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U.S. men's national team star Malik Tillman drew a key penalty as he started alongside Sergino Dest in PSV's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund.

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PSV earn drawMalen scores for DortmundTillman draws key penalty for equalizing goalGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Dortmund seized the lead via a stunning goal from Donyell Malen, who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The Dutch star burst through on the right and rocketed a shot past a helpless Walter Benitez, netting a massive goal against his former club. Malen had previously played for PSV from 2018-21 before making his big move to Dortmund.

PSV, though, got back into it in the second half, even if their goal was a controversial one. After a heavy touch in the box, Tillman was taken down by Mats Hummels, who seemingly made contact with the ball before clattering into the American. The referee, though, awarded a penalty and, after a VAR review, the decision was upheld, leading to Luuk de Jong's 56th-minute goal from the penalty spot.

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PSV will generally be happy with the result, having come back from a goal down to secure a draw in their home leg of the tie. The result, too, should give them confidence heading into that second leg, having proven they can hang with Dortmund throughout these first 90 minutes. They'll now look ahead to the second leg, which is set for Signal Iduna Park on March 13.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

By being named to the starting XI, Tillman and Dest became the first pair of USMNT teammates to start for the same team in a Champions League knockout match. And they were eventually joined by Pepi, who came off the bench in the second half to put all three Americans on the field at the same time, making further history.

Despite all of the successes and breakthroughs for American players in recent years, that's still a big achievement, especially considering the age of those involved. Dest is the elder statesman of the trio at just 23, with 21-year-olds Pepi and Tillman still very much just getting started in their club careers.

Tillman, of course, made the biggest impact of the bunch, creating the pivotal moment by drawing the penalty. He did the same in the group stages, attracting a foul from Sergio Ramos to help PSV earn a key point against Sevilla.

Dest, too, made an impact, nearly scoring late on, while Pepi helped provide a bit of attacking energy in his now-familiar supersub role for Peter Bosz's side.

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Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS

Malik Tillman (7/10):

Was a bit lucky to get the penalty call, but you can't knock his effort. Created two chances and had one decent look at goal. His touch let him down a few times.

Sergino Dest (6/10):

Was so close to blocking away Malen's opener, but it felt like he did all he could on the sequence. As usual, was fantastic on the attacking side, completing nearly every pass and providing a bit of width on the left-hand side.

Ricardo Pepi (6/10):

Came on in the 75th minute and may have had a chance at goal if Dest had spotted him. Couldn't quite change the game, though.

Celtic take on St. Johnstone in the SPL tomorrow at home as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Before then, however, manager Brendan Rodgers would like to see some more signings arrive with transfer deadline day fast approaching, though there is still a lot of work that needs to be done if that is to happen.

The Breakdown

According to the Daily Record, the Celtic boss is desperate to add at least one new full-back to his squad with Borussia Dortmund’s Jeremy Toljan one player he hopes his superiors can land ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

With Mikael Lustig’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Celtic definitely need to start looking at names for that position with Toljan being a great one.

However, even if the Bhoys fail to sign the German right-back or any other player for that matter before Thursday, they can still be pleased with the work that has been done this month.

The additions of Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke are quickly proving to be very good ones, while the Glasgow club still have Vakoun Issouf Bayo to come into the team.

Ultimately, Celtic now look to have the necessary firepower to win yet another SPL title, and thus can afford to be patient in their pursuit of a new right-back.

American coach Jesse Marsch has shared an update on where his future lies after being sacked from Leeds United last season.

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Ex-Leeds boss currently living in ItalyTaken up pundit role for CBS SoccerBelieves coaching future 'lies in Europe'WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Milan's UCL tie vs Borussia Dortmund Tuesday – where Marsch was on the ground reporting for CBS Soccer – studio analyst Kate Abdo asked Marsch where his future relies. He initially replied that "I'm a TV personality now," before offering a more considered answer.

AdvertisementWHAT MARSCH SAID

"I'm focused on what I'm doing here in Europe, which is trying this (punditry work), but I really still think that my future lies here in Europe and finding good clubs to coach here. I'm a little bit more of someone who enjoys the daily grind of being part of a team, and I feel like that's the way to really impact a group. So I mean, let's see what happens. You never know you can never say never, but I'm really happy living here in Europe. I'm really happy with with the challenge of getting to know new cultures, languages, teams leagues… Champions League, right there's nothing for me bigger than Champions League."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was removed from his post as Leeds boss on February 6 last year, and after being linked with the USMNT job, has since taken up a pundit role with CBS Soccer. Living in Italy, the American has featured on the touchline on numerous occasions this season for Milan matches, analysing USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. On Tuesday, he spoke more on than just the UCL, including the state of the USMNT and what Gregg Berhalter needs to do to be recognized as one of the world's elite teams.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

The ex-Leeds boss has stated how content he is in Europe, with the American sharing his desire to stay on the continent. Whether it's punditry work – which he shared how happy he is doing – or finding a role within a top club, he has no plans to leave.

Four years after leaving Signal Iduna Park, the American is back for a huge Champions League match as a key player for the Rossoneri

The prodigal son is returning. Well, at least one of them. Borussia Dortmund have had a whole bunch of prodigal sons over the last few years, perhaps more than any other club. Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho… it's a wild list.

This story, though, is about Christian Pulisic. Once a rising star at Dortmund, now a key figure at AC Milan. And, on Wednesday, Pulisic will return to Signal Iduna Park four years after he initially left the club in search of a next step.

That step came at Chelsea, but it was one full of highs and lows. It was one that produced a Champions League trophy, but it's also one that saw Pulisic's career stop and start more times than he can count. Despite the team's success, Pulisic's career at Chelsea never quite went the way everyone expected it to.

And that leads us here. Now a star with AC Milan, Pulisic is beginning to look like the player many knew he could be when he left Dortmund all those years ago, and he could play a key role as his current and former employers prepare for an absolutely humongous Champions League clash.

Getty ImagesA boy arrives

It feels hard to believe, but it's been nearly nine years since Pulisic first signed with Borussia Dortmund. Much has changed in that time, and that was the aim of it all when Pulisic first moved to Germany at age 16. The goal wasn't to follow the typical path set out for him in American soccer; it was to blaze a new trail and become the new face of the U.S. men's national team.

That process began in Dortmund and, in some ways, it began faster than many could have expected. Less than a year after arriving, Pulisic was tossed into the first team, making his debut after the Bundesliga's winter break. He never looked back from that moment, becoming something of a regular for Dortmund in the coming years.

We know how it all went: 127 appearances, 19 goals and a DFB-Pokal later, Pulisic had proven himself at one of Germany's biggest clubs. He was also beginning to prove himself as an American soccer star, the phoenix to emerge from the ashes of the 2018 World Cup failure to lead a new generation that, ultimately, proved itself in 2022.

In January 2019, though, it was confirmed that Pulisic would be moving on, as he agreed to a deal to move to Chelsea the following summer for a record-breaking £58 million (€64m/$73m) transfer fee. In the process, he became the most expensive American player ever and Dortmund's second-biggest sale, behind only Dembele.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesUps and downs at Chelsea

If there was a word to describe Pulisic's life at Chelsea, and the Blues in general over the last few years, it would be 'inconsistent'. There were highs, of course, especially early on. Brought in to replace Eden Hazard, Pulisic showed glimpses of being able to do just that, notably during the club's run to the 2020-21 Champions League.

Pulisic, however, never locked down a regular spot on the field and, by the end, was buried behind a plethora of other big-money attacking signings. There was never really a period where Pulisic got the consistent run of games needed, whether due to injury, managerial changes or overall Chelsea chaos.

By the end, all involved were ready to move on. Chelsea had spent big on new attackers, and there's no end in sight to that pursuit. Pulisic, meanwhile, clearly needed a fresh start. So, after four seasons, 26 goals and three trophies, Pulisic said goodbye to Stamford Bridge and hello to San Siro.

Getty ImagesLifeline in Milan

By joining Milan, Pulisic didn't have to take a step backwards. No, this was a step sideways and, depending on how you look at it, maybe a step forward.

Milan are in the Champions League, after all. They were semi-finalists last season and Serie A champions the year before. For years, Italy's giants were relatively dormant, but over the last few campaigns, they've shown signs of life.

This summer, with stars like Sandro Tonali and Brahim Diaz on the way out, the club went out and added a few new pieces. Samuel Chukwueze was one, as was Pulisic's USMNT team-mate Yunus Musah. However, the American winger was the big one, signed for a reported €20 million (£17m/$22m). Thus far, that move has looked like a stroke of genius for both Milan and Pulisic.

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GettyLife in Italy (so far)

Serie A has been a good landing spot for Pulisic. He scored in his first two appearances, netting against Bologna and Torino in a pair of wins to start the season. There was a bit of a blip after the international break, but Pulisic was back among the goals on Saturday, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over Lazio.

The goals are good, particularly for a player that will take every chance to boost his confidence after years in and out of the Chelsea XI. But that's just one part of all of this; the other is how he's getting them.

For the first time in a while, Pulisic has been able to bring his USMNT swagger to the club level. He's playing with purpose, not fear, as he continues to create danger for Milan. He already has a relationship with Olivier Giroud from Chelsea, and with Rafael Leao drawing plenty of eyeballs on the other wing, Pulisic has been free to do what he does best. His most recent goal came via a Leao cross, ensuring that he heads into this Champions League reunion in good form.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have scheduled a Copa America warmup against Guatemala at FedEx Field this June.

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Argentina schedule pre-Copa America friendlySet to take on GuatemalaGame to be played at FedEx FieldWHAT HAPPENED?

The match will take place on June 14, six days before the tournament begins. The two countries will travel to the United States capital city for the contest, with it being Argentina's final warmup ahead of Copa America. Guatemala did not qualify.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

FedEx Field is home to NFL side Washington Commanders, and as a result, the playing surface is not particularly the most appropriate for a soccer match. However, the Commanders plan to adjust not only the surface, but the stands as well to allow for a wider playing area. U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter was informed by organizers that any future USMNT game at the venue would be the same. The measurements of the pitch would be 70-yards wide – four yards short of FIFA's recommendation, but within the parameters.

During the summer of 2023, the Premier League Summer Series in the United States saw matches played at FedEx Field. The expectation is that the pitch and stadium adjustments will align with how the Premier League games were played at the stadium.

WHAT FEDEX FIELD REPRESENTATIVES SAID

“We plan to do that for these games and continue to do that so we can attract these big, competitive soccer games,” said Trista Langdon, the Commanders’ senior vice president for operations and guest experience. “So we’ll be ready.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI AND ARGENTINA?

The Albiceleste had two friendlies lined up for this March against Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, but they have since been cancelled by Chinese authorities due to a bust-up between Messi and their government. The Argentine was supposed to play in a preseason match with Inter Miami against Hong Kong Team, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was rested, much to the dismay of officials, fans and their government.

Disasi made amends after a dismal first-half while Caicedo turned in another disastrous display as the Blues dropped more points in the league

Chelsea were under-par for the majority of their clash with Brentford but they somehow dug deep enough to rescue a late point, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Nicolas Jackson scored the opening goal of the game, powering a header into the bottom corner from Malo Gusto's cross, having previously struggled to hit the back of the net.

In the second half, Mads Roerslev equalised just five minutes after the restart, pouncing on defensive confusion to bring the Bees level.

Yoanne Wissa somehow then gave Brentford the lead through a brilliant bicycle kick that left Petrovic rooted to the spot.

Axel Disasi, though, made up for his mistake for the opening goal by scoring a late header to bring Chelsea level.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Gtech Community Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

Almost caught out when he claimed a loose ball on the edge of his penalty area, leading to howls of proteest from Brentford. Well-beaten by both strikes, particularly Wissa's.

Malo Gusto (7/10):

Superb cross for Jackson to score. Continually found his team-mates with superb deliveries. Comfortably Chelsea's best player.

Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

Caught under the ball before Wissa's brilliant goal and appeared overawed by the Brentford press at times.

Axel Disasi (6/10):

Slid to try to block Roerslev's strike but got nowhere near him in some truly bizarre defending – but he more than made up for it with a late headed equaliser.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Put his body on the line when he could. Subbed for Sterling late on.

Ben Chilwell (5/10):

Energetic as ever but couldn't have the same impact as the excellent Gusto.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Struggled in midfield, particularly in the second half, when he just couldn't get up and running. Clearly fatigued. Subbed for Mudryk on 70 minutes.

Moises Caicedo (4/10):

Seemed to divert Toney's shot into Roerslev's path for him to equalise. Consistently slides in, and seems a second behind the play at times. Chelsea desperately need him to improve; right now, he's not good enough.

Conor Gallagher (5/10):

Booked for a dismal dive in the first half. His main contribution in a game that passed him by.

GettyAttack

Cole Palmer (6/10):

Some very clever movement but twice sent the ball wide in promising positions. Crossed for Disasi's header, a superb assist.

Nicolas Jackson (6/10):

Went round the goalkeeper but still managed to miss, as he scuffed his finish and saw it cleared. Recovered to score, powering a header into the bottom corner.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

On for Fernandez. Barely saw the ball.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

Replaced Colwill as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser and the systemic change did lead to a goal, even if Sterling wasn't involved.

Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):

Got away with it. Chelsea were utterly dreadful for most of the second half as a switch to a three at the back didn't seem to suit them – but they just about managed to rescue a point. It may prove to be a big result, but Chelsea must learn to control games.

Arsenal and Tottenham both came under fire from the Jewish community over their ‘Happy Hanukkah’ message posted on social media.

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Clubs wished ‘Happy Hanukkah’ messages with incorrect number of candelabrasSlammed by Jewish fans for negligenceBoth clubs have amended post WHAT HAPPENED?

Both the north London clubs posted images of candelabras with the wrong number of branches, deviating from the correct nine-branched Hanukkiah. Spurs initially posted a Hanukkah message on Instagram featuring an 11-branched candelabrum. The error was promptly noticed by Daniel Sugarman, the director of public affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who expressed surprise at the mistake, especially considering they do have one person from the Jewish community in their social media team.

AdvertisementWHAT DANIEL SUGARMAN SAID

Attaching a picture of the wrong Spurs' social media post, Sugarman wrote: "I mean…of ANY football team in the UK, I would have assumed that Spurs would have at least one Jewish person on their social media team… #TenDaysofChanukah."

@arsenal InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Tottenham, acknowledging the error, quickly removed the post, which included images of the Star of David, and replaced it with a previous year's image featuring a candelabra with the correct number of branches but without the Star of David.

Whereas, Arsenal's original post, showcasing a seven-branched candelabrum, was live for seven hours on both Instagram and X before being replaced with a correct nine-branched Hanukkiah.

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@SpursOfficial TwitterWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL & TOTTENHAM?

Hanukkah, symbolized by the Hanukkiah, involves lighting one candle each night for eight days, with the ninth branch holding the shamash (helper or servant) candle. Nonetheless, Arsenal and Spurs fans would hope that their players would show better form than the respective social media teams when they return to Premier League action. While Spurs will host West Ham on Thursday evening, the Gunners face a tricky trip to Villa Park on Saturday in their next assignment.

Morocco are gearing up for a battle with Real Madrid for the rights to host the 2030 World Cup final, it has been reported.

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Spain, Portugal & Morocco to hostFinal venue yet to be announcedMadrid and Morocco both candidatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2030 edition of the tournament will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu has been regarded as the most likely destination for the final, but reports the African nation has made a bid to pip the Spanish capital to it.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The trio of host nations were announced earlier this month. It is the first time that three countries from two continents have hosted the tournament.

However, the competition will spill over to another continent and three more countries, as commemorative matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID

FIFA has not yet made a decision on where the final will be held, but it had been expected that Madrid's stadium would win out. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti backed the plan, saying earlier this month: "The World Cup final has to be in Madrid, because it’s the capital of Spain, and in the Bernabeu because it will be the best stadium in the world. I think it’s very good for Spanish football and for this country. The happiness of this news isn’t going to be affected by some games being played in South America, Portugal or Morocco, it’s very good news."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

FIFA still has to declare where the final for the 2026 World Cup final will be held, too. That competition will be stretched across Canada, United States and Mexico.

Bruno Fernandes' behaviour as Manchester United captain has again been questioned, with ex-forward Andy Cole labelling his actions "disrespectful".

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Fernandes' captaincy often questionedCole labels actions "disrespectful"But feels there is no better options to leadWHAT HAPPENED?

Erik ten Hag's side have thus far endured a 2023-24 campaign to forget, with their sixth-placed standing papering over many cracks both on and off the pitch. Fernandes has been one of many United players denigrated, not least for his petulant actions as club captain. Red Devils legend Andy Cole believes such behaviour shows "disrespect" towards his team-mates – although he also pointed towards a lack of captaincy options beyond the Portugal star.

AdvertisementWHAT COLE SAID

Speaking in an interview with Betfred, the ex-United forward said: "There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead? There’s not four or five standout contenders. Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way which he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”

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Fernandes' weaknesses as a leader were clear to see while on recent international duty, as he was met with some bemused responses from Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva following a half-time discussion. Fernandes did, however, provide a vital spark against Iceland on the pitch, and United fans will be hopeful he can transfer this form to club level and turn around what has been a disappointing start to the campaign.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

After completing a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign under Roberto Martinez, the United skipper will return to work under Ten Hag as his United side prepare to take on Everton on Sunday. The Dutchman will be hoping to make it three straight victories in the league against a side who will be rallied by their severe points deduction.

Tom Brady and the Birmingham board are demanding “no fear” football, but Wayne Rooney admits he has inherited players that “can’t do it”.

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Blues piecing together ambitious plansNew manager part of that projectHe needs to freshen up his squadWHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester United and England legend is two games into his latest coaching role. Rooney has returned to his homeland following a spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He has previously worked in the Championship with Derby.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He has not got off to the best of starts at St Andrew’s, with back-to-back defeats suffered against Middlesbrough and Hull City, with Rooney yet to put his stamp on a squad that had reached the play-off places under his predecessor John Eustace.

WHAT THEY SAID

A change was made in the dugout as NFL legend Brady – who is a now an investor in the club – and his fellow board members wanted to deliver a more exciting brand of football. Rooney is buying into that, but has said of those at his disposal: "We're asking them to play more front-footed when you're probably more a bit on the back foot. We're asking them to try and take the ball. Too many players are too happy to pass the ball and let their team-mate deal with it. That needs to improve. We have to put teams under pressure for longer periods. But the Middlesbrough game and this one have helped me see that some players can't do it, which is fine. It helps me in terms of understanding and adjusting a bit. I'm not asking them to change too much from what they are doing but we have to be patient. It's a big change for them. We created a lot of problems for ourselves. We give the ball away too cheaply. But the really disappointing thing for me was that after Hull got the second goal I didn't see a reaction. That can't happen again. They're aware of that."

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Getty WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Birmingham have slipped to 12th in the Championship table, but are only two points adrift of the top six. They will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Southampton – with testing outings against Ipswich and Sunderland carrying the Blues into the next international break.