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The UEFA Champions League resumes Tuesday for Matchday 7 of 8 in the league phase, with the expanded format placing enormous value on every point. Only the top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16, while those finishing ninth to 24th face a knockout playoff. With two matchdays to go, clubs are balancing tactical caution with the urgency to secure their paths forward.

Arsenal arrive in Milan sitting atop the table with a perfect six wins and need just one point to lock in a last-16 spot, potentially making them the first side to win every league phase match under the new system. Inter Milan, hosts in this pivotal fixture, are looking to avoid three straight Champions League defeats for the first time and have several absences to manage, including Çalhanoğlu and Dumfries.

Elsewhere, Manchester City travel to Bodø/Glimt with a tactical challenge in Norway. City’s squad is stretched thin by injuries and suspensions, with multiple first-team players unavailable, yet Erling Haaland leads the attack and could make history by becoming the first Norwegian to score against a Norwegian club in Champions League competition. A win would solidify City’s place in the top eight and move them closer to direct qualification.

Real Madrid host Monaco in another match with high stakes. Madrid sit in the precarious seventh spot, level on points with teams just outside the automatic qualification threshold. The fixture also carries personal narratives. Folarin Balogun of Monaco, already the first American to score in three consecutive Champions League matches this season, returns to the Bernabéu while Monaco pursue a result that could propel them toward the playoffs.

Across Tuesday and Wednesday, the numbers begin to tell their own story. Arsenal’s defensive record has quietly become one of the defining features of this league phase, while Kylian Mbappé’s scoring pace continues to pull Real Madrid forward in moments when margins are thin. From clean sheets in pressure matches to midfield duels that tilt entire groups, this round is shaped less by spectacle and more by accumulation, the small advantages that decide who stays in the top eight and who slips into the playoff line.

At the same time, team news may prove just as decisive as tactics. Injuries, suspensions and rotation plans ripple through nearly every contender, forcing coaches to choose between preservation and risk with only two matchdays left. Over these two nights, qualification may not be settled by one headline result, but by a series of subtle shifts that leave the table looking very different by the time the final matchday arrives.

A potentially transformative change to the NCAA Division I men’s soccer calendar moves closer to reality next week. The Division I Men’s Soccer Oversight Committee will meet on January 28 to review a proposal that would fundamentally reshape when and how the sport is played. If approved through the remaining legislative steps, the first new season under this model would begin in 2027–28, with final review from the Division I Cabinet scheduled for June.

At the center of the proposal is a split-season model designed to relieve the structural pressure of the current fall-only calendar. Instead of compressing the entire season into three months, teams would train in late August and play from September through November, then return for a second training camp in early February followed by a February to April regular season. The NCAA tournament would shift into April and May, creating a full academic-year rhythm closer to the professional game.

This approach mirrors recommendations from U.S. Soccer’s NextGen College Soccer White Paper released in October, which argues that the congested fall schedule has long undermined player health, academic balance, and development. The White Paper calls for spreading competition across fall and spring, reducing weekly match load, and giving players longer recovery windows. The goal is not more games, but better games, played in a system that better supports long-term performance and well-being.

Beyond the calendar, the White Paper also envisions structural change. It proposes regionalizing Division I into geographic clusters with tiered competition to cut travel costs, create more consistent rivalries, and improve financial sustainability. It also frames college soccer as a more intentional bridge in the American development pathway, with expanded opportunities for elite identification and closer alignment with professional and national team systems.

Advocates believe this moment is different from past attempts because the decision makers are, in their words, soccer people making soccer decisions. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson described the effort as renewal rather than reinvention, keeping what works while modernizing what no longer fits today’s athletes or today’s game.

The bigger questions may come next. What would a new calendar on the men’s side mean for the women’s game, which has historically been more cautious about altering a fall-centered season that has produced both stability and success. And if Division I moves, how quickly do the ripple effects reach Division II and Division III, along with the NAIA, junior colleges, and the rest of the college soccer ecosystem. The proposal may begin with one sport and one division, but its consequences could reshape the entire landscape.

Scottish football is not just a cultural institution. It is a major economic engine. A new independent report by the Fraser of Allander Institute estimates that the professional men’s and women’s game, along with the national teams, generated £820 million for the Scottish economy during the 2023–24 season once fan spending is included. Even without spectator-related expenditure, the sport’s direct contribution stood at £545 million, supporting more than 9,000 full-time equivalent jobs, a figure that rises above 14,000 when matchday activity is factored in.

The scale is driven not only by clubs themselves, but by the ecosystem around them. More than 6.8 million fans attended professional matches involving Scottish teams last season, with spending rippling through hospitality, transport, retail and local services. The study examined club finances, operational budgets, domestic and international fixtures, and European competition, before feeding that data into a wider economic model. In total, football now accounts for roughly 20 percent of the direct gross value added generated by Scotland’s entire sports and recreation sector.

The report also highlights where growth is coming from. The integration of the Scottish Women’s Premier League into the SPFL Group has accelerated the economic impact of the women’s game, with rising attendances, increased investment and more regular European competition. With Scotland’s men set to appear at the 2026 World Cup and women’s football continuing its commercial climb, the researchers’ conclusion is a simple one. Football’s influence on Scotland extends far beyond the pitch, and its economic footprint is only getting larger.

Claudia Martínez and a Potential Record Move
Paraguayan teenager Claudia Martínez has been linked with a move from Libertad to the Washington Spirit in a deal that could become the largest transfer fee in the history of the women’s game. The 18-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s brightest young attackers, and the interest reflects the NWSL’s growing role as a destination for elite global talent.

Allende Returns as Miami Builds for Another Run
Inter Miami have signed Tadeo Allende on a permanent transfer from Celta de Vigo, bringing back one of the key figures from their 2025 MLS Cup run on a contract through June 2030 with an option for 2031. The Argentine scored 24 goals in 54 matches last season, including a record nine goals in a single postseason, and his return comes as Miami continue to reshape the squad with multiple starters added and a potential third Designated Player still in play.

Inter Miami Pursues Germán Berterame
Inter Miami has made a formal offer to CF Monterrey for forward Germán Berterame and is awaiting a response that could come in the next 24 to 36 hours, according to co-owner Jorge Mas, who described Berterame as the kind of player Miami desires in its roster. Sources indicate Miami may trigger Berterame’s reported $15 million release clause to bring the Mexico international to MLS and bolster its attacking options alongside stars like Lionel Messi, though no agreement has been finalized yet and Monterrey is already considering replacement plans.

Cascarino Clears Path for Move to London City
Delphine Cascarino has reached an agreement with the San Diego Wave that allows her to sign with London City Lionesses on a three-and-a-half-year deal under Michele Kang’s ownership group. The 28-year-old French international was one of the standout performers in the NWSL during the 2025 European Championship, and her move strengthens Lionesses’ push as one of the most ambitious projects in the women’s game.

Orlando Pride Secure Solai Washington Long-Term
The Orlando Pride have signed forward Solai Washington to a long-term contract after a standout college career at Florida State, adding a dynamic young attacker to their NWSL roster. Washington starred locally at Chamblee High School and has already represented Jamaica at the World Cup, bringing both local roots and international experience to Orlando’s next generation.

Oke Earns First USWNT Call-Up
Denver Summit defender Ayo Oke has been called into the U.S. women’s national team’s January training camp for her first senior call-up. She replaces Avery Patterson of the Houston Dash, who has been ruled out due to illness, giving Oke an early opportunity to impress at the international level.

SDH AM is live this morning at 9:05am on YouTube and Twitch, with Madison Crews joining to break down Atlanta United as they head to Florida for the next phase of preseason. We will also welcome Daniel Sperry of the Kansas City Star back to the show for more on Sporting Kansas City’s evolving ownership situation, and Jon Nelson will update you on the OFC Pro League, where former Atlanta United 2 defender Ronan Wynne starred in his debut. Jon will also continue our conversation on Matchday 7 of the Champions League as the new round begins today.

If you missed it, Soccer Over There is now available on demand after a night spent on chaos, responsibility, and what we want to see more of in the game. In Picks of the Week, we took a detour through Aztec mythology, new mascots in Guatemala, and more. Find it now as a podcast or on our YouTube channel.

Brahim Díaz Apologizes After AFCON Final Miss
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz has issued a public apology after missing a Panenka penalty in the closing stages of the AFCON final loss to Senegal, saying he takes full responsibility and describing the moment as one that will be difficult to heal from. The Real Madrid forward was among the tournament’s stars, finishing as top scorer with five goals, and returned in tears to collect the Golden Boot after being consoled by officials following the defeat.

Igamane Suffers ACL Blow After AFCON Final
Lille striker Hamza Igamane has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after coming on as a substitute in Morocco’s AFCON final loss to Senegal, an injury that will sideline him for several months. The 23-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 21 matches since joining Lille from Rangers, now faces a race against time to be fit for the 2026 World Cup, which begins in five months.

Guéhi Completes Move to Manchester City
Manchester City have signed Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace for an initial fee of £20 million plus add-ons, securing the England centre-back on a contract through 2031. The 25-year-old is ineligible for Tuesday’s Champions League match but could make his debut this weekend against Wolves as City continue to reshape their defensive core.

Villa Target Abraham After Malen Exit
Aston Villa have moved quickly in the market after Donyell Malen’s departure to Roma, with Tammy Abraham emerging as their leading target for a marquee signing. Reports indicate Abraham prefers a move to Villa despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Everton, with an agreement in place pending the termination of his current loan at Beşiktaş.

Paz Shines as Como Roll Past Lazio
Nico Paz scored twice but missed a penalty as Como beat Lazio 3-0 to claim a third straight away win by the same scoreline and move to within two points of fifth-place Juventus. The 19-year-old, already a two-time Rising Star of the Month, controlled midfield throughout and capped a dominant display with a second-half finish after Martin Baturina’s opener set the tone early.

Estudiantes Cruise Through Argentine Cup
Estudiantes defeated Ituzaingó 4-0 to advance comfortably into the next round of the Argentine Cup after breaking the match open with three goals in a ten-minute second-half burst. Facundo Farías scored his first goal for the club, while Alexis Castro and Guido Carrillo also found the net as Pincha turned a sluggish first half into a dominant finish.

Argentina Set to Face Qatar After Finalissim
The Argentina national team has confirmed Qatar as its opponent for a friendly on March 31, four days after the Finalissima against Spain in Lusail, part of their final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The match will take place in the same Qatari host environment where Argentina lifted the 2022 World Cup, offering Lionel Scaloni a key tune-up before their title defense.

Scotland Set Friendlies Ahead of World Cup Return
Scotland will host Japan on March 28 and Curaçao on May 30 at Hampden Park as part of their final preparations for this summer’s World Cup. The Japan match will be their first since clinching qualification for the finals for the first time since 1998, before Steve Clarke’s side open their group against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in June.

Pity Martínez Nears Tigre Signing
Pity Martínez is close to signing with Tigre in Argentina, keeping the former River Plate playmaker in domestic football after stints abroad. The deal would reunite Martínez with a league where he previously excelled, offering Tigre a creative attacking presence as they look to strengthen their offensive options.

Ponte Preta’s Financial Struggles Deepen
Ponte Preta’s off-field crisis has escalated, with the club estimating it needs around R$5 million to settle salary arrears and debts that have triggered two transfer bans imposed by Brazil’s CNRD and FIFA, a situation that has hampered its ability to register new players. The financial strain has contributed to a series of departures and left the Macaca on the bottom of the Campeonato Paulista, while the squad and staff await payments and look for emergency funding to stabilize operations.

Emelec Board Declared Null, New Elections Ahead
Ecuadorian club Emelec saw its current board’s registration declared null and void by the Viceministerio del Deporte, which ruled that the April 2025 electoral process did not meet essential legal requirements and must be redone. As a result, Jorge Guzmán and his directors will step down, an interventor will be appointed, and fresh club elections will be called to properly reestablish leadership. The club has signaled it will challenge the decision through legal and sporting channels while preparing for the new process.

The Champions League takes center stage again tonight, with Matchday 7 turning the new league phase into a high-wire act. Automatic qualification is within reach for some, anxiety creeping in for others, and the margins now are thin enough that one night can redraw the entire top eight.

At the same time, a quieter but potentially historic shift is unfolding in college soccer. The NCAA’s review of a split-season model signals that the long-debated modernization of the men’s game may finally be moving from white papers to policy. If approved, it would reshape calendars, development pathways, and the role of college soccer itself for a generation.

From Europe’s elite chasing knockout places to American college soccer reconsidering its future, today is a reminder that the game never stands still. On the field and in the boardroom, the next phase is already beginning.

Jason