Midweek Soccer Roundup: Champions League Drama and USWNT's Future

Champions League Heats Up

The Champions League knockout stage ignited with a bang! Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Manchester City left fans breathless. The reigning champions, despite facing an injury crisis, demonstrated their resilience, overcoming a two-goal deficit to snatch a last-minute winner at the Etihad.

City, on the other hand, looked bewildered, continuing their recent struggles. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the recurring issue of late-game lapses, stating, "Many games at the end we give away. At that level, it is so difficult...It happens many times."

Wednesday promises more captivating clashes. While Bayern Munich is heavily favored against Celtic, the Feyenoord vs. AC Milan match presents a particularly intriguing narrative. American star Christian Pulisic will be one to watch, alongside Mexican international Santiago Gimenez, returning to face his former club just days after joining Milan. CBS Sports' James Benge highlights Gimenez as the player to watch, noting, "It'll be like he never went away! ...Given he has already hit a rich vein of form in his new colors – a goal and assist in his first two matches – he seems a likely starter."

USWNT Embraces Experimentation

The US Women's National Team is gearing up for the SheBelieves Cup with a blend of experience and fresh talent. Coach Emma Hayes' roster selection reflects a continued emphasis on experimentation as the team builds towards the 2027 World Cup.

Notable absences include Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, while four uncapped players have earned their call-ups: defenders Tara McKeown and Gisele Thompson, midfielder Claire Hutton, and forward Michelle Cooper.

Hayes emphasized her commitment to providing opportunities for less experienced players, stating, "I see this as a great opportunity to develop less experienced players in a tournament-type setting... from now until the end of June, I suspect there will be a fair bit of experimenting."

The SheBelieves Cup kicks off on February 20th, with the USWNT facing Colombia, followed by matches against Australia and Japan.

Other Headlines and Betting Tips

From Ousmane Dembele's fiery form and a potential season-ending injury for Arsenal's Kai Havertz to the U-17 USMNT's historic 22-0 victory, the soccer world is abuzz with activity. Check out CBS Sports for in-depth reports and analysis.

Looking for betting tips? CBS Sports recommends Diogo Jota to score in the Everton vs. Liverpool clash and a 1-1 draw between Porto and Roma in the Europa League.

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