Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rodri from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Madrid, who have long wanted to sign the Spain international, believe that they could be able to sign Rodri for €50 million, but La Liga rivals Barcelona have […]

The post Real Madrid and Barcelona battle for Rodri appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Real Madrid and Barcelona battle for Rodri appeared first on Soccer News.

Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €45 million for the Brazil international winge. Fichajes has noted: ‘Barcelona’s sports management, under the tactical leadership of Hansi Flick, aim to incorporate players who bring freshness and individual […]

The post Barcelona have to pay €45m for Gabriel Martinelli appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona have to pay €45m for Gabriel Martinelli appeared first on Soccer News.

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Atletico wanted to sign Victor Osimhen, and having missed out on him, the La Liga club are now keen on the Netherlands international. Fichajes has noted: ‘The […]

The post Atletico Madrid target Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Atletico Madrid target Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo appeared first on Soccer News.

Lamine Yamal scored a sensational hat-trick as Hansi Flick marked his 100th game in charge of Barcelona with a 4-1 win over Villarreal at Camp Nou. Yamal’s treble, along with substitute Robert Lewandowski’s late goal, also moved Barcelona four points clear at the top of LaLiga, with Real Madrid facing Getafe on Monday. A quiet […]

The post Barcelona 4-1 Villarreal: Hat-trick hero Yamal helps Flick mark 100th game in style appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona 4-1 Villarreal: Hat-trick hero Yamal helps Flick mark 100th game in style appeared first on Soccer News.

Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €45 million for the Brazil international winge. Fichajes has noted: ‘Barcelona’s sports management, under the tactical leadership of Hansi Flick, aim to incorporate players who bring freshness and individual […]

The post Barcelona have to pay €45m for Gabriel Martinelli appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Barcelona have to pay €45m for Gabriel Martinelli appeared first on Soccer News.

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Atletico wanted to sign Victor Osimhen, and having missed out on him, the La Liga club are now keen on the Netherlands international. Fichajes has noted: ‘The […]

The post Atletico Madrid target Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Atletico Madrid target Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo appeared first on Soccer News.

Boos could be heard during a brief break in play to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast during Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Manchester City.

The 17:30 GMT kick-off at Elland Road was paused in the 13th minute as both sets of players came to the side of the pitch to take on fluids.

A message was displayed on the big screen inside the stadium stating: "As tonight's match takes place inside the holy month of Ramadan, play has been paused briefly to allow players to break their fast."

City had three Muslim players - Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush - in their starting line-up, with Abdukodir Khusanov on the bench.

BBC Sport has contacted Leeds United for comment.

Asked about the booing, Leeds assistant manager Edmund Riemer told Sky Sports: "I'm focused on the game so I don't really hear it, but disappointed with some supporters that that happened."

Manchester City went on to win the game 1-0 through Antoine Semenyo's goal in first-half stoppage time.

• How do Man City's Muslim players adapt to Ramadan?

Ramadan - during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset - began on the evening of 17 February and lasts for a month.

With sunset in the UK ranging from about 17:00 to 19:00 during this period, the only games that could feature a break in play are Saturday's 17:30 kick-off and Sunday's 16:30 kick-off between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: "We took on a little bit of vitamins because [Rayan] Cherki, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri did not eat today.

"It is a modern world, right? [You see] what is happening in the world today. Respect religion, diversity, that is the point.

"The Premier League says you can have one or two minutes, you can have for the [fasting] players to do it [break their fast]. It is what it is, unfortunately."

Club captains and match officials find a natural pause in the game to allow Muslim players or match officials to break their fast.

In 2021, an agreement was put in place to allow Muslim players to break their fast during a Premier League match.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think it's very good for the players. We talk about the athletes and how fine-tuned they are at the moment.

"To go that long without food and drink, it is vitally important that they have that break."

The Eagles have an Alabama-to-Philadelphia pipeline, and Kadyn Proctor could be the next Crimson Tide star to join a Super Bowl hopeful. Ahead of Sunday's workouts, themassive offensive tackle says the Eagles are showing "a lot" of interest in him.  At 6-7 and 350-plus pounds, Proctor is more than just his physical size, offering enough athleticism to run pass routes. Daniel Jeremiah's No. 29 prospect in the draft, Proctor, confirmed on Saturday from Indianapolis that the Eagles are paying close attention.

"It was good," Proctor said of his meeting with the reigning NFC East champions. "I think they have shown a lot of interest in me. I really liked the vibe with them, too."

Proctor could be the perfect pick to eventually replace six-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson, who will turn 36 in May. The Iowa native was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, going back to his freshman year in 2023. Proctor earned consensus All-America honors in 2025. Proctor was a stalwart on the left side, allowing 37 total pressures in 2024 and 2025 combined and five sacks.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Kadyn Proctor on the Eagles: "I really liked the vibe with them, too"

We thought Virginia was better than that.

Whatever else we might have thought, we never thought that Duke would have a 28-point lead on a good Virginia team. And winning 77-51?

Not what we expected – not at all.

But that’s what happened as Duke wrapped up the #1 seed for the ACC Tournament. And what’s really impressive is that Duke did that despite Virginia doing a first-rate job defending Cameron Boozer.

Boozer’s stats were pretty typical for him: 18 points, 99 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

But Virginia held him to just 3-9 from the floor, two inside and one three-pointer.

Being Boozer, he adapted. He couldn’t get easy shots inside against Johanne Grunloh, Thijs DeRidder and Ugonna Onyenso, so he got his points at the line.

Boozer hit 11-12 from the line.

The focus on Boozer left options for the others, and Isaiah Evans took full advantage, hitting three threes early.

Duke never looked back. And the big difference was the defense.

We’ve noticed this several times lately, but especially in the last three games against Syracuse, Michigan, and Notre Dame, there are times when the opponent can’t really get into a decent offensive flow and just has to chunk the ball up as the shot clock expires.

It’s not exactly Bennett Ball, because for one, Duke tends to score more. It’s kind of wild to watch, though. There was one point in the first half where the interior really seemed wide open, but for whatever reason, Virginia just couldn’t exploit it. They passed around the perimeter for 33-34 seconds and then shot a bad three.

Duke kept the pressure up, and Virginia just never adjusted.

They actually played better in the second half, but Duke’s lead kept growing wider. One interesting aspect, to us anyway, was that various disruptive situations came up for individuals, but it didn’t particularly affect the group.

Boozer got poked in the eye and had to leave the game. Duke kept rolling. Nik Khamenia picked up two quick fouls in three minutes in the first half.

Didn’t really matter.

Dame Sarr got two quick fouls right into the second half and just like that, Duke’s pressure man was in a potentially sticky spot.

Didn’t really matter.

In the end, nothing really mattered. This team is coming together beautifully. The defense is as tough as anyone’s, and the offense has matured.

Boozer is a freshman, but he’s smart enough to adjust to pretty much anything anyone throws at him. Evans has gone from being a three-point ace to being a guy who can drive and dunk or dish.

Sarr has gone from a spotty presence to a dominant defender.

And all of them, along with everyone else, are gelling at exactly the right time.

Duke plays State next and Raleigh is never an easy trip. Over the last decade or so, Duke has taken some real beatings over there. With State losing to Notre Dame Saturday, the Pack will be feisty, and we’re sure Will Wade will point out to them that a win over the #1 team in the country will be a massive resumé boost. So everybody should be ready for that.

Notes – DeRidder is a lot like Cameron Boozer…he’s thick too and agile and fundamentally sound…speaking of Boozer, he was that kid who was told the right way to do things and actually practiced his basketball fundamentals…he’s a basketball nerd…it’s hard to explain just what Duke did to Virginia on defense, how thoroughly they dominated them…the ‘Hoos just couldn’t get anything to work…you can see why Odom wanted Chance Mallory…he’s definitely on the small side, but he’s quick and smart…he’s going to be a force there before he’s through…just before tip-off, DeRidder tapped Sarr on the back in a way that made us think those guys must know each other from playing in Europe…a bit of personal respect…

• CAVALIERS CRUSHED: No. 1 Duke men’s basketball routs No. 11 Virginia 77-51 for regular-season ACC crown
• 5 observations from No. 1 Duke men’s basketball’s first half against No. 11 Virginia
• Everything From Ryan Odom After Virginia’s Frustrating Loss to Duke
• Duke clinches share of ACC regular season title with 77-51 blowout win over Virginia
• No. 11 Virginia uncompetitive in blowout loss at No. 1 Duke
• Duke sent extremely strong statement without saying a word vs. Virginia
• No. 1 Duke in a class of its own following resounding win over No. 11 Virginia
• CAVALIERS CRUSHED: No. 1 Duke men’s basketball routs No. 11 Virginia 77-51 for regular-season ACC crown

Adamu or Cvancara, or maybe even Iheanacho, why not two of the three? We need all the firepower we can muster…

Maximilian Mittelstaedt of VfB Stuttgart challenges Junior Adamu of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Whilst we face something of a shortage of options at the back for tomorrow’s vital clash at Ibrox, we have numerous choices at our disposal an attacking sense, mainly in the centre forward position.

Tomas Cvancara in action at Tynecastle. Hearts v Celtic, 25 January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou.

Tomas Cvancara is clearly the likely candidate to start, due to his physique and all round ability to play through the middle, and more importantly Martin seems to regard him highly. Something that’s not surprising as the veteran Irishman likes to utilise a big target man in his sides, something he’s done throughout his managerial career.

26.02.2026, UEFA Europa League, VfB Stuttgart Celtic Glasgow v l Maximilian Mittelstädt VFB Stuttgart, 7 expects Kelechi Iheanacho Celtic FC, photo IMAGO.

But we also have the likes of Junior Adamu and Kelechi Iheanacho raring to go, players who would complement the ability of Czech international Cvancara, so Martin O’Neill is rather spoilt for choice in that department.

Daizen Maeda can of course also operate through the middle, but the Japanese is a cert to start on the wing given the work rate and experience he provides in this fixture.

Viljami Sinisalo and Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Both Adamu and Iheanacho can operate anywhere across the frontline, and are no strangers to putting the ball in the net, so utilising one or the other up front with big Tam, would give us a more than potent goal threat against  theRangers defence who are far from watertight.

Creating opportunities has not been our problem of late, it’s finishing them that’s been the issue. We will create chances at Ibrox, that’s not in doubt, we just need to be clinical with any that come our way, and having players on the park who can put the ball in the net, will give us a fighting chance of getting the three points out of the game.

Tommy Gemmell statue unveiling at the Lisbon Lion’s hometown of Craigneuk. 28 February 2026. Photographs by Vagelis Georgariou

Will Martin O’Neill decide to go with one of his other more recognised front men? I suppose we’ll find out when the teams are announced tomorrow morning at around 10.45am.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

More Stories / Latest News

Adamu, Cvancara and Iheanacho could have roles to play at Ibrox

Feb 28 2026, 20:49

Photo Special – Tommy Gemmell statue unveiling at Craigneuk

Feb 28 2026, 20:04

28th February – Five Memorable Celtic Moments on This Day

Feb 28 2026, 11:45

Liverpool 5 – 2 West Ham – PL Postmortem

By Steven Smith

After a week that demanded focus and professionalism, Liverpool delivered neither perfection nor control — but they did deliver goals. Five of them. It was a performance that never truly convinced, yet it overwhelmed a fragile West Ham side and, in the context of the top-five race, may prove invaluable.

With Aston Villa slipping to defeat against Wolves on Friday, the door creaked open. Liverpool barged straight through it.

⸻

The Starting Eleven

Liverpool XI

• GK – Alisson Becker

• RB – Joe Gomez

• CB – Ibrahima Konaté

• CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

• LB – Milos Kerkez

• CM – Alexis Mac Allister

• CM – Ryan Gravenberch

• RW – Mohamed Salah

• AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

• LW – Cody Gakpo

• CF – Hugo Ekitike

Substitutes Used

Jeremie Frimpong → Florian Wirtz (76’)

Rio Ngumoha → Joe Gomez (76’)

Trey Nyoni → Ryan Gravenberch (86’)

⸻

Goals

Liverpool 1–0 West Ham – Hugo Ekitike (Ryan Gravenberch) – 5’

Liverpool 2–0 West Ham – Virgil van Dijk (Dominik Szoboszlai) – 26’

Liverpool 3–0 West Ham – Alexis Mac Allister (Hugo Ekitike) – 43’

Liverpool 3–1 West Ham – Tomáš Souček (Malick Diouf) – 49’

Liverpool 4–1 West Ham – Cody Gakpo (Hugo Ekitike) – 70’

Liverpool 4–2 West Ham – Valentín Castellanos (Jarrod Bowen) – 75’

Liverpool 5–2 West Ham – Jeremie Frimpong (Cody Gakpo) – 83’

Photo: IMAGO

⸻

Match Statistics

• Possession – Liverpool 49% | West Ham 51%

• xG – Liverpool 1.75 | West Ham 1.84

• Total Shots – Liverpool 18 | West Ham 11

• Shots on Target – Liverpool 7 | West Ham 4

• Fouls – Liverpool 12 | West Ham 11

• Corners – Liverpool 10 | West Ham 5

First Half

The opening half was ruthless without being dominant. Liverpool did not suffocate West Ham with possession — in fact, they ceded more of the ball overall — but they were devastating from dead-ball situations.

Three first-half goals, all stemming from corners, mark a remarkable turnaround for a side that looked utterly blunt from set pieces in the opening months of the season. The delivery was aggressive, the movement coordinated, and the intent clear. Ekitike’s early strike settled nerves, Van Dijk powered home with captain’s authority, and Mac Allister’s clinical finish just before the break effectively ended the contest.

There were still moments of looseness in open play. West Ham found pockets, tested transitions, and were not overwhelmed territorially. But Liverpool’s efficiency was the difference. When chances presented themselves, they struck.

Photo: IMAGO

⸻

Second Half

The second half brought a familiar issue — complacency. Souček’s goal four minutes after the restart shifted momentum briefly, and the visitors sensed vulnerability. Castellanos’ strike later only reinforced that Liverpool’s defensive concentration dipped more than it should have.

Yet every time West Ham threatened to make it uncomfortable, Liverpool found another gear in the final third. Gakpo’s composed finish restored control, and Frimpong’s late goal, bursting forward from the bench, sealed matters emphatically.

The game felt chaotic at times. The xG suggests a contest closer than the scoreline. But Liverpool’s cutting edge was superior, even if their overall control was not.

⸻

Final Thoughts

This was a performance where efficiency masked imperfection. Liverpool weren’t great — but they were prolific. Seven shots on target produced five goals. Ten corners yielded relentless pressure and three decisive moments before half-time.

Defensively, there remains work to do. In midfield, the balance wavered. But in attack, there is growing cohesion and confidence.

With Villa stumbling, the top-five race tightens considerably. The Reds should now feel momentum shifting. If they can pair this ruthless finishing with greater control, the chase becomes very real.

Steven Smith’s Pre-Match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 West Ham

As Bayern Munich fought hard to come out of the Signal Iduna Park against a game Borussia Dortmund side with a late goal by captain Joshua Kimmich, you might have notice that although having the visiting side role, the Bayern fans section was quieter than usual. For this reason, Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala was seen approaching the Bayern fans section to ask them why they were not actively supporting the club (FCBinside via @iMiaSanMia).

Apparently the reason was that the Ultras had had a clash with the Dortmund police before the game with pepper spray and batons involved, causing some 500 Bayern fans to watch the game in the stadium’s concourse through the TVs, rather than supporting from their seats (Bild via @iMiaSanMia). On their behalf, Dortmund police announced that 29 Bayern supporters had tried to enter the game with fake tickets.

It appears that at least some fans returned to their seats during the final moments of the match, as Bayern players were seen celebrating with traveling group of fans, this time receiving the deserved support after a decisive victory.

There was a confrontation between police and some Bayern fans around 5 pm. Police used batons and pepper spray against some of the fans. As a result, 500 fans decided to watch the game in the stadium concourse and stop their support. Dortmund police said a group of 29 Bayern fans attempted to gain entry to the away section using counterfeit or unauthorized tickets.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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The running backs group kicked off the third day of the NFL Combine, and like most position groups, only about half of the eligible prospects participated in measured testing or on-field drills. But some of the top prospects did take the field, and there were a handful of standout running backs that showed very well.

The Notre Dame duo of Jeremiyah Price (4.36-second 40-yard-dash) and Jadarian Price (4.5) stole the show, but because they are expected to be the first two backs selected in the draft, they likely won’t be in the Detroit Lions’ range for value and need.

Of the five prospects whom we declared “winners”, three were featured in our running backs Combine preview article, along with two other backs who weren’t in our preview for entirely opposite reasons. Here’s the top running backs the Lions were hoping paying close attention too.

Mike Washington, Arkansas (6-foot-1, 223)

Washington has been a favorite of POD this offseason, checking in as the top back to watch at the Senior Bowl, and was at the top of the list in our Combine preview. A big and powerful back, Washington would answer a lot of long-term questions the Lions have—including being a safe guard against the David Montgomery situation falling the wrong way. The buzz surrounding him of late has been that of a rising prospect, and then he ran a 4.33 40-yard-dash, jumped 39 inches vertically, and landed a 10-foot-8 broad jump, all at 233 pounds (!), which should very likely end up pushing him even higher up draft boards.

Emmett Johnson (5-foot-10, 202)

Johnson wasn’t on our Combine preview list simply because he’s been slotted as RB3 this offseason, but the rise of Washington and a few others has loosened things up a bit. Despite his 4.56 40-yard dash being the slowest in the group, that’s not a bad time for Johnson and his playing style, and his 35.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump point to his explosive nature.

In on-field drills, Johnson exploded at the snap of every drill, jumping out of his stance, and attacked the drills with a downhill mentality. While he was a tick unbalanced when making his cuts at top speed, he was powerful in his movements, showed strong hands, and once he secured the catch, he turned and got upfield in a hurry. His playing style would be a nice match with the Lions’ scheme and playstyle, but I’m not sure he makes it to Day 3.

Desmond Claiborne, Wake Forest (5-foot-10, 188)

Claiborne has been featured in our East-West Shrine Bowl preview and Combine previews due to his speed, which he showed off in the 40-yard-dash, running in an impressive 4.37 seconds. That speed translated onto the field during drills, as he showed great recognition-and-reaction skills, exploded laterally, and maintained his speed throughout the day. Claiborne showed he is willing to press the line and trust his speed, did a nice job of selling cut routes, was crisp during cuts, and was clean out of his breaks. He confirmed his tape and is likely in contention to be a top-five back in this class.

J’Mari Taylor, Virginia (5-foot-10, 199)

Taylor is a compact and explosive runner who didn’t participate in measured testing but was skilled in on-field drills. Taylor attacked downhill, showing power in his feet and the ability to stay square and balanced when setting up his cuts. He only has average lateral agility, and he didn’t look overly comfortable in deep routes, but his underneath routes were clean, and he showed the ability to get low and power out.

Jam Miller, Alabama (5-foot-10, 209)

When scouting this draft class running backs group, Miller flashed at times, but he ended up just missing the cut. He’d immediately make me regret leaving him off my watchlist, as he showed the athleticism behind those flash plays is there. Everything Miller did was solid and repeatable, pointing to a foundation that is developable, making him a sleeper Day 3 pick with high-value upside.

Miller ran a 4.42 40-yard-dash in measured testing and attacked the on-field drills. He showed quick feet, explosive movement in his jump cuts, lateral quickness, and the ability to get low in cuts and explode out into his routes. His open-field cuts were executed at speed and without throttling down (as most backs do), then closed out with solid hands. I’d like him to sell his Texas route more before the cut—because he has the chops for it—but he was smooth in his option-angle route, effortlessly cut inside (similarly to Texas), and secured the catch at full speed.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brandon Miller had 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-93 on Saturday for their fourth consecutive victory.

Miller made six 3-pointers and the Hornets finished 16 for 42 behind the arc after totaling 72 in the previous three victories, equaling the NBA record for most in a three-game span.

Coby White added 20 points off the bench and LaMelo Ball had 15 points and eight assists. Moussa Diabate finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists as Charlotte pulled within a game of .500 at 30-31.

Jrue Holiday scored 25 points and Jerami Grant had 21 for the Trail Blazers, who played without All-Star Deni Avdija for a third straight game because of a back injury.

Portland missed all 10 3-point attempts in the first quarter and Charlotte took a 29-17 lead. Miller made four 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the second as the Hornets took a 51-43 lead to the half.

The Blazers cut it to 74-67 after three but went cold again in the fourth, missing 10 of their 12 3-point attempts. Portland finished 11 for 47 (23.4%) on 3s for the game.

Up next

Trail Blazers: Visit Atlanta on Sunday.

Hornets: Host Dallas on Tuesday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (28-29-2) @ St. Louis Blues (21-28-9)

The Time: 5:00 pm EST

The Broadcast: TV — MSG, Devils Hockey Radio

The Game Preview: Matt had it here.

The Rules: If you have been a reader here, you already know the rules. But for the rest, a reminder: please do not swear in the comment section, and keep comments relevant to the hockey game going on. Beyond that, do not attack any other commenters, and do not ask for or pass along illegal streams on this board.

LGD!

We're putting some respect on defenders today in Italy. 

Inter look to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to 13 points, and it's so far so good thanks to the efforts of one Federico Dimarco. 

With names like Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella, you don't often think of the defender as a difference maker.

But he's done it again for Cristian Chivu's side on Saturday against Genoa!

Dimarco volleyed home from a tight angle at the half-hour mark to put the hosts in front inside a rocking San Siro. He now has 20 goal involvements this season.

To make the moment event better, he impressively also leads Serie A in goal involvements this season, ahead of Lautaro, Como starlet Nico Paz and Juventus' Kenan Yildiz.

A moment for defenders, please!

Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine went around the league and named the "perfect" free agency fit for each team. For edge rusher Odafe Oweh, he connected him to the Buccaneers.

"The Bucs have been looking for a young edge-rusher to lead the pass rush for a while. Odafe Oweh is a popular pick to re-sign with the Chargers after they traded for him during the 2025 season or follow Jesse Minter back to Baltimore. He had 7.5 sacks in 12 games while playing for Minter this season," Ballentine writes.

"However, Todd Bowles' ability to scheme pass-rushers into one-on-one situations shouldn't be taken lightly. It would be a huge get for the Bucs to convince the 27-year-old to head to Tampa.

"He would be a great fit in Bowles' aggressive defensive system and he'd fill a need they just haven't figured out."

Oweh is one of the most promising players available at his position, and thus, he should gain interest from several teams around the league. He is projected to land a three-year, $57.9 million contract, according to Spotrac.

The Chargers acquired Oweh in October via trade with the Ravens. The team sent safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in exchange for the edge rusher. The 27-year-old had a slow start to the season, but turned a corner once he arrived in Los Angeles.

Oweh posted an 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 39 pressures and 7.5 sacks across 13 regular-season games with the Chargers. His performance of the season came against the Patriots in the playoffs, where he posted three sacks and a 90.1 PFF pass-rushing grade. 

If the Bolts hope to bring Oweh back to LA, it will be costly, but he is a premier player at his position.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Odafe Oweh named 'perfect' free agency fit for NFC South team

In a victory on Senior night, Notre Dame fans got a glimpse of what its future could look like.

A strong second half led by the underclassmen for the Irish got its fourth conference win of the season. First half story was all about NC State as they made 7 of 12 3 pointers and shot over 60% from the field. Despite shooting over 50% from the field, the Irish could never close the gap in the first half and found themselves down 44-38. Then the young stars Cole Certa and Jalen Haralson took over in the second half.

Carson Towt had a chance to tie the game with just over a minute left, but the 33% free throw shooter missed both free throws, however a strong defensive effort led to an Irish rebound and Haralson’s two made free throws tied the game up with 20 seconds left. NC State’s Darrion Williams missed a wide open three to send it to overtime.

Overtime was the Cole Certa show as he started the extra session making two three pointers, the first giving Notre Dame it’s first lead of the game and the latter from well beyond NBA range. The sophomore guard had twelve of the Notre Dame 15 points in overtime and NC State went cold shooting which ultimately led the Fighting Irish to be able to pull away with the 96-90 victory.

Haralson, in his first game back since February 10th, was aggressive in the second half realizing that NC State simply had no answers when he committed to driving to the rim. After scoring just two points in the first half, had 23 in the second half and overtime finishing with 25 for the game. The highest rated recruit in Notre Dame history was a beacon of positivity for a basketball team that has had a disastrous season thus far.

The Irish are now 4-12 in conference play and 13-16 for the season. They will play Stanford on Wednesday evening and then close out the regular season with a matchup at Boston College on Saturday.

Senior Day Dub!!!#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/IG5vdtvc8r

— Notre Dame Men's Basketball (@NDmbb) February 28, 2026

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyv

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame defeats NC State 96-90 in overtime on Senior Day

The last time Liverpool had scored five goals in a Premier League game, the sun was out as they clinched the title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham in April 2025.

The conditions were similar on Saturday when they put five past West Ham and, after a largely turbulent season so far, the reality is that the Reds are heading into March with a spring in their step.

Arne Slot's side were far from wholly convincing against a relegation-battling West Ham, but the raw numbers show a team heading in the right direction as they now sit fifth in the Premier League, just three points off third.

"I could feel the nervousness inside the stadium," Slot said, after a strange game where Liverpool were clinical if not always in control.

But they have won four of five Premier League games in a short space of time now, which is as many wins as they managed in their previous 13 (D6 L3). Things are certainly improving for a side trying to salvage their season.

Already, Slot has admitted that it would not be an acceptable season if the reigning champions did not qualify for the Champions League, and in recent weeks Liverpool have made it their business to at least move towards that minimum objective.

Earlier this campaign, failure to get there was looking a distinct possibility after a string of poor results, a falling-out with talisman Mohamed Salah and an injury to record signing Alexander Isak.

Liverpool have now restored their know-how when it comes to winning football matches - be that through late winners, gutsy displays on the road or simply improving their output from set-pieces.

The belief is returning at Anfield.

• Liverpool put five past West Ham to move fifth

Deadly at dead balls as Liverpool 'go back to normal'

Since the turn of the year, Liverpool have scored more goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) than any other side in the league.

Seven of Liverpool's most recent nine Premier League goals have come from set-pieces (5 x corner, 1 x direct free-kick, 1 x throw-in), one more than in their first 38 goals of the season. All three of Liverpool's goals in the first half against West Ham came from corners.

"It's very pleasing because firstly that is the reason we have won," said Slot.

"Second of all, people said well played, and in my opinion we have been better when we lost and better when we conceded from set-pieces.

"The first half of the season, almost every set-piece we conceded went in. Now we start scoring from set-pieces and things start looking brighter and better than when you don't."

At the end of 2025, former set-piece coach Aaron Briggs left the club. The existing coaching staff at Anfield have absorbed his duties.

When asked what had changed about his team, Slot said: "Things went back to normal.

"We have created quite a lot of chances in the first half of the season that too many times did not go in. Maybe one or two small details have changed defensively and offensively.

"Our set-up is slightly different, but the biggest reason is that things go back to normal. There was a time when we were 23 goals behind Arsenal, including penalties, and we have closed the gap a bit."

'Step by step, we are getting better'

There is a school of thought among some fans that a good season is one where your team still has plenty to play for come April.

Liverpool will not be winning back-to-back Premier League titles, but they will head into March still in the FA Cup and the Champions League and now in a strong position to finish in the top five, which would effectively confirm Champions League football next season.

At the end of a week in which the club confirmed record revenues of over £700m for the last accounting year, with a profit after tax of £8m, the importance of that European spot cannot be underestimated.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who scored Liverpool's third goal, told Match of the Day: "The last four or five months is when teams show what they can do.

"That's what we want. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for the club and us as a team. The goal is there and we are going to do everything to qualify and be closer to the teams on top."

Team-mate Cody Gakpo took a similar view, telling Sky Sports: "It was a good afternoon. Step by step, we're getting [to be] a better team.

"We had a difficult moment during the season, but hopefully these last few games are the start of something beautiful."

With consecutive games against Wolves in the league and FA Cup next week, before a trip to Galatasaray in the Champions League, the next 10 days or so will go a long way to shaping how their season ultimately is remembered.

Get through that unscathed and, whisper it quietly, Liverpool fans may well start to genuinely believe that they can do something beautiful indeed.

The Knicks had to have Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was the team’s last opportunity to pick up an easy win for two weeks.

The Knicks defeated the Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) in a resounding 127-98 victory to finish their three-game road trip with a 2-1 record. They now move on to a five-game slate of contenders from both conferences, beginning with a matinee meeting with Victor Wembanyama and the Western Conference’s No. 2-seeded San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

The Knicks will face the Spurs (43-16), travel to Toronto to visit the Raptors (34-25), then return to Madison Square Garden to host the NBA’s No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (46-15). They will then kickoff a five-game road trip with stops in Denver (37-23), Los Angeles against both the Lakers (34-24) and Clippers (27-31), Utah (18-41) and Indiana (15-45) before hosting the Golden State Warriors back home on March 15.

After the Spurs game, six of the Knicks’ following seven games will be on the road. The stretch also includes two sets of back-to-backs, first in Toronto on Tuesday before hosting OKC on Wednesday, and next, in Los Angeles, seeing Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard on consecutive nights.

Head coach Mike Brown insists he doesn’t look beyond the next game on the schedule.

“You know the schedule better than me. I know we’re going to Toronto some time soon,” he told reporters in Milwaukee after Friday’s win. “That’s too many games for me to think about. I just take them one game at a time. I know we’ve got San Antonio at [1 p.m.] on Sunday and just trying to figure out how we’re gonna prepare for them.”

The first five of those opponents could be the Knicks’ toughest test of the season.

The Spurs, Raptors, Thunder, Nuggets and Lakers combine for a 194-103 record, and the Knicks are 2-5 on the season against teams with a .653 winning percentage or better. They are 5-2 against teams with a record above .600 but lower than .653, and are 3-0 against the only top-five seed from either conference with a lower winning percentage than .600: the Raptors.

In the East, the Knicks went 0-3 against the Detroit Pistons, own a 2-1 record over the Boston Celtics and are 2-1 against the Cavaliers. In a season riddled with championship expectations, inconsistency has plagued a team that has gone stretches without playing competitive basketball, only to remind teams why they are title contenders via 77-point halves like the one they hung on the Bucks on Friday.

The Knicks lost to the Cavaliers by 15 before their bounce-back win in Milwaukee.

“It’s important to battle through adversity. In a playoff setting, you may lose one, you’ve got to bounce back and get the next one, and we’ve done a good job of showing we can bounce back quick,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “It’s a good sign for us but consistency is everything. As long as we can keep building off this momentum and keep building off this mindset, we can be the best team we can be come April.”

ROOKIE RUNS WILD

Brown suggested fourth-year forward Jeremy Sochan could get a longer look at minutes over rookie Mohamed Diawara given Sochan’s experience, size and strength on a Knicks team competing for a title. But on Friday, the Knicks coach let his rookie run wild, and Diawara rewarded the confidence with 10 points on 2-of-3 shooting from 3-point range in 23 minutes off the bench.

“Those guys are the ninth and 10th guys [in the rotation], and I’ll make the call as I go along,” said Brown, “but everybody has to make sure they keep themselves ready.”

Sochan logged six minutes on Friday.

THE SCREEN GAME

Jalen Brunson scored 27 points but 22 of them came in an electrifying opening quarter. Brown said Friday was the best screen-setting game he’s seen from his team this season.

“Jalen did a great job, our whole team did, and Jalen is one of those guys — but the floor has to be spaced the right way,” he said. “Our physicality offensively was there because we set screens the right way, and then we played fast.

“So it takes all of us to do that, and when you do it–and when you have one of those guys–he’s gonna be able to break loose and that was good to see tonight.”

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers welcomed Cam Payne back to the roster over the All-Star break as they were looking to add more depth at the guard position. Payne was playing overseas in Serbia playing for Partizan and the Sixers brought him back to the NBA on a deal.

It has been a slow start for Payne as he's shooting only 4-for-20 from deep over his first five games, but he has been steady on the floor as a ball-handler and has been able to get everybody organized. He has given coach Nick Nurse an option to turn to and feel comfortable as a backup point guard running everything on offense.

"I think, fine," Nurse said at practice on Saturday. "I mean, I think it took him a minute here. I really like him. I really believe in what he brings. He brings some pace. He gets off the ball. He seems to create his own 3s quite a bit, and he just wasn't making any, right? It gets painful. I'm glad he hit one."

With that being said, Payne will eventually find his rhythm again. He is a player who focuses so much on the vibes being good and his ability to produce in stretches. He had to move back across the world and readjust to the Eastern standard time zone and all of the travel and such. Once hie fully adjusts, he'll be fine.

"I don't ever like I'll never get that worried about that," Nurse added. "I think it's reasonable for a guy to come into the league and need a few games to kind of settle back into the speed and size and what's going on. There's a lot coming at you. We obviously changed a lot of stuff from when he was here last. We had to kind of learn a whole bunch of new stuff on top of just getting your body right and getting the rhythm right and all that stuff."

As long as Payne is able to continue running offense and making sure everybody is on the same page and the team finds a groove with him leading the way, then the Sixers will be OK with it. The shooting will eventually come.

"I think he's ready to go," Nurse added. "I think he'll probably—he hit some big shots to keep us clicking the other night, and we'll probably get here pretty soon, one of his big games where he really gets it going."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Nick Nurse evaluates the early play of Cam Payne in return to Sixers

No. 19 Tennessee (7-3) defeated Arizona State, 5-3, on Saturday in Day 2 of the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas

The Vols led, 4-0, after the second inning after Chris Newstrom hit a two-run double. Henry Ford and Blaine Brown each hit RBI singles in the inning.

The Sun Devils pulled to within, 4-2, in the fourth inning. Arizona Stare also scored one run in the seventh inning.

Tennessee led, 5-3, after the eighth inning after Levi Clark recorded a RBI on a sacrifice fly.

Brown went 2-for-4. He hit one double, recorded one RBI and scored one run, while Ford went 2-for-5 and totaled one RBI.

Newstrom went 1-for-4. He hit one double and recorded two RBIs, while Clark went 1-for-3. He totaled one double and one RBI.

Landon Mack (2-1) started and pitched five innings for the Vols. He allowed two runs, seven hits and one walk. Mack recorded five strikeouts and totaled 93 pitches, including 63 strikes.

Brady Frederick pitched two innings in relief for Tennessee. He allowed one unearned run, one hit and one walk. Frederick recorded one strikeout and totaled 33 pitches, including 19 strikes.

Cam Appenzeller earned his first save of the season after pitching two innings. He allowed one hit and recorded three strikeouts. Appenzeller totaled 29 pitches, including 19 strikes.

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee baseball defeats Arizona State on Day 2 in Arlington

Leeds United 0-1 Man City: Title Nerve Holds Firm at Elland Road

Manchester City edged past Leeds United 1-0 in a tense Premier League encounter at Elland Road, a result that tightened the title race and cut Arsenal’s lead at the summit to two points. In a contest defined by resilience and nerve, City found a way, even without their injured talisman Erling Haaland.

For long stretches, Leeds United were the sharper side. Energy surged from the stands and into Daniel Farke’s players, who pressed high and attacked with purpose. Yet when the decisive moment arrived, it belonged to City.

Semenyo Strikes Before Interval

The breakthrough came just before half time. Rayan Ait Nouri fizzed a low delivery into the penalty area and Antoine Semenyo reacted first, stretching to guide the ball home. It was his sixth Premier League goal since arriving from Bournemouth in January, and it carried immense weight.

City had laboured in the early exchanges. Dominic Calvert Lewin spurned a golden opportunity inside four minutes, poking wide from eight yards after connecting with Brenden Aaronson’s cross. The former Everton forward later dragged another effort wide from a difficult angle, unable to add to his tally of ten league goals this season.

Those missed chances lingered. At this level, against a side of City’s pedigree, wastefulness is rarely forgiven.

Photo: IMAGO

Leeds United Pressure Without Reward

Leeds United played with courage and urgency. Aaronson went close again, prodding wide during a frantic first half spell, while James Justin saw an effort smothered by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The crowd sensed vulnerability in City’s ranks, particularly in the absence of Haaland, who missed out through injury.

Nico O’Reilly nearly doubled City’s advantage when he rose to meet a Matheus Nunes cross, only for Karl Darlow to produce a sharp reflex save. Moments later, play paused briefly to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast, a stoppage met with audible frustration from sections of the home support.

Leeds continued to probe after the interval. Substitute Jaka Bijol headed wide late on as the hosts searched desperately for parity. Effort was abundant, composure less so.

Title Implications in Premier League Race

Victories of this nature often shape Premier League campaigns. Manchester City were second best for periods, yet they departed West Yorkshire with three points. Pep Guardiola’s side remain firmly in contention with ten games remaining, applying fresh pressure on Arsenal ahead of their clash with Chelsea.

The absence of Haaland posed questions, particularly with Nottingham Forest next on the horizon. Guardiola has suggested the Norwegian is not fully fit, leaving uncertainty over his immediate return. In his stead, Semenyo delivered a poacher’s finish that justified City’s investment and highlighted their squad depth.

For Leeds United, frustration mingles with pride. They have now lost six consecutive Premier League matches against Man City, a run that underlines the gulf in ruthlessness. Still, they remain six points clear of the relegation zone, a buffer that may prove decisive in the weeks ahead.

At Elland Road, Leeds United showed heart. Manchester City showed steel. In a title race decided by fine margins, the 1-0 scoreline may carry significance long after the final whistle.

Pep Guardiola says City’s tense 1-0 win away to Leeds United was ‘huge’.

Antoine Semenyo’s first-half goal was enough to give the Blues three points having withstood intense early pressure from the hosts.

And Guardiola believe the victory was massive given Leeds’ resurgence over the past three months.

“A huge victory for us,” said the boss.

“Erling is a massively important player for us, but we behaved really well.

“My idea of the game is that they started well, but we expect it here.

“Leeds are so intense. After that we did what we are good at for the last decade, a thousand million passes, and make the vibe of the crowd a little bit calmer.

“We missed a little bit more intention up front with the movements, but when they got fatigued the last 15 or 20 minutes we had more intention and to pass the ball to try to score a goal - and we found it at the end of the first half.

“We dropped in second half normally, but that didn’t happen today: we were incredibly focused.

“We didn’t create much but we didn’t concede anything.

“It was long balls where we struggled with the second balls.

“It was a little bit more uncomfortable, but we defended really well.”

There was sort of a “last day of school” feeling to today’s spring training game against the Blue Jays. The Jays sent the B-team, with split squad action facing the Yankees and Phillies, while a number of Yanks are set to leave the team and join their World Baseball Classic sides as that tournament kicks off late next week. That, plus good outings from our starters made for a brisk Grapefruit League showdown, with the Yankees winning 5-1.

Paul Blackburn is auditioning for one of the swingy bullpen roles, and his stock certainly improved today. It wasn’t exactly the Opening Day lineup for the Blue Jays, but it took Blackburn just 40 pitches to work through four scoreless innings. He leaned heavily on his sinker for five groundouts, although I think Statcast was a little clunky today and pitch movement data is hard to interpret. Still, it’s only spring but today was quite a good showing for a guy that really needs to impress after 2025.

We flew through the first half of the game, with Blackburn’s strong start bettered by José Berríos spinning four no-hit innings. It wouldn’t be until Ryan Jennings took over in the fifth that the Yankees finally broke through:

Like many on the field today, it’s likely José Caballero’s last appearance before traveling to join Panama for the World Baseball Classic, but a solid RBI double was a good way for the presumptive Opening Day starter was a good way to wrap up this phase of camp. Cabby would come around to score on a throwing error a couple batters later, making the score 2-0.

Fernando Cruz nearly gave it all back in the sixth though, allowing a double and pair of walks to load the bases. I’m sure this outing wasn’t quite what the brain trust of the WBC was hoping for, as Cruz will suit up for Puerto Rico starting this week. At least he got a double play to work his way out of danger.

After getting out of trouble, the Yankees continued to club the pitching depth of the Blue Jay system:

Austin Wells will suit up for the Dominican Republic after today, but perhaps more important is getting his offensive game more in line with his 2024 self than 2025. Lots of Yankees have gotten their A-swings off in Grapefruit League play this spring, but few lengthen the lineup as much as Wells can, so good stuff to see.

Speaking of A-swings, someone named Kenedy Corona did this in the seventh:

The Yankees were 2-for-3 on ABS challenges by my count, with the only loss being a frankly obvious ball that Cruz requested a review on. I tend to think that Cruz was simply testing the system out for himself before the games count for real, but if it was an honest challenge, maybe we don’t let him request reviews in the regular season.

The Blue Jays managed a run in the ninth on a play neither I nor play-by-play man Justin Shackil quite understood. Nicholas Torres, playing right field for New York, seemed to lose the ball in the Florida sun and missed a catch he should have made, and good hustle from Jays’ baserunner Carlos Mendoza — no, the other one — meant his club was not going to be shut out.

The Yankees hit the road tomorrow, a quick jaunt to Clearwater to take on the Phillies. Will Warren, who’s shown some flashes of a step forward so far this spring, will get the ball with a 1:05pm Eastern first pitch.

Box Score

Thoughts:

• Maybe Coach Wade is too candid to the media about this team? Are they getting discouraged?
• Monday night against Duke could get really ugly
• THANK GOODNESS WE BEAT UNC

Game Summary:

The first half started well with NC State taking an 11—2 lead, and then Notre Dame’s Cole Certa hit 3 consecutive 3PT shots to cut the score to 13-11. At that point the score stayed close, Notre Dame tied it at 25. NC State shot only 50% (3-6) from the free throw line and was out rebounded 9-15. Quadir Copeland had 6 assists in the half, Ven Lubin led all scoring with 12. The Wolfpack had 7 steals and only 2 turnovers. Sagnia appeared to have injured his leg and was taken to the locker room.

Notre Dame asserted themselves on the boards in the second half while simultaneously NC State went 2-14 from 3PT. The combination kept the Irish close. At the 2:34 mark ND cut it to 81-76 and Coach Wade called a timeout. The Wolfpack then proceeded to miss 3 3PT shots and a 2PT shot. With the score tied at 81, and 12 seconds left, Coach Wade called another timeout. Darrion Williams missed a 3PT shot at the buzzer.

NC State struggled during overtime, shooting 2-11 (18%) and only 1-8 (13%) from 3PT. Notre Dame’s Cole Certa hit 3 3PT shots and the Irish outscored the Wolfpack 15-9.

Overall Takeaways:

• NC State is collapsing in the second half of the season, losing 4 of 5.
• This is the first game where the combination of Quadir getting 7 or more assists and the team scoring at least 79 was not a winning formula.
• The Pack defense let them down, ND shot 53% / 48% / 79%. They could not get a stop when needed.
• The Wolfpack had 10 steals and only 6 turnovers

Coach Wade Post Game Comments

Individual Highlights

• Ven Lubin led scoring and rebounding with 24 points and 10 rebounds
• Quadir Copeland led assists with 9

Player Stats and Box Score

Box Score

That Jeremiyah Love ran a 40-yard dash at all at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis came as a pleasant surprise to many.

The Notre Dame running back had little incentive to do so, given that he is widely expected to be a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft. And he hardly would have been alone in abstaining, with just 10 of the 21 ball carriers who attended the combine participating in the drill.

So when Love reeled off a 4.36-second time on Saturday that ranked second among all running backs, trailing only Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr., almost no one could have called it a letdown – except Love himself.

"A little bit disappointing," Love said in an interview with NFL Network's Stacey Dales when asked about his mark. "I wanted to run like a 4.2. Didn't get there, but 4.3 is good. I'm OK with it. Wanted better, but 4.3 is just fine with me."

.@NDFootball RB Jeremiyah Love followed it up with a 4.36u on his second run.@MoveTheSticks' second overall prospect is showing off out there.

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/jqQad1xRaD

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

MORE: Who ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine?

Perhaps the only other person on hand not enthusiastic about how Love's run went: the running back's dad, Jason. Cameras caught him in the crowd shaking his head after Love's first attempt of 4.37 seconds, though he was more enthusiastic after the follow-up.

"He's never satisfied, just like me," Love said with a laugh. "He knows my potential."

Added Love: "I honestly believe I could have run a 4.2, but I'm like 214 (pounds) right now. I gotta drop a little bit in weight."

Love, however, won't chase that mark at Notre Dame's pro day on March 27. The ball carrier won't participate in any testing or drills in South Bend, Indiana, though he does plan to be on hand to support his fellow teammates in the draft, including backfield mate Jadarian Price.

MORE: Where could Jeremiyah Love be drafted?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeremiyah Love 'disappointed' by 40 time: 'Could have run a 4.2'

No. 1 Duke clinched a share of the ACC men's basketball regular season title with a dominant 77-51 win over Virginia on Saturday. 

The victory also likely clinches a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the 27-2 Blue Devils, who finish the regular season with matchups at NC State and No. 18 North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke could conceivably share the ACC regular season title with Virginia if it lost those final two games. 

However, star freshman Cameron Boozer indicated that his team is not interested in a split championship, saying after the win, "We don't like to share." 

A win in either of Duke's final two games will clinch the outright championship. The Blue Devils will be the No. 1 seed in the ACC men's basketball tournament, which begins March 10.

Isaiah Evans led Duke with 19 points, shooting 5-of-9 on 3-point attempts. Boozer followed with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists as the Blue Devils won their sixth consecutive game and 16th in their past 17 contests. 

Thijs De Ridder was the only Virginia player to score in double figures with 16 points. Chance Mallory added nine points off the bench for the Cavaliers, who fell to 13-3 in the ACC (and 25-4) with the defeat. A tough Duke defense held Virginia to just 16-for-55 shooting.

The Cavaliers end their first regular season under head coach Ryan Odom with home games versus Wake Forest (5-10 ACC) and Virginia Tech (7-8).

Duke moved up to No. 1 in this week's AP Top 25 poll after a 68-63 win over previously top-ranked Michigan last Saturday on a neutral court in Washington, D.C. Prior to defeating the Wolverines, the Blue Devils were the No. 2 team among the top 16 released by the NCAA tournament selection committee. 

Joining Duke and Michigan (27-2) in the top four of those rankings were Arizona (26-2) and Iowa State (24-4). Houston (24-5) is also in position to seize a No. 1 NCAA tournament seed, though it came in at No. 6 in the committee's rankings.

Former Florida edge defender George Gumbs Jr. was one of the surprise invites to the NFL combine this year, but he put on a show that many NFL teams will remember when picking in the late rounds of the draft in April.

Gumbs' 6.14 grade ranks 20th at his position, but his measurables weren't anything to scoff at. His 41-inch vertical jump is the second-best among defensive ends and edge defenders all time, coming half an inch shy of Nolan Smith's 2023 record.

While a 4.66-second 40-yard dash isn't anything too special, he was one of only two participants in the 3-cone drill at his position. His 7-second time showed off his short-burst ability.

NFL NextGen Stats gave Gumbs a production score of 58, which ranks 32nd among defensive ends and edge defenders, but his athleticism score of 75 ranks eighth. Combining the two, his total score of 63 ranks 26th.

Although he entered the combine as a projected undrafted free agent, Gumbs may have shown enough to warrant a Day 3 pick. His ceiling is high, and he's coachable as an edge rusher. Remember, Gumbs started his college career as a walk-on wideout at Northern Illinois, so there's still plenty to learn for him to reach his full potential.

George Gumbs Jr. Combine Results

• 40-yard dash: 4.66 seconds (9th among DEs)
• 10-yard split: 1.67 seconds (T-15th)
• Vertical jump: 41 inches (1st; T-2nd all-time among DEs)
• Broad jump: 10 feet 1 inches (8th)
• 3-cone drill: 7 seconds (2nd; only two DEs participated)

Gumbs did not participate in the 20-yard shuttle or bench press.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football EDGE George Gumbs' results at 2026 NFL combine

Bayern Munich won an exhilarating fixture against Borussia Dortmund in a 3-2 win. The game was full to the brim with intensity with players not pulling any punches. Dortmund’s defender Nico Schlotterbeck fouled Bayern’s Stanišić in a sliding tackle, rattling the right back. Despite the ref adjudging the foul to be worthy of only a yellow card, the offender himself believes he could have been sent off.

Speaking post another high voltage Der Klassiker match, Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck admitted the severity of his foul on Bayern’s Josip Stanišić . “I think you could give a red card for that. I got a bit lucky,” he said (via Sky Germany as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Very physical game

This game was charged from start to finish. Every player was sparing no opportunity to miss even a half chances. The runs and challenges were committed resulting in a very physical duel between the two sides.

Coming in the 18th minute, Schlotti did not hold back and went all in with a sliding challenge. Schlotterbeck’s foot was quite high going into the challenge as his heel made contact with the ball before his foot crashed into Stanišić‘s shin. While the defender did manage to contact the ball before crashing into Stanišić’s shin, the force of the challenge and the potential damage were important factors that would determine the nature of the foul.

Reluctant ref

The referee Sven Jablonksi was reluctant to book any player allowing the intensity to remain high for most of the game. However, both sides were vigorous into the challenges and this instance was one where it crossed the line. Luckily, Stanišić walked away with no major damage relieving Bayern from further distress due to injuries.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Liverpool have cleared the path of a sensational wonderkid by selling a winger.

Liverpool sanctioned the surprise exit of Trent Kone-Doherty this week. He’s joined Molde in Norway in a permanent deal - something that really has come out of nowhere.

The Irishman was rumoured to be signing a new contract before heading out on loan. Kone-Doherty simply didn’t look like someone that Liverpool were ready to give up on, in all truth.

While his chances of making it to Liverpool’s first-team were slim, they weren’t zero. At the very least, a loan move felt like the most-likely option as something that could dramatically increase his value before a sale.

Instead, Kone-Doherty has left in what could end up being a fantastic move for him. And one that should have positive effects at Liverpool, too.

Josh Abe is the future

The Liverpool Echo reports that one of the principal reasons for Kone-Doherty's sale was the clear a path for Josh Abe. Abe is the latest kid coming through the academy with an enormous amount of hype.

Liverpool certainly feel as though he's got all the potential to become a first-team star. Of course, that only happens if he has the chance to move up through the system and get games where he needs it.

Thus moving on someone like Kone-Doherty allows for Abe to get those games. The overall hope here is that everyone benefits - Kone-Doherty gets first-team football at a great level with Molde, whole Liverpool can focus their development on Abe.

Antoine Semenyo says the mindset at Manchester City is a different level after Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Leeds United.

Picture Special

Gallery: Super Semenyo stars at Elland Road

It’s fair to say the Ghana international has enjoyed life at City, slotting in like a perfect piece to the puzzle in Pep Guardiola’s attack.

The crucial win over Leeds United saw his latest goal added to an impressive tally (15 in 41 appearances) and he says the psyche at City is at another level.

“Yeah I’ve definitely seen [a difference in mentality],” Semenyo said.

“It starts in training every day. Little habits - passing drills, possession.

“It’s the attention to detail, everyone’s focused. It’s not lacking. When you do that in training it follows into games and everyone just wants to win.

“Everyone’s just major focused, and that shift in mentality is so crazy. Little things and making sure you’re in tip-top shape.”

After scoring the only goal of the game, Semenyo pulled out an interesting celebration as he performed the air guitar and explained the reason why he chose it.

“A few friends said I should do something funny, so it’s the first thing that came up in my head,” he added.

“Nice guitar, good performance, crowd loved it and that’s it.”

The vital three points saw us close in on league leaders Arsenal, reducing the gap to two points before the Gunners face Chelsea on Sunday.

The Blues sit on 59 points with a game in hand over the Gunners. We are also now eight points clear of third placed Aston Villa.

“It means everything [to close the gap]. We just want to win all our games on our side and whatever Arsenal do we’ll have to wait and see.

“We have to control what we can control.”

Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund fans engaged in joint protests during Saturday evening’s Bundesliga “Top-Spiel” after what they claim was excessive force applied by police officers outside the stadium. Support in the Bayern visitors block was noticeably thin during the match. Broadcast cameras confirmed that the section was not full. Moreover, vocal support for the visiting team was noticeably lacking. 

The reasons for the lack of Bayern attendees

Sky Germany reports that approximately 500 Bayern fans declined to enter the stadium in protest of police actions outside the BVB venue. Sport Bild and the Münchener Abendzeitung have received reports from FCB ultras that Dortmund police used batons and pepper spray against Bayern supporters. 

Kicker and other German media sources have been told by the police that action was taken against 30 Bayern fans attempting to enter the grounds with suspicious tickets that appeared to be forged. Dortmund police told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that no violent action was taken against the fans.

Dortmund and Bayern Ultras show solidarity

Bayern fans in the visitors block unveiled a banner reading “Freedom for all football fans” at one point in the match. This earned a round of applause from the BVB Kurve. Dortmund Ultras then unveiled their own “Freedom for all visiting fans in Dortmund”, which in turn elicited applause from the FCB block.

GGFN | Peter Weis

Governing body addresses growing security concerns

Could Iran’s World Cup 2026 place be at risk? FIFA respond

FIFA said Iran’s World Cup 2026 status is under review as security concerns grow while the focus remains on safe tournament for all teams.

FIFA responds to Iran concerns

The FIFA confirmed that the situation surrounding Iran will remain under close monitoring ahead of FIFA World Cup.

Uncertainty has increased following the ongoing conflict involving Iran raising questions about the team’s participation in the tournament which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in the summer of 2026.

FIFA: “Everyone will be Safe”

Speaking during FIFA’s annual general assembly in Wales, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom addressed the issue.

In comments reported by ESPN, Grafstrom said FIFA is aware of the latest developments but stressed that it is too early to make detailed statements.

He confirmed that meetings have already taken place and that FIFA is following global events closely.

Grafstrom added that the World Cup draw was held in Washington with all qualified teams included and that FIFA’s main priority is to deliver safe World Cup with all teams present.

He also said FIFA will continue its regular communication with the three host governments to ensure security for everyone involved.

No decision yet, but alternatives possible

So far, there has been no official announcement about Iran withdrawing or being excluded from the tournament. However with the World Cup set to begin in around three months, FIFA is expected to prepare contingency plans in case the situation changes.

According to FIFA regulations, if a team withdraws before the start of the World Cup, it can be replaced.

The replacement is usually chosen based on qualification rankings and in most cases, FIFA looks first to teams from the same confederation although the final decision rests with FIFA.

Group and match schedule

Iran were drawn in Group G, alongside Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand.

Under the current schedule, Iran are set to open their campaign against New Zealand, then face Belgium before closing the group stage against Egypt in second half of June 2026.

Two of Iran’s matches are planned to be played in Los Angeles while the game against Egypt is scheduled for 26 June in Seattle.

Bayern Munich travelled to the Signal Iduna Park to play Borussia Dortmund and didn’t expect the home side to actually give them a game. A fierce battle followed which was won by Bayern with a 3-2 win thanks to two goals from Harry Kane and a late winner from Joshua Kimmich.

Speaking after the game, Kimmich confirms the 11-point gap to Dortmund and declares that the Bavarians will not give it up anymore (Sky Sports as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia). The Rekordmeister has a relatively safe run of league fixtures until the end of the season so wrapping up the title should be more doable.

The Bundesliga isn’t the only thing Bayern wants this season. The club is still in the DFB-Pokal (against Bayer Leverkusen, which is basically the German version of Real Madrid-Manchester City) and got drawn against Atalanta (who knocked out Dortmund in the playoff rounds for the Champions League round of 16).

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mark Mitchell scored 17 points and Shawn Phillips Jr. scored 16 points and Missouri walloped Mississippi State 88-64 on Saturday.

Reserve Anthony Robinson II scored 13 points, Trent Pierce scored 10 and Jayden Stone grabbed 10 rebounds for the Tigers (20-9, 10-6 SEC).

Missouri led 54-23 at halftime on the strength of 61.3% (19 for 31) shooting. The Tigers finished shooting 51% (30 for 59).

Josh Hubbard scored 16 points and Quincy Ballard scored 12 points for Mississippi State (13-16, 5-11).

Missouri started with a 9-0 lead and never looked back. Trent Burns' 3-pointer with 13:49 remaining before halftime and they led by double digits for the remainder.

Mitchell's layup with 9:14 before the break made it 30-10. T.O Barrett made two foul shots with 2:07 left in the half and the lead was 50-19.

Missouri has won three of its last four which included wins over then 19th-ranked Vanderbilt and 22nd-ranked Tennessee.

Up Next

Missouri: Will try to end its three-game losing streak at Oklahoma on Tuesday.

Mississippi State: Travels to face seventh-ranked Florida on Tuesday.

___

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For much of the first half of this season, it almost became a running joke about asking Pep Guardiola on the fitness of Rodri.

The Manchester City midfielder was being nursed back from a hamstring injury between October and December after he missed most of the previous campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Given his importance to this City side, it was obviously a burning issue as to why one of their best players was not ready to return having initially recovered from the more serious knee problem.

Depending on his mood, Guardiola would either give a brief response of “not yet” when asked when the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was ready. On occasion, he would open up on the necessity to ensure he was fully ready for the intensity of Premier League football on a weekly basis with European action in between.

There was a sense that the City manager wanted to make sure Rodri was primed for this part of the season in particular. This is the time when the title race really starts and the knockout stages of the Champions League come around.

So while there was surprise at the omission of Erling Haaland for City for this trip to Leeds and Elland Road where the City striker’s father once played, it was also an evening to remind us that the Norwegian front man is far from the only key figure in this team.

Obviously given it was a victory by the narrowest of margins, City won’t want the league top scorer’s “knock in training” to be anything serious.

However, the fact it was his replacement in Rayan Cherki who played the pass which unpicked the lock on the resolute Leeds defence in the lead up to January signing Antoine Semenyo’s match-winning goal shows Guardiola his attacking players can step up in different ways to fill the void.

Can anyone really replace Rodri? This was another performance from the defensive midfielder which suggests it would be more difficult to step in his shoes than Haaland’s.

At the final whistle here, Rodri dropped to the floor in exhaustion after his efforts against an energetic Leeds team battling to avoid relegation. He turned onto his back, looked up the sky and gave a small celebration.

There was chaos all around him at that point. Guardiola had offered the Leeds fans a sarcastic wave as he walked onto the pitch after enduring an evening of being called – in his words - a “w****er" during the game while Bernardo Silva and Jayden Bogle clashed as tempers threatened to boil over. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was also shown a red card for his anger at the officials at the end.

It was fitting Rodri was not really involved in all the kerfuffle as he had been the calming influence throughout the 90 minutes which proceeded it.

He was superb on the ball with only 10 of his 119 passes were misplaced. More than half of them were in the opposition half as he tried to help break through the white wall of Leeds players. Guardiola said the passing was crucial to moving the home side around and helping to tire them.

“What a player Rodri is,” said Guardiola. “We missed him a lot. Step by step he’s coming back.”

When City came under pressure, and there were too many times for Guardiola and the travelling support to be comfortable with, it was often an interception from Rodri or a pass out from the Spain international which relieved the visitors.

In stoppage time, it was his sneakiness which saw him deflate Leeds’ hope of a late equaliser. He stepped in front of Gabriel Gudmundsson in his own area and drew the foul. Soft? You bet it was but it is such shrewdness of a serial trophy winner which is crucial in tight games like these when chasing big honours.

City have lost just one league game since Rodri’s full return at the turn of the year. That was a dismal display against rivals United at Old Trafford but they’ve now won five of their last six without defeat.

That has helped move them two points behind leaders Arsenal and Rodri is a big reason for such form as he continues to get back up to the pace.

Obviously spending a healthy sum - £62.5m - on Semenyo last month also helped. The former Bournemouth attacker got his fourth goal in seven league appearances for his new club.

It came in the second minute of first-half stoppage time when Rayan Ait-Nouri crossed, but it was all about Cherki’s clever pass which put the City full-back in space inside the Leeds area.

Of course, if Dominic Calvert-Lewin had taken an early chance or if Jaka Bijol’s late header did not just creep wide, it could have been a different outcome.

But City came through a tough evening amid a hostile atmosphere created by the Leeds fans, some of whom disgraced themselves by booing and jeering in the first half when the game was momentarily stopped for Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast.

“It’s the modern world, right?” added Guardiola. “You know what happened in the world again today? Respect religion, respect diversity. That is the point. The Premier League said you can have one or two minutes. It is what it is, unfortunately.”

Guardiola’s words hit the right tone at a time of turbulence in the world. Rodri’s performance - in the less important sporting sphere - was also spot on.

The importance of Der Klassiker cannot be understated. The Clash of the Titans, if you may, of German football happens to be the face-off between the two most decorated teams of the Bundesliga. Every year the title race is decided by whether Bayern Munich manage to win against Borussia Dortmund and the game becomes even more special if it is away at the Signal Iduna Park. Away games at Dortmund are always difficult and every win there hence becomes a well-deserved one.

No one understands this better than Jonathan Tah, who strongly emphasizes that the win was deserved. In an interview following Bayern’s 3-2 win, Tah praised the game’s intensity. “We obviously knew it was a very important game. It was an intense match, with both teams giving their all on the pitch,” the former Leverkusen man said, per @iMiaSanMia.

“In the end, it all came down to mentality and team spirit. We showed that team spirit on the pitch today, and we kept pushing until the end,” he added, citing the role team spirit played against Dortmund. It is particularly noteworthy that both Tah and his companion Dayot Upamecano had a very solid game and held the defense together for the most part. It is perhaps fitting that he spoke on team spirit — for he exemplified it.

“I think it (the win) was deserved,” he declared.

What do you think of Tah’s performance from tonight? Let us know in the comments!

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Harry Kane is targeting Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga record of 41 goals in a season after notching another two in Bayern Munich’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

It was the fourth straight game he scored two goals or more and it took his league tally to 30 from 24 rounds so far.

“For sure,” the England star replied when asked if he was going for Lewandowski’s record from 2020-21. “I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Kane scored another penalty on Saturday to make it 10 successful spot kicks in the league. Across all competitions this season, the 32-year-old Kane has 45 goals in 37 appearances for Bayern.

“There’s still a lot of games to play,” Kane said of attacking the record in the remaining 10 rounds. “I need to try and be consistent over that period. We’ll see from late April, start of May, if it’s possible. But of course, right now it’s just there and I just got to do what I do.”

Kane recently celebrated 500 goals for club and country.

Lewandowski, who was also playing for Bayern, broke Gerd Müller's record from the 1971-72 season by scoring in the last minute of the last game in May 2021.

Kane said he didn’t think the Bundesliga title race was over with Bayern 11 points clear of Dortmund at the top.

“We had an 11-point lead a few weeks ago and we saw how quickly it can change within two results," he said. "So we have to stay focused."

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

In 2025, the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy went to Francis Mauigoa, the University of Miami's Consensus All-American, who also claimed a First-Team All-ACC mention after being named to the 2024 All-ACC Second Team. The Ravens have a massive need at the offensive guard position, and the team prefers to retool in the NFL draft, bypassing free agency unless a big swing occurs. Baltimore has needs at the edge rusher, wide receiver, and offensive guard spots, and one of the best players in the draft could fall into Eric DeCosta's lap.

During the NFL combine, Mauigoa interviewed with prospective teams and made it clear that he's open to a position switch in the NFL.

"They have all talked to me about, like, how do I feel if I move to guard? And it's the same thing (each meeting)," Mauigoa said.

"Like I told the guys, there are five positions. I'll make sure I take one of them," he said. "I mean, I play right tackle. It would be cool if I stay at tackle, but if guard is the way I get into the game, I'm gonna give it my all."

Mauigoa started 42 games at offensive tackle for the Hurricanes, but any questions about his athletic ability could allow one of the best players in America to fill a huge void for Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter. Looking to put his best foot forward last spring, Mauigoa asked Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal to give him some reps at guard in practice last season as a way to prepare for a potential move at the next level.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Draft: Francis Mauigoa says he's open to playing offensive guard

Taylen Green combine results: Arkansas QB wows by breaking pair of positional records originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The top tier of the 2026 NFL Draft quarterbacks is already largely known. Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are largely expected to be the top passers off the board in April, with Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick and Simpson as a late-first or early-second rounder.

However, beyond those two, there has been some potential room for a quarterback to move up draft boards. Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck, Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar are expected to be mid-round options — but with his performance at the NFL Combine, Taylen Green could also be building a case to be selected above his initial late-round projection.

Green, coming out of Arkansas, set two new quarterback records at the combine with his massive jumps, then put up a blazing-fast 40 time for a passer. He showcased some elite athleticism while already being considered one of the better dual-threat options in the class. 

Here's a look at Green's historic combine performance. 

NFL COMBINE HQ:Live results | SN's 2-round mock draft | Top 140 big board

Taylen Green 40-yard dash time

The former Razorbacks quarterback had an outstanding performance in the 40-yard dash, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a player at his position at the NFL Combine.

Green posted an unofficial 4.37 on his first run — which would be the third-fastest combine time ever by a quarterback.

WOW. @RazorbackFB QB Taylen Green with a 4.37u.

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/60dbFCVSAx

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Green was seen beaming on the bench afterward, certainly satisfied with his time.

.@RazorbackFB QB Taylen Green is very happy with that 4.37u

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/va4zGZKDFj

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

MORE: Diego Pavia's results from 2026 NFL Combine

Best QB 40-yard dash times at NFL Combine ever

Green didn't quite make quarterback history at the combine, but he came pretty close. Counting only quarterbacks who ran the 40 at the NFL Combine and not a pro day — which removes Lamar Jackson's 4.34 at his Louisville Pro Day, among others — Green's time was the third-fastest ever recorded by a passer.

Vick had a 4.33 at the combine coming out of Virginia Tech in 2001, while Reggie Neal posted a 4.35 in 2006. Vick's 4.33 isn't included in the NFL's official combine record book, which is only fully reliable going back to 2005, so the league now has Green as the second-fastest quarterback time ever behind Neal.

Here's a look at the NFL Combine's fastest quarterback 40-yard dashes:

MORE:Fastest 40 times ever at the NFL Combine

Taylen Green broad jump

Before he ran in the 40, Green was already making a name for himself. In the broad jump, he set a new NFL Combine quarterback record with a 11'2'', which surpassed Anthony Richardson's mark of 10'9'' in 2023.

and then he followed it up with another QB record, an 11'2" broad jump @taylengreen17 | @RazorbackFBhttps://t.co/vUOTvgExWBpic.twitter.com/DNoocWFa2L

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Taylen Green vertical jump

Green wasn't done making combine history. He also posted a new quarterback record in the vertical jump, recording a 43.5''. 

That also surpassed Richardson's 2023 record of 40.5''.

.@RazorbackFB QB Taylen Green just shattered the QB vertical jump record.

A 43.5" vertical at 6'6", 227 pounds. 🫢

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/ty5ihbZ0I4

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Green's unreal performance for a quarterback left NFL Network without many physical comps among former passers — so it resorted to one of the largest wide receivers ever in the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers' D.K. Metcalf.

Green is a bit taller and lighter than Metcalf was at the combine, and Metcalf was slightly faster, but the two had fairly comparable numbers.

QB Taylen Green being compared to WR DK Metcalf 😳 pic.twitter.com/zOpFwLhxQY

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 28, 2026

MORE:Jeremiyah Love impresses at NFL Combine as top RB prospect

Taylen Green height, weight

Green was officially recorded at 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds at the 2026 NFL Combine.

The average NFL quarterback is typically around 6-foot-2, so Green is already trending to become one of the larger passers in the league.

Taylen Green NFL Draft projection

One thing's for sure — Green participating in the combine will only help his draft stock.

NFL Mock Draft Database, which complies average rankings from media outlets everywhere, has Green currently as the No. 193 overall player and No. 8 quarterback in the draft, which puts him in range to be a sixth-round pick.

In his NFL.com prospect profile, Green was given a grade of 6.15, which is in the "good backup with the potential to develop into starter" range. It's unlikely he skyrockets into the first or second round due to his combine performance, but it is certainly possible a team takes a shot on Green in one of the middle rounds, aiming to develop him into a strong dual-threat passer.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote that Green is a "long, rangy, dual-threat quarterback with upside" but "his ceiling will only track with his growth as a passer." While his size and athleticism are considered rare at quarterback, it's Green's pocket-passing, processing and other key quarterback areas that likely need improvement to become an NFL starter.

Regardless, Green had a historic combine — the kind that hasn't been seen by a quarterback since Richardson in 2023.

Taylen Green has broken TWO quarterback records at the NFL Combine 🤯

43.5" Vertical Jump
11'2" Broad Jump pic.twitter.com/xwby5Bkwee

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 28, 2026

MORE: How tight end Kenyon Sadiq dominated the 2026 NFL Combine

In what was an extremely scrappy but thrilling fixture, Bayern Munich barely edged past an in-form Borussia Dortmund to win 3-2 in Signal Iduna Park. The game was set to be a thriller from the very start, with Bayern pouncing on balls, threatening Gregor Kobel and keeping Dortmund on their toes.

However, in the instances that their visitors faltered, Dortmund were lethal and sure to remind the opposition of their capacity and their home strength. The two goals from Dortmund, though fantastic, were not enough to hold off Bayern and their talisman Harry Kane, who scored a brace to bring Bayern closer to the win. A final goal from Joshua Kimmich sealed the deal for Bayern and they now hold a 11-point margin over Dortmund in the title race.

Following the victory, Kane spoke on the importance of this win and expressed his delight in the game.

“It’s a huge win for us in this title race,” the striker said, per @iMiaSanMia.

“We managed to come back from behind, we played our game and knew they would be tired after playing midweek,” he said, referring to Dortmund’s midweek game against Atalanta.

“We never gave up. It’s really special to come and win here. We can be proud of this win,” he declared.

The game truly was a testament of Bayern’s resilience and even if not one of their more picturesque wins, is certainly one to remember. This was not only crucial for the title race, but also to cement the team’s confidence, especially in the midst of an injury crisis.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Watch as Federico Dimarco turns on the style with a spectacular volley from the tightest of angles to give Inter the lead against Genoa.

You can follow all the action as it happens from this Serie A game on the Liveblog.

The left wing-back has been on exceptional form so far this season, with a series of goals and assists, but this was still a highlight.

Dimarco delights San Siro with perfect volley

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale scores their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He started the move down the left, and ran into the area ready to meet the Henrikh Mkhitaryan dinked return pass.

Despite the angle being so tight, the Italian still managed to thread his left-foot volley through the eye of a needle between Justin Bijlow and the far post.

This means the 28-year-old currently has seven goals and 15 assists in 35 competitive appearances for Inter this term.

“He doesn’t score ugly goals” 😂 Federico Dimarco with an absolute stunner to FIRE Inter in front 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y30Umefciu

Former Manchester City and Spain winger Nolito has claimed that there were “huge egos” in the Premier League side’s dressing room and that his spell at the club was a time to forget. 

Nolito, 39, was one of the first signings Pep Guardiola made when he joined the club in 2016. A tally of six goals and five assists made for a semi-successful time in the north-west before he departed the following summer.

His time at the Etihad Stadium can be described as one of two halves and although he enjoyed a remarkable start on the wing for the Premier League side, it was not enough to keep him under Guardiola’s wing given he struggled to adapt to life in England.

Following his departure, he joined La Liga side Sevilla before spells at Celta Vigo and UD Ibiza preceded his retirement in 2023. From the end of his playing days, the former forward has been open about his time in Manchester and admitted that there were many problems inside the dressing room.

Speaking on the El After de Post United podcast, Nolito said: “Some players had huge egos. We’d all take a shower and then everyone would leave immediately. It wasn’t a very close-knit locker room,” as relayed by Sport Witness.

“But anyway, I was always with the Spanish guys, with (David) Silva or (Jesus) Navas – and we shared a lot in the locker room.

“There were so many good players that I noticed there were a lot of egos. I saw a lot of things but I prefer not to say anything. I think ego is a societal problem today.”

Nolito failed to win a trophy under Guardiola and earned 16 caps for Spain during the entirety of his career, which spanned over 500 games across nine clubs – but the opportunity was there for him to experience at least some of the success that the club have achieved over the past decade.

High-level competition meant that playing time was hard to come by for Nolito, especially because Guardiola has always held extremely high standards since he joined the club in 2016.

The winger’s bid for minutes slipped further from his grip when Gabriel Jesus joined the club at the end of 2016 and impressed instantly to become one of the most prolific wonderkids in Premier League history. 

“At the beginning, I played a lot, then less,” Nolito added. “Ultimately, these are top-level teams and the competition was tough. I didn’t adapt well because I don’t play. Perhaps the Premier League is a bit faster, you get more playing time, there are fewer fouls. But I still prefer La Liga, without a doubt.”

City’s hunger for success has only increased since the day Guardiola’s joined the club and although ego can be viewed as arrogance and conceit, perhaps that is why the club’s stature has become that of one of the best teams of the modern era. 

The LSU Tigers have become the talk of college football and other athletics with their notable alumni, but Livvy Dunne continues to dominate even after she graduated from the Baton Rouge powerhouse.

The former gymnastics star may be off on her own now as a social media icon, but she’s still finding ways to come back to LSU and keep the athletic program in the spotlight. That includes a recent viral video with LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin.

Livvy Dunne and Kiffin were spotted at a recent LSU gymnastics meet together. However, then came a popular TikTok video that featured both prominent Tigers figures as Kiffin gears up for his first season coaching the SEC team.

MORE: College football legend attacks Lane Kiffin for insane CFP stance

Lane Kiffin & Livvy Dunne making TikToks together in the offseason…

At a gymnastics meet (@livvydunne) pic.twitter.com/BMWQkHMd98

— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) February 28, 2026

Kiffin has certainly been a contentious figure in SEC circles since abruptly leaving Ole Miss to take the LSU job. However, one easy way to amplify his image in Louisiana is surely to be seen hanging around Dunne.

The 23 year old has become a fan favorite for her own sporting accolades, as well as her relationship with MLB star Paul Skenes. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace also went to LSU, where the dynamic duo ended up meeting.

MORE: Livvy Dunne shows off impressive swing after meeting Tiger Woods

Kiffin has been spotted at many LSU sporting events since being hired as the next football coach. However, he’ll need to succeed on the field in order to win over Tigers fans after a brutal 2025 season that saw Brian Kelly get fired.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

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The post Livvy Dunne teams up with LSU coach Lane Kiffin for unlikely TikTok video appeared first on The Big Lead.

Leeds vs. Man City score, talking points, highlights as Semenyo gives Guardiola's men battling win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS — Manchester City battled to a dogged 1-0 win against Leeds United thanks to Antoine Semenyo's goal deep into first-half stoppage time. 

The win moves City to within two points of Arsenal at the Premier League summit with 10 games to play. Mikel Arteta's side host Chelsea on Sunday.

Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri combined beautifully down the left channel in the game's decisive moment, and the latter crossed for Semenyo to net his sixth goal in 11 appearances since joining City from Bournemouth in January. It was the 26-year-old's 14th Premier League goal of the season.

The goal came during a stoppage time period that was, in part, contributed to by play being stopped for practising Muslims Cherki, Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush to break their Ramadan fast. Regrettably, this was booed by a significant section of the Leeds supporters, although the booing seemed to lessen when a message appeared on the stadium screen to explain the stoppage.

MORE:Premier League Ramadan fasts, explained: Why matches will stop to allow players to break their fast

Semenyo picking up some of the goalscoring slack was welcome for Pep Guardiola, who was without Erling Haaland due to a minor knee injury and City were second best without their attacking talisman for the opening half hour.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin spurned a glorious opportunity in the fourth minute, although he would have had to come through a VAR review for a push on Marc Guehi if he'd scored. Guehi then made a vital last-ditch challenge on Brenden Aaronson before the United States international was denied in a one-on-one by the ever-imposing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The second half was one of few chances, with Guehi coming close for City before dropping back into a fine defensive effort, although unmarked substitute Kaka Bijol should have equalised with his first touch two minutes from time.

Frustrations boiled over at the final whistle, with Leeds manager Daniel Farke sent off after he approached the match officials, while Guardiola and City captain Bernardo Silva were the subject of local ire. We're getting towards the "any means necessary" stage of the title race and this City victory certainly fell into that category.

MORE:Erling Haaland out of Leeds vs. Man City

Leeds vs. Man City final score

Location: Elland Road (Leeds, UK)
Referee: Peter Bankes

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN's live Premier League scoreboard.

Starting lineups:

Leeds (5-4-1 right to left): 26. Karl Darlow — 2. Jayden Bogle (7. Daniel James), 24. James Justin, 6. Joe Rodon (15. Kaka Bijol), 5. Pascal Struijk, 3. Gabriel Gudmundsson; 18. Anton Stach, 4. Ethan Ampadu, 44. Ilia Gruev (29. Wilfried Gnonto), 11. Brenden Aaronson (14. Lukas Nmecha) — 9. Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Man City (4-2-2-2 right to left): 25. Gianluigi Donnarumma — 27. Matheus Nunes, 3. Ruben Dias, 15. Marc Guehi, 21. Rayan Ait-Nouri — 20. Bernardo Silva, 16. Rodri — 10. Rayan Cherki (6. Nathan Ake), 33. Nico O'Reilly (4. Tijjani Reijnders) — 42. Antoine Semenyo, 7. Omar Marmoush (26. Savinho)

Leeds vs Man City stats

Leeds vs. Man City talking points, analysis

Semenyo makes up for the Haaland shortfall

When news broke that Erling Haaland would not be playing in the City of his birth, it was easy to forget that the visitors have two of the top three goalscorers in the Premier League this season on their books. 

Yes, 10 of Antoine Semenyo's goals in England's top flight in 2025/26 came before his £62.5m move from Bournemouth in January. Indeed, they were a big reason for it. But he has four in seven top-flight appearances for his new employers now and he was a vital point of difference in a game shy in terms of natural goalscorers.

Aside from the resurgent Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds do not really have anyone who thinks "goal first" and, for all the creative talents at his disposal, Guardiola would previously have been without such a character in Haaland's absence without this astute piece of mid-season business from sporting director Hugo Viana. 

Semenyo still has some rough edges to smooth off as he adapts to Guardiola's demands, but he is keeping his confidence and numbers high while doing so, which is not always a given for new attackers at City. 

As Leeds made the first half an hour a torrid one for City, it was Semenyo who ripped the away side's first attempt high and wide. Not his best, but a much-needed show of intent that felt like a team coming up for air. For the breakthrough goal, he managed his movement in a way Haaland would have been proud to call his own.

The Ghana international also took on Haaland's new detail of getting his head on opposition corners and long throws when required. His hold-up play could have been better, but it's very hard to imagine how City might have dragged themselves to this win without Semenyo.

Bernardo Silva is Man City's everywhere man

There was a point as City's campaign collapsed during the middle of last season, when it looked like Bernardo Silva might end up being among the collateral. His old treble comrades Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne have all left the stage, but Silva – Pep Guardiola's favourite, his brain on the field – remains. 

The Portugal midfielder is into the final four months of his contract in Manchester. A fond farewell this summer had been anticipated but, right now, it's impossible to imagine this City team in a state of exciting flux and transition without its beating heart.

Silva was everywhere at Elland Road, dropping into the six-yard box with Rodri to take short goal kicks from Gianluigi Donnarumma and beat the Leeds press, backing up his own attackers as they harried the opposition and occasionally dropping into pockets on the right to supply teasing balls into the box.

The muck and nettles stuff of English football is something this Lisbon playmaker who came to prominence in Monaco also loves, hoofing a few clearances towards the sky and cupping his ear at the heart of the post-match nonsense. Guardiola has asked Silva to go to the well for him countless times; City would be nowhere this season without him doing it on a week-by-week basis.

Leeds vs. Man City key moments

88 mins: Almost a Leeds equaliser! Jaka Bijol, who has just come on for this right-wing corner. gets up highest as Donnarumma stays at home but heads wide of the far post.

72 mins: Excellent save from Darlow! Rodri helps on a left-wing corner and Guehi nods towards the far post. That would have nestled in the side netting but Darlow claws it ways.

49 mins: Calvert-Lewin pulls away to the far post but Nunes gets over to make a vital block tackle.

45+4 mins: SEMENYO GIVES CITY THE LEAD IN FIRST-HALF STOPPAGE TIME!!!

City save their best move of the half until right at the end. Leeds have just started to look a little leggy in the past few minutes. Cherki and Ait-Nouri pick them apart down the left and the latter's cross gives Semenyo a simple close-range finish.

Available in the UK

Manchester City draw first blood on the stroke of half-time thanks to Antoine Semenyo! 💥 pic.twitter.com/8j1O3zRcCK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 28, 2026

Available in the US

MASSIVE moment for Man City. In the final seconds of the first half, Antoine Semenyo slides in to put the Citizens on top against Leeds! pic.twitter.com/a4BcHeR13X

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 28, 2026

40 mins: Nico O'Reilly with City's best chance of the game! Bernardo digs out a lovely cross on the right and O'Reilly arrives to meet it with header. Darlow saves superbly but shouldn't really have had a chance. 

4 mins: Glorious chance for Calvert-Lewin! Leeds are all over City in these opening exchanges and really should be ahead. Their top scorer was unmarked - largely because of a shove on Guehi which would have been looked at by VAR - at the far post but slid wide. You were waiting for the net to bulge.

Available in the UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin misses a GOLDEN opportunity to put Leeds ahead! 🤏 pic.twitter.com/0CrZ41OtWF

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 28, 2026

Leeds vs. Man City reaction

Pep Guardiola

Leeds vs. Man City team news

Leeds team news

• Daniel Farke stuck with the same XI that drew at Aston Villa last weekend

Man City team news

• Erling Haaland missed out on a Premier League matchday squad for the first time this season.
• Rayan Cherki came into the starting XI, with Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush sharing duties up front in Haaland's absence.
• Jeremy Doku was on the bench following a month out with a calf injury.

Leeds vs. Man City upcoming schedules

Leeds upcoming fixtures

Man City upcoming fixtures

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The Carnival Dream has officially entered Europe and is preparing to begin its drydock at a local shipyard. This is a significant development, as it is the first major repositioning cruise following the ship’s first pause to its scheduled operations from Galveston in mid-February. Carnival Cruise Line was able to commence SEA, its new adults-only cruise program, and the Dream is scheduled to cruise for 15 nights to several destinations in both Europe and the Caribbean. Carnival has remained quiet regarding the ship’s drydock, although it is likely to receive a complete refresh and update to all areas, both public and staterooms.

An Atlantic Crossing Unlike Any Other

The repositioning cruise for the Carnival Dream commenced in mid-February with a port call at King’s Wharf, Bermuda. After visiting several significant locations in Europe, the ship crossed the Atlantic and stopped in the United Kingdom at Gibraltar and both Málaga and Alicante. Once the ship’s European cruise is complete, it is scheduled to arrive in Barcelona on March 3, 2026, for a dry dock, during which the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

On this trip with Carnival, there are various experiences that have been designed exclusively for adult guests. Part of the SEA adults-only program includes the cruise’s expanded gambling options, as well as adult-themed parties and adult bingo events for those seeking an active, adults-only cruise. This program provides an adult-focused experience during the cruise, offering sophisticated entertainment options designed for adults.

Drydock in Europe: Carnival Dream’s Big Changes Coming

Following its trip to Barcelona, the Carnival Dream will travel to a European shipyard for its scheduled dry dock, where it will be one of the first ships to receive enhancements and upgrades. Although Carnival has not been clear about what will occur at the dry dock, it is expected to focus on improvements in public areas, remodel and update staterooms, and add new furnishings. Upgrades and enhancements are part of the cruise line’s commitment to its guests and to the industry as a whole, to keep its ships and its offerings modern.

The Carnival Dream is getting some important work done, and the ship is going to be turning 14! Let’s see what else they have lined up for the ship’s future. Carnival is doing some maintenance work for the Carnival Dream, and they have added some itineraries for the ship’s future guests. Most of the work that they will be doing is for the ship to have Carnival’s brand standards, so that Carnival’s Dream will be ready to host guests for the next great journey.

What’s the Upcoming Dream Carnival Cruise Itinerary?

The Dream Carnival is currently expected to leave for Galveston, Texas, and it will start to arrive there on March 21. The ship will be crossing the trans-Atlantic for the second time, and it will be on the way to North America. The ship will have to make 15 stops for the ship to arrive at Galveston, in Texas, on April 5, 2026, and those stops include Spain, the U.K., and the Bahamas.

The trans-Atlantic journey is the ship’s return voyage, and the highlights include the stop at Celebration Key, which is a private island in the Grand Bahamas. The exclusive private island experiences will have some extra activities, and they will include some beautiful and maintained cruise experiences that will add to the Island activities, which will be on the exclusive private island.

Carnival Dream is Resuming Sailings to the Western Caribbean and Bahamas

Having returned to Galveston, the Carnival Dream can sail on the set schedule as planned. Beginning early April, the ship will begin voyages ranging from 6 to 8 days to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. These voyages will set sail from Galveston every week for the next few months. The ship will dock at the well-known ports in Mexico, as well as Nassau and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The ports’ variety of excursions and activities allows passengers to relax on beautiful beaches, visit interesting and culturally historic sites, and explore some of the Caribbean’s some of the best sites. The Carnival Dream is considered a great option for a Caribbean cruise.

Why Carnival Dream Drydock Visit is Important

For Carnival Dream, the ship’s first drydock is critical for the ship’s long-term care, as it is the first time the ship is being serviced on the outside, building, and maintenance critical ports. Although the Carnival Dream may be a beloved ship among the guests, it’s drydock is essential for balancing the dreams and realities of maintaining, repairing, and replacing parts to keep the ship modern and appealing to future guests. Carnival Dream’s drydock process is one of the first places bthe ship’s old and worn cruise experience enhancements and amenities replacements, upgrades, and repairs to help the cruise experience enhancements and amenities replacements, upgrades, and repairs to help the ship’s old and worn cruise experience enhancements and New amenities and accompaniment onboard in conjunction with the introduction and changes to the cruise experience updates. New amenities and accompaniment onboard in conjunction with the introduction and changes to the cruise experience.

This is one of the many first-class values of Carnival Cruise Line for the maintenance, repairs, and replacements to be carried out for the comfort, maintenance, relaxation, and care for guests. Carnival Dream arrives back in Galveston as one of the first class enhanced and complete care provided cruise ships. Every guest will remember the profound nature of their vacation experience with Carnival Dream.

Wrapping Up: Great Prospects With Improved Passenger Services On Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream’s dry docking in Europe has opened up a whole new world. It has already relocated and repositioned to service adults-only cruises, and Dream is getting ready to offer stunning vacations to Dream’s cruisers. Carnival Dream is also repositioning to Galveston and will be sailing on Dream’s routine to Western Caribbean and Bahama cruises. With these new and improved venturing itineraries and refurbished services, Carnival Dream aims to be a premier cruise experience for all in the spirit of adventure.

Michigan’s tourism industry is entering a new chapter in 2026. The state, famous for its Great Lakes, vibrant cities and scenic road trips, is witnessing a noticeable shift in visitor patterns. For decades, Canadian travellers formed a large part of Michigan’s tourism base. Now, that trend is changing.

Fewer Canadians are crossing into Michigan compared to previous years. Tourism officials confirm that cross-border visits have dropped significantly, especially in border communities that once relied on regular weekend travellers from nearby Canadian provinces. This change is prompting tourism agencies to rethink their strategy.

But for global travellers, this shift may present an exciting opportunity.

A Decline That Reshapes Travel Strategy

Canadian visitors have historically been among Michigan’s most frequent international guests. Easy border access and shared cultural ties made Michigan a natural holiday destination for many families in Ontario and beyond. However, recent economic pressures, currency fluctuations, and broader geopolitical uncertainty have influenced travel decisions.

The result is a measurable reduction in cross-border traffic.

Local tourism boards have acknowledged this shift and are adjusting their marketing approach. Instead of focusing heavily on neighbouring markets, they are widening their outreach to domestic American travellers and long-haul international visitors.

This pivot reflects resilience rather than crisis.

Michigan’s tourism leaders see this as a moment to diversify their visitor base and strengthen global appeal.

Why Michigan Still Shines as a Travel Destination

Despite changing numbers, Michigan remains one of the United States’ strongest tourism economies. Travel spending contributes billions to the state’s economy each year. Thousands of jobs depend on hotels, restaurants, attractions, events, and transport services.

More importantly, the core attractions that made Michigan popular remain unchanged.

The state borders four of the five Great Lakes. This alone offers unmatched water-based recreation. Visitors enjoy sandy beaches, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and spectacular sunsets. Summer remains peak season, but autumn’s colourful foliage and winter’s snow sports draw seasonal travellers as well.

For international visitors seeking nature combined with accessibility, Michigan offers both.

Less Crowded, More Rewarding Experiences

One immediate effect of reduced cross-border day trips is fewer crowds in some traditionally busy locations. This can mean shorter queues, more relaxed hotel availability, and quieter scenic drives.

For global tourists planning a 2026 visit, this could translate into better value and a more immersive experience.

Road trips remain one of Michigan’s greatest strengths. Travellers can start in Detroit, explore cultural districts and museums, then drive north along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Charming small towns, lighthouses, vineyards, and forest trails offer a classic American travel experience without the overwhelming congestion of larger coastal destinations.

The Upper Peninsula continues to attract adventure seekers with waterfalls, hiking routes, and rugged wilderness.

Michigan’s appeal lies in variety.

Urban Energy Meets Natural Beauty

Detroit, once defined solely by its industrial past, has reinvented itself as a cultural powerhouse. Visitors can enjoy music heritage, art galleries, waterfront parks, and a rapidly growing culinary scene.

Grand Rapids is known for its craft beverage culture and creative spirit. Smaller cities also provide rich local character and warm hospitality.

At the same time, state parks and protected areas offer serene escapes. Families can camp, couples can enjoy lakeside cabins, and solo travellers can explore cycling and hiking routes safely and comfortably.

This balance between city energy and natural calm makes Michigan attractive to a wide range of global travellers.

Strategic Marketing for a Global Audience

Tourism authorities are responding proactively to the shift in Canadian travel. Marketing campaigns now highlight Michigan’s diverse experiences to broader audiences. Digital promotions emphasise road trips, outdoor wellness, family adventures, and cultural festivals.

Officials are focusing on storytelling that resonates beyond North America.

International travel buyers and tour operators are being engaged more actively. The goal is to ensure Michigan remains visible in competitive global tourism markets.

Rather than relying heavily on one visitor segment, the state is positioning itself as a multi-market destination.

Practical Tips for International Visitors

For those considering Michigan in 2026, a few practical points help maximise the experience:

• The best time to visit for outdoor activities is between June and September.
• Autumn travel in October offers spectacular foliage views.
• Renting a car is highly recommended to explore beyond major cities.
• Booking accommodation early for summer ensures better rates.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport serves as the main international gateway, offering strong connectivity.

Michigan is also known for being welcoming and easy to navigate, with clear road systems and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

A Turning Point That Benefits Travellers

The decline in Canadian visits may challenge certain border communities. Yet for the broader travel industry, it marks a turning point toward diversification and innovation.

For global tourists, this moment presents opportunity.

Michigan remains rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic American charm. With fewer cross-border crowds and renewed international focus, 2026 could be one of the most rewarding times to explore the Mitten State.

The lakes are still vast. The forests are still green. The cities are still vibrant.

Only the travel patterns have changed.

And sometimes, change creates the best journeys.

Lesvos, Reus and Chania emerge as star tourism destinations with Jet2 unveiling three new routes for summer 2027 from UK airports. London Gatwick launches exclusive weekly flights to Lesvos (Mytilene) from May 2 to October 10, while Bournemouth and Edinburgh connect to Reus and Chania. These additions expand Jet2‘s programme, catering to sun-seekers eyeing Greek islands and Spanish coasts.

The expansions profoundly boost Lesvos tourism by introducing direct UK access, filling beaches and historical sites. Reus tourism, gateway to Costa Dorada, anticipates family influxes, while Chania tourism in Crete gains from northern UK markets. Overall tourism volumes across these spots project twenty percent uplift through enhanced connectivity.

Lesvos Tourism Unlocked from Gatwick

Lesvos (Mytilene) gains exclusive Jet2 service from London Gatwick, spotlighting Aegean beauty with petrified forests and olive groves. Weekly Sunday flights target families seeking uncrowded tourism. Mytilene‘s harbor and thermal springs draw wellness enthusiasts.

Direct links transform Lesvos tourism, slashing transfers and spurring bookings for Molivos village stays. Tourism operators in Greece expect occupancy jumps, revitalizing local crafts. London Gatwick base growth by twnety-seven percent amplifies tourism reach.

Reus Revitalizes Costa Dorada Tourism

Bournemouth pioneers Reus route, opening Tarragona beaches and PortAventura parks to southern UK travelers. Reus tourism thrives on family thrills and Roman ruins nearby. Costa Dorada positions as summer haven.

New access elevates Reus tourism, boosting tourism revenues through all-inclusive packages. Spain tourism diversifies from major hubs, easing Barcelona pressures. Bournemouth Airport expansions sustain eighteen-destination lineup.

Chania Crete Beckons Edinburgh Flyers

Edinburgh connects to Chania, unlocking Crete’s old town alleys and Samaria Gorge hikes. Chania tourism appeals with Venetian harbors and beach clubs for diverse crowds. Peak schedules align with Scottish holidays.

The route supercharges Chania tourism, channeling northern UK demand to boost tavernas and hotels. Crete tourism balances with mainland alternatives, projecting fuller resorts. Edinburgh Airport hits forty destinations.

Jet2 Expansion Signals Tourism Confidence

Jet2 responds to demand with 1.1 million London Gatwick seats across thirty-five spots, including capacity hikes to Ibiza, Malaga. Tourism packages bundle flights and stays for value seekers.

Programme growth impacts tourism positively, offering flexibility amid rising European demand. Jet2holidays early sales lock summer escapes, stabilizing tourism planning.

Greek Islands Tourism Thrives on New Links

Lesvos and Chania join Jet2‘s Greek portfolio with Paphos, Zante, enhancing island-hopping. Mytilene tourism highlights Mithymna castles, while Chania offers Elafonissi pinks sands.

Exclusive services propel Greek tourism, drawing two million UK visitors yearly. Tourism in lesser-known isles surges, preserving authenticity against mass markets.

Spanish Sunspots Gain UK Tourism Surge

Reus complements Reus (Costa Dorada) with Palma, Tenerife, targeting beach lovers from multiple bases. Reus tourism spotlights Salou waterslides and Cambrils seafood.

Additions diversify Spain tourism, filling shoulder seasons with UK families. Tourism infrastructure in Catalonia strengthens via direct feeders.

UK Airport Networks Fuel Tourism Growth

Bournemouth, Edinburgh, London Gatwick anchor expansions, serving thirteen UK points with four hundred seventy routes. Bournemouth Airport celebrates eighteen summer options.

Decentralized bases democratize tourism access, reducing Heathrow reliance. UK tourism outbound booms, benefiting regional economies.

Family Tourism Packages Drive Bookings

Jet2holidays integrates new routes into ATOL-protected deals, emphasizing twenty-two kg baggage and transfers. Lesvos tourism packages highlight eco-tours.

Value offerings accelerate tourism decisions, countering inflation pressures. Family tourism dominates, sustaining peak loads.

Capacity Boosts Transform Tourism Choice

Peak weekly flights hit eighty-five from Gatwick, with Reus and Chania fitting seamless grids. Edinburgh scales to forty spots.

Increased seats empower tourism flexibility, enabling multi-center trips. Choice proliferation elevates satisfaction.

Sustainable Tourism Aligns with Expansions

Jet2 prioritizes fuel-efficient fleets for new routes, supporting eco-conscious Chania hikes. Lesvos tourism promotes protected zones.

Green initiatives enhance tourism appeal, attracting millennials to Reus renewables. Sustainability cements long-term viability.

Marketing Ignites Tourism Buzz

Social campaigns showcase Lesvos sunsets, Chania sunrises via influencers. Early bird deals target planners. Viral pushes explode tourism interest, filling calendars swiftly. Digital tourism strategies dominate.

Regional Impacts Elevate Local Tourism

Mytilene artisans and Chania winemakers gain from UK spenders. Reus hotels upgrade for influx. Local tourism economies flourish, creating jobs in hospitality. Spillovers strengthen communities.

Peak Season Tourism Optimization

May-October timings capture high demand, avoiding winter slumps. Bournemouth-Reus aligns with school breaks. Strategic scheduling maximizes tourism occupancy, optimizing revenues. Peak tourism thrives.

Competitive Edges in European Tourism

Jet2 exclusives outpace rivals to Lesvos, securing market share. Chania frequencies compete fiercely. Differentiation bolsters tourism leadership, drawing loyals. Competitive tourism heats up.

Economic Multipliers from Tourism Surge

New routes inject millions into Greek tourism GDP, with Spain following. Edinburgh exports fuel growth. Tourism multipliers amplify trades, from taxis to tours. Economies diversify robustly.

Future Expansions Hint at Tourism Horizons

Jet2 eyes further 2028 additions, building on 2027 success. London Gatwick cements as leisure powerhouse. Visions propel tourism evolution, unlocking untapped potentials. Enduring growth beckons.

Image Credit: Jet2.com Limited

The significance of Odia identity was recently examined during a high-level consultation titled Vikash Manthan, where the integration of cultural heritage and good governance was prioritized. This event was organized in Bhubaneswar to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue regarding the socio-economic trajectory of the state. A roadmap for the future was articulated by various dignitaries and intellectuals who gathered to ensure that the essence of the region is maintained while pursuing modern administrative excellence. The foundational pillars of Odisha’s development were scrutinized, with a specific focus on how the local language and traditions can be leveraged to foster a sense of pride and efficiency within the governmental framework.

The Vision for Cultural and Administrative Synergy

The proceedings were initiated with an emphasis on the necessity of aligning state policies with the aspirations of the local population. It was observed that the preservation of the Odia language is not merely a matter of sentiment but a functional requirement for effective administration. By ensuring that the language of the people is the language of the government, a deeper connection between the citizens and the state is established. This approach was described as a vital component of the broader strategy to enhance the visibility of the state on a national and global stage.

The consultation served as a platform for various stakeholders to voice their perspectives on the current challenges facing the region. The transition toward a more transparent and accountable system was discussed at length. It was noted that when the identity of a community is respected and promoted, the dividends are seen in the form of increased public participation and social cohesion. The relationship between a strong cultural foundation and a robust economy was highlighted as a primary driver for the upcoming decade of growth.

Strategic Priorities for Future Development

During the various sessions of the Vikash Manthan, several key sectors were identified as being critical for the state’s advancement. The discourse was steered toward the modernization of infrastructure, the improvement of educational standards, and the expansion of healthcare services. However, it was consistently maintained that these advancements must be rooted in the local context. The development of a unique brand for the state, centered on its historical achievements and artistic excellence, was proposed as a method to attract investment and tourism.

The importance of digital transformation was also recognized, provided that such technological shifts are inclusive. It was suggested that digital tools should be utilized to make government services more accessible to the rural population. The passive observation of global trends was discouraged; instead, a proactive stance on creating a localized version of progress was advocated. By doing so, the state can avoid the pitfalls of generic urbanization and instead create a sustainable model that honors its heritage.

Leadership Perspectives and Policy Recommendations

The event was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Asit Tripathy, who contributed significantly to the dialogue regarding administrative reforms. The experiences shared by veteran bureaucrats and subject matter experts provided a realistic framework for the implementation of the proposed ideas. It was argued that the bureaucracy must be sensitized to the nuances of Odia culture to serve the public more effectively. The training of officials in local customs and linguistic nuances was suggested as a means to bridge the gap between the authorities and the common man.

Furthermore, the role of the youth in carrying forward the legacy of the state was emphasized. It was noted that the younger generation must be encouraged to take pride in their roots while being equipped with the skills necessary for the modern workforce. Policies that promote the study of Odia literature and history alongside technical education were recommended. The creation of specialized hubs for innovation that draw inspiration from traditional craftsmanship was also discussed as a way to generate employment and preserve ancient skills.

Enhancing Governance Through Public Engagement

A significant portion of the consultation was dedicated to the concept of participatory governance. It was observed that the success of any government initiative is largely dependent on the level of engagement from the community. Mechanisms for gathering public feedback were scrutinized, and it was suggested that more localized forums should be established to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard. The use of the Odia language in all official communications was reiterated as a non-negotiable aspect of this engagement.

The transparency of the administrative process was another focal point. It was stated that when the functions of the government are conducted in a manner that is easily understood by the public, the likelihood of corruption is reduced. The strengthening of local self-governance institutions, such as Panchayats, was proposed as a method to decentralize power and bring the administration closer to the people. This decentralization is seen as a way to ensure that the specific needs of different regions within the state are addressed with precision.

Conclusion and the Path Forward

The Vikash Manthan consultation concluded with a consensus on the need for a unified effort to elevate the status of the state. The deliberations served as a reminder that progress should not come at the cost of identity. A balanced approach, where modern governance techniques are infused with the values of the Odia people, was deemed the most viable path forward. The documentation of the ideas discussed during the event is expected to serve as a guide for future policy-making processes.

As the state moves toward a new era of growth, the lessons learned from this consultation will be instrumental. The commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Odia identity while striving for excellence in all sectors remains the guiding light for the administration. The collaborative spirit witnessed during the sessions in Bhubaneswar reflects a collective desire to see the state prosper while remaining true to its historical and cultural roots. Through continued dialogue and the implementation of these strategic recommendations, a more inclusive and prosperous future is envisioned for all citizens.

In a landmark announcement that humanised Thailand’s emergence as a creative and cultural magnet, the government‑backed Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed that Tomorrowland Thailand will take place from 11 to 13 December 2026 at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province. This music festival will mark the first full‑scale Asian edition of the globally renowned Belgian electronic dance music festival, signalling one of the most significant tourism events Thailand has ever hosted.

At its core, Tomorrowland remains a celebration of rhythm, creativity and international community. Its arrival in Asia has been carefully crafted through a high‑level partnership between Tomorrowland organisers and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reflecting a joint commitment to showcase Thailand’s world‑class hospitality, reliable infrastructure and rapidly growing appeal as an event destination.

Officials from the TAT, led by Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, described the festival as a proud testament to Thailand’s readiness to host events of global scale. Strengthening Thailand’s position on the world stage was emphasised as a strategic tourism goal, reinforcing the country’s reputation beyond traditional sun‑and‑sand destinations to become a vibrant hub for experience‑driven travellers.

Tomorrowland’s journey to Thailand was not incidental. Thailand was selected over several competing Asian destinations, a choice that underscores the confidence global partners have in its infrastructure, logistics and visitor management systems. The Pattaya event has been aligned with Thailand’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and attract high‑value visitors who stay longer and spend more across hospitality, transport and creative industries.

Styled under the unifying theme “Consciencia”, Tomorrowland Thailand will merge music and storytelling across six spectacular stages, including iconic platforms such as Mainstage, CORE, and Freedom, which will make their Asian debut at this edition. The festival’s thematic universe draws on six human emotions — wonder, love, anger, happiness, desire and sadness — creating an immersive experience that encourages emotional connection with attendees from every corner of the world.

Unlike the traditional European DreamVille camping experience, Tomorrowland Thailand is designed with an integrated accommodation approach. Official Hotel Packages — including three‑day festival passes and dedicated shuttle services connecting festival venues with accommodation hubs — went on sale in early 2026. General ticket sales are scheduled to begin in March 2026, offering a range of pass types from single‑day access to premium options that prioritise comfort.

The selection of Wisdom Valley in Pattaya as the festival site perfectly complements Thailand’s tourism mosaic. Pattaya, long regarded as a favourite among both domestic and international travellers for its beaches, culinary offerings and vibrant nightlife, now offers a platform where culture, creativity and music converge on a global scale. Festival‑focused tourism in Pattaya will not only draw visitors to the event itself but is expected to encourage extended stays, visits to nearby provinces and deeper cultural engagement.

Tourism analysts emphasise that Tomorrowland Thailand’s economic implications extend far beyond ticket revenue. Government projections estimate that the three‑day event could attract over 50,000 visitors per day, catalysing direct expenditure exceeding 1.4 billion Baht, along with a broader economic impact of approximately 5.3 billion Baht across sectors. These figures highlight how large‑scale international events have become pivotal drivers for sustainable tourism growth and economic diversification.

The announcement also signals a shift towards experience‑based tourism, where destinations leverage festivals, cultural showcases and creative gatherings to attract new visitor segments. Thailand’s embrace of such events builds on a legacy of hosting global spectacles, including major sporting fixtures and international entertainment acts. Tomorrowland’s debut expands this legacy to encompass electronic music culture and festival tourism on a truly monumental scale.

What to Expect: Tomorrowland Thailand’s Spectacular Stages and Thematic Journey

For the local community in Pattaya and Chon Buri Province, Tomorrowland Thailand represents an extraordinary opportunity. Hospitality businesses, arts organisations and transport providers are poised to benefit from heightened visitation. Youth culture, international creative collaborations and service sector innovation are expected to blossom as part of a broader transformation in local tourism infrastructure.

Cultural analysts note that the festival’s arrival in Thailand carries symbolic significance. It bridges global audiences with Southeast Asian heritage and hospitality, offering visitors an experience rooted in international creative expression while celebrating Thai warmth and cultural richness. This blend of global entertainment with local flavour strengthens Thailand’s narrative as a place where travelers can experience both world‑class events and deeply personal cultural encounters.

As excitement builds toward December 2026, Tomorrowland Thailand is already generating buzz across social platforms and among music tourism communities worldwide. Festival organisers have teased future announcements regarding artist line‑ups and special collaborations, further fuelling anticipation for what promises to be one of the most unforgettable events on the global entertainment calendar.

By bringing Tomorrowland to Thailand’s shores, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has not just unlocked a new chapter in event tourism — it has invited the world to witness how vibrant culture, international creativity and shared experiences can converge on Thai soil. For millions of music lovers and travellers seeking fresh horizons, Pattaya in December 2026 will stand as a beacon of celebration, unity and innovation in Asia’s cultural landscapts.

The majestic silhouette of the Andes has long served as Western Argentina’s silent guardian, but a significant shift in environmental and tourism policy has recently been implemented, ushering this rugged frontier into a new era of structured preservation. The Mendoza government has officially established the “Great Andes Trail” (Gran Sendero de los Andes) as a cornerstone of state policy with the issuance of Decree 2714. This ambitious initiative is being led by the Mendoza Tourism Entity (EMETUR) in collaboration with provincial authorities. It is intended to ensure that the mountain range is recognised not just as a backdrop but also as the structural axis of the region’s identity. By combining nature, culture, and historical memory, a new model for responsible exploration is being proposed for travellers worldwide.

A 600-Kilometer Corridor of Natural and Ancestral Heritage

A vast expanse of over 600 kilometres is encompassed by this trail, which is intended to serve as a continuous link between the diverse ecosystems of the north and south. The route is anchored in the north by the formidable presence of Aconcagua Hill—the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere—and is extended southward to the Barrancas River. Along this trajectory, ancient paths that were once utilized by indigenous populations are retraced. These segments are integrated into the Qhapaq Ñan, or the Andean Road System, which has been internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. By following these historic footprints, a unique fusion of biodiversity, archaeology, and regional history is offered to the modern trekker.

Argentina’s Inaugural Long-Distance High Mountain Trek

As the first long-distance high-mountain trail of its kind in Argentina, the Great Andes Trail is distinguished by its unprecedented scale. The connection between Aconcagua and the Pehuenche Pass is facilitated through a network of sports, tourism, and cultural sections. Within this corridor, six protected natural areas are crossed, further reinforcing the environmental profile of the province. These protected zones include the Aconcagua Provincial Park, the Cordón del Plata Provincial Park, and the Tupungato Provincial Park. By threading these areas together, a cohesive narrative of conservation is maintained across some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America.

Preserving the Fragile Giants: The Role of Natural Reserves

The ecological integrity of the trail is bolstered by the inclusion of several critical natural reserves. The Manzano-Portillo de Piuquenes Natural Reserve, the Laguna del Diamante Natural Reserve, and the Laguna del Atuel Natural Water Reserve are all integrated into the route’s geography. Together, these territories are estimated to cover approximately 30% of Mendoza’s total provincial surface. Because these high-mountain environments are characterized by their fragility, the formalization of the trail is seen as a vital step in safeguarding water sources and high-altitude flora and fauna. These spaces are no longer viewed as isolated pockets of wilderness but are instead treated as a unified ecological corridor.

Accessibility and Inclusion in the High Peaks

While many segments of the trail are defined by the difficult access and physical demands typical of the high Andes, a spectrum of difficulty levels is considered within the project. Less complex routes are included to ensure that the experience is not limited to elite mountaineers. Accessible sectors, such as the Mountain Park located near the City of Mendoza, are utilized to expand citizen participation and local engagement. This tiered approach allows for a broader demographic of visitors to interact with the mountain environment, thereby fostering a deeper public connection to the provincial landscape and its preservation.

Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development

The fundamental philosophy of the Great Andes Trail is rooted in ecotourism, which is leveraged as a primary tool for sustainable development. Low-impact activities, such as trekking and hiking, are promoted to encourage direct contact with the natural world without the degradation often associated with mass tourism. Through this modality, environmental education is facilitated, as travellers are made aware of the delicate balance required to maintain high-mountain ecosystems. The knowledge of cultural heritage is also deepened, strengthening the collective consciousness regarding the necessity of conservation.

Stimulating the Regional Mountain Economy

Beyond environmental benefits, the local economy is expected to be significantly boosted by the formalization of this route. Opportunities are created for family-owned businesses, specialized mountain guides, and various service providers related to outdoor activities. By channelling tourism into rural and high-altitude areas, a decentralized economic model is supported. This ensures that the benefits of the trail are felt by the communities that have historically resided in the shadows of these peaks. Consequently, a proposal that harmonizes conservation, identity, and responsible growth is consolidated in the heart of the Andes.

A Vision for the Future of Andean Exploration

The creation of the Great Andes Trail marks a watershed moment in how the mountain range is perceived and managed. It is no longer viewed as a barrier or a resource to be exploited but rather as a living museum of natural and human history. As the project progresses, the incorporation of technology, improved signage, and safety protocols is expected to improve the traveller experience. Mendoza’s dedication to this “natural backbone” ensures that the Andes’ majesty is preserved for future generations, while also serving as a world-class destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature.

Travel operations across Dubai, United Arab Emirates have been significantly disrupted following the temporary suspension of all flights at the city’s two major aviation hubs Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The move comes after the country’s aviation regulator implemented precautionary airspace limitations in response to evolving regional security conditions. Authorities have advised passengers scheduled to depart or arrive to avoid travelling to the airports and instead contact their airlines directly for updates.

Temporary UAE Airspace Measures Trigger Suspension

The operational halt follows a partial and temporary closure of the United Arab Emirates airspace introduced by the General Civil Aviation Authority. According to official government communications released through Emirates News Agency (WAM), the measure was taken as a precaution amid rapidly changing regional security developments. The authority described the restriction as an exceptional step aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and aviation infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the situation is being monitored continuously and that operations will resume once conditions are deemed safe.

All Operations Halted at Dubai’s Two Airports

Airport operator Dubai Airports, which manages both aviation hubs, confirmed that all passenger and flight operations have been suspended until further notice. The organization has issued guidance urging travelers not to proceed to either airport during the suspension period. Instead, passengers are advised to:

• Check their flight status online
• Contact their airline or travel agent directly
• Wait for official announcements before making travel arrangements

Authorities emphasized that updates will be shared as the situation evolves and operational clarity improves.

Impact on Emirates Airline Operations

The disruption has also affected the UAE’s flagship carrier, Emirates, which temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3:00 PM UAE time on March 1.

Based on official airline guidance, passengers scheduled to travel within the next 72 hours have been offered flexible options:

Rebooking Option

• Travelers may reschedule their journey to the same destination.
• New travel dates can be selected within 10 days of the original departure.
• Customers who booked through travel agents must contact their agents, while direct bookings can be modified via the airline’s official website.

Refund Option

• Passengers may request a full refund.
• Refund applications can be submitted online for direct bookings.
• Those who booked through third-party agents should initiate requests through their respective agencies.

The airline confirmed that these measures are intended to minimize inconvenience while prioritizing operational safety.

Safety Measures Remain the Top Priority

Both aviation authorities and airline operators have reiterated that passenger safety and security remain the primary consideration behind the suspension. Officials indicated that the flight cancellations are linked to multiple regional airspace restrictions, which have affected standard flight routes and operational planning. Aviation teams are working closely with relevant government bodies and international aviation partners to assess the situation. Continuous monitoring and coordination are underway to ensure that operations resume only when safe airspace conditions are confirmed.

Advice for Travelers Planning to Visit Dubai

Passengers planning travel to or from Dubai in the coming days should take the following steps:

• Do not travel to the airport unless your flight is confirmed
• Regularly check airline websites or official airport platforms
• Allow extra flexibility in travel plans
• Monitor updates from government aviation authorities

Travelers with connecting flights through Dubai should also verify the status of their entire itinerary, as transit services are affected by the suspension.

Wider Travel and Tourism Implications

As one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs, Dubai serves millions of passengers annually and acts as a key transit gateway between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Temporary disruptions at DXB and DWC are likely to impact global flight schedules and passenger connections. Tourism stakeholders, hotels, and tour operators across the emirate are closely monitoring developments. While the suspension is expected to be short-term, travelers are encouraged to remain informed and flexible as authorities respond to changing regional conditions.

When Will Flights Resume?

At present, officials have not provided a confirmed timeline for the full resumption of airport operations. Authorities have stated that flight services will restart once airspace conditions stabilize and safety assessments are completed. Passengers are advised to rely only on official government sources, airline notifications, and airport announcements for accurate information, as conditions may change quickly.

To solidify its partnerships with travel advisors across North America, Azamara Cruises recently launched its Travel Advisor Council. This initiative enables further collaboration between members of Azamara’s executive team and top travel advisors in the U.S. and Canada. Council members will help determine the future of Azamara’s sales, marketing, and customer experience initiatives.

Azamara’s Pledge to Provide Stronger Partnership Opportunities to Travel Advisors

For many years, Azamara Cruises has offered its customers outstanding travel experiences. In addition to providing great travel experiences, customers have the opportunity to participate in unique and enriching cultural experiences. In a continued effort to strengthen partnerships with the travel advisor community, the company has established the Travel Advisor Council. This program enables the company to align its actions with the needs and suggestions of the travel advisors. This will create opportunities for travel advisors to make direct impacts on important business decisions regarding customer experience and satisfaction.

Each council member has no less than 5 years of experience in cruise-oriented travel, and most have significantly more than that. Each member of the Travel Advisor Council is also a graduate of the Academy of Wellness Ambassadors program, which adds to their knowledge and experience. Each Travel Advisor Council member also has a uniquely different background from the others, giving a wide range of outlooks. Each has a different specialty and/or market area of emphasis, which is more than any other area in the US and North America.

Features of the Travel Advisor Council

The Travel Advisor Council has different ways in which it will work with Azamara. Each has designed their own collaborations and will offer new ideas, test new initiatives, which will ultimately add to and refine the overall Azamara experience.
The Travel Advisor Council also has ongoing Azamara processes, so that, over time, each Travel Advisor Council member’s voice in the overall Azamara system is more than just an annual voice. Each will add to the ongoing voice of the travel system.

The council members will be able to access some of Azamara’s main programs and models firsthand. This will allow them to test new offerings before they are given to the general public. It will be an important and valuable review from the travel advisory community. In addition, they will be advocates for Azamara in the travel industry, elevating the brand’s promise of commitment to crossing borders and deep travel.

Dedicated to Traveler Satisfaction and Industry Advancement

Central to the efforts of the Travel Advisor Council is a commitment to traveler satisfaction. Travel advisors are the most valuable in assisting Azamara’s leadership in providing the best itineraries and experiences. This council will guide Azamara in refining its offerings and service, allowing travelers to have remarkable cruises and satisfy their desires for enriching cultural discovery.

The creation of the Travel Advisor Council is a clear commitment from Azamara to its travel advisors, sharing Azamara’s vision and strengthening the partnership for mutual benefit. It will reinforce the partnership between Azamara and its travel advisors.

Fostering Lasting Connections with Travel Advisors

The Travel Advisor Council shows Azamara’s dedication to nurturing relationships with travel advisors over time. This program will act as a cornerstone for long-term collaborations by assuring travel advisors passionate about working with Azamara and about immersive travel will have a versatile opportunity to shape the future direction of the brand.

Azamara’s method focuses on the cruise line and advisors growing and learning from one another. With the incorporation of council feedback, Azamara aims to make improvements to the complete guest experience by fine-tuning different aspects of the guest experience to better council feedback and the council’s experience to elevate advisors’ abilities, which will lead to increased business from travel advisors to Azamara.

Conclusion- Azamara and its travel advisors

An example of Azamara improving its business along with its travel advisors is the establishment of the Travel Advisor Council. This shows how Azamara embarks on its working processes and moving relationships with its travel advisors in the future, with feedback from its travel advisors. This shows how Azamara prefers to improve the experiences of its guests and travel advisors. Additionally, creating the council further demonstrates Azamara’s dedication to cultural immersion and to continuing to provide well-balanced, descriptive travel experiences. Merely working together with advisors shows how prosperous the future working together will be, and Azamara appreciates working with its Travel Advisor. This will show even more how successful the future will be.

Cruise holidays are one of the world’s most loved travel experiences. They promise sunshine, sea views and visits to multiple countries in one smooth journey. But recent schedule changes announced by Norwegian Cruise Line have caught many travellers by surprise. Several sailings planned for 2026 and early 2027 have been cancelled or adjusted as part of a wider fleet reshuffle.

For holidaymakers dreaming of Caribbean beaches or Mediterranean ports, this news may feel unsettling. Yet it also highlights an important truth about modern travel: flexibility is essential. Here is what global travellers need to understand before planning their next cruise escape.

Why Cruise Itineraries Change

Cruise lines operate in a constantly shifting global environment. Weather patterns, port capacity, ship maintenance, demand trends and commercial strategies all influence where vessels sail. Norwegian Cruise Line recently decided to reorganise parts of its fleet. Some ships are being reassigned to different homeports. Others are being moved to routes that show stronger passenger demand.

This type of redeployment is not unusual in the cruise industry. Companies often plan itineraries years in advance. However, they also review market conditions regularly. If booking patterns shift or a region becomes more popular, cruise lines may reposition ships to maximise occupancy and guest satisfaction.

For travellers, this can mean a booked voyage disappears from the schedule. It can also mean a change in departure port or a different ship operating the route. While disappointing at first, these decisions are usually made long before sailing dates, giving passengers time to reconsider their plans.

What Happens If Your Cruise Is Cancelled

When a sailing is cancelled for operational reasons, cruise lines typically offer a full refund of the fare paid. In many cases, they also provide a future cruise credit as a goodwill gesture. This credit can be used towards another voyage within a specified timeframe.

Passengers are normally informed directly by email or through their booking portal. Travel agents also receive official communication. It is important for travellers to check their email regularly after booking a cruise, especially if the sailing date is more than a year away.

Refund policies and credits vary depending on circumstances. Therefore, travellers should always read the booking terms carefully before confirming any reservation. Understanding cancellation conditions is just as important as choosing the right cabin category.

The Bigger Picture: A Strong Cruise Market

Despite these adjustments, the global cruise market remains strong. Demand for sea holidays continues to rise, particularly for Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern European routes. Cruise lines are investing heavily in new ships, upgraded entertainment and enhanced dining experiences.

Fleet redeployment often signals confidence rather than crisis. When cruise companies move ships to new regions, they are responding to demand and aiming to deliver better itineraries. Popular departure ports may receive larger vessels. Emerging destinations may gain new routes.

For travellers, this means more choice in the long term. While a specific sailing may be cancelled, alternative cruises are usually available. In some cases, passengers may even find upgraded options or better departure dates.

Smart Planning for Cruise Travellers

If you are planning a cruise holiday in 2026 or beyond, consider these practical steps:

Book with flexibility. Choose fares that allow changes or cancellations with minimal penalties.

Purchase travel insurance. A comprehensive policy protects against unexpected disruptions, including cancelled sailings and flight changes.

Arrive at your departure port a day early. This reduces stress in case of flight delays.

Monitor official updates. Cruise lines provide the most accurate information through their websites and customer service channels.

Keep documents ready. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. Check visa requirements for each port of call.

Cruise travel is convenient, but it still requires careful preparation. A little extra planning can prevent major disappointment later.

Turning Disruption into Opportunity

Seasoned travellers know that changes sometimes lead to better experiences. If your original cruise is cancelled, use the opportunity to explore new destinations. Perhaps switch from a short Caribbean sailing to a longer Mediterranean voyage. Or consider departing from a different port that is easier to reach.

Cruising remains one of the most efficient ways to explore multiple countries in one holiday. Ships offer accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport all in one package. Even when itineraries shift, the core appeal remains the same: waking up in a new destination each morning.

Final Word for Global Tourists

The recent Norwegian Cruise Line schedule changes are a reminder that travel is dynamic. Plans can evolve. Routes can shift. But the spirit of cruising continues to thrive.

Rather than seeing cancellations as setbacks, travellers can view them as part of a living, adaptable tourism industry. With informed planning, flexible booking and smart travel habits, your dream cruise can still become reality.

The ocean is vast. Opportunities are endless. And your next unforgettable voyage is still waiting beyond the horizon.

As international travel rebounds strongly, many Americans are asking one important question: Is Dubai safe to visit in 2026 for US travelers? The short answer is yes — but smart preparation makes all the difference.

The glittering city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates remains one of the most secure and well-managed tourist destinations in the world. Millions of international visitors arrive each year for business, luxury holidays, desert adventures, and cultural exploration. For US travelers, Dubai offers a modern, English-friendly environment with world-class infrastructure. However, understanding local laws, regional dynamics, and travel precautions is essential before departure.

Understanding the Current Safety Landscape

Dubai maintains low levels of violent crime, and strict law enforcement contributes to a strong sense of public order. Visitors often describe the city as clean, organized, and highly secure. Tourist areas, hotels, malls, and transport hubs are monitored and professionally managed.

The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel guidance for American citizens. According to U.S. Department of State advisories, the UAE is generally considered safe, though travelers are encouraged to exercise normal precautions due to broader regional tensions in parts of the Middle East. These advisories do not prohibit travel to Dubai but recommend staying aware of surroundings and monitoring official updates.

Regional developments can sometimes affect flight routes or airspace operations. US travelers should check with airlines before departure and remain flexible with travel plans if unexpected changes occur.

Local Laws Every American Must Respect

One of the most important aspects of travel safety in Dubai involves understanding that UAE laws differ significantly from US laws. What may seem minor at home can carry serious consequences abroad.

Public behavior standards are stricter. Swearing, rude gestures, or heated public arguments can result in fines. Public intoxication is illegal. Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed venues such as hotels and approved restaurants. Drinking outside these spaces can lead to arrest.

Public displays of affection should remain limited. Holding hands is generally acceptable, but more intimate gestures may attract attention from authorities.

Photography laws are also strict. Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, airports, or local residents without permission. Social media posts that are considered defamatory or offensive may result in legal action.

Prescription medication rules are another key issue for US travelers. Some medications legal in the United States may require prior approval in the UAE. Travelers should verify requirements before bringing medication into the country.

Transport and Getting Around Safely

Dubai’s transport network is modern and reliable. The metro system is clean and easy to use, with English signage throughout. Licensed taxis and well-known ride-hailing services operate safely across the city.

Avoid unlicensed taxis. Always confirm that the driver uses a meter or fixed app pricing. Traffic moves quickly on highways, so pedestrians should use designated crossings only.

Car rentals are popular among US tourists, but driving conditions can differ from American norms. Speed limits are strictly enforced using automated cameras. Seatbelt use is mandatory.

Climate Awareness and Health Safety

For many Americans, Dubai’s desert climate can be the biggest shock. Summer temperatures often exceed 110°F (43°C). Heat exhaustion is a real risk, especially for travelers unaccustomed to extreme heat.

Hydration is critical. Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Wear sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and avoid outdoor sightseeing during peak afternoon heat.

Healthcare facilities in Dubai are high quality, but treatment can be expensive without insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for US travelers.

Safety at Tourist Attractions

Major landmarks such as Downtown Dubai, the Marina district, and luxury resorts maintain high safety standards. Security personnel are visible, and surveillance systems are common.

Desert safaris remain a top attraction. Americans should book only with licensed tour operators. Ensure vehicles are insured and drivers are experienced.

At beaches, follow lifeguard instructions carefully. Do not swim outside designated areas. Currents can be stronger than they appear.

Crowded markets and festivals can create opportunities for petty theft. Keep passports and valuables secure. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Embassy Support and Emergency Contacts

US travelers should know how to access assistance if needed. The U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai provide support to American citizens.

Emergency numbers in Dubai are:

Police – 999
Ambulance – 998
Fire – 997

Save these contacts in your phone immediately upon arrival.

It is also wise to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure. This allows US authorities to contact you in case of emergency.

Final Verdict: Is Dubai Safe to Visit in 2026 for US Travelers?

Yes, Dubai remains one of the safest destinations in the Middle East for American tourists. The city combines strict law enforcement, modern infrastructure, and strong tourism management.

However, safety depends on preparation. Respect local laws. Monitor official travel advisories. Prepare for extreme heat. Secure proper insurance. Stay culturally aware.

When US travelers approach Dubai with respect and awareness, they can enjoy luxury experiences, architectural marvels, and desert adventures with confidence. With sensible planning, Dubai in 2026 offers not only excitement and glamour — but also a secure and well-regulated environment for American visitors.

Samsung just launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and rumors of the Galaxy S27 Ultra LOFIC camera evolution have started to surface. The latest entry signals a breakthrough in imaging capabilities, matching the “king of lenses.”

Leaker Digital Chat Station revealed that Samsung is developing a new 200MP sensor internally labeled HPA. A large 1/1.12 inch sensor with LOFIC technology baked in. In industry circles, it is already being called the “king of lenses.”

Ice Universe stepped in with the part Samsung diehards actually care about. The Samsung insider revealed that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will not use the exact HPA unit; it will use HP6. Meanwhile, there’s more you should know.

The HP6 is essentially the consumer-tuned version of HPA. Slightly smaller at 1/1.3 inch, which sounds like a downgrade if you only read spec sheets, but performance matches the larger 200MP ISOCELL HPA camera sensor.

LOFIC is the real story

LOFIC stands for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor. What it really means is better dynamic range. LOFIC allows the sensor to store extra charge when light gets intense, instead of clipping it.

The result should be cleaner HDR without the artificial overprocessing that sometimes makes Samsung photos look overcooked. If Samsung gets this right, it is about image quality that actually competes with the best.

If you are holding an S24 Ultra or older, the S26 Ultra will still be a massive leap. But if you already own the S25 and care deeply about camera innovation, 2027 is shaping up to be the real reset.

Source – Ice Universe and Digital Chat Station (Weibo)

The post Galaxy S27 Ultra to feature new 200MP camera with LOFIC imaging appeared first on Sammy Fans.

At MWC 2026, Xiaomi took the wraps off the Xiaomi 17 series for global markets, alongside a new Wear OS watch and a handful of ecosystem devices. The new devices from Xiaomi come as the toughest competitors to the Galaxy S26 and Watch 8.

This is the kind of launch that Samsung’s mobile division studies carefully. Galaxy Watch 8 has been up for purchase since July, and preorders for the Galaxy S26 series are officially open ahead of sale commencement on March 11.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra brings a giant camera sensor

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra introduces Xiaomi’s first 1-inch LOFIC main sensor. LOFIC, short for lateral overflow integration capacitor, increases full well capacity.

Simply put, captures more light without blowing highlights, which means better HDR and more dynamic range in tough lighting.

Samsung has pushed large sensors and pixel binning for years, especially with its 200MP ISOCELL lineup. Now Xiaomi is going after sensor physics more aggressively.

Xiaomi is pairing a 200MP sensor with a 75mm to 100mm mechanical optical zoom, extending to a 400mm equivalent using sensor crop. It is Leica-tuned and built to APO standards to reduce fringing and ghosting.

Xiaomi says:

Xiaomi 17 Ultra breaks new ground with Xiaomi’s first 1″ LOFIC main camera sensor. The Light Fusion 1050L image sensor uses cutting-edge capacitor technology to significantly increase full-well capacity and enable next-generation HDR performance. Another key breakthrough is the Leica 200MP 75–100mm camera, featuring a 75–100mm mechanical optical zoom. Built to Leica APO optical references, the telephoto camera maintains high image quality with minimal ghosting and colour fringing across the entire zoom range, and expands to a 400mm (17.2x) equivalent focal length thanks to advanced sensor technology for outstanding long-range photography.

Samsung’s Ultra models have long defined the Android zoom camera. If Xiaomi’s 200MP telephoto delivers cleaner long-range shots with true optical transitions between focal lengths, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have real pressure on its hands.

Xiaomi 17 series goes global

Xiaomi 17 series first debuted in China as one of the earliest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagships. Now, the Chinese phone maker is bringing it globally, with the Xiaomi 17 starting at €999 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at €1,499 in Europe.

Similar to the Galaxy S26 series, Xiaomi 17 series run Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Theoretically, the performance may draw, but Samsung’s flagship phones are already nailing the benchmarks with impressive scores.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra boasts a 50MP primary camera, a 200MP telephoto sensor, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP selfie snapper. The phone sports a 6.9-inch display, packing 6,000mAh battery with 90W charging and up to 1TB of storage.

The post Xiaomi 17 Ultra challenges the Galaxy S26 Ultra with giant camera sensor appeared first on Sammy Fans.

TORRAS is launching a new anti-reflective screen protector designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The OrigArmor Screen Protector also boasts high light transmittance, enhanced protection against damage and easy installation with a roller tray system. You can find it now on the official TORRAS store as well as on Amazon. The TORRAS OrigArmor screen protector for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Since the S24 Ultra, Samsung has been using special glass for the display that cuts down on reflections. However, typical screen protectors negate this advantage of the...

Al Nassr are chasing the Saudi Pro League title, something they haven’t achieved in recent years. Saturday’s match against Al Fayha was crucial, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s early penalty miss came in the opening minutes of the game.

Following wins by Al Ahli and Al Hilal, Jorge Jesus’ team entered Saturday’s match knowing they needed a victory to retain first place in the league standings, or at least a draw to share the top spot with Al Ahli. In that pursuit, facing a lower-level opponent like Al Fayha — currently 10th in the standings — appeared to be an advantage.

The gap between the two teams was evident from the opening minutes, as Al Nassr controlled possession comfortably in the attacking half and created chances to score the opener. In the 11th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box, giving them an opportunity to take an early lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the kick, as he usually does. The Portuguese forward struck the ball with his right foot, aiming for the lower right corner past goalkeeper Mosquera. However, he lacked precision, sending the shot too wide. The ball struck the post and went out of play.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwanted penalty record

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached countless records throughout his career, most of them tied to his remarkable scoring ability. He is, of course, the all-time leading scorer in soccer history with 965 goals, and he holds similar records in the UEFA Champions League, with Real Madrid, and with Portugal.

However, when it comes to penalties, CR7 also holds an unfortunate record. Ronaldo is the player who has missed the most penalties in soccer history, with a total of 36 across his club career with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, as well as his time with the Portugal national team. Considering that he has scored 181 goals from the spot, his conversion rate stands at 81.43%.

Second place in that ranking is also surprising: Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward, who also trails CR7 on the all-time scoring list, has missed 32 penalties compared to 114 converted. That gives him a success rate of 78.08%.

Gradually, Carlo Ancelotti has shaped the Brazil national team, turning it into a much more reliable side than it had been in recent years under Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the coach seems close to finalizing the roster, with Neymar’s absence standing out as the most notable.

Reports indicate that Ancelotti has decided Neymar will not be part of the squad for the March international break, during which Brazil will face France and Croatia in two friendlies. In line with that, the coach’s future plans also do not seem to include the Santos forward.

According to ESPN, Ancelotti has already locked in 18 of the 26 players he will take to North America for the World Cup this summer. Neymar’s absence stands out on that list, as he is currently not being considered an option.

If confirmed, this decision would be consistent with the steps the Italian coach has taken since his hiring in mid-2025. During this time, Neymar has never been called up for World Cup qualifiers or friendlies, either due to injuries or Ancelotti’s strategic decisions. Unless he delivers consistently strong performances at Santos, that situation does not appear likely to change.

Who are the reportedly confirmed Brazil players for the World Cup?

It makes sense that, after nearly a year working as Brazil’s coach and with less than four months until the 2026 World Cup begins, Carlo Ancelotti would already have a clear idea of the roster he plans to take to North America.

According to ESPN, one goalkeeper already has his spot secured: Alisson Becker. In defense, center backs Marquinhos, Eder Militao, and Gabriel Magalhaes are also considered key players by the coach. They are joined by fullbacks Alex Sandro and Douglas Santos.

Four midfielders are also reportedly confirmed: Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes, and Andrey Santos. And in attack, where the most names appear as set, are Vinicius, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, and Estevao.

With these 18 players reportedly locked in by Carlo Ancelotti, only eight spots remain on the World Cup roster. Two of those will necessarily be goalkeepers, while probably three will be defenders. That leaves just three spots for midfielders or forwards, making Neymar’s chances appear limited.

Barcelona are experiencing an important moment in their institutional life as the presidential election approaches. Many candidates are ready to succeed Joan Laporta, and some figures are choosing a side. Xavi confirmed his decision.

The former midfielder has chosen Víctor Font as his preferred presidential candidate. Even if he previously served as Barcelona manager while Laporta was president, his departure from the club was not smooth.

Xavi had already supported Font in the past, and on Saturday he confirmed his endorsement by signing in favor of him. With many important matters for the first team at this time of year, the March 15 elections are especially relevant to supporters.

Former players supporting Laporta

Xavi remains one of the club’s most influential figures. His name carries weight, so it is understandable that other candidates find it hard to match that support. Two former players closely associated with Laporta’s administration have backed his candidacy.

Deco was the most prominent former player to back Laporta’s return to the presidency, which was unsurprising given his current role as sporting director under this administration.

The other supporter was Bojan Krkic, who signed the petition at Laporta’s headquarters. While his career did not ultimately match the early expectations set during his youth, his backing is likely meaningful for the candidate.

Barcelona’s minimum signs required

Voting has not yet taken place. What these former players did was sign to show their support for their chosen presidential candidate. Barcelona requires each candidate to collect at least 2,337 signatures from supporters to be eligible to stand in the election, and Monday is the deadline to submit them.

Premier Lig'de Manchester City deplasmanda Leeds United ile karşılaştı. City mücadeleyi 1-0 kazandı.

İngiltere Premier Lig'de Manchester City, deplasmanda Leeds United'ı 1-0 yendi.

Premier Lig'in 28. haftasında düşme hattından uzaklaşmayı hedefleyen Leeds United, şampiyonluk mücadelesi veren Manchester City'yi Elland Road'da ağırladı.

Konuk takım, 45+2. dakikada Antoine Semenyo'nun attığı golle galibiyete ulaştı.

Üst üste 4. galibiyetini elde ederek puanını 59 yapan Manchester City, lider Arsenal'ın iki puan gerisinde takibini sürdürdü.

Galibiyet hasreti üç haftaya çıkan Leeds United ise 31 puanla 15. sırada kaldı.

Süper Lig'de sahasında Alanyaspor'u 3-1 mağlup eden Galatasaray'da başarılı oyuncu Lucas Torreira maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.

Galatasaray, Alanyaspor'u evinde 3-1 mağlup etti. Maçın ardından Torreira açıklamalarda bulundu.

Torreira'nın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Mutluyuz. Zor bir rakbe karşı oynayacağımızı, iyi oyunları olduğunu biliyorduk. İlk yarıda bizi çok zorladılar. Odaklanmayı ve gelişmeyi bildik. Zor maç olsa da takım olarak iyi oynadık. Çok yorgunduk. Juventus'a karşı 2 tane zor maç oynadık. Taraftarımızın önünde bu büyük maçı çıkarmak ve kazanmak önemliydi.

-Benim için çok önemli olan 2 kişi beni bu formayla göremedi, gollerimi göremedi. 4 yıldan fazla süredir buradayım. Herkese çok teşekkür ederim. Benim yanımdalardı. Beni çok iyi karşıladılar. Uruguay'da babam, arkadaşlarım, ailem var. Onları da özlemle anıyorum. Bu formayı giyenler arasında dünyanın en mutlu insanı benim.

-Her gün çalışıyoruz. Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde, ligde galip gelmemiz için taraftar hep destek oluyor. Çok kıymetliler bizim için. Ben takımım için mücadele ediyorum. 3 tane lig şampiyonluğumuz var. Kupalar var. Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde de güzel bir noktadayız. Bu büyük kulüp nerelere geldi, durup keyfini çıkarmamız lazım. Türk bayrağını da orada temsil ediyoruz. Bunun keyfini hep birlikte çıkarmalıyız.

Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk, 3-1 kazandıkları Alanyaspor maçının ardından Beşiktaş ve Liverpool maçları hakkında açıklama yaptı.

Galatasaray, Alanyaspor'u evinde 3-1 mağlup etti. Maçın ardından açıklama yapan teknik direktör Okan Buruk, takımda sakatlık olmadığını belirtti.

Okan Buruk'un açıklamaları şöyle:

-Çok otomatikleşmiş bir takımla oynadık. Sağ açık ve sol açık yer değiştirerek başladılar. 2 oyuncuyu Elia'yı sağda bekliyorduk, yer değiştirmeleri ve oyun içerisinde, maç başında sağ kenarda Hwang'ın içeri girişleri kafamızı karıştırdı.

-Alanyaspor'a karşı adam adama baskı yapmak, önde baskı yapmak istedik. Onlara topu bırakırsan arkadaki 3'lüleri oyunu iyi kuruyor. Baskı yapan takımlara karşı bu şekilde çok pozisyon ürettik. Baskı yapmayan takımlara karşı daha çok zorlanıyorlar. O baskıyı kurmak için hatalar yaptık. İlk yediğimiz golde hem sağda hem solda yanlış takipler yaptık.

-Çok zor bir takıma karşı oynadık. Biz 120 dakika oynayıp geldik, onlar daha dinlenmişti. Mental olarak daha fazla maç oynadıkça, bu hoşuma gidiyor.

-Şampiyonlar Ligi, lig, kupa... Oyuncular için zor olabiliyor. Maç başlangıcı bu anlamda iyi değildi. Devamında daha iyi olduk. Kazanmasını bildik.

"ŞÜKÜR, SAKATLIK YOK"

-Oyuncularım fedakarca ellerinden geleni yapıyorlar. Destekleyen seyircimiz vardı. Oyunda bu gücü hissettirdik. Önemli bir galibiyet oldu. Kritik bir dönemdeyiz. 120 dakikadan 3 gün sonra maç, 3 gün sonra kupa, ondan sonra lig ve ondan sonra Şampiyonlar Ligi. Çok şükür sakatlıksız bitirdik.

"HEM ÇOK TRANSFER, HEM AYNI OYUNCULAR..."

-Oyuncuları değiştiriyoruz, çünkü sakatlık yaşamak istemiyoruz. Önemli bir kadro kurduk. Kullanmak istiyoruz. Kazanamayınca eleştiriliyoruz. Oyuncuları değiştiriyoruz, çünkü oyuncuları en formda ve en sağlıklı şekilde kullanmalıyız. Bu riskleri almalıyız. Çünkü oyuncuları kaybedebiliriz. Yine bu şekilde maç kaybedebiliriz. Hem çok transfer yapalım, geniş kadro olsun ama hep aynı oyuncularla oynayalım olmuyor.

"BÖYLE OLURSA ELEŞTİRİLİRSİNİZ"

-Hepsi milli takım oyuncusu, hepsi çok değerli. Bugün de değişiklik yaptık takımda ve oyunda. Bizim için güzel geçti.

Skordan bağımsız oynadığımız oyun eleştirilmeyi hak ediyordu. Bizim istemediğimiz düşünmediğimiz bir oyun, 11'e 10!

O oyunu oynuyorsanız, 2 gol yiyorsanız eleştirilirsiniz. Eleştirilecek bir oyun. Teknik direktör de, oyuncular da eleştirilir.

"LIVERPOOL'DA DERS OLACAK!"

-Her maçın atmosferi farklı. Bu tür maçları devamlı oynamıyoruz. 5-2 kazandıktan sonra ikinci maça ne psikolojisiyle gideceksiniz, her zaman oynamıyorsunuz, değişik bir psikoloji oluyor. 11'e 10'dan sonra kafa karışıklığı oldu. Rakip de bizden daha iştahlıydı.

-Birinci golden sonra onların oyuna sarılmaları, istemeleri, bizim cevap veremememiz... Ben de soyunma odasında oturup kendimi gözden geçirdim. Oyuncularımla dün de bunu paylaştık.

İstemediğimiz bir şeyi yaşadık ve tecrübe. Bu tecrübeleri de çok yaşamayalım. Bir sonraki tur için bizim adımıza ders olacak bu. Bu da Liverpool maçı.

BEŞİKTAŞ AÇIKLAMASI

-Liverpool'la oynadık, çok oyuncu değişikliği olmadı. Bizim tanıdığımız bir rakip. Beşiktaş maçı cumartesi salı. Belki 4'üncü gün olsaydı daha iyi olabilirdi. Sonra Başakşehir, ardından Liverpool.

Dört tane üst seviye maç oynayacağız. Kupa maçı var. Bazı oyuncuları dinlendireceğiz. En güçlü halimizle önce Beşiktaş, sonra Liverpool maçları. Bizim için ilk düşündüğümüz Beşiktaş maçı...

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında Kocaelispor'u deplasmanda 1-0 yenen Beşiktaş'ta keyifler yerinde...Başkan Serdal Adalı camiaya mesaj vererek birlik çağrısında bulundu.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında Kocaelispor'u deplasmanda 1-0 yenen Beşiktaş'ta kulüp başkanı Serdal Adalı, siyah-beyazlı camianın birlikte hareket ettiğinde aşamayacağı engel olamayacağını söyledi.

Başkan Adalı, ABD merkezli X şirketinin sosyal medya platformundaki hesabından yaptığı açıklamada, "Beşiktaş bir kupadan, bir galibiyetten, bir takımdan çok daha fazlasıdır, Beşiktaş ailedir. Bugün Kocaelispor deplasmanında skordan bağımsız, omuz omuza olmanın, aynı sevdaya baş koymanın tarif edilemez gururunu yaşadık. Yol boyunca, tribünde, her bir tezahüratta o eşsiz Beşiktaş ruhunu en derinden hissettim." ifadelerini kullandı.

Beşiktaş taraftarına teşekkürlerini ileten Serdal Adalı, "Büyük taraftarımıza bize gösterdikleri teveccühten ötürü çok teşekkür ediyorum. Aldıkları 3 puanla bu güzel günü galibiyetle taçlandırıp bizleri mutlu eden takımımızı ve teknik heyetimizi tebrik ediyor, emeklerinden dolayı teşekkür ediyorum. Şunu bir kez daha gördük ki; biz bir ve beraber olduğumuz sürece aşamayacağımız engel, kazanamayacağımız zafer yoktur. Bu birliktelik, bizi asıl büyük hedeflerimize ulaştıracak olan en büyük gücümüzdür. Aslolan Beşiktaş'tır." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Başkan Serdal Adalı, Kocaelispor müsabakasını deplasman tribününde siyah-beyazlı taraftarlarla takip etti.

Beşiktaş. geçtiğimiz hafta Göztepe'yi 4-0 yenmesinin ardından bu hafta Kocaelispor deplasmanına çıktı. 1-0'lık galibiyetle sahadan 3 puanla ayrılan siyah-beyazlılar Galatasaray derbisi öncesi hata yapmadı. Öte yandan tek golü Agbadou atarken başarılı futbolcu maçın oyuncusu seçildi.

Beşiktaş, Kocaelispor deplasmanından 1-0'lık galibiyetle ayrılarak Galatasaray derbisi öncesi moral depoladı. Göztepe'yi 4-0 yenmesinin ardından Kocaelispor deplasmanından eli boş dönmeyen siyah-beyazlılarda Emmanuel Agbadou başarılı performansıyla maça damga vurdu.

Agbadou'nun maç sonu istatistikleri şöyle:

Maç reytingi: 8.7

Gol:1

Savunma katkısı: 13

Topla Buluşma: 82

İsabetli Pas: %88

kendi yarı sahasındaki isabetli pas: %97

Gol beklentisi: 0.88

AÇIKLAMA GELDİ

Maçın oyuncusu seçilen Agbadou maç sonu şu açıklamayı yaptı:

-Beşiktaş'ta ilk golüm galibiyeti getirdi. Mutluyum. Bu şekilde devam etmek ve Beşiktaş'a katkı sağlamak istiyorum. Ligi en iyi yerde bitirmek istiyoruz.

Uluslararasi voleybol antrenörü ve FIVB Uluslararası Antrenör Eğitmeni Nejat Sancak, Galatasaray kadın voleybol takımı hakkında değerlendirmelerde bulundu.  

Nejat Sancak:

Bu kardeşimizin (Alberto Bigarelli) baş hoca olarak daha 40 değil 50 fırın ekmek yemesi gerekiyor!

Kim bu İtalyan kardeşimizi bu göreve getirdi? Başbakan Meoni hanım Dursun başkana telefon mu etti? Galatasaray Beşiktaş oynuyor! Takım 2. sette 22-15 ilerdeyken aynı rotasyonda arka arkaya 10 sayı kaybederek seti 25-22 veriyor! Buradan açık açık yazıyorum Galatasaray yönetimine! Bu işler bu kadar UCUZLADI mı Galatasaray'da? Futbol takımı bu kadar başarılı olan kulübün voleybol takımları niye bu kadar ciddiyetsiz yönetiliyor? Ben şunu anlıyorum ki sizler kendi oyuncağınız elinizden alınmasın diye oraya bu işleri hakikaten iyi bilen liyakatli insanları getirmek istemiyorsunuz! Galatasaray taraftarı ile alay etmeyin. Yeter artık!

Yarin öbür gün Galatasaray CEV kupasında yari finalde Bukres'in bizim Yesilyurt'tan hallice banliyo takimi VOLUNTARI oynayacak, muhtemelen rakibini rahatlikla eleyecek. (Arada muthis bir butce farki var her iki takimi)

Bilahare İtalya Lig 5. Chieri ile oynayacak. Galatasaray Sampiyon olursa sürpriz olmaz. (Bu hoca ile şampiyon olamayabilir de cünkü karşısında Turk Voleybolunu yakından takip eden Coach Nikola Negro olacak - Erol Unal Karabiyik doneminde A Milli takim yardimci antrenoru idi ) !

Bu durum Galatasaray'i başarılı kılar mı? Eczacıbaşı'nın kriz icerisinde olduğu, Fenerbahçe'nin sezon icerisinde yönetim krizine girdiği, Vakıfbank'ın ümidini sadece 2 smaçörle oynadığı yuksek pasli oyuna bagladigi, THY'nin daha sezon başında kendi kendini imha ettigi sezonda sezona çok iddiali giren Galatasaray'in ligde çok daha başarılı olması gerekmez miydi? Nilüfer maçındaki bozgunu ( 0:3 ) izah edecek bir yonetici var mi?

Tum bu kuluplerin arasinda Turk Voleybol tarihindeki en eski kulup GALATASARAY degil mi ? Bir zamanlarin yenilmez armadasina hic yakisiyor mu boyle bir yonetim sekli ?

Buyuk transfer Sylla'nin ciddi kilo alarak guresci fizigine geldigi gozlenirken( Bu kulubun diyetisyeni, kondisyoneri, saglik ekibi yok mu ? ) , cok luzumlu da olmayan bir cinli orta adami transferi sezon ortasinda yapildi ! Ilkim Aydin'in dalgali performansi da takimi negatif etkiliyor zaman zaman.
Her sezon Galatasaray kulubunde kadro trafigi yasaniyor ! 8-10 oyuncu gidiyor, 10-12 oyuncu geliyor ! Kulubun surekli calistigi menajerler ve kulubun icerisindeki baglantilari para kazanmaya devam ediyorlar ( Onlar bilir kendilerini ) .

Su anki yonetim uzun vadeli bir stratejileri oldugunu ifade edebilir mi ? Ya da var da biz goremiyoruz !

Tekrar donuyorum hocaya: Bu arkadastan iyi bu isi yapabilecek en az 10-15 Turk antrenor var ! Bu adami orada tutarak Galatasaray kulubu Turk antrenorlerini de degersizlestirmektedir (istemsiz bir sekilde olsa da) !
Ayrica bir diger sozum de sporcu menajerlerine olacak ! Bu TVF tescilli voleybol kariyerleri tartisilir esnaf grubu kulaktan dolma voleybol bilgisine sahip kulup yoneticilerine Turk antrenorleri hakkinda negatif referanslar vermektedirler ve kulupleri surekli Sirp ve Italyan antrenorlere yonlendirmektedirler kendi maddi menfaatlerinin sihhatini dusunerek!

TVF'nin 2 yıl once Sırp ve İtalyan Federasyonları ile yaptığı teknik işbirligi anlasmasının sonuçları Turk antrenörlüğü icin facia neticeler vermis ve Italyan ve Sirp antrenor ve teknik personel gruplari kuluplerimizi ve milli takimlarimizi adeta isgal etmistir ! Bunun karsiliginda Italya ve Surbistan da calisan tek bir teknik adam gosteremezsiniz !

Sonuç olarak: Galatasaray formasını oyuncu olarak 7 yıl terletmiş (1972-1979), takiı kaptanlığı yapmış, zaman zaman da kulüpler ve Liseler bazında Galatasaray'a rakip olmuş ( St.Joseph Lisesi, Otomarsan SK, Besiktas JK, Numune Interfarma VK, Bursaspor SK ) bir spor adamı olarak gelinen noktanın yapılan yatırımla ters orantılı gerçeklestiğini görüyorum ve bu biteviye negatif döngünün artık dopru kararlar ile sonlandırılmasi gerektiğini düşünüyorum!

Sezonun bundan sonraki kritik döneminde Galatasaray yönetim kuruluna ve şube yönetimine başarılar diliyorum.

LaLiga'da lider Barcelona, Villarreal ile karşı karşıya geldi. Barcelona, Villareal'i "hat-trick" yapan Lamine Yamal ve Robert Lewandowski'nin golleriyle 4-0 mağlup etti.

İspanya 1. Futbol Ligi'nde (LaLiga) Barcelona, sahasında Villarreal'i 4-1 yendi.

LaLiga'nın 26. haftasında lider Barcelona, Villarreal'i Spotify Camp Nou Stadı'nda ağırladı.

Ev sahibi ekip, "hat-trick" yapan Lamine Yamal'ın 28, 37 ve 69, Robert Lewandowski'nin 90+1. dakikada attığı gollerle galip geldi.

Villarreal'in tek golünü 49. dakikada Pape Gueye kaydetti.

Bu sonuçla puanını 64 yapan Barcelona, Real Madrid ile arasındaki farkı maç fazlasıyla 4'e çıkardı. Villarreal ise 51 puanda kaldı.

Galatasaray'ın UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki rakibi Liverpool İngiltere Premier Lig'de West Ham United ile karşılaştı. Liverpool mücadeleyi 5-2 kazandı.

Galatasaray'ın UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki rakibi Liverpool, İngiltere Premier Lig'de West Ham United'ı 5-2 yendi.

Premier Lig'in 28. haftasında Liverpool, Anfield Stadı'nda West Ham United'ı ağırladı.

Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike'nin 5, Virgil van Dijk'ın 24, Alexis Mac Allister'ın 43, Cody Gakpo'nun 70 ve Axel Disasi'nin (kendi kalesine) 82. dakikada attığı gollerle 5-2'lik galibiyete ulaştı.

Konuk takımın golleri, 49. dakikada Tomas Soucek ve 75. dakikada Taty Castellanos'tan geldi.

Üst üste üçüncü galibiyetini elde eden Liverpool, 48 puanla 5. sırada yer aldı. Düşme hattındaki West Ham United ise 25 puanda kaldı.

Galatasaray, Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 turu ilk maçında 10 Mart Salı günü saat 20.45'te Liverpool'u konuk edecek.

Sadettin Saran'ın sezon sonunda yapılacak seçimde olmaması durumunda adaylığıa hazırlanan Hakan Safi, destek arayışında Aziz Yıldırım'la iftarda yaptı. Ancak efsane başkanın "olmaz" yanıtıyla yıkıldı. Yanaştığı diğer isim Hakan Bilal Kutlualp'ten de istediği desteği alamadı. İşte o iddialar...

Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan seçim süreci öncesi kulisler oldukça hareketli. Başkan adaylığı konuşulan isimler ve yönetim kanadındaki gelişmeler dikkat çekiyor.

Sezon sonuna seçim koyan Sadettin Saran'ın aday olup olmayacağı belli değil. Ancak Saran başkan seçildiği dönemde kurmaylarının "Sosyal medyada daha etkin olmamız lazım" şeklindeki sunumuna sert çıktı.

"Biz bundan ne fayda gördük ki devam edelim?" diyerek eski yönetim döneminde kurulan yapıyı saf dışı bıraktı. Saran’ın bu kestirip atan tavrı, dijital iletişim stratejilerine yaklaşımını ortaya koydu.

Saran’ın aday olmama ihtimaline karşı Hakan Safi aday olmak için hazırlıklarını sürdürüyor. İddialara göre Safi, daha önce Aziz Yıldırım'ı adaylığına destek için ikna etmek amacıyla bir iftar organizasyonuna katıldı. Ancak Yıldırım'ın, Safi için "olmaz" diyerek konuyu kapattığı iddia edildi.

Gelen haberlere göre Safi, Yıldırım’dan aradığı desteği bulamayınca yönünü başka bir isme çevirdi. Daha önce Ali Koç karşısında Sadettin Saran’ı başkan seçtiren Hakan Bilal Kutlualp’in nabzını yoklayan Safi’nin, buradan da henüz beklediği cevabı alamadığı öğrenildi.

Tüm bu gelişmeler yaşanırken eski başkan Ali Koç'un adaylığı konusunda da belirsizlik sürüyor. Çevresinden yeniden aday olması yönünde yoğun bir baskı gören Koç’un kararı merakla bekleniyor.

Fenerbahçe yönetimi, Beşiktaş'ın aldığı Oh'u maliyeti (14 milyon Euro) nedeniyle reddetti. Bunun yerine 22 milyon Euro gibi yüksek bir bonservis bedeliyle Cherif'i kadrosuna kattı. Ancak Cherif'in hala ilk 11'de düzenli olarak başlamaması eleştirilerin odağında.

Fenerbahçe’nin forvet hattı tercihleri ve transfer politikası şampiyonluk gelse bile camiada soru işaretleri yaratmaya devam edecek.

Fenerbahçe yönetimi, Beşiktaş'ın aldığı Oh'u maliyeti (14 milyon Euro) nedeniyle reddetti. Bunun yerine 22 milyon Euro gibi yüksek bir bonservis bedeliyle Cherif'i kadrosuna kattı.

Ancak Cherif'in hala ilk 11'de düzenli olarak başlamaması eleştirilerin odağında. Özellikle Kasımpaşa maçına Tedesco'nn forvetsiz çıkılması, bu tercihlerin arkasında başka nedenler olabileceği şüphelerini doğurdu.

Transferde yaşanan aksaklıklar sadece forvet hattıyla sınırlı değil. İddialara göre, sadece 1 oyuncu transfer etme hakkı kaldığı dönemde Edson Alvarez ile yolların ayrılması gündeme geldi. Ancak, sözleşmesinde fesih maddesi bulunmadığı gerekçesiyle Devin Özek'in oyuncunun gönderilmesine engel olduğu öne sürüldü. Dünya Kupası için ameliyat olan Alvarez'in sezonu kapatma ihtimali, kulüp için büyük bir belirsizlik yarattı.

Fenerbahçe'nin forvet hattı tartışılırken, ezeli rakip Galatasaray'ın Osimhen ve Icardi ile ön plana çıktığı, Trabzonspor'un ise Onuachu ve Felipe Augusto'nun yanına Umut Nayır takviyesi yaptığı bir dönemde, Fenerbahçe'nin Cherif'i ne zaman verimli kullanacağı merak ediliyor.

Fenerbahçe'de 12 yıllık şampiyonluk özlemine son vermek için düğmeye basıldı. Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın duyurduğu 12 milyon Euro'luk dev prim paketinin detayları netleşirken, camianın önde gelen iş insanları da desteğini esirgemiyor. Bu isimlerin başında Mehmet Ali Aydınlar ve Mehmet Nazif Günal geliyor.

Fenerbahçe camiasında uzun yıllardır süren şampiyonluk hasretini bitirmek için yönetim ve camianın önde gelen iş insanları kesenin ağzını açtı. Fotospor'un yaklaşık 1 hafta önce gündeme getirdiği haberin detayları belli oldu.

Fotospor, Başkan Saran'ın, futbolculara 12 maçlık özel bir şampiyonluk paketi ilan ettiğini ve bu paketin toplam değerinin 12 milyon Euro'yu bulabileceği haberini yaptı.

12 yıllık hasret 12 milyon euro! Başkan Sadettin Saran çıldırdı

Bu dev prim paketinin sadece yönetim tarafından değil, camianın önemli iş insanları tarafından da desteklendiği Fotospor'un haberinin içinde yer alan bilgiler arasındaydı. Mehmet Ali Aydınlar ve Mehmet Nazif Günal'ın bu primlere katkı sağlama sözü verdikleri iddia ediliyor.

Mehmet Ali Aydınlar'ın ilk yarıda oynanan Galatasaray derbisi öncesinde galibiyet halinde 500 bin dolar prim sözü verdiği, ancak maçın kazanılmaması üzerine bu parayı göndermediği belirtiliyor.

Mehmet Nazif Günal'ın da ciddi bir prim yolladığı, ancak maç berabere bitmesine rağmen gönderdiği primi geri istemeyerek jest yaptığı ifade ediliyor.

Günal ve Aydınlar'ın şampiyonluk durumunda gözlerini kırpmadan ciddi prim verecekleri camiada yüksek sesle konuşulmaya devam ediyor.

Fenerbahçe'nin Al-Ittihad'dan kadrosuna kattığı dünya yıldızı N'Golo Kante'nin transfer maliyeti camiada infial yarattı. KAP'a bildirilen resmi rakamlar 41.9 milyon Euro olsa da, menajerlik ücreti, bonuslar ve vergilerle birlikte toplam maliyetin 62 milyon Euro'ya ulaştığı iddiası gündeme bomba gibi düştü.

Fenerbahçe'nin Al-Ittihad'dan kadrosuna kattığı N'Golo Kante'nin transfer maliyeti ile ilgili ortaya atılan camiada geniş yankı uyandırdı. KAP'a bildirilen resmi rakamların üzerine, menajerlik ücreti ve bonusların yanında bir de verginin eklenmesiyle toplam maliyetin 62 milyon euro'ya ulaştığı iddiası infial yarattı.

Fenerbahçe'nin KAP'a yaptığı resmi bildirimde yer alan ödeme planı şu şekildeydi:

İmza Parası: 14.4 milyon euro

2025-2026 Sezonu Ücreti: 5.5 milyon euro

2026-2027 Sezonu Ücreti: 11 milyon euro

2027-2028 Sezonu Ücreti: 11 milyon euro

Toplam Resmi KAP Maliyeti: 41.9 milyon euro

KAP açıklamasındaki 41.9 milyon Avro'luk rakamın yanı sıra, transferin gerçekleşmesi için ödenen ekstra ücretler gündeme geldi. Menajerlik ücreti iddialara göre 8 milyon Euro. Kolay bonuslar ve vergiler de yine iddialara göre 12 milyon euro civarında. Bu da toplam maliyetin 62 milyon Euro'ya yükselmesi anlamına geliyor.

İddia edilen 62 milyon Euro civarındaki bu toplam maliyet, UEFA'nın FFP kuralları içinde Mart ayında yapacağı denetlemeden önce camianın keyfini kaçıran bir hal aldı.

Süper Lig'de deplasmanlarda rekorlar kıran Fenerbahçe, Kadıköy'de kabus görüyor. Tribünlerdeki atmosferin "çekirdekçi" profilden "TikTokçu" profile evrilmesiyle birlikte, taraftarlar şampiyonluk yolunda çareyi iç saha maçlarının da dışarıda oynanmasını talep etmekte buldu.

Fenerbahçe bu sezon Süper Lig'de adeta iki farklı kimlikle mücadele ediyor. Sarı-lacivertlilerin dış sahadaki 11 galibiyetle gelen dominant performansı taraftarları büyülerken, iç sahadaki 4 galibiyet ve son 10 iç saha maçında alınan sadece 3 galibiyet, şampiyonluk yarışında soru işaretleri yaratıyor.

Bu zıt tablo tribüncü taraftarlar arasında çarpıcı bir öneriyi gündeme getirdi:

- TFF imkan sağlasa da geri kalan iç saha maçlarını deplasmanda oynasak.

Sarı-lacivertlilerde son yıllardaki sahada sonuçlarıyla beraber tribün atmosferi de ciddi bir erozyona uğradı. Deplasman tribünlerinin her zaman daha "zinde" ve etkili olduğu görülürken, Saracoğlu Stadyumu'ndaki atmosfer eski günleri mumla aratıyor.

Eskiden "çekirdekçi tayfa" olarak adlandırılan profilin yerini, şimdilerde "TikTokçu tayfa" aldı eleştirileri yapılıyor. Kadıköy'e takımı desteklemekten ziyade bir "sinema ya da tiyatro gibi bir eğlence" anlayışıyla gelen kitle, maçın atmosferine olumsuz yansıyor.

Taraftar profiliyle birlikte tezahürat kültürünün değiştiği de gözlemleniyor. Statta artık gol sesi gelene kadar büyük bir sessizlik hakim. Daha da ilginci, oyun bilgisi konusundaki eksiklikler tribünlere yansıyor. Orta sahadaki adama "vur" diye bağıranlar, maçın tansiyonunu yanlış okuyan bir kitle profilini ortaya koyuyor.

Trabzonspor'da "iyi kadro, iyi futbol" gerçeği, mali imkansızlıkların gölgesinde eriyor. Fatih Tekke kısıtlı envanterle zirve takibini sürdürürken, saha dışındaki kaotik gündemler takımın enerjisini tüketiyor. Liderin sadece 4 puan gerisinde olan takıma tribünlerin sırt dönmesi, 5 bin 700 kişilik sessizlik en büyük çelişkiyi yaratıyor.

Trabzonspor’un 20 yıllık panorama tek bir gerçeği işaret ediyor... "İyi kadro eşittir iyi futbol." Gelinen noktada bordo-mavili ekip "futbolun bir romantizm değil, mali operasyon" olduğu gerçeğiyle de yüzleşiyor.

Göztepe mağlubiyeti ve beklentilerin altında kalan devre arası transfer dönemi, zaten sınırlı olan kadro yapılanmasından sıkıntıya neden oldu.

Fenerbahçe maçı sonrası gerilen atmosfer ve saha dışı gündemler futbolun önüne geçti. İstikrarlı bir oyun üretimi zora girdi. Kanat oyuncusu eksikliği, sakatlanan Falcorelli’nin alternatifsizliği ve kulübe derinliğinin olmayışı, Fatih Tekke'nin elini kolunu bağladı.

Kazanılan Karagümrük maçına rağmen "neden iyi oynamıyor" diye takımı eleştirmek kolay olsa da mevcut imkanlar dahilinde pek adil görünmüyor. Tüm bu imkansızlıklara rağmen Trabzonspor, lider Galatasaray'ın 4, ikinci Fenerbahçe'nin ise sadece 2 puan gerisinde. Saha içindeki bu direnç tribünlere bir türlü yansımıyor. Karagümrük maçına gelen seyirci sayısı sadece 5 bin 700'de kaldı.

Eleştirilerin odağındaki yönetimi suçlamak "kolay" ancak taraftarın da takıma omuz vermediği bir gerçek. Trabzonspor bu hafta sadece 3 puanı değil, adeta nefes alacak bir alan kazandı. Ancak bu hikayeyi sürdürülebilir kılmak için sadece skoru değil, oyunu da geri kazanmak şart. Ancak taraftarın da desteği olmak zorunda.

Üç büyüklerin devasa gelirlerle Avrupa listelerine girdiği 2025 yılında Trabzonspor, geride kalsa da istikrarlı yükselişiyle dikkat çekiyor. Rakamlar "yetersiz" görülse de, 8 milyondan 15 milyona çıkan grafik camiada "bu bir başlangıç" umudu yaratıyor.

Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş’ın forma ve ürün satışlarında Avrupa listelerine girdiği 2025 yılında, Trabzonspor ekonomik olarak geride kalsa da yukarı yönlü istikrarlı grafiğiyle dikkat çekiyor. Bordo-mavili camia, mevcut 15 milyon Euro’luk geliri "yetersiz" ancak "umut verici bir başlangıç" olarak görüyor.

2025 yılı verilerine göre İstanbul devleri ile Trabzonspor arasında ciddi bir ekonomik uçurum bulunuyor. Galatasaray 99 milyon Euro, Fenerbahçe 72 milyon Euro ve Beşiktaş 50 milyon Euro gelir elde ederken, Trabzonspor 15 milyon Euro seviyesinde kaldı. Bu fark sadece kasaya giren para değil, saha içine de yansıyor:

- Kadro kalitesi ve derinliği oluşturulamıyor.

- Marka yatırımı yapılamıyor.

- Global görünürlük elde edilemiyor.

Ancak tabloya "neredeydik, neredeyiz" penceresinden bakıldığında, Trabzonspor’da üç yıldır süren istikrarlı bir yükseliş trendi var:

- 2 Yıl Önce: 8 milyon Euro

- Geçen Sezon: 12 milyon Euro

- Bu Sezon: 15 milyon Euro

Trabzonspor'un marka değeri İstanbul kulüpleri kadar global olmayabilir, ancak Anadolu’da karşılığı olan, köklü bir "ruh"a sahip. Yönetimin hedefi; bu ruhu organize pazarlama faaliyetleriyle ekonomik değere dönüştürmek.

Eleştirilerin odağında daha agresif pazarlama adımları ve globalleşme hızının artırılması yer alıyor.

Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında konuk ettiği Beşiktaş'a 1-0 mağlup olan Kocaelispor'da teknik direktör Selçuk İnan, maçın ardından açıklamalarda bulundu.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında konuk ettiği Beşiktaş'a 1-0 mağlup olan Kocaelispor'da teknik direktör Selçuk İnan, iki takımın da yüksek tempoda oynadığını söyledi.

İnan, karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, maçta ikili mücadelelerin ön plana çıktığını belirtti.

Müsabakanın dengeli geçtiğini ifade eden İnan, "Maçtan önce de söylemiştim, ikili mücadele seviyesi yüksek, bire birlerin fazla olduğu bir karşılaşma olacağını düşünüyordum. Nitekim öyle oldu. Her iki takım da üst düzey bir mücadele ortaya koydu." dedi.

Önde baskı kurmaya çalıştıklarını aktaran İnan, rakibi kendi sahasında tutmak istediklerini ancak Beşiktaş'ın da buna karşılık verdiğini dile getirdi.

İnan, duran toplara dikkati çekerek, "Rakibi kendi sahasında tutmaya çalıştık. Keza rakip de bize aynı şekilde cevap verdi. Ortada bir maçtı, belki de gol atan kazanacak gibi gözüküyordu. Duran toplar böyle maçlarda çok önem kazanıyor. Bunun üzerine hep çalışıyoruz, çok çalıştık. Uyardık. Uyarılarımızı yapıyoruz ama maalesef yine bir kornerden basit bir golle bu maçı kaybettik." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında deplasmanda Kocaelispor'u 1-0 yenen Beşiktaş'ta yardımcı antrenör Murat Kaytaz, maçın ardından yaptığı açıklamada kazanmaya devam edeceklerini belirtti.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında deplasmanda Kocaelispor'u 1-0 yenen Beşiktaş'ta yardımcı antrenör Murat Kaytaz, hafta içi çalıştıkları duran top organizasyonunu uygulayarak gol bulup maçı kazanmalarının kendilerini mutlu ettiğini söyledi.

Kaytaz, maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, takım savunması anlamında iyi işler yaptıklarını belirterek, rakibe pozisyon vermediklerini belirtti.

Maçın ilk yarısında pozisyon üretemediklerini ifade eden Kaytaz, devre arası oyunculara gerekli şeyleri anlattığını kaydetti.

Kaytaz, Kocaelispor'un zaaflarını görerek hafta içi çalışmalar yaptıklarını dile getirerek, "Kocaeli'nin zaaflarını görüp hafta içi çalıştığımız duran top organizasyonundan gol atıp maçı kazanmamız bizim için sevindirici oldu. Maç söküldükten sonra ikinci yarı Cerny ve Olaitan ile kaçırdığımız pozisyonlar da var. Kocaelispor'u da tebrik ediyorum, güzel mücadele ettiler. Beşiktaş'ta güçlü bir oyun felsefesi oturtmaya çalışıyoruz. Eski maçlarımıza baktığımızda 90 dakika adam adama yaptığımız ön alan baskılarının pek sürdürülebilir olmadığını gözlemledik. Analizlerde bunu tespit ettik ve biraz daha kendi ön alan baskımızı modernize ettik." ifadelerini kullandı.

"Kazanmaya devam edeceğiz"

İkinci bölgede daha agresif savunma yaparak baskı modellerini modernize ettiklerini aktaran Kaytaz, bundan önceki RAMS Başakşehir ve Göztepe maçlarında da bunu denediklerini aktardı.

Kaytaz, bugün de ikinci bölge savunmasını iyi bir şekilde yapabildiklerini belirterek, "Biraz daha agresif olmamız gereken yerlerde agresif olursak rakiplere pozisyon vermeden maçları bitireceğiz diye düşünüyorum." şeklinde konuştu.

Bir basın mensubunun "Bu sezon ilk kez 3 maç üst üste kazandınız, haftaya Galatasaray maçında da bu seri devam edebilir mi?" sorusu üzerine Kaytaz, şunları kaydetti:

"Kazanma alışkanlığı çok önemli. Bu 3. maç oldu. Beşiktaş taraftarına şunu söyleyebilirim, biz rakiplerden fazla koşacağız. Biz rakiplerden fazla ikili mücadele kazanacağız. Sergen Yalçın'ın tahammül etmediği 2 şey var, bunlar rakipten az koşmak ve ikili mücadele kaybetmek. Bunun üzerinde çok duruyoruz ve bunun üzerine oyuncuları çok çalıştırıyoruz. İlk geldiğimiz zamanlarda atletik raporlarımızda ilk 10'un altındaydık. Bunu yukarılara doğru çektik. Şimdi bize eklenen oyuncuların da dinamizm katmasıyla bu, ilk 3'e girdi. Bu, çok iyi bir şey. Kazanmaya devam edeceğiz. Önümüzde önce kupa maçımız var. Kupa maçında sıkıntı yaşayacağımızı zannetmiyorum artık orada hemen hemen belli oldu gibi pozisyonlar. Kupadan sonra Galatasaray maçı var, biz kazanmaya devam edeceğiz. Artık çok rakip seçecek durumda da değiliz."

Kaytaz, kaliteli ve genç futbolcular transfer ettiklerini, bu oyuncuların transfer olacak potansiyellerinin bulunduğunu söyledi.

Bu oyuncuların takıma iyi performans verdiğini dile getiren Kaytaz, sezon sonu bu oyun mantığının ve taktiğin üzerine giderek, gelecek sezon daha güçlü bir Beşiktaş izlettirmek istediklerini dile getirdi.

Kaytaz, taraftarın kendilerine sahip çıkmaya devam etmesini isteyerek, taraftarın yüzünü kara çıkarmayacaklarına, Beşiktaş'ı iyi yerlere getireceklerine inandığını sözlerine ekledi.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında Göztepe ile ikas Eyüpspor karşı karşıya geldi. Mücadele 0-0'lık eşitlikle sona erdi.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 24. haftasında Göztepe ile ikas Eyüpspor karşı karşıya geldi. Mücadelede gol sesi çıkmadı.

MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR

8. dakikada Göztepe penaltı kazandı. Cherni'nin sol kanattan ortasına ceza sahası çizgisi üzerinde yükselen Juan, topu Janderson'a indirdi. Janderson'un vuruşunda meşin yuvarlak defans oyuncusuna çarpıp kornere çıktı. VAR'dan gelen uyarının ardından pozisyonu izleyen hakem Batuhan Kolak, penaltı noktasını gösterdi. Janderson'un kullandığı penaltıda kaleci Jankat Yılmaz, soluna uzanarak topu kornere çeldi.

24. dakikada Göztepe atağında ceza sahasına gönderilen top, defans oyuncularından sekip Juan'ın önünde kaldı. Juan'ın pasında sol çaprazdaki Cherni'nin ortaya çevirdiği topu defans oyuncuları kornere attı.

30. dakikada Göztepe atağında Taha Altıkardeş'in sağ kanattan ceza sahasına gönderdiği top, defanstan sekip ceza sahası sol çizgisi önündeki Cherni'nin önünde kaldı. Cherni'nin yerden vuruşunda, kaleci Jankat Yılmaz meşin yuvarlağı kontrol etti.

65. dakikada Göztepe gole yaklaştı. Cherni'nin sol taraftan kullandığı köşe vuruşunda, altıpas içerisinde iyi yükselen Heliton'un kafa vuruşunda meşin yuvarlak, direğin üstünden dışarı çıktı.

72. dakikada Göztepe atağında ceza sahası önünde topla buluşan Juan, meşin yuvarlağı ceza sahası içerisine giren Jeferson'a bıraktı. Jeferson'un sağ çaprazdan şutunda kaleci Jankat Yılmaz topu çıkardı.

90+4. dakikada ikas Eyüpspor gole yaklaştı. Emre Akbaba'nın sağ kanattan getirip ceza sahası içerisine göndermek istediği top, defanstan sekip Rotariu'nun önünde kaldı. Rotariu'nun ceza sahası sağ çaprazından vuruşunda kaleci Lis, topu güçlükle kornere çeldi.

Karşılaşma, 0-0 berabere tamamlandı.

Stat: ISONEM Park Gürsel Aksel

Hakemler: Batuhan Kolak, Selahattin Altay, Serdar Osman Akarsu

Göztepe: Lis, Arda Okan Kurtulan (Dk. 84 Ogün Bayrak), Taha Altıkardeş, Heliton, Godoi, Cherni (Dk. 76 Mohammed), Miroshi, Antunes (Dk. 68 Jeferson), Krastev (Dk. 46 Dennis), Juan, Janderson (Dk. 84 Efkan Bekiroğlu)

ikas Eyüpspor: Jankat Yılmaz, Talha Ülvan, Onguene, Bedirhan Özyurt, Umut Meraş, Legowski (Dk. 68 Emre Akbaba), Baran Ali Gezek, Taşkın İlter (Dk. Raux Yao), Pintor (Dk. 68 Metehan Altunbaş), Umut Bozok (Dk. 89 Radu), Torres (Dk. 74 Rotariu)

Sarı kartlar: Dk. 36 Cherni, Dk. 45 Krastev, Dk. 88 Jeferson (Göztepe), Dk. 89 Jankat Yılmaz (ikas Eyüpspor)

Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə beş qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Bayer” – “Maynts” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. Mönhenqladbax “Borussiya”sı doğma meydanda “Union Berlin”ə, “Verder” “Haydenhaym”a qalib gəlib. “Hoffenhaym” “Sankt Pauli” ilə ev oyunundan xalsız ayrılıb. Səfərdə Dortmund “Borussiya”sı ilə qarşılaşmış lider “Bayern” də növbəti qələbəsini rəsmiləşdirib.

Qeyd edək ki, 24-cü turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.

Almaniya, Bundesliqa
24-cü tur
27 fevral

Auqsburq – Köln 2:0
Qollar: Ribeyro, 55. Klod-Mauris, 90+6.

28 fevral

Borussiya (Mönhenqladbax) – Union Berlin 1:0
Qol: Diks, 90+4-pen.

Bayer – Maynts 1:1
Qollar: Kuansa, 88 – Bekker, 67.

Hoffenhaym – Sankt Pauli 0:1
Qol: Laqe, 45+4.

Verder – Haydenhaym 2:0
Qollar: Miloşeviç, 57. Behrens, 90+7-öz qapısına.

Borussiya (Dortmund) – Bayern 2:3
Qollar: Şlotterbek, 26. Svensson, 83 – Keyn, 54; 70-pen. Kimmix, 87.

1 mart

18:30. Ştutqart – Volfsburq
20:30. Ayntraxt – Frayburq
22:30. Hamburq – Leypsiq

Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə beş qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Bornmut” – “Sanderlend” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Börnli” doğma meydanda “Brentford”a, “Nyukasl” “Everton”a qalib gəlib.

Son çempion “Liverpul” bu turda “Vest Hem”lə ev oyunundan darmadağınla ayrılıb. “Mançester Siti” də səfərdə “Lids”i tək qolla üstələyib.

Qeyd edək ki, 28-ci turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.

İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa
28-ci tur
27 fevral

Vulverhempton – Aston Villa 2:0
Qollar: J.Qomes, 61. R.Qomes, 90+8.

28 fevral

Bornmut – Sanderlend 1:1
Qollar: Evanilson, 63 – Mayenda, 18.

Börnli – Brentford 3:4
Qollar: Kayode, 45+3-öz qapısına. Antoni, 47. Flemminq, 60 – Damsqor, 9. Tyaqo, 25. Şade, 34.

Liverpul – Vest Hem 5:2
Qollar: Ekitike, 5. Van Deyk, 24. Makallister, 43. Qakpo, 70. Disasi, 82-öz qapısına – Souçek, 49. Kastelyanos, 74.

Nyukasl – Everton 2:3
Qollar: Remsi, 32. Mörfi, 82 – Brentueyt, 19. Beto, 34. Berri, 83.

Lids – Mançester Siti 0:1
Qol: Semenyo, 45+2.

1 mart

18:00. Brayton – Nottingem Forest
18:00. Fulhem – Tottenhem
18:00. Mançester Yunayted – Kristal Pelas
20:30. Arsenal – Çelsi

Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə dörd qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Göztəpə” – “Eyüpspor” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Qalatasaray” doğma meydanda “Alanyaspor” üzərində qələbəyə sevinibsə, “Beşiktaş” səfərdə “Kocaelispor”u, “Rizəspor” da “Kasımpaşa”nı məğlub edib.

Turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.

Türkiyə, Super Liqa
24-cü tur
27 fevral

Başakşəhər – Konyaspor 2:0
Qollar: Selke, 52; 61.

Trabzonspor – Karagümrük 3:1
Qollar: Onuaçu, 20. Nvayvu, 47; 50 – Verde, 28.

28 fevral

Kasımpaşa – Rizəspor 0:3
Qollar: H.Dervişoğlu, 25. Mihaila, 56. Mebude, 80.

Kocaelispor – Beşiktaş 0:1
Qol: Aqbadu, 52.

Qalatasaray – Alanyaspor 3:1
Qollar: S.Boe, 45+2. Torreyra, 58. Osimhen, 83 – Munye, 49.

Göztəpə – Eyüpspor 0:0

1 mart

17:00. Gənclərbirliyi – Kayserispor
21:00. Antalyaspor – Fənərbağça
21:00. Samsunspor – Qaziantep

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan İkinci Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 16-cı turunun oyunlarına təyinatları açıqlanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

16-cı turun görüşləri martın 1-də, 2-də, 3-də və 4-də keçiriləcək.

İkinci Liqa
16-cı tur

1 mart

“Quba” – “Kür-Araz”
Hakimlər: Maqsud Şamıyev, Aydın Baxşıyev, Anar Bədəlov, Nazim Abdullayev
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Mehtiyev.
Heydər Əliyev adına İmişli şəhər stadionu, 15:00.

2 mart

“Qaradağ Lökbatan” – “Şəmkir”
Hakimlər: Ceyhun Hüseynov, Ruslan Məmmədov, Rizvan Süleymanov, Nahid Xasıyev.
Hakim-inspektor: İmanxan Sultani.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Erkin Hüseynov.
Lökbatan Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.

3 mart

“Xankəndi” – “Araz Saatlı”
Hakimlər: Rövşən Rəcəbov, Əkbər Əliyev, Əhməd Əhmədsoy, Şamil İmanzadə.
Hakim-inspektor: Asim Xudiyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elman Musayev.
“Neftçi” Futbol Mərkəzi (4-cü meydança), 13:00.

“Ağstafa Gəncləri” – “Göygöl”
Hakimlər: Xəlil Xəlilov, Vüqar Bayramov, Sənan Atayev, Rasim Musayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Zöhrab Qədiyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldəniz Musayev.
Şəmkir Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 14:30.

“Şəki” – “Ağdaş”
Hakimlər: Elçin Abdullayev, Ruslan Babayev, Tural Bayramov, Namiq Bəkirov.
Hakim-inspektor: Rövşən Əhmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Mübariz Hüseynov.
Zaqatala Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.

4 mart

“Dinamo” – “Şirvan”
Hakimlər: Sənan Bayramzadə, Safalı Ağayev, Ağadur Mahmudov, İrşad Aydınov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ceyhun Haşımov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Azər Əsgərov.
Binə qəsəbə stadionu, 14:30.

Antonio Conte is happy for Romelu Lukaku’s comeback goal to beat Verona, feels this season is ‘making me a better coach’ and warns Napoli still ‘risk missing out on Europe.’

It was shaping up to be another tense evening for the Partenopei, who had scraped one point from the last two Serie A rounds.

Rasmus Hojlund had opened the scoring, then his deflection wrong-footed Alex Meret on the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro strike, but with the last kick of the game Romelu Lukaku popped up with the winner at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Conte learning from Napoli struggles

“This is a season that I will carry with me, because it is teaching me so much about how to deal with situations I’d never experienced before,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“A coach also has to appeal to the human element, find the right words, know the balance between the carrot and the stick.

“This experience is improving me in so many ways. Dealing with all these situations is not at all easy. I feel that it is making me a better coach.

“We find a way to stay on our feet and find the right way through, not just on a football level, but as human beings too.”

There had been so much controversy over the refereeing in recent weeks, and there was more here, as Napoli felt there was a foul before the corner was awarded for the Verona goal.

However, Lukaku made his mark off the bench with his first goal in nine months, having missed most of the season with a detached tendon.

“Lukaku had such a serious injury, I know all too well how much he has suffered with this situation, as he wants to help Napoli and help me, for the rapport that we have,” continued Conte.

“We are cuddling him and working hard, he is not yet the player that we know, but he’s getting there. This goal will give him confidence, the World Cup is coming up, I’d love for both him and Kevin De Bruyne to play in it.”

Lukaku had not scored in Serie A since May 2025 against Cagliari, a gap of 281 days, and perhaps had not expected to net such a decisive, dramatic goal.

“He had another couple of chances, including against Juventus. We know he can make his presence felt in the penalty area. If you are attacking, and the opponents are defending in numbers, Lukaku becomes a fundamental figure.

“If you are attacking the space, he might struggle a little more. We threw him on and he did his job. I hope it will give him confidence, we need everyone.”

Napoli had been about to drop more precious points and risk sliding out of the top four, but this result keeps them in the Champions League spots ahead of Roma vs. Juventus.

When asked about his future, Conte made some cryptic comments.

“I signed a three-year contract, so there is still one left to go. Let’s think about the present, so we can write ourselves the best possible future, which means playing in the Champions League.

“It’s going to be a tough fight, we know that, because other teams are in better situations, while we are trying to get players back in shape.

“We know that we genuinely risk missing out on Europe entirely, we are scraping the bottom of the barrel here. We did well to take the points home today, knowing that we can play much better than this.”

Romelu Lukaku admits his first goal in nine months was an emotional moment, especially as it gave Napoli victory in Verona. ‘I was a dead player before coming here.’

The Belgium international had waited 281 days for his first Serie A goal, since May 23 2025 against Cagliari, as he has been out of action since August when a tendon detached in his thigh during a pre-season friendly.

He didn’t expect it to be quite so dramatic, a 96^th-minute winner with the last kick of the game away to Hellas Verona, after Rasmus Hojlund had scored and then deflected in the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro volley.

Lukaku seals last-gasp Napoli success

“I am happy for the team, it’s a pity we conceded that goal, but we are taking three points home today,” Lukaku told DAZN Italia.

Lukaku also celebrated pointing his finger to the sky, as it was the first goal scored since his father passed away and the family claimed they were ‘extorted’ over the funeral.

“These have been difficult months, personally. Football has given me so much, and losing my father the way I did was tough to handle.

“I keep going for my children, for my brothers, and for Napoli who gave me so much.”

The centre-forward reunited with Antonio Conte at Napoli after their experiences together in England and at Inter, allowing him to revitalise his career yet again after the Chelsea struggles.

“I was a dead player before coming here. This season is difficult, but we’ve got to aim high.”

Cristian Chivu insists Inter ‘don’t have time’ to feel bad about their Champions League exit, as they host Genoa this evening in Serie A. ‘We’ve already turned the page.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Verona-Napoli on the Liveblog.

Although they are 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and preparing for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, the fact remains the Nerazzurri were bitterly disappointed by their Champions League exit.

Losing both home and away to Norwegians Bodo/Glimt saw them crash out in the play-offs, having reached the Final in two of the last three seasons.

Chivu keeps Inter focused on the future

“We don’t have time to think about it, we play every three days and this is a different tournament,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We’ve got to get our energy back and give a sense of consistency to our Serie A results, even if we have done well in this competition so far.”

This is a showdown with Chivu’s former Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi, who has rebooted Genoa on the bench.

“It’s going to be very difficult, as they know how to defend deep or strike with the quality of their forwards. He’s doing a great job, has some very interesting ideas, and it will not be an easy match.”

Lautaro Martinez is still out of action after sustaining a soleus strain in Norway, with Hakan Calhanoglu only fit for the bench.

Alessandro Bastoni is suspended in defence this evening, though there was some good news with the return of Denzel Dumfries midweek after ankle surgery in November.

“We have four strikers who are all having a fantastic season, they work so hard for the team. We have already turned the page, we want to be competitive to the end in Serie A and the Coppa Italia,” concluded Chivu.

Romelu Lukaku scored with the last kick of the game to give Napoli a dramatic 2-1 victory away to rock bottom Hellas Verona, after Rasmus Hojlund netted at both ends.

The Partenopei were sliding down the standings after a 2-2 draw with Roma and controversial defeat to Atalanta. Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, David Neres and Kevin De Bruyne were still out of action, so Alisson Santos completed the attack, with Giovane on the bench against his former club. Hellas were rock bottom alongside Pisa, so while Gift Orban and Moatasem Al-Musrati were suspended, Rafik Belghali, Pol Lirola, Antoine Bernede, Sandi Lovric and Suat Serdar missed out.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was a perfect start for Antonio Conte’s men, who took the lead within 100 seconds. Matteo Politano’s cross from the right was flicked on by Andrias Edmundsson, but turned into an accidental assist for the Hojlund looping header, which he steered into the far top corner from 12 yards, off the inside of the post.

Leonardo Spinazzola curled just over the bar, while Lorenzo Montipò palmed an Eljif Elmas scorcher out of the bottom corner.

Edmundsson got back for almost a goal-line clearance after Hojlund had dinked a finish past the on-rushing Montipò, and Antonio Vergara blasted just over from an Alisson Santos assist.

Verona equalised amid more controversy, as Napoli felt there was a foul before the corner, but that set play was then flicked on by Hojlund, who was also in the way to deflect the Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro half-volley past Alex Meret.

Hellas threatened to score another on the counter-attack moments later, but Daniel Mosquera’s first touch let him down when about to go clear.

Tomas Suslov was booked for a sliding tackle on Miguel Gutierrez, as although contact was high, he pulled out at the last second.

Eljif Elmas stung Montipò’s gloves after a well-worked move between substitutes Billy Gilmour and Romelu Lukaku.

Verona nearly won it in stoppages when Kieron Bowie couldn’t keep the volley on target after Meret flapped aimlessly at a cross.

Just as it seemed to be over, Napoli took a short corner and Giovane’s cross from the left went past an acrobatic Juan Jesus attempt, but Lukaku was ready to sweep in first-time from six yards. It was his first goal of the season and the last kick of the game after so many months out with a serious tendon injury.

Verona 1-2 Napoli

Hojlund 2 (N), Akpa Akpro 64 (V), Lukaku 96 (N)

28-02-2026 17:00

MatchDay 27

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi

Verona

Napoli

1 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		2'		Rasmus Højlund (Assist: Antonio Vergara)
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		45+2'

2nd half

		56'		Antonio Vergara
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro		64'
		71'		Eljif Elmas
Tomas Suslov		74'
Abdou Harroui		81'
		90'		Juan Jesus
		90+6'		Romelu Lukaku (Assist: Giovane)
		90+7'		Romelu Lukaku

Match statistic

35

Possession %

65

8

Total shots

9

2

Shots on target

5

3

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

1

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

2

11

Fouls

11

Verona

Napoli

Starting lineups

1

Lorenzo Montipò

Goalkeeper

5

Andrias Edmundsson

Defender

37

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Defender

55'

2

Daniel Oyegoke

Defender

70'

12

Domagoj Bradaric

Defender

15

Victor Nelsson

Defender

21

Abdou Harroui

Midfielder

82'

11

Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro

Midfielder

82'

63

Roberto Gagliardini

Midfielder

9

Amin Sarr

Attacker

55'

18

Kieron Bowie

Attacker

1

Alex Meret

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

52'

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

78'

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

68

Stanislav Lobotka

Midfielder

73'

27

Alisson Santos

Attacker

73'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

78'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

Substitutes

34

Simone Perilli

Goalkeeper

94

Giacomo Toniolo

Goalkeeper

6

Nicolás Valentini

Defender

70

Fallou Cham

Defender

90

Ioan Vermesan

Attacker

41

Isaac

Attacker

3

Martin Frese

Defender

55'

25

Daniel Mosquera

Attacker

55'

10

Tomas Suslov

Attacker

70'

36

Cheikh Niasse

Attacker

82'

19

Tobias Slotsager

Defender

82'

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

95

Vincenzo Prisco

Midfielder

23

Giovane Nascimento

Attacker

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

52'

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

73'

9

Romelu Lukaku

Attacker

73'

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

78'

23

Giovane

Attacker

78'

Inter hope to put their Champions League disappointment behind them with Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny against Daniele De Rossi’s revitalised Genoa.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Como-Lecce and Verona-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Nerazzurri are in a very strange position, as while they seem unstoppable going 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and are preparing for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, they are out of the Champions League.

They lost both home and away to Bodo/Glimt in the play-offs, an astonishing result considering this club played two of the last three Champions League Finals.

Lautaro Martinez is still out with a soleus strain he suffered in Norway, while Alessandro Bastoni is suspended.

It means Stefan de Vrij steps into defence, and Bonny is preferred to Francesco Pio Esposito as partner to underperforming Marcus Thuram.

Hakan Calhanoglu is only fit enough for a spot on the bench, with Denzel Dumfries making his comeback midweek after more than three months out of action.

Genoa have been revitalised under coach De Rossi, a former teammate of Inter boss Cristian Chivu at Roma.

They picked up wins over Bologna and Torino, plus a draw away to Milan, and some very controversial last-gasp defeats to Lazio and Napoli.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy sustained a muscular issue in the 3-0 victory at Torino last week, with Sebastian Otoa also carrying an ankle problem.

Benjamin Siegrist returns to the squad three months after the goalkeeper fractured his finger.

Vitinha, former Roma midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi and Ruslan Malinovskyi provide the support for centre-forward Lorenzo Colombo.

Inter vs. Genoa line-ups

Inter: Sommer; Akanji, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Bonny

Genoa: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Martin; Baldanzi; Vitinha, Colombo

28-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Inter

Genoa

Live

0 - 0

Inter

Genoa

Starting lineups

1

Yann Sommer

Goalkeeper

14

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Defender

32

Federico Dimarco

Defender

25

Manuel Akanji

Defender

6

Stefan de Vrij

Defender

30

Carlos Augusto

Midfielder

22

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder

23

Nicolò Barella

Midfielder

7

Piotr Zielinski

Midfielder

11

Luis Henrique

Attacker

9

Marcus Thuram

Attacker

16

Justin Bijlow

Goalkeeper

3

Aarón Martín

Defender

27

Alessandro Marcandalli

Defender

22

Johan Vásquez

Defender

5

Leo Östigard

Defender

32

Morten Frendrup

Midfielder

17

Ruslan Malinovskyi

Midfielder

8

Tommaso Baldanzi

Midfielder

29

Lorenzo Colombo

Attacker

77

Mikael Egill Ellertsson

Attacker

9

Vitinha

Attacker

Substitutes

15

Francesco Acerbi

Defender

16

Davide Frattesi

Midfielder

36

Matteo Darmian

Defender

20

Hakan Calhanoglu

Midfielder

2

Denzel Dumfries

Midfielder

13

Josep Martínez

Goalkeeper

17

Andy Diouf

Attacker

12

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Goalkeeper

31

Yann Bisseck

Defender

94

Pio Esposito

Attacker

8

Petar Sucic

Defender

53

Matteo Lavelli

Attacker

20

Stefano Sabelli

Defender

18

Caleb Ekuban

Attacker

10

Junior Messias

Attacker

39

Daniele Sommariva

Goalkeeper

1

Nicola Leali

Goalkeeper

70

Maxwel Cornet

Attacker

14

Jean Onana

Midfielder

73

Patrizio Masini

Midfielder

31

Benjamin Siegrist

Goalkeeper

21

Jeff Ekhator

Attacker

13

Nils Zätterström

Defender

4

Amorim

Midfielder

99

Mamedi Doucouré

Defender

Arsenal are interested in signing Kellen Fisher from Norwich City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also keen on a deal for the 21-year-old English right-back. Fichajes has noted: ‘Everton is looking to strengthen their defence […]

The post Arsenal linked with Kellen Fisher appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Arsenal linked with Kellen Fisher appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool’s upturn in form continued with a 5-2 win over West Ham and Cody Gakpo hopes it proves to be “the start of something beautiful”. Arne Slot’s side scored three goals from corners in the first half alone – only the second time that has happened in Premier League history – with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil […]

The post Gakpo hopes Liverpool revival is ´start of something beautiful´ appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Gakpo hopes Liverpool revival is ´start of something beautiful´ appeared first on Soccer News.

Since arriving at Manchester City back in the summer of 2019, Rodri has certainly underlined his status as a modern era icon at the Etihad. Cementing his spot as one of Europe’s ultimate midfield superstars, the 29-year-old has lifted 11 pieces of major silverware during his time in the blue half of Manchester and bagged […]

The post Could Manchester City and Rodri be looking to part ways this summer? appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Could Manchester City and Rodri be looking to part ways this summer? appeared first on Soccer News.

Hugo Ekitike scored and provided two assists as Liverpool bolstered their top-four hopes with an entertaining 5-2 victory over West Ham. A lively away performance from West Ham was not enough to deny Arne Slot’s men at Anfield, as they moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table. Liverpool scored […]

The post Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Ekitike shines as Slot´s men exploit set-pieces in thrilling win appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool 5-2 West Ham: Ekitike shines as Slot´s men exploit set-pieces in thrilling win appeared first on Soccer News.