Deadline Day Whimper, Cup Tie Roar: Arsenal Defends Lead, San Diego FC Makes History
LONDON — The paperwork is filed, the fax machines have cooled down, and the January 2026 transfer window has officially slammed shut. If you were glued to your phone expecting a last-minute blockbuster, you likely woke up disappointed. With most clubs—including the heavy hitters in the Premier League—getting their business done in early January, Deadline Day was less of a frenzy and more of a formality.
But don’t let the tepid market fool you. While the boardrooms are quiet, the pitch is about to explode. We trade fax machines for floodlights tonight as the Carabao Cup semi-finals reach a fever pitch and a new era of North American soccer kicks off on the West Coast.
The London Derby: Battle for Wembley
The marquee matchup of the mid-week slate is undoubtedly at the Emirates, where Arsenal hosts Chelsea in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final (3 p.m. ET, Paramount+). The Gunners carry a precarious 3-2 aggregate lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge—a match that saw Mikel Arteta’s side snatch victory from the jaws of a draw.
For Chelsea, tonight is about salvaging silverware from a chaotic season. For Arsenal, currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table after that massive 4-0 thrashing of Leeds United last weekend, it’s about dominance. They don’t just want to win; they want to bury their crosstown rivals and book a ticket to Wembley. Expect a high line, aggressive pressing, and a nervy 90 minutes for the visitors.
San Diego FC: A Historic Continental Debut
While London burns, history is being written in California. San Diego FC, the MLS expansion darlings who shocked the league by finishing first in the Western Conference in their debut 2025 season, are set for their first-ever taste of international glory.
They host Liga MX giants Pumas UNAM in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (11 p.m. ET, FS2). It is a baptism by fire. San Diego’s attack, led by the electric Danish winger Anders Dreyer (19 goals last season), will need to be clinical against a Pumas side that knows exactly how to navigate these two-legged brutal affairs. Snapdragon Stadium will be absolutely buzzing—this isn’t just a game; it’s San Diego announcing they belong on the global stage.
“We respect the history Pumas brings, but we didn’t win the West just to be tourists in this tournament. We’re here to hunt.” — Mikey Varas, San Diego FC Head Coach
What to Watch (All Times ET)
If you need your footy fix, the schedule is stacked. Here is where you need to be tuning in:
- 🇮🇹 Serie A: Bologna vs. AC Milan, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+) — Milan needs three points to stay in the Scudetto chase.
- 🏴 EFL Cup: Arsenal vs. Chelsea, 3 p.m. (Paramount+) — The main event.
- 🇪🇸 Copa del Rey: Albacete vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. (ESPN Select) — Can the underdog Albacete pull off a “Giant Killing”?
- 🌎 CCC: San Diego FC vs. Pumas, 11 p.m. (FS2) — MLS vs. Liga MX drama.
Catch It All on Golazo Network
Don’t miss a beat of the action. The CBS Sports Golazo Network has you covered 24/7:
- ☀️ Morning Footy (8-10 a.m.): The only way to start your day. Highlights, vibes, and the best analysis in the game.
- ⚽ Call It What You Want (10 a.m.): Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola break down the USMNT as we inch closer to hosting the World Cup this summer.
- 🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Your rapid-fire catch-up on every goal you missed while you were working.
