Discover Shepherdstown 2026 Contemporary American Theater Festival. Experience world-class plays, boost local tourism, and join an unforgettable summer of joy

Discover how the Himachal Pradesh government is transforming Kullu through an ambitious eco-tourism initiative, creating sustainable jobs and new destinations.

Hawaii is bracing for a powerful Kona Low storm causing severe flooding, blizzard conditions at mountain peaks, and widespread travel disruptions. Here's what to know.

The global senior-living design industry is gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Environments for Aging (EFA) Conference + Expo 2026 opens from 16 to 18 March at the Phoenix Convention Center.

A norovirus outbreak aboard the Star Princess leaves 153 ill. Discover how this health crisis impacts Caribbean cruise tourism and traveler safety

Global tourists are choosing safer European destinations as conflicts disrupt travel elsewhere. Here’s why the safer European sun is shaping 2026 travel plans.

Americans are flocking to Turkey for cheap surgery, but safety warnings are soaring. Learn about the risks of infections, travel complications, and how to stay safe.

The latest update as tourism to the Lachen-Lachung axis and Gurudongmar Lake resumes with mandatory new permit rules and strict safety guidelines.

Alaska Airlines announces key leadership appointments in Asia, Europe and South Pacific to strengthen its global network and improve customer service.

Fort Lauderdale continues to attract the largest number of Canadian spring break travelers this year, holding its position as the top US destination despite rising airfare prices and ongoing political tensions affecting cross-border travel.

Samsung’s Audio Eraser is an unbeatable feature so far. After its initial debut and simplification, Samsung has brought a wild upgrade to its AI-powered Audio Eraser in the Galaxy S26 series, which is a game-changer.

Audio Eraser allows you to erase background noise from videos. You don’t have to worry about the interrupting noise if you own a Samsung. It’s available on most recent flagship phones, but Galaxy S26 is something different.

Sounds weird, but Audio Eraser in Galaxy S26 lets you silence noise in almost any app. Thanks to Galaxy AI, you can remove noise in various mainstream apps. Since it’s integrated at OS level, you don’t need much manual effort.

With the Galaxy S26 series, the Audio Eraser works in YouTube, Netflix, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon Prime Video, and so on. The new flagships no longer require you to have the video in the Gallery app to offer access to Audio Eraser.

Quick Panel is where you find the Audio Eraser toggle. If you are running a compatible app, it shows up at the top. Samsung is expected to expand support to even more apps through sequential updates, for sure.

How to wipe noise on the fly

1. Start a video playback in your favorite app and pull the Quick Panel.
2. If Audio Eraser is compatible, you will see a toggle at the top of the panel.
3. Tapping the toggle will expand internal settings.
4. Firstly, toggle the button to apply the Audio Eraser.
5. Once done, you will also be able to adjust the strength of noise removal.
6. Hit “Done,” and the setup is done.

Voice Focus: As the name suggests, it will prioritise voice in the audio. Activating the option will reduce other sounds like noise and music and boost human vocals.

Image – Using Samsung Audio Eraser for YouTube

Using Audio Eraser in Gallery is simple

Samsung Gallery has added a Galaxy AI sparkle button for Audio Eraser. It offers quick and convenient access to the feature. Based on the analysis, the system will provide options so you can set the level and get a precise application.

Image – Using Audio Eraser in Samsung Gallery

At present, Audio Eraser support for apps beyond Samsung Gallery is limited to the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung is gearing up to roll out the Stable One UI 8.5 update; however, the rollout may take some time to start.

The post This Galaxy S26 feature lets you silence noise in almost any app appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Despite the recent defeat to Newcastle United, Manchester United managed a convincing victory over Aston Villa thanks to Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. Although Bruno Fernandes did not score, he led the team by contributing two assists. With this, the Portuguese midfielder broke David Beckham’s all-time Premier League assist record, etching his name into league history.

Bruno Fernandes has managed to become the player with the most assists in a single Premier League season for Manchester United, reaching 16 assists after contributing to two goals in the Red Devils’ victory. With this, the Portuguese surpasses David Beckham, who held this record with 15 assists in the 1999–2000 season, breaking a 26-year-old record and making clear his importance in the club’s history.

Not only did he break an important record, but he also played an impressive game with the Red Devils. Being the organizer of the play proposed by coach Carrick, Bruno managed to open spaces for Cunha and Šeško, also contributing at a defensive level. With this, Fernandes is the most important player in the team’s lineup, being the central axis of the collective play, making his continuity beyond 2027 a total priority.

Bruno has managed to become the most important player of the last 10 years at Manchester United, becoming the third player of the team to reach more than 100 goals and more than 100 assists in the Premier League. With this, he joins Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, having 105 goals and 100 assists. Although he is already 31 years old, Carrick has managed to recover his best version, making him irreplaceable alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.

Not only Bruno: Michael Carrick imposes an all-time Manchester United record

Despite Ruben Amorim’s departure seeming to reset the Red Devils’ project, the front office made a brilliant decision by appointing Michael Carrick as interim coach. Not only has he implemented a defined style of play, but he has also brought out the best version of several stars. Alongside this, the Englishman has managed to set an all-time Manchester United record, which could bring him closer and closer to earning a permanent spot with the team.

According to Statman Dave via X, formerly Twitter, Michael Carrick is the first coach in Manchester United history to win six HOME games. Although he has only five in the current season, he also had a short spell as interim coach in the 2021–2022 season, beating Arsenal 3–2. For this reason, the coach becomes a historic figure both as a manager and as a player. Even co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised his excellent work, which could open the door to a permanent spot.

While Carrick continues to show an incredible talent for coaching the Red Devils, Ratcliffe did not dare to confirm his continuity at the helm of the team. Because of this, the emergence of Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann gains a lot of traction. However, both raise doubts that Michael no longer does, as he has proven capable of improving players individually as well as collectively. For that reason, he emerges as a fan-favorite, pressing front office to make a decision.

The 2026 Finalissima has been officially canceled despite the enormous anticipation surrounding a potential clash between two of the strongest teams heading into the 2026 World Cup. With conflicting accounts of how negotiations broke down, and with Lionel Messi‘s reported stance on the game now coming to light, CONMEBOL has fired back at UEFA to explain its reasoning for rejecting Madrid as a host venue.

One of the central sticking points was the question of venue, after Qatar was ruled out due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Following a period of back-and-forth between the two confederations, UEFA moved first to announce the Finalissima’s cancellation, placing responsibility on the AFA and CONMEBOL for rejecting the Santiago Bernabéu as an alternative host.

Hours later, CONMEBOL issued a statement pushing back against UEFA’s version of events: “CONMEBOL and the AFA consistently reiterated their commitment to playing the Finalissima at a neutral venue and accepted the proposed site following UEFA’s prolonged insistence on playing in Madrid. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach a final agreement to hold the match, as the alternative date requested could not be accommodated given the limited time available.“

Despite the Bernabéu potentially offering a 50-50 split of supporters for each nation, CONMEBOL maintained that the venue was fundamentally inappropriate. “Once the possibility of playing in Qatar was ruled out, both confederations—as well as the Argentine and Spanish federations—dedicated themselves to finding a solution that would satisfy all parties. Within this framework, it is clear that the proposal to hold a single match in Madrid would have violated the principle of sporting equity, as it is not a neutral venue,” part of the statement read.

A disagreement over the proposed date then proved to be the final stumbling block: “Under these circumstances, on Saturday, March 14, a proposal reached the AFA to hold the match at a neutral venue, Italy, on March 27. Argentina accepted the idea without objection, except for the date, suggesting March 31 instead. Regrettably, UEFA communicated that holding the match on the 31st—only four days later than the original proposal—was not possible, resulting in the cancellation of the Finalissima.“

With Madrid ruled out and Italy emerging as a potential compromise venue, the two sides still could not find common ground on the date, with UEFA unwilling to move it to March 31 and CONMEBOL equally firm in its position. While reports suggest the competition could be rescheduled for after the 2026 World Cup, neither federation has confirmed a new date.

Messi’s position over the Finalissima

As soon as UEFA and the RFEF announced the suspension of the game, reports quickly emerged pointing to Argentina’s reluctance to participate as a central factor in the breakdown. One narrative cited the memory of Argentina’s 6-1 humiliation against Spain in 2018, a defeat widely seen as having had a damaging effect on the team’s preparations for the Russia World Cup.

As far back as December, Messi had hinted at the uncertainty surrounding the game, noting at the time that the Finalissima had not yet been officially confirmed, a comment that in hindsight reads as a telling signal of what was to come. Both the Argentine star and head coach Lionel Scaloni were said to be reluctant to face Spain in a high-stakes friendly with the World Cup so close on the horizon.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, players from both Argentina and Spain were personally willing to play the Finalissima. For Messi, the match would have represented more than just another fixture, potentially adding a 47th trophy to his extraordinary career haul and another piece of silverware with the national team, something he spent years chasing before finally breaking through at the highest level.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasıda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Beşiktaş takımları Eryaman Stadı'nda karşılaştı. Bir pozisyon sonrası, Gençlerbirliği oyuncusu Sékou Koïta kırmızı kart görerek oyun dışı kaldı. Eski Fifa hakemi, spor ve hakem yorumcusu Deniz Ateş Bitnel değerlendirdi.

Deniz Ateş Bitnel:Gençlerbirliği - Beşiktaş maçında Gençlerbirliği oyuncusu Koita VAR'ın izleme tavsiyesi sonrası kırmızı kartla oyun dışına gönderildi. Koita yere düştüğü anda rakibini görmüyor diyenler olabilir.

- Fakat bir açıda şunu net olarak görüyoruz. Koiita Djalo'nun kendisine doğru geldiğini görüyor. Kafasını kaldırıyor ona doğru bakıyor ve yuvarlanırken ayağını bile isteye kaldırıyor.

- Burada Koita'nın rakibine karşı hareketi gaddarlık ve acımasızlık içeriyor. Ayak tabanıyla yapmış olduğu müdahale rakibin sağlığını tehlikeye sokacak bir müdahale.

- Bu pozisyonda var müdahalesi kesinlikle doğru. Kırmızı kart kararı kesinlikle doğru.

FotoSpor (@fotosporcom)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi

Betimsel istatistik kararını verdi, futbol analitiği müjdeyi verdi... Şampiyonlar Ligi'nin tarihsel hafızası ve 60 yıllık dev veri havuzu, Liverpool karşısındaki 1-0'lık zafer sayesinde Galatasaray'ın İngiltere'de yüzde 62'lik bir oranla tur biletini cebine koyarak İstanbul'a döneceğini işaret ediyor.

Galatasaray bir kez daha Avrupa futbolunun zirvesini "Aslan Kükremesi" ile felç etmeye hazırlanıyor. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk ve öğrencileri bu sezon RAMS Park’ta iki kez 1-0'la devirdikleri Liverpool’a Anfield Road'a da boyun eğmeyi düşünmüyor.

TARİH GALATASARAY DİYOR

Ayrıca 1-0’lık skor bir avantaj değil, istatistiksel bir devrimin başlangıcı. Şampiyonlar Ligi tarihinin derinliklerine bakıldığında, ilk maçı evinde gol yemeden 1-0 kazanan takımların tur atlama oranı tam %62.

LIVERPOOL PANİK OLACAK

Galatasaray’ın kurduğu 25 metrelik kompakt savunma bloğu, Liverpool’un golcülerine 180 dakikada şans vermedi. Rakibin hücumcuları "aşılmaz duvar" algısına kapıldı. Bu kez Anfield Road’un o meşhur uğultusu, Liverpool için bir destek değil; gol gelmedikçe ayaklarını titreten bir "sabırsızlık baskısına" dönüşebiir

İşte Betimsel İstatistik uzmanlarının değerlendirmesinde Galatasaray'ın Liverpool karşısında yüzde 62 tur atamasını sağlayacak o matematikse işlemler:

- Veri Madenciliği: Şampiyonlar Ligi ve Avrupa kupalarında son 50-60 yılda oynanan binlerce maçın sonuçları bir havuza toplandı.

- Geçmiş Veri Analizi: "İlk maçı evinde 1-0 kazanan takımlar, ikinci maçta hangi sonuçları almış?" sorusunun cevabı tarandı. Binlerce maçlık bu devasa örneklem setinde, turu geçen takımların oranı yaklaşık %62 olarak sabitlendi.

- Sabermetrics / Futbol Analitiği (Veri Bilimi): Futbolda son yıllarda devrim yaratan bu dal, sadece skora değil, maç içindeki aksiyonlara d bakıyor. Bu bilim dalından da yardım alındı.

- XG (Gol Beklentisi) Modellemesi: 1-0 kazanan bir takımın, ikinci maçta kaç gol yeme veya atma potansiyeli olduğu "regresyon analizleri" ile hesaplandı.

- Monte Carlo Simülasyonu: Maç kağıt üzerinde binlerce kez simüle edildi. Takımların güç dengeleri, 1-0'lık avantajın getirdiği savunma yerleşimi ve rakibin risk alma katsayısı algoritmaya girilir ve en olası sonuç (%62 tur şansı) ortaya çıktı.

- Spor Psikolojisi (Davranış Bilimleri): Rakamların ötesinde, bu oranın neden bu kadar yüksek olduğunu açıklayan daldır.

- Kaybetmeme Psikolojisi: 1-0'lık skorun sağladığı koruma içgüdüsünün, oyuncuların odaklanma süresini (concentration span) nasıl artırdığını incelendi.

- Zaman Baskısı Analizi: Rakip takımın (Liverpool) gol atamadığı her dakikada artan kortizol seviyesinin ve buna bağlı olarak düşen "karar verme yetisinin" istatistiğe nasıl yansıdığını açıklandı.

- Oyun Teorisi (Ekonomi ve Matematik): Özellikle "Sıfır Toplamlı Oyun" teorisi üzerinden incelendi.

Galatasaray'ın elindeki 1-0'lık "varlığı" korumak için yapacağı her hamle, rakibin riskini artıracak. Bu yüzde 62'lik oran bir laboratuvar deneyinden ziyade, Matematiksel Olasılık ve Tarihsel Veri Analitiğinin ürünü olarak camianın umudunu artırdı.

Avrupa sınırları artık dar gelen Galatasaray, rotayı Asya'ya kırdı! Başkan Dursun Özbek önderliğinde başlatılan diplomatik taarruzla; Çin ve Güney Kore'nin teknoloji devleri, büyükelçilikler aracılığıyla masaya oturmaya hazır. Sponsorluktan akademiye, dijital devrimden hazırlık kamplarına kadar sarı-kırmızıların dev Asya projesinin tüm detaylarına Fotospor ulaştı.

Galatasaray yönetimi kulübün geleceğini şekillendirecek dev bir diplomatik ve ticari hamlenin peşinde koşuyor. Orta Doğu’dan Uzak Doğu’ya uzanan geniş bir coğrafyada "ciddi çalışmalar" yürüttüklerini daha önce açıklayan Başkan Dursun Özbek'in ana hedefleri Güney Kore ve Çin pazarları.

DURSUN ÖZBEK'İN BÜYÜK PLANI

Başkan Özbek'in "global" projesi kapsamında Galatasaray, Çin ve Güney Kore merkezli teknoloji, otomotiv ve enerji devleriyle stratejik sponsorluk anlaşmaları hedefliyor. Stat ismi, forma göğüs reklamı veya dijital partnerlikler masadaki en güçlü seçenekler.

GALATASARAY DÜNYAYA AÇILIYOR

Galatasaray markasının bölgedeki görünürlüğünü artırmak adına sezon öncesi hazırlık kamplarının ve özel turnuvaların bu coğrafyalarda düzenlenmesi planlanıyor. Uzak Doğu'nun yükselen yetenek havuzuna erişmek için Çin ve Güney Kore’de "Galatasaray Academy" şubelerinin açılması ve yerel kulüplerle pilot ortaklıklar kurulması da gündemde. Weibo ve WeChat gibi yerel dev platformlarda aktif içerik yönetimi ve GSStore ürünlerinin bölge lojistiğiyle taraftara ulaştırılması hedefleniyor.

ASYA VE ORTA DOĞU HEDEFTE

Galatasaray yönetimi, Avrupa’nın yanı sıra Asya ve Orta Doğu’daki devasa nüfusu "potansiyel taraftar ve tüketici" haline getirmeyi amaçlıyor. Büyükelçilikler (Güney Kore Ankara Büyükelçisi Jeong Yeondoo, Galatasaray kulübünü ziyaret etti.) aracılığıyla yürütülen bu temaslar, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün sadece bir spor kulübü değil, Türkiye’nin küresel bir markası olarak konumlandırılmasını sağlayacak.

Dev teknoloji şirketlerinin (Samsung, LG, Hyundai gibi) kulübe yeni nesil stat teknolojileri ve dijital partnerlikler konusunda destek vermesi masadaki ana konular arasında yer aldı.

ÇİN HAYALİ DE GERÇEKLEŞİYOR

Çin Ankara Büyükelçisi Liu Shaobin ile yürütülen temaslarda da dünyanın en büyük pazarına doğrudan bir kapı açmak için görüşmeler yapıldı.

Görüşmelerin "büyükelçiler seviyesinde" yapılmasının birkaç kritik sebebi var... ancak en önemlisi Büyükelçiliklerin aracı olması, yabancı yatırımcılar için Galatasaray’ı güvenilir bir iş ortağı olarak tescillemeye yardımcı oluyor.

Galatasaray yönetimi Mağazacılık AŞ'nin halka arz süreciyle birlikte Avrupa operasyonlarını da sil baştan kurguladı. 5 ana metropolde açılacak yeni mağazalar ve 11 şehirdeki stratejik 'corner' noktalarıyla lojistik maliyetler düşürülecek. Euro bazlı forma ve ürün satışlarıyla kulübün operasyonel karı maksimuma çıkarılacak.

Galatasaray yönetimi Mağazacılık AŞ’nin halka arzı süreciyle birlikte Avrupa operasyonlarında da yeni bir döneme hazırlanıyor.

Kulüp hem lojistik maliyetleri optimize etmek hem de markanın küresel vitrinini güçlendirmek amacıyla Avrupa’nın kalbinde dev bir mağazalaşma ve "corner" atağı başlattı.

Hali hazırda Berlin, Köln, Bakü ve Lefkoşa’da faaliyet gösteren GSStore; geçmişte Düsseldorf, Mannheim ve Zürih’te yaşanan kapanışlardan ders çıkardı.

Daha stratejik bir modelle geri dönmeye hazır. Yeni dönemde yüksek işletme maliyetlerini düşürmek için büyük spor perakendecileriyle iş birliği ön planda olacak.

İlk etapta mağazaların açılacağı şehirler:

Fransa: Paris

Hollanda: Rotterdam

Avusturya: Viyana

Belçika: Brüksel

İngiltere: Londra

Fiziksel mağaza maliyetini minimize eden "corner" modeliyle şu şehirlerde taraftarlara ulaşılacak:

Almanya: Duisburg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Münih

Fransa: Strazburg, Lyon, Marsilya

Hollanda: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Lahey

Galatasaray yönetimi, bu hamleyle sadece ürün satmayı değil, operasyonel karlılığı maksimize etmeyi hedefliyor. Tekil online gönderimlerdeki yüksek gümrük ve kargo maliyetleri, mağazalara yapılan "toplu sevkiyat" ile minimize edilecek.

Türkiye’de yaklaşık 3 bin TL (85 Euro) olan formalar, Avrupa’da 95-110 Euro bandında satışa sunulacak. Lojistik giderler düşüldüğünde bile Euro bazlı satışlar kulüp kasasına ciddi bir kâr bırakacak. Mağazaların derbi ve Avrupa kupası günlerinde günlük cirolarını 10-15 katına çıkarma potansiyeli, fiziksel varlığın en büyük motivasyonu.

Berlin ve Londra gibi merkezlerdeki fiziksel varlık, Galatasaray’ın "küresel kulüp" imajını pekiştirerek yerel sponsorluk görüşmelerinde kulübün elini güçlendirecek.

Kaybetmenin kolay, kazanmanın ise dünya çapında 'olay' olacağı tarihi Liverpool rövanşına Galatasaray, 'kaybedecek hiçbir şeyimiz yok' parolasıyla çıkıyor. İngiltere'de yüreğini ortaya koymaya hazırlanan sarı-kırmızılılarda, teknik direktör Okan Buruk da kadroda 5 kritik hamle hazırladı.

Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk, "kaybetmenin kolay, turun olay" olacağı Liverpool maçı öncesinde son plan ve programını tamamlamaya çalışıyor. Camiada kaybedecek bir şeyin olmadığı, ancak kazanılacak bir zaferin dünya çapında yaratacağı sansayonu düşünüyor.

OKAN BURUK'UN LIVERPOOL PLANI

Taraftarlar takımdan iyi bir futbol beklerken, sonuç ne olursa olsun hakkını teslim etmeye hazır. Galatasaray'ın hocası Buruk da, Şampiyonlar Ligi son 16 rövanşında ciddi bir revizyon yaptı. Başakşehir maçında dinlendirdiği 5 oyuncusunu Liverpool'a karşı sahaya sürme kararı aldı.

Çarşamba gecesi oynanacak dev maçta Davinson cezası nedeniyle görev yapamayacak. Singo’nun partneri Abdülkerim Bardakçı olacak. Beklerde Eren Elmalı'nın yerine Jakobs, Sallai’nin yerine Boey formayı geri alacak.

Orta sahadaki vazgeçilmezleri Torreira ve Sara yerini korurken, bu ikiliye Lemina eşlik edecek. Kanatlarda ise hız faktörü ön plana çıkacak.

Barış Alper Yılmaz ve Leroy Sane Liverpool savunmasını zorlayacak isimler olacak. Forvet hattında ise gol silahı olarak Victor Osimhen tek başına görev yapacak.

GALATASARAY'IN MUHTEMEL 11'İ

İşte Galatasaray'ın Liverpool Karşısındaki Muhtemel 11'i:

Uğurcan

Jakobs, Singo, Abdülkerim, Boey

Torreira, Lemina, Sara

Sane, Barış Alper

Osimhen

MAÇ SONRASI 5 GÜN TATİL

Liverpool sınavının ardından Okan Buruk, yoğun fikstür nedeniyle oyuncularına moral depolamaları için 5 gün izin verecek.

Galatasaray'ın yıldızı Gabriel Sara için beklenen müjde ulaştı! Brezilya Milli Takımı, FIFA prosedürlerini işleterek sarı-kırmızılı kulübe resmi davet yazısı gönderdi. Carlo Ancelotti'nin geniş kadrosuna yüzde 90 oranında girmesi beklenen sambacı için pasaporttan sigorta işlemlerine kadar dev operasyon başladı.

Brezilya Milli Takımı, Gabriel Sara’nın durumunu yakından takip ettiğini ve resmi prosedürleri başlattığını Galatasaray Kulübü'ne bildirdi. FIFA kuralları gereği, federasyonun oyuncunun kulübüne göndermesi gereken resmi davet yazısı sarı-kırmızılı kulübe ulaştı. Bu kritik yazı, FIFA takvimindeki milli maç döneminden en az 15 gün önce kulübe ulaştırılarak Sara’nın kamp programı, toplanma merkezi ve tarihleri netleştirildi.

SARA DA ANCELOTTI'NİN KADROSUNDA

Brezilya Milli Takımı teknik direktörü Carlo Ancelotti, as kadroyu açıklamadan önce geniş bir havuz oluşturmak adına geniş bir kadro açıklamaya hazırlanıyor. Gelen son bilgilere göre, Galatasaray formasıyla sergilediği performansla Sara’nın, açıklanacak olan bu geniş kadroda yer almasına artık yüzde 90 gözüyle bakılıyor.

BREZİLYALI YETKİLİLER DEVREDE

Eğer Sara, Brezilya’nın yurt dışı kampına dahil edilirse tüm idari süreçler Brezilya Federasyonu tarafından yönetilecek. Federasyon; oyuncunun uçuş işlemleri, vize ve pasaport detaylarını bizzat organize edecek.

SAKATLIK İÇİN SİGORTA EDİLECEK

Ayrıca, milli takıma katılan her oyuncu gibi Sara da kampın ilk gününde detaylı bir sağlık taramasından geçecek. Oyuncunun kulübüyle olan profesyonel sözleşmesini korumak adına, olası sakatlık riskine karşı geçici sigorta işlemleri de yine federasyon tarafından yürütülecek.

GFB iftarında yeniden aday olacağını açıklayan Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran, camiayı şampiyonluk hasretinden kurtaracak futbol aklını İtalya'da buldu. Eljif Elmas ve Kim Min-jae'yi keşfeden, Napoli'yi Osimhen ve Kvaratskhelia ile zirveye taşıyan "Sihirbaz" Cristiano Giuntoli tam yetkiyle geliyor!

GFB'nin iftarında "sezon sonunda yapılacak seçimde aday olacağının" sinyalini ilk kez veren başkan Sadettin Saran, işi ehline teslim etmek için planını yaptı. Camiayı şampiyonluk hasretinden kurtaracak "akıl hocası" olarak Kim Min-jae ve Eljif Elmas’ı Fenerbahçe'den koparan Cristiano Giuntoli'ye kafayı taktı.

HERKESİ PEŞİNDEN KOŞTURAN İSİM

Juventus’taki görevinden ayrılan ve Avrupa’nın dev kulüplerini peşinden koşturan İtalyan sportif direktör, Saran’ın projesinin merkezinde. AS Roma ve Atletico Madrid gibi devlerin listesinde de bir numara olan Giuntoli'ye "Tam Yetki ve Limitsiz Vizyon" teklifi hazırlandı. Kim Min-jae ve Eljif Elmas’ı kimse tanımazken keşfedip Napoli’yi götürüp şampiyonluğa taşıyan Giuntoli, sarı-lacivertli kulübün genetiğini en iyi bilen Avrupalı.

FENERBAHÇE'Yİ İYİ TANIYOR

İtalyan basını zamanında Giuntoli'nin; "Fenerbahçe'de parlayan oyuncu, dünyanın her yerinde oynar" dediği haberlerini yapmıştı. "Transfer sihirbazı" olarak da anılan İtalyan, kimsenin tanımadığı Victor Osimhen ve "Kvaradona" lakaplı Kvaratskhelia’yı keşfederek Napoli'yi yıllar sonra şampiyon yapan takımın yaratıcısı olarak da biliniyor.

SADETTİN SARAN İŞİ SIKI TUTUYOR

Fenerbahçe'de Barış Göktürk gibi bazı önemli isimlerin 2027 için şimdiden adaylık açıklaması yapması, Saran yönetimini daha somut adımlar atmaya itiyor. Giuntoli gibi dünya çapında bir ismin sportif direktör koltuğuna oturma ihtimali Saran’ın elini sadece sahada değil sezon sonunda yapılacak genel kurulda da güçlendirebilir.

DEVİN ÖZEK SEZON SONU YOLCU

Fenerbahçe camiasında genel kanıya göre Sadettin Saran hiç bir şekilde Devin Özek'le çalışmayacak. Teknik direktör seçimini de İtalyan'a bırakacak. Eğer isterse Tedesco ile devam etmesi bile gündeme gelebilir.

Fenerbahçe'de Tedesco şimdilik "ultimatom"la kaldı ancak camiadaki genel kanı, İlk yenilgide kapı dışarı edilecek. Bir yanda UEFA kıskacındaki Tedesco bilmecesi, diğer yanda efsane isim Aykut Kocaman'ın zehir zemberek reddi... Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın 2026-27 sezonu için "şampiyonluk projesi" daha başlamadan sekteye uğradığı iddia ediliyor.

Fenerbahçe’de Domenico Tedesco "ultimatom"la kaldı... o da şimdilik. İlk yenilgiden sonra "çok büyük hoca" diyenlerin kuyruğuna teneke bağayıp göndereceği aşikar.

FENERBAHÇE'YE UEFA DENETİMİ

Fotospor'un haberine göre Mart sonunda UEFA’nın FFP denetlemesine girecek olan sarı-lacivertli yönetim, teknik direktör değişikliğinin maliyetinden kaçınıyor.

Bilançoya yansıyacak yüklü bir tazminat kaleminin UEFA nezdinde kulübü zor durumda bırakmasından endişe eden yönetim, çareyi Tedesco’ya ultimatom vererek yola devam etmekte buldu.

SARAN'DAN AYKUT KOCAMAN'A TEKLİF

Tedesco ile yola devam edilse de camia içinde Başkan Sadettin Saran’ın, eski teknik direktörlerden Aykut Kocaman’ın nabzını yokladığı iddiası da var. İddialara göre Saran, Kocaman’a gelecek sezonu da kapsayan bir şampiyonluk projesi teklif etti. Ancak tecrübeli teknik adam bu teklifi reddetti.

SEÇİMDEN SONRA FİKRİNİ DEĞİŞTİRDİ!

Seçim sürecinde Kocaman’a "beraber çalışacağız" diyen Saran’ın, başkanlık koltuğuna oturduktan sonra Ali Koç’un tavsiyesiyle Tedesco ile devam etmesi ve Kocaman’a herhangi bir bilgilendirme yapmaması kırgınlık yarattı.

Kocaman’ın, kendisine hiçbir mazeret sunulmaması ve sürecin nezaketten uzak yürütülmesi nedeniyle Saran yönetimine kapıları kapattığı belirtiliyor.

Bir diğer iddiaya göre Kocaman, mevcut yönetimin gelecek sezon devam etme şansını düşük gördüğü için bu riskli projede yer almak istemedi.

Fenerbahçe'de Karagümrük yenilgisi sonrası taş üstünde taş kalmadı. İddialara göre yönetim kurulu toplantısı öncesi Sadettin Saran'ı arayan başkan başkan adayları, Domenico Tedesco'nun kovulacağını ön görerek Başkan'a "Ali Koç'un sana yaptığını yapma, yeni yönetimin önünü tıkayacak bir hoca getirme!" diyerek ricada bulundu.

Karagümrük mağlubiyetiyle sarsılan Fenerbahçe’de seçim yarışı bir anda kızıştı. Alınan sürpriz yenilgi sadece şampiyonluk umutlarını bitirmekle kalmadı, kulübün geleceğine dair tüm planları da altüst etti. Saran’ın açıklamalarına göre, teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco ve sportif direktör Devin Özek görevlerine "ültimatom" şartıyla devam edecek.

SADETTİN SARAN'A ÖZEL TELEFON

Önceki gün gerçekleştirilen kritik yönetim kurulu toplantısından hemen önce, Fenerbahçe camiasını sarsacak gizli bir görüşmenin gerçekleştiği iddiası konuşulmaya başlandı. Buna göre önemli bir başkan adayının bizzat Sadettin Saran’ı arayarak teknik direktör krizi üzerinden çarpıcı bir teklif sunduğu iddia edildi.

ALİ KOÇ'UN SANA YAPTIĞINI YAPMA

Başkan adayının, Tedesco’nun gönderilme ihtimalini öngörerek Saran’a şu ifadeleri kullandığı iddia edildi:

- Yapacağın en büyük iyilik, sezon sonuna kadar takımı camianın bir evladına teslim etmek olur. Ali Koç'un sana yaptığını, sen de senden sonra gelecek yönetime yapma.

MOURINHO'YU GÖNDERİP TEDESCO İLE ANLAŞTI

Ali Koç seçim kararı olmasına rağmen Mourinho'yla yolları ayırmış ve Tedesco ile 2 yıllık sözleşme yapmıştı.

BAŞKAN ADAYININ EKİBİ HAZIR

Söz konusu aday, yeni gelecek yönetimin önünü kesecek uzun vadeli bir yabancı ya da yerli hocaya karşı olduklarını vurgularken Saran'ı da uyardı:

- Bizim teknik direktörümüz, sportif direktörümüz ve her şeyimiz hazır. Yeni yönetimin önünü tıkayacak bir hamleden kaçınılmalı.

Trabzonspor'un parlayan yıldızı Christ İnao Ouali için dev menajerler arası savaşı başladı! Madrid'deki gizemli ziyaretin perde arkasından Vinicius Junior'un menajeri çıktı. İşte lüks hediyelerden özel davetlere uzanan o operasyonun detayları...

Trabzonspor’un parlayan yıldızı Christ Inao Ouali transfer piyasasının yıldızı olmaya devam ediyor. Ağabeyinin Real Madrid-Manchester City maçındaki görüntüsü ortalığı karıştırırken, akılara "Real Madrid'e mi gidiyor?" soruları geldi. Gerçek bambaşka çıktı.

OUALI SAVAŞI KIZIŞTI

Ouali mevcut menajerlik şirketiyle yollarını ayırma noktasına geldi. Dev menajerlik şirketleri genç yıldız adayı için harekete geçti. Oulai'yi portföyüne katmak isteyen şirketler yarışa girdi. Hatta bazı menajerler lüks hediyelerle Ouali’yi ikna etmeye çalıştığı iddia ediliyor.

TRABZONSPORLU YILDIZI İKNA ÇABASI

Madrid’deki gizemli ziyaretin sırrı da burada yatıyor. Real Madrid’in dünyaca ünlü yıldızı Vinicius Junior’un menajerliğini yürüten Ron Nation Sports, Ouali’nin ağabeyini özel olarak Real Madrid-Manchester City maçına davet etti. Bu hamleyle oyuncunun ailesini etkilemeyi hedefleyen dev şirket, Trabzonsporlu yıldızı ikna etmek için tüm imkanlarını seferber etti.

MENAJERLİK ŞİRKETLERİ PEŞİNDE

Şirket yetkililerinin, yaz transfer dönemi gelmeden önce Ouali’yi resmen bünyelerine katmak ve oyuncunun tüm yetkilerini almak istediği gelen bilgiler arasında.

Trabzonspor yönetiminin ve taraftarın sevgilisi olan Ouali’nin menajerlik savaşlarının ardından kariyerine nasıl bir yön vereceği merak ediliyor.

Samsunspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında sahasında Kayserispor'u konuk ediyor.

Samsunspor, Trendyol Süper Lig’in 26. haftasında sahasında Kayserispor’u konuk ediyor. Kırmızı-beyazlı ekip, taraftarı önünde kazanarak ligde üst sıralara tırmanmayı hedeflerken, konuk ekip ise deplasmandan puan ya da puanlarla ayrılmanın planlarını yapıyor.

Süper Lig’in 26. haftasında oynanacak Samsunspor – Kayserispor karşılaşması, 15 Mart 2026 Pazar günü saat 20.00’de başladı.

SAMSUNSPOR 1-0 KAYSERİSPOR

-Maç başladı

-GOL: 31' Makoumbou

Samsunspor 1-0 Kayserispor

Devre Arası

İkinci yarı başladı

GOL: 46' Borevkovic (KK)

Samsunspor 1-1 Kayserispor

Bu gün futzal üzrə Azərbaycan Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 1/4 final mərhələsinin oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bütün oyunlar eyni gündə “Olimpik Star”da təşkil edilib.

İlk qələbəni “Lənkəran”la qarşılamış “Baku Fire-2” qazanıb. Son qalib PFL isə U-19 yığmamızla matçda hesabda geri düşsə də, sona yaxın qələbə qolunu vura bilib.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” “Xan-Lənkəran”la görüşdə məhsuldar qələbəyə sevinib. Yüksək Liqanın lideri “Neftçi” də Birinci Liqanın iddialılarından olan “STAR kargo”ya heç bir şans verməyib. Böyükhesablı qələbə onların da yarımfinalçılar sırasında olmasına yol açıb.

Beləliklə, yarımfinal mərhələsində qarşılaşacaq cütlüklər müəyyənləşib. Ötən mövsümün finalçıları – PFL və “Araz-Naxçıvan” bu dəfə yarımfinalda üz-üzə gələcəklər. “Baku Fire-2” isə “Neftçi” İK ilə finala vəsiqə uğrunda qarşılaşacaq.

Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan Kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin oyunları apreldə keçiriləcək.

Azərbaycan Kuboku
1/4 final
15 mart

Lənkəran – Baku Fire-2 2:8
U-19 – PFL 3:4
Xan-Lənkəran – Araz-Naxçıvan 3:12
STAR kargo – Neftçi İK 3:12

Yarımfinal cütlükləri:
PFL – Araz-Naxçıvan
Baku Fire-2 – Neftçi İK

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turunun “Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” matçı meydan sahiblərinin 1:3 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə başa çatdı.

Arena.az Qəbələdə baş tutmuş bu matçın yekun protokolunu və icmalını təqdim edir.

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası
24-cü tur
15 mart

“Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” 1:3
Qollar: Seydina Keyta, 20-pen – Bassala Sambu, 20. Emin Mahmudov, 69-pen. Murad Məmmədov, 77.
Sarı vərəqələr: Nuğay Rəşidov, 36 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti). Eşqin Əhmədov, 81 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti) – Elvin Bədəlov, 16 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti).
Artırılan vaxt: Birinci hissədə 1 dəqiqə, ikinci hissədə 4 dəqiqə.
Saat 18:00. Qəbələ şəhər stadionu, 370 tamaşaçı.

Baş hakim: Elçin Məsiyev.
Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov.
Dördüncü hakim: Rəşad Əhmədov.
VAR: Kamal Umudlu.
AVAR: Teymur Teymurov.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Rüfət Əmirov.

Qəbələ: 1. Səlahət Ağayev, 28. Murad Musayev (k), 66. Nuğay Rəşidov (7. Turan Manafov, 75), 27. Eşqin Əhmədov, 33. Seydina Keyta, 50. Adriel Ba Lua, 6. Xayme Syerra, 8. Sambu Sissoko (10. Şahin Şahniyarov, 75), 16. İsaak Amoa, 14. Domi Massumo (24. İsmael Akinade, 63), 30. Prins Ovusu.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 93. Rza Cəfərov, 94. Həbib Hüşənov, 11. Asif Məmmədov, 22. Fərid İsgəndərov, 13. Nicat Əliyev, 74. Süleyman Damadayev, 21. Ziya Şəkərxanov, 12. İbrahim Sanqare, 3. Eduardo Kunde.
Baş məşqçi: Kaxaber Sxadadze.

Neftçi: 13. Kenan Piriç, 8. Emin Mahmudov (k), 15. Elvin Bədəlov (17. Murad Xaçayev, 73), 7. Emil Səfərov, 24. Mustafa Sek, 5. İqor Ribeyro, 18. İfeanyi Metyu (14. Edvin Kuç, 83), 9. Bassala Sambu (10. Freddi Varqas, 59), 33. Breno Almeyda (47. Murad Məmmədov, 73), 70. Andrey Ştoqrin, 11. İmad Faraj (28. Alessio Kurçi, 83).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Emil Balayev, 81. Məhdi Həsənov, 4. Elvin Camalov, 19. Ağadadaş Salyanski, 77. Falaye Sako, 6. Sessi Dalmeyda, 22. Luis Ortis.
Baş məşqçi: Yuri Vernidub.

Ciro Immobile has revealed that AC Milan made a serious attempt to sign him during his peak years at Lazio, with the Italian striker admitting it was no easy decision to turn them down, even if his heart ultimately made the choice for him.

The former Lazio captain, who joined Paris FC on a free transfer in January after spending the first half of the season with Bologna, spoke exclusively to MilanNews.it ahead of tonight’s Lazio-Milan clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

“It is true, there was interest, even when Gattuso was the manager,” Immobile confirmed.

“But that was a strong Lazio side, at the same level as Milan at the time. It was a decision made with the heart, because it is difficult to say no to a club of that importance. Would I have liked it? Well, who wouldn’t?” he laughed. “But at that moment I was happy at Lazio.”

Lazio vs Milan – Immobile: ‘Lazio can cause problems for anyone’

On tonight’s fixture, Immobile was enthusiastic, predicting a lively atmosphere with supporters returning to the Olimpico in full voice.

“I know how much the fans love the club, I will watch it very willingly if I can,” he said. “Lazio can cause problems for anyone, especially with the crowd behind them. They are well organised and well coached.”

Asked about his fondest memories of facing Milan, Immobile singled out two figures who left a lasting impression. “Donnarumma and Ibrahimovic, in terms of personality and making themselves felt on the pitch, it was those two.”

Tonight’s match kicks off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 local time) and you can follow all the action, as it happens, on our Live Blog.

Bologna claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Sassuolo in the Emilian derby, with Thijs Dallinga’s early goal securing all three points, but the celebrations were tempered significantly by a series of injury concerns that threaten to undermine their preparations for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Roma.

The most alarming moment came late in the match when goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski went down in clear distress after an aerial challenge outside his box.

With Vincenzo Italiano having already used all his substitutions, Skorupski was forced to play on despite what appeared to be a muscular problem, reportedly affecting his left hamstring, according to CalcioMercato.

Bologna keeper Skorupski injured in win over Sassuolo

He completed the match but was visibly emotional at the final whistle, breaking down in tears beneath the away end, scenes that did little to ease growing anxiety about his availability for Thursday’s decisive clash.

Should Skorupski be ruled out, Italiano will be forced to turn to either Ravaglia or young backup Pessina for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.

Neither represents a straightforward replacement for a goalkeeper of Skorupski’s experience and quality at this level.

Moro and De Silvestri also picked up injuries during the contest, adding further selection headaches for a coaching staff already working with a depleted squad, although the latter is absent from the Europa League squad anyway.

Bologna head into the second leg level at 1-1 on aggregate, giving them every reason to believe they can progress, but the medical room will be every bit as important as the tactics board between now and Thursday evening.

Former Roma defender Ashley Cole has officially been appointed as the new coach of Serie B side Cesena, his first major management role.

It had been reported last night that Cole was already on Italian soil to discuss the deal with the club owners, and today he made it official.

His contract runs to June 30, with an option to renew if certain conditions are met.

Cesena sacked Michele Mignani after two seasons in the job following a 2-2 draw with Frosinone, which left them in eighth place in Italy’s second division.

Cole has new Calcio adventure

The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.

Before that, Cole had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.

Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.

His staff at Cesena consists of assistant Jack Mesure, fitness coach Giorgio D’Urbano, Paolo Stringara, Nicola Capellini and goalkeeping coach Federico Agliardi.

Roma director Ricky Massara admits today’s battle with Como ‘will weigh heavily’ on the race for a Champions League spot, but ‘the season is long regardless.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The pressure is on the Giallorossi in this showdown for fourth place, especially after Juventus won 2-1 away to Udinese last night, temporarily leapfrogging both teams onto 53 points.

On top of that, they also have to prepare for Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 tie with Bologna, having drawn the first leg 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

Roma have sights set on top four

“Undoubtedly, it is a very important game for the way the table looks right now, so it’s obvious that the points here will weigh heavily on the final standings,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

“At the same time, there are still another nine rounds after this, and the season is long regardless.”

The Giallorossi have been trying for several years to get into the Champions League and last term missed out on the final day, so how much would achieving that aim transform their transfer plans?

“The financial impact of Champions League qualification is important for all clubs, and Roma are no exception. Having said that, Roma will always commit to a transfer strategy that fits with its ambitions, which it can do thanks to strong club owners,” insisted the director.

Evan Ndicka is suspended, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, so Mario Hermoso gets his first start since February 2.

Manu Koné is also back after missing the Europa League match with a muscular twinge and Stephan El Shaarawy hadn’t started since January 13.

“Donyell Malen combines well with various different players, which helps with the squad rotation around him. We do have a lot of injuries concentrated in the attack, but the return of El Shaarawy is very important, and we expect him to give his contribution today.”

Cesc Fabregas keeps Roma guessing on his Como tactics and explains why Nico Paz is not really a ‘False 9’ in this battle for Champions League spots.

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The importance of this fixture cannot be underestimated, as both teams are locked together on 51 points, temporarily leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 thanks to last night’s victory away to Udinese.

Champions League qualification is at stake, a remarkable achievement for a Como side who were in Serie B two years ago.

Fabregas keeps Como tactics vague

Maximo Perrone is not 100 per cent fit after a knock, with Jayden Addai out for the rest of the season following a laceration of the Achilles tendon.

“Perrone is in the squad, he says he’s fine, he trained a little with the team yesterday, he is ready to come on if we need him, but it’s important to start those who are at 100 per cent,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.

Surprisingly, Como are using a three-man defence from the start today, with Nico Paz seemingly as the False 9, but again the coach doesn’t want to be tied down to definitions.

“You think it’s a three-man defence? You’ll see… I think Nico Paz is a striker, he just has different characteristics. Osimhen attacks the space, Messi drops back more, Hojlund protests the ball, so every striker is different and has their own characteristics. We’ll see if it goes the way we want it to.”

Along with fighting for the top four in Serie A, Como are also in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, having held Inter to a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Since making his debut in the top flight a year and a half ago, Fabregas has put together 100 points. Did he expect this?

“I didn’t expect this, but the life of a coach is to be taken one day at a time, so we cannot think about what happens a year from now. We have our vision of where we can get to in four or five years, but we must try to grow on a par with the club, staff, players, directors, with patience, humility and hard work,” concluded Fabregas.

Liverpool have taken a 1-0 lead over Tottenham thanks to a moment of pure Hungarian magic from Dominik Szoboszlai.

The breakthrough came in the 18th minute after Alexis Mac Allister drew a foul just outside the penalty area.

As the Spurs wall braced itself, there was little doubt who would take charge. Szoboszlai stood over the ball with his trademark composure.

The Hungarian stood over it with confidence and executed it perfectly, curling it with power into the top left corner. Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario got a hand to it but it was not enough to keep it out.

???

Dominik Szoboszlai scores his fifth direct free-kick of the season!#beINPL #LIVTOT #LFC pic.twitter.com/bXoXAAlrSj

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 15, 2026

Dominik Szoboszlai is perhaps the best free-kick taker in the world right now

With that stunning opener, Szoboszlai has cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal free-kick specialists in the game.

His ability to generate incredible whip while maintaining pinpoint accuracy makes every set-piece within 30 yards feel like a high-percentage chance for the Reds.

This was his fifth free-kick of the season, having scored 30 yard stunners against Arsenal earlier in the season and against Manchester City last month.

He scored one against Bournemouth as well as against Marseille in the Champions League.

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season

Beyond his set-piece heroics, this goal is yet another highlight in what is becoming a truly special individual campaign.

Szoboszlai has been the heartbeat of this Liverpool side throughout the 2025/26 season, driving the team forward with his relentless work rate and creative vision.

He has been one of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet, playing anywhere and everywhere from attacking midfield to right-back in what has been a crisis season.

Whether winning the ball back deep in his own half or firing rockets into the top corner, Szoboszlai is currently playing some of the best football of his career.

The post Watch: Dominik Szoboszlai scores yet another free-kick to give Liverpool the lead vs Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wayne Rooney has backed Michael Carrick to be appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager following a decisive 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The win at Old Trafford has strengthened United’s grip on third place and further fueled the debate over whether the interim boss has done enough to earn the role full-time.

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Wayne Rooney backs Michael Carrick for the Manchester United job

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Rooney was unequivocal in his support for his former teammate.

Rooney emphasised that Carrick’s impact extends beyond tactical tweaks, noting the renewed unity within the squad.

The United legend also highlighted Carrick’s historic start, which has seen him surpass the early win percentages of previous illustrious managers.

He said:

“100% he should [get the job]. I have said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick.

“I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that.

“We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change?

“He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job.”

Michael Carrick has made a strong case for himself

The statistics certainly support Rooney’s “no-brainer” stance. Since taking over in mid-January, Carrick has steered the Red Devils to seven wins, one draw, and just one defeat in nine Premier League outings.

This remarkable run has seen United collect 22 out of a possible 27 points, transforming them from seventh-place outsiders into the favorites for a Champions League spot.

Sunday’s win over Villa makes if 7 wins out of 9. Despite Ross Barkley’s second-half equaliser, United remained composed, with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and super-sub Benjamin Sesko sealing the win.

With Bruno Fernandes also breaking the club record for assists in a single season (16), the mood around Carrington has shifted from crisis to confidence.

While the board is reportedly considering a five-man shortlist including Roberto De Zerbi, Rooney believes the answer is already right under their noses.

The post Wayne Rooney sends clear message to Manchester United board over Michael Carrick appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The blockchain co-founder said the goal is to make the "self-sovereign" method of Ethereum users running their own nodes a user-friendly experience.

Bitcoin edged toward an important weekly close above $70,000 that would include a reclaim of an important 200-week trend line.

During the Iran conflict, gold attracted safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin’s reaction reflected liquidity conditions and broader market sentiment rather than acting as a classic crisis hedge.

Bologna claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Sassuolo in the Emilian derby, with Thijs Dallinga’s early goal securing all three points, but the celebrations were tempered significantly by a series of injury concerns that threaten to undermine their preparations for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Roma.

The most alarming moment came late in the match when goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski went down in clear distress after an aerial challenge outside his box.

With Vincenzo Italiano having already used all his substitutions, Skorupski was forced to play on despite what appeared to be a muscular problem, reportedly affecting his left hamstring, according to CalcioMercato.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Nadir Zortea, Lukasz Skorupski, and Lewis Ferguson of Bologna celebrate victory in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and SK Brann at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna keeper Skorupski injured in win over Sassuolo

He completed the match but was visibly emotional at the final whistle, breaking down in tears beneath the away end, scenes that did little to ease growing anxiety about his availability for Thursday’s decisive clash.

Should Skorupski be ruled out, Italiano will be forced to turn to either Ravaglia or young backup Pessina for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.

Neither represents a straightforward replacement for a goalkeeper of Skorupski’s experience and quality at this level.

Moro and De Silvestri also picked up injuries during the contest, adding further selection headaches for a coaching staff already working with a depleted squad, although the latter is absent from the Europa League squad anyway.

Bologna head into the second leg level at 1-1 on aggregate, giving them every reason to believe they can progress, but the medical room will be every bit as important as the tactics board between now and Thursday evening.

Serie D is back after the weekend break. Milan Futuro won in Broni, Pavia, beating Oltrepò 1-0. The decisive moment came from Jacopo Sardo’s first goal for the Rossoneri. Signed during the winter transfer window and immediately in the action, he has quickly become a regular presence in midfield and now also proved to be the match-winner, scoring in the 75th minute to settle the game. At the San Contardo Municipal Stadium, Oddo’s side once again showed their strong form, especially away from home. It was an important victory following the encouraging draw with league leaders Folgore Caratese, and another clean sheet after those against Breno and Caldiero Terme. 

An important step forward, the result of hard work, strength and steady progress. The Rossoneri move up to 45 points, climbing the table back into second place, nine points behind the leaders. In the next league fixture, on Sunday 22 March at 14:30 CET, Milan Futuro will host Nuova Sondrio in Solbiate Arno. The visitors are currently in the relegation zone but are showing signs of improvement and already managed to win the reverse fixture. An opponent, and a match, that will require full attention. 

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM OLTREPÒ v MILAN FUTURO

MATCH REPORT Oltrepò were the first to try to raise the tempo with a couple of chances in the opening 15 minutes, though neither found the target. Milan Futuro responded in the 17th minute when Magrassi, from a tight angle, rounded the goalkeeper and squared the ball across goal, but the defence managed to clear the danger. Mavrommatis, pulling the strings in midfield, also had a chance to push forward and shoot, trying twice around the half-hour mark but sending both efforts wide. Milan Futuro came close again in the 32nd minute from a corner, with Sardo’s header drifting just past the post. 

After a rather quiet start to the second half, the Rossoneri wasted a big chance in the 60th minute: Branca slipped a pass through to Magrassi, but Leoni came out on top in the one-on-one and made the save. Three minutes later, Dalpiaz went on a run of his own and delivered a cross that once again tested the goalkeeper. Milan Futuro were enjoying a strong spell and made it count in the 75th minute. Sala drove forward through the middle and into the box, where Sardo finished with a classy outside-of-the-foot touch to put the Rossoneri ahead. The closing stages were managed comfortably, with the opponents offering little going forward. In stoppage time, Magrassi had another chance in front of Leoni but couldn’t find the finish.

MATCH DETAILS

OLTREPÒ 0-1 MILAN FUTURO

OLTREPÒ (3-5-2): Leoni; Gandolfi, Momodu, Bernini; Lucino, Raso, Mavrommatis (68' Lo Monaco), Villoni (86' Crivelli), Caremoli (78' Infantino); Hrom, Franceschinis. Subs: Fossati; Giannosso, Rettore; Cabella, Voceri; Hassan. Coach: Granoche.

MILAN FUTURO (4-3-3): Torriani; Dalpiaz (79' Tartaglia), Vladimirov, Pagliei, Karaca; Sala, Eletu, Sardo (88' Mazzeo); Ossola (50' Branca), Magrassi, Traoré (79' Asanji). Subs: Longoni; Vechiu; Geroli, Hodzic, Pandolfi. Coach: Oddo.

Referee: Lupo from Venosa.Goals: 75' Sardo (MF).Booked: 70' Vladimirov, 87' Lucino (O).

TheAC Milan PUMA Kits for 2025/26 are available: buy them now!

The 2026 Winter Paralympics come to an end on Sunday, March 15, after an exciting two weeks of action at the Milan Cortina Games. To cap off the Winter Paralympics, Team USA completed the Olympic hockey Triple Crown by winning gold in Para sled hockey.

China finished the Paralympic Games atop the medal count standings with a whopping 44 total medals (15 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze), while the United States finished in second with 24 total medals (13 gold, 5 silver, and six bronze).

— Watch the 2026 Paralympics Closing Ceremony live on Peacock —

The Paralympics officially wrap up with the Closing Ceremony at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, which begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on CNBC, with several streaming options online.

USA Hockey heard it was time for some spring cleaning. pic.twitter.com/yTd7NJmEq6

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) March 15, 2026

56 countries participated in the Paralympics, which included para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboarding, and wheelchair curling.

How can you tune into Friday’s opening ceremony?

All of the information you need for the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Paralympics can be seen below.

— Watch the 2026 Paralympics Closing Ceremony live on Peacock —

2026 Winter Paralympics Closing Ceremony TV & Viewing Info

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy
Venue: Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
TV Info: CNBC, Peacock

Live Stream: Stream 1 | Stream 2

Your best bet for watching the Opening Ceremony via streaming is through Fubo TV. Fubo is a must for sports fans and also includes a lineup of the top sports networks like ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports Network & more to get big headlines and expert analysis from TV’s most popular sports talk shows.

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

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The post 2026 Winter Paralympics closing ceremony live stream, start time appeared first on The Big Lead.

Marc Guéhi says he’s relishing Tuesday’s colossal Champions League clash with Real Madrid and insists there’s confidence in camp that City can turn it around and progress.

Match Preview

City v Real Madrid: Kick-off time, team news and TV information

The Blues head into the 20:00 (UK) Etihad tie 3-0 down from the first leg in the Bernabeu and seemingly facing an uphill battle to qualify for the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition.

But Guéhi stresses that advancement can be achieved with the right mindset.

“If you go into these games and don’t believe, there’s no point in turning up to play,” he said.

“It’s important we rally everyone and we’re ready to go again.

“We pick ourselves up - it’s the next game and the next most important thing.

“We’ll make sure we go for that game and believe that we can turn it around.”

The exciting encounter with Los Blancos is part of a mouth-watering double-header this coming week.

That UCL cracker on Tuesday is swiftly followed by the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as the Premier League’s top two, Arsenal and City, battle it out at Wembley for the season’s first major prize.

Guéhi says that adopting a mindful approach – staying firmly in the present moment and not letting the mind drift too far forward – will be vital in keeping the players focused and concentrated when it matters most.

“It’s important we free our minds - they’re two important games and big games,” he continued.

“They’re two games that we go in to and believe we can get the win in both - free our minds and just go for it.

“The most important thing is the next action and staying in the present - not thinking too far ahead.

“The present is the next game and it’s about making sure we’re ready for that.

“It’s a big week ahead for us. We live each day in the present and take each game and each step at a time.”

City go into the clashes with Madrid and Arsenal on the back of a 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League.

The result means we’re nine points behind the Gunners in the title race but with a game in hand and with a monumental home match against Mikel Arteta’s men at the Etihad on the horizon, too.

Guéhi insists the Blues will be giving it everything we’ve got from now until the end of the season as we eye a fairytale finale.

“It’s football - we’ve all seen some crazy things happen in football so never say never and that’s the attitude we’ll have right until the end,” he added.

“It’s not done until the last game of the season - I think everyone knows that.

“We have to believe - we’ve got no choice.

“We know our fans are going to be right behind us - we’ll take it right until the end.”

Watch City v Real Madrid from hospitality!

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Two of the best sides in the world lock horns again, with this year’s Round of 16 tie to be decided at the Etihad on Tuesday 17 March.

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BRISTOL, England (AP) — Chelsea made it back-to-back Women's League Cup trophies by beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

Sonia Bompastor's team successfully defended the trophy with goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones in each half at Ashton Gate.

Chelsea has been the dominant force in England over the past decade, with 18 major trophies over that period.

This was the fourth time it has won the League Cup.

“When you have the opportunity to win a trophy, you have to take it. When you are a winner, that’s what you do. My players deserved it,” Bompastor said.

James put Chelsea ahead in the 19th minute and Beever-Jones doubled the lead in the 76th.

Six-time defending Women's Super League champion Chelsea is currently third in the standings and 10 points behind leader Manchester City with a game in hand.

“We have a really big month with a lot of games, so this is the best way to start the month,” Bompastor said.

___

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

Pep Guardiola has issued a frank and revealing post-mortem on Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge, admitting that not scoring enough goals has ultimately been the defining factor of their season.

City’s 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday night has left them nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, having taken just two points from their last two league outings and leaving them dangerously close to exiting the title race altogether.

With the Gunners showing no signs of buckling at the top, Guardiola’s side find themselves facing an increasingly uncomfortable truth – that the title race, while not yet officially surrendered, has effectively slipped beyond their grasp.

Speaking across his post-match media duties on Saturday evening, the City manager was unusually candid about the root causes – and his remarks paint a picture of a squad that has spent the better part of a season in tactical transit.

“You can criticise me incredibly” – Pep Guardiola takes aim at critics after consequential West Ham draw

Guardiola admits Manchester City’s goal return has cost them in the title race

The most distilled version of City’s problem came in Guardiola’s assessment on TNT Sports, where the Catalan stripped the issue back to its bare bones.

“Unfortunately we didn’t score enough goals, and that punished us this season,” he said. “We have to be better in the final third. It happened in many, many games.”

The candour is significant. This is not deflection or circumstantial complaint – it is a manager identifying a structural failing that has run through the campaign like a fault line.

Erling Haaland has scored just three goals in his last 12 league games, a run that starkly coincides with the period during which City have repeatedly dropped points in matches they had the capacity to win.

How the Haaland, Doku and Cherki imbalance undermined City’s season

The more intricate part of Guardiola’s analysis came in his press conference, where he identified the specific tactical tension that has prevented City from reaching their attacking ceiling consistently throughout the campaign.

“We learned in the beginning (of the season) when we played Erling (Haaland) in that moment with Jeremy (Doku), with (Rayan) Cherki, we are incredibly unbalanced. And we are not stable that teams in the Premier League have to be,” Guardiola said.

It is a problem that has been visible to the naked eye for months. When Guardiola has attempted to deploy his most expressive attacking talent simultaneously – Haaland as the apex, Doku on the left and Cherki as the mercurial creator in the pockets – the defensive cohesion that underpins Guardiola’s best teams has fractured.

Premier League opponents, precisely because of their directness, physicality and relentlessness in transition, have been able to exploit the spaces that combination leaves. This is not a new dilemma for Guardiola, but it is one that has felt more pressing this season than at any point since the early years of his City reign.

Pep Guardiola provides Erling Haaland injury update and outlines major Manchester City problem after West Ham draw

Guardiola: “I’m still finding the best way to have stability and consistency”

What makes Guardiola’s post-match comments especially telling is the admission that, even at this late stage of the season, the solution has not been fully found.

“I’m still finding the best way to have stability and consistency in the team,” he said in his post-match press conference on Saturday night.

Guardiola himself has previously acknowledged Cherki as undoubtedly the team’s best player in the danger pockets around Haaland, yet has consistently explained his reluctance to start him regularly.

“It’s for the balance. With Erling, Cherki, Jeremy Doku, we are unbalanced. We need stability.” The tension between those two truths – that Cherki makes City better in the final third but simultaneously makes them harder to defend with – has been one of the defining tactical puzzles of the season.

What does this mean for Manchester City’s season and beyond?

Guardiola was not ready to formally concede the title, insisting “it’s not over” and pointing to City’s game in hand and the forthcoming home fixture against Arsenal as reasons for hope.

But the broader picture is harder to look away from. Rodri himself admitted after the West Ham draw that “maybe yes, maybe no” when asked if the title race was over – and from a player not given to unnecessary pessimism, it is a sobering assessment.

The focus now shifts, with some urgency, to Tuesday evening. City face Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg at the Etihad Stadium, requiring a three-goal reversal of last week’s 3-0 first leg defeat in Spain.

It is, by any measure, a monumental ask. But for a squad that also has the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal still on the horizon, the season is not yet without meaning.

USA FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Schedule: Dates, Channels, Live Streams to Watch Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

An impressive collection of WNBA players will lead Team USA into the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Team USA's roster features established veterans like Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum as well as rising stars like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Plenty of fans will be focused on Clark after the Indiana Fever star's 2025 WNBA season was cut short because of injuries.

Fortunately for the Americans, they have already qualified for the FIBA Women's World Cup after winning the FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Still, this tournament will give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate players and build lineups.

Here is everything you need to know about Team USA's schedule at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament, including TV and streaming options for games.

Team USA FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament schedule 2026

Team USA will face Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Spain at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

How to watch Team USA at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament: TV channels, live streams

• TV channels: truTV, TNT
• Live streams: DIRECTV

Team USA's games at the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament will air on truTV and TNT. Those games will also be available to stream on DIRECTV.

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Team USA roster for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament

Team USA coaching staff for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament

When it was over, Hannah Green was almost speechless. The seven-time LPGA winner became the first Aussie since Karrie Webb in 2014 to win the women's Australian Open. In the end, it was a formidable 1-2 punch for the home crowd as compatriot Cassie Porter fired a 10-under 62 on Sunday to finish second.

"I think the win in Singapore definitely helped with my nerves today," said 29-year-old Green, who won two weeks ago at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Sinagpore to move up to No. 9 in the world. "I felt a little bit more in control of my golf ball."

Green shot 2-under 70 in the final round to finish at 11 under for the tournament. Porter's 62 set a course record at Kooyonga Golf Club, getting her to 10 under for the event. Major champs Grace Kim finished T-10 and Minjee Lee dropped to T-29 after a third-round 77.

Hannah Green breaks the drought, becomes the first Aussie to win the Australian Open since Karrie Webb in 2014. Fellow Aussie Cassie Porter finishes second with course-record 62. Big day for Aussie golf! pic.twitter.com/4sxq5EI2OC

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) March 15, 2026

"I have said before that winning your own championship is like winning a major and I definitely still feel that way," said Green, who made her first LPGA title a major at the 2019 KPMG Women's PGA at Hazeltine. "It was just different playing in front of home. I knew everyone wanted me to have the trophy in their hands at the end of the day. So that was a really nice feeling.”

Green's husband, Jarryd Felton, a touring pro himself, was once again on her bag, giving him two wins in three starts helping out his wife. Green's full-time caddie, David Buhai, is unable to leave the U.S. as he applies for a green card. Buhai is married to major champion Ashleigh Buhai, a two-time winner of the Australian Open.

"He's probably getting a little bit too used to caddying, if I'm honest," said Green of her husband. "He is a really good player himself, so I hope that this doesn't change what he wants to do in life. But it's been really amazing having him obviously side by side."

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Australian Open: Hannah Green is first Aussie to win title since 2014

Hall of Fame quarterback and Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman had some thoughts on the current state of the NFL regarding how training camps are run.

These days, Troy Aikman finds himself as a commentator on Monday Night Football, as well as an advisor for the Miami Dolphins. Aikman likes the steps the NFL has taken to reduce injuries, but he thinks one rule in particular is hurting players more than helping them.

Aikman was on the Rodeo Time Podcast recently and stated that players aren't as physically prepared when it comes time to play as they were in his day.

“Wichita Falls is the hottest place on earth,” Aikman said of the Cowboys’ training camp location at the end of his career. “Back then, you did two-a-days in that kind of heat, day after day after day, two practices a day in full pads. Now, the restrictions, probably for the better, players aren’t as taxed as they were.”

“I think they only wear pads one day a week or one time a day, and they have a walk-through, and then after, I don’t know how it all reads, but it’s pretty player-friendly and favorable,” Aikman said. “And a lot of it, whenever they negotiate the CBA, the owners tend to always win on the financial side of things. And then the players say, ‘Well, all right, then we’re not gonna practice as long, or we’re not gonna practice as often.’ So, then they tend to get concessions when it comes to how much time they’re actually at facilities."

"I think the only ones who don’t have a voice in those negotiations are the coaches. They kind of have to wait till the dust settles and say, ‘All right, just how often do we get them?’ But some of it is that we see too is a lot of the reasons I think that we see so many injuries, especially early in the year. A lot of soft tissue injuries, a lot of muscle pulls, and things of that nature is the players, they’re just not able to train the way that we once did, they’re not able to callous their bodies as easily."

"Not that they’re not training hard and all that, but it’s different training on your own as opposed to being on the football field practicing football movements.”

Aikman is on board with the NFL having rules in place to protect players, but he also thinks that some of the rules can go a little too far. He thinks that by not having players go full contact until week one is really hindering their preparation on when it comes time for the regular season.

It's a trade-off with differing opinions for sure.

“Player safety is great. As a former quarterback, I do like that they protect quarterbacks,” Aikman said. “With that said, the objective for a defense is to hit the quarterback and affect the quarterback, and sometimes I think we’re asking a lot from these defensive players, to try to navigate 300-pound offensive linemen and then not graze the helmet of the quarterback.”

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: NFL legend & HOF QB thinks easier camps lead to more injuries

UPDATE @ 1:30 P.M.

The Dayton Flyers trail the VCU Rams, 21-14, with less than 10 minutes remaining the first half.

-INITIAL STORY-

The University of Dayton men’s basketball team plays for an automatic bid into the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The Dayton Flyers play the VCU Rams in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship game today at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The A-10 Championship game between Dayton and VCU will be LIVE on Channel 7. The game will be nationally televised on CBS.

The game will also be broadcast on WHIO Radio. Larry Hansgen and Josh Postorino have the call. Pregame coverage starts at noon.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 911 call reveals person found dead inside home
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This is the third time that UD and VCU have played this season. The Rams beat the Flyers in Richmond in February and again at UD Arena on March 6.

Dayton beat St. Bonaventure and Saint Louis to get to today’s championship game. VCU defeated Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s.

UD seeks its first Atlantic 10 Championship since 2003. VCU is looking for its third A-10 Championship this decade.

The winner will hear their name announced later today when the field of 68 is announced on Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. on CBS. You can watch it on Channel 7.

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Barcelona midfielder Gavi made an emotional return to action on Sunday, featuring for the last 10 minutes in the 5-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga.

It’s Gavi’s first appearance since August and comes after another long spell on the sidelines due to another knee injury.

Gavi spoke to the media afterwards and revealed just how tough it’s been to be sidelined again.

“It’s been very tough, to be honest. Much tougher than last time. I’ve had a really hard time. The process has been more painful and it’s been harder day to day. The feeling today at Camp Nou is unique. I’m very happy,” he said.

“Flick has always been there for me, like a father. He’s always supported me. I’m very grateful to him because he’s always believed in me, and I’ve noticed that. I’m very happy with him, and I hope he’ll be here for many more years.

“I always give my all for this club. That’s how I’m going to continue for the rest of my life. Now comes Newcastle and then Rayo. They are tough opponents. I’m happy and now on to Newcastle at home.”

Gavi’s return is a huge boost for both the player, the fans and the team. He’s likely to be used sparingly between now and the end of the season but seeing him back in Barca colors was a great moment on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry had a decision to make with linebacker Devin Bush heading into free agency.

Bush had spent the past two seasons with the Browns and was entering free agency after a 2025 season in which he posted a career-high 125 tackles and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns.

Berry had to weigh whether signing Bush to another deal was worth the gamble that the seven-year veteran would continue to play at that level, or return to the subpar play he had posted before coming to Cleveland.

The Chicago Bears took the question off the table when they signed Bush to a three-year contract, leaving Berry to turn instead to veteran Quincy Williams, a former first-team All-Pro who had fallen out of favor with the New York Jets. 

Cleveland is banking on Williams regaining that form under defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who worked with Williams with the Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

With the first week of free agency in the books, let’s take a look at some opinions on the decision to sign Williams.

Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling: B

The Browns named Mike Rutenberg their defensive coordinator in late February. In mid-March, they signed former 2023 All-Pro Williams, one of Rutenberg’s linebackers from their time together with the New York Jets. The Browns had just lost free-agent linebacker Devin Bush to a deal with the Chicago Bears, and it was a definite need for a defense mostly returning intact. Williams fills that void, while also providing Rutenberg with a valuable locker room ally.

Pro Football Focus: Below Average

Williams had a fantastic 2023 season, earning an 88.7 PFF coverage grade. But that is the only season of his career where he produced a 70.0-plus mark. He’s coming off a poor 35.2 PFF coverage grade and five touchdowns surrendered in coverage in 2025.

The Sporting News: C+

The deciding factor in this signing appears to be familiarity. Williams’ first linebacker coach in the NFL was Mike Rutenberg, who is now the Browns new Defensive Coordinator. Cleveland is banking on that existing relationship to help Williams regain his 2023 All-Pro form. Bowen notes that Williams still offers a high-end range as a tackler and versatility in “second-level” alignments to pressure the quarterback, but he has to prove he can match the down-to-down consistency Bush provided.

On paper, this is a clear downgrade in current production. Replacing a 125-tackle player with a soon-to-be 30-year-old who struggled to reach 90 last year is a risk, especially when the defense was the backbone of the team. However, saving roughly $1.5M per year against the cap and reuniting a player with a coach who knows how to maximize his “splash play” ability keeps this from being a failure. It’s a “wait-and-see” move that relies entirely on coaching over raw 2025 stats.

A to Z Sports’ Brandon Little: A- 

Cleveland has gotten strong linebacker play for the most part under linebackers coach Jason Tarver, who has been able to get the most out of the position. Williams plugging in as a starter at 29 years old in season No. 8 should be no different. 

Williams’ best season came in 2023 when he was named first team All-Pro with 139 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and 10 pass breakups. The former Jet did have a bit of a down season in terms of his prior play in 2025, where he finished with 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games. 

Cleveland gets a proven player to replace Bush at a cheaper price point than the $30 million that Chicago gave Bush over three years. The coverage has to be better for Williams in 2026, and he’ll be surrounded by the makings of an elite defense to help make it happen.  

I’m a big fan of this signing for the Browns and how good he potentially can be playing alongside Schwesinger and behind an elite defensive line. 

So there is a sampling of what the national media has to say about the Browns signing Williams in free agency. Now it is your turn – let us know what you think of Cleveland’s newest linebacker in the comments!

The New York Mets' early-spring nightmare has ended: Francisco Lindor is back in the lineup.

Lindor underwent surgery Feb. 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, a procedure that figured to jeopardize his availability for opening day. Yet Lindor is leading off and starting at shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, March 15, a full 11 days before the Mets are scheduled to open the season at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lindor, the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, steadily worked through a rehab progression as spring training unfolded and appeared in three minor league games in the past week.

"He's ready to go," manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. "It's time for him to start playing for us after checking all the boxes and racking up good days."

Lindor will debut with new double-play partner Marcus Semien alongside at second base, and flanked at third by Bo Bichette, who will face his former Blue Jays teammates that made the trip from Dunedin to Port St. Lucie.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets month after surgery

Linebacker Leo Chenal signed with the Washington Commanders this week, bringing added physicality and versatility to their defense.

A former Wisconsin standout, coming out of college, he combined strong run defense instincts with explosive short-area burst to close gaps quickly effectively. As an NFL player, his pass-rushing skills have developed over the course of his rookie contract in Kansas City, where he was part of two Super Bowl winning teams. On special teams, Chenal has been reliable, displaying awareness, tackling technique, and speed for field.

Washington can use Chenal in multiple subpackages, emphasizing his role on early downs and situationally. Coaches have spoke about his film study habits, professionalism, and ability to learn complex defensive concepts quickly. Chenal’s size and frame allow him to play downhill yet disengage into coverage when required.

Washington’s defensive coaches will aim to maximize Chenal’s instincts with tailored reps and coaching. Schematically, his fit suits gap-control designs and periodic aggressive downhill pressures from the second level. The Commanders’ signing signals belief in his upside and a pragmatic step toward defensive depth.

Recently, Chenal was in Ashburn to sign his new contract, and while he was there, took a few minutes to introduce himself to the local sports media.

With a smile on his face, Leo Chenal started out by saying he will bring ‘violence and physicality” to the Commanders re-made 2026 defense. He added that he is “ready to uplift in any way [he] can”.

Chenal made it clear that he is a versatile defender who can play on the line, off the ball or defending against the pass.

Asked about the decision to sign with Washington, the linebacker said that he’s “heard great things, especially about the coaching staff” from former teammates [e.g., Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti] who have been in Washington under Dan Quinn. “Guys are excited here; guys are excited. Guys are loving football here. I really haven’t heard a bad thing about the culture that they’re building here — that WE’RE building here.”

Chenal said that the coaches have talked to him about being “unleashed”, in the middle blitzing and having the freedom to go out and make plays.

He stressed that the Commanders have the roster needed to have a great record and reach the playoffs. In making his choice about where to play, he asked himself where he could thrive individually and experience team success, adding “this place just stuck out a lot”.

It feels like this young linebacker with a pair of super bowl rings may quickly become a fan favorite in Washington.

Chenal confirmed that he had a video meeting with Commanders coaches prior to agreeing to his new contract, and said that his impression was confirmed that “these guys are legit — kind, enthusiastic, passionate, you name it.” He also mentioned offhandedly that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones played at Chenal’s alma mater, Wisconsin.

He added that he can make big plays on special teams, and mentioned blocking a field goal — a clear reference to his victory-securing special teams play against the Broncos to extend the Chiefs undefeated record in Week 10 of the 2024 season. He added, with a big grin, “I just love playing football, so, if I can get on the field a little bit more; whatever it is.”

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the struggles of $240 million man Kyle Tucker at the plate.

Entering Sunday’s play, outfielder Kyle Tucker is just 3-for-15 in Cactus League play, which on paper is quite a disappointing output for someone earning $60 million.

The Dodgers needed an outfielder, and they went after the biggest fish on the market at the position, who happened to be the biggest free agent on the market as a whole.

This led to Tucker receiving a mega offer from the Dodgers in the short term at a high average annual value, which he eventually accepted after months of deliberation.

While the offense is not at the level most would expect, Dave Roberts is quite happy with how Tucker is approaching the plate, as evidenced by his six walks in 22 plate appearances.

“I think him just posting and in our lineup – he’s an on-base machine. He can hit for average. He can hit for some power,” Roberts said of Tucker, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

“But I just think being around the talent we have, the numbers will speak to it. We’ll see what level. But I just think he’s a heckuva player. For me, it’s just continue to be who you are and we’ll see where it takes us.”

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Kyle Tucker’s on-base effectiveness

Tucker, at the top of the lineup, could help make sure this is a base runner consistently for the other Dodgers stars. He has good speed, which will make him quite a valuable bat.

His patience and eye will make him stand out in the lineup, while the depth of the roster will make him have less pressure to deliver at the plate in terms of hitting.

“For me, I just see him as a guy if he gets on base, however he gets on base, that’s the biggest – that’s something we’re looking for and something we’re counting on,” Roberts added.

“Having Mookie (Betts) and Freddie (Freeman) behind him and Will (Smith) – if he’s a guy who gets on base at a high, high clip, then everything else will kind of fall into place.”

The Dodgers’ environment should allow Tucker to have a career year, having the support and specialized role to excel.

It has been an up and down season for Wisdom Mike. He started it by joining Bayern Munich’s first team for pre-season, getting a few appearances and signing a new contract to remain at the Bavarians for the long term. He then followed this up by making his Bundesliga and Champions League debut, in total making five competitive appearances for Die Rekordmeister. That’s great, right?

But the rest of the season has been full of struggles. In his appearances with the U-19s, the 17-year-old has struggled to make any sort of impact. With more responsibilities handed over to the very talented youngster (such as taking some corners and adding more playmaking duties to his game), he has struggled and been one of the more underwhelming players with the U-19s season.

Still, given Mike’s talent, there were hopes he could put in a run of form to end the season.

Not anymore.

According to Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach player will miss the rest of the season (and perhaps even more than that) to injury:

Very bitter news for Bayern talent Wisdom Mike: The 17-year-old forward has suffered a serious tendon injury in his hip and will miss at least the rest of the season! Mike is scheduled for surgery soon and will then, according to the initial assessment, have to sit out 3 to 4 months.

Bayern’s injury estimations tend to be conservative. There is every chance this injury will keep Mike out until after pre-seas0n for the 2026/27 starts, if not even a little longer than that. For a player who had been making appearances for Bayern’s first team, this is a bitter blow that will curtail any remaining momentum he had. Hopefully he returns as soon and as fit as possible.

New York Jets fans dreaming about landing Arch Manning in the 2027 NFL Draft have been handed a brutal warning from veteran analyst Mike Francesa.

The Texas quarterback is widely viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in recent college football history.

But according to Francesa, there is a very specific reason Jets supporters should not get their hopes up.

Mike Francesa warns Jets fans about Arch Manning draft dream

Francesa delivered the warning in comments shared online, including a clip posted on X, where he suggested the Manning family would not allow Arch to end up with the New York franchise.

“I’ll tell you this, Jets fans, I hate to give you this a year in advance, and it will make you hate the Mannings more if you’re a Jets fan and you hate the Mannings already- because remember, Payton didn’t want to play for the Jets. They will not let Arch Manning play for the Jets,” Francesa said.

The comments quickly spread among fans who have already begun speculating about the 2027 NFL Draft.

Arch Manning, currently starring at Texas, is widely projected by draft analysts as a potential No. 1 overall pick whenever he declares for the NFL.

Why Jets fans believe team could be tanking for Arch Manning

Speculation has grown around the Jets potentially positioning themselves for the 2027 draft, with some observers suggesting the franchise could prioritize rebuilding in hopes of landing the highly rated quarterback prospect.

However, the Manning family’s history with the draft has fueled doubts about whether that plan would ever work.

Back in 1997, Peyton Manning chose to stay at the University of Tennessee rather than enter the NFL Draft when the New York Jets held the No. 1 overall pick, delaying his entry into the league until the following year when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts.

The Manning family has also previously influenced draft outcomes, most famously when Eli Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected first overall in 2004 before being traded to the New York Giants.

Because of that history, Francesa believes the family would not hesitate to intervene again if Arch Manning ever faced a similar situation with the Jets.

For New York supporters hoping the franchise could finally secure a franchise quarterback through the draft, that possibility represents a harsh reality check.

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After WWE producer Michael Hayes controversially suggested that Chelsea Green couldn't be a top star in WWE, WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker came to the former Women's United States Champion's defense on his "Six Feet Under" podcast. According to "The Phenom," Green is "underutilized" in the company, but with "a hair more mean streak," she could be a legitimate main event player.

While appearing on "The Nikki & Brie Show," Green opened up about the impact that Undertaker's supportive words have had on her since then, especially after he reiterated them in a personal text message to her.

"I go on [social media] and I see it," Green said. "Then I check my texts, and he's texted that to me too. He has doubled down, got my phone number, and texted me to hype me up. My sister and I had this crazy moment of, 'Holy sh**, I'm really doing it.'

"I know everyone says 'You're so funny. I watched you and that was hilarious,' but there are always the same girls that is everyone's favorite wrestlers," she continued. "Rhea [Ripley] is always going to be everyone's favorite wrestler. Stephanie [Vaquer] is always going to be everyone's favorite wrestler. I'm used to that, I support them, I champion them, and they're my favorite wrestlers too, but to hear Undertaker saying my name and sticking up for little old me, and saying it with such conviction, he did not hesitate for a second, like what is my life? Undertaker!"

Given The Undertaker's legendary status within the professional wrestling business, Green noted that his praise held an extra special meaning in her heart. Moreover, it aligns with the nod of approval he previously showed her by booking her to win the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships alongside Ethan Page last November.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "The Nikki & Brie Show" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Read more: These Wrestlers Ruined Their Career In A Matter Of Seconds

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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.

Saves can make or break a fantasy baseball roster, and the National League West offers one of the most fascinating bullpen landscapes heading into 2026 drafts. From dominant arms like Mason Miller and Edwin Diaz to unsettled situations featuring relievers such as Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel, identifying the right closers-and their handcuffs-could give fantasy managers a major edge in the saves category.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The early closing coin toss for the Diamondbacks is between Paul Sewald (ADP - 343) and Kevin Ginkel (ADP - 346). I don't trust either arm either, but a save is a save.

Sewald has the most closing experience (86 saves over the past five years), but his arm backed up over the last two seasons (4.40 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts over 59.1 innings with 18 saves). His average fastball (92.2 mph) this spring aligns with his recent career path. He missed much of last season with a right shoulder issue that didn't require surgery. In spring training, Sewald allowed two runs and three hits over three innings with three strikeouts.

Ginkel pitched well from 2022 to 2024 over 164.2 innings (18-5 with a 2.95 ERA, 1.130 WHIP, and 177 strikeouts) while converting 10 saves. He also battled a right shoulder injury last year, leading to a disaster season (7.36 ERA, 1.636 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts over 25.2 innings). His arm has been up and down this spring (one run, eight baserunners, and four strikeouts over 3.2 innings).

Top Handcuff: I don't see a viable relieving option behind the Diamondbacks first two closing options, but I could make a case for Michael Soroka reinventing his career in the 9th inning if he doesn't win a starting job or struggles in Arizona's rotation. His command (2.9 walks per nine) and strikeout rate (9.5) grade well, and he was once considered a top pitching prospect. For now, Soroka is only an arm to follow early in the year.

Colorado Rockies

Over his first four years in the minor leagues, Zach Agnos went 13-6 with a 1.84 ERA, 0.901 WHIP, and 146 strikeouts over 117.2 innings while converting 27 saves. He only has 12.0 innings of experience at AAA (2.25 ERA, 0.833 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 12.0 innings). Agnos was a disaster in his first year in the Rockies' bullpen (23 runs, 48 baserunners, and five home runs over 31.1 innings with 19 strikeouts). He has looked sharp over five games in spring training (no runs, three baserunners, and six strikeouts over 5.1 innings).

Top Handcuff: Seth Halvorsen picked up a save last season in the Rockies' second game. He struggled over his first 26 games (4.91 ERA, 1.520 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts over 25.2 innings with three saves). Colorado handed him their closing job in mid-June, leading to nine saves in 10 tries over 16 games despite pitching poorly (eight runs, 23 baserunners, and three home runs over 14.0 innings with 13 strikeouts). His season ended in early August with a right elbow injury.

Halvorsen has pitched in seven seasons between college and pro ball, but he has never had a winning arm. He throws hard with poor command and an elbow issue on his resume. What else could go wrong? TJ Surgery? I have no interest in him as a closing option, no matter the price. As expected, he has been a disaster in spring training (seven runs, 12 baserunners, and one home run over 2.2 innings with three strikeouts).

Los Angeles Dodgers

Over the past two offseasons, the Dodgers invested in $141 million in the arms of Tanner Scott and Edwin Diaz.

Diaz comes off another excellent season (6-4 with a 3.52 ERA, 0.874, and 98 strikeouts over 66.1 innings). Unfortunately, the Mets created only 31 saves chances for him (28 conversions). He has an ERA under 2.00 four times over the past eight years (didn't pitch in 2023). In 2025, the Dodgers' bullpen had 46 saves. I expect Diaz to get at least 80% of LA's save chances this year.

Top Handcuff: Their first buy (Scott) ended with a down year (1-4 with a 4.74 ERA, 1.263 WHIP, 60 strikeouts, and 23 saves over 57.0 innings). He missed some time due to left forearm and elbow issues, which may be a hint of TJ surgery down the road. Scott has 77 saves over the past four seasons, with a 3.25 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, and 338 strikeouts over 269.2 innings. In 12-team fantasy formats, he was drafted once over the previous 18 drafts, with the only flier coming in the final pick (360) in the 30th round.

San Diego Padres

Mason Miller is the top-ranked closer in fantasy drafts this year, and he has supported that position by dominating in spring training (no runs, two baserunners, and five strikeouts over three innings) and in the WBC (three shutout innings with a walk and eight strikeouts). Miller comes off back-to-back seasons (104 and 104) with over 100 strikeouts, with more strength in his WHIP (0.892) than his ERA (2.56). He had 50 saves over the past two years across 57 tries. Last year, the Padres' relivers had 49 saves, suggesting a special closing year for Miller. The key to a higher ceiling is making more appearances (a career high of 60 in 2025).

Top Handcuff: The Padres gave Jeremiah Estrada a workhorse reliever opportunity last season (77 games), helping him set a new top in strikeouts (108) over 73.0 innings. He had been a top setup man for the San Diego over the past two years (10-8 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, and 202 strikeouts over 134.0 innings), but Estrada only had four career saves. I view him as must handcuff to Mason Miller due to the cost involved to secure a top closer in 2026. I'd rather be safe with closer insurance than chase other bullpens if Miller happened to have an injury. Estrada had yet to allow a run this spring over 6.2 innings with one hit, six walks, and 10 strikeouts.

San Francisco Giants

Ryan Walker was a bust closing buy in 2025. He came off an elite season (10-4 with a 1.91 ERA, 0.850 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts over 80.0 innings) while converting 10 of 14 save chances. His arm was up and down last year, resulting in a regression in his stats (5-7 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.272 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over 61.1 innings). He blew six of his 23 save opportunities. Based on the Giants' bullpen structure in 2026, Walker stands tall as their top ninth-inning arm. In spring training, he tossed five shutout innings with three hits and six strikeouts. His ADP remains favorable for his opportunity in 12- (162) and 15-team (134) formats.

Top Handcuff: Trevor McDonald has pitched well in spring training (1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts over 10.0 innings) while making one start and three relief appearances. His AAA resume (11-12 with a 5.16 ERA, 1.400 WHIP, and 180 strikeouts over 180.0 innings) showcases his starting risk early in his career in the majors due to command issues (3.6 walks per nine). McDonald showed more upside over his three games (two starts) in 2025 (1-0 with 3.60 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 15.0 innings), helped by walking only two batters. His fastball (93.8 mph) is about the league average.

More Fantasy Sports On SI News:

• 2026 Fantasy Baseball: NL East Bullpen Battles That Could Decide Saves
• 2026 Fantasy Baseball NL Central Bullpen Report: Closers & Handcuffs
• Early NFL Draft Prospects with 2026 Fantasy Football Sleeper Statuses
• 2026 American League-Only Fantasy Baseball Auction Values, Rankings & Cheat Sheet

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as 2026 Fantasy Baseball NL West Closers: Saves Leaders and Bullpen Depth Charts.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been appointed manager of Serie B side Cesena until the end of the season.

The 45-year-old, who made 107 appearances for England, retired from playing in 2019 after a spell with Derby before moving into coaching.

Cole has been on the coaching staff at Derby, Everton, Birmingham and England, but this will be his first role as a manager.

"The entire Cesena FC family is thrilled to welcome manager Ashley Cole to lead the Bianconeri first team and extends a warm welcome to him and his staff in Cesena, wishing them all the best of luck in this new adventure," said the club.

Cole enjoyed a hugely successful career on the pitch, winning 13 domestic trophies, including three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, the League Cup and both the Champions League and Europa League.

He left Chelsea to join Roma in 2014 and featured 16 times for the Serie A club.

Cesena are eighth in Italy's second tier after failing to win any of their last seven games, losing four and drawing three.

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Goals from Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones helped Chelsea retain the Women's League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Ashton Gate.

The first bit of silverware of the season was up for grabs, but Sonia Bompastor's side proved too good for the Red Devils and got their hands on the trophy for a fourth time.

A mistake led to James opening the scoring against her former club in a frantic first half which saw both sides have plenty of chances.

United looked good value for an equaliser, but Chelsea were clinical and that proved to be the difference when Beever-Jones sealed the win with a close-range finish 14 minutes from time.

Both teams got off to a ferocious start with Chelsea winning the first corner of the match inside a minute but the Red Devils turned defence into attack as Elisabeth Terland ran into space and fired an effort from 25 yards which Hannah Hampton had to deal with.

Chelsea had United under immense pressure through the early stages, with James seeing plenty of the ball. She should have put her side in front, but she curled her effort wide.

It seemed only a matter of the time before the first goal arrived and the Blues went ahead in the 19th minute courtesy of a defensive error.

Red Devils centre-back Dominique Janssen received a throw-in, but her back pass to Phallon Tullis-Joyce lacked the pace and James pounced on the loose ball to expertly tuck home.

Terland had the majority of chances for Manchester United, but fired agonisingly wide on a couple of occasions in quick succession before captain Maya Le Tissier made a goal-saving challenge at the other end on Alyssa Thompson to keep her side in the contest.

United came close to equalising before the break as Ellen Wangerheim fired wide from Melvine Malard's cross.

Marc Skinner's side started the second half brightly but Chelsea soon settled down again as a goal-line scramble led to Beever-Jones having a shot blocked before James headed wide.

Natalie Bjorn made her first Blues appearance following a five-month injury lay-off in the second half, but left the pitch in tears after just five minutes with injury.

However, Chelsea doubled their lead in the 76th minute.

After a neat one-two with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, James whipped in a cross for Beever-Jones who was on hand to poke into the back of the net as the holders defended their crown.

Liverpool fans will love what they're seeing from Dominik Szoboszlai on Sunday, and honestly, so might every Premier League fan. 

The Reds welcome struggling Tottenham to Anfield and in a match with limited shots on target, it only took one moment of magic to break the deadlock.

Liverpool were handed a free kick and up stepped Szoboszlai, as expected. The Hungarian belted the ball into the top left corner beyond a diving Guglielmo Vicario to once again prove he is a dead ball specialist.

It's the midfielder's fourth direct-free kick in the Premier League this season, and fifth across all competitions. That means from the league total of 16, Szoboszlai has scored a staggering 25% of the direct free kicks in 2025/26.

Additionally, he's scored more direct free kicks in a Premier League season than any other club player and is one away from levelling the league record (five).

Helping ensure England's top flight delivers the best kind of football. Football that's pure entertainment!

Cornerback Sauce Gardner has identified a pass rusher that he wouldn't mind seeing the Indianapolis Colts acquire.

In response to a highlight video of Vikings' defensive end Jonathan Greenerd, Gardner jokingly posted on X, "love a good pass rush.. is it time to open my basement back up."

This is a reference to a comment Gardner made about Alec Pierce before he re-signed with the Colts, joking that he should keep Pierce in his basement until he signs his new deal with Indianapolis.

love a good pass rush.. is it time to open my basement back up🤔 https://t.co/A4O3ghbSULpic.twitter.com/mjcM1192bU

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) March 15, 2026

It was reported last week by ESPN that the Vikings are open to trading Greenard for the right price.

Greenard, 28, has spent the last two seasons with the Vikings after playing his first four seasons with Houston. In 2024, he put together a career year and was one of the more disruptive pass rushers in football, totaling 84 quarterback pressures. Greenard made his first Pro Bowl that year as well.

This past season, Greenard appeared in just 12 games. He recorded 47 pressures, but still ranked 15th among his position group in PFF's pass rush win rate metric, illustrating his ability to win his matchups consistently.

The Colts have bolstered their defensive end depth, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency, but the team still needs to find that high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu.

Greenard is still under contract for the next two seasons. He is set to earn a base salary of $18.39 million in each of the next two seasons.

For what it's worth, the Colts do have salary cap space to work with this offseason, but without a first-round selection this year or next, they are potentially short on draft capital when it comes to trading for Greenard.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Colts' Sauce Gardner impressed with Vikings Jonathan Greenard

The Boston Celtics are planning to sign two way guard Max Shulga to a full roster spot for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA regular season and the 2026-27 regular season per recent reporting from ESPN senior reporter Shams Charania. The Ukrainian floor general was drafted by the Celtics with the No. 57 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, and has spent most of his time on the court this season with the Maine Celtics in the G League.

There, the Kyiv native has averaged 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the floor overall, 69.6% from the free throw line, and 39.6% from deep at the G League level. He has also appeared in a total of four games with Boston at the NBA level, but has yet to put up counting stats in the NBA with an average of just 1.5 minutes per game in garbage time scenarios.

The signing will aid the Celtics remain above the roster size limits set by the league with the move while also staying below the luxury tax.

This will help Boston reset the repeater tax moving forward if they can go two seasons under that level of spending, and make fielding a true title contender more fiscally realistic after the team reverts to a non-repeater status.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Shams: Celtics to sign two way guard Max Shulga to full roster spot

St. John’s hot start ends with Rick Pitino enjoying a cold beer after Big East title originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The start could not have been much better for St. John’s.

The Red Storm jumped on UConn early and never looked back in a commanding 72–52 victory in the Big East championship game at Madison Square Garden. The performance capped another milestone moment in Rick Pitino’s rapid rebuild of the St. John’s program.

From the opening minutes, St. John’s played with the urgency and intensity that Pitino has emphasized all season. The Red Storm pressured the Huskies defensively, limited clean looks and controlled the pace from start to finish.

“There’s so much history with St. John’s and we brought it all back in three years,” Pitino said afterward. “Not only with a high ranking, but the first time in the history of the school to win back to back regular season and back to back tournaments.”

Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins led the balanced scoring effort with 18 points each, while Oziyah Sellers added 14. Dillon Mitchell nearly posted a double double with nine points and nine rebounds as the Red Storm placed four starters in double figures.

Pitino credited the growth of his players throughout the season.

“Every coach wants to see the team get better and peak at the right time,” Pitino said. “But I want to see the individuals get better. These four guys all got a lot better as the season went along.”

The defensive pressure proved decisive as St. John’s held UConn to just 34 percent shooting and only three made three pointers.

More: Why McNeese State’s viral manager is back after short stint at NC State

Pitino said the team’s relentless full court pressure helped wear the Huskies down.

“Sometimes the press doesn’t get you turnovers, but what it does get you is the fatigue element,” Pitino said. “Their jump shot is not as good because you wear them down.”

Late in the game, Pitino even reminded his players of the identity he wants them to carry.

“I told them in the timeout, Johnnies don’t get tired,” Pitino said. “Keep the pressure on them.”

More: UConn coach Dan Hurley says Huskies ‘laid an egg’ after Big East title loss

Before the postgame press conference began, Pitino was seen taking a well deserved gulp of beer while seated at the podium with the championship trophy nearby. The moment felt especially fitting, almost like a celebratory toast to the program’s history and to Red Storm legend Lou Carnesecca, who passed away in November 2024, and the great Joe Lapchick.

The Godfather casually drinking a beer during the postgame presser. #SJUBBpic.twitter.com/sW1o7QjBeL

— Johnnies Highlights (@JohnniesTape) March 15, 2026

“I know Louie is looking down on us with great pride,” Pitino said. “Joe Lapchick is looking down on us with great pride as well.”

With the Big East title secured, St. John’s now turns its focus to the upcomingTournament with plenty of momentum and confidence.

More college basketball news:

• Darryn Peterson situation not alarming to NBA teams, ESPN insider says
• John Calipari on Nolan Richardson statue at Arkansas
• Doug Gottlieb follows disastrous Green Bay debut with Coach of the Year level season
• Mike Krzyzewski fights against NCAA Tournament expansion

Ronaldo Nazario’s goals won Brazil the 2002 World Cup final, but his bizarre haircut ended up becoming one of the most talked about images of the tournament.

The small patch of hair at the front of his head quickly became iconic as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in Yokohama.

More than two decades later, the hairstyle has suddenly returned to the spotlight after material from 2002 began circulating online.

The documents appear to suggest the look may have been linked to a marketing idea involving the Doritos brand.

Newly surfaced material fuels theory about Ronaldo’s 2002 World Cup haircut

Images shared online show documents supposedly dated from 2002 that reference Doritos alongside drawings of Ronaldo’s distinctive hairstyle in the World Cup final against Germany.

A Reddit user claimed he found those files in an auction. Between them there are sketches resembling advertising storyboards and outlining a potential television commercial built around the striker’s look.

The drawings suggest using Ronaldo’s haircut as a way to hint at the Doritos chips and their usual triangle form.

The discovery has prompted fans to wonder whether the hairstyle might have been part of a planned marketing stunt that was never aired.

Why the Doritos theory may not tell the full story

Ronaldo himself has not commented publicly since the documents began circulating online, leaving the theory largely driven by speculation. Without confirmation from the former striker, the real reason behind the haircut remains open to interpretation.

The ‘Phenomenon’ and fellow players over the years have suggested the hairstyle served a very different purpose.

Ronaldo has previously been linked to the idea that the haircut was meant to divert attention away from discussions about the 1998 World Cup final, when his seizure before the match became a defining storyline of Brazil’s defeat.

Some observers also believe the Doritos material could have been created after the tournament rather than before it. If that is the case, the campaign idea may simply have been an attempt to capitalise on a moment that had already captured worldwide attention.

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It all started with a set-piece, as so many Premier League games seem to these days, but by the end Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa had become an advert for the benefits of good old fashioned wingers and number nines.

Much has been made of the role of set-pieces in the league as several sides have struggled to reliably create goals from open play, but in the end United took a giant leap towards next season’s Champions League in a more familiar manner, with Matheus Cunha the star as he and Benjamin Sesko sealed the result.

In the end, a 3-1 win for Michael Carrick’s side takes them three points clear of the Villans in the battle for the top five, but while it’s a win that puts United in an enviable position, it was a scoreline that flattered the hosts.

It was a performance that was not as convincing as the result suggests. In the end it followed a similar blueprint for Carrick’s United, but this time around the tried-and-tested method raised a different conclusion.

Recent United games have been defined by Benjamin Sesko cameos, with the Slovenian striker coming off the bench to score against Fulham, West Ham and Everton. That was the case again this afternoon, and while the 22-year-old didn’t net a winner this time, it was a cameo that might have convinced Carrick to take a different route forward for the rest of the season.

The interim United boss once again chose Bryan Mbeumo to start as a lone striker at Old Trafford – as he had for six of his previous eight matches in charge – while Sesko settled for a place on the bench, the plan seemingly to bring him on around the 70th minute as has worked to great effect previously.

However, once again United laboured in the absence of a recognised striker in the starting line-up, the hosts struggling to create clear-cut chances despite a few threatening crosses.

While it might not have been the case in other games, this time round it was a display that clearly underlined the need for a recognised striker on the pitch, Diogo Dalot wasting a golden chance from close range while Mbeumo toiled in attack. The Cameroon international did not possess enough of a box presence, and failed to take the chance of a near-post run across the defender to get onto the end of a superb Dalot cross.

When the opener did come it was via a familiar route, Casemiro glancing in a header from a corner. Old Trafford was buoyed but Villa soon hit back, Ross Barkley finishing well and taking United back to square one.

And while Mbeumo continued to struggle in a lone striker role – often too isolated against Mings and Konsa – United finally got joy from the left wing, Matheus Cunha making a perfect run before curling a brilliant finish into the far corner for 2-1.

It was a goal that underlined Cunha’s status as the club’s most exciting and effective winger, the Brazilian providing a threat with a clever run inside the full-back and once again proving a difference-maker, as he did against Palace.

Carrick reacted to retaking the lead by making his favourite substitution. Sesko replaced Mbeumo in the 75th minute and the Stretford End sang the Cameroonian’s name as he made his way to the bench. But while he came off to a standing ovation, it didn’t take long for his replacement to illustrate exactly why he should be the one starting every game.

Within six minutes of his introduction Sesko was once again on the scoresheet, the youngster firing in to effectively kill the game in the 81st minute. Cunha provided the width before taking the ball down brilliantly to get into the box. While his cross wasn’t a great one, Sesko then pounced on the loose ball, turning it in via a fortunate deflection. It was precisely the natural striker instinct that Mbeumo had failed to show throughout his cameo.

While it was a fortunate third for the hosts it was one that featured the exact type of wing play and striking nous that has been lacking earlier on. It sealed the three points but while everything seems rosy at United, obvious improvements can be made.

Mbeumo’s striker experiment has not failed as such – in fact, it worked to great effect in the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal – but it is something that should be reserved for very specific circumstances.

Carrick has Sesko to thank for grabbing at least 10 points with pivotal goals and another important goal for the 22-year-old proves that he is ready for a starting berth. Surely Carrick can now see that making him a regular starter is the blueprint for the next step in his interim revolution.

UMBC beat Vermont in the America East final Saturday to clinch its first bid to the NCAA men's basketball tourney since 2018 when the Golden Retrievers pulled off a stunning upset over 1-seed Virginia in the first round.

This year, they couldn't wait until the big dance to take a shot at a power-conference team.

After UMBC secured its auto-bid to the big dance, the X account for the program's athletic department took a jab at Bruce Pearl, the former Auburn coach who had been not-so-subtly pushing for the Tigers to get an at-large bid over Miami (OH) if it came down to the two schools. Even though Miami (OH) was undefeated at the time.

UMBC had something to say in response to that blatant dismissal of mid-majors.

Just realized the best part of having an autobid is that we don’t need a relative going on tv to explain why we deserve to be in over a 30-win @MiamiRedHawkshttps://t.co/yhzvNg66BP

— UMBC Athletics (@UMBCAthletics) March 15, 2026

BAD BUBBLE:Miami (OH) will still make the tourney with a loss

"Just realized the best part of having an autobid is that we don’t need a relative going on tv to explain why we deserve to be in over a 30-win."

Auburn, now coached by Pearl's son Steven, is highly unlikely to make the tournament after losing in the SEC tournament second round to fall to 17-16. The Tigers caught that stray all because Bruce couldn't keep his bias out of his analysis. Pearl did eventually backtrack on his comments, saying Miami should get in even with a single loss.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: UMBC roasted Bruce Pearl, Auburn after clinching NCAA tourney bid

The highly anticipated 2026 Finalissima between European champions Spain and Copa América winners Argentina has been officially cancelled.

UEFA confirmed the decision on Sunday, following a complete breakdown in negotiations and escalating security concerns that have made staging the event in Qatar impossible.

Why did Finalissima get cancelled?

Originally scheduled for March 27 at Doha’s iconic Lusail Stadium, the match was set to be the centrepiece of the Qatar Football Festival.

However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread disruption to regional travel hubs and airspace.

In a joint statement, UEFA and the local organising committee concluded that the “current political situation” posed too great a risk to fans, players, and officials.

Fans will not get the chance to see Lionel Messi play against Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

UEFA expressed great disappointment that circumstances and timing denied the teams the chance to compete for the prestigious prize in Qatar.

While UEFA sought to save the fixture by relocating it to Europe, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) reportedly rejected multiple alternatives.

Proposals included a single match at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu with a 50-50 supporter split or a two-legged Finalissima played in both Madrid and Buenos Aires during upcoming international windows.

UEFA even sought a final commitment to play at a neutral European venue on March 30, but this was also turned down by the South American side.

The AFA countered with a proposal to play the game after the 2026 World Cup, but the Spanish Federation was unable to accommodate this due to a lack of available dates in their calendar.

With no consensus reached, the fixture was scrapped entirely. Consequently, Serbia will now play the current European champions, Spain, on away turf on March 27 instead.

Barcelona star Ronald Araújo showed his support for returning teammate Gavi courtesy of a classy gesture on Sunday.

This came after the midfielder marked his long-awaited comeback to competitive action.

Barcelona were back on the pitch a short time ago, welcoming Sevilla to the Spotify Camp Nou for a La Liga clash.

When all was said and done, Hansi Flick’s troops emerged on the right side of a dominant 5-2 result.

And yet, as alluded to above, it was another development which proved the highlight of a fine day all told for the Blaugrana.

Gavi of course spent the last six months condemned to the sidelines, after being forced under the knife to repair a knee issue back in September.

The 21-year-old spent recent weeks ramping up his recovery, before taking his place on the bench at St. James’ Park in midweek.

Then, on Sunday, the moment which all of a Barcelona persuasion had long been awaiting was finally forthcoming.

Late in the action at the Spotify Camp Nou, Gavi was introduced to proceedings for just his 3rd appearance of the season.

Recognising the significance of the moment, Ronald Araújo, acting as captain, responded to the switch by immediately passing the armband to his young teammate, as showcased below:

Conor Laird – GSFN

Chelsea defended their Subway Women’s League Cup crown in Bristol, denying Manchester United their second ever major trophy.

Lauren James netted the opener inside 20 minutes, pouncing on a costly lapse of concentration by United centre-back Dominique Janssen deep into her own half.

Elisabeth Terland almost conjured a response when she struck the crossbar, and Chelsea’s defensive injuries continued to ravage them in the second half.

But Marc Skinner’s side were unable to capitalise, and substitute Agnes Beever-Jones battled with Hanna Lundkvist, latching onto the second ball to prod into the bottom left corner, doubling the advantage.

Chelsea sealed their fourth piece of silverware during Sonia Bompastor’s tenure, which seems paramount with the WSL title drifting out of sight.

As it happened

Elisabeth Terland scampered towards the Chelsea back line and forced Hannah Hampton to tip round her post, as the goalkeeper erred on the side of caution for her first involvement. The Norwegian international was looking to add to her 14 goals this season, but her wayward second attempt left Hampton untroubled.

Lauren James began to justify why Chelsea offered her a new contract until 2030 when she went toe-to-toe with Jess Park, who dropped into cover defensively. James’ unpredictable two-footedness earned her a yard of space to rifle a shot towards the top right corner, which sailed fractionally over.

United had kept the defending champions at bay for the first 20 minutes until a lapse of concentration ultimately cost them the opening goal when Dominique Janssen’s miscued pass back to her goalkeeper saw James pounce. The former United player accepted the gift clinically by slotting past Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and that was one self-inflicted way to feed her confidence.

Those handful of warning signs from Terland almost worked to her advantage, when the talisman nudged off an initial challenge and rattled the crossbar with a more convincing drive.

The Red Devils were almost made to rue their flurry of missed opportunities to restore parity when Sjoeke Nusken split the United defence with a sumptuous ball for Alyssa Thompson to chase. With the American bearing down on goal, United captain Maya Le Tissier made a lung-busting run to intervene with a last-ditch challenge and thwart Thompson before she pulled the trigger.

The sides had traded blows before the interval at Ashton Gate and Skinner’s side had reproduced the quality they’ve shown this season to sit one point ahead of Chelsea in WSL, despite being a goal down in their maiden Subway Women’s League Cup final appearance.

Lisa Naalsund stung the palms of Hampton from just outside the box as United searched for an equaliser following the restart.

However, it was Chelsea who continued their pursuit of doubling the advantage as James delivered from the right for centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan. Her header flashed wide from close-range, before Sonia Bompastor elected to replace her due to Buchanan’s recent return to fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.

Nathalie Bjorn entered proceedings in a straight swap. Yet, she clasped her calf after completing a straightforward pass amidst an injury-hit Chelsea defensive department. Bjorn was visibly upset to depart the final after five minutes as Wieke Kaptein came on as Bompastor had to shuffle her players around.

Chelsea were disjointed but unperturbed, while United were regrettably unable to go up the gears offensively.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd crossed from the right wing and half-time substitute Beever-Jones was lurking in the box for the Blues. She grappled with Lundkvist and on her return to familiar territory in Bristol, she prodded home and wheeled away in celebration.

James almost added to United’s misery when she glided towards goal and unleashed a fierce effort. Tullis-Joyce was there to repel the strike at her near post, and her side finally turned the screw heading into the dying stages, albeit Chelsea’s lead became unassailable.

In their seventh successive Subway Women’s League Cup final, the Blues extended their dominance of domestic silverware by converting their chances and using their experience to weather the challenges.

Although they have already been knocked off their perch this term in the league campaign, Chelsea’s overflowing cabinet of trophies has been added to, and under Bompastor, it doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

A second major trophy continues to elude Marc Skinner at Manchester United, despite their strides made in the WSL standings and in Europe.

Manchester United shrugged off Aston Villa to seize the initiative in the race to secure a top-four finish.

Following a low-key start to the match Casemiro headed United ahead, but after taking their foot off the pedal they shipped an equaliser. Cool heads prevailed and the Red Devils ran out 3-1 winners, opening up a three-point gap ahead of fourth-placed Villa.

Casemiro key once again

Casemiro converted from a Bruno Fernandes corner to open the scoring in the second half, making it seven goals for the season. In addition to his goal, the Brazilian had one shot blocked this afternoon.

The 34-year-old won all three of his contested aerial duels – the goal being the most significant – although fared less well on the ground.

He contested the most ground duels of anyone on the pitch (nine), but only won two of them. Unsurprisingly, he made more fouls than anyone else on either side, illegally felling his man four times.

Defensively solid

Sitting in his familiar role in front of the back four, Casemiro was a significant figure in breaking up Villa’s attacks.

The Brazilian made three clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and won one tackle. Less helpfully, he was also dribbled past twice.

He was typically hit-and-miss in possession, making one key pass and creating one big chance while also giving the ball away frequently.

Creatively sound

He recorded a 79% pass accuracy, with 31 of his 39 attempted passes reaching their intended target.

When the recipient was further away things improved for Casemiro, who played seven long balls and found his man with four of them.

Neither of the crosses he attempted was accurate, as United peppered a box which missed a focal point for 75 minutes.

Casemiro vs. Aston Villa

It was a classic Casemiro performance, with the midfielder once again showing that he can be the difference-maker, but also that his legs are gone at the top level.

Despite the crowd’s calls for “one more year” for the Brazilian, it’s right for everyone that he follows through with his plan to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Stats taken from sofascore.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

It’s time for the “real Topspiel” of this Bundesliga matchday as fourth-placed Stuttgart host fifth-placed RB Leipzig at the MHP Arena.

Both sides sit level on 47 points and have the chance to close the gap to the top three - strengthening their position in the race for the Champions League spots. But which team will come out on top today?

With just under an hour to go until kick-off, here are the confirmed lineups for both teams:

Confirmed lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. RB Leipzig

VfB Stuttgart (3-4-1-2):

Nübel - Jeltsch, Jaquez, Hendriks - Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Führich - El Khannouss - Undav, Demirović

RB Leipzig (4-3-3):

Vandevoordt - Baku, Orbán, Lukeba, Raum - Banzuzi, Seiwald, Baumgartner - Diomande, Rômulo, Nusa

Palace manager Oliver Glasner was forced into a change of goalkeeper for this game, with captain Dean Henderson absent because of illness. A league ever-present this season, Henderson had started 77 consecutive Premier League matches for the Eagles.

Back-up Walter Benitez made his Premier League debut and dealt well with the Leeds bombardment - particularly from long throws.

Palace were well beaten at Elland Road in December, when they were particularly vulnerable to Ethan Ampadu's long throw. Glasner admitted his side struggled with Leeds' physicality that day.

His side stood up much better here, and earned a draw that eases them closer to the 40-point mark that is so coveted by teams fearful of relegation.

But in attack Palace were blunt once again, in their second home goalless draw in four days following their Conference League stalemate against Larnaca.

Palace have scored just seven league goals from open play at home this season, the lowest total in the division - and their deficiencies were particularly exposed by failing to create many quality chances against relegation battlers playing with 10 men.

They become the first Premier League team on record not to register a shot on target against an opponent who had a player sent off in the first half.

Raphinha bagged a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

After Real Madrid cut the gap by beating Elche on Saturday the Spanish champions responded by romping to a comfortable victory.

Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also struck for Hansi Flick's side, who host Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Fans streamed to the stadium to vote in the club's presidential elections, with either Joan Laporta or Victor Font to be announced the new chief later on Sunday night.

After the 1-1 draw in Newcastle in the last-16 first leg, Flick left Lamine Yamal on the bench and handed youngster Xavi Espart his first start, at right-back.

Barcelona were handed two penalties by a sorry Sevilla side to get off to the perfect start at the partially-rebuilt Camp Nou, which finally received clearance to open the north stand.

Around 56,000 fans attended and they were able to watch a fairly straightforward rout of the Andalucians, 14th.

Djibril Sow clumsily clipped rampaging Barca full-back Cancelo in the box and Raphinha dinked home from the spot to open the scoring in the ninth minute.

The Brazilian winger was afforded another penalty to put Barca two goals up when Jose Angel Carmona, lying on the floor, handled as Cancelo tried to dribble around him.

This time Raphinha fired it low to the left and although Odysseas Vlachodimos went the right way he could not keep it out.

The hosts netted a third in the 38th minute when Marc Bernal's deflected cross from the left found Olmo, who produced a clinical finish.

Sevilla pulled one back before the break when Juanlu Sanchez got in behind Cancelo and crossed for Oso to score unmarked at the back post.

Raphinha completed his hat-trick early in the second half with a heavily deflected shot as Barca strolled in the spring sunshine.

Cancelo capped an impressive attacking display with a goal of his own, driving into the box and finishing through Vlachodimos's legs.

Barca coach Flick sent on 21-year-old midfielder Gavi for the final 10 minutes, for his first appearance since August after suffering a severe knee injury.

Sow pulled another one back for Sevilla in stoppage time, nodding home Oso's cross, with Barcelona already thinking about Newcastle's visit on Wednesday.

rbs/jc

New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf shared more details about the team's decision to move on from Stefon Diggs.

According to Wolf, there was a combination of factors that came into play when making the decision. Diggs was a key factor for the Patriots' offense in 2025, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.

However, he was set to cost $26.5 million against the salary cap in 2026 at 32 years old. It was a tough spot for the Patriots, unless both sides could agree on a restructured deal.

“Just a variety of factors, looking at financials, ability… Nothing but respect for Stefon," Wolf told reporters.

Eliot Wolf on why the Patriots released Stefon Diggs: “Just a variety of factors, looking at financials, ability… Nothing but respect for Stefon.”

Called him a “warrior,” clearly appreciated everything Diggs gave the team in 2025. pic.twitter.com/HEAfF8ERrb

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) March 12, 2026

It's important to note that Wolf did not rule out the possibility of a reunion with Diggs, even after the release.

"I wouldn’t say the door’s closed,” Wolf said, via Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller. “I mean, again, we’re gonna look through every way we possibly can to help improve the team.”

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Eliot Wolf gives more details on reason Patriots released Stefon Diggs

Prem Cup final

Leicester (35) 66

Tries: Wand 2, Van der Flier 2, Searle 2, Penalty, Hamer-Webb, Haffar, O'Connor Cons: Searle 6, O'Connor

Exeter (7) 14

Tries: Vintcent, Haydon-Wood Cons: Hodge 2

Leicester Tigers claimed their first silverware since 2022, dominating Exeter Chiefs 66-14 at a wet Mattioli Woods Welford Road to win the Prem Rugby Cup for the first time.

The Tigers were rampant throughout, outscoring the visitors by five tries to one in the first-half, establishing a 35-point lead before the Chiefs got on the board.

Will Wand and the imperious Billy Searle scored two tried apiece, to add to Archie van der Flier's effort, before Ross Vintcent replied for the visitors on the verge of half-time.

After the break Will Haydon-Wood restored some measure of respectability for the Chiefs, but further scores from Van der Flier, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tareq Haffar, James O'Connor and a penalty try capped a record-breaking afternoon for the home side.

More to follow.

Leicester: Bailey; Hamer-Webb, Wand, Woodward, Hassell-Collins; Searle, Whiteley; van der Flier, Clare, Hurd; Wells, Liebenberg, Palmer, Reffell (c), Moro.

Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, Haffar, Loman, Thomas, Manz, Bemand, O'Connor, Perese.

Yellow card: Wand (55)

Exeter: Hodge; Brown-Bampoe, Batson, Rigg, Ridl; Haydon-Wood, Cairns; Burger, Dweba, Mona; Pearson (c), Tuima, Moloney, Worley Brady, Vintcent.

Replacements: Heaven, Goodrick-Clarke, Gulley, Bailey, Tshiunza, Chapman, Coen, John.

Yellow card: Moloney (47).

Referee: Hamish Smales.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seven Premier League goals to his name against Palace, including two earlier this season in a 4-1 win at Elland Road.

He has not scored more against any other team from the top flight, so it seemed like a huge boost for Leeds when the striker was passed fit to start at Selhurst Park.

In the build-up, Daniel Farke had said Leeds would make a late call on him because of a knee issue.

Calvert-Lewin caused plenty of issues for Palace through the first half, testing home goalkeeper Walter Benitez with a header and forcing Brennan Johnson into a last-gasp clearance - before his big penalty chance.

The miss defined the game, and combined with the red card it created a five-minute spell that was scarcely believable for Leeds.

It is to the credit of Farke's men that they did not buckle and were driven to a hard-earned point, with captain Ethan Ampadu particularly impressive in midfield.

But with Nottingham Forest dropping points against Fulham, this feels like a missed opportunity to open a real gap between Leeds and the drop zone.

Many of the top free agents have already signed new contracts this offseason. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still other good deals to be found. The Arizona Cardinals may have just found one.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cardinals agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with wide receiver/return specialist Devin Duvernay on Sunday. An All-Pro as a returner, Duvernay has bounced around the past few seasons, but he spent 2025 with the Bears, where he caught two of his five targets for 26 yards and a first down. He was far more impactful as a returner.

Duvernay returned 21 punts for 231 yards. As a kick returner, Duvernay returned 40 opportunities for a new career-high 1,069 yards in 2025. His 26.7 yards per kick return average ranked 11th in the NFL, and he ranked fifth in kick return yards.

Now 28, the two-time Pro Bowler hasn’t had an All-Pro or Pro Bowl season since 2022. Yet, he’s clearly still a big factor in the return game, and he’ll look to continue that success in Arizona next season.

After arriving as the 92nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Duvernay spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens. He played for the Jaguars in 2024, the Bears in 2025, and next up will be the Cardinals.

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Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick has to get the Manchester United job permanently following this afternoon’s crucial win over Aston Villa.

The Reds’ 3-1 triumph over Villa marked their eighth victory in the 10 games Carrick has managed.

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United strengthen grip on UCL places with Villa win

It also further cemented their spot in third place, with United now boasting a three-point advantage over Villa as they prepare for the final eight matches of the campaign.

With the team already out of both cup competitions by the time Carrick took the reins, his sole goal was ensuring they qualified for the Champions League by the end of the season, and, without tempting fate, it’d now take a substantial drop-off in form for the feat not to be achieved.

Today’s goals were provided by Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, all of whom have flourished under the interim manager.

The latter, in particular, is overseeing his most prolific run in a red shirt, having now returned a hugely impressive five goals in his last seven top-flight appearances, four of which came as a substitute.

Rooney: Carrick deserving of permanent United job

Reacting to the afternoon’s affairs at Old Trafford, Rooney said on BBC Sport’s 5Live post-match: “100% he [Carrick] should [get the job]. I have said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick.

“I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that.

“We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change?

“He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job.”

More Stories / Latest News

‘100%’: Rooney’s mind is made up on Man Utd deal after crucial win over Villa

Mar 15 2026, 17:14

Watch: Benjamin Sesko scores from close range to put Man United 3-1 up vs Aston Villa

Mar 15 2026, 15:42

Watch: Matheus Cunha finishes calmly to put Man United 2-1 up vs Aston Villa

Mar 15 2026, 15:32

The NFL’s first week of free agency produced a wave of lucrative new contracts. Teams continue to make deals as they build their 2026 rosters.

The AFC champions fall into that category. The New England Patriots have already made several moves as they aim to return to the Super Bowl.

MORE: Chicago Bears give talented cornerback another chance

On Wednesday, the Patriots made a signing that largely flew under the radar. Head coach Mike Vrabel brought in his former safety, Kevin Byard, on a one-year deal.

Byard and Vrabel previously worked together in Tennessee, where the Titans drafted Byard in 2016. Vrabel later took over as head coach, serving in that role from 2018 to 2023.

Byard has built a reputation as a true ball hawk. He led the NFL with eight interceptions last season—marking the second time in his career he has topped the league in that category.

MORE: Anthony Richardson’s likely next team revealed

The addition of Byard may have slipped under the radar, but it could prove to be a massive move. Vrabel and the Patriots reached the Super Bowl despite ranking in the bottom half of the league in takeaways.

If Byard can help spark more turnovers for the Patriots’ defense, it could lead to a strong follow-up season in 2026. Vrabel already guided New England to the Super Bowl in his first year as head coach.

Now the question becomes: Can Byard help Vrabel and the Patriots return to the Super Bowl by generating more takeaways?

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

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The post New England Patriots quietly made a phenomenal free agency signing appeared first on The Big Lead.

Boston at New Jersey — ESPN

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

Calgary at Detroit — Detroit SportsNet, ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

Pittsburgh at Minnesota — FOX 9, Gray Media, SportsNet Pittsburgh, Twins.TV

Pittsburgh at Colorado — ESPN, SportsNet Pittsburgh, ESPN app, ESPN Unlimited, Fubo Sports

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV.

We had to wait until Sunday, but we finally got a hole-in-one at Sawgrass.

Before you get too excited, no, the hole-in-one didn’t happen at the Island Green. But you’re still going to want to see this!

Chad Ramey, on the par-3 13th, used the contours right of the hole to slowly bring his ball toward the cup. A few seconds later…buckets!

For Ramey, it was his first ace on the PGA TOUR, and it moved him to 4 under for the tournament, inside the top 25. The one-time winner made some noise in his PLAYERS debut three years ago with a first-round 64. He tied for 27th that year, but missed two straight cuts before making it to the weekend at this edition.

We asked you Motherwell fans for your opinions on the 3-1 loss to Celtic. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mark: Scottish refs really know how to ruin matches. We played excellent once again but stupid decisions cost us. I have full trust in Jens Berthel Askou but Scottish VAR? No chance!

Allan: An 'Old Firm' penalty, but Well lost a bit of sharpness in their passing second half. Disappointing result but we're still a great watch. Hope we finish the season strongly.

Alan: A good effort and great start. Level of possession was good but a little lacking in the finishing department - Just's goal was excellent however. The determination to perform is still high so let's move on for next game and even greater heights than expected at the start of the season.

Stuart: The fact that Celtic managed to win a soft penalty and maintain 11 men on the park is a clear sign of substandard officiating. Daizen Maeda lifting his hands twice and then going on to get a penalty where he initiated contact says it all. Honking from John Beaton and the VAR team.

James: I hope this is not the start of a collapse. Still pleasing on the eye, and I wouldn't change it. Please start winning again, we deserve a good finish to the season.

Crawford: Parkhead was always going to be big ask, but we shot ourselves in the foot dithering in our own box. Beaton's ridiculous interpretation of the red card rule has effectively removed us from the League and the Cup. Some excellent build-up play with no end result, we badly need to give Tawanda Maswanhise an effective strike partner.

David: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been sent off, if not for his challenge on Just, certainly for bringing down Said on edge of box. Maeda should also have been sent off for elbowing Ibrahim Said. Two hands on Maswanhise's back and clear push, no VAR review. Then Maeda instigates the tussle with Emmanuel Longelo and penalty given with red card, it's ridiculous beyond belief.

Susan: Two hugely important home games next and then a visit to Gorgie against a team who are on the ropes. Let's fight for European football.

The return of captain John McGinn to the visitors' starting XI was clearly welcome news for boss Unai Emery, although it was not entirely clear what role the Scot would play in the pre-planned tactic of sending long balls downfield for Ollie Watkins to chase.

It was an idea that might have had some merit if Watkins had got involved in foot races with Harry Maguire.

As it was Leny Yoro had more than enough pace to neutralise the England striker and Villa did not get forward in enough numbers to provide support.

Watkins' one shooting chance before the break was also shut down by Yoro who came sliding across to tackle.

It was symptomatic of the muddle Villa have got themselves into in recent weeks.

So too the moment at the end, where three visiting players had an opportunity to score around the six-yard area and somehow failed, even though United only had one defender and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in their way.

Emery can point to injuries - and the weight of games - as mitigation for their faltering form.

But after losing out on a Champions League place thanks to a final-day defeat at Old Trafford last season, there has to be a fear that, despite the failing of others, they could miss out again this term.

Fans of the Buffalo Bills are invited to join Buffalo Rumblings for a charity bracket contest around the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Everyone will get a chance to compete against former Bills, popular content creators, and fellow fans in a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York.

All are welcome to join, and you can sign up here to submit your brackets. All participants are encouraged to make a donation here, in any amount, to support the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York. The winner of the bracket contest will win an autographed jersey from Bills legend, Andre Reed.

In addition, participants will get an opportunity to see how their brackets stack up against former Bills John Fina and Jerry Ostroski. Everyone will also get the chance to compete against popular podcast hosts including Bruce Nolan (The Bruce Exclusive), Joe Marino (Locked On Bills), Pat Moran (Talking Buffalo), Aaron Quinn (Cover 1), Joe Miller (Overreaction Buffalo), Dan Freddy (overreaction Buffalo) and some of your favorite Buffalo Rumblings writers.

Hopefully everyone can join us as we have a little fun this March, while supporting a great cause in the process!

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The Heritage Hotel & Spa in Ireland welcomes a new Head Chef, Marek Zboril, bringing extensive experience and a passion for seasonal dining.

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Indian Railways has steadily strengthened its safety framework over the past decade through major upgrades to signalling technology, track monitoring systems and worker protection measures.

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Women-only European tours 2026 open for booking with journeys across Ireland, Italy, Portugal, offering small-group cultural experiences for female travelers.

Kylian Mbappé has been surrounded by rumors regarding his knee injury. After missing five matches, the Frenchman appears to be gradually recovering his physical condition, even taking part in today’s training session with the group. While this reignites the possibility of his return for the Champions League clash vs. Manchester City, it could also spark a dispute between Real Madrid and France.

According to José Félix Díaz in Diario AS, Kylian Mbappé will travel with Real Madrid to Manchester to face the Citizens. After treatment over the last three weeks, the Frenchman has significantly improved his physical condition, even taking part in training with the group today. Because of this, he hopes to have a role in the match, but this could lead to a dispute with France regarding his call-up for the upcoming double set of friendlies.

Even though Mbappé appears to be recovering from his injury, Los Blancos are not entirely open to allowing their player to join the national team for the friendlies against and Colombia, reports Daily Mirror. If he plays against Manchester City, France would have full right to call him into the squad, since the only reason to prevent him from joining would be an injury issue—something that would be ruled out if he has playing time Champions League.

Given that his potential appearance against Citizens could lead to a call-up with France, Real Madrid might decide not to risk Kylian Mbappé, as they hold a three-goal lead in the series. Despite this, he could reportedly join the national team for commercial reasons, without seeing any playing time, if he is not cleared to play. However, a potential comeback by Pep Guardiola’s team could force him to see playing time, complicating the situation.

Federico Valverde scoring form could slow down Mbappé’s comeback

Kylian Mbappé’s absence seemed like it was going to strongly hurt Real Madrid’s aspirations, but coach Álvaro Arbeloa has found a resurgence without the Frenchman. Although Gonzalo García and Brahim Díaz seemed set to lead the attack alongside Vinícius Jr., they were not the ones who stepped up in terms of scoring. Instead, Federico Valverde surprised everyone by scoring five goals that could slow down the Frenchman’s return.

Not yet being at his physical peak, a possible return for Mbappé would be quite risky, as he could suffer a relapse of his injury, just as Ferland Mendy did, leaving him out of the 2026 World Cup. Moreover, Real Madrid have found in Valverde their scoring talisman, who—alongside Vinícius and Brahim Díaz—has found spaces to shine, becoming the solution to close game against Manchester City.

AC Milan face Lazio seeking an important victory in the Serie A to continue chasing the top spot. Coming off two consecutive wins, expectations are high around the Rossoneri, as they have improved their offensive contribution while maintaining strong defensive consistency. Ahead of the match, fans are closely watching whether coach Massimiliano Allegri will once again rely on Christian Pulisic, as supporters hope to see his best version return.

After avoiding setbacks in his injury recovery, Christian Pulisic is expected to start for AC Milan, as he has been a regular presence in the team’s recent training sessions. While the USMNT star appears to be in full physical condition, he has not yet managed to recover his best form, remaining without a goal in 2026. Despite this, coach Allegri has continued to rely on him in the last three matches, showing that he still believes the winger can regain his scoring power.

Coupled with the USMNT star, Rafael Leao could also be in the offense, as coach Allegri has consolidated them as his preferred attacking duo with the Portuguese star in peak form. However, Christopher Nkunku may also play a key role in the rotation. Moreover, Pervis Estupiñan is also expected to have a key role, as he has been recovering his best form, netting a goal in the last game.

Unlike AC Milan, SS Lazio arrive at the match in the middle of a season filled with inconsistencies. With only one victory in their last five matches, they need a win to move closer to European competitions, as they currently sit in tenth place in Serie A, greatly disappointing their fans. In addition, they continue to struggle offensively, being one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league with just 28 goals.

Lazio predicted lineup vs. AC Milan

SS Lazio face AC Milan looking to surprise with their collective play and defensive solidity. However, coach Maurizio Sarri arrives with four key absences: Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot. Alongside them, Alessio Romagnoli and Toma Bašić remain doubtful due to physical issues. Despite this, they trust Daniel Maldini—son of Rossoneri’s legend Paolo Maldini—to make the difference by scoring against his former team.

With this in mind, Lazio could play as follows: Edoardo Motta; Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Oliver Provstgaard, Nuno Tavares; Patric, Kenneth Taylor, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Gustav Isaksen, Daniel Maldini, Mattia Zaccagni.

AC Milan predicted lineup vs. Lazio

AC Milan arrive in top form, emerging as favorites against SS Lazio, aiming to close in on the Serie A lead. However, coach Massimiliano Allegri won’t have Adrien Rabiot due to yellow card accumulation, nor Matteo Gabbia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek because of injury. Additionally, Santiago Giménez remains doubtful. Despite this, Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic are expected to make the difference in the scoring side.

Considering this, the Rossoneri could lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Koni de Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, Alexis Saelemakers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric, Samuele Ricci, Pervis Estupiñan; Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao.

Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'in 26. hafta maçında Gençlerbirliği'ne konuk olacak. Mücadele öncesi teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın Galatasaray derbisine dair açıklamada bulundu.

Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'in 26. hafta maçında Gençlerbirliği'ne konuk olacak. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın maç öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.

Sergen Yalçın'ın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Geçen hafta kaybetmek biraz motivasyonumuzu bozdu ama iyi hazırlandık. Kendi oyunumuzu oynamak istiyoruz, ön alanda oynayıp inşallah kazanmak istiyoruz.

-Taraftarımız her yerde. Onlara teşekkür ediyorum. İnşallah bugün kazanıp onlara sevinç yaşatabiliriz.

Fenerbahçe'nin eski yönetici Hakan Safi Kerem Aktürkoğlu hakkında çıkan iddialar hakkında açıklama yaptı.

Fenerbahçe'nin eski yöneticisi Hakan Safi, Kerem Aktürkoğlu ile ilgili bir açıklama yaptı. Milli futbolcunun transferinde etkin rol oynayan Safi, soruşturma iddialarına açıklık getirdi.

Hakan Safi'nin açıklamaları şöyle:

-Fenerbahçe'mizin ve milli takımımızın futbolcusu Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun kulübümüze transfer süreci hakkında bugüne kadar; hem geleneksel hem de sosyal medya üzerinden farklı ajandalar ve kişisel çıkarlar gözetilerek yapılan mesnetsiz haberleri yakından takip etmekteyim.

-Özellikle son günlerde, futbol takımımızın şampiyonluk mücadelesi verdiği dönemde UEFA'nın rutin kulüp incelemelerini kasıtlı şekilde "Kerem Aktürkoğlu'na özel soruşturma açıldı" iddiası ile ortaya atarak kaos ortamı yaratmaya çalışan Fenerbahçeli görünümlü kişileri de camiamızın bir kenara not ettiğini bilmekteyim.

-İlgili süreç şahsım gözetiminde; hukuka uygun şekilde kulüp ve federasyonun ilgili birimleriyle koordineli şekilde yürütülmüş ve tamamlanmıştır. Bugünden itibaren, kulübümüzde ve dünya kupası yolundaki milli takımımızda önemli rol oynayan Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun kontratıyla ilgili aleyhte haber yapan kim varsa bunların Fenerbahçe düşmanı oldukları bilinmelidir!

-Bu haberlere itibar edilmemesini rica ediyor, yöneticiliğim döneminde olduğu gibi bundan sonraki süreçte de Fenerbahçe'nin bir neferi olarak, camiamıza zarar vermek için fırsat kollayan kişilerle mücadele etmeye, kulübümüze gönülden ve karşılıksız vermeye kararlılıkla devam edeceğimi bilmenizi istiyorum.

Tüm camiamıza sevgi ve saygılarımla.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında SMS Grup Sarıyer ile Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü karşılaştı. SMS Grup Sarıyer mücadeleyi 3-1 kazandı.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında SMS Grup Sarıyer, konuk ettiği Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü'nü 3-1 yendi.

Stat: Yusuf Ziya Öniş

Hakemler: Yiğit Arslan, Kemal Elmas, Onur Gülter

SMS Grup Sarıyer: Mert Furkan Bayram, Cebrail Karayel (Dk. 90+1 Berkay Aydoğmuş), Metehan Mert, Caner Osmanpaşa, Eşref Korkmazoğlu, Hasan Emre Yeşilyurt, Camara (Dk. 83 Aytaç Kara), Poko, Silva (Dk. 83 Oğuzhan Yılmaz), Dembele (Dk. 77 Kulasin), Batuhan Kör (Dk. 90+1 Ozan Sol)

Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü: Emre Satılmış, Hüseyin Bulut (Dk. 87 Diaby), Oğuzcan Çalışkan, Abdullah Çelik, Ali Dere (Dk. 55 Süleyman Luş), İshak Karaoğul, İbrahim Akdağ (Dk. 87 Ali Akman), Roshi (Dk. 62 Fernandes), Rroca (Dk. 62 Halil Can Ayan), Ezeh, Diouf

Goller: Dk. 14 Metehan Mert, Dk. 61 Poko, Dk. 79 Batuhan Kör (SMS Grup Sarıyer), Dk. 90+2 Diouf (Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü)

Sarı kartlar: Dk. 70 Cebrail Karayel, Dk. 85 Aytaç Kara (SMS Grup Sarıyer), Dk. 74 Fernandes, Dk. 90+3 Ezeh (Emre Gökdemir İnşaat Ankara Keçiörengücü)

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Sakaryaspor, evinde İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK'yi ağırladı. Sakaryaspor mücadeleyi 2-1 kazandı.

Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Sakaryaspor, konuk ettiği İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK'yi 2-1 mağlup etti.

Stat: Yeni Sakarya Atatürk

Hakemler: Turgut Doman, Emre Doğu, Çağrı Yıldırım

Sakaryaspor: Szumski, Batuhan Çakır, Pena Flores (Dk.66 Teixeira), Emre Demir (Dk.75 Soro), Kerem Şen, Serkan Yavuz, Aladdin Okumuş (Dk.82 Emrecan Terzi), Fofana (Dk. 82 Zwolınski), Burak Bekaroğlu, Melih Bostan (Dk.66 Owusu) Poyraz Efe Yıldırım

İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK : Çağlar Şahin Akbaba, Zan Jevsenak, Emil Hostikka, Nougueria (Dk. 68 Oğulcan Çağlayan), Oulare, Embolo, Batuhan İşçiler (Dk.68 Sebahattin Destici), Mehmet Özcan, Emir Bars (Dk.68 Mamah), Muhammet Ensar Çavuşoğlu, Medeni Bingöl (Dk.35 Badara Traore)

Goller : Dk.29 Fofana, Dk. 90+4 Teixeira (Sakaryaspor), Dk. 61 Emil Hostikka (İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK)

Sarı katlar: Dk.60 Melih Bostan, Dk.66 Burak Bekaroğlu (Sakaryaspor), Dk. 45 Zan Jevsenak, Dk. 83 Oulare, Dk.90+2 Traore (İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK)

Kırmızı kart: Dk. 90+5 Teixeria (Sakaryaspor)

Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında deplasmanda oynayacağı ikas Eyüpspor maçı hazırlıklarına başladı.

Mehmet Ali Yılmaz Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Fatih Tekke yönetiminde gerçekleştirilen antrenmanda, Çaykur Rizespor maçında forma giyen oyuncular rejenerasyon çalışması gerçekleştirdi.

Takımdaki diğer oyuncular ise ısınmanın ardından rondo ve dayanıklılık çalışması yaptı.

Bordo-mavililer, ikas Eyüpspor maçının hazırlıklarını yarın sürdürecek.

Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turuna yekun vurulub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, turun qapanış matçında “Qəbələ” “Neftçi”ni qəbul edib.

Qəbələ şəhər stadionunda keçirilmiş görüşün baş hakimi Elçin Məsiyev olub. Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı bu matç paytaxt təmsilçisinin inamlı qələbəsiylə yekunlaşıb.

Daha öncə keçirilmiş oyunlarda “Araz-Naxçıvan” “Karvan”a qalib gəlibsə (2:1, “Sumqayıt” “Şamaxı”ya (0:1), “İmişli” “Sabah”a (0:5), “Zirə” “Qarabağ”a (1:3) uduzub. “Kəpəz” – “Turan Tovuz” görüşündə isə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.

Premyer Liqa
24-cü tur
15 mart

“Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” 1:3
Qollar: Seydina Keyta, 19 – Bassala Sambu, 22. Emin Mahmudov, 69-pen. Murad Məmmədov, 77.
Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov, Rəşad Əhmədov.
VAR: Kamal Umudlu.
AVAR: Teymur Teymurov.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Rüfət Əmirov.
Qəbələ şəhər stadionu. 18:00.

Qəbələ: 1. Səlahət Ağayev, 28. Murad Musayev (k), 66. Nuğay Rəşidov, 27. Eşqin Əhmədov, 33. Seydina Keyta, 50. Adriel Ba Lua, 6. Xayme Syerra, 8. Sambu Sissoko, 16. İsaak Amoa, 14. Domi Massumu, 30. Prins Ovusu.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 93. Rza Cəfərov, 94. Həbib Hüşənov, 11. Asif Məmmədov, 7. Turan Manafov, 22. Fərid İsgəndərov, 13. Nicat Əliyev, 74. Süleyman Damadayev, 10. Şahin Şahniyarov, 21. Ziya Şəkərxanov, 24. İsmael Akinade, 12. İbrahim Sanqare, 3. Eduardo Kunde.
Baş məşqçi: Kaxaber Sxadadze.

Neftçi: 13. Kenan Piriç, 8. Emin Mahmudov (k), 15. Elvin Bədəlov, 7. Emil Səfərov, 24. Mustafa Sek, 5. İqor Ribeyro, 18. İfeanyi Metyu, 9. Bassala Sambu, 33. Breno Almeyda, 70. Andrey Ştoqrin, 11. İmad Faraj.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Emil Balayev, 81. Məhdi Həsənov, 4. Elvin Camalov, 17. Murad Xaçayev, 19. Ağadadaş Salyanski, 47. Murad Məmmədov, 14. Edvin Kuç, 77. Falaye Sako, 6. Sessi Dalmeyda, 10. Freddi Varqas, 22. Luis Ortis, 28. Alessio Kurçi.
Baş məşqçi: Yuri Vernidub.

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Mahir Emreli Almaniyanın “Kayzerslautern” klubunun heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 28 yaşlı futbolçu 2-ci Bundesliqanın 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turu çərçivəsində “Karlsrue” ilə oyunun iştirakçısı olub.

Doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu görüş “Kayzerslautern”in 3:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb. Baş məşqçi Torsten Liberknext bu matçda Emreliyə də şans verib. Azərbaycanlı hücumçu 83-cü dəqiqədə meydana buraxılıb. Komandasının sonuncu qolunu da Mahir vurub. O, 90+4-cü dəqiqədə fərqlənib.

26 turdan sonra 40 xalı olan “Kayzerslautern” 18 iştirakçı arasında 7-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Komanda keçirdiyi 26 oyunda 12 qələbə qazanıb, 4 heç-heçə edib, 10 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Xatırladaq ki, Mahir Emreli “Kayzerslautern”lə 2025-ci ilin yayında 3 illik müqavilə bağlayıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu bu komandanın heyətində 9 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qola imza atıb.

Mahir ötən mövsümü Almaniyanın digər klubu “Nürnberq”də keçirib. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu sözügedən komandanın heyətində 25 rəsmi matça çıxıb, 11 qol vurub, 1 assistlə yadda qalıb.

“Bakı”nın yetirməsi olan Emreli karyerası ərzində “Qarabağ”, “Legiya” (Polşa), “Konyaspor” (Türkiyə) və “Dinamo” (Zaqreb, Xorvatiya) klublarında da forma geyinib. Hücumçu Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində meydana çıxdığı 59 oyunda 6 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.

“Kəpəz”in baş məşqçisi Azər Bağırov Premyer Liqanın 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Turan Tovuz”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Yevlaxda baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.

Azər Bağırov qarşılaşmadan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür etmək istəyirəm ki, komandamızı sona qədər dəstəklədilər. İnanıram ki, futbolçular dəstəyin qarşılığını onlara meydançada verdilər. Yaxşı futbol oynadıq. Texniki tərəfdən bəzi çatışmazlıqlarımız var. Amma oyundan-oyuna daha yaxşı olmağa çalışacağıq. İstədiyimiz oyunu sərgiləmək üçün əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik. Vaxt keçdikcə oyun sarıdan başqa “Kəpəz” görəcəyik.

Son matçlarda “Kəpəz” daha istəkli oynayır. “Sumqayıt”a, “Zirə”yə qarşı oyunları buna misal göstərmək olar. Bu gün “Turan Tovuz”a qarşı da istəkli idik. Qeyri-stabil olduğumuzu deməzdim. Son 4-5 matçda stabil oyun sərgiləmişik. Meydançada əsl futbol oynayırıq. Hamı maraqlı futbol izlədi. Futbolçularıma təşəkkür edirəm ki, dediklərimi meydançada həyata keçirdilər”.

Referee decisions in a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday infuriated Inter, but Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the Nerazzurri looked ‘drained and fearful’ against La Dea.

Despite a 1-1 home draw against Atalanta on Saturday, Inter remain at the top of the Serie A standings with an eight-point lead over second-placed Milan.

Inter ‘drained and fearful’ against Atalanta

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, to be played against Lazio tonight, and a win would allow Massimiliano Allegri’s men to move five points below their city rivals with nine games remaining.

Besides the debatable refereeing decisions, Gazzetta dello Sport’s front page summed up Inter’s mood and shape against Atalanta in two words: “drained and fearful.”

Journalist Arianna Ravelli added: “It is clear that refereeing incidents end up affecting not only the match and the standings, but also the evaluations of Chivu’s team.

“What can be said is that an unattractive Inter had nevertheless gained an advantage that should have allowed them to face adversity, real or perceived, without harm. The way the team plays on the field must reflect that of a side that has earned the top spot and believes it deserves it. Simply managing the game is not enough.

“The truth is that Inter should have killed off a game that had a sluggish start and developed with overall lacklustre brilliance. What was missing was the ruthlessness and more courage. The contribution from the substitutes was also lacking: the changes definitely benefited Palladino more than Chivu.”

Former Milan coach Fabio Capello also argued that Chivu looked “a bit confused” and admitted that the decision to replace Pio Esposito in the second half was unconvincing.

Perhaps the next three league fixtures are the toughest remaining for Inter this season, as the Nerazzurri will first travel to Fiorentina, then host Roma, and then visit Como.

On the other hand, after tonight’s game against Lazio, Milan will face Torino at home, Napoli away and Udinese at home.

Como push for Champions League qualification with Nico Paz and Martin Baturina plus a three-man defence, as Roma rely on Donyell Malen and returning Manu Koné.

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This is a huge clash for fourth place, as the two teams are locked together on 51 points, and both were leapfrogged by Juventus on 53 following last night’s victory away to Udinese.

Cesc Fabregas has truly turned Como into a force of Italian football and they’ve won their last three on the bounce, as well as playing the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.

The season is over for Jayden Addai with a torn Achilles tendon, while Maxi Perrone is struggling after a knock.

Fabregas again goes for the False 9 with Nico Paz taking that role, supported by Maxence Caqueret and Baturina, as Sergi Roberto steps into midfield.

The big surprise is Fabregas starting a three-man defence, which he very rarely does.

Roma are stretched thin after Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Bologna, especially as Evan Ndicka is suspended in defence.

The biggest problems are in attack, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson still out injured.

At least Wesley returns from his ban, but the Giallorossi are without a victory in three competitive games and lost 2-1 to Genoa last week.

Koné is back in action after a muscular issue, while Mario Hermoso is given his first start since February 2.

Malen has made a remarkable impact since arriving from Aston Villa in January, scoring six goals in nine official games, and today he is supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Como vs. Roma line-ups

Como: Butez; Diego Carlos, Ramon, Kempf; Smolcic, Sergi Roberto, Da Cunha, Valle; Baturina, Caqueret; Nico Paz

Roma: Svilar; Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi; Celik, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Pellegrini; El Shaarawy, Malen

15-03-2026 17:00

MatchDay 29

Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como

Roma

Live

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

7'

Donyell Malen

Como

Roma

Starting lineups

1

Jean Butez

Goalkeeper

3

Álex Valle

Defender

34

Diego Carlos

Defender

28

Ivan Smolcic

Defender

14

Jacobo Ramón

Defender

2

Marc Oliver Kempf

Defender

20

Martin Baturina

Midfielder

6

Maxence Caqueret

Midfielder

10

Nico Paz

Midfielder

8

Sergi Roberto

Midfielder

33

Lucas Da Cunha

Attacker

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

17

Manu Koné

Midfielder

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

92

Stephan El Shaarawy

Attacker

Substitutes

5

Edoardo Goldaniga

Defender

31

Mërgim Vojvoda

Defender

7

Álvaro Morata

Attacker

22

Mauro Vigorito

Goalkeeper

44

Nikola Cavlina

Goalkeeper

77

Ignace Van Der Brempt

Defender

18

Alberto Moreno

Defender

11

Anastasios Douvikas

Attacker

23

Máximo Perrone

Midfielder

38

Assane Diao

Attacker

19

Nicolas Kühn

Attacker

17

Jesús Rodriguez

Attacker

21

Noel Törnqvist

Goalkeeper

Adrian Lahdo

Midfielder

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

97

Bryan Zaragoza

Attacker

70

Giorgio De Marzi

Goalkeeper

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker