Thursday, February 19, 2026
LIVE Europa League elimination playoff first leg score updates
Nottingham Forest thrashed Fenerbache while Celta Vigo established a narrow first-leg advantage in Thessaloniki.
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Santiago Castro’s early strike proved decisive as Bologna secured a narrow 1-0 win against SK Brann in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.
Bologna established control just nine minutes into the match at Brann Stadion.
Federico Bernardeschi intercepted a clearance before Niccolò Cambiaghi’s clever pass allowed Santiago Castro to find the net with a precise angled drive.
Despite the Rossoblu dominating much of the play, goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was forced into a desperate double save to deny Ulrik Mathisen and Jon Dagur Thorsteinssen before halftime.
The Italians continued to press in the second half, with substitute Riccardo Orsolini posing a constant threat.
Orsolini forced several saves from Mathias Dyngeland, while Thijs Dallinga nearly doubled the lead with a looping header.
Bologna now carries a slender advantage into the return leg at the Stadio Dall’Ara on February 26, as they aim to secure a spot in the round of 16.
Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti has expressed a strong desire to extend his tenure with the Brazilian national team, aiming for a contract renewal that spans an additional four years.
The former Real Madrid manager, who transitioned to international football in May 2025, is already looking beyond the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to Movistar, the 66-year-old admitted he was deeply impressed by the unique nature of the Seleção role.
“It is a new type of work, I was honestly really struck by it,” Ancelotti remarked, adding, “I think that I will renew my contract with Brazil for another four years.”
Since taking charge, Ancelotti has recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
His commitment to the Brazilian Football Confederation suggests a long-term project targeting the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.
This news dampens hopes from fans in his native Italy, who had long viewed him as a potential savior for an Azzurri side that has struggled significantly in recent years.
Eric Chelle’s 19-point conditions to NFF for a contract extension
1. Private car (SUV) with a chauffeur and security.
2. House in a well secured environment with 24hrs uninterrupted power supply (electricity).
3. Furnished office with projector for analysis.
4. Internet… pic.twitter.com/EPzqA49xxp— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 19, 2026
Allegri, Fabregas clash after pitch incident.
Former Newcastle United and Marseille captain Habib Beye has been named head coach of Olympique de Marseille on an 18-month contract, succeeding Roberto De Zerbi.
Olympique de Marseille have confirmed the appointment of former captain Habib Beye as their new head coach.
The 48-year-old replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who departed following a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals PSG.
Beye joins on an 18-month deal just nine days after being dismissed by Ligue 1 rivals Rennes, where he had guided the club to sixth place before a recent winless run.
The former Senegal international returns to the Vélodrome, where he previously spent four seasons as a player.
Club officials highlighted his “deep attachment” to the side as a key asset for re-motivating the squad.
Beye, a fan favorite during his time at Newcastle United, will make his managerial debut for the fourth-placed club this Saturday against Brest, aiming to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves, leaving them just five points ahead of Manchester City and facing a captaincy crisis.
Bukayo Saka has faced sharp criticism for a “flat” post-match interview following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Wolves.
Despite Saka and Piero Hincapie putting the Gunners in control, a stoppage-time collapse allowed Tom Edozie to level for the hosts.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle questioned Saka’s leadership demeanor, remarking, “Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up… he was very flat.”
The draw marks a worrying trend for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won just twice in their last seven league outings.
Manchester City now trail by five points with a game in hand, meaning the gap could shrink to two points by Saturday night.
The result has reignited fears of a late-season crumble, with pundits suggesting “doubt is creeping into the minds” of the squad.
Arsenal must now travel to 16th-placed Tottenham on Sunday for a high-stakes North London Derby.
Spurs will be led by new interim manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank following their slide toward the relegation zone.
With Saka and Leandro Trossard both nursing knocks from Molineux, the Gunners’ depth and mental fortitude face their most rigorous test of the campaign.
Gabriel Jesus received a post-match yellow card for his role in a confrontation with Wolves defenders as Arsenal’s frustrations boiled over following a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves ended in chaos as a scuffle broke out at the final whistle. Gabriel Jesus was booked for shoved Yerson Mosquera to the ground, reflecting the squad’s anger after blowing a two-goal lead.
The result leaves the Gunners five points ahead of Manchester City, having failed to capitalize on early goals from Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapie.
The collapse drew sharp criticism regarding the team’s mental fortitude in the title race.
Bukayo Saka acknowledged the decline in quality after the break, stating, “We dropped our standards and we got punished for it.” Manager Mikel Arteta echoed this sentiment, demanding his players respond immediately.
The incident at Molineux serves as a stark warning as Arsenal prepare for a high-stakes North London derby.
Ancelotti commits to Brazil job.
Super Eagles duo Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman both scored as Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in Belgium.
Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight as Club Brugge staged a stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid.
Julian Alvarez and Lookman gave the Spanish side a 2-0 lead, but Onyedika’s second-half goal sparked a resurgence.
Despite a late Atletico goal, Onyedika provided the final assist for Christos Tzolis to level. Meanwhile, Bruno Onyemaechi’s Olympiacos suffered a 2-0 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
The draw leaves the tie wide open ahead of the second leg in Madrid. Club Brugge expressed their optimism on social media following the final whistle:
“We fought back!! All to play for next week!” The result keeps the Belgian side’s dreams alive, while Ademola Lookman’s impressive form continues to solidify his importance under Diego Simeone, despite the team’s defensive struggle to maintain their lead.
Yesterday
Atlético de Madrid has shared their starting lineup for an upcoming match, using a simple yet effective emoji to convey their passion. The post, published on February 18, 2026, features a visual element along with the text “El once ❤️🤍”.
El once ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q4vlpVbbHK
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 18, 2026
Your Rossoneri starters tonight 👊
Brought to you by 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗵𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝗲 pic.twitter.com/OPHDnjs9u2
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 18, 2026
Rooney doubts Slot’s Anfield aura.
Kylian Mbappé to TNT Sports: “I believe Gianluca Prestianni shouldn’t come to the Bernabéu, the best stadium in the world”.
“He doesn’t deserve it, he shouldn’t play”.