Find the main sports news of March 23, 2026. With the defeat of OL Lyonnes in the Women’s Champions League, Arthur Fils in Miami, and Alexis Pinturault in the final race of his career.
Alpine Skiing – Pinturault bids farewell
Emotions ran high on Tuesday in Hafjell, near Lillehammer. While Lucas Pinheiro Braathen claimed the Small Crystal Globe for giant slalom by winning the last race of the season ahead of Loic Meillard and Atle Lie McGrath, Alexis Pinturault bid farewell. After having his farewell to the French public disrupted by bad weather two weeks ago in Courchevel, the former overall World Cup winner received a champagne shower at the finish area as he finished eleventh in the last race of his career.
Football – OL Lyonnes caught out in Wolfsburg
The matches are not going well for OL Lyonnes. Four months after a clear win against Wolfsburg in the group stage, Jonatan Giraldez’s players faced difficulties in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. On the German team’s turf, the Fenottes were defeated by a narrow margin (1-0) with a goal from Lineth Beerensteyn in the fifteenth minute. After this first defeat of the season in all competitions, the Lyon ladies will have to turn the tide next week at the Groupama Stadium.
Tennis – Fils into the quarters in Miami
For Arthur Fils, the years go by and look the same. One year after reaching the quarter-finals of the Miami Masters 1000 for the first time, the 31st world-ranked player repeated the feat on Tuesday. He beat Valentin Vacherot in a hard-fought three-set match (6-4, 6-7, 6-4 in 2h13′) on a day that was not favorable to the top seeds. Taylor Fritz and Sebastian Korda were defeated by Jiri Lehecka and Martin Landaluce respectively. Unlike Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner upheld his position with a victory over Alex Michelsen in two close sets (7-5, 7-6 in 1h42′).
Cycling – Cort Nielsen strong
The sprinters did not shine on Tuesday at the Tour of Catalonia. Following Dorian Godon’s success in the first stage, Magnus Cort Nielsen had the last word in the streets of Banyoles. After a race marked by a new breakaway from Frenchman Baptiste Veistroffer, the Uno-X Mobility rider surprised everyone by sprinting from a distance. He held off Noa Isidore and Francesco Busatto to claim the 35th victory of his career. Fourth-placed Dorian Godon retains the lead in the overall classification.
Rugby – A first in Top 14
Scheduled for April 18 or 19, the 21st round match of the Top 14 between Clermont and Lyon will make history in the French championship. The National Rugby League confirmed on Tuesday that Scottish referee Hollie Davidson will become the first woman to officiate a match in the elite of French professional rugby. An official who has already proven herself at the highest level, as she will also officiate next weekend in the Champions Cup Round of 16 between Northampton and Castres.
