against Juventus in a high-stakes Champions League knockout play-off tonight, where he will be reunited with Spalletti.

WhoScored’s statistical Team of the Season has snubbed Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in favor of Arsenal’s Declan Rice, highlighting a shift in the Premier League’s midfield hierarchy.

The long-standing debate over the Premier League’s elite defensive midfielders has shifted in favor of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

According to latest data from WhoScored, Rice secured a spot in the European Team of the Season so far, outperforming Chelsea stars Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.

While Fernández has thrived in a more advanced role under Liam Rosenior, neither Blue managed to crack the statistical top XI.

​Caicedo’s recent dip in form, exacerbated by fatigue and a lack of squad rotation, has seen him fall behind his North London rival.

Despite high praise from fans and a standout campaign for Fernández, the data-driven rankings favored Rice’s consistency in Arsenal’s midfield.

Commenting on the valuations, one fan noted on social media that Fernández is worth a “150million minimum, but trust me, he us going nowhere.”

Juventus look to overcome their poor away form and a hostile Istanbul atmosphere as they face Turkish leaders Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-offs.

Juventus travel to RAMS Park tonight for a high-stakes Champions League playoff against Galatasaray, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing league phase finish.

Despite an unbeaten continental run under Luciano Spalletti, the Bianconeri missed a top-eight spot and now face a Turkish side that has historically been a difficult opponent.

Spalletti warned his squad that European knockout football provides no “place to hide” against such intense opposition.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk expressed immense confidence, highlighting the return of prolific strike duo Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi to full fitness.

Buruk emphasized the psychological advantage of playing in Istanbul, noting that the stadium “literally turns into hell” for visiting teams.

He said, “We want to win at home and gain an advantage; we need to put in a solid performance over the two games.”

Newcastle United have registered goalkeeper John Ruddy in place of the injured Emil Krafth as they prepare to face Qarabağ without several key first-team stars.

Newcastle United have omitted injured defender Emil Krafth from their Champions League knockout squad ahead of Wednesday’s play-off against Qarabağ.

Krafth, sidelined with a long-term knee injury, has been replaced by veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy to provide cover for Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.

This tactical shift comes as Eddie Howe navigates a depleted roster featuring several high-profile absences for the trip to Azerbaijan.

​The Magpies are also grappling with the loss of midfield talisman Bruno Guimarães, who faces two months out with a hamstring tear.

Howe confirmed the Brazilian’s recovery timeline, stating, “I don’t think there is any miracle cure for him… Probably looking at the end of the international break in March for him.”

Additionally, Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa remain fitness doubts for the crucial first-leg encounter.

Despite a Pau Cubarsi header and a high-energy return for Raphinha, Barcelona fell to a 2-1 defeat as Girona’s late surge and Lamine Yamal’s penalty miss proved decisive.

Barcelona traveled to the Estadi Montilivi on Monday night seeking redemption following their recent Copa del Rey exit.

While Hansi Flick’s side controlled the tempo during the opening half, they were ultimately undone by a resurgent Girona side that capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a 2-1 victory.

The result marks a second consecutive defeat for the Blaugrana, raising urgent concerns about the team’s consistency as the title race intensifies.

​Joan Garcia: 7

The shot-stopper redeemed himself after a difficult midweek performance with a series of vital interventions. His distribution was composed, and he kept the visitors alive with a spectacular triple save in the 71st minute, though he was left unprotected for Girona’s late winning strike.

​Gerard Martin: 6.5

Filling in for Alejandro Balde, the young left-back provided a reliable defensive presence. While he offered limited overlapping threat in the final third, his positioning was disciplined, highlighted by a crucial goal-saving challenge in the 53rd minute that prevented a certain breakaway.

​Pau Cubarsi: 6

It was a night of extreme highs and lows for the teenage center-back. He initially put Barcelona ahead with a perfectly directed header from a set-piece, but his evening soured when a weak clearance allowed Girona to equalize. His defensive stability fluctuated significantly as the match wore on.

​Eric Garcia: 5

The academy product started the match with poise, maintaining a high line and working well in tandem with Cubarsi to catch Girona offside. However, his performance dipped sharply in the second half, where he struggled to track runners and looked increasingly vulnerable under pressure.

​Jules Kounde: 5

While the Frenchman provided the pinpoint cross for Barcelona’s only goal, he struggled in his primary defensive duties. He was caught out of position for the equalizer and failed to prevent the delivery into the box, marking an inconsistent outing for the right-back.

​Frenkie de Jong: 6

Wearing the captain’s armband in Pedri’s absence, the Dutchman was the primary engine in midfield during the first hour. He effectively dictated the rhythm and broke up several counters, but his physical intensity waned late in the game, allowing Girona to seize control of the center.

​Dani Olmo: 7

One of the most creative sparks for the visitors, Olmo consistently found pockets of space between the lines. He won a penalty through clever movement just before the interval, and while the chance was squandered, his overall vision remained a bright spot in a disjointed attack.

​Fermin Lopez: 6.5

The energetic midfielder worked tirelessly to link the play and penetrate the box with late runs. While his passing through the lines was productive and helped sustain pressure in the first half, he lacked the clinical edge required to convert his movements into clear-cut scoring chances.

​Lamine Yamal: 6

A frustrating night for the teenage star, who displayed flashes of brilliance but lacked a finishing touch. After a stunning individual dribble, he missed a clear one-on-one opportunity and later saw his penalty kick strike the woodwork, leaving him unable to change the game’s trajectory.

​Raphinha: 7.5

Returning directly into the starting lineup from injury, the Brazilian was comfortably Barcelona’s most industrious player. He led the high press with relentless energy and forced several saves from the Girona keeper, proving to be the most consistent threat in Flick’s offensive unit.

​Ferran Torres: 5

Operating as the central striker, Torres struggled to exert any meaningful influence on the contest. He was largely isolated from the team’s buildup play and failed to register any significant shots on target, acting as a passenger for much of the evening before being substituted.