League Two Grimsby Town stunned Southampton as the Mariners caused a "miracle" FA Cup upset on Wednesday.

Paul Hurst's side became the first team in a single campaign in the competition to defeat five teams from a higher division after a 2-1 victory at Premier League Southampton.

A pair of Gavan Holohan penalties at St. Mary's Stadium proved the difference, despite a late Duje Caleta-Car strike for the top-flight strugglers.

Grimsby manager Hurst told ITV: "Just delighted for the players. What an effort. We kept disciplined. Look at what that means to the support.

"We turned up, hoping for a miracle and to be in the quarter-finals is incredible. It is just a fantastic day, we have gone down in the history books. It is a very special day."

Defeat marked the first time Southampton have been eliminated from the FA Cup as a top-flight team by a side in the fourth tier.

Brighton and Hove Albion will be the next challenge in the last eight for Grimsby, who had not reached the quarter-finals of the competition since 1938-39, when they made it to the last four.

It was also the first instance Grimsby have beaten top-flight opposition as a fourth-tier side in the FA Cup, their last such win coming in a third-round victory over Middlesbrough back in January 1989.

Ez Abde fired home a brilliant 47th-minute winner as Osasuna took a 1-0 first-leg lead over Athletic Bilbao in their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

Osasuna were beaten in the 2004-05 final by Real Betis, but they boosted their chances of reaching the tournament's showpiece match for a second time with a home victory at Estadio El Sadar.

The first half was a scrappy affair, distinctly lacking in attacking quality as both teams struggled to put their stamp on the match.

But moments into the second half, a swift Osasuna counter ended with Abde charging into the box before unleashing a powerful drive into the bottom right corner.

Athletic's search for an equaliser never really got going, as they ended the match with only two shots on target and an xG (expected goals) of just 0.41.

Their best opportunity fell at the feet of substitute Gorka Guruzeta in the dying seconds, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Sergio Herrera, and Athletic will have much work to do in the reverse leg at San Mames on April 4 if they are to keep their hopes of winning a 24th Copa del Rey alive.

Iliman Ndiaye's superb solo finish saw Sheffield United stun Tottenham to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 1-0 fifth-round upset at Bramall Lane.

Ndiaye weaved through a crowded box to fire home in the 79th minute and spark delirious scenes for the Championship side.

For Spurs and temporary boss Cristian Stellini, who started with Harry Kane on the bench, defeat means another season will pass without winning a domestic trophy.

But Sheffield United, well placed to join Tottenham in the Premier League, continue a stunning campaign and will eye further progress in the last eight.

Alejandro Garnacho and Fred scored late goals as Manchester United backed up their EFL Cup triumph with a 3-1 comeback win over West Ham to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Erik ten Hag's side lifted their first major trophy since 2017 by defeating Newcastle United on Sunday and followed up that success with another victory at Old Trafford three days later.

United made six changes from the Wembley showpiece and fell behind after Said Benrahma's 54th-minute strike, but a Nayer Aguerd own goal restored parity 23 minutes later.

Garnacho edged United ahead in the 90th minute before Fred sealed victory to send United into Wednesday's last-eight draw, still in pursuit of further silverware.

Juventus have officially launched an appeal against their 15-point deduction in Serie A, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) has confirmed.

CONI has also revealed former Juve board members Andrea Agnelli, Pavel Nedved and Fabio Paratici are among those to appeal bans issued by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in January.

Juventus were docked 15 points for alleged irregularities regarding historic transfer dealings, a measure which dealt a huge blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Massimiliano Allegri's men are now seventh in Serie A and 10 points adrift of the top four, having been viewed as potential title contenders before receiving the punishment.

Juventus immediately announced their intention to appeal, and a statement released by CONI has revealed that challenge was officially submitted on Tuesday.

If Juventus were to regain the 15 points they saw deducted, Allegri's team would move up to second in Serie A on 50 points, though Napoli would still hold a huge 15-point lead at the summit. 

The entire Bianconeri board including president Agnelli, vice-president Nedved and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene all left their roles in November amid a separate investigation into tax fraud allegations – which the Bianconeri have denied.

Many of those involved in Juve's transfer dealings have been banned from Italian football for long periods, with Agnelli barred from holding office for two years and Nedved receiving an eight-month punishment. 

Both men have now submitted appeals, as has now-Tottenham managing director Paratici, who received a 30-month ban for alleged wrongdoings across his 11-year stint at Juve.

The FIGC had requested the bans be respected by UEFA and FIFA, which would throw Paratici's future with Spurs into doubt.

Bayern Munich are planning for a "long future" with Julian Nagelsmann regardless of Bundesliga success this term, club president Herbert Hainer suggested.

The Bundesliga champions are embroiled in one of the tightest title races Germany has seen for years, joint-top of the table with Borussia Dortmund and only three points ahead of Union Berlin.

A defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in mid-February handed Bayern a setback, though they returned to winning ways against Union at the weekend.

For Nagelsmann, it is among the toughest periods he has faced in charged at Allianz Arena, but Hainer has no reservations about his place in the dugout.

"He learns something new every day and will learn from difficult situations," Hainer told Sky Sport Deutschland. "He will gain experience; I know that from my own professional situation.

"Whenever it matters, he delivers for the team. We are planning for a long future with him."

Regardless of that security, Hainer remains convinced Nagelsmann can deliver another title this term for the Bavarian giants, even with Dortmund and Union breathing down their necks.

"The whole of Germany wanted a more exciting competition in the Bundesliga," he added. "We certainly have that now.

"But I'm very optimistic. We're top of the table, and we still have to play Dortmund in our own stadium. You saw what the team was capable of on Sunday [against Union]."

Bayern also remain in the mix for the Champions League, with a 1-0 advantage over Paris Saint-Germain ahead of next week's last-16 second leg.

Hainer feels they will progress in that competition as well, adding: "We're in a good starting position after the 1-0 win.

"The players I speak to tell me how hot they are. They want to do better than last year."

Jose Mourinho will serve a two-match ban after his touchline flare-up in Roma's 2-1 loss at Cremonese on Tuesday. 

The Roma head coach was sent off for the third time this season just two minutes into the second half after a heated exchange with the fourth official. 

Leonardo Spinazzola's strike had cancelled out Frank Tsadjout's opener for the hosts, but Mourinho watched on from the stands as Daniel Ciofani's late penalty secured Cremonese's first league victory of the season and their first in Serie A for 26 years.

Mourinho decided to further argue his case with the officials in their dressing room after the full-time whistle and will now face a two-match suspension and a $10,000 fine as a result.

A statement from Serie A said that the Giallorossi boss will be banned for "having contested a refereeing decision in a forceful and provocative manner in the second minute of the second half and repeating this behaviour at the time of sending off.

"Furthermore, for entering the referees' dressing room and addressing the fourth official with offensive expressions and inferences at the end of the match."

After the game, Mourinho defended his actions that saw him sent off for an altercation with the fourth official.

"I'm emotional but not crazy. For the first time in my career a referee has spoken to me in an unjustifiable way," he said.

"To have the reaction I had is because something happened. I need to know now if I can do something from a disciplinary point of view."

The ban will see Mourinho miss Sunday's clash with Juventus and Roma's home game against Sassuolo on 12 March. 

Roma sit fifth in Serie A after Wednesday's defeat, one point behind rivals Lazio in fourth.

Xavi says Barcelona enter their Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Madrid in a strong position, but considers Carlo Ancelotti's side the favourites to reach the final.

The fierce rivals meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday in the first of three Clasicos in a month, with a crucial LaLiga fixture sandwiched between their two-legged cup tie.

Barca have won two of their four meetings with Madrid since Xavi took charge, which includes a 4-0 league win last season and 3-1 Supercopa de Espana final victory in January.

The Catalan giants are also seven points better off at the top of the league, but Xavi believes Madrid's status as reigning Spanish and European champions makes them favourites.

"Madrid will continue to be the favourites because they are champions of LaLiga and the Champions League," he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"That is regardless of what happened in the Super Cup, where we did well, or any other factors.

"We may have beaten them in the Super Cup, but this is Madrid. I have to be honest. But I also think we can hurt them and I expect a very even tie overall."

Barcelona have enjoyed an impressive first full season under Xavi, but back-to-back losses have halted their momentum.

Despite being eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United and dropping three points against Almeria, Xavi is happy with the position his side find themselves in.

"The loss to Almeria made me very angry, but we start again with a clean slate," Xavi said. "It's a competition we're doing well in, and we're three games from another title.

"This will provide us with another chance to react. We know we have to be more of a team than ever, with the small details making the difference.

"The message to the fans is that we remain in an ideal, privileged situation to win two more trophies. We are in the Copa semi-final and are leaders in the league.

"We know things can go wrong, but we are here to try to avoid that from happening."

Barcelona are without Robert Lewandowski for the first leg, while Pedri and Ousmane Dembele remain sidelined, but Ansu Fati has returned from injury and is part of the squad.

"He's had a bruised knee but is training with the group and feels good," Xavi said. "I see a happy and motivated player who is important for the team."

Carlo Ancelotti has labelled Vinicius Junior as one of the world's best players ahead of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey tie against Barcelona.

The Brazil international has five goals in as many games in all competitions, most recently netting a brace as Madrid came from behind to beat Liverpool 5-2 in their Champions League last-16 first leg.

He has 18 goals in 36 games overall for Madrid this campaign – only eight players across Europe's top five leagues have scored more.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Madrid boss Ancelotti refuted suggestions of an over-reliance on Vinicius and backed the Brazilian to get the better of his opposite number Ronald Araujo in Thursday’s fixture.

He said: "It's a positive aspect. He is one of the best players in the world, who sometimes changes games in our favour. It's quite normal to be dependent on it.

"You don't have to say anything special to Vinicius. We are not going to change. It is true that Araujo is a very strong defender, but it will be a very entertaining duel. Hopefully, Vinicius can win it."

Real Madrid lost their most recent fixture against Xavi's side in the Supercopa de Espana final in January but have plenty of chances to exact revenge.

Sandwiched between both legs of the Copa del Rey tie is a third Classico in the league, with Madrid hoping to reduce the seven-point lead Barcelona currently have at the top of the table. 

Ancelotti also provided an update on the fitness of Toni Kroos, who has started just one of Madrid’s last four games.

"These are games in which you need many things, including personality and energy. It may be that because of the energy, Kroos is not in the eleven," he added.

"But we also need experience so I have to think about this."

Carlo Ancelotti vowed Real Madrid will not endure the same mistakes as they did in the Supercopa de Espana ahead of Thursday's latest Clasico in the Copa del Rey.

Defeat in Saudi Arabia resulted in Barcelona's first trophy of the Xavi era and a treble-winning campaign for Los Blancos' fierce rivals remains on the cards.

March stands as a crucial month for Madrid, with both legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final coming as part of a trio of Clasicos that also sees the pair meet in LaLiga – where Barcelona currently hold a seven-point lead.

Mistakes proved costly in the previous meeting in Riyadh, but Ancelotti insisted those errors will not happen again.

"In the Super Cup we lacked commitment, with individual mistakes that will not be repeated," he told a press conference.

"We are close to winning an important competition and we will compete. It's not the decisive game, but we want to take advantage.

"We do not have the desire for a rematch of the Super Cup, but because we are close to a title, the boiler rises in temperature."

Ancelotti believes that slight progress has been made compared to last year, with Madrid continuing on three fronts as they also hold a first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the Champions League last 16.

"So far, I have said that, compared to last year, we have two points less in LaLiga. But we were also out of the Copa del Rey," he added.

"We're not much better off than last year; we're where we've deserved to be. But now comes the good stuff.

"We've got to March competing in all competitions. Let's see if we can win something."

French football icon Just Fontaine has died at the age of 89.

The forward holds the record for the most goals scored in a single edition of a World Cup, hitting a haul of 13 in just six matches of the 1958 tournament as France reached the semi-finals for the first time.

Fontaine's flurry of goals included a hat-trick in his tournament debut against Paraguay and four in the third-place play-off win against West Germany, which ensured he had scored in every game.

Despite just featuring at one World Cup, only three players have scored more in the competition – Gerd Muller (14), Brazil great Ronaldo (15) and Miroslav Klose (16). Lionel Messi tied Fontaine's tally of 13 in Qatar in his fifth participation.

Forced to retire at the age of 28 due to injury, Fontaine's international record stands at 30 goals from 21 caps.

At club level, Fontaine won the Coupe de France and Ligue 1 with Nice before joining Reims, where he won a further three league titles, the Coupe de France and was twice victorious in the Trophee des Champions.

The striker was also part of the side that reached the European Cup final in 1958-59, losing to Real Madrid.

He later moved into management and took charge of Paris Saint-Germain, Tolouse and the Morocco national side.

PSG were among the clubs to send their condolences to Fontaine following confirmation of his passing on Wednesday.

In the space of about 24 hours over the weekend, the outlook for Real Madrid and Barcelona changed considerably even if the table didn't.

While their results weren't exactly polar opposites, clearly Madrid came into a new week – the week of a Clasico – with more of a spring in their step.

Los Blancos were held to a draw by local rivals Atletico Madrid. While failing to beat such infamously obdurate opponents – even at home – may not be the most embarrassing of results, it was a bit of a comedown from the Anfield demolition they inflicted on Liverpool and, more crucially, there was a certain assumption about the outcome of Barca's clash with Almeria on Sunday.

As it happened, Barca fell to a shock 1-0 loss. They went from an assumed 10-point lead at LaLiga's summit to being seven points clear of Madrid.

In the context of a seven-point lead, it does seem a little daft to be trying to frame Barca's situation as anything other than positive, but they're undoubtedly going through a testing period – arguably their trickiest such spell of the season.

Sunday's surprise defeat came just three days after Europa League elimination by Manchester United. Although their 4-3 aggregate defeat was close on the scoresheet, not even ardent Barca fans would suggest they were deserving of progression – Erik ten Hag's men were, over the two legs, the better team.

Of course, it's not possible to say at this point whether the past couple of weeks simply represent a minor blip for the Blaugrana, or if it's part of something broader.

But Thursday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Madrid is the start of a spell that includes three Clasicos in just over a month.

It's a period that will almost certainly define Madrid's season, and potentially Barca's.

In LaLiga this season Barca have been far more consistent – in terms of results – than Madrid. Since their mid-October meeting, a 3-1 win for Carlo Ancelotti's men, the defending champions have dropped points six times in the league; Barca have won 12 of 14 matches.

But Barca's form in Europe this season has understandably raised concerns. Two defeats to Bayern Munich, one to Inter, a fortunate draw and loss agains United – it does bring into question their ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest games, and against the teams who are willing to take the fight to them.

Of course, the most recent Clasico was something of an exception. In that mid-January contest, Barca quite comprehensively picked Madrid apart in the final of the Supercopa de Espana, winning 3-1 in Riyadh. They were even 3-0 up for 21 minutes until Karim Benzema's very late consolation.

That appeared to be a statement win, but the make-up of their team on Thursday will be rather different to seven weeks earlier.

Two of the three goalscorers – Pedri and Robert Lewandowski – will be absent. Also out is Ousmane Dembele, usually the provider of the kind of explosive pace and unpredictability that can stretch any team.

With key injuries, decreased morale, and back-to-back defeats for the first time since last April, Barca couldn't have picked many worse times to descend into difficulty. But then again, could there be a better time to beat Madrid?

Clearly, Almeria did Madrid a huge favour on Sunday, and given how erratic – at least in comparison to Xavi's side – Los Blancos have been in LaLiga, they need a few more boosts yet.

In fact, the aforementioned inconsistency that's blighted Madrid in the league since the October Clasico has meant they've been continuously hoping for the smaller clubs to be a banana skin for the leaders. Before Almeria, only Espanyol had obliged.

Now, Madrid have the opportunity to take matters into their own hands, potentially putting two trophies within their grasp.

It's all well and good Madrid waiting and hoping for other teams to give them a helping hand and derail Barca while they stumble every few weeks, but they're the side best equipped to aid their own ambitions.

Barca haven't lost three in a row across all competitions since April 2016 – inflicting a seven-year low on their bitter rivals would be an emphatic reminder that Madrid are still there, fighting on both fronts in the Copa and LaLiga.

Three editions of Spanish football's biggest game look set to be decisive in one way or another.

For Madrid, these matches will likely dictate whether 2022-23 is a success or not.

Rafael Leao's name has long been in the rumour file given his contract status with Milan.

The forward is contracted with the Serie A side until July 2024 but has stalled on an extension, with no agreement on a salary increase.

There was speculation in January that a renewal was close but nothing materialised.

TOP STORY – MILAN'S LEAO BOOST

Rafael Leao would prefer to stay with Milan rather than move elsewhere, amid interest from a host of top clubs, claims Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been linked with the 23-year-old Portugal international.

But it is claimed Milan could renew Leao's deal before the next transfer window, effectively warding off their interest.

ROUND-UP

– Erik ten Hag wants to add at least two major signings at Manchester United in the off-season, with Ajax's Mohammed Kudus and Napoli's Victor Osimhen on their list, claims the Manchester Evening News.

– Manchester City are weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to The Telegraph. The Croatian's contract expires in mid-2024. Football Insider reports City are also interested in Chelsea's full-back Ben Chilwell.

– Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig both have an interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita, who is out of contract at the end of this season, claims Bild.

– Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu to join as a free agent in the off-season, reports 90min.

– El Nacional claims Dusan Vlahovic has also spoken to Real Madrid about a potential move to Spain from Juventus.

– Juventus are also keen on signing out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, according to Fichajes.

Jose Mourinho has threatened legal action against fourth official Marco Serra after the Portuguese was sent off in Roma's 2-1 Serie A loss at Cremonese on Tuesday.

Mourinho's side fluffed the chance to move up to second on the league table, going home without any points after Daniel Ciofani's 83rd-minute winner from the penalty spot.

Not for the first time this season, the Roma boss was given his marching orders by referee Marco Piccinini shortly after half-time with his side 1-0 down following a row on the sidelines with Serra.

"I am emotional, but not crazy," Mourinho told DAZN. "In order to react the way I did, something had to happen first. I need to understand if I can take any legal action.

"Piccinini gave me a red card, because unfortunately the fourth official does not have the capacity to understand what he said to me.

"I want to find out if there is an audio recording. I don't want to get into the fact that Serra is from Turin and on Sunday we are playing against Juventus.

"For the first time in my career, a fourth official spoke to me in the most incredible way. It was unjustifiable.

"At the end of the game, I went to speak to them. Piccinini, who was the fourth official in the last game when I was sent off, told me to apologise to Serra.

"I told Serra he should have the courage to explain what happened, but he had memory problems."

Mourinho lamented his side's display with the race for the top four wide open ahead of the Giallorossi's clash with Juventus on Sunday.

"We were a little unlucky, conceding two goals on their one and a half chances," he said. "The responsibility is ours. We lacked intensity, should’ve killed off the game straight away.

"I am taking it one game at a time. I cannot leave this game behind now, I cannot even think about Sunday. There is frustration, which obliges me to analyse. It is a pity this thing happened with Serra: I respect someone as much as they respect me."

Massimiliano Allegri hailed the patience and maturity demonstrated by Juventus in their Derby della Mole victory over Torino.

The Bianconeri twice came from behind to run out 4-2 winners at Allianz Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak against their city rivals to 18 matches.

Juan Cuadrado and Danilo cancelled out first-half goals from Yann Karamoh and Antonio Sanabria, while Bremer and Adrien Rabiot completed the turnaround in the final 20 minutes.

"It was a difficult game, it's not easy to play against Torino," the Juve head coach told Sky. "They are good at dribbling. In the first half, we made mistakes and went after them.

"In the second half, we had the patience to wait and hit them at the right time. This was a sign of maturity that we didn't have at the beginning of the year."

The match also provided the long-awaited second debut of Paul Pogba, who finally made his first appearance since re-joining Juventus from Manchester United.

The France international's 22-minute cameo came 2,481 days after he last appeared for the Bianconeri against Sampdoria in May 2016.

Allegri, who introduced Federico Chiesa and Mattia De Sciglio at the same time as Pogba, also acknowledged Alex Sandro and Wojciech Szczesny after the duo celebrated reaching significant milestones with the club.  

On Pogba, he said: "Nice return, we wanted it and we are all happy. There was a need for fresh players with different characteristics. Playing every three days, changes become important.

"Pogba entered well, as did Chiesa and De Sciglio. Szczesny has reached 200 appearances, Alex Sandro 300 and so there was every reason to win tonight."