LOS ANGELES — The Lakers' gamble on bringing Marcus Smart into the fold is paying off. Signed a two-year deal with an option for the second year, the arrangement is genius: play well, test free agency again and attempt to capitalize on a hearty contract; play poorly, have the security of opting in for the second year of the $11 million contract in July. 

The structure suggests confidence without commitment, opportunity without obligation—the precise balance that a player of Smart's age and injury history requires.

But genius, in basketball as in life, reveals itself only through performance. And Smart's performance against the New Orleans Pelicans—10 points, seven assists, four steals, three blocked shots in a 110-101 Lakers victory—revealed something more valuable than statistical accumulation. 

It revealed an effect. It revealed transformation. 

It revealed the contagious energy that has become, for these Lakers, the difference between collapse and conquest.

The fervor remains, although his body isn't as spry as it was when he won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award. 

The defensive player of the year—an honor that recognized peak athleticism married to peak intelligence—now operates at reduced physical capacity. 

But the intelligence remains. The anticipation remains. 

The willingness to put his body on the line remains, undiminished by time, perhaps even intensified by the awareness that time is no longer his ally.

The Pelicans arrived with youth and athleticism and the specific intention to attack the paint. Trey Murphy flew through the air before throwing down a tomahawk slam. Zion Williamson soared for a two-handed alley-oop slam.

The Lakers' interior defense, anchored nominally by Deandre Ayton, appeared discombobulated—Ayton losing rebounds out of bounds, allowing himself to be pushed around in the paint, missing six-foot shots and getting his dunk attempt blocked by Dejonte Murray. But this is who Ayton is: a former #1 pick who is too erratic to be trusted.

What the Lakers weren't getting consistentlyout of Ayton, Jaxson Hayes made up for—tipping the ball to himself, to teammates, giving two, three and four efforts to get a fingernail on a potential rebound. 

But Hayes alone could not address the fundamental problem: the Pelicans had one thing in mind, and the Lakers had no answer.

No team led by more than six points through the first quarter. New Orleans had 13 assists on 13 made baskets, an 18-12 advantage in points in the paint, an 11-6 rebounding advantage. The Lakers appeared destined for another of those defeats that have defined their season—losses to inferior opponents, collapses against teams they should dominate, the recurring pattern of expectation without execution.

Then Smart intervened.

The ball sailed toward the corner, a lazy pass intended for Trey Murphy III, and for a split second, the play looked harmless. Two Pelicans hovered above the three-point line. One Lakers guard stood between them, outnumbered, outpositioned, out of options.

Smart geniusly pounced.

He read the pass before it left Saddiq Bey's hands. He anticipated the angle, the trajectory, the destination. 

Smart exploded toward the ball like a lion on a hapless gazelle, who'd been waiting all night for exactly this moment. 

His fingertips found leather. 

The possession flipped. The crowd roared. 

And on the other end, LeBron James finished what Smart started.

It was one play. It was the game.

"Just trying to make plays," Smart said. "My team needed me to make plays on both ends. They trusted me to make those plays and I came through."

The trust is recent, earned through weeks of consistent contributions rather than granted based on reputation. Smart has starred in his role, as coach JJ Redick observed—"played great basketball for the last five, six weeks"—and that stardom has transformed him from acquisition to essential, from gamble to given.

The Lakers win Tuesday night, their third straight victory, their third straight demonstration that something is shifting in Los Angeles. 

Luka Dončić had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. James added 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves shook off an 0-for-7 start to finish with 15. 

The stars shined, as stars do.

But Smart wrote a brilliant draft for the win column. 

The story was the seven stocks—four steals, three blocks—the relentless pressure, the willingness to sacrifice his body, the defensive IQ that transforms chaos into control. 

"A lot of them came over helping in the middle of the lane, you know that train Zion trying to get to the rim,” Smart said. “Just kind of trying to time the basketball and not get the foul. See where he's putting the ball at. We all know how strong and athletic he is—it's a freight train. So you've got to pick your poison. You got to pick the timing spots."

Smart, a 31-year-old guard who signed a two-year deal with a player option, came to Los Angeles with questions about his health and his fit. He has quietly become the heartbeat of a team searching for its identity.

"He's a winning player," James said. "He's always always have been. Ever since I started watching him at Oklahoma State all the way to being a pro. He's always making winning plays.

The former DPOY, the heart of Boston's identity, throughout his career has guarded everyone from point guards to power forwards. But this older, wiser and more mature version, whose body had accumulated miles, whose spryness had faded, whose best days might be behind him, still has utility in a league and on a team, devoid of toughness.

Fifty-seven games into the season, the answer is clear. The Lakers got a guy who makes winning plays. 

They got the guy who, on a night when the Lakers could have folded against a younger, more athletic team, refused to let them lose.

The energy shifted when both Smart and Hayes were on the court, and Smart guarded Williamson. 

But the effort undersells the genius in his impact. Smart was +13 in 28 minutes. He hit a corner three with the game on the line. He orchestrated the defense like a point guard on the other side of the ball. He made the kind of plays that don't show up in box scores but win games.

The fourth quarter demanded everything. The Pelicans jumped to an eight-point lead with just over seven minutes left, and the Lakers faced the familiar prospect of collapse—another defeat snatched from the jaws of victory, another demonstration of the fragility that has undermined their championship pretensions.

Smart had other intentions.

"Staying locked in," Smart said. "It's been a long time since we've been in that position and had to fight back to get a victory. It was just staying locked in, staying in control. Especially in tonight's game was a lot going on—a lot with the refs, from both teams, and it was just chaotic. But we stayed with it and came out with the win."

The chaos that has historically defeated these Lakers—questionable calls, emotional responses, the loss of composure that transforms adversity into an avalanche—did not defeat them Tuesday. 

Smart's presence, his example, his refusal to panic, complain, or surrender, provided the template teammates followed.

"Nights like this can change the trajectory for teams and players," Smart reflected. "Hopefully this win and tonight in the fashion that we won kicks our confidence up and we can keep this alive and going. The way we played tonight and the way we played over the last two games is something that we know we're capable of. Everybody else is hoping we can be consistent with, and that's something that we're trying to do."

The consistency that has eluded these Lakers—through injury, through lineup changes, through the perpetual search for identity that Redick has acknowledged—now seems possible, even probable, with Smart's example lighting the path.

The physical sacrifice was literal and visible. 

Smart spoke of Williamson—"strong and athletic, we haven't seen somebody like that in a long time"—and the willingness required to confront him: "Willing to put your body there, take a charge, take an elbow to the face, box him out, go vertical. Not everybody's willing to do it. And that's the difference in the game sometime with guys like him."

Hayes took about four shots to the face. Smart took about two. Reaves hurt his arm. 

The Lakers collectively sacrificed their bodies, and the sacrifice was contagious, the energy palpable, the commitment visible to teammates and opponents alike.

"That type of play is contagious," Smart said. "Especially when they started to go on a run, Jaxson came in and he changed the game for us on that end. And we all looked at Jaxson and that all got us all going. Any given night, it could be anybody. Tonight was Jaxson. But that's what Jaxson does and we appreciate everything."

The appreciation is mutual, the effect reciprocal. Smart's energy ignites Hayes; Hayes's effort amplifies Smart; together they create the defensive foundation that allows the Lakers' stars to operate without the pressure of perfection.

The offensive contribution cannot be separated from the defensive. 

Smart hit one of the bigger shots of the game, a corner three that extended the Lakers' lead and extinguished the Pelicans' hope. The shot arrived not from set play but from flow, from trust, from the "daring" that Redick identified as essential to Smart's game.

"We were letting Luka do his thing," Smart explained. "Been doing great all night, facilitating for us, and he read the help, made the pass, and I did the rest."

The rest—making shots when stars create space, converting opportunity when attention focuses elsewhere—this is the role that Smart has starred in, the contribution that has made him essential to closing lineups despite the shooting limitations that once defined his reputation.

Redick's trust is explicit and expanding. 

"Smart has starred in his role for what we need from him consistently throughout the year," Redick said. "He's been tremendous for us defensively." 

The trust extends to the game's most critical moments, to the clutch possessions that determine outcomes and define seasons.

"Just goes back to that experience I have," Smart said. "My years in Boston, close games, tough games, chaotic games, making plays in those and understanding what I'm capable of and what I bring to this team. I appreciate JJ and this coaching staff trusting me down the stretch and I just got to keep doing what I do."

What he does—defensive disruption, anticipatory steals, willingness to absorb contact and convert chaos into opportunity—this has become the Lakers' unexpected foundation, the gamble that has paid off beyond any reasonable expectation.

Los Angeles is streaking up the win column, in hopes it translates to the standings as the playoffs flirt. 

They have done so through different means—blowout against Sacramento, comeback against New Orleans—but through consistent energy, the contagious effect of players who refuse to let standards slip, who demand effort through their own example, who transform individual sacrifice into collective success.

Smart's impact extends beyond his own performance to the performance he enables in others. 

James, at 41, continues to defy logic and Father Time—whose eight field goals moved him within two baskets of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time field goal record. 

Dončić, despite his 14th technical foul and the suspension that awaits if he reaches 16, delivered the dagger three that sealed the victory.

But the stars have always been capable of this. 

What they lacked—what Smart provides—was the supporting energy, the defensive conscience, the willingness to do what doesn't appear in highlight reels but appears in win columns.

"Smart was incredible tonight," Redick said. "Him and Jackson in the second half when we got him back in the game defensively as well, really just helped us win the game. They changed the game. Frankly, that's not a win we've had since probably November—where we're down, stuck with it, kept playing. It was a good win for our group to be able to do that again."

The reference point matters. 

In November, when the Lakers started 15-4, they demonstrated the resilience that championship teams require, winning games through collective will rather than individual brilliance. 

Smart has helped them recover that capacity, that identity, that willingness to fight through adversity rather than surrender to it.

The body betrays before the mind does. But Smart has proven that his mind—defensive IQ, anticipatory instinct, the willingness to sacrifice—can compensate for his body's betrayal.

The gamble is paying off. The Lakers have found their conscience, their energy, their unlikely edge.

The question that remains is whether they can keep it, whether the contagious effect can persist, whether the sacrifice that Smart demonstrates can become the standard that defines them. 

The answer will determine their season. 

The answer will determine whether this gamble—the $11 million contract, the two-year commitment, the option that awaits—was merely clever or truly smart.

The SEC’s top quarterbacks enjoy single-name recognition.

Arch. Trinidad. Gunner.

Any college football fan knows them, but the SEC’s impressive collection of quarterbacks for 2026 goes much deeper than that. Even as the headline stars suck up a lot of the oxygen, we detect a handful of quarterbacks flying below the radar who could be poised for big seasons.

On this edition of “SEC Football Unfiltered,” a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams highlight four SEC quarterbacks who are not being talked about enough. Well, allow us to start discussing them, then.

This quartet of overlooked but talented quarterbacks includes three transfers, plus a young quarterback who became his team’s starter toward the end of last season.

The average fan may not yet know them as well as they do Trinidad Chambliss, but how well did you know Chambliss at this time last year?

Four SEC quarterbacks we’re not talking about enough

Byrum Brown, Auburn

Florida can attest to Brown’s abilities. So can Boise State. Brown led South Florida to marquee wins against both teams last season while USF asserted itself as a playoff contender, before dropping off later in the season.

Toppmeyer: Five college football QB competitions I can't stop thinking about

Adams: Why three nonconference games will be bellwether for the SEC

Brown followed coach Alex Golesh from USF to Auburn. He’s got a good grip on Golesh’s up-tempo offense. A dual threat, Brown is a punishing runner. He’d rather run over a defender than slide. He also throws a good deep ball. Auburn’s program drought coincides with a yearslong struggle to fix its quarterback position. In the combo of Brown-Golesh, there’s reason to believe Auburn finally found an answer.

Austin Simmons, Missouri

Here’s what we know about Simmons: Lane Kiffin thought enough of him to anoint him as Mississippi’s starting quarterback last season, and Kiffin’s eye for quarterback talent is more trustworthy than almost anyone. But, Simmons endured some turnover woes in his first two starts. Then, he got hurt, and Chambliss played so spectacularly, Simmons moved into a backup role. Now, he’s set to be Missouri’s QB1.

So, was Kiffin’s initial assessment of Simmons — that he could be an SEC standout — correct? If so, Missouri’s going to love this addition. The sample size is small, but his arm is plenty strong, and his athleticism is sufficient. Simmons must eliminate the turnover bug. Do that, and Missouri will have the start to an exciting offense when Simmons pairs with Ahmad Hardy, one of the nation’s best running backs.

Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State

Taylor is a total athlete, a multi-sport performer in high school. Among his prep exploits: high jump. This shouldn’t surprise you if you saw Taylor leap over the line of scrimmage and across the goal line on a scoring, soaring catapult in Mississippi State’s bowl victory against Wake Forest.

He’s got a ways to go to become a polished, accurate passer, but he rushed for 173 yards in the Egg Bowl after becoming the Bulldogs’ starter late in his true freshman season.

Taylor hurt his ankle in the bowl game, but he avoided serious injury. Still, it makes you wonder about his durability, especially if he runs as much as he did last season. And, he’ll need to complete passes at a higher rate. Nonetheless, the raw abilities are apparent in this 19-year-old.

Kenny Minchey, Kentucky

Well, this is different. Most years under Mark Stoops, Kentucky’s quarterback was a prominent reason the Wildcats had a cap on their ceiling. Now, under first-year coach Will Stein, Kentucky’s got something — or, rather, someone — to be excited about at quarterback.

On one hand, Minchey hasn’t played a ton of college ball. On the other hand, Kentucky nabbed from the portal this former Notre Dame blue-chip recruit who contended for the Irish job last year but lost out to CJ Carr. What little we saw of Minchey as Carr’s backup looked good.

Stein, in consecutive years, developed Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore at Oregon. That’s a phenomenal track record. Now, it’s Minchey’s turn.

Later in the episode

∎ The 24-team playoff idea is a trap. Coaches like Tennessee's Josh Heupel who support such a super-sized playoff might suffer from a misguided sense of what a 24-team playoff would do for job security. (Hint: It wouldn't help job security.)

Where to listen to SEC Football Unfiltered

• Apple
• Spotify
• iHeart
• Google

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. John Adams is the senior sports columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. Subscribe to the SEC Football Unfiltered podcast, and check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC QBs who deserve more hype: Start with Byrum Brown, Austin Simmons

Brighton and Hove Albion will be without two players for Arsenal’s visit on Wednesday night, but Yasin Ayari is in line to make his injury comeback.

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had some good news for the media on Tuesday, confirming in his pre-Arsenal press conference that Yasin Ayari should be available for the match on Wednesday night.

“He trained yesterday, so hopefully he reacts fine to the first training session, and then we have another one today,” Hurzeler said. “I’m quite confident that he will be an option for tomorrow.”

Ayari has been a regular for Brighton when available, starting 18 of their 28 Premier League matches this season despite missing six through injury. Of the other four games, he came on as a substitute on three occasions and was unused just once.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Brighton will certainly be without Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster for the Arsenal game, as both have knee ligament injuries and are unlikely to feature at all for the remainder of the season. But those absences are nothing new for the team.

Brian Owen reports for The Argus that James Milner is set to be rested for the Arsenal game, and that there will be changes to the team compared to the weekend.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

But there’s no great pressure on Hurzeler to rotate his best players, as Brighton don’t have any games coming up. The team aren’t in the FA Cup after their elimination by Liverpool, and they have no European football to fill their next midweeks.

After the Arsenal game, Brighton won’t have another match until March 14th, so they can afford to give everything to this midweek’s game.

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles had an NFL combine to remember last week. Styles measured in at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, recorded a 43.5" vertical leap and a 135" broad jump. Don't worry, this isn't a case of Styles being the latest combine star who will be overdrafted based on physical traits alone.

What Styles did in Indianapolis last week matched what teams saw on tape. He's fast, athletic, hard-hitting, instinctive, smart, and versatile. Styles also possesses high character and has NFL bloodlines, being the son of former Ohio State and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles.

Styles went into the week as a projected top-15 pick. He left Indianapolis with a chance of landing in the top five. The Washington Commanders have been linked to Styles in various mock drafts over the past few weeks. Now, there's a chance that Styles doesn't make it No. 7 overall.

One team in front of Washington that could impact draft plans are NFC East rival, the New York Giants. New York holds the No. 5 overall pick and is wide open about the position or player it will draft. Many believe that Styles may be too hard to pass up for new head coach John Harbaugh. The veteran coach spent years in Baltimore and is accustomed to having a standout middle linebacker. Styles would be a phenomenal addition to a defensive front that already features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Abdul Carter.

The Giants made a move on Tuesday that had many wondering if their sights were already set on Styles. New York released veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke, clearing the way for Styles to start in the middle of the defense.

Sources: The #Giants have informed LB and defensive captain Bobby Okereke that he will be released.

The team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year amassed 385 tackles in 3 seasons with the Giants (143 last season), but now will get a head start on free agency. Okereke was entering… pic.twitter.com/xAPk7jqEmf

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2026

What does this mean for the Commanders? Well, if Styles is their preferred choice, that dream would be over. But it's not quite that simple. New York's release of Okereke was necessary, saving them around $9 million against the salary cap in 2026. Before the move, Over the Cap had the Giants with only $1.8 million in projected salary cap space.

Additionally, the Giants aren't guaranteed to land Styles. There are four picks ahead of them in April's NFL draft: the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. The Raiders are not taking Styles, but in an unpredictable draft, could you rule out the Jets, Cardinals, or Titans? New York can't plan its offseason around a player it might not land.

So, if you're a Washington fan still hoping for Sonny Styles, that dream remains alive for now.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Giants release starting LB Bobby Okereke

The Brazilian football transfer window has come to an end, with R$ 1.586 billion spent on the signing of 157 players, according to data compiled by ge.

Check below for ALL the signings made by Série A clubs in this window.

Remember that the CBF has added an extra period for transfers focused on the domestic market.

According to an official statement sent by the CBF to the clubs, registrations will be allowed for players who played in state championships, between March 4 and 27.

Athletico-PR

Signings:

Alejandro Garcia (Colombian, midfielder)

Gilberto (full-back)

Jadson (defensive midfielder)

Juan Portilla (Colombian, defensive midfielder)

Luiz Gustavo (defensive midfielder)

Atlético-MG

Signings:

Renan Lodi (full-back)

Maycon (defensive midfielder)

Alan Minda (Ecuadorian, forward)

Angelo Preciado (Ecuadorian, full-back)

Victor Hugo (midfielder)

Cassierra (Colombian, forward)

Tomás Pérez (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Bahia

Signings:

Cristian Olivera (Uruguayan, forward)

Román Gómez (Argentinian, full-back)

Everaldo (forward)

Botafogo

Signings:

Riquelme (center-back)

Lucas Villalba (Uruguayan, forward)

Ythallo (center-back)

Wallace Davi (defensive midfielder)

Jhoan Hernández (Colombian, full-back)

Edenílson (defensive midfielder)

Medina (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Júnior Santos (forward)

Red Bull Bragantino

Signings:

Ignacio Sosa (Uruguayan, midfielder)

Yuri Alves (forward)

Rodriguinho (midfielder)

Tiago Volpi (goalkeeper)

Herrera (Argentinian, forward)

Chapecoense

Signings:

Ênio (forward)

Jean Carlos (midfielder)

Jonathan Palácios (Colombian, forward)

João Vitor (defensive midfielder)

Rafael Thyere (center-back)

Robert Santos (midfielder)

Marcos Vinícius (full-back)

Higor Meritão (defensive midfielder)

Anderson (goalkeeper)

Camilo (defensive midfielder)

Bolasie (Congolese, forward)

Bruno Pacheco (full-back)

João Bom (forward)

Garcez (forward)

Corinthians

Signings:

Gabriel Paulista (center-back)

Matheus Pereira (midfielder)

Pedro Milans (Uruguayan, full-back)

Kaio César (forward)

Allan (defensive midfielder)

Zakaria Labyad (Moroccan, midfielder)

Lingard (English, midfielder)

Coritiba

Signings:

Enzo Vagner (forward)

Pedro Rocha (forward)

Willian Oliveira (defensive midfielder)

Tinga (full-back)

Fernando Sobral (defensive midfielder)

Fabinho (forward)

Gustavo (midfielder)

Lavega (Uruguayan, forward)

Thiago Santos (center-back)

Breno Lopes (forward)

Keno (forward)

Alejandro Ararat (Colombian, defensive midfielder)

Felipe Jonatan (full-back)

JP Chermont (full-back)

Keiller (goalkeeper)

Cruzeiro

Signings:

Néiser Villarreal (Colombian, forward)

Matheus Cunha (goalkeeper)

Chico da Costa (forward)

Gerson (midfielder)

Bruno Rodrigues (forward)

Flamengo

Signings:

Vitão (center-back)

Andrew (goalkeeper)

Lucas Paquetá (midfielder)

Fluminense

Signings:

Jemmes (center-back)

Guilherme Arana (full-back)

Savarino (Venezuelan, midfielder)

Julián Millán (Colombian, center-back)

Rodrigo Castillo (Argentinian, forward)

Grêmio

Signings:

Caio Paulista (full-back)

José Enamorado (Colombian, forward)

Tetê (forward)

Weverton (goalkeeper)

Juan Nardoni (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Leonel Pérez (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Internacional

Signings:

Paulinho Paula (defensive midfielder)

Victor Jesus (full-back)

Félix Torres (Ecuadorian, center-back)

Rodrigo Villagra (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Alerrandro (forward)

Kayky (forward)

Matheus Bahia (full-back)

Mirassol

Signings:

Rodrigo Rodrigues (forward)

Yuri Lara (defensive midfielder)

André Luís (forward)

Nathan Fogaça (forward)

Lucas Mugni (midfielder)

Denilson (defensive midfielder)

Igor Cariús (full-back)

Willian Machado (center-back)

Galeano (Paraguayan, forward)

Eduardo (midfielder)

Lucas Oliveira (center-back)

Rodrigues (center-back)

Igor Formiga (full-back)

Everton Galdino (forward)

Victor Luís (full-back)

Tiquinho Soares (forward)

Gabriel Pires (midfielder)

Georgemy (goalkeeper)

Palmeiras

Signings:

Marlon Freitas (defensive midfielder)

Arias (Colombian, midfielder)

Remo

Signings:

Alef Manga (forward)

Zé Ricardo (defensive midfielder)

Yago Pikachu (midfielder)

João Lucas (full-back)

Carlinhos (forward)

Patrick de Paula (defensive midfielder)

Léo Andrade (center-back)

Thalisson Gabriel (center-back)

Marllon (center-back)

Rafael Monti (Argentinian, forward)

José Welison (defensive midfielder)

Braian Cufré (Argentinian, full-back)

Vitor Bueno (midfielder)

Ivan (goalkeeper)

Franco Catarozzi (Uruguayan, defensive midfielder)

Leonel Picco (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Jajá (forward)

Duplexe Tchamba (Cameroonian, center-back)

Santos

Signings:

Gabriel (forward)

Gabriel Menino (defensive midfielder)

Rony (forward)

Moisés (forward)

Oliva (Uruguayan, midfielder)

Lucas Veríssimo (center-back)

São Paulo

Signings:

Danielzinho (midfielder)

Carlos Coronel (Paraguayan, goalkeeper)

Dória (center-back)

Lucas Ramon (full-back)

Cauly (midfielder)

Vasco

Signings:

Johan Rojas (Colombian, midfielder)

Alan Saldivia (Uruguayan, center-back)

Hinestroza (Colombian, forward)

Brenner (forward)

Spinelli (Argentinian, forward)

Cuiabano (full-back)

Vitória

Signings:

Caíque (defensive midfielder)

Mateusinho (full-back)

Riccieli (center-back)

Diogo Silva (center-back)

Nathan Mendes (full-back)

Emmanuel Martínez (Argentinian, defensive midfielder)

Luan Cândido (center-back)

Marinho (forward)

Pedro Henrique (forward)

Lucas Silva (forward)

Diego Tarzia (Argentinian, forward)

Cacá (center-back)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night looking to get back in the win column. When considering how tight everything is in the Eastern Conference standings, every game counts, but the Sixers trailed by as many as 49 in a 131-91 loss to the Spurs on Tuesday.

The Sixers were led by Tyrese Maxey with 21 points and eight rebounds, Cam Payne had 10 points, and Adem Bona had six and six rebounds. Jabari Walker added 20 points and six rebounds in garbage time.

Here are the three biggest takeaways for the Sixers following the loss:

Tough offensive showing

The Sixers were unable to get much going offensively. It felt as if Maxey and VJ Edgecombe were settling for tough jumpers as they did not want to really challenge Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama in the paint. The disjointed offense led to some tough offensive possessions as Philadelphia could not find much of anything positive on that end of the floor.

Afterward, coach Nick Nurse stated:

I think he, obviously, had a factor. The game was pretty much out of hand at halftime. So, it's hard to say. I thought, obviously, he blocked a couple shots inside. I thought, again, till the second quarter, we just kind of didn't do anything very well that. I thought we were doing a decent job of finding shots. I think it was taking a while and that's kept saying that in the timeouts. The open shots aren't coming as fast as they did the other night, but they're still, you just got to be a little bit more patient and continue to kick out and and I thought, for the most part—I mean, obviously he blocked a couple of the inside ones from our bigs. But I thought, other than that, we were doing a decent job there for a while, and then we just, we didn't make—they scored lots in transition. Just really—the second quarter defensively was really bad. Obviously, they were really rolling. Hitting tons of 3s, getting to the rim. There just was no resistance defensively.

Ailments piling up

The Sixers entered this contest still working through the Paul George suspension while Joel Embiid was sidelined with a right oblique strain and Kelly Oubre Jr. was out due to an illness. Philadelphia then lost Edgecombe at halftime due to a lower back issue. As the Sixers move forward, they will need everybody to heal up for this final stretch run of the season. With this loss coupled with wins by the Magic and the Heat, the lead for the final guaranteed playoff spot is now just half a game over both teams.

"You got to get them going quicker, right?" said Nurse. "Like, right now, those guys got to step in and and we got to—I think the first part you got to do is get a little bit of time out there. We don't much time to prepare, right? With another game coming, but they've got to, like, get in the flow of playing their role and doing a really good job playing a little tougher, a little more hard nosed. All that kind of stuff immediately."

Wembanyama makes an impact

His stat line wasn’t as eye-popping as his other gaudy nights, but Wembanyama certainly made an impact in this one. He had 10 points on 3-for-5 shooting, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and six blocks. It was the most impactful 10 points anybody could ever have as he controlled the game on both ends. The Sixers sent a lot of attention his way which led to others making plays for San Antonio and Wemby’s defensive presence was real as he made the Sixers think twice in the paint.

"I think that any time there's a big shot blocker, I think it's look at it through statistically, that there is less drives in a game," Nurse explained. "If you just for whatever reason, that sense of that being down there, there's less attempts at knowing, so when there's less attempts, You're going to have less, right? And that was probably a little bit of the case. It probably takes a little bit to get used to, to figure out what you're going to do to draw him out, or stop sooner to shoot, or whatever it is you're going to do, or just keep kicking it out and looking and looking and looking and using a little bit more of the shot clock."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following blowout loss to Spurs

Texas A&M (20-10, 10-7 SEC) earned one of its most significant wins during the final week of regular-season play after defeating Kentucky 96-85, with an impressive shooting night and balanced effort from a deep, desperate team for a victory this close to the NCAA Tournament.

Before the game, first-year head coach Bucky McMillan, for the first time in conference play, altered his starting lineup, placing sharpshooter Rubén Dominguez on the bench in an effort to create a spark amid the sophomore's shooting slump, resulting in a bounce-back performance that led to the Aggies' impressive comeback late in the first half.

As a team, the Aggies shot 48% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc, led by Dominguez's five threes, with Rylan Griffen and Zach Clemence combining for seven threes, and five players, including star forward Rashaun Agee (14 points), producing double-digit scoring efforts. For the first time in several games, "Bucky Ball" was in perfect form.

For the Aggies, Tuesday's victory serves as the program's fifth Quad 1 win of the season, which, on paper, should solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but nothing is set in stone until Texas A&M's regular-season finale road trip to LSU concludes. If A&M defeats LSU, an at-large bid to the big dance is all but guaranteed.

After the win, Bucky McMillan, Rubén Dominguez, and Rylan Griffen spoke to the media. Here's what they had to say.

Rubén Dominguez on his bounce-back performance

"It's frustrating when you're not making shots, but I just try to stick to who I am. That's the key. Everyone will have ups and downs. That's how it works."

Rylan Griffen on the Aggies' game-changing 27-3 run

"They got off to a great start, but luckily we were able to respond with a run of our own."

Griffen on the Aggies' chances of making the NCAA Tournament

"Everybody knows where we're at when it comes to March Madness. We had to have this one at home. I'm glad we were able to get it done today. Whether it locks up a berth isn't my decision, but if i'm a bracketology guy, this doesn't hurt to win."

Griffen on Dominguez's impressive performance

"He raises the ceiling of our team. There was a play where he passed up a look and I told him to shoot the ball and I think the Kentucky bench heard me. Just shoot the ball. When he's playing like that, we're hard to beat."

Bucky McMillan on Tuesday's must-win matchup

"Great win by our guys. We had to have it. I challenged our guards. We busted the game open when Rubén and Rylan got going in the first half. When we're making shots we can beat anybody. We won our matchups."

McMillan on Texas A&M's previous players setting the stage

"I have tremendous respect for the players who came before us at A&M. We wanted to carry on what these teams have done before by setting the table with this new groiup. We've been getting texts from those guys and we just wanted to make them proud."

McMillan on the offensive approach

"What we do in totality generates offense. We get the game going trying to lean on those guys as much as we can. We felt fresh and they were in foul trouble."

McMillan on Texas A&M season outlook after 20 victories

"We didn't have a great February. We've had a great season, in my opinion. We've got enough talent out there that we can figure it out."

McMillan on Rylan Griffen's importance as a key player

"Rylan has been a role player at his other schools, but we brought him here to be a real player. He's a key guard for us. You can see the aggressiveness in his eyes the way he ran the floor and hunted his shot."

McMillan on how Tuesday's win affects Texas A&M's NCAA Tournament hopes

"I don't like to make anyone on the committee upset. I'm not going to lobby for our team. At the end of the day, you should want our team in the tournament. We have 20 plus wins and we have a winning record in the SEC. You should want A&M in the tournament. We've done won games on the road, we're an exciting team, and we're a tough matchup for teams."

McMillan with the quote of the night

"I'm not coaching basketball afraid of my own shadow. Basketball is a war. We pick people up 94 feet because the court is 94 feet, not 40 feet. We play to live, we don't play not to die."

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan, players speak after 96-85 win vs Kentucky

The running back position may not be the most valuable position, but it is coming back into the spotlight as more teams switch back to establishing the run. It still helps to have a good quarterback, even if the last two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks (Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold) aren't the most elite quarterbacks in the game.

While highly unlikely, a duo of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love would be very intriguing. Love was asked in a recent appearance with NBC Sports about potential quarterbacks he'd love to play with.

Love used the classic prospect speak and was very careful not to name any quarterbacks directly. He did mention seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who has been retired since 2023.

"I want to play with the best quarterback," Love told NBC's Connor Rogers and Lawrence Jackson. "I ain't going to say his name."

It could be fun to speculate about which quarterbacks Love would want to play with, so why not speculate about it being Burrow? Of course, the reality is that running back is not a pressing need at all for the Bengals, thanks to the play of Chase Brown, particularly in the second half of the season.

The Bengals are not in a position where they need to be spending a top-10 pick on a running back, even one as electric as Love, who ran a 4.36 40 at the Scouting Combine. That capital is better served on the defensive side of the football.

“I wanna play with the best quarterback. So you know who that is.”

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love spoke with @LordDontLose and @ConnorJRogers on his preferred landing spot ☘️ pic.twitter.com/DX7dVro3UG

— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) February 27, 2026

Also, Love may not even be on the board when the Bengals select at No. 10 overall. Love's draft stock could be similar to that of Ashton Jeanty, who was selected No. 6 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders last year. Love is arguably a much better prospect than Jeanty was coming out of Boise State.

As far as quarterbacks in that area go, the Bengals have one of the two best quarterbacks among teams drafting in the top 10, depending on one's point of view. Some guy named Patrick Mahomes plays for the team drafting ninth overall. Most of the other teams in the top 10 have major question marks at the position. So, from that standpoint, it's not hard to question Burrow being one of the players Love could be referring to. Regardless, the likelihood of Love sporting a Bengals jersey in the NFL is slim to none.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Jeremiyah Love, Joe Burrow on the Bengals would be fun

Kylian Mbappé intends to take his knee injury very seriously

Real Madrid: Mbappé determined to take all the time he needs

Clearly, there seems to be a disconnect between Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé’s camp regarding the timeline for his return.

According to information from Cadena SER, Real Madrid has outlined a layoff of around three weeks and hopes to have the French striker back in time for the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Manchester City.

But the Frenchman’s side sees things differently. Still according to the Spanish radio station, Kylian Mbappé’s entourage believes that the left knee injury is more serious than the official statement suggests. With just over 100 days to go before the 2026 World Cup, the top priority now is a full recovery, with no risk whatsoever of a setback.

A goal and a strong impression from the young Bissau-Guinean midfielder

Renato Nhaga shines in his first start for Galatasaray

Renato Nhaga made a strong start with Galatasaray SK. In his first match as a starter, he scored a goal and delivered a solid performance in the Turkish Cup.

Against Alanyaspor, the young Bissau-Guinean midfielder showed that he can bring a lot to the team. Some fans regret that he isn't registered for the Champions League, but his integration seems to be going smoothly.

Coach Okan Buruk may give him more playing time in the upcoming matches, especially in the league and cup. Supporters appreciated his energy and technical skills. It's a promising start for Renato Nhaga.

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• Cleveland Browns continue to disband offensive line, releasing veteran tackle (Chris Pokorny) Cleveland parts ways with another one of their offensive linemen.
• Browns NFL free agency: Our experts debate players who should be re-signed in 2026 (Barry Shuck) The Cleveland Browns have long list of pending NFL free agents. Devin Bush leads our experts list of re-sign candidates
• Cleveland Browns have one restricted free agent who they absolutely must tender. What about the others? (Chris Pokorny) The Browns have one player who they should definitely offer a second-round tender to.
• Will the Browns tender these exclusive rights free agents? At least four players are a must to keep (Chris Pokorny) Will the Browns offer tenders to a few of their young contributors?
• Browns noncommittment to starting QB is logical at this point (Curtiss Brown) The Cleveland Browns roster does not have certainty at the QB position. Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson lead the list

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Browns finalize the 2026 coaching staff (clevelandbrowns.com) “Head coach Todd Monken has finalized his coaching staff for the 2026 season, building out his staff and bringing in new coordinators to lead the offensive,…”
• Three Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns Should Pursue Kyler Murray (Sports Illustrated) “The Arizona Cardinals are expected to release Kyler Murray next week. Here are three big reasons why the Cleveland Browns should be interested.”
• Will the Cleveland Browns Trade for Tytus Howard Impact Their Draft? (Last Word On Sports) “What impact will the trade for offensive tackle Tytus Howard have on the Cleveland Browns’ plans for the 2026 NFL draft?”
• RISERS: Potential Cleveland Browns Draft Targets Who Are Rising After Combine | Who’s The Pick at 6? (kekens5.com) “NFL Combine risers shake up the Cleveland Browns’ draft strategy—who should be on Andrew Berry’s radar at No. 6 overall?”
• Building THE DREAM Cleveland Browns Offensive Line | New Stadium LOOMS LARGE In 2029 (fox61.com) “with Tytus Howard in tow, the Cleveland Browns’ offensive line rebuild is underway, but what’s the dream outcome for the O-line”
• Browns Ripped by ESPN Over 1st Major Move of NFL Offseason (Heavy.com) “The Cleveland Browns made what appeared to be a shrewd trade for veteran blocker Tytus Howard, but don’t tell that to ESPN.”
• Dillon Gabriel is in no man’s land – he’s cooked (Youtube) Quincy Carrier prognosticates

Francisco Conceicao produced a stunning goal for Juventus during their 3–3 draw against AS Roma, a strike that Fabio Quagliarella has described as a demonstration of exceptional technique.

Juventus fell behind early in the fixture to a finely executed Roma goal, but Conceicao responded with a brilliant volley to level the scores. The goal’s quality has sparked discussion that it could contend for Serie A’s Goal of the Month or even Goal of the Season, highlighting the attacker’s technical ability and composure under pressure.

Juve Relying on Individual Brilliance

Conceicao has become a key source of inspiration for Juventus, capable of producing moments of individual brilliance that can influence games. His confidence in taking on opponents and creating scoring opportunities has been a vital component of the Old Lady’s attacking play this season. With players of his calibre, Juventus aim to remain competitive and close the campaign strongly.

Francisco Conceicao (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Quagliarella Praises the Volley

The goal also earned praise from Quagliarella, himself renowned for scoring spectacular strikes during his career. Speaking to Il Bianconero, he said: “It’s a finish with an extremely high difficulty coefficient. In those cases, you have an 80 percent chance of shooting into the corner and a 20 percent chance of finding the target because the ball bounces in front of you. Conceiçao not only hit the target, but he sent the ball into the top corner. The timing and impact were perfect. Hats off, though…”

Conceicao’s strike underlines his growing importance to Luciano Spalletti, who considers him one of the most talented players in his squad. Juventus will hope that he continues to deliver such decisive contributions as they aim to finish the season on a high, relying on both collective effort and individual moments of brilliance.

KSI’s investment in Dagenham & Redbridge has brought renewed attention to the structure of the English football pyramid.

The YouTuber and entrepreneur recently purchased a minority stake in the East London club, which competes in the National League South.

His ambition of eventually reaching the Premier League has also revived memories of the FIFA series that helped establish his online career, as it resembles a real-life version of his famous Road to Division One challenge.

How the English football pyramid works

English football operates through a pyramid structure that links leagues together through promotion and relegation. Clubs move up or down divisions depending on their results at the end of each season.

The system begins with the Premier League at the top and continues through multiple professional and semi-professional levels before reaching numerous regional competitions.

The Premier League contains 20 teams, with the bottom three relegated to the Championship each season.

The Championship promotes its top two teams automatically, while clubs finishing third through sixth compete in playoffs for the final promotion position.

League One and League Two complete the English Football League structure beneath the Championship. The bottom two clubs in League Two drop into the National League, which represents the highest tier of non-league football.

The sixth tier of the pyramid is split into two regional competitions, the National League North and National League South. Dagenham & Redbridge currently compete in the National League South.

Clubs relegated from the National League North and National League South drop into regional divisions that sit between the seventh and tenth tiers.

These competitions include the Northern Premier League Premier Division, Southern League Central Division, Southern League South Division, and the Isthmian League Premier Division.

KSI’s real life ‘Road to Division One’ journey

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, first gained global recognition through FIFA videos on YouTube. One of his earliest breakout series was called Road to Division One.

The series launched in 2012 and followed his attempt to climb the divisions in FIFA Ultimate Team after starting in Division 10.

Each division required players to earn a specific number of points across several matches to secure promotion. Only the strongest players could eventually reach Division One at the top of the ladder.

The concept quickly became one of the defining FIFA series on YouTube and played a major role in building KSI’s audience. Within a few years, he had developed into one of the platform’s most recognizable creators.

Now the challenge exists in real football. After acquiring a stake in Dagenham & Redbridge, KSI has outlined ambitions to push the club up the English football pyramid.

Progressing from the sixth tier would require several promotions to reach the top levels of the sport. The storyline closely mirrors the idea behind his original series, except that the Road to Division One is now taking place on an actual pitch.

Read more:

Mikel Arteta remains hopeful that Declan Rice will be fit to feature when Arsenal travel to face Brighton later tonight.

The Gunners are preparing for a demanding fixture at the Amex Stadium, a venue where they have encountered difficulties in recent seasons. Arsenal have won only one of their last three league meetings against the Seagulls, underlining the challenge that awaits them. With the margin separating them from Manchester City at the top of the table remaining narrow, every point is crucial at this stage of the campaign.

Rice’s Importance to Arsenal

Arteta is acutely aware of the significance of this encounter and the need to avoid any slip-up. Victory is the clear objective, particularly given the intense pressure from Manchester City in the title race. Rice’s presence could prove decisive, as he is widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s most dependable performers.

The midfielder consistently delivers high-level performances, offering defensive stability and leadership in key moments. His influence on the pitch often provides balance to the team, and his absence would represent a considerable setback. Brighton, who will be aiming to exploit any weakness, would undoubtedly prefer to face an Arsenal side without the former West Ham player in the starting line-up.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arteta Provides Fitness Update

As preparations continue, Arteta addressed questions regarding Rice’s condition. Speaking to Arsenal Media, he said: “I hope [he is available]. He was much better today.

“Obviously, we haven’t really trained because we have only two days to prepare the game. So hopefully, it’s going to be better tomorrow.”

His comments suggest cautious optimism, though the final decision will depend on Rice’s progress in the hours leading up to the match. Arsenal will hope that their influential midfielder is declared fit, as they seek to secure a vital result in what promises to be a closely contested encounter on the south coast.

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NEW YORK — The players are trying to fight a good fight, seeking a massive improvement to their unimaginably one-sided collective bargaining agreement. Public sentiment is largely on their side.

But with the WNBA holding firm and time running out, it sounds like the players are folding — and that could mean another disappointing deal that’s projected for six more years.

The WNBA presented a new CBA proposal to the WNBPA on Sunday, a source with knowledge of the information confirmed to the New York Daily News on Monday.

The biggest takeaways from the proposal are changes that allow accelerated maximum contract eligibility for star players on rookie contracts and an increase in the Year 1 salary cap to $5.75 million. Based on league projections, the cap will grow to roughly $8.5 million by Year 6, according to the source.

The league’s cap for the 2025 season was set at $1.5 million.

The Associated Press was first on the details of the league’s latest proposal.

“I want to play, and players want to play,” WNBPA first vice president Kelsey Plum said at Unrivaled shootaround hours before leading her Phantom squad to a victory in Monday night’s semifinal game at Barclays Center. “And so obviously we’re going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously a strike would be the worst thing for both sides, because we are in a revenue [sharing system], so no revenue, no revenue to share.”

The entire deal, however, seems designed to squeeze the WNBA’s middle class in order to facilitate high-profile raises to high-profile players. With an overwhelming majority of players slated to hit the market when an agreement is reached, the ramifications of a deal like this will be immediate.

The average salary — which was set at $120,000 for the 2025 season — would be more than $535,000 in the first year and grow to more than $775,000 in 2031. That increase is just a measly $5,000 pay bump to what the league proposed back in December. More importantly, that is merely the average salary, which will be heavily influenced by the newly lucrative maximum contracts. The median salary, which more accurately reflects the average player’s expected earnings, is currently unknown.

The crumbs Cathy Engelbert and the league are spitting out at the players become a bigger issue for teams that have players qualified for accelerated max salaries, like the Indiana Fever.

Under the latest proposed CBA, All-WNBA First and Second Team players who are still on rookie contracts would become eligible to sign a maximum contract in their fourth year and wouldn’t be eligible for core designation following that extension. The WNBA’s core designation functions similarly to the NFL’s franchise tag.

And a player on a rookie scale contract that wins a Most Valuable Player Award could similarly be eligible for a supermax deal.

For instance, the Indiana Fever currently have two players on track to sign max deals after landing on All-WNBA teams early in their pro careers: Aliyah Boston (eligible to sign in 2026) and Caitlin Clark (eligible to sign in 2027).

The prospect of having two maximum salaries — projected at $1.3 million in Year 1 and reaching nearly $2 million in 2031 if the proposed deal goes through — under the aforementioned hard salary cap puts the Fever front office in a bind.

Essentially they’ll be penalized for doing what front offices strive to achieve — drafting the right players and cultivating an environment that enhances their development.

Just imagine a potential unfortunate trade that sends out Clark or Boston. Such a moment in a hoops town would send shockwaves across the nation — like the silly, finance-driven trade that sent ex-Red Sox star Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Shipping Clark out would evoke the same feeling Dallas fans felt when the Mavericks trade beloved star Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.

All this is possible under this new proposed CBA.

It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

And even if the Fever decide to pay both players, it is their teammates who will pay the price, with the crumbs left over in a hard cap environment. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell deserves a hefty payday after wrapping up a career year, finishing fifth in MVP voting and landing on the All-WNBA First Team, but will likely find it difficult to reach an equitable agreement in Indiana with Boston and Clark’s deals on the horizon.

___

Months ago, the players gave the impression that they would have rejected an offer like this out of hand. But their resolve appears to be slipping, and the WNBA is taking advantage.

“I think now, we’re in such a pivotal moment that we don’t want to mess it up,” Liberty star and Unrivaled co-founder Breanna Stewart said last July when speaking of the importance of getting a new CBA done.

“And you could look at the last CBA and be like, ‘well, we got some good things,’ but we actually agreed to a lot of things that we don’t like, and making sure that that doesn’t happen again.”

On Monday, the tune changed. It looks like there are some bad things likely to get passed. It’s happening again.

Suddenly, it looks like the WNBA will win the battle.

The players are now seeking an average of 26% of gross revenue, down from their previous request of 27.5% while the league still refuses to engage with them on gross revenue — which would imply true partnership, as other leagues have — instead insisting on paying out the teams before getting around to the players. The league’s latest offer is 70% of net revenue, per ESPN.

Even Stewart agreed with Plum, seemingly changing tunes after several months of declarations that the players would eventually get what they deserved.

“I think that while we still are fighting for a lot of different things, we have to realize that the rev share is a win, especially just even coming from the 2020 CBA and the ones before that,” she said. “Now, as the league makes money, we make money. And so when [Plum] talks about ‘I don’t think a strike is good for anyone,’ because as the league loses money, or if we have a delay, we also lose money.”

Despite the players’ tone suggesting otherwise, a strike is still possible. In December, the executive committee voted in favor to authorize a strike “when necessary.”

WNBPA vice president Alysha Clark reaffirmed that on Monday night with a social media post stating “A strike is very much still on the table.”

What works in the WNBA’s favor, though, is time — or the lack thereof.

The league reportedly sent the union a firm March 10 date to get a deal in place in order to start the season on time (May 8).

That’s just one week left for the players to fight. One more week for Cathy and co. to keep playing hardball.

____

Cristiano Ronaldo's unexpected tip for Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa

Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa, a player for Al-Kholood, shared a lighthearted story from his time at Al-Nassr, when he trained alongside Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The young footballer revealed that Ronaldo advised him to get a shorter haircut, even showing him an old photo of himself in a Real Madrid jersey as an example to follow.

Taking the legend's advice to heart, Al-Aliwa decided to change his hairstyle. He sent a photo of his new look to Ronaldo via Instagram, receiving a positive reaction in return—a smile and a gesture of approval.

Al-Aliwa named best young player for February

The 22-year-old also explained that his current experience with Al-Kholood has boosted his confidence. Since the start of the season, he has played 23 matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

Speaking about his trademark goal celebration—a backflip—Al-Aliwa admitted his mother always worries about the risk of injury. Nevertheless, he remains devoted to the celebration, which he has performed since the beginning of his football career.

It's worth noting that the former Al-Nassr player was voted best young player of February in the Saudi Pro League.

Bernardo Silva gives an exclusive interview to the matchday programme for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.

Men's Team

Analysing Nottingham Forest before Wednesday’s clash

The City captain talks about his leadership skills and trying to give the same welcome to our new players that he received from a number of Club legends when he first arrived.

Rayan Cherki is our cover star for a jam-packed edition ahead of what is crucial game for both sides at the Etihad Stadium.

Our ‘Big Feature’ remembers the brilliant Trevor Francis who helped Forest to triumph in Europe and caused huge excitement when he signed for the Blues at the start of the 1980s.

CITY V FOREST | ORDER YOUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

And we celebrate another big name for both clubs in our ‘Back Beat’ photo when we focus on Stuart Pearce’s City debut.

Of course, we have the usual favourites like Pep Guardiola’s manager notes, our ‘In the City’ news spread and Mike Summerbee’s ‘Buzzer’ column.

Dr Gary James brings us ‘Five, 15, 50’ focusing on seasonal highlights from those specific years while Matchday Live commentator Alistair Mann pens his latest ‘Last Mann Standing’ column.

There’s also the usual focus on what’s happening across our other teams - EDS, Under-18s and Women’s and we go in depth on our visitors, Newcastle.

Make sure you get your hands on the official matchday programme, which costs £4, because it really is the perfect way to get you in the mood for the big game.

As well as being available for purchase at the ground, supporters who may not be able to attend the game can also order it online.

What’s more, fans will also be able to order a programme subscription for the second half of the season.

The clock is ticking down towards FC Bayern Women’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester United, with the second leg to be played at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, 1 April at 18:45 CET. Over 10,000 tickets have now been sold for the game in Munich as the team looks forward to another atmospheric night on the biggest stage. The first leg in Manchester will be played at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 25 March (21:00 CET).

🏟️✨ You can still get tickets for the second leg at the Allianz Arena HERE!

A night on the big stage

Having opened the Bundesliga season against Bayer Leverkusen in front of a German record crowd of 57,762 and then the thrilling 3-2 win over Champions League holders Arsenal in the league phase, Bayern’s women now get to take to the Allianz Arena stage for the third time in 2025/26. Giulia Gwinn, Pernille Harder and the rest of the squad can’t wait for the fixture as they look to advance to the Champions League semi-finals with the backing of a big crowd.

Ticket information

Tickets are available in the club’s online ticket shop in various price categories:

• Category 1: €40 (concession €35)
• Category 3: €25 (concession €20)
• Category 5: €10 (concession €7)
• Business Seats Gold: €250 

Concession prices are available for FC Bayern members, students, school children, pensioners, people with disabilities and Allianz Arena season ticket holders.

Opponent: Manchester United

United eliminated Atlético Madrid in the play-offs, winning 3-0 in Spain and then 2-0 back at home to reach the quarter-finals on their first-ever appearance in the Champions League. The Red Devils beat the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase, while they currently sit second in the domestic Women’s Super League, eight points behind local rivals Manchester City.

This tie will also see a special reunion for Lea Schüller, who moved to Manchester at the start of the year, as well as Julia Zigiotti after her summer transfer. Fridolina Rolfö and Leah Galton are two more former Bayern players in the United ranks.

🏟️✨ You can still get tickets for the second leg at the Allianz Arena HERE!

Klara Bühl has had to withdraw from Germany duty:

Klara Bühl departs national team early

Matt Taylor says it is unlikely he will take charge of Exeter City in the long term.

The 44-year-old returned as interim manager until the end of the season on Tuesday, leading the Grecians to a 1-1 draw with Burton Albion.

Taylor, who managed the side for more than four years from 2018, has come in after his successor Gary Caldwell left to take on the vacant head coach job at Wigan Athletic.

"It suits all parties," Taylor told BBC Radio Devon

"Any longer then the wife might have divorced me. I've got three young children, and they are young and they're a handful, and we've got a life in the south of Sheffield.

"But there's a lot of people in the club who I care about, and if I can help in any way for two months I will do.

"When I left I thought I left the club in a strong position and I'd like to leave it in a strong position when I go this time, if I do go."

• Taylor returns as Exeter boss until end of season
• Wigan appoint Caldwell as head coach for second time

Taylor succeeded long-serving boss Paul Tisdale almost eight years ago and led City to second place in League Two in 2022.

He moved on in October that year to join then-Championship side Rotherham United but was sacked after 13 months with the Millers in the relegation places.

He went on to spend a year in charge at Bristol Rovers before losing his job in mid-December 2024.

In that time Exeter have established themselves as a League One side - should they stay up this season their fifth successive campaign in the third tier would be their longest stint at that level of football since the late 1970's and early 1980's.

The club's off-field infrastructure has also changed drastically in that time - a new training facility has been built while a new stand at St James Park was officially opened days after Taylor left.

"This club means an awful lot to me. The staff who are here mean an awful lot to me," he added.

"It wasn't on my radar, I've watched from afar and admired from afar in terms of what Exeter have done for a period of time.

"But I got a phone call from someone I really rate and someone I really trust and someone who felt I was the person to come in and help the team, which is the most important thing, until the end of the season.

"I was at the training ground yesterday and that was surreal, because I had left before that was in place.

"So to go into a facility like that and to see it first-hand was just incredible, because I know that the hard work which went into to getting that even planned, let alone built, and now it's in in product, so it was absolutely incredible.

"The provision the players have got is second to none for League One, let alone Exeter City, and I'm looking forward to you know working well in that environment for next two months."

Exeter have not won in eight games - drawing six of those matches - and they have slipped to 15th in League One, six points above the relegation zone.

It comes as the fan-owned club deals with financial issues caused by a major overspend last season - the Exeter City Supporters' Trust has lent the club around £600,000 and the playing budget could be slashed by as much as £1.5m in the summer.

But Taylor is hopeful he can leave the club in the best possible shape come the end of the season - they travel to Barnsley on Saturday before back-to-back home games against the top two in Cardiff City and Lincoln City.

"I'm a little bit in the dark in terms of why we're in the situation we are," he said.

"It always seems to be a such a well-run club in terms of a financial aspect, it's had to be because of the trust ownership

"The key is what's next and what next season looks like, but we can only concentrate on next season once we get through this season."

Steve Nicol has bemoaned the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of Liverpool this season after they were humbled by the Premier League’s bottom club Wolves on Tuesday night.

The Reds’ aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League were dented by a 2-1 loss at Molineux as, for the fifth time this season, they conceded a winning goal in stoppage time, with Andre Trindade inflicting the damage on this occasion.

While Joe Hart remains confident that LFC will ultimately finish in the top five, results such as this add to the anxiety for supporters who began the campaign with much higher aspirations.

Nicol: You don’t know what you’re going to get with Liverpool

Speaking on ESPN FC after this latest chastening result for Arne Slot’s side, Nicol took aim at the unpredictable nature of his former club, who took five points off table-topping Arsenal this term but have also lost to the team in last place.

The pundit lamented: “My biggest concern is that it doesn’t matter who Liverpool play against… they can lose.

“It’s one thing to talk about big games in a season, but when you’re team is stepping on a field regardless of the situation and you’re not sure what you’re going to get, that’s not a decision acceptable at a club like Liverpool. Everybody who plays against Liverpool know they’re going to get a shot and probably going to score.”

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s results against lower-placed teams have been appalling

Even when the Reds encountered difficulty against the likes of Southampton and Leicester (who were both relegated) last season, there was always a sense that they’d gather themselves and strike back to win, which duly happened in those fixtures.

In contrast, whenever they’ve gone behind against teams at the wrong end of the table this term, the only sense of inevitability is that it’ll be another bad day to add to that already top-heavy pile.

In 11 matches against the current bottom six in the Premier League, Liverpool have dropped 12 points (and that would’ve been 14 were it not for Alexis Mac Allister’s last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest recently). That is criminal when Champions League qualification is on the line.

As Nicol says, even the teams at the foot of the table aren’t daunted by facing Slot’s side anymore. Wolves were happy to soak up whatever ‘pressure’ there was from the Reds last night before capitalising on two late errors, scoring twice despite only having four shots in the entire match.

From watching that horror show at Molineux, you wouldn’t think this is the same LFC team which has beaten Arsenal, Real Madrid and Inter Milan this season.

Anoeta is preparing for a date with history tonight. Real Sociedad faces the derby with the goal of securing their ticket to the Copa del Rey final in Seville and with a statistic that intimidates their eternal rival.

As revealed by Opta, the txuri-urdin team has not lost at their stadium against Athletic Club in the last nine direct encounters in all competitions.

This local dominance translates into a crushing record of six wins and three draws in favor of the Donostiarras.

To repeat a streak from more than four decades ago

The current streak places the Donostiarra squad with the opportunity to surpass a historical record dating back to the end of the last century. If Real avoids defeat today, they will achieve their best unbeaten streak at home against the Bilbao team in the last 43 years.

The goal is to improve on the nine unbeaten matches achieved between 1991 and 2000, a milestone that would mark a change of era in the derbies.

The txuri-urdin locker room is determined to achieve a positive result that would not only extend this streak but also secure their ticket to the Copa del Rey final.

The Basque derby arrives hotter than ever with this historical record on the near horizon.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

The Minnesota Vikings may or may not end up rolling with J.J. McCarthy in Week 1 of the 2026 campaign, but according to Fox Sports‘Colin Cowherd, McCarthy’s starting future in Minnesota sounds like it’s on life support.

Cowherd’s doubt collides with Minnesota’s investment, plus a veteran market that keeps offering escape hatches.

Cowherd, who has not been hesitant to unleash on McCarthy in the past, is at it again.

Familiar McCarthy Naysayer Rides Again

The future might be grim for McCarthy if Cowherd has it right.

Cowherd on McCarthy

Cowherd has never cared much for McCarthy as the Vikings’ quarterback solution — he is and was a Sam Darnold enthusiast — so his comments last week didn’t surprise many.

“The Minnesota Vikings, who are $45M over the cap, and yet reportedly they want Tua. They know, privately, the J.J. McCarthy thing is not working. Boy, you got to make a decision quick. J.J. McCarthy’s body may not be built for this league. His confidence is all over the map. The numbers don’t lie on J.J. McCarthy,” he said on his show.

That’s about as bleak as it gets, if one assumes Cowherd knows what he’s talking about. He may not.

McCarthy Will Have to Earn It — Unlike Last Year

In 2025, the Vikings brushed aside a few notable quarterbacks, making way for McCarthy as the uncontested QB1: Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers.

The Darnold decision now lives in infamy, as he won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks last month. Jones fared well in Indianapolis, constructing an MVP-caliber season through about two months of 2025 before rupturing his Achilles tendon and sending the Colts mind-bogglingly in Philip Rivers’s direction.

And Rodgers reached the postseason inside a low-octane Steelers offense, meeting a quick one-and-done loss in the tournament.

McCarthy won’t have that setup this time, as the Vikings’ brass has stated a few times this offseason that another quarterback is on the way. And Cowherd thinks that man will basically take McCarthy’s job for good, and that’ll be that.

The Tumultuous 2025 Campaign

McCarthy finished the 2025 season demonstrating the quarterbacking ability Minnesota had hoped for. He delivered Pro Bowl-caliber performances against Washington, Dallas, and New York, displaying confident throws and composure in critical late-game situations. However, a hairline fracture in his hand abruptly halted his momentum, marking yet another setback in an injury-plagued year.

Earlier in 2025, his potential was undeniable. He began his starting role with a 4th Quarter comeback in Chicago, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Although a midseason high ankle sprain briefly sidelined him, he returned with a resilient road victory in Detroit, delivering one of his most impressive performances in a challenging atmosphere.

The middle of the season proved utterly problematic. Following the ankle sprain, McCarthy struggled to regain his rhythm, often performing well late in games after shaky starts. A concussion against Green Bay punctuated a three-game losing streak.

While his arm talent and big-game poise are evident, durability remains a significant concern. So does the inconsistency.

The Main Alternatives

So, just who in the hell are we talking about here? Unless Minnesota’s messaging has misled the masses, the Vikings’ next quarterback — the guy to accompany McCarthy this summer — will very likely be a man from these lists.

The first tier — the preferred one — based on recent tea leaves:

• Daniel Jones
• Mac Jones
• Kyler Murray
• Geno Smith
• Tua Tagovailoa
• Malik Willis

Our Janik Eckardt noted on Murray this week, “Murray, once a 1st overall pick, had a promising first three seasons in the NFL, but never made the next step from Pro Bowler to superstar. Injuries then derailed his career, as he has only played more than 11 games once over the last four years. Still, when healthy, Murray is arguably the most skilled signal-caller on the market. He just scored 26 touchdowns in 2024.”

“Bringing in an experienced veteran such as Murray or Smith would allow Minnesota to maintain its long-term investment in McCarthy while raising the floor of the position in the short term. With head coach Kevin O’Connell under pressure to win now and the roster otherwise competitive, a veteran bridge or challenger appears far more likely than handing the job to an unproven starter without competition.”

Then, the fallback options — Tier 2:

• Kirk Cousins
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Joe Flacco
• Will Levis
• Marcus Mariota
• Anthony Richardson
• Aaron Rodgers
• Russell Wilson

Thankfully, it’s an advantageous offseason for a team to need this style of quarterback — either a home run hitter like Murray to win the QB1 job in Minnesota outright or a Cousins-like passer to push McCarthy to the limit this summer.

And per Cowherd, McCarthy’s days are numbered.

Elise Hughes says Wales will aim to win every remaining game in their Women's World Cup qualifying group after they salvaged a draw against the Czech Republic.

Hughes came off the bench to head in a 93rd-minute equaliser as Wales drew 2-2 in their opening game on the road to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Rhian Wilkinson's team were short of their best in Uherske Hradiste but dug deep to claim a potentially vital point in Group B1.

Wales and the Czechs are expected to compete for top spot, with both nations now facing two winnable games against both Montenegro and Albania before they do battle again in Cardiff in the final group game in June.

Rhian Wilkinson's team will look to get their first victory on the board when they take on Montenegro in Llanelli on Saturday (16:30 GMT).

"There's no excuses for us not try to win every game in this group and we'll go home, reset and look forward to playing at home again," said Charlton Athletic striker Hughes.

"We're looking to put things right and get three points and then end this camp on a high."

• Wilkinson savours 'big' result after opening draw
• Wales salvage late draw in Czech Republic

There is no automatic World Cup qualification route available to Wales because they are not in League A, meaning Wilkinson's side may have to come through three play-off ties to book a place in Brazil.

Finishing top of the group would be significant because it would ensure Wales' first-round play-off would be against a side who finish second or third in a League B pool.

If they come second or third, they would face a team who finish in fourth place in League A or a Group B winner.

Wales have the advantage in the race to finish top having avoided defeat away from home against the Czechs.

"We've mentioned obviously coming away to places like this is going to be tough to leave with a loss," Hughes added.

"It would have been really disappointing. Obviously we wanted the win but it didn't come and the way the game went we'll take the point and go home."

Qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup has begun. Let's find out how things went for the Juventus players involved in yesterday's national team matches.

We begin with Italy's defeat at home to Sweden, with the Italians conceding after 20 minutes then failing to level the match. Amelia Vangsgaard scored Denmark's second goal, making the score 2-0, before the Danes won 3-1 against Serbia, taking the top spot in the group alongside Sweden, with the Azzurre in third place.

Harviken's Norway were victorious, with the centre back starting her team's away match against Austria (Rusek remained on the bench for the entire match): the Scandinavian team took the lead in the 81st minute, thus earning three important points in a group currently led by Germany, who beat Slovenia 5-0.

De Jong also remained on the bench for the Netherlands' 2-2 away draw against Poland, while Switzerland, featuring Calligaris and Walti, defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 at home.

We close with another success, this one achieved by Tatiana Pinto and Ana Capeta: their Portugal team won 2-0 at home against Finland and are currently in first place in their group.

Al Ahly: Emam Ashour stirs up controversy yet again

Al Ahly: Emam Ashour causes controversy once again

Clearly, Emam Ashour, the Al Ahly star, just can't stop making headlines for all the wrong reasons this 2025-2026 season.

The Egyptian football giant seems to have grown tired of the player’s endless antics and those of his entourage, which are reportedly dampening the mood within the club.

After refusing to travel to Tanzania to face Young Africans in the CAF Champions League, the mercurial midfielder expressed his desire to move to Saudi Arabia.

His brother added fuel to the fire by wishing him good luck at his next destination in a post on social media.

This move was poorly received by Al Ahly’s management, especially as the club is preparing for two crucial matches against Esperance de Tunis in Africa’s premier club competition.

All signs suggest that the player is playing his final season with Al Ahly, even though his contract is set to run until 2028.

Signed in 2023 from Danish club FC Midtjylland, Emam Ashour has featured in 95 matches for the Cairo giants, scoring 31 goals and providing 22 assists.

Raphinha proud of Barça despite Copa del Rey exit

FC Barcelona: Raphinha very proud after Copa del Rey elimination

FC Barcelona gave it their all on Tuesday night at Camp Nou, but the fourth goal never came. The result: elimination from the Copa del Rey by Atlético Madrid. Raphinha is proud of his teammates.

Raphinha tried to focus on the positives yesterday despite FC Barcelona's exit in the Copa del Rey semi-final. The Catalan side secured an emphatic 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid in the second leg, but it wasn't enough to overturn the heavy 4-0 deficit from the first match.

"If we play more matches like this one until the end of the season, then we're in for an incredible finish. We just have to keep going and hold our heads high—tomorrow is a new day... I'm proud of this team," the Brazilian winger said.

Kasper Schmeichel will sit out Celtic’s Premiership meeting with Aberdeen at Pittodrie tonight due to a mysterious illness, Martin O’Neill has confirmed…

Kasper Schmeichel looks dejected during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

However, the Hoops boss expects the experienced Dane to be fit for Sunday’s crucial Scottish Cup showdown at Ibrox.

The 39-year-old was absent from last weekend’s dramatic 2-2 draw with theRangers, having previously been named among the substitutes during Celtic’s 1-0 victory over Stuttgart in the return leg of their Europa League play-off. That result sealed a 4-2 aggregate defeat and ended the club’s European campaign.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Schmeichel faced criticism for his performance in the first-leg 4-1 loss in Germany, where some supporters voiced their frustration by booing him. Despite that setback, O’Neill believes the veteran shot-stopper will be ready to reclaim his place when Celtic travel to Ibrox again for the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

In the meantime, the manager acknowledged that the recent run in the side for Viljami Sinisalo has provided the Finland international with a valuable opportunity to stake his claim as first-choice goalkeeper at the Hoops.

Previewing Wednesday’s trip to Aberdeen, O’Neill said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel: “Kasper is still not feeling great and needs time to recover so he won’t be available for tomorrow.”

“In terms of his illness, I’m hoping that the medical team will keep me right and I’m hoping he will be available for then[Sunday].”

Martin O’Neill applauds the Celtic support. theRangers v Celtic. 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

O’Neill added: “It’s an opportunity to see him. He wants to be the number one goalkeeper here for the foreseeable future. I’m not saying he sees himself as that (the number one) but that’s what he wants to be. He has done very well in the games.

“At this minute, he’s taken over from a goalkeeper who has been a terrific goalkeeper throughout his career and one who still wants to do well for the club, himself and at national level to help them qualify for the World Cup.”

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

Viljami Sinisalo has the gloves and has impressed in both matches so far. He will be in goals this evening and with another decent performance should keep the gloves for Sunday’s trip to Ibrox. Kasper may well be back in contention for a place but may have to settle for a place in the bench.

His own personal needs, first team football as he eyes World Cup qualification with Denmark later this month, is and has to be secondary to Celtic’s needs and Martin O’Neill has a responsibility to the club to play his strongest possible team as we look to compete for both the Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership.

Conor Spence

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

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There is no shortage of big names on the books of the two Jeddah giants, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

From Danilo Pereira, Moussa Diaby and Fabinho at Al Ittihad to Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney at Al Ahli; players who have played, and won, at the highest levels of the game in Europe and internationally.

But it’s a pair of fast-rising starlets that are promising to steal the show in the latest installment of the Sea Derby this weekend.

Step forward 20-year-old Valentin Atangana, at Al Ahli, and 21-year-old Mahamadou Doumbia of Al Ittihad. Both enterprising central midfielders, each are playing an increasingly influential role for their sides this Roshn Saudi League season.

Al Ittihad waved farewell to N’Golo Kante last month, a FIFA World Cup winner so influential to their title-winning success last term. Yet they did so safe in the knowledge they had a readymade replacement to fill that substantial void.

Since arriving in September from Belgian side Royal Antwerp, Doumbia was understandably behind the legendary France international in Al Ittihad’s pecking order but, no doubt in that time, he would've learned plenty from Kante.

But since the former Chelsea and Leicester City star departed for Turkiye and Fenerbahce, Doumbia has really made that central midfield position his own.

The Mali international’s display against Al Hilal in the recent Saudi Clasico underlined just how pivotal Doumbia has become to manager Sergio Conceicao. Down to 10 men after the early dismissal of Hassan Kadesh, the impressive youngster put in a mighty shift to haul Al Ittihad back into the game.

Ultimately, the reigning title-holders shared the spoils with the potential champions in a captivating 1-1 draw.

In that, Doumbia was key: he led the way for Al Ittihad in chances created (three), tackles won (two), recoveries (seven), successful dribbles (three) and total touches (72), while ranking third for completed passes (38). Remember, the Clasico is considered the marquee fixture in Saudi Arabian football.

Tellingly, it was a commanding performance from someone so young - one of Doumbia's 13 RSL appearances this season - and almost signified a changing of the guard at Al Ittihad. That is, with Kante departed, Doumbia sits now at the heart of the Jeddah giants’ present, and future, fortunes.

The same is true across town at Al Ahli, where Atangana has risen to one of the most important components at the Asian champions as they chase a drought-breaking RSL title.

The French youth international, signed in the off-season from Reims, has clearly caught the eye of manager Matthias Jaissle, cementing his place in the starting XI since the league resumed in December from its break to accommodate the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.

In the recent 4-1 victory against Al Najmah, a result that draw Al Ahli level at the summit with Al Hilal, Atangana was named Man of the Match.

It marked probably his best showing in an Al Ahli shirt: contributing a goal and an all-round impressive defensive display, he led the way for tackles won (two), interceptions (five), and placed second for recoveries (six).

Across the 2025-26 RSL season, Atangana is ranked at Al Ahli behind only Ali Majrashi for tackles (43), while his three goals are second to golden-boot-race leader Ivan Toney. It proves Atangana, still some way shy of his 21st birthday, can get the job done at both ends of the pitch.

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Al Ahli’s title fortunes this season partly rest on Atangana's young shoulders. If he can keep stepping up, and deliver more Man of the Match performances, then the summer signing could be integral in helping lift Al Ahli to a first top-flight crown since 2016.

However, of course, influence can be only partially measured in numbers and statistics; the old fashioned “eye test” remains as important as ever. And anyone who has watched Al Ahli recently will be aware of Atangana’s importance to this team.

The same now applies for Doumbia at Al Ittihad. While Conceicao’s side lie fifth and thus may well be out of the title race, they can still play an impactful role in its outcome. Even though he's played far fewer matches than the majority of his midfield colleagues, Doumbia ranks third among them for ball contacts (950).

However, when it comes to Atangana and Doumbia, it's also the intangibles. It’s the spaces they occupy, the way they move across the pitch, the off-the-ball runs, their ability to connect defence and attack, the flicks and tricks and the confidence with which they perform.

That they have established themselves so swiftly, for players still in the embryonic stages of their professional careers, and at two of the most prominent clubs on the continent, speaks to their respective quality and drive.

What’s exciting, given their tender years, is that there should be so much growth to come in the foreseeable - and for some time to come.

Now, for the first time, they come face-to-face, in what promises to be a box-office battle of twin tyros, admittedly relatively inexperienced but both mightily prodigious.

The individual scrap looks one that will shape, not only this simmering Sea Derby and perhaps this season, but potentially an enduring personal rivalry.

With Atangana and Doumbia at the forefront of the RSL’s brilliant batch of young talents, all you can do is sit back and enjoy what should be a colossal clash this Friday.

Donyell Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, and only Harry Kane has scored more goals than the Dutchman in Europe’s top-five leagues since, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Safe to say Roma striker Malen has had a tremendous impact in the capital, having netted six goals in his first seven Serie A appearances.

Malen’s fantastic Roma impact

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Donyell Malen of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, only one player in Europe’s top-five league has scored more goals since Malen’s debut with Roma, Bayern Munich ace Kane, who has netted nine times. Malen has six, like Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Roma have scored 13 goals in seven league games since Malen completed an initial loan move from Aston Villa, going from an average of 1.2 goals per game in the first part of the season to nearly two goals per game.

Only Abel Balbo (seven) and Gabriel Batistuta (nine) have scored more goals than Malen in their first seven Serie A matches with Roma.

Will Malen join Roma permanently?

UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 02: Donyell Malen of Roma during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AS Roma at Stadio Friuli on February 02, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Malen is the best Serie A player for total shots (36), shots on target (13), shots from inside the box (31, including 13 on target), touches inside the box (70) and expected goals (5.48).

According to reports, Roma have an option to make Malen’s move permanent for €25m in the summer. Their option to buy becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League this season.

It's a goal that doesn't save Liverpool against Wolverhampton

Premier League: Salah finds the net again but...

It was a night of mixed emotions for Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool striker finally broke his long Premier League goal drought, but his team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Salah scored with a trademark finish after capitalizing on a defensive error, proving he still has the ability to make the difference. This goal ends the longest barren spell of his Premier League career (122 days without scoring), a topic that had generated much discussion in recent months.

Despite this personal achievement, Liverpool couldn't hold onto the result. A late goal from Wolverhampton sealed victory for the hosts and complicated the Reds' race for European qualification. For Salah, however, the most important thing might be elsewhere: regaining confidence and stringing together strong performances. His goal could mark the start of a timely return to form as the season heats up.

It's put up or shut up time for teams on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament, as the final week of the men's college basketball regular season arrives.

Those still uncertain of reaching March Madness are feeling the magnitude of the moment, as every result is heightened ahead of Selection Sunday. Most have just a few games left before conference tournaments begin, and one team is already in do-or-die mode.

Title contenders: Why these 11 teams could dominate March Madness

RedHawks' curious case: Why Miami Ohio should — and shouldn't — be in f it loses MAC

Here are the teams on the bubble in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology, and what's ahead of them as they try to secure a spot in the bracket.

Texas A&M

• Record: 20-10 (10-7)
• NET Ranking: 43
• Quad 1 record: 5-6
• Projected seed: No. 11
• Quality wins: at Texas, at Georgia, vs. Kentucky
• Bad losses: at Oklahoma State

A team that started SEC play 7-1 is in trouble with a 3-6 record in its past nine games, although it did just beat Kentucky. What's really hurt Texas A&M is it doesn't have a major win as no victory came against a ranked foe. The Aggies don't have to feel entirely scared of their outlook, but it needs to beat LSU (March 7) and win one SEC tournament game to feel comfortable.

Auburn

• Record: 16-14 (7-10)
• NET Ranking: 38
• Quad 1 record: 5-11
• Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
• Quality wins: vs. St John's (neutral), vs. Arkansas, at Florida
• Bad losses: vs. Mississippi, at Mississippi State

The most polarizing team in the tournament conversation, Auburn is in the field thanks to a strong NET ranking and some major victories, even though it doesn't have a record of a March Madness contender. Projected to make the field, the Tigers can't afford more losses to squeak into the bracket. Regardless of what happens, they will be a major talking point.

Santa Clara

• Record: 24-7 (15-3)
• NET Ranking: 41
• Quad 1 record: 1-5
• Projected seed: No. 11 (First Four)
• Quality wins: vs. Saint Mary's
• Bad losses: vs. Loyola Chicago (neutral), vs. Arizona State (neutral)

The Broncos finished the regular season in third place of the West Coast Conference. Even though it has the dreaded Quad 4 loss, Santa Clara was able to get a win against co-conference champion Saint Mary's. It doesn't play until the WCC quarterfinals March 8, and it must win that game to feel confident. If it's able to beat the Gaels to advance to the title game, that could lock up a spot.

UCLA

• Record: 20-10 (12-7)
• NET Ranking: 39
• Quad 1 record: 4-8
• Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
• Quality wins: vs. Purdue, vs. Illinois, vs. Nebraska
• Bad losses: vs. California (neutral), vs. Indiana, at Minnesota

Just when UCLA was getting off of the bubble thanks to a big win against Illinois, the Bruins rejoined the group with a road loss at Minnesota. Luckily, they returned home for a major beatdown of Nebraska to push them back in comfortable territory. Now beat crosstown rival Southern California on March 7 to boost the Quad 1 record and UCLA is feeling good going into the Big Ten tournament.

New Mexico

• Record: 22-7 (13-5)
• NET Ranking: 42
• Quad 1 record: 2-5
• Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
• Quality wins: at Virginia Commonwealth, vs. San Diego State
• Bad losses: at New Mexico State, vs. Boise State

The Lobos could really have used a win at Nevada to boost the Quad 1 record, but they responded emphatically to beat San Diego State at home in what was a major bubble battle, a key reason New Mexico is in the projected field. Now Eric Olen's team has to beat Colorado State (March 4), and a major test awaits in a trip to Utah State (March 7), where it can clinch a share of the regular season title.

Indiana

• Record: 17-12 (8-10)
• NET Ranking: 40
• Quad 1 record: 2-11
• Projected seed: First four out
• Quality wins: vs. Purdue, at UCLA
• Bad losses: at Minnesota, vs. Northwestern

After riding high to start February, the Hoosiers came crashing down with four straight losses. Yes, three of them came against top-15 teams, but the home defeat to Northwestern was inexcusable and really set them back. Now Indiana has to win its last two, which won't be easy; playing a sneaky Minnesota team (March 4) and then at Ohio State (March 7) in a massive bubble game.

San Diego State

• Record: 19-10 (13-6)
• NET Ranking: 44
• Quad 1 record: 2-6
• Projected seed: First four out
• Quality wins: vs. Utah State
• Bad losses: vs. Troy, vs. Grand Canyon (twice), at Colorado State

You can look at San Diego State's recent results with glass half full or glass half empty. Positive is it beat Mountain West leader Utah State and Boise State for two Quad 1 wins. The negative is it's the Aztecs' only wins in the past five games, with a really bad performance in the rematch with Boise State. SDSU remains in limbo, and it needs at least two more wins to creep back in the bracket projection.

Virginia Commonwealth

• Record: 23-7 (14-3)
• NET Ranking: 47
• Quad 1 record: 1-5
• Projected seed: First four out
• Quality wins: vs. South Florida (neutral)
• Bad losses: at George Mason

Getting a win over Saint Louis would've been a major boost for the Rams, but they were unable to cash-in on their second opportunity. After avenging a loss to George Mason, VCU gets an excellent chance to add a Quad 1 win in the regular season finale at Dayton (March 6), though it's far from done since it will have to put up a solid showing in the Atlantic 10 tournament.

California

• Record: 20-9 (8-8)
• NET Ranking: 63
• Quad 1 record: 4-4
• Projected seed: First four out
• Quality wins: vs. UCLA (neutral), vs. North Carolina, at Miami
• Bad losses: vs. Pittsburgh, at Kansas State, at Florida State, at Syracuse

All of the momentum Cal built was immediately eviscerated with a horrible double-digit Quad 3 home loss to Pittsburgh. The Golden Bears couldn't afford it as their NET ranking is already extremely high, and it now must win its last two games at Georgia Tech (March 4) and Wake Forest (March 7) before making considerable noise in the ACC tournament to move up the bubble.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness bubble watch for final week of regular season

With five teams ranked in the top seven in the latest AP poll, the SEC looks like the best league in women’s college basketball. South Carolina has wholly dominated the conference tournament across the last decade, but the 2026 bracket is full of viable new champions.

To pull off the rare tourney four-peat, Dawn Staley’s program must get past the likes of Texas, Vanderbilt, LSU and Oklahoma. There’s a lot to watch for as these 15 matchups go down between Wednesday and Sunday. Check back here to get each day’s schedule and the updated scores.

How to watch the SEC women’s basketball tournament

Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena — Greenville, S.C.

Dates: March 4-8

TV: ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network

Streaming: Fubo (Stream Free Now!)

Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.

All ESPN programs, including SEC Network, are also available on ESPN Unlimited.

The tournament is technically at a neutral site, but South Carolina will have ample support in the stands — campus is about two hours from Greenville. The Gamecocks enter as the top seed again, taking the regular-season title behind a 15-1 record in the SEC.

Barreling sophomore forward Joyce Edwards leads the Gamecocks at 19.8 points per game. Elsewhere, senior big Madina Okot tops the SEC in total rebounding, while junior guard Tessa Johnson paces all shooters in 3-point percentage. Staley deploys a long, balanced rotation, with five players averaging in the double figures.

South Carolina toppled Texas in last year’s tournament finale. This year’s Longhorns seek revenge, and they have the talent to make a run through the bracket. Vic Schaefer’s side beat the Gamecocks in November in what was technically a nonconference matchup in the Players Era Championship, and then played them to a three-point finish in January. After that, UT went 10-1 down the stretch.

Madison Booker, an All-American last season, has juiced her scoring to 18.8 points per game. The junior steadies the offense with her silky midrange jumper. Over in the backcourt, senior playmaker Rori Harmon generates assists and steals with two-way pressure. Disciplined Texas leads the SEC in scoring defense, and it gives up the fewest turnovers.

This season’s breakout has been Vanderbilt, a program that hasn’t made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament since 2013. Shea Ralph coaches a Commodores core headlined by Mikayla Blakes, the national scoring leader. Her sophomore effort has been a true three-level success. Through her last seven contests, Blakes is at an absurd 33.7 points per game on 51/50/90 shooting splits.

With Kim Mulkey on the sideline, LSU has been a March fixture. The current group has the conference’s highest-scoring offense and is its most efficient member from 3-point range. MiLaysia Fulwiley averages an impressive 4.5 stocks per game (steals + blocks). The junior stopper was on South Carolina’s national championship outfit in 2024, but has been shining in purple and yellow this season.

Senior Flau’jae Johnson was just named a first-team All-SEC selection for the second year in a row. She was a freshman when LSU won it all in 2023, and has a chance to end her collegiate career on that same high.

Oklahoma also has intriguing upside. The Sooners beat mighty South Carolina in an overtime marathon on Jan. 22. Jennie Baranczyk’s squad races past competition with the league’s fastest pace. Freshman Aaliyah Chavez is playing well beyond her years, and senior Raegan Beers boasts the SEC’s best effective field goal percentage for a second straight campaign.

With 16 entrants, the SEC tournament uses a double-bye system. The top four seeds — South Carolina, Vandy, Texas and LSU — are sent right to the quarterfinals. The fifth through eighth seeds — Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Georgia — start in the second round.

Tournament schedule

All times ET. Conference tournament seedings are also listed.

Wednesday, March 4 – First round

Broadcaster: SEC Network

Game 1: No. 16 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Kentucky, 11 a.m.

Game 2: No. 13 Mississippi State vs. No. 12 Florida, 1:30 p.m.

Game 3: No. 15 Auburn vs. No. 10 Texas A&M, 6 p.m.

Game 4: No. 14 Missouri vs. No. 11 Alabama, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 5 – Second round

Broadcaster: SEC Network

Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. No. 8 Georgia, 11 a.m.

Game 6: Game 2 winner vs. No. 5 Oklahoma, 1:30 p.m.

Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. No. 7 Ole Miss, 6 p.m.

Game 8: Game 4 winner vs. No. 6 Tennessee, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 6 – Quarterfinals

Broadcaster: ESPN, SEC Network

Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. No. 1 South Carolina, noon (ESPN)

Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. No. 4 LSU, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. No. 2 Vanderbilt, 6 p.m. (SECN)

Game 12: Game 8 winner vs. No. 3 Texas, 8:30 p.m. (SECN)

Saturday, March 7 – Semifinals

Broadcaster: ESPN2

Game 13: Game 10 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 4:30 p.m.

Game 14: Game 12 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 8 – Championship

Broadcaster: ESPN

Game 15: Game 14 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 3 p.m.

Last 10 SEC tournament champs

2025: South Carolina

2024: South Carolina

2023: South Carolina

2022: Kentucky

2021: South Carolina

2020: South Carolina

2019: Mississippi State

2018: South Carolina

2017: South Carolina

2016: South Carolina

Ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process, and do not review stories before publication.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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The Brazilian football transfer window has come to an end, consolidating yet another period of high investments by Série A clubs.

In total, R$ 1.586 billion was spent on signing 157 players, according to data compiled by ge.

Although the amount did not surpass the absolute record set at the start of 2025 (when investments exceeded R$ 1.8 billion), the current window marks the fifth consecutive time that the billion-real barrier has been broken in Brazilian football.

Top 3 Biggest Spenders

Flamengo led investments by a wide margin. With the most expensive window in its history, the Rubro-Negro shelled out more than R$ 341 million.

There were only three signings, but with hefty sums: goalkeeper Andrew, defender Vitão, and midfielder Lucas Paquetá – the latter becoming the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football (around R$ 260 million).

Palmeiras came in second, investing around R$ 192 million.

Interestingly, Verdão was the club that signed the fewest players in Série A, prioritizing quality over quantity with the targeted arrivals of midfielder Marlon Freitas and playmaker Jhon Arias.

Cruzeiro rounded out the podium with investments around R$ 174 million.

The overwhelming majority of this amount (97%) was allocated to the purchase of midfielder Gerson, who, until Paquetá’s arrival at Fla, held the title of the most expensive signing in history.

Raposa also brought in four other reinforcements.

Other Market Highlights

• Fluminense: The Tricolor spent R$ 151 million on five signings, highlighted by the arrival of striker Rodrigo Castillo for US$ 10 million, the most expensive purchase in the club’s history, finalized on the last day of the window after drawn-out negotiations with Hulk and Bouanga.
• Grêmio and Santos: The Imortal brought back midfielder Tetê in the biggest signing in its history, while Peixe focused on blending youth with the experience of names like Rony, Lucas Veríssimo, and the return of Gabigol.
• The most active in signings: While Fla and Verdão spent big on a few names, Remo and Mirassol were the most active in the market by volume, bringing in 18 players each.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Atletico Madrid stalwart Marcos Llorente has hinted that his career may not extend much longer for a second time in recent weeks. The 31-year-old has admitted that he has no desire to prolong his career longer than he feels necessary.

Llorente posted on social media in a Q and A session on Instagram recently that ‘the day will come when football will not be rewarding for me, and it will be sooner rather than later’, sparking talk about his future. It was part of a larger answer detailing the mental and physical toll on an elite athlete. Currently, he is under contract with Los Colchoneros until 2027, which is less than 18 months from expiring.

Llorente hints at retirement for a second time

Image via SportLife

Following Atletico Madrid’s progress to the Copa del Rey final on Tuesday night, after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona, Llorente was asked about his comments. He had the following to say to Diario AS.

“I’m getting older, and I’m sure I won’t be someone retired by their body. Before then, everything about football will cease to be worthwhile for me. Football isn’t healthy, it’s about performance, and that’s not the same as health. Extreme physical stress, travel, media pressure, constant micro-injuries, disrupted circadian rhythms… Not to mention the frequent need for painkillers just to be able to play. This isn’t designed to optimise longevity, but to win.”

“Everyone has their own preferences, their own economic needs to be happy, their own levels of achieving professional goals, and I think that, no doubt, sooner rather than later, that will come to me. Before my body forces me to retire.”

Llorente has been a stalwart for Diego Simeone

A known health fanatic, Llorente is just 31 years of age, and while retirement at that age could have been considered relatively normal two decades ago, most players tend to continue into their mid-, if not late, thirties. Advances in sports science, conditioning and recovery work have allowed players to extend their careers beyond the norm.

Since arriving from Real Madrid in 2019 for €30m, Llorente has been one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted players. Initially a defensive midfielder, he was then used as a goalscoring threat getting into the box, and since the departure of Kieran Trippier, most often as a right-back. In total, he has played 286 times for Atletico, scoring 35 times and giving 43 assists.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has claimed Chelsea should be worried about Everton in the race for Champions League football.

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The Blues dropped to sixth place after their defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, but have the chance to move into fifth on Wednesday night.

Chelsea travel to Aston Villa in a huge game, which could have big permutations in the race for Champions League football.

Steven Gerrard claims Chelsea should be worried about Everton

The Blues are currently three points behind fifth placed Liverpool, who’ve played a game more, whilst they are six points behind Villa and Manchester United.

Champions League qualification is said to be critical for Liam Rosenior, and defeat could potentially be the fatal blow in their hopes of a top five finish.

Everton are having a good season under David Moyes. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

More dropped points and instead of looking up the Blues will be looking behind them, with Everton now just two points adrift.

Speaking after Liverpool’s loss to Wolves, Gerrard claimed the Toffees could put pressure on the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

“Yeah, really good [season],” he told TNT Sports.

“David Moyes has been brilliant for Everton. They’ve done really well, I’m sure they’re going to sneak into the back door for those European places.

“We know he likes the Conference League. He’s done it before, so I think they are going to put the pressure on the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Brentford.”

Chelsea face the Everton later this month

Everton are quietly having a very good season, with former Chelsea man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall leading the charge.

More Stories / Latest News

“I think they are going to” – Steven Gerrard warns Chelsea to be wary of surprise team in top five race

4th Mar 2026, 10:15am

Journalist reveals internal feeling at Chelsea over how many wins they need to finish in the top five

4th Mar 2026, 09:45am

The Telegraph reveal internal feeling at Chelsea over prospect of no Champions League football

4th Mar 2026, 09:15am

Chelsea face Everton later this month, which depending on how the next few results go could be a huge game in the race for the top five.

The Blues didn’t have the best record at Goodison Park, and will be hoping their fortunes change at the Hill Dickinson stadium.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

St Mirren fans, we asked for your views on Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

Douglas: Everyone knew it would be an untidy game due to the moon-like surface of the pitch, but it will go down in the records as a very ugly win for United where neither team deserved a victory, never mind a defeat. Both teams were as bad as each other. We have lost the knack of pressing the opposition into mistakes and maybe teams have now learned how to counter us.

John: I hate saying this but in any other season the manager could be going into a cup tie on Sunday against a Championship side knowing a loss would see him out of a job. The League Cup win is keeping him in the post, but with only five league wins in the season, sad to say the clock is ticking. We continually look disjointed, always seem to shoot ourselves in the foot, and the football is absolutely terrible.

Frank: Worried. I can't see we're a win is going to come from.

Alan: Just when you think things can't get any worse we go ahead and mess up even more. Marcus Fraser I'm sorry to say needs time on the bench. What Alex Gogic was thinking claiming for offside as the ball is punted into the box is criminal. We will be lucky to get anything from our next four league games.

Chris: Last night was an opportunity to put breathing space between us and Killie but as expected, we couldn't take it. I believe Killie are too strong now to finish in the play-off spot, and while Livingston are 10 points behind us, I wouldn't rule them out in catching us. We have Rangers, Falkirk, Aberdeen and Celtic next, and I'm struggling to see where we pick up any points. We have no style or system in place, and that's even more worrying than the results. Something has to change, the fans are losing patience in the squad and even Robinson.

TOKYO (AP) — It's officially named the World Baseball Classic. But for the Group C games in Japan, simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani's life-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys — about $125 each — dominate the adjacent merchandise center. Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group.

Japan is the defending champion and is expected to claim one of the two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.

Ohtani skipped batting practice on Wednesday, surely disappointing several hundred fans who were in the stadium expecting a show. He's just saving himself and is 0-for-5 since arriving in Japan and playing in exhibition games against Japanese league teams.

“Every time I join (the Japanese team) there are younger and younger players -- younger players are increasing,” Ohtani said, speaking in Japanese at a brief new conference.

“So I feel I’m getting old," the 31-year-old superstar added.

Japan is not only a favorite to advance, it's also possible it will again meet the United States in the final in Miami. Three years ago, Japan defeated the Americans 3-2 when Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to end a dramatic game that gave the WBC a huge popularity boost.

Ohtani is expected to only bat for Japan, not pitch as the Los Angeles Dodgers want to save him for the season. But he left the door slightly ajar before leaving spring training in Arizona.

Asked if he might attempt to pitch, he replied: “It’s hard to say. But if (Mike) Trout shows up, it’s tempting,” he said, speaking through interpreter Will Ireton.

Trout will not be playing this time for the United States because of insurance issues, which have kept several players on the sidelines.

Travis Bazzana will be the second baseman for Australia. He was selected by the Cleveland Guardians as the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft, the first from his country to occupy that spot.

Ohtani is his role model, as he is for many other younger players.

“I personally believe he is the greatest of all time,” Bazzana said. "He epitomizes the work ethic and mastering his craft in baseball. That is someone I look up to, but when it comes to that game in a couple of days — you can’t focus on who's across the field."

Japan has a powerful batting lineup led by Ohtani and other MLB big hitters: Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and Seiya Suzuki. The pitching staff has lost some stars from 2023 including with Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga and Yu Darvish.

The pitching anchor will be World Series MVP and Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

“It’s a chance to go up against the best team in the world and it's a special event going against Ohtani,” said Australian manager Dave Nilsson, a former all-star catcher with the Milwaukee Brewers.

“It’s going to be a big moment for the fans and for Japan,” Nilsson added. "We’re not going to get caught up in the sideshow.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Amad Diallo started the first six matches under Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick but dropped to the bench against Crystal Palace last weekend. The Ivorian has experienced testing times at the Theatre of Dreams since arriving in 2020 before eventually finding his place in the starting XI under former manager Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese deployed Amad in an unconventional right wing-back role, where he proved to be a revelation. Amorim’s departure did raise questions about the 23 year old’s involvement, especially since the team reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Carrick.

However, the Englishman opted to use the Ivorian in attack, where his pace, trickery, and work ethic were a boon for the Red Devils. While Amad’s all-round game drew praise, he failed to register a goal or an assist under Carrick, and subsequently had to make way for the red-hot Benjamin Sesko against Palace last weekend.

The Slovenian responded to his first start under the English manager by scoring the winner against the Eagles. Amad replaced Sesko in the 75th minute and was lively once again, although he failed to score. Nevertheless, Carrick has now spoken highly about the Ivorian.

No concerns about game time

Speaking ahead of the game against Newcastle United on Wednesday, as cited by the club’s website, Carrick said that he was not worried about how Amad would respond to losing his place in the starting XI. He said: “Amad has been massive for us. Massive for us. So, it’s not a major downside that he didn’t start.”

“He’s a big player for us. That’s our approach to it and the boys have been fantastic. I know it’s ended up keeping consistency with the team but it doesn’t mean we can’t change things around or mean it’s a big fall-out or someone has had a bad game so they’re out of the team.”

“It’s not necessarily that at all. The boys have been really good and the flexibility and rotations means we can change things around that’s great for us.”

Amad has registered two goals and three assists from 23 games in all competitions for United this season, all but two of which were starts.

Amad Diallo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

A dream to work with

Carrick went on to reveal that the Ivorian is a dream to work with, adding: “He’s another one, Amad, who is such a dream to work with. His attitude is so positive. He wants to learn, he wants to keep pushing.”

“He asks for more – ‘what can I do more?’ or ‘how can I improve?’ He is desperate to do well and has been a huge part of the team.”

“It will be the eye-catching bits sometimes, the bits we know he can bring, but, other times, it’s his work off the ball, defending. It’s huge to be able to do that for that kind of player. So he’s got a lot of attributes, Amad, and the way he came on didn’t surprise me. He’s been so positive all week so it didn’t surprise me.”

Final Thoughts

Amad’s directness and trickery provide a balance in United’s attack that will be vital in their quest for a top-four finish this season. With the Red Devils expected to fight on four fronts next campaign, the Ivorian will also provide much-needed cover to the frontline.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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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

1. FC Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok is under increasing pressure, with the Bundesliga club having won just two of their last 15 matches.

According to Sport Bild, the 44-year-old has been handed an ultimatum by the club's management: in the next three games, Köln must collect at least four points, or Kwasniok's tenure will come to an end.

Before the international break, the Billy Goats face Borussia Dortmund at home and Hamburger SV away before a home derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Augsburg saw Köln drop to 13th in the Bundesliga table.

Kwasniok was appointed coach before the start of this season.

Date, time, channels and head-to-head history for Al Ahly vs Al Mokawloon

Al Ahly/@caf

With their backs against the wall, Al Ahly will look to reignite their title challenge in theEgyptian Premier League as they host Al Mokawloon in a crucial match counting for the 19th round of the competition.

Trailing their eternal rivals Zamalek by three points, the African Club of the Century must secure a victory if they hope to keep their title hopes alive.

Another slip-up could dampen the mood in the squad, just days before their double-header against Espérance de Tunis in the CAF Champions League.

Date and kick-off time for Al Ahly vs Al Mokawloon

This tantalising Egyptian Premier League fixture is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, with kick-off at 19:30 GMT.

Where to watch Al Ahly vs Al Mokawloon?

The clash will be broadcast on ON Sports TV channel, as well as several other platforms.

Head-to-head record

The two sides have met 91 times in the past. Al Ahly have claimed victory 64 times, compared to 9 wins for Al Mokawloon, while 18 encounters have ended in a draw.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, after an up-and-down start due to his recovery from a torn rectus femoris tendon, has taken over as a starter for this Roma side, finding consistency and leadership, becoming increasingly central to the team’s playing career.

A significant and constantly increasing statistic, his assists, testifies to this progress, placing him among the greats of Roma’s history.

According to Transfermarkt data, the milestone was reached in the match against Cremonese, on matchday 26 of Serie A.

With his assist for Bryan Cristante, Pellegrini provided his 61st assist for Roma, becoming the second-highest assist provider in Roma history.

He surpasses Daniele De Rossi, who stands at 60.

Only Francesco Totti, the unrivaled leader with 205 assists, remains ahead of him.

This is a testament to the former captain’s greatness and the profound impact he has made on the club’s history.

But Pellegrini didn’t stop there. In the last match against Juventus, he provided another assist, one for Evan Ndicka’s goal, bringing his total to 62 career assists for Roma.

In a crucial season for securing a Champions League spot and with the race for the Europa League still in full swing, the number 7 has taken center stage for his legacy in Roma’s history.

The forward eyes the Leopards’ den

جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية: أوسكار كابويت يواصل التألق مع لوزيرن في سويسرا

Oscar Kabwit is emerging as one of the most decisive wingers in the Swiss championship since his ambitious move to FC Luzern. The former TP Mazembe player is reaching new heights and proving his adaptation to Swiss football.

Oscar Kabwit has tallied 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 appearances this season. He’s been particularly impressive over the last six matchdays, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists in that span. He makes a decisive contribution every 51 minutes, fully embracing his role as an attacking winger and tearing apart opposing defenses with his pace and technical precision.

The 24-year-old forward also steps up against the league’s heavyweights, finding the net against FC Zurich, FC Basel, FC Thun, and FC St. Gallen. This proves his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.

Since leaving Lubumbashi, Oscar Kabwit has gained consistency, maturity, and efficiency. He plays a bigger role in the team’s game and directly influences the outcome of matches. As a result, his case for a national team call-up grows ever stronger.

Interview

Embattled Chiefs coach urges calm as losing run continues

Photo: Cedric Kaze

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has called for cool heads following their Betway Premiership defeat to Richards Bay on Tuesday.

The Soweto giants fell to a solitary goal from Thulani Gumede, which has them stagnant in fifth place on the log standings, having amassed 30 points from 18 league outings.

Chiefs have now lost four games in a row across all competitions, but the embattled Kaze has urged calm as his and Khalil Ben Youssef's future becomes increasingly uncertain.

“It is a difficult time and sometimes a team that goes through things like that - that's where we need to stay calm, to find solutions because if we start panicking then things can get bad. We need to keep our calm, we need to keep our heads loosened and try to find solutions,” he said.

Reflecting on the defeat against the Natal RichBoyz, the CAF A License holder believes his team suffered from finer details and lack of clear-cut scoring opportunities.

“I would say that we entered the game well in the first 15 to 20 minutes, we were threatening the opponent's goal and after that we started to get a little bit defensive and I believe the threat was every ball they played into our defence . Our defence was a little bit shaky, it wasn't really clean,” Kaze added.

"First half there was not a lot of opportunities for both teams. We came back to the second period, we thought that we were doing good but we felt that we didn't threaten enough their defensive line because probably we had a lot of players that are fit ballers, that have the ball on the feet.

"We didn't make enough runs behind the defensive line. We tried to correct that with the introduction of some players, but unfortunately we conceded a goal in a moment that I feel we were the better team on the field and after that it was a difficult situation. We tried to do everything to come back.

"But after we made our substitutions [Nkanyiso] Shinga got injured and then we had to finish the last 10 minutes of the game with 10 players. It was difficult and it's a disappointing result, but it's a bad moment, we need to keep our heads straight and be calm and work very hard to get back to our good days.

Chiefs will return to action with a clash against Durban City at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 15 March, as they aim to beat the slump.

You started your professional career with Colchester United before moving on to Newcastle United. How did it feel joining such a historic club under Sir Bobby Robson?

“The move really started at Colchester, which is where I started my career. I loved my time there.

We were fighting relegation when Mick Wadsworth came in as coach. One day, he pulled me aside and said, “If you help me keep this team up, I’m going somewhere bigger, and I’ll come back for you.” He did not give me details; just told me it would be a Premier League club.

“We stayed up, and he kept his word. He spoke to Sir Bobby Robson and told him, “You need to look at this boy, LuaLua.” Newcastle started coming to watch me play, but as a young kid, I did not think too much about it. I was just enjoying football.

“At that time, I was actually close to signing for Tottenham. Growing up in East London, it was either West Ham or Spurs, and I loved Tottenham. Most of the players I admired were there. It felt like my dream. But Newcastle made the stronger offer, and I ended up going north. Looking back, I do not regret it.

“Once I understood more about Sir Bobby and the players he had coached, including Ronaldo at Barcelona, I became even more excited. I always saw myself as a skillful player. Knowing he had managed great talents made me believe he could take me to another level. Reuniting with Mick – who later joined Newcastle as a coach – and playing in front of those Newcastle supporters was special.”

“People forget that I did not come through an academy system. I did not have structured youth development like most players. I went from college football straight into Colchester’s first team, and then suddenly I was at Newcastle. I was raw.

“At first, Sir Bobby gave me freedom. He would say, “Just play.” Later, he tried to develop me into a number nine, more like Alan Shearer. That was difficult for me. I was not used to playing with my back to goal. I saw myself as a winger or a number ten. I wanted the ball at my feet and to face the goal.

“It was challenging, but it was also where I learned the game properly. Movement, positioning, using your body, and watching Shearer every day was like going to university. I did not play as many games as I wanted, but I do not complain. The fans appreciated flair and passion, and we had a great connection. Newcastle was my classroom.”

What was it like working with Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth?

“Harry was amazing. Before I joined any club, I always studied the manager. I knew Harry loved flair players and gave them freedom.

“I was supposed to go to Leeds, but I chose Portsmouth because I knew I would play my football there. Some players move for the biggest badge. I moved for the right fit.

“At Portsmouth, I wanted to prove something. I did not want to be seen as just a super sub. I wanted to show Newcastle they had made a mistake by not giving me more games. Sir Bobby taught me structure. Harry gave me expression. Portsmouth was where my Premier League career truly started.

“The fans were incredible. Everywhere I went, I built strong relationships with supporters, but Portsmouth was special.”

“Leaving England was not easy. In 2006, I lost my son, and that changed everything.

“I was injured, under pressure, and mentally struggling. Harry told me he would not sell me to another English club, but he would let me go abroad for a fresh start. That change of environment helped me.

“When I joined Olympiacos, the fans treated me like a hero before I even kicked a ball. Football in Greece is intense and passionate. The love I received helped me fall in love with football again.

“We won trophies and made history in Europe. Nothing replaces losing my son, but Greece helped me heal. It gave me joy again.”

You also played in Qatar. What was that experience like?

“Very difficult. The country is beautiful, and many people were kind, but the people running my club made life extremely hard. After we won a cup, I got injured. They tried to force me to play. When I refused because I was genuinely injured, they made me train with each of the youth teams at all of the different age levels for six or seven months. It was humiliating.

“Financially, it was my best contract. I could have stayed for the money, but I love football. If I do not play, I suffer. So, I left.

“It made me mentally stronger, but it was one of the hardest periods of my career.

“After Qatar, I briefly returned to Olympiacos before receiving another call from my former coach Dušan Bajević, who was then at Omonia in Cyprus.

“I was disappointed because a move to Paris Saint-Germain had fallen through. My country was a former French colony, so playing in France, especially for PSG, would have meant a lot to me.

“But I was not ready to go back to England. When my former coach called and said, “I need you,” I accepted the challenge.

“We did not reach the Champions League, but we won the domestic cup. It was another proud chapter for me.”

“Everything.

“My father was a footballer. His dream was to represent our country, but he never got that chance. So, when I wore that shirt, I was fulfilling his dream too.

“Even though I grew up in England, Congo is in my blood. Seeing what football meant to the people, especially in a country that has suffered, changed me.

“When we won games, it gave people hope. In those moments, they could forget their problems. To give that joy, to wear the flag, and to captain the team is a feeling I cannot fully explain.

“Playing in four African Cup of Nations tournaments was a blessing. It is one of the proudest parts of my career.”

Finally, Lomana, who were the best players you played with and who were your toughest opponents?

“There are so many, it is hard to pick.

“At Newcastle and Portsmouth alone, there were incredible players. Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Kanu, Teddy Sheringham, Robert Lee, Laurent Robert, Kieron Dyer, and Craig Bellamy.

“One special moment was playing in a charity match alongside Ronaldo against Zidane. It was not a competitive game, but sharing a pitch with someone who made me fall in love with football meant a lot.

“If I had to pick the partnership I enjoyed most, it would probably be Yakubu. What a player. We understood each other, and that chemistry was special.

“Looking back, my career was not a straight path. It was filled with brilliance, adversity, freedom, discipline, heartbreak, and redemption. Through it all, one thing remained constant. I love football. If I do not play, I suffer.

President Florentino Pérez is already thinking about next season

Real Madrid: An Italian coach in their sights?

The Madrid club could be set for yet another change on the bench. According to several sources, Real Madrid's management is considering the option of Massimiliano Allegri, a coach with an impressive track record.

Despite Álvaro Arbeloa currently occupying the dugout, results have reportedly not been entirely convincing. President Florentino Pérez is said to be seeking a more experienced option to reignite the club's sporting ambitions. Allegri boasts a wealth of experience, having won multiple league titles with Juventus FC and earning a reputation for a robust tactical approach. His profile could be a perfect match for Real's lofty ambitions.

For now, nothing is official. The Italian tactician is still under contract with AC Milan and has recently stated that he isn't considering a departure. However, Real Madrid's interest could change everything in the coming months. The club is already laying the groundwork for the future. The big question remains: will Allegri be the man to usher in a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu?

Poll

The truth behind the rumors of Ronaldo's departure

Cristiano Ronaldo / @Foot Africa

Social media has recently been flooded with rumors claiming that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Saudi capital Riyadh, after his private jet was reportedly spotted on a flight to Spain.

According to several sources, the private aircraft of the Portuguese star, nicknamed the “Madeira Missile,” took off on Monday night bound for Spain. This information quickly fueled widespread speculation about a possible departure from Saudi Arabia, possibly with his family in tow.

The truth behind the rumors of C. Ronaldo's departure

However, Spanish sports daily Diario AS has refuted these claims in a recent article. The outlet confirms that Al-Nassr FC captain, now 40 years old, is still in Riyadh.

The newspaper also points out that the Portuguese forward is currently nursing an injury and is following a recovery program, which explains his recent absence.

These rumors surfaced amid heightened security tensions in the region, following reports of an attempted drone attack targeting the U.S. embassy in Riyadh.

Meanwhile, renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano was quick to shut down the speculation. On his official X (Twitter) account, he categorically denied any reports suggesting Ronaldo had left for Madrid with his family.

Romano also clarified that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is present at Al-Nassr’s training ground, where he is undergoing recovery after suffering an injury in his last match.

A closer look at Algeria’s choice of opponents

Algeria/@FAF

Algeria’s preparation schedule for the 2026 World Cup is set. The Greens will play three or four friendlies before the global showdown.

Riyad Mahrez and his teammates will take on Guatemala on March 27, Uruguay on the 3rd of the same month, and the Netherlands on June 3. A fourth European sparring partner is also possible.

The Fennecs will kick off their World Cup campaign against Argentina. To prepare for this clash with the reigning world champions, they’ll go head-to-head with Uruguay.

The FAF’s decision to face an American side is all about creating conditions similar to those they’ll encounter against La Albiceleste—similar style of play.

Before that, Algeria will square off against Guatemala. On paper, it’s a manageable opponent, perfect for boosting confidence and giving as many players as possible some game time.

The duel with the Netherlands will help prepare for the showdown with Austria. However, there’s still a missing piece: a clash with an Asian side to get ready for the battle with Jordan.

Ian Wright wasn’t impressed with the performance of Robert Sanchez against Arsenal and believes the Blues need a new goalkeeper.

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Sanchez has improved hugely this season, and has surprised a lot of people by putting in performances many didn’t think he was capable of.

However, in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal he had a poor game, and was certainly at fault for the winning goal from Jurrien Timber.

Ian Wright criticises Robert Sanchez

That performance has once again got people speaking about Sanchez, and whether he’s actually good enough to get Chelsea to where they need to be.

Jason Cundy has claimed Sanchez doesn’t think like a footballer, and he struggled with his feet for the first time in a while against Arsenal.

Sanchez on the whole has had a good season. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Chelsea passed up on the opportunity to sign Mike Maignan last summer, and the goalkeeper question is likely to be asked once again this summer.

The Blues have talented youngster Mike Penders on their books, but it’s unclear when he’ll be ready, and Wright has stated Chelsea need to get a new keeper.

“I don’t know how they’re going to do that with that goalkeeper if I’m totally honest,” he told Premier League productions.

“Because I think that there are so many opportunities where he probably will cost them and he could have cost them today, but I’m looking at a Chelsea side that only needs maybe a couple of experienced players.”

Big summer ahead for Chelsea

The Blues face a huge summer in the transfer market, and Wright feels they need three players in order to challenge.

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“I think they definitely need a goalkeeper, I think the midfield is fine, up front maybe another top striker if they can get that,” he added.

“But I think three additions to that team and I think they’re starting to challenge, no trouble, no problems at all.”

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said his club are ‘destined to suffer’ after they squeezed past Barcelona en route to the Copa del Rey final. Los Colchoneros took a four-goal lead to Camp Nou, but found themselves defending just a one-goal advantage in the final 20 minutes.

After the game, Simeone cut a relieved figure, and admitted that his strategy had been dismantled entirely. In terms of the tie as a whole, Simeone said he was conscious that Barcelona could mount a major comeback, and praised the performances of Pedri and Raphinha, who were not present in the first leg.

“I would focus on the first match. We had an extraordinary first half, with a very high pace and intensity. In the second half, we managed to withstand their attacks, and I left angry after that game. We could have scored another goal; we needed another goal given the way the game was going against us. You might ask how I could be angry after a 4-0 win, but I know what these Barcelona players are capable of; they play brilliantly.”

“Today, Pedri and Raphinha returned, and they are different, they play at a different pace, and they had a good first half. Although it hurts that the goals came from lapses in concentration on set pieces rather than from open play. I thought we defended well overall. I don’t know if the 3-0 goal was offside or not; it put us in a difficult position.”

“I loved Gimenez’s introduction; he gave us maturity and confidence. We couldn’t play the game we would have liked, attacking more down the right flank, like the play between Llorente and Lookman. We couldn’t attack as we would have liked because of their skill. Our people need a final and we hope to give everything to give them what they want.”

‘We’re destined to suffer’

Simeone explained that he felt his side had to do more going forward, but that the suffering very much remains necessary.

“I wouldn’t have taken it, because we needed to and could have played a better game offensively. We’re Atletico, we’re destined to suffer, to always push ourselves to the limit, but I don’t know what it will bring us, but believe me, the journey is fantastic.”

“Our fans needed a match like this. The boys are making an incredible effort to get where our supporters want them to be. Now it’s time to get there in top form, work hard, and eagerly await the final.”

Griezmann’s future amid Orlando City attack

Arguably Atletico Madrid’s best player on the night was Antoine Griezmann, in spite of their offensive struggles. Speculation continues over a potential move to Orlando City, and Simeone was clear that he wanted him to be playing in the final.

“I hope so. He deserves it more than anyone. His performance today was incredible, and his quality and talent will stay with him for the rest of his life. What more can I add to what you all know I feel for him? I love him, I always want the best for him, and I hope he can play in that final.”

Image via Alejandro García / EFE

Simeone: ‘We planned to the game to attack’

The approach Atletico Madrid should take was a major talking point before the game, with such a large lead to protect. Simeone claimed his side had no intention of sitting deep to hold onto their lead, and it was simply what Barcelona forced them into.

“We planned the game to attack. And it didn’t happen, or it happened very rarely. The good thing about this game is that anything you can imagine can happen, or it can’t, because it also depends on the opponent. The opponent was better; they had a very high intensity in the first half. Kounde and Balde had to come off because their effort was tremendous. To compete at the highest levels, you have to play like this, and I think it will be very useful for what’s to come.”

“They took away the time we needed to play. At home, we had that time. We played with a higher intensity then. That’s why we scored four goals. Today it was harder. But I leave with the joy and the great effort of knowing how to suffer. It’s part of this competition when it’s a two-legged tie.”

‘I hope we meet in the Champions League quarter-finals’

The mutual respect between Simeone and Hansi Flick was in evidence again, with the pair seen chatting after the final whistle. If Atletico beat Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona pass Newcastle United in the Champions League Round of 16, the two sides will face off for a fifth and sixth time this season.

“I told Flick they played brilliantly. I hope we meet in the Champions League quarterfinals. I think today, with the score at 3-0, I said: ‘This is Atleti.'”

“Pedri, Bernal… made a tremendous effort. It was difficult to maintain the intensity of the first half. Giménez’s entrance gave us maturity. And that maturity is needed within a team.”

Liverpool made a lot of changes to their team during the summer transfer window with many fans believing that Arne Slot's men would be close to unstoppable.

The arrival of several players such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz made fans believe that they had everything they needed to retain the Premier League title and potentially win the Champions League.

However, due to the amount of time it took their new signings to settle in and the number of injuries the club have suffered, that hasn't been the case.

They're obviously still in the running for the Champions League title but with a game against Paris Saint-Germain in their near future, there's some concern about whether the Anfield outfit have what it takes to triumph.

Liverpool's spending went over the £450 million mark in the summer with some fans wanting even more to be spent.

Slot and Richard Hughes managed to entice most of their transfer targets to L4 but there was the odd one or two that got away.

At the time, the players who got away felt like massive blows but now, it could have ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Liverpool transfer target Rodrygo is expected to be sidelined for 6-7 months with an ACL tear

Rodrygo's future was one of the most talked-about things during the 2025-26 summer transfer window.

From the number of games that he played in the Club World Cup, it was clear that the Brazilian wasn't going to feature in Xabi Alonso's plans as much as he hoped.

Others were often chosen ahead of him which led to teams such as Liverpool and Manchester City being linked with him.

Those rumours have persisted wiThis couth many thinking that a transfer could be on the table in the summer.

However after the latest update that has emerged, it seems like the Anfield outfit have dodged a bullet by not signing the attacker.

Marca outline that Rodrygo has 'suffered a rupture' of his ACL.

The attacker is set to miss the rest of Real Madrid's season with his hopes of appearing in the World Cup in tatters.

This injury also means that he's unlikely to get the Bernabeu exit that he wanted, even though Liverpool will need to add a new attacker to their ranks in the future.

Liverpool must put their full focus on Yan Diomande or Mateus Mane

Alongside their defence, Liverpool's attack have been far from their best.

Players such as Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and even Isak have failed to impress despite Salah and Gakpo playing most of the Reds' games this term.

That's why it's hardly a surprise to see players such as Mateus Mane, Rodrygo and Yan Diomande being linked with a move.

It's clear that Liverpool need to start planning for life without Salah over the next year or so and, if they don't put their full focus into signing one attacker, they'll miss out on their ideal replacement for the Egyptian King.

Both players would cost an arm and a leg to prise away from their clubs but, since they need to gear themselves up to be Liverpool's next Salah, their price tag shouldn't matter.

There's obviously no knowing what Slot and Hughes are going to do this summer but, if the Dutchman keeps his job, it's hard to see why a new attacker wouldn't be at the top of his priority list, especially after the performances his team have put in this term.

Joe Hart believes that Liverpool still have the ‘quality’ to secure Champions League football for next season, despite their current campaign hitting yet another low point on Tuesday night.

The Reds missed the chance to steal a march on positional rivals Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea (all of whom play tonight) by losing 2-1 away to bottom club Wolves, and a win for the Blues at Villa Park would knock Arne Slot’s side back down into sixth place.

Speaking on TNT Sports after last night’s defeat for the Premier League champions, the former England goalkeeper remains confident that the Merseysiders will finish inside the top five, but warned that they ‘need to step up’ in the final few weeks of the season.

Hart still backing Liverpool to finish in top five

Hart said of Liverpool’s Champions League qualification prospects: “The season ebbs and flows. I think they’ve got the quality to do it, if Liverpool find their stride and can put back-to-back wins together like they did [in February]. 

“Previous to this conversation it looked like a dead cert, but that’s just how the season is going at the moment. I think they have the quality and the capability to do it, but they need to step up.

“Talking about the chances they created tonight, I know Arne Slot was saying they created more than Wolves, but they should create more than Wolves. They should be absolutely battering Wolves. Jose Sa has made one very good save, one half-decent save, and other than that I think he had a quiet night.”

(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Liverpool still in control of their own destiny…for now

A run of three straight league wins coming into last night had suggested that Liverpool were regaining momentum at the right time, but that has now been lost after the chastening defeat at Molineux, with the Reds conceding twice from only four shots faced across 90+ minutes.

That Villa and Chelsea play each other tonight – with at least one guaranteed to drop points – is favourable for LFC, but the harsh truth is that we need to take care of our own business and not be left praying for positional rivals to slip up.

Gary Lineker has also backed Slot’s side to finish in the Champions League places, and for now our destiny remains in our own hands, but more results like the one against Wolves would swiftly hand the initiative back to the other teams chasing a top-five berth.

Hart is right in saying that, with all due respect to Rob Edwards’ side, they’re the kind of opposition that Liverpool should be defeating with conviction if they’re serious about qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition in 2026/27.

The Reds have lost nine points with the concession of stoppage-time goals already this season. Add those on to our current total and not only is Champions League qualification a near-formality; we might even be just about still in a title race.

Alas, the battle that LFC face is one that nobody would’ve expected us to be in at this stage of the campaign.

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The Brazilian National Team has suffered a major blow with Rodrygo’s serious injury.

The Real Madrid forward suffered a rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right knee and will need six months to a year to recover, which officially rules him out of the World Cup.

Rodrygo was a central piece in Carlo Ancelotti’s system and the top scorer of the current cycle for the National Team, with eight goals.

Since his return in the match against South Korea in October, he had started in three out of four games.

Playing on the left side in the 4-2-4 formation, but with the freedom to move inside and get into the box, his versatility was one of the Italian coach’s main assets.

Neymar back in the spotlight

With the spot now open, Neymar’s name is gaining traction again, as he has similar characteristics to Rodrygo.

However, Ancelotti has made it clear that Santos’ number 10 needs to prove he is in ideal physical condition.

After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on the meniscus of his left knee in December, Neymar only returned to play on February 15.

Since then, he has played three matches for Santos, unable to prevent the team’s elimination from the Paulistão by Novorizontino, but scoring two goals in the win over Vasco in the Brasileirão.

Another midfielder or a number 9?

Rodrygo’s injury could also change the overall makeup of the final squad list, according to O Globo.

Instead of bringing another forward with the same characteristics, Ancelotti may choose to call up an extra midfielder or a new center-forward.

The first signs of how the Italian coach will solve this puzzle will be seen in the squad announcement on March 16, for the friendlies against France and Croatia.

What will Brazil’s attack look like?

The absence of Real Madrid’s number 10 opens up a range of possibilities for the coaching staff, directly impacting other key names in the squad:

• Gabriel Martinelli: The injury practically guarantees the Arsenal forward’s (current leader of the English Premier League) place in the World Cup squad. He had already played on the left wing in the wins against Paraguay and Chile in the Qualifiers. However, Martinelli has a different profile from Rodrygo, being more of a traditional winger and less versatile in drifting inside, which would require some adjustments from the team.
• Raphinha: The Barcelona player appears as the least drastic tactical alternative. Used to playing on the left for the Spanish club, Raphinha also offers the versatility to play on both sides or centrally. Interestingly, he and Rodrygo have not yet played together under Ancelotti due to injuries.
• Vini Jr: Another option would be to move Vinícius Júnior to the left side. However, this would take the number 7 out of the position where he has performed best under Ancelotti: playing more centrally, close to the defenders, with the freedom to drift wide.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

The shoe is on the other foot this week. Reading snatch victory from the jaws of defeat late on against Bradford City to strengthen their playoff credentials. Ben and Ross discuss the play-style that’s taken Leam Richardson this far with Noel Hunt’s stuttering Reading team, as well as the prospect of the rest of the season without Jack Marriott.

There’s also discussion on Richardson’s recent STAR Q&A, plus news on the upcoming exciting fixtures for the Women’s team.

Thanks as always to our friends at ZCZ Films for sponsoring the pod!

Thank you to The Amazons for providing the theme song! 

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Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he and star player Luka Doncic have a "great relationship" despite a heated exchange between the pair that went viral.

The Lakers were on a three-game losing streak going into Saturday's game at the Golden State Warriors but were leading comfortably when Doncic was replaced late in the first quarter.

The Slovenian, 27, tried to avoid a fist bump from Redick as he walked to his seat on the bench, and the Lakers coach then followed Doncic down the sideline.

The pair exchanged words as Doncic took his seat before Redick turned to walk back towards half court.

As he did, Doncic got back to his feet and said more towards Redick while his team-mate Jarred Vanderbilt stood up, ostensibly to clap encouragement for the Lakers but also putting a barrier in front of Doncic, who sat back down moments later.

Speaking before Tuesday's 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick said: "I don't know why it went viral. It felt very normal to me.

"I didn't think much of it at the time, to be honest with you. I don't think Luka did either."

Doncic had claimed four points and three assists by that point, and returned on Saturday to finish with a game-high 26 points.

The six-time All-Star scored another game-high 27 points as the Lakers won a third straight game on Tuesday to stay sixth in the Western Conference standings.

"He and I have a great relationship," Redick added. "I really value our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen very frequently.

"It's a competition. And there's two guys here who, in this case, are trying to win a basketball game and be on the same page about stuff."

The Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Chicago Bulls 116-108 on Tuesday while second-placed San Antonio Spurs thumped the Philadelphia 76ers 131-91.

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons suffered a 113-109 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers, for whom Jaylon Tyson scored 22 points and new signing James Harden added 18, while the third-placed New York Knicks took advantage with a 111-95 win at the Toronto Raptors.

• Antetokounmpo rusty on return as Celtics beat Bucks

Arsenal continue their Premier League title challenge as the Gunners head to Brighton.

Mikel Arteta’s side moved five points clear of Manchester Cityas they defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.

The title rivals will be kicking off at the same time as City host Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.

Brighton earned a 2-1 win over Forest on Sunday, to relieve some of the pressure on Fabian Hurzeler’s shoulders.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Brighton v Arsenal?

The Premier League fixture kicks off at 7:30pm GMT on Wednesday 4 March.

How can I watch it?

It will be shown on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+.

What is the team news?

Yasin Ayari could be available again for Brighton but Fabian Hurzeler has no new injury concerns to report after naming an unchanged team for the win against Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta said he was hopeful that Declan Rice would be available after the midfielder asked to come off against Chelsea. Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard face late checks.

Possible line-ups

Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Milner, Gross; Gomez, Welbeck, Mitoma.

Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Turning 40 this month, Manuel Neuer faces the decision of whether to extend his contract with Bayern Munich for another year or hang up his gloves this summer, when his contract expires.

According to Sport Bild, there is doubt at Bayern over whether the goalkeeping veteran will sign a new deal, with the magazine describing his chances of extending or retiring as "50-50."

A decision on Neuer’s future could come at the end of March, with a meeting between the player and club expected during the upcoming international break.

Neuer has missed Bayern’s last two games due to muscular problems and is a doubt for Friday’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Jonas Urbig, who has been filling in for Neuer lately, is expected to be given the chance as Bayern's No. 1 if the the 39-year-old decides to retire at the end of the season.

Where to watch Unrivaled championship game: Time, TV channel, live stream for 2026 3-on-3 basketball final originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After several heated matchups in the 2026 Unrivaled playoffs, it's down to the final two. The Phantom and Mist will go head-to-head for the championship Wednesday.

To not much surprise, the top two seeds in the 3-on-3 league have advanced to the title game. Both clinched their spot with thrilling finishes in the semifinals — Breanna Stewart powered a 10-0 run for the Mist that completed a fourth-quarter comeback, while Kelsey Plum hit a game-winning three for the Phantom.

Wednesday's championship game will mark just the second in the history of the women's league. Last year, Rose BC edged Vinyl BC for the inaugural trophy, with stars like Chelsea Gray and Angel Reese on the court. This time, veteran talents will lead their squads in Miami.

You won't want to miss out on this matchup.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Unrivaled championship game, including TV channel and streaming options for the 3-on-3 final.

Where to watch Unrivaled championship game: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: TNT, truTV
• Live stream:DIRECTV

The 2026 Unrivaled championship game will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV for those watching on traditional television. Cord-cutters can also stream the action on DIRECTV.

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live Soccer, MLB, and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

Unrivaled championship game start time

• Date: Wednesday, March 4
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

The title matchup between the Mist and Phantom will take place on Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Sephora Arena in Miami, Florida.

Unrivaled playoff schedule 2026

Saturday, Feb. 28 - First Round

Monday, March 2 - Semifinals

Wednesday, March 4 - Championship

Unrivaled standings 2026

*Playoff team 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter go to the minimum

Chivu thinks about the derby: return leg on April 21 or 22 at San Siro. Lazio-Atalanta for the dream final at 21:00.

Heart of Leao

Rafa is more and more a devil. Contacts to extend to 2030. Top salary to beat Premier League competition.

Kaka: ‘Scudetto, it’s not over. Modric will decide it on Sunday.’

Lady Spalletti

Even Locatelli is ready to sign for the new Juve

Put Totti for dinner

Meeting with Gasp, Roma return really close.

Corriere dello Sport

Coppa Italia, semifinal first leg: it ends 0-0 in Como

Cesc blocks Inter

Vojvoda and Valle waste two big chances: Darmian hits the post, and boos for Bastoni. Chivu’s rotations for the derby. Return leg on April 22. Lazio challenges Atalanta (21:00). The Olimpico is empty due to the fans’ protest.

Allegri, Real try

Florentino’s target

Third attempt: the president already moved forward in 2019 and 2021.

Max trendy again in Madrid

From Xabi Alonso’s sacking to Arbeloa’s failure. In Champions, they risk elimination against Man City. Manoeuvres to reach the coach tied to Milan to 2027.

Fiorentina, what a blow. Kean is injured.

Still problems in his fibula: he must miss Parma and Rakov. Vanoli relies on Piccoli.

Napoli, Conte has closed the home

The point average at home is 2.33 points per game. Now seven games out of 11 away from home. Lobotka alarm.

Tuttosport

Como boos Bastoni too

Coppa Italia: 0-0 in the semifinal first leg. The defender continues to pay for Inter-Juve

Blasts of disapproval every time he touched the ball. Chivu, massive rotations with a view to the derby. Three chances for Vojvoda, Darmian hits the post, and the cautious prevail. Everything is postponed to April 22 or 23. Lazio-Atalanta tonight: Lotito attacks Sarri and Baroni.

Lucio deals with it

Vlahovic and Juve discuss the renewal: Spalletti pushes

The coach is convinced he can take Dusan to higher levels. It’s his first choice for the attack, to be strengthened by another big signing (Kolo Muani or… Malen). Behind the scenes: Juve view the father’s presence at the negotiating table positively. Locatelli 2030: contract ready. Club’s announcement on LinkedIn: seeking a figure specialised in injury prevention.

Simeone: it won’t be a Buongiorno in Naples

Cholito returns to the Maradona on Friday.

The love for the city, the duty of repeating himself and the duel with a granata heart. History and behind the scenes of a special match.

Last night, Barcelona came within one goal of completing the comeback against Atletico Madrid, just a single strike away from levelling the Copa del Rey semifinal tie and forcing extra time. But it was not to be.

Chasing a four-goal deficit from the first leg, the Blaugrana put on a brilliant display at the Spotify Camp Nou, winning 3-0, but ultimately getting eliminated from the cup competition on aggregate score.

Raphinha hopeful for the rest of the season

Despite the exit from the Copa del Rey, Barcelona walked off the pitch at the Spotify Camp Nou with loud applause from the fans, who sang the club anthem at the top of their voice, showing their support for the players.

And, speaking to the media after the game, Barça winger and captain Raphinha thanked the fans for their support and expressed optimism for what lies ahead for the team.

“I’m very proud of this team,” said Raphinha, who scored the second goal on the night against Atletico Madrid.

“If we keep playing like this, we’ll have a spectacular end to the season,” he promised.

Barcelona tried hard and came close. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Raphinha was especially grateful for the support of the fans in a game which marked the return of the Grada d’Animació in the renovated Camp Nou.

“The truth is, I think it’s us who should be thanking the fans; they were spectacular. When we play at home, we need to feel the fans’ support. It’s important for us. I think the fans are proud,” the Brazilian international stressed.

Talking about the game and the result, Raphinha stated: “We gave it our all. Atletico played very well. We did everything we could, we just fell a little short. We’re disappointed not to reach the final, but we have more positives than negatives to take away.

“The intensity we showed, the desire to come back… Atletico sealed the deal in the first leg, we have to acknowledge their merit.”

Concluding, the Barcelona winger noted: “It’s time to keep our heads up. Tomorrow is another day. We have to leave here proud of what we’ve done.

“Now it’s time to think about the weekend. On to La Liga and the Champions League, that’s what we have to focus on.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo

Aron Donnum has missed Toulouse FC’s last two games in Ligue 1 due to an internal sanction, however, he will return for the Coupe de France encounter against Olympique de Marseille, and he is expected to start the encounter. 

Carles Martínez Novell confirmed that Donnum’s sanction was for two games, not just one, meaning that he missed the game against Paris FC, as well as that against Stade Rennais last weekend. Reports suggest that it is a consequence of his behaviour in the dressing room following Toulouse’s defeat to Le Havre AC last month. 

The Norwegian has now served his suspension and is expected to start on the left of Le TéFéCé’s attack. Frank Magri, however, misses out due to an injury. 

Toulouse likely line-up v Marseille

Kjetil Haug; Rasums Nicolaisen, Charlie Cresswell, Mark McKenzie; Dayann Methalie, Cristian Casseres, Pape Demba Diop, Djibril Sidibé; Yann Gboho, Emersson, Aron Donnum. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Los Angeles, Calif. -- LA Galaxy fans were angry at the beginning of the year, or at the very least skeptical. 

Not only had they received the worst news possible just a few days before, that Riqui Puig would miss the entirety of the 2026 season after an ACL injury setback (his second in consecutive years), but they would also not be getting a new number 10 to replace him and orchestrate the attack.

The LA Galaxy had gone in another direction.

News broke that Will Kuntz and the Galaxy were in advanced negotiations for Brazilian Striker João Klauss, then of St. Louis City, to become the team's newest designated player, replacing Puig.

On the surface, there were plenty of questions. 

Would Klauss even start with the Galaxy already having two strikers in Christian Ramirez and Matheus Nascimento (the Galaxy would later cut Ramirez)? 

How would another striker help the Galaxy with chance creation?

Could he stay healthy after injuries forced him to miss time in 2023 and 2024 for St. Louis?

Did Klauss have the offensive chops to “replace” Puig, whom many consider a unicorn in his skill set? 

Pundits and detractors of the deal alike correctly pointed out that Klauss had never scored more than 10 goals in his two seasons in MLS. 

And it's only taken Klauss two games to shut them up.

The Galaxy’s newest DP opened his Galaxy goal tally within 85 seconds on opening day, and LA should have walked away with three points off his game-winner.

He followed that up with a riveting performance against Charlotte. 

Klauss was electric. The striker led the line, led the press, was the epitome of hard work, and seemed to further solidify his understanding with fellow Brazilian Gabriel Pec en route to scoring two goals in the Galaxy’s 3-0 dismantling of the visiting side.

LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney spared the newcomer no compliment.

“He sets the tone. When everybody behind you looks to the guy in front who is working like he's working, you have no choice but to work with him. That's what I love. His mentality has been fantastic,” Vanney said in a post-match press conference after his team's win over Charlotte. 

Both Vanney and Kuntz have spoken several times about the need to have good soccer players and good men, and Klauss fits the mold of the ideal player they've described.

“He's a great guy for our locker room, and when he goes out there, he goes out there to work. He leads us on the defensive side. Never takes shortcuts. Obviously, he's big, and he's strong and hard to deal with for center-backs. I like the work he's putting in,” Vanney said of the tall striker.

Klauss the DP

The work is paying off. 

Klauss now has three goals in two games, leading the league's golden boot race, and was named to the MLS team of the matchday.

It's only taken Klauss two games to become a part of Galaxy history as well.

In the win over Charlotte, the Galaxy set a team record with three goals in the first 12 minutes and 14 seconds of the match (Sanabria 8’, Klauss 11’, Klauss 13’).

Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune

LA Galaxy midfielder Lucas Sanabria (8) celebrates with forward João Klauss (99) after scoring a goal during an MLS game between LA Galaxy and Charlotte FC on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

It was the fastest triple in LA Galaxy history, passing the previous mark set by Ibrahimovic and Pavon on August 25, 2019, in an El Tráfico against LAFC. 

It was also the sixth fastest time to three goals in MLS history.

Not bad at all so far, for a guy considered a replacement player.

But it's no surprise that he's emerged as one of the leaders of this 2026 Galaxy team.

Kuntz knew all along the type of hard-working player he was getting.

“He really is a horse … We spend a lot of time looking at the physical data that the guys have. In terms of output, he works, he presses, by all accounts a great teammate, a guy who can combine,” the Galaxy General Manager explained to MLS Writer Charles Boehm.

Klauss the teammate

But the beautiful part about Klauss is that he's a budding fan favorite, league star, and DP who doesn't need the spotlight.

In fact, the striker seems more than comfortable playing second fiddle to fellow DP's Pec and Joseph Paintsil. 

“They are the stars. They create the most for the team. My job is to make things easier for them,” Klauss explained.

He shared that playing with Pec and Paintsil has been easy because of their quality. The way the attacking trio integrates this year will be pivotal for the Galaxy’s chances. 

But the early returns are encouraging. 

Indeed, the fruits of a budding Brazilian relationship could be seen during preseason when Klauss set Pec up for two goals in one game. 

Against Charlotte, Pec returned the favor.

And although Klauss has been the main man so far this year offensively, the humble giant has deferred to his teammates and propped them up in more than one interview. 

“I think it’s very easy to create relationships with great players, so with their qualities it’s not difficult,” the third designated player said of his fellow DP's.

Klauss followed that up with the words every coach and every fan wants to hear.

“It's not about me. It’s about the team. So that’s the mentality that I try to show every single day and every single game.”

It's only been two games, but Klauss has shut his critics up with his words and actions. 

On the way, he's already become a new fan favorite in LA by doing and saying everything right.

So far. 

After the president of Iran’s football federation suggested the country could boycott the World Cup following the US and Israeli strikes on the country, Donald Trump has said he “really doesn’t care” if Iran play in the tournament.

According to multiple outlets, including the Associated Press, Iran’s top football official Mehdi Taj told sports news portal Varzesh3: “What is certain is that after these attacks, it's hard to look at the World Cup with hope.”

The tournament takes place across multiple cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer. Iran’s group games are scheduled to be played in the US, between Los Angeles and Seattle.

“It's not possible to say exactly, but there will certainly be a response," Taj also said, according to Reuters. “This will surely be studied by the country's high-ranking sports officials and there will be a decision on what's going to happen.”

Fifa continue to monitor the situation. Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said on Saturday: “It's too early to comment, but we will monitor developments around the world that could affect the tournament.”

Iran were the only nation to be missing from a World Cup planning event participating teams, held this week in Atlanta. Trump told Politico on Tuesday: "I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes."

Could Iran boycott the World Cup?

Iran are scheduled to play two World Cup games in Los Angeles and another in Seattle. They will face New Zealand and Belgium in LA on June 15 and June 21, followed by the match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

But little is known about how Iran could respond to the US and Israeli strikes in a sporting context. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has been killed - while Trump has said the strikes could continue for the next four weeks. Iranian officials have ruled out negotiating with the US, as well.

There has never been a boycott of the World Cup on political grounds and the last World Cup boycott was 60 years ago, when African teams refused to play in protest of receiving just one-third of a qualifying berth.

There has never before been a situation where a World Cup host has attacked a qualified team so close to the start of the tournament, with just four months to go before the opening game.

As the Independent’s Miguel Delaney highlighted, several European countries discussed a World Cup boycott when the United States threatened to annex Greenland in January.

Even before the strikes, there was political tension over Iran’s involvement in the tournament due to visa restrictions. The country’s football federation followed through on a threat to boycott Novembers’s World Cup draw in Washington DC.

At the time, Iranian Football Federation spokesman Amir Mehdi Alavi said the US had granted visas to four members of the Iranian delegation, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, but had not issued one to its football president Mehdi Taj.

The boycott of the World Cup draw, Alavi said, followed “unsportsmanlike actions” by one of the host countries.

And the situation has only escalated since then. Athletes, teams members and family members were previously excluded from Trump’s travel ban but the US government could also decide to restrict Iran from competing at all if they cited security risks.

What could happen if Iran don’t play?

In Fifa’s World Cup regulations, published last year and before the qualifying stage of the tournament was complete, it states: “If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the Fifa World Cup 26, Fifa shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”

Iran qualified automatically for the World Cup, with the United Arab Emirates losing out on an automatic qualification spot and subsequently going out in the play-off rounds. In the event of Iran not playing in the World Cup, they would be the closest replacement. Iraq could only be an option, if they do not come through their intercontinental play-off against either Bolivia or Suriname in Mexico later this month.

But the uncertainty in the Gulf as a result of the US strikes means that replacing Iran with either the UAE or Iraq could be far from straight-forward, and Fifa’s regulations indicate that they could do whatever they would like, anyway.

There is some precedent from last summer when Mexican side Club Leon were kicked out of the Club World Cup due to multi-club ownership rules. Fifa then announced a play-off between Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Mexican team Club America which was won by LAFC, granting them access to the tournament.

Fifa’s World Cup regulations also state: “Fifa has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”

Seemingly, there is therefore the possibility that Iran’s games could be moved from the US; but there is also the possibility that the US and Iran could play each other at the tournament. This would happen if both teams were runners-up in Group D and Group G respectively, with that fixture scheduled to be played in Arlington, Texas.

Anger at having been eliminated when just one more goal was needed to force extra time, pride for having stood up and fought until the last minute, absolute faith in a project to fight for it to the very end...

Feelings that in another football match might diverge for both teams, in what happened last night between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid are closer than one might think. Both teams fought yesterday in a clash where football was the main protagonist.

A clash that dominates the front pages this Wednesday.

MARCA

AS

MUNDO DEPORTIVO

SPORT

SUPERDEPORTE

ESTADIO DEPORTIVO

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari said Wednesday her team had "so much concern" about their families at home as war rages with players "fully disconnected" from them during the Women's Asian Cup.

The Iranian team are preparing to face host nation Australia on the Gold Coast Thursday after losing their opening game of the continental competition 3-0 to South Korea.

They will kick off once more with their homeland being bombarded by the United States and Israel.

An internet blackout has made it near-impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, with Jafari thankful for the support they have received from Iranian-Australians.

"We are so happy that Iranian-Australians here support us," she told Australian media.

"Obviously we have so much concern for our families and our loved ones and all other people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with.

"Here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on the match ahead."

Striker Sara Didar fought back tears as she spoke about their worries.

"Obviously we're all concerned and we're sad because of what has happened to Iran and our families and our loved ones," the 21-year-old told reporters.

Asian football chiefs have said they were offering "full support and assistance" to the team, who arrived in Australia just days before strikes killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran made their historic debut at the last Asian Cup in India in 2022, which made them national heroes in a country where women's rights are severely restricted.

mp/mtp

As expected, FC Lorient are expected to name a strong side when they welcome OGC Nice in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France, however, L’Équipe understands that star playmaker Pablo Pagis may not start Wednesday night’s encounter at the Moustoir. 

Pagis may start the game from the bench, as may Noah Cadiou, an imposing midfielder who has excelled for Olivier Pantaloni’s side in recent weeks. In Pagis’ place, it may be Dermane Karim who gets the nod, whilst in midfield, it may be Arthur Avom Ebong who starts alongside club captain Laurent Abergel. 

There are also absences for Lorient to contend with. Igor Silva misses out on this game due to injury, whilst Isaak Touré is not yet ready to make his return to action. 

Lorient likely line-up v OGC Nice

Bingourou Kamara; Darlin Yongwa, Montassar Talbi, Bamo Meité; Arsène Kouassi, Laurent Abergel, Arthur Avom Ebong, Théo Le Bris; Dermane Karim, Jean-Victor Makengo; Bamba Dieng. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

A Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end is now a free agent.

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The Bengals declined to give defensive Trey Hendrickson the franchise tag, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Each NFL team is allowed to grant the option to tag one player with an expiring contract. It allows them to keep them for one more season.

This means that Hendrickson will become an unrestricted free agent.

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He thanked his teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and the organization in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level. The last 5 years have been filled with Great wins & Tough losses, personal achievements & humbling adversities,” said Hendrickson in an Instagram post. “I was & always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo & honor the history behind it.”

The 31-year-old defensive end played in only six games during the 2025 season due to a hip injury.

Hendrickson had 16 tackles, four sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.

He concluded by thanking Bengals fans.

“Thank you for supporting me in the relentless pursuit of winning. You’ve made the Jungle Roar when I hunted QB after QB! Memories of those moments will live in my heart & mind forever. The hard work this city puts in, and its support for our Bengals, made it easy to empty the tank for this fanbase! I could not be more proud of the high standards we have for our city & football team.”

Cincinnati went 6-11 this past season and missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

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Dave Rennie has been appointed the new head coach of New Zealand, becoming the first person of Pasifika heritage to lead the side.

The 62-year-old replaces Scott Robinson, who was sacked in January after two years following high-profile losses to South Africa, Argentina and England as well as reports of tension between senior players and All Blacks staff.

At a news conference in Auckland announcing his appointment, Rennie's opening words in Maori were "Kia orana koutou", which translate as "hello to all" or "hello everyone".

Pasifika heritage encompasses the indigenous peoples of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, with Upper Hutt-born Rennie having Cook Islands links through his mother.

Having beaten Jamie Joseph to the job, he is tasked with taking the country to its fourth World Cup triumph when the tournament gets under way in Australia next October.

However, he will honour his role leading Japan's Kobe Steelers before preparing New Zealand for their July tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

Describing himself as "extremely proud and honoured", Rennie said he was "well aware of the expectations and responsibility of the role" as New Zealand bid for a fourth World Cup success.

"It's a sprint from here," said Rennie.

"We need to get the athletes in the best possible position to execute and play well."

'I've got some firm ideas'

New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk said Rennie's extensive experience had been an important factor in his appointment.

His career includes coaching the All Blacks' great rivals, Australia, from late 2019 to early 2023.

Overseeing 34 tests, he won 13, drew four and lost 18 - giving him the lowest winning record of any Wallabies coach who had taken at least 30 tests.

While the side notched up notable wins over New Zealand, South Africa and France, they also fell to their first defeat to Italy.

Rennie said team culture would be one of his main focuses when he takes the reigns and that he had an idea of changes he wanted to make to the way the team played.

"[I'm] probably not going to go into massive detail around what that is or the changes we want to make because I don't want to throw anyone in the previous regime under the bus," he added.

"I've watched a lot of footy already. I've got some firm ideas around the shifts we can make that'll make us better."

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The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team have conducted a lengthy interview with Peter Lowy, Leeds United director and large investor.

In it, he discusses investing in the club, expanding Elland Road and his childhood love for the Whites.

"I've been a fan since I was a kid and it was hard to be a fan of English football and all leagues living in Australia in the 60s and 70s as we didn't have satellites so you couldn't watch the games," he explained.

"In fact Match of the Day used to be filmed, put on a Qantas flight, sent to Australia so you get to see it there next week. But I fell in love with English football.

"First memory of Leeds was the Revie teams and then the white kit with the smiley badge. When we brought the smiley badge back, it just evokes a feeling of the team and the football that is just inside me. And the way you look at it, I am in love with football and in love with the team and to be in the position I'm in now, it's almost hard to imagine that I could get here."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

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LOS ANGELES - UCLA (20-10, 12-7) took down No. 9 Nebraska (25-5, 14-5) 72-52 for the Bruin's most resounding defeat of a Top 10 opponent this season on Tuesday.

The win has likely made UCLA a lock for the NCAA tournament after hovering on the outside looking in for some time, but it also reveals the trait that the Bruins have been missing the most this season: consistency. 

Tuesday night showed clearly that they have the talent and the drive to play far above what their record may indicate, they just haven't been able to chain together that energy for more than a game or two, especially since conference play began. 

Before praising his own team, head coach Mick Cronin gave a lot of credit to the Cornhuskers for bringing that energy out of the Bruins.

"That's the best we've played all year. They [Nebraska] brought out the best in us," Cronin said. "We went from our worst defensive effort to our best defensive effort."

Senior night magic

Something else was in the air in Pauley Pavilion that could have given the Bruins some extra incentive as well, and it wasn't the looming threat of missing March Madness. 

Tuesday was the last home game of the regular season and Senior Night for UCLA. Although, on a night dedicated to seniors, one sophomore shined brightest as he looked to bounce back after a disappointing performance in UCLA's loss to Minnesota.

"We didn't want out seniors to lose their last game in Pauley," sophomore guard Trent Perry said. "I felt like I let my team down last game in Minnesota [and] faced a different type of adversity... Getting a lot of comments, hate comments, threats and I just felt like I had to come out here tonight and really bounce back for my team," Perry said.

Perry led the team with 20 points while shooting 8-15 from the field. He added seven rebounds and four assists as well and for a while, it seemed like he was the only Bruin who had a three point shot at the ready. 

Moving forward with this energy

The rest of the team found their shots soon enough, though, and by the end of the game shot 46.7% from the field and 34.5% from three. That along with their seriously leveled up defense sealed the victory.

Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune

Tyler Bilodeau #34 of the UCLA Bruins and his parents are greeted by head coach Mick Cronin of the UCLA Bruins during the senior night ceremony before an NCAA basketball game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Tuesday March 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Bruins may have found their groove after Tuesday, and not a moment too soon, but that doesn't mean their trials are over. 

There's still one more regular season matchup, an away game against crosstown rival USC, and after that the Big Ten tournament and March Madness await. 

UCLA tapped into something special on Tuesday and now they just need to hold onto it.

Should they do that, they won't just have earned their place in the playoffs, they'll have proved they can beat anyone.

Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune

Eric Dailey Jr. #3 of the UCLA Bruins dunks the ball over Berke Büyüktuncel #9 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during an NCAA basketball game, Tuesday March 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.

"I think we've just got to take that attitude that we played with tonight... and bottle it up and keep it rolling," junior forward Eric Dailey Jr. said. "Obviously, we've been having the same problems that Coach [Cronin] has been saying, but tonight, this team looked different. The way we played tonight, we keep this same energy and attitude, the plays and the hustle, we'll be fine down the stretch."

Estevao has revealed he chose to join Chelsea over other clubs because he felt he would get more opportunities.

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The Blues fought off interest from a number of Europe’s biggest clubs to agree a deal with Palmeiras for the teenager in the summer of 2024.

Estevao eventually joined Chelsea after the Club World Cup last summer, and has had a positive first season at Stamford Bridge to date. 

Estevao reveals why he chose Chelsea over other clubs

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the biggest talents in world football, and he’s scored seven goals and registered three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Estevao is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but has arguably looked Chelsea’s most dangerous winger this season.

Estevao has scored seven goals so far this season. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

To secure a signing of his calibre was a huge coup for the Blues, and Estevao revealed he chose to join Chelsea as he thought he’d get more opportunities.

“My family went to other clubs but what caught my attention was Chelsea,” he told Sun Sport.

“The project with Chelsea was different because it’s a team that, how can I say, It gives you more opportunities to be in the game.

“I thought Chelsea would be the perfect future for me because it would get me more minutes. I want to be amongst the best players in the world.

“I know my potential and what I can offer to Chelsea and of course to be amongst the best players in the world.”

Geovany Quenda to join in the summer

If one teenage winger wasn’t enough, the Blues have another arriving in the summer in the shape of Geovany Quenda.

Chelsea agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon for Quenda last year, and fought off competition from Manchester United for his signature.

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Like Estevao, Quenda is regarded as a top prospect, and he’s expected to go straight into the first team squad and compete for minutes next season.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

The Minnesota Vikings canned Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason largely because of his inability to come through in the NFL Draft. He was able to identify some key contributors in free agency and uncover some undrafted gems, but picks often went to waste.

Caleb Banks Could Tempt the Vikings at Pick No. 18

Arguably, the best talent Adofo-Mensah unearthed during the April process was late-round kicker Will Reichard. With Kevin O’Connell, Rob Brzezinski, and Brian Flores now speaking most significantly into the roster, they have to get things right.

With the 18th overall pick, the MN Vikings need to land a day-one starter, and Caleb Banks could be that. He may also wind up being someone who can’t stay on the field, and therefore a massive reach. Banks is considered “boom or bust.”

ESPN Insider Jordan Rein put together a two-round mock after the NFL Combine. A pair of popular prospects are now gone before reaching pick 18, but Banks is there. The talented Florida Gator is a menacing presence, but there are serious warts.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is expected to be released and Jonathan Allen could follow, leaving the Vikings extremely thin along the interior defensive line. At 6-foot-6, 327 pounds, Banks is a towering presence who would give Minnesota a key player inside. The Vikings have gravitated toward explosive athletes like Banks, who jumped 32 inches in the vertical and ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Banks has an injury history, but he also has plenty of potential and is an ideal fit in coordinator Brian Flores’ defense.

Jordan Reid – ESPN

Minnesota is already done with Hargrave after just one season. They could also cut Jonathan Allen, as Reid mentions, but the cupboard would be incredibly bare.

Either way, the Vikings need to get younger on the interior defensive line. Banks is an intriguing talent because he’d be an immediate difference maker. The only question is whether he can stay on the field.

After suffering a foot injury during camp and then later breaking it, he played in just three games last season for the Gators. In 2024, however, seven of his 21 total tackles were for losses. He also had a whopping 4.5 sacks.

That sort of production is the stuff that Flores would certainly drool over. He plays in both the run and pass game, and Banks can be a stud up the middle. Minnesota needs to make sure it is getting the guy who started 24 games in 2023 and 2024, rather than the one who missed considerable time throughout his collegiate career.

Real Madrid are still dealing with the aftermath of Monday’s shock 0-1 defeat to Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu. The loss has distanced them from the La Liga leadership battle and added further complications to an already turbulent season.

One of those concerns is the situation surrounding Kylian Mbappe. There has been a lot of uncertainty and lack of clarity surrounding his injury and the manner in which it has been handled so far.

Reports alleged that the French superstar was unhappy with the Real Madrid medical services, which is why he opted to get a second opinion in France, following which the club confirmed that his knee injury was only a sprain that does not require surgery.

Disagreement over when Mbappe can return

Now, according to journalist Anton Meana on Cadena SER, Mbappe’s entourage disagrees with Real Madrid over his recovery timeline.

Mbappe already missed the match against Getafe and the club estimate his recovery at around three weeks. As such, Los Blancos believe he could be available for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City.

Mbappe’s injury is a major concern for Real Madrid and France. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, the France captain’s entourage disagrees with that assessment, suggesting that the forward has a more serious issue than initially indicated, with only 100 days remaining until the World Cup.

“The player’s left posterior cruciate ligament is at its limit,” Meana explained. “We are going to call it a sprain because that is what the medical report says, but the injury is really significant.”

For that reason, the player’s entourage does not accept the recovery timeline set by Real Madrid. His camp insists that the 27-year-old forward needs to recover properly.

Given the situation, the first leg against Manchester City could prove decisive in Mbappe’s decision about whether to accelerate his return for the second leg.

If Real Madrid lose by a sizeable margin at home, it is unlikely that Mbappe will risk his knee to try to overturn it in the return match.

John Aldridge has shared his reaction after Liverpool’s frustrating 2-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

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The former striker posted several messages on X during and after the match, reflecting the disbelief many supporters felt as Arne Slot’s side conceded yet another late goal.

Liverpool had dominated large parts of the contest at Molineux but were ultimately punished in stoppage time by Andre’s deflected strike, leaving the reigning champions stunned despite controlling the game for long spells.

Aldridge reacted almost immediately when Wolves opened the scoring: “I smelt that a while ago! I knew it was coming.”

That sense of frustration only grew as the match reached full time.

The former Liverpool No.8 struggled to explain how the Reds had managed to lose a match in which they were largely on top: “Words fail me folks! Unbelievable what we’ve seen there.

“I’m trying to get my head around how we lost that match? There again, that’s why we are 5th in the league I suppose.”

Liverpool dominated Wolves despite the defeat

(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Looking at the numbers from the match makes the result even harder to understand.

Liverpool finished the game with 66% possession, 19 shots and an expected goals figure of 1.83 compared with Wolves’ 0.44.

Arne Slot’s side also completed 540 passes and created four big chances, yet somehow left Molineux empty handed.

The defeat was made even more painful by the nature of Wolves’ winner, with Andre’s shot taking a huge deflection off Joe Gomez before beating Alisson Becker in the 94th minute.

Pressure grows ahead of Wolves rematch

(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Aldridge later returned to social media to highlight the importance of the upcoming FA Cup tie between the two sides: “Big pressure on Friday!

“If we lose in the league and get knocked out of the fa cup by the bottom team in the league, it won’t lie well with the fans.”

Liverpool will therefore have the opportunity for immediate revenge.

Arne Slot has already admitted the upcoming rematch offers the perfect chance for his players to respond after the disappointment of the league defeat.

While frustration is understandable, the performance itself showed reasons for encouragement.

Liverpool created chances, dominated possession and pushed Wolves deep for long stretches, though Steven Gerrard bemoaned mistakes from key players like Virgil van Dijk.

Injuries have clearly played a role in the recent inconsistency.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz remain key absentees, while Cody Gakpo has struggled for form and Federico Chiesa continues to fail to make a major impact off the bench.

Even so, the broader picture remains manageable.

Liverpool remain firmly in the race for Champions League qualification, and with plenty of matches still to play this defeat will only increase the determination to respond in the coming weeks.

K League 1 returned last weekend and there was plenty of surprises in store for those who caught the curtain-raiser. This week's episode of From Outside The Box takes a look through all the Round 1 action and previews the weekend ahead.

After returning to the commentary booths after a winter hiatus, Matthew Binns, Paul Neat and Alex Jensen talk about shaking off the rust, the perils of the five-minute intro and the mishaps it can lead to.

The trio then go through the four games they commentated on, from Ulsan's mauling of Gangwon, to the headline-grabbing Bucheon FC 1995 and their win over Champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

About the Podcast

From Outside the Box is a relaxed, insight-driven podcast from K League United, proudly sponsored by Record Pizza and TNT FC. 

Join K League TV commentators Matthew Binns, Paul Neat, and Alex Jensen as they draw from their weekly notes, observations, and offer peeks into their behind-the-scenes experiences from the commentary box to break down K League 1, offering onest opinions, tactical talk, and real stories from outside the commentary box, every week.

The first few episodes of this new initiative will also be available on The K League United Podcast stream before switching over to the new channels which you can find below:

Yehvann Diouf has not played in Ligue 1 since making his return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), however, he is expected to replace Maxime Dupé between the sticks when OGC Nice travel to face FC Lorient in the Coupe de France quarter-finals on Wednesday night.

Dupé has surpassed Diouf in the hierarchy at the Allianz Riviera, but Diouf will have the chance to stake a claim on Wednesday night. Nice manager Claude Puel will have to contend with many absentees against Les Merlus. Sofiane Diop is suspended, whilst the likes of Moise Bombito, Isak Jansson, Elye Wahi, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndaysihimiye, and Hicham Boudaoui are all out either due to injury or fitness concerns. It means that Kevin Carlos is likely to lead the line once again.

OGC Nice likely line-up v Lorient

Yehvann Diouf; Melvin Bard, Dante, Kojo Peprah Oppong; Antoine Mendy; Charles Vanhoutte, Salis Abdul Samed; Tiago Gouveia, Tom Louchet, Keil Boudache; Kevin Carlos. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Former Burnley and Brentford defender Ben Mee says Wolves "sensed" Liverpool's weakness in Tuesday's game.

The Old Gold beat the Reds 2-1 to follow up Friday's win over Aston Villa.

"Credit to those Wolves players and credit to Rob Edwards," Mee told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"I think the substitutions made a real big impact in the game. In the last 20 minutes they were magnificent.

"To go on and win the game after conceding the lead the first time was fantastic for them and it's a great atmosphere there when it gets going.

"When you're playing against a top side you want to find a weakness and if you do sense that you definitely want to go and exploit it.

"Liverpool didn't seem to have the pace, intensity and tempo of recent years.

"I think Wolves and Rob Edwards sniffed that out and sensed it as well with his substitutions that were really positive. They got after the game and believed they could go on and win it which they did."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says he would "enjoy roughing up" the current Reds side if he was playing against them today.

In Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at bottom side Wolves, Arne Slot's side conceded an injury-time winner for the fifth time this season.

"It's slow and it's laboured and every time you watch Liverpool at the moment it's like they need to go a goal behind to lift themselves," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"We're so used to watching a Jurgen Klopp Liverpool in the way they play, and even last year I think they played with a better tempo in the way they attacked teams.

"This season it seems they want to control more and it just allows teams to get set.

"I think if you're playing against them and can get back into position quite quickly, then they are actually easier to play against.

"I don't look at this team and think they're hard to play against whereas last season they were and under Klopp they are.

"Right now they seem a little bit soft. I'd enjoy roughing them up if I was playing against them. Every time there's a tackle they're looking round for a bit of protection from the referee and when you see that you think 'we've got them here'."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Remuntada was needed and remuntada it (almost) was. Barcelona wins 3-0 in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, but is defeated in the aggregate.

It is Atlético Madrid under Simeone who will play for the trophy in Seville, after 180 and more minutes of madness. The decisive 4-0 at the Metropolitano effectively booked the pass to the grand final for the Colchoneros, although yesterday was far from a walk in the park for Griezmann and company.

At Camp Nou, indeed, Barça gave it their all, going into halftime with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Marc Bernal and Raphinha. The scenario Flick wanted, with the Catalans having the entire second half to try to complete the comeback. 

Once again, Bernal (yet another product of the cantera blaugrana, just 18 years old) thrilled the home crowd in the 72nd minute, scoring his personal double and bringing the score to 3-0. At that point, anything could happen.

But with the goal from the 2007 class, it wasn't Atlético's hopes that faded, but Barcelona's energy, as they created very little from that moment on, never truly coming close to scoring the goal that would have sent the match to extra time.

Thus, Atlético goes to the final in the most Cholista way possible, with garra and suffering, even after winning the first leg 4-0. For Simeone, it will be the 10th final at the helm of the Colchoneros. It remains to be seen if it will be against Athletic or Real Sos.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

Steven Gerrard and Jermaine Pennant have both called for Arne Slot to hand Rio Ngumoha a starting berth when Liverpool face Wolves in the FA Cup on Friday night.

Round 1 of this week’s Molineux double header between the two teams went the way of the home side, who secured just their third Premier League win of the season with a stoppage-time goal that James Pearce diplomatically described as a ‘mess’.

It was another game where the 17-year-old was brought on in the second half to replace Cody Gakpo, who endured yet another frustrating night in front of goal, and two former LFC teammates now believe that the teenager should get the nod on the left wing when the teams resume battle later this week.

Gerrard and Pennant both call for Ngumoha to start on Friday

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Gerrard stated: “He has to start Ngumoha now. He’s coming on and doing more in a short space of time than Gakpo is doing in 65-70 minutes, so he deserves to start now. He’s got to start the kid on Friday night.”

Meanwhile, Pennant aired similar views on X as he posted: ‘Rio now must start on Friday night. AGAIN did more than Gakpo when he came on than what Gakpo did the whole game. You know why he did more? [Because] he goes to the byline, he cuts inside, he’s not predictable. WHY on earth isn’t Slot telling him? If every single fan [is] thinking it…’

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

How did Ngumoha and Gakpo compare on Tuesday night?

While there was some willingness from the Dutchman to run at the Wolves defence in the first half last night, it was by and large another game which passed him by, and he probably cost Curtis Jones a goal when inadvertently blocking the midfielder’s effort from point-blank range shortly after the interval.

In his first Premier League outing to last for than 20 minutes, Ngumoha was lively yet again, and he was unlucky not to score with a curled shot that Jose Sa did brilliantly to tip onto the post.

The figures from Sofascore (see below) compare the impact of the two wingers at Molineux, with the numbers in brackets representing their averages per minute played for each metric.

When factoring in those respective statistics, as well as the quick turnaround to Friday’s fixture and the Champions League trip to Istanbul early next week, there’s a strong case to be made for Ngumoha to be handed a start in the FA Cup clash, just as he was against Barnsley in January.

Slot recently said that he’d be ‘surprised’ if the 17-year-old didn’t get ‘more minutes’ in the near future. Now could be the time for the Liverpool head coach to act upon those words and put his full trust in the teenage talent, who thus far has played in every single game as if his life depended upon it.

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Real Madrid have once again set their sights on Max Allegri, with the Milan manager emerging as a serious candidate for the bench at the Bernabéu.

According to Corriere dello Sport, this is far from the first time the Spanish giants have courted the Italian tactician. Allegri has been on the verge of joining Los Blancos twice before – first in 2019 and more famously in 2021. During that second approach, an agreement with Real Madrid was almost entirely in place before former Juventus president Andrea Agnelli stepped in at the eleventh hour to convince him to return to Turin instead.

Currently, Allegri is settled and happy at Milan, but his long-term future remains subject to a decisive end-of-season evaluation. At the conclusion of the current campaign, the club and the manager will conduct a thorough review of the project to assess the path forward.

While Allegri is keen to continue and has a clear desire to further improve and strengthen the squad, the perspective of the Milan management will be the determining factor. The hierarchy’s vision for the next phase of the project will be crucial in deciding whether Allegri stays to build on his work at the San Siro or finally makes the long-awaited move to Real Madrid.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN

Olympique de Marseille will be without Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who captained the side during their win over Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday, as the club prepares to host Toulouse FC in the Coupe de France. 

Hojbjerg is suspended for the Coupe de France quarter-final, meaning that the captain’s armband will likely return to defender Leonardo Balerdi. He isn’t the only absentee that Habib Beye must contend with on Wednesday night. Quinten Timber misses out on the game due to a shoulder injury sustained in Marseille’s 3-2 win over Lyon, whilst Amine Gouiri is not yet ready to start. He is not expected to play any part against Le TéFéCé.

The absentees should give a chance for Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri to start in the No.10 role.

Marseille likely line-up v Toulouse

Geronimo Rulli; Facundo Medina, Nayef Aguerd, Leonardo Balerdi, Timothy Weah; Geoffrey Kondogbia, Tochukwu Nnadi; Igor Paixao, Ethan Nwaneri, Mason Greenwood; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

19-year-old Noahkai Banks has earned plenty of praise for his performances for FC Augsburg this season, having cemented a starting spot at the heart of their defence.

Other clubs are likely taking notice. According to Kicker, the USMNT defender could command a “high transfer fee” this summer if concrete interest emerges.

Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber is well aware of the young centre-back’s potential.

“It’s a great joy to see how he’s developing, how many decisive moments he has. He will probably play for a very big club one day,” Weber told Kicker.

When asked by Bulinews.com about his dream destination in a recent interview, Banks revealed a special connection to FC Barcelona.

“It's difficult to say. I really enjoy playing in the Bundesliga, to be honest. But there are a lot of great leagues, such as the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga,” he said.

“One of the clubs I idolized while growing up was Barcelona. I think I can say that's my favorite club. So yeah, maybe one day it would be a dream to play for them, but let's see what happens," Banks told Bulinews.com.

With Banks’ contract running until 2029, Augsburg hold a strong negotiating position.

“We have control of the situation; there’s no danger,” Weber stressed.

“Torn” between USA and Germany

For now, Banks faces a difficult decision regarding his international future.

After Augsburg’s 2-0 win over 1. FC Köln last week, the 19-year-old admitted he’s “torn” between representing the United States, who he has represented at youth level, and Germany.

Kicker reports that some people at Augsburg are advising him to choose the United States, probably not least considering the potential impact a World Cup squad place could have on his market value.

Hope Gordon remembers looking longingly out of the window of Yorkhill Children's Hospital for day after day as a teenager.

She remembers seeing Glasgow outside. Remembers the SEC Armadillo being in the foreground. Remembers wondering what "the real world" outside the walls of her ward would hold for her.

The 31-year-old might have had to wait almost a couple of decades, but she will get her answer next summer.

Gordon will be part of Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in her home country, and will get to compete in the Armadillo in Para-powerlifting.

"To go from being that kid in that hospital bed, looking out of those windows, to actually being able to compete in that venue... it's going to be really special," she tells BBC Sport Scotland.

Glasgow, hospitals and ultimately the amputation of her left leg are a long way from the tiny settlement of Rogart, around 50 miles north of Inverness.

Growing up there, Gordon was always playing one sport or another so a little pain in her left knee was written off as just a natural consequence of that.

But one day, at the age of 12, the leg "stopped working" while she was at school.

"I thought I'd wake up the next day and be fine," she says. "But one year later I was diagnosed with a condition called complex regional pain syndrome."

The following nine years were gruelling. Repeated 450-mile round trips to Glasgow for an assortment of unsuccessful treatments. Hospital stays. Time in a wheelchair. But all the while, Gordon kept playing sport. It was her escape.

At the age of 21, she made the most consequential decision she ever could. "I eventually had it off," she says of her left leg. Partially to stem any spread of the condition, partly to ease the pain, entirely to improve the quality of her life.

"It's the best thing that that ever happened to me," she says. "It really opened up new doors for me and yeah, I've never really looked back."

From canoeing, to skiing & now powerlifting

And how. A swimmer of some repute during her teenage years, Gordon maintained that initially but found herself keen to try something else.

That something would be para-canoeing. "You've still got the the water element and, if you've got a disability, water gives somebody such a sense of freedom because it's easier to move around on water than on land," she says. "It just ticked the boxes."

Soon, she was invited on to the British team, moved to Nottingham and has been there since, winning world medals and Paralympic silver in Paris in 2024.

Gordon even found time to dip into winter sports, going to the 2022 Winter Paralympics as a nordic skier after being cajoled into giving it a go by 2026 Games flagbearer Scott Meenagh.

Canoeing is her main sport, though, to the extent that she will be competing at a World Cup event and World Championships either side of the Commonwealths.

And it is her training for that that led Gordon to choose powerlifting as her means of fulfilling a life's dream of being part of Team Scotland.

"Bench press is one of the key exercises for canoeing so when the programme was announced, I looked at the list and I thought that might be the one," she explains.

"I had to unlearn quite a bit and learn it again but hopefully it will benefit me on the water too."

Gordon is keen to temper medal expectations, insisting these Games are actually about something much bigger for her than podium places.

Having watched some of the swimmers she trained with win gold in 2014 - "I was in the crowd and able to to sing Flower of Scotland three times watching Hannah Miley, Ross Murdoch and Dan Wallace" - she has long wanted to represent Scotland.

"Commies has been such a big dream for me," explains the aspiring bagpiper, sitting in her English home surrounded by Scottish memorabilia. "More so than what some people might argue are bigger goals, like a Paralympics.

"Glasgow is a city that holds a lot of memories for me, but not necessarily for the most positive of reasons. So, the thought of being able to make it more of a positive vibe for my family and friends is going to be a real full circle moment."

Virgil van Dijk did not try and come up with excuses as Liverpool slumped to another stoppage-time defeat at bottom club Wolves.

Andre’s 94th-minute deflected strike proved the difference in a 2-1 win for Rob Edwards’ side, who have now taken points off three of the top five in their last three home outings, despite being doomed for relegation.

Liverpool had already fallen behind once only for Mohamed Salah to end his goal drought and get his side on terms, but his efforts proved in vain as Wolves came away with all three points.

Dealt a blow in their push for Champions League qualification, Van Dijk put full responsibility of the defeat on the team.

"I think it's down to ourselves,” he told TNT Sports. “It was slow, we were predictable, sloppy in possession and wrong decision-making.

“We didn't concede chances but if you perform like that then a result like this can be a result of that and that's a fact. It was disappointing."

Liverpool wasted the first half of the contest at Molineux in what was an action-starved 45 minutes of football, with neither side producing anything resembling a clear-cut chance.

"It's not one reason why that's the case,” Van Dijk responded when asked to explain the slow start. “The game nowadays we over-analyse why things are happening on the pitch.

“We as a team want to start a game as well as we can and in the last game we did, today we had majority possession but we were still making wrong decisions and we couldn't find the end product."

Reds manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, bemoaned his side’s tendency to concede late on this season, having lost five games - against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Manchester City and now Wolves - in second-half stoppage-time.

"We hardly conceded a chance, created not so much but more than they did, but the result is again a 2-1 loss,” Slot said.

"We are losing far too many football games and dropping points. Was it again in extra-time that we conceded? The three times we lost in the last 22 games were all three in extra time."

Liverpool return to Molineux to face Wolves in an identical fixture on Friday for their FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Barcelona’s attempt at an unlikely comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal did not yield the desired result.

Even though the Blaugrana won 3-0 on Tuesday night in the second leg, the 4-0 defeat in the first leg last month meant that they lost the tie 4-3 on aggregate and ended up getting eliminated from the cup competition.

As if it was already not bad enough, the Blaugrana also saw two important players suffer injuries during the game at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde out

Both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde had to come off during the game with muscle injuries, and according to SPORT, they are likely to miss Barcelona’s next five matches.

Kounde was forced off after 10 minutes, after he felt discomfort in his right leg and went to the ground. Balde came on to replace the injured Frenchman, with Joao Cancelo moving to right-back from left-back.

However, in the 68th minute, with Barcelona leading 2-0, Balde signalled that he could not continue due to a hamstring issue.

Balde was taken off in the second half. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

It was an unexpected moment that forced Hansi Flick into a swift adjustment, bringing on Ronald Araujo for his 200th appearance for the club. Gerard Martin, who had started as the left-sided centre-back, moved to left-back, his natural position.

Five games out?

It is Kounde’s first injury of the season. Until now, he had played in every match except the La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo, when he remained on the bench. The Frenchman had accumulated 3,008 minutes across 40 appearances up until his injury last night.

As for Balde, this is his second injury of the season, after he had missed nearly a month back in September due to a hamstring problem. He has played 34 matches (2,447 minutes) in all competitions this term.

Both players will undergo medical tests on Wednesday. However, all indications suggest that neither will return before the international break at the end of the month.

They are therefore expected to miss five matches: the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United and the La Liga fixtures against Athletic Club, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

An alternative report from Javi Miguel of AS suggests that Balde’s injury might be more severe than Kounde’s. The 22-year-old La Masia product could, thus, be out for several weeks, while the Frenchman could still make it back in time for the Newcastle United tie.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of jokes in his press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

The Blues are searching for a seventh consecutive win in all competitions in midweek as they look to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are five points clear at the top of the table – having played an additional game.

Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the game in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road at the weekend, with Erling Haaland notably missing the trip after suffering a small training ground injury.

Nico O’Reilly also went off injured after 70 minutes after picking up an ankle knock in Yorkshire, though Guardiola is optimistic of recalling O’Reilly and Haaland to the starting XI against Nottingham Forest.

Manchester City remain in the running for an unprecedented quadruple and every game is a final for Guardiola and co between now and the end of the season, with the Blues also facing Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22.

In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Guardiola was asked whether he will look to reintegrate Haaland into the lineup against Forest on Wednesday night.

“We won 0-1 (against Leeds United), he’s not going to play in any more games until the end of the season. I don’t like Erling,” Guardiola said in a laughing tone.

On a more serious note, the Manchester City manager explained how he has gone about coping without Haaland this term. “During the season injuries happen, you know. Fortunately, we have Erling for a lot, a lot of games,” Guardiola added.

“He scored a lot of goals, (he) was involved in a lot of goals. He’s massively important, but during the year it always happens.

“I would say the only problems we have in the play is to just lose one game or miss one game. Unfortunately, sometimes that doesn’t happen. We’ll see if he’s able tomorrow or for the next game against Newcastle (in the FA Cup fifth round).”

It would make sense for Haaland to return to the starting XI against Forest but Guardiola would be well within his right to give the 25-year-old strike some extra time off as Manchester City embark on the business end of the season.

O’Reilly also remains a doubt against Forest and Guardiola could look to recall Tijjani Reijnders to the lineup as he also aims to rotate his squad to keep his best players fit and firing in the final months of the campaign.

Increasingly, injury time is not Arne time. A night when Wolves could savour an action replay left Arne Slot lamenting the “same old story”. For the second time in four days, head coach Rob Edwards set off down the touchline in manic celebration. Wolves, as their fans had chorused, are bound for the Championship, but on the way they are bloodying the noses of those with ambitions of Champions League qualification. First Aston Villa and now Liverpool have fallen at Molineux.

For Slot, the sense of déjà vu was depressing. His side are record breakers in the wrong sense, the first team in Premier League history to lose five matches in a season due to 90th-minute goals. “The three times we lost in the last 22 games were all three in extra time,” Slot said after Wolves, like Bournemouth and Manchester City before them, struck at the death. Include the late equalisers Fulham and Leeds got and Liverpool have let nine points slip through their grasp in injury time. It may cost them Champions League football.

Liverpool could call their latest setback cruel, when the decider needed a deflection, when they had hit the woodwork twice. “That it happens in extra time might be a coincidence but it happens so many times,” said Slot. Once again, it calls into question Liverpool’s game management.

For him, there were further familiar themes, another occasion when Liverpool dominated possession, had more shots, had the better of the statistics beyond the scoreline. “We hardly give away a chance but they score two,” he rued.

Yet Virgil van Dijk did not plead misfortune. “I think it's down to ourselves,” said the Liverpool captain. “It was slow, we were predictable, sloppy in possession and [guilty of] wrong decision-making.” It was an excoriating verdict but scarcely an exaggeration.

Defeat came late but Liverpool could trace it to their sluggish start. Even as they picked up the pace, even as Mohamed Salah ended a Premier League goal drought that had extended over four months, even though Wolves did not attempt a shot of any kind until their opening goal, Liverpool arguably did too little over the course of a match that was three-quarters forgettable fare, one quarter frenetic entertainment.

Wolves began frustrating Liverpool with their obduracy and ended doing it with their attacking. They began compact and organised, four central midfielders and three centre-backs forming a solid block. But Edwards rationalised the game would open up and made influential substitutions.

Two combined for the breakthrough with a second goal in as many games for the man who finished off Villa. Rodrigo Gomes had only been on the pitch for eight minutes when he struck. A fellow replacement, Tolu Arokodare, was too strong for Van Dijk, turning him and supplying the on-rushing Gomes to dink a shot over Alisson.

After Salah levelled, as Liverpool committed men forward in the search for a winner, so did Wolves. After Alisson’s poor kick, Andre’s shot looped up off Joe Gomez and left the goalkeeper helpless. Wolves, the team with the four Gomeses, got the decisive touch from a Gomez. “We conceded a deflected shot, which was not even a chance,” said Slot.

Liverpool are nevertheless left to consider the prospect their struggles against their supposed inferiors will cost them a top-five finish. They have lost to Nottingham Forest and Wolves this season, drawn with Burnley and Leeds. Some 12 points have escaped their grasped in those games.

When it seemed they had salvaged something at Molineux, it was when Salah briefly turned back time. There are times, even when their powers are waning, when the greats can summon a little of their old selves. Hitherto ineffectual, Salah then darted into a gap and improvised a finish which he flicked with the outside of his left foot. Jose Sa got his left hand to it, but the ball nestled in the net. Salah’s 253rd Liverpool goal was his first in the Premier League since November.

Perhaps, though, it summed up the current Salah that it did not prevent defeat. Liverpool had struck the woodwork twice, in distinctly different fashion. A couple of minutes before Salah struck, Rio Ngumoha’s low shot was brilliantly turned on to the post by Sa. Just after half-time, a combination of Curtis Jones’s shoulder and Cody Gakpo’s boot turned the ball on the bar after Hugo Ekitike had flicked on Salah’s corner. After three goals from set-pieces against West Ham on Saturday, Liverpool ought to have had another.

But they mustered too little else. “What didn’t change in the last five, six seven games is that we struggle and find it very hard to score from open play chances that we do create,” admitted Slot. Nor did they create enough.

This was a game that was crying out for Ngumoha long before his introduction, though, at 64 minutes, it was the earliest he had come on in the Premier League. Gakpo, though, had been poor as a starter.

And Wolves finished with a flourish; on the night and perhaps over the season. After one win all season, they have two in a week. “We are showing we are not as bad as people thought,” said Edwards, whose touchline dash showed the emotional relief of victory and brought pain, though not the sort Slot was feeling. “It's my groin this time,” the Wolves manager said. “I'm falling apart.”

Grand Casino Arena will be filled to the brim at various points this week as fans descend on St. Paul to watch the Minnesota boys high school hockey state tournament in person.

But for those hoping to view the action from afar on your TV, computer or phone, you have plenty of options to do so across Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to Duluth, Rochester and beyond.

Here’s where you can find the action on various devices

Antenna television channels

Twin Cities: 5.2

Duluth: 10.2

Rochester/Austin: 6.2

Alexandria: 42.2

Redwood Falls: 43.2

Bemidji: 28.2

Park Rapids: 32.2

Wadena: 17.2

Brainerd: 16.2

On your cable/satellite provider

Twin Cities: KSTC 45TV

Duluth: MeTV

Iron Range: MeTV

Southeast Minnesota: Start TV

On your phone

Download the KSTP 5 app

On your Smart TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or Google TV

Download the KSTP 5 app

On your computer

Click on this link, or visit https://kstp.com/45tv/prep45/mshsl-tournaments/#streamingplayer

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• Girls state wrestling: Simley’s Charli Raymond stays atop an ever-improving field in Minnesota
• State wrestling: Hastings’ Trey Beissel left it all on the mat

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER  
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S FIRST ROUND RESULTS 

BOYS 
DIVISION I
#1 Mater Dei 2, #8 Santa Monica 0
#4 El Camino Real 1, #5 Placentia Valencia 0
#3 Del Norte 4, #6 JSerra 1
#2 Orange Lutheran 3, #7 St. Augustine 2

DIVISION II
#8 Sultana 3, #1 Torrey Pines 2
#4 San Pascual 4, #5 Anaheim Canyon 0
#3 Fontana 4, #6 Hilltop 1
#2 Mira Monte 0, #7 Birmingham 0 (Mira Monte wins 4-1 in shootout)

DIVISION III
#1 Bishop Amat 1, #8 Godinez 0
#4 Palisades 1, #5 Bakersfield Liberty 1 (Palisades wins 3-2 in shootout)
#6 Los Alamitos d. #3 Bonita Vista, forfeit
#7 Mt. Carmel 2, #2 Newport Harbor 1

DIVISION IV 
#1 Irvine University 4, #8 Animo Leadership 2
#5 Chatsworth 4, #4 Bakersfield 1
#6 Santa Ana Valley 3, #3 La Jolla 1
#2 Granite Hills 2, #7 Esperanza 0

DIVISION V
#1 Ontario Christian 2, #8 LA Roosevelt 0
#5 Kern County Taft 2, #4 North Hollywood 1
#3 Garfield 1, #6 Orange County Pacifica Christian 1 (Garfield wins 5-4 in shootout)
#7 San Diego Lincoln 3, #2 Pasadena Poly 1

GIRLS 

DIVISION I
#1 Santa Margarita 2, #8 Eastvale Roosevelt 2 (SM wins 3-2 in shootout)
#4 Cleveland 2, #5 Redondo Union 0
#6 Oaks Christian 1, #3 Mt. Carmel 0
#2 Mater Dei 5, #7 North County San Marcos 0

DIVISION II
#8 Westview 1, #1 Newport Harbor 0
#5 Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 3, #4 Carlsbad 0
#3 Garces Memorial 1, #6 Granada Hills 0
#2 Westlake 1, #7 La Costa Canyon 0

DIVISION III
#1 Del Norte 4, #8 Palisades 3
#4 Quartz Hill 3, #5 El Diamante 0
#3 Ayala 7, #6 Crescenta Valley 2
#2 Millikan 7, #7 Tulare Western 0

DIVISION IV
#8 Segerstrom 1, #1 Birmingham 1 (Segerstrom wins 4-2 in shootout)
#5 Coachella Valley 3, #4 Ramona 2
#3 San Jacinto 1, #6 Mission Vista 0
#7 Del Sol 0, #2 Immaculate Heart 0 (Del Sol wins 4-3 in shootout)

DIVISION V
#8 Coastal Academy 1, #1 Ocean View 0
#5 Bravo 2, #4 Webb 1
#3 Delano Kennedy 2, #6 Marquez 2 (Kennedy wins in shootout)
#2 Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 4, #7 Sun Valley Poly 3

Note: Semifinals 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Thursday at higher seeds; Finals 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday at host sites; State Championships March 13-14 at Matomas High in Sacramento (times TBA).  

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

LOS ANGELES — There are pretty wins, and then there are necessary wins. Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena fell squarely into the second category.

With under five minutes remaining and the Pelicans clinging to a 94-93 lead, the Lakers looked disjointed, turnover-prone and in danger of letting one slip. Then came the pivot.

Austin Reaves buried a right-wing three to give the Lakers a 96-94 edge. On the next trip, Luka Dončić drove hard into the paint, absorbed contact that went unwhistled and finished anyway — roaring back at the referee as the ball dropped through. It wasn’t subtle. It was emotional. It was the spark.

The Lakers never looked back.

They closed the game on a 24-7 run, outscoring New Orleans by 17 over the final seven minutes to secure a 110-101 win — their third straight. In a game that felt chaotic for long stretches, they were clinical when it mattered most.

At 17-5 in clutch games, the Lakers now own the best clutch win percentage in the NBA. Dončić pointed to something simple afterward.

“Purpose,” he said of the fourth-quarter surge.

And even he admitted it wasn’t pretty.

“Sometimes you gotta win by playing bad, that’s what good teams do,” Dončić said. “Obviously wasn’t our best game but we got the win.”

Luka’s Edge — and the Line He’s Walking

Dončić finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in 38 minutes, shaking off seven turnovers and a 3-for-10 night from deep. With under a minute left, he drilled the dagger three and — yes — let the officials hear about it again.

His technical foul was his 14th of the season. Two more means an automatic suspension, with 21 games remaining. This was just his first since Jan. 20. The balance between fire and control will matter. Especially with the standings tightening.

The Big Three — Imperfect, Effective

It wasn’t a masterpiece from the Lakers’ stars, but it was enough. LeBron James added 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes, though he committed five turnovers and shot 1-for-5 from three. He now sits at 15,835 regular-season field goals — just three shy of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15,837) for the all-time record.

Head coach JJ Redick made it clear there will be no stat-chasing.

“I wouldn’t coach a basketball game that way to try to get a guy a record,” Redick said. “He’ll get his record, and we’re trying to win a basketball game.”

James echoed the team-first tone when asked about lineup combinations with Dončić and Reaves.

“If I’m on the court, I just play with whoever’s on the floor with us. I don’t analyze lineups. It’s my job no matter who I’m on the floor with to try to make it happen.”

Reaves, meanwhile, contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks — and perhaps the most honest quote of the night when discussing defending Zion Williamson.

“Don’t be scared to get out of the way, I was terrified,” Reaves said. “There was no way in hell I was taking a charge. He was running too fast. I just kind of slid out the way & let him have a layup.”

Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunking the basketball during an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 3rd, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.

Defense, Energy and 12 Blocks

The Lakers forced the issue defensively, finishing with 12 total blocks — every starter recorded at least one. The Pelicans had just three. They generated 28 fast-break points to New Orleans’ 18 and survived 22 turnovers by compensating with rim protection and late-game execution.

James thought the defensive strides were real.

“I think we’ve made some strides defensively,” James said. “The man-to-man defense was pretty good. Jaxson and Marcus were great on that end and then everybody else trickled in as well.”

Smart and Hayes Change the Game

Marcus Smart described it as “chaotic.” He wasn’t wrong. But he also changed it.

Smart finished with 10 points, seven assists and four steals in 30 minutes, hounding ballhandlers and battling Zion throughout. Redick didn’t mince words.

“He gave us life tonight,” Redick said. 

Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gesturing at referees during an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 3rd, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.

Smart called it collective toughness.

“We were all in there, sacrificing our body,” Smart said. “Not once did anybody start freaking out or start panicking.”

On one sequence, guarding two players, Smart anticipated a pass and jumped the lane for a steal — the type of instinctual play that has defined his career.

“That’s what I do,” Smart said. “My mind works in that way and I made a great play for my team.”

Jaxson Hayes brought similar energy off the bench: eight points, six rebounds, two blocks and four critical offensive boards in 23 minutes.

“He’s a good basketball player that frankly, consistently injects energy into the group,” Redick said. Later, he added that Smart and Hayes “changed the game.”

Deandre Ayton was efficient as well, posting 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes.

The Bigger Picture

The Lakers improved to 37-24, just a half-game out of the fifth seed and only 1½ games behind third in the West. With 21 games remaining, the margin for error is thin — and nights like Tuesday, messy as they are, carry weight.

But when it tightened, they executed with purpose.

Sometimes that’s the mark of a team growing into something more than highlight reels and stat lines.  A team learning how to close. And right now, the Lakers are closing.

The 100-day countdown to the World Cup launch has passed, it's here!

The 2026 World Cup begins in 99 days. Let's celebrate with a special World Cup edition of FC Ptit Déj!

🎥 The WTF moments from the last World Cup

📸 The South Africa banger

This Tuesday, exactly 100 days before the start of the World Cup, a participating team unveiled its home jersey for the competition.

This team is South Africa. And the jersey, crafted by Adidas, is amazing!

The legends of the World Cup

The official X account of the World Cup released a cool video where several players who will compete in the next World Cup reveal their legends of the competition.

Some great players are mentioned!

The must-sees from yesterday 🍿

- OFFICIAL: Rodrygo out for the World Cup!

- Rodrygo's first words after the announcement of his terrible injury

TV Schedule 🎥

8:30 PM: Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Canal + Live)

8:30 PM: Brighton vs Arsenal (Canal + Live)

8:30 PM: Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest (Canal + Live)

8:30 PM: Lorient vs Nice (beIN Sports)

9 PM: OM vs Toulouse (beIN Sports)

9:15 PM: Newcastle vs Manchester United (Canal + Foot)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Brooklyn Nets (15-46, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (33-29, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Miami hosts Brooklyn looking to prolong its three-game home winning streak.

The Heat are 17-18 in conference play. Miami is third in the league with 54.4 points in the paint led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaging 10.2.

The Nets have gone 11-27 against Eastern Conference opponents. Brooklyn is the worst team in the Eastern Conference scoring averaging 106.8 points per game while shooting 44.5%.

The Heat are shooting 46.4% from the field this season, 3.2 percentage points lower than the 49.6% the Nets allow to opponents. The Heat average 106.8 points per game, 9.9 fewer points than the 116.7 the Heat allow.

The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last matchup on March 4 the Heat won 124-98 led by 23 points from Bam Adebayo, while Noah Clowney scored 17 points for the Nets.

TOP PERFORMERS: Adebayo is averaging 18.7 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 24.1 points per game and averaging 6.9 rebounds for the Nets. Clowney is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 6-4, averaging 119.9 points, 50.5 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 8.9 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.7 points per game.

Nets: 1-9, averaging 104.2 points, 37.7 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.9 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Nikola Jovic: day to day (back), Norman Powell: out (groin).

Nets: Egor Demin: day to day (injury management).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Chicago Bulls (25-37, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (34-26, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago will attempt to stop its five-game road losing streak when the Bulls visit Phoenix.

The Suns have gone 20-12 at home. Phoenix is sixth in the league allowing just 111.4 points per game while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.

The Bulls are 9-19 on the road. Chicago is second in the Eastern Conference with 34.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.0.

The Suns are shooting 45.3% from the field this season, 2.2 percentage points lower than the 47.5% the Bulls allow to opponents. The Bulls average 115.7 points per game, 4.3 more than the 111.4 the Suns give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mark Williams is averaging 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Suns. Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.9 points over the last 10 games.

Matas Buzelis is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 103.7 points, 44.1 rebounds, 22.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 42.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.2 points per game.

Bulls: 1-9, averaging 108.9 points, 42.7 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.9 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.9 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Dillon Brooks: out (hand).

Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Patrick Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Oklahoma City Thunder (48-15, first in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (40-22, third in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -4.5; over/under is 221.5

BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City seeks to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Thunder take on New York.

The Knicks have gone 23-8 at home. New York is fourth in the league averaging 14.8 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.5% from deep. Jalen Brunson leads the team averaging 2.9 makes while shooting 37.8% from 3-point range.

The Thunder are 23-8 on the road. Oklahoma City is seventh in the Western Conference with 25.5 assists per game led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 6.4.

The Knicks make 47.2% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.6 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.6%). The Thunder average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than the Knicks give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is shooting 48.0% and averaging 19.8 points for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 24.8 points over the last 10 games.

Isaiah Joe is shooting 44.6% and averaging 11.0 points for the Thunder. Jared McCain is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 7-3, averaging 115.3 points, 44.5 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.7 points per game.

Thunder: 8-2, averaging 114.9 points, 45.9 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 9.4 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.5 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: day to day (abdominal), Ajay Mitchell: day to day (abdomen), Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (injury management).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Charlotte Hornets (31-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (41-20, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Celtics -6.5; over/under is 214.5

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte is looking to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Hornets take on Boston.

The Celtics are 27-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston is sixth in the NBA with 46.2 rebounds led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 8.8.

The Hornets are 19-21 in conference matchups. Charlotte is 7-8 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 15.0 turnovers per game.

The Celtics average 15.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.7 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Hornets allow. The Hornets average 16.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.1 more made shots on average than the 13.9 per game the Celtics allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29 points, 7.1 rebounds and five assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 17 points and 5.8 assists over the past 10 games.

Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 22.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 109.4 points, 50.7 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 6.1 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98.5 points per game.

Hornets: 7-3, averaging 117.3 points, 47.8 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.2 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Neemias Queta: day to day (rest).

Hornets: Coby White: day to day (injury management).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Utah Jazz (18-43, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (33-28, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 76ers -9.5; over/under is 241.5

BOTTOM LINE: Utah heads into the matchup against Philadelphia as losers of six straight games.

The 76ers are 16-16 on their home court. Philadelphia has a 14-21 record against opponents above .500.

The Jazz are 7-22 on the road. Utah ranks third in the Western Conference scoring 52.1 points per game in the paint led by Lauri Markkanen averaging 11.7.

The 76ers score 116.0 points per game, 9.8 fewer points than the 125.8 the Jazz allow. The Jazz average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 fewer makes per game than the 76ers allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tyrese Maxey is averaging 29 points, 6.7 assists and two steals for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15.9 points over the last 10 games.

Isaiah Collier is scoring 11.0 points per game and averaging 2.5 rebounds for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 15.6 points and 3.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 4-6, averaging 111.7 points, 42.3 rebounds, 22.0 assists, 10.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points per game.

Jazz: 2-8, averaging 115.8 points, 44.6 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 11.3 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.0 points.

INJURIES: 76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique), VJ Edgecombe: day to day (back), Kelly Oubre Jr.: day to day (illness).

Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (ankle), Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Portland Trail Blazers (29-33, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (23-37, 11th in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Trail Blazers -6.5; over/under is 237.5

BOTTOM LINE: Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers take on Cam Spencer and the Memphis Grizzlies in Western Conference action.

The Grizzlies are 18-24 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis has a 2-4 record in one-possession games.

The Trail Blazers are 22-18 in Western Conference play. Portland gives up 118.4 points to opponents and has been outscored by 3.2 points per game.

The Grizzlies are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 1.4 percentage points lower than the 47.6% the Trail Blazers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 115.2 points per game, 2.5 fewer than the 117.7 the Grizzlies allow to opponents.

The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Trail Blazers defeated the Grizzlies 122-115 in their last matchup on Feb. 8. Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper led the Grizzlies with 25 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Spencer is shooting 47.7% and averaging 11.4 points for the Grizzlies. Jaylen Wells is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Avdija is averaging 24.4 points, seven rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Trail Blazers. Jrue Holiday is averaging 19.3 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 117.2 points, 36.9 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 12.6 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points per game.

Trail Blazers: 5-5, averaging 113.2 points, 45.0 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 7.7 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points.

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: day to day (injury management), Taj Gibson: day to day (coach decision), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

Trail Blazers: Kris Murray: day to day (illness), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

What channel is Devils vs. Leafs on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch Wednesday NHL game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In a matchup where the desperation of the trade deadline meets the urgency of a collapsing playoff race, the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to the Prudential Center tomorrow night to face the New Jersey Devils.

With the March 6 deadline now looming, both clubs find themselves on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, separated by just three points. For Toronto, coming off a frustrating shootout loss to the Flyers, this is a final opportunity to prove they are buyers rather than sellers. For Sheldon Keefe’s Devils, who have struggled to find consistency all season, it’s a must-win at home to avoid a total teardown before Friday’s 3 p.m. ET cutoff.

The storylines on the ice are just as volatile as the rumors off it. All eyes will be on Brandon Carlo, whose return to the lineup for Toronto comes amid heavy speculation that the Leafs are looking to move him to recoup assets. Meanwhile, the Devils will lean on Jack Hughes to ignite an offense that has been uncharacteristically quiet during their recent slide.

With both front offices reportedly active on the phones, tomorrow’s result could very well determine which of these rosters stays intact and which is dismantled by the time they hit the ice again on Saturday.

Here's everything you need to know about the game, from TV to streaming options.

What channel is Leafs vs. Devils on tonight?

• TV channel: N/A
• Live stream:ESPN App

Maple Leafs vs. Devils will not air on a national TV channel. Hockey fans can stream the game on the ESPN App.

Catch all your favorite hockey action with the ESPN App. Just download the enhanced ESPN app, sign in with your account, and you're set to stream live out-of-market NHL games, originals, and more —all in one place. 

Leafs vs. Devils start time

• Date: Wednesday, Mar. 4
• Time: 7 p.m. ET

Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens will start at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The game will be played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Leafs vs. Devils radio station

• Radio station:SiriusXM channel 91

Fans can listen to the Maple Leafs vs. Devils broadcast live on SiriusXM channel 91.

New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.

Leafs schedule 2025-26

Here are the next five games on Toronto's 2025-26 schedule:

Devils schedule 2025-26

Here are the next five games on New Jersey's 2025-26 schedule:

Related Links

• Latest NHL news and rumors
• Full NHL schedule, scores for 2025-26
• How to bet on the NHL

Ranking the NFL’s best free agent RBs available in 2026, from Kenneth Walker III to Aaron Jones originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The free-agent running back class in 2026 won't come close to having the same special impact as those stars signed in 2024.

Two years later, with Breece Hall franchise-tagged by the Jets, there's not much in the way of feature backs, but some good complementary and backup options available.

Here's looking at the veteran runners (and receivers) who can help teams most on the open market:

FREE AGENCY: Ranking top 100 free agents, best players available by position

NFL free agent RB rankings 2026

1. Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (age: 25)

Walker is coming off his dominant Super Bowl 60 MVP performance vs. the Patriots. He is a power runner with extra juice to the outside and is better off staying as the early-down option, with limited touches give a few nicks for receiving and pass protection.

2. Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars (age: 27)

Etienne looks ready to sign elsewhere as the team can move on fine with second-year back Bhayshul Tuten and others in Liam Coen's offense. The Chiefs should covet his versatility as they try to clean up their backfield and can no longer pursue Hall.

3. Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (age: 25)

Allgeier should have plenty of appeal as a reliable all-around power back with his previous work behind Bijan Robinson. He would fit best as a goal-line type change of pace, like he was in Atlanta.

MORE: Ranking the top QBs in 2026 free agency

4. Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (age: 26)

Gainwell was a valuable, versatile Eagle before having some explosive work to complement Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh. He might get a chance to return late in the process.

5. Rico Dowdle, Panthers (age: 27)

Dowdle flashed big-game ability in Carolina but couldn't get the key workload over Chuba Hubbard in the end. He does a little of everything well as a strong backup, like he was for a long time in Dallas.

6. Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers (age: 26)

Robinson rebounded from his time in Washington to one of Christian McCaffrey's strongest backups. He can find more power and pop in any Kyle Shanahan adjacent zone-blocking offense.

7. JK Dobbins, Broncos (age: 27)

Dobbins can be dynamic and red zone productive when on the field, but durability issues have lingered throughout his whole career in Baltimore and Denver. Whoever signs him must have a solid No. 2 option.

MORE:Sporting News' 2-round mock draft

8. Rachaad White, Buccaneers (age: 27)

White went from a receiving option in the Tom Brady era with limited running pop to someone now just as valuable in the rushing attack. He got overtaken by Bucky Irving with the Bucs, but it would be intriguing in a more even committee.

9. Najee Harris, Chargers (age: 27)

Harris was off to a promising start with his second team after leaving Pittsburgh but was quickly derailed by a torn Achilles. He is still a solid power running with good receiving skills, who might be a good fit replacing David Montgomery in Detroit.

MORE:Top 140 big board of top prospects in 2026

10. Aaron Jones, Vikings (age: 31)

Until the Cardinals put James Conner on the market, Jones would be the older, reliable available with Minnesota planning to release him. He would work well again with a young back, much like Dobbins did with R.J. Harvey and did with Omarion Hampton.

Barcelona could not overcome the four-goal deficit from the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid, but did put in a strong performance.

Joan Garcia – 7

The honest truth is that he had little to do, but made one smart save down to his left. Was relatively sharp out of his goal.

Jules Kounde – N/A

Off after 11 minutes with injury, highly unfortunate for Kounde, who had started well. Will miss their Champions League tie against Newcastle United.

Pau Cubarsi – 9

Cubarsi has struggled this season, but this was his best performance in 18 months. Absolutely brilliant for a Barcelona that defended aggressively, suffocating first Julian Alvarez and then Alexander Sorloth, and had stunning last-man challenge on Alex Baena that kept Barcelona live. Most impressive was his anticipation and his decision-making, putting his foot in where necessary.

Image via FC Barcelona

Gerard Martin – 6.5

Several hasty passes and crosses gave the ball away on multiple occasions in the first half. Largely solid going the other way, had a good chance late on to hit the target.

Joao Cancelo – 8

Switched to right-back after Kounde’s injury early on. Strong in the challenge, and neat with his play, Cancelo looked at home. Most of Barcelona’s attacking play came through him and Lamine Yamal, and he generated plenty of danger. Picked up a nice assist for Bernal too.

Marc Bernal – 8.5

This was the first big game that Marc Bernal started, and he finished with medals on his lapel, even if Barcelona won’t be in Seville. Quite apart from his brace, both goals well taken, Bernal was crucial in being able to put the clamps on Atletico Madrid, with Koke and Johnny Cardoso struggling to find clean passes.

Pedri – 9

Another masterclass from Pedri. Basically couldn’t move after the 75th minute, and somehow still made two last-man tackles on Alexander Sorloth. If Barcelona had a chance in this one though, it was because of Pedri, who denatured Atletico’s pressing efforts, and found ways to get Lamine Yamal the ball in better positions. Won the penalty too.

Lamine Yamal – 9

Lamine Yamal played like he had 99% faith. Time and again he demanded the ball, time and again he beat Matteo Ruggeri, Ademola Lookman and David Hancko. The first goal comes from his brilliant assist, the second he was involved in, and if Barcelona were to find a fourth, it was coming from him. In this form, it’s almost impossible to contain him.

Fermin Lopez – 5.5

A strangely mute performance from Fermin, who was withdrawn for the closing stages. The couple of shooting opportunities he did have, he could not connect with properly, and generally just didn’t make his presence felt, which he almost always does.

Raphinha – 7

It was a poor first half, where he wasted several good positions, but he improved after the penalty. Still, even in the second half, he struggled to find spaces or shooting opportunities. That said, he remained a motor behind Barcelona’s pressure.

Image via Enric Fontcuberta / EFE

Ferran Torres – 4.5

A rough and rusty night for Ferran, who could complain little when he was taken off first. Had three half-chances in the first half, none of which he should have scored, but you would expect better from at least one. Was involved in the play for the penalty, but that stood out precisely because he was so absent from the build-up.

Substitutes

Alejandro Balde – 6.5

Forced on early for Kounde. Defended relatively well for an hour before being forced off in tears, but didn’t add much either.

Dani Olmo – 5

On for Fermin after 64 minutes, Olmo was also incapable of finding fissures in the Atletico midfield. Struggled to give his side the energy they needed in the final stages too.

Marcus Rashford – 6.5

Was a little starved of service on the left, with no supply line close to him, but did well when he got the ball, winning a number of corners.

Ronald Araujo – 5

Sent on up front for the final 20 minutes, a role that is not necessarily his, so it is hard to be too critical. Yet the Atletico defence were completely unfazed by his presence in the box, and he was caught offside on a couple of occasions.

No. 19 Miami secured its first Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in 21 years on Tuesday.

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Miami claimed its 22^nd all-time MAC regular season title by beating Toledo, 74-72, in front of a sellout crowd at Millett Hall.

Peter Suder led four RedHawks in double figures with 19 points. Antwone Woolfolk scored 14 while Brant Byers finished with 13 points. Luke Skaljac had 11 points.

Miami improved to 30-0 overall and 17-0 in the MAC. They remain the nation’s only unbeaten team in Division I men’s basketball.

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The Red and White jumped out to an 11-2 lead to start the game. They led by as many as 13 points, 31-18, thanks to Skaljac’s three-pointer with 7:43 left in the first half.

But the Rockets responded with a 12-0 run, cutting the deficit to 31-30. Suder closed the first half with a layup to put Miami ahead, 40-35, at the break.

The RedHawks built a second-half lead, 54-45, with 12:32 remaining. But Toledo went on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to 56-55 with 9:32 left.

Eian Elmer buried a three-pointer to end a four-minute scoring drought as Miami led, 59-55.

The Rockets trailed, 74-72, and had a chance to win the game. But Skaljac forced a turnover with one-tenth of a second left.

With the win, the RedHawks will be the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAC Tournament in Cleveland.

Miami concludes the regular season at Ohio in Athens in the Battle of the Bricks.

Tip-off is at 9 p.m.

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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes playing at Villa Park will be an advantage ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Chelsea.

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The Blues travel to the Midlands in what is a huge game in the race for Champions League football, and a win would see them close the gap to Villa in fourth to three points.

Chelsea currently sit sixth, three points behind Liverpool, although they’ve played a game less than the Champions, whilst they’re six points behind both Villa and Manchester United in third and fourth.

Unai Emery on why he’s confident for Chelsea game

Chelsea aren’t on the best run of form heading into the game, with defeat against Arsenal on Sunday making it two points from their last three games.

Villa likewise are struggling and lost to bottom club Wolves on Friday night, but the Blues know anything other than a win will be another blow to their hopes of finishing in the top five.

Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

Chelsea are without the suspended Pedro Neto, whilst Estevao is still sidelined, although there’s a chance Marc Cucurella could return. 

Villa won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, and Emery is confident home advantage will help his side on Wednesday.

“Our objective is to be in Europe, and we are in. Even not in good form, we are in,” he told Aston Villa’s website.

“And, of course, we are every day trying to recover our good form and our confidence, and tomorrow, Chelsea is our opponent, and, of course, it’s a tough match.

“In Villa Park, we are feeling, overall, really comfortable, playing, showing our form, consistency, except the last matches as we played.

“And, of course, we want to recover our good form at home. We were winning a lot of matches in a row, and we were feeling so, so strong.”

An opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho

With Pedro Neto suspended and both Jamie Gittens and Estevao injured, there’s potentially a huge opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho.

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The Argentine hasn’t featured much under Liam Rosenior, but looked bright when he came off the bench against Arsenal.

Given he’s the only winger available on Wednesday, it’s likely Garnacho will start, and he’s got a huge opportunity to show what he can do, and stake a claim for more regular minutes.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

George Russell is exuding a quiet sense of confidence as he prepares for the start of what could be a defining year for him in Formula 1.

The Mercedes driver is neither playing down the tag of pre-season championship favourite, nor leaning into it.

It feels more like it's something that changes nothing, has no relevance to the job in hand, which is being the best he can be.

Russell has been asked about it a number of times these past few weeks leading up to the Australian Grand Prix. When he is, he addresses it briefly, sometimes tangentially, and moves on.

A comment about Mercedes having "a lot of potential", for example, was quickly followed by concerns about his car's ability to get off the line, compared with the Ferrari's rocket-ship starts, and about some reliability issues that hit his team in the pre-season testing in Bahrain.

"It does not change my approach one single bit," Russell says. "I'm working so hard with the team, everybody here has been working flat out to really maximise this new set of regulations and I'm honestly just so excited by the challenge.

"Because it is a huge challenge adapting to these new cars, how the energy management works, the re-harvesting of the batteries, getting your head around the boost system, the overtake modes, the active aero.

"There's a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage from that and I feel confident with myself and my team."

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The Briton, who turned 28 last month, has been among the most accepting of the new rules founded in engines with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. His mindset seems both positive and fully focused on what's to come.

Russell is entering his eighth F1 season, and his fifth with Mercedes, and has proved himself without any question to be one of the elite in his sport.

Three seasons with Williams from 2019-21, with team-mates of questionable quality, made it difficult to judge his absolute potential, but some stand-out qualifying performances left little real doubt.

Putting a Williams - one of the slowest cars in the field at the time - second on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps in the wet in 2021 has to stand as one of the all-time great qualifying laps, for example.

When Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, his expectation was that he would become a regular winner and championship contender immediately - the team had just become constructors' champions for a record eighth consecutive time.

But it was Russell's bad luck to join Mercedes just as they made a hash of the new regulations that were introduced in 2022. In four seasons, they never really got on top of them to have a consistently competitive car. There were mere flashes of pace, never fully understood.

Russell had to be satisfied with proving himself against his team-mate. There was at least considerable satisfaction to be gained from that, given that he spent his first three seasons at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver of all time.

Over their three seasons together, Russell came out on top in two. He has won five races in the past four years, and last season was the only driver to win apart from the three title contenders, McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

With Verstappen universally acknowledged as the standard to whom all others have to aspire, Russell is one of a small elite group of drivers who stand out from the rest. He's also become a leader among the driver group, through his role as one of three directors of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

"It's always nice if your driver is the favourite for the bookmakers and I think he deserves it because he's one of the best," team principal Toto Wolff says.

"He's shown us where the performance of the car is and it's been overall more than great to us. George has been in Formula 1 a long time. He's a benchmark."

For seven years now, Russell has been a driver just waiting for the right car, and this year he might have it. This year's new rules have given Mercedes a chance for a reset, and the indication so far is that they have made a much better job of it than last time around.

The feeling in the paddock leaving testing last month is that Mercedes and Ferrari were the teams in the best shape, with Red Bull and McLaren perhaps a little behind in a relatively closely matched top four that is more than a second a lap clear of everyone else.

Russell is confident enough in Mercedes' potential to say that he "thinks we've delivered a very strong car" but he's wary of the performance of Red Bull's new engine.

Even so, his sights are set high. "I do want to go head-to-head with Max," he says. "and obviously Lando had a great season last year."

As things stand, before Melbourne gives the first glimpse of a real competitive order, Russell's obvious potential rivals this year are Verstappen, Norris, Piastri and the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Hamilton, if the seven-time champion can rediscover the mojo he appeared to have lost last year, and to some extent in 2024.

Of Russell's 19-year-old team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who is going into his second season after an up-and-down debut in 2025, Wolff says: "I'm absolutely certain it will be a good year for him, but I don't think we should expect him to be like George all the time."

Russell is good friends with world champion Norris and Leclerc. The three came up through the junior ranks together and all believe that the intense competition they gave each other, along with Williams' Alex Albon, was an important factor in them all reaching F1, as it forced each to keep raising their own standards to keep up with the others.

But it's perhaps a fight with Verstappen that whets the appetite most.

Russell and Verstappen rub along well enough on a surface level, quite happy to chat as and when they end up in news conferences together. But the tension between them is not in doubt.

They had an almighty falling out at the end of the 2024 season, when Verstappen said he'd "lost all respect" for Russell after the Qatar Grand Prix, and accused him of being instrumental in him getting a one-place grid penalty for that race.

Russell responded by saying Verstappen "cannot deal with adversity" and that "people have been bullied by Max for years".

Equally, would Verstappen have responded as he did, if it had been another driver involved in the series of incidents which led to the red-mist moment in which the Dutchman appeared to deliberately drive into Russell's car in Spain last year?

Verstappen has admitted his reaction that day was "not good". But there seems little doubt that a title fight between these two would not be as relatively harmonious as was last year's between Norris, Piastri and Verstappen.

For now, though, that's all speculation and Russell is focusing only on what he can control, while pondering the potential threat of Ferrari and Red Bull.

"The car's feeling good," he said on the final day of pre-season testing. "The new power-units are feeling fast and we're making improvements every single day.

"The thing that's going to trip you up is going to be that tallest hurdle," he says. "And that's what we're trying to get our heads around right now. We're stumbling on some at the moment."

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When it was announced this past Friday that Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at Egypt's Pyramids of Giza, the news came as a shock to many. Although Verhoeven was heavily linked to a Feb. 14 bout with Anthony Joshua, the shift to fighting boxing's pound-for-pound No. 1 in Verhoeven's second pro boxing match was unexpected.

Verhoeven detailed to Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show" on Tuesday his journey from leaving GLORY Kickboxing this past November to landing a surprise fight with the unified heavyweight champ.

"I just wanted to do big stuff that hasn't been done before," Verhoeven said of his mindset after leaving GLORY. "So either make a crazy crossover to the UFC or a big crossover fight in boxing or whatever — I just wanted to see all options. So that's where the decision came from. I think we did it all within GLORY."

Verhoeven said he discussed a major boxing match for the first time when he was at one of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury fights in Saudi Arabia in 2024 with world-renowned actor Jason Statham.

"My good friend Jason Statham was [at Usyk vs. Fury]," Verhoeven said. "So we were talking and he said, 'Oh yeah, man, [boxing] is the place to be. This is where you got to be.' He said, 'Let's do it.' So I think he slowly introduced me there.

"It was about a year later, the [Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight this past September] was coming up, and I saw Jason was there, so I texted [him], 'Yo bro, you at the fight? Have fun.' He said he was crazy excited and couldn't wait for it. So I said, 'Yo, we talked about it. We should do something [in boxing].' He said, 'Yep, I'm going to bring it up.'"

Statham proposed the idea of a major boxing match involving Verhoeven to Saudi Arabian fight financier Turki Alalshikh, who was receptive to the idea and said there would be further communication with Verhoeven's team.

"They said, 'When you come in, you're a champion, so you have to face somebody with a name. And you have to promise us you're not going to disappoint. You're not going to be out in one round,'" Verhoeven recalled. "I said, 'What do you mean? I've been boxing for the last 15 years on the highest level. I got this.'"

Verhoeven was asked by Alalshikh's team who he wanted to face in his first boxing match in 12 years — he knocked out Janos Finfera (then 0-5) in 2014 — and he informed them he'd be open to fighting anybody. With former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua needing a comeback fight of sorts after more than a year out of the ring, surgery, and just a Jake Paul bout to his name since, Joshua was the name put forward.

Joshua vs. Verhoeven, however, did not take place due to the unfortunate events that occurred outside of the ring late last year.

"I finished [shooting a] movie at the beginning of December," Verhoeven said. "Went straight into camp and worked out through the whole of December. I had already planned a training camp in Spain for the whole month of January because the fight [with Joshua] was going to be February 14. Then the accident happened."

Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash in December that devastatingly took the lives of two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The crash left "AJ" with physical and emotional injuries that ruled out a fight for him in 2026's first quarter.

Verhoeven, however, continued to train and stay ready, in the hopes of eventually landing a big name.

"We got on the phone and heard the fight might happen, but 'AJ' needs some time to recover physically and mentally. Probably somewhere in March, we would hear more about it," Verhoeven said. "OK, no worries. Totally understand and totally respect the situation. I was still in Spain. We came to the gym and my boxing trainer, Peter Fury [the uncle of Tyson Fury], said, 'Hey, I was thinking — what about fighting Oleksandr Usyk?'"

Verhoeven was a fan of Fury's suggestion and proposed the idea to Alalshikh's team as an undisputed boxing champion vs. undisputed kickboxing champion type matchup. 

"They said one thing: 'I love it. Let's do it.'"

Alalshikh's team managed to finalize the bout for May 23, and to add more intrigue to the contest, it landed at the Pyramids of Giza, which is the only remaining of the seven ancient wonders of the world.

Verhoeven will enter the fight with Usyk as a sizable underdog, but he cautioned fans against ruling out his chances, explaining that he has been training in boxing with Peter Fury for 15 years and was even a sparring partner for Tyson Fury when Tyson used his uncle as a coach more than a decade ago.

Verhoeven told Uncrowned that he also had discussions with the UFC and had received an offer to fight Derrick Lewis on the first Paramount+ card, UFC 324. Verhoeven ultimately decided against it because the financial elements of the offer to face Joshua — and then Usyk — were substantially better.

With a recent three-game losing streak now in their rearview mirror, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to make it three victories in a row when they hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The Pelicans came into this matchup with a dismal 19-43 record, but they had won five of their last eight games, and they proved to be a pesky opponent on this night.

After trailing by six early, the Lakers built a decent lead in the second quarter thanks to 11 unanswered points, but a flurry of turnovers resulted in them losing that lead and trailing by two heading into the fourth quarter. They then asserted themselves with a 14-0 run in the final period, and that was enough for them to end up with a 110-101 win, as they continued to do a fantastic job of winning games that have been competitive in the final five minutes.

This wasn't exactly a pretty offensive outing for either team. Both squads had a lot of trouble hitting from long distance, and they combined for 41 turnovers. But Los Angeles capitalized on the Pelicans' 22 turnovers by logging 28 fast-break points, and it had seven more rebounds and seven more free throw attempts.

The team now has a 37-24 record and is still in sixth place in the Western Conference, and it is half a game behind the fifth-place Denver Nuggets. It will face the Nuggets in Colorado on Thursday.

Marcus Smart: B-plus

Smart was very active defensively and aggressively went after the ball on that end of the floor, which resulted in him getting four steals and three blocks. Offensively, he scored 10 points on 3-of-9 from the field and 2-of-6 from 3-point range, and he hit a big trey with 1:34 left in the fourth quarter to put L.A. up by seven points.

When Smart took the ball away on defense, he helped create transition opportunities, which allowed him to register seven assists, and he also chipped in three rebounds and had no turnovers in 30 minutes.

Deandre Ayton: B/B-plus

Ayton blew a number of easy opportunities near the rim in this game early on when he either got his shots blocked or the ball knocked away from him. But he kept his head in the game and ended up scoring 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. In the last few games, the Lakers have been doing a better job of getting him the ball in scoring position early.

He also grabbed eight rebounds, blocked two shots and had one assist in 25 minutes.

Austin Reaves: D

Reaves, for much of this game, simply couldn't get his shots to fall. He missed each of his first eight shot attempts, and he didn't make his first field goal until the 4:11 mark of the third quarter. The guard also committed five turnovers, as the Pelicans cut off his driving angles to the basket and made him play in congested quarters.

He did, however, make four of his last six shot attempts, and he hit back-to-back treys during L.A.'s 14-0 fourth-quarter run. Reaves ended up with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes.

He has now gone six straight games without reaching the 20-point mark after coming into this game averaging 24.1 points a game on the season.

LeBron James: B-plus

James was energetic in this game, and he made a noticeable impact whenever he asserted himself. He single-handedly accounted for an 11-0 Lakers run early in the second quarter by scoring the Lakers' first nine points of the period and then throwing an alley-oop pass to Ayton for a dunk to help them establish a lead.

After scoring 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the first half, James was quiet afterward. But he finished with 21 points on 8-of-12 from the field, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks, although he did commit five turnovers.

Luka Doncic: B-plus

Doncic turned in a solid game, even though he was a little less efficient than he usually is. He shot 10-of-22 overall and 3-of-10 from downtown to score 27 points, and he also helped out with 10 rebounds, seven assists and one block. But he also had seven turnovers. Turnovers have been a problem for him, although this was the first time in nearly a month he had at least four turnovers in one contest.

Jaxson Hayes: B-plus

Hayes got 23 minutes of playing time in this game, and he responded with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, six rebounds, two blocks and one assist.

Luke Kennard: B-plus

Kennard continued to be a spark plug offensively off the bench with nine points on 3-of-5 overall shooting and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, plus two rebounds and one assist in 21 minutes.

Jake LaRavia: C

This was another quiet game for LaRavia, and he didn't get as much playing time as he usually does. He was on the court for 14 minutes, and he scored five points on 2-of-4 shooting, to go along with two rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Rui Hachimura: D-minus

Hachimura has been struggling to hit his shots since the All-Star break. He missed all four of his attempts on Tuesday, and he ended up with two points and two rebounds in 19 minutes.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers player grades: L.A. pushes past Pelicans for third straight win

Gary Neville has been speaking about what Chelsea need to add to their team – and he’s got some pretty clear ideas.

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Gary Neville watched Chelsea’s game against Arsenal for Sky Sports on Sunday, and his big picture conclusions about Chelsea after the game were pretty interesting.

After another frustrating game for the Blues where they had moments of showing their potential, but were ultimately let down by their immaturity, Neville had a pretty clear idea of what can improve.

Neville demands Chelsea add a mature striker as well as experience at the back

Gary Neville speaks on his podcast.

“They have to keep players fit but they need a top-class goalkeeper, a top-class centre-back with experience and a top-class centre-forward to accompany Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, not to replace them,” Neville said on his podcast post-game.

“[They should] have three strikers – Joao Pedro is very good, Delap who is young with potential – and then bring someone in. I know that’s difficult – these players are not there, but they need a centre-forward with experience.

“I’m not talking about a 33-year-old striker but someone who is 27 or 28 and the same at the back, a player who has real presence who can give them some solidity.

“I’m going to talk about the goalkeeper as well because Robert Sanchez invites problems, every time I watch him, my heart is in my mouth. He flaps at the Arsenal goal, so for me, Chelsea are three players short, they need players in those positions.

In other news…

Neville had already pointed out that Chelsea were a pretty unique team who made him feel a mix of emotions unlike most teams he had seen before.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Japan has always been a stage for the world’s finest martial artists. On April 29, two of the country’s greatest warriors will carry the flag at ONE Samurai 1.

The inaugural event at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena marks the beginning of a new monthly series dedicated to showcasing Japan’s elite on the global stage. 

Leading the charge is Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, who steps into the main event knowing it will be his last. The three-division K-1 Champion faces Thai destroyer Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in a rematch for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

Elsewhere on the card, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu defends his throne against dangerous Uzbek Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev.

Ahead of the biggest night of their careers, both Japanese warriors reflected on what this historic occasion means to them.

Takeru Determined To End Career On His Own Terms

After nearly two decades of giving everything to the sport, Takeru Segawa is finally ready to walk away — but not without one final statement.

For a fighter who reshaped what was possible in kickboxing, choosing how to exit matters as much as the journey itself. And there was only one opponent worthy of a final act.

Leaving without facing Rodtang one more time was never an option. When the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion agreed to the rematch, Takeru’s farewell finally had its ending.

“Natural Born Krusher” said:

“I’m incredibly happy to be able to fight Rodtang again in my final professional bout. Ever since before I joined ONE, all I’ve ever thought about was defeating Rodtang.”

That obsession nearly consumed him whole. At ONE 172 last March, Rodtang ended their first encounter in just 80 seconds — a single left hook that stopped the fight before it could truly begin.

The shock of that night sent the Japanese legend spiraling toward retirement, questioning everything he had built.

But the Bushido spirit does not break. Takeru channeled that pain into an emphatic second-round TKO of Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric at ONE 173, earning him a US$50,000 performance bonus.

Now, the 34-year-old sees every scar as part of a larger design:

“Looking back, I believe that even my previous loss was all part of the story, leading to this retirement fight where I turn everything around and claim the belt.”

That perspective defines what makes Takeru extraordinary. Throughout a career built on discipline, sacrifice, and an unbreakable will, he has always carried Japan’s hopes on his shoulders without flinching.

For Takeru, this final fight is not just about a ONE World Title. It’s about leaving the sport with his legacy intact — proof that a true champion never stops fighting, no matter the odds.

The Team Vasileus standout vowed:

“I will prove once and for all that Takeru is at the center of the combat sports world. I’m going to win this.”

Wakamatsu Promises To Repay Faithful Fans In Second Title Defense

Few champions in ONE Championship have earned their throne the hard way quite like Yuya Wakamatsu.

Even after realizing his lifelong dream of capturing the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title, the doubters lingered. He had stumbled at the highest level before, and some wondered whether history might repeat itself.

Wakamatsu silenced every last one of them at ONE 173, denying ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio two-division glory with an emphatic second-round TKO.

Now a new challenge stands before him. Avazbek Kholmirzaev has torn through the flyweight division with a ferocity that demands respect, which Wakamatsu is not taking lightly.

The Kagoshima native said:

“He is an extremely aggressive fighter with a high level of skill across striking, takedowns, and submissions. In particular, his right leg kicks are very dangerous.”

Respect for the opponent, however, has not dulled his hunger. Behind closed doors, Wakamatsu has worked tirelessly to evolve beyond the explosive finisher the world already knows. 

Every aspect of his game has been refined, every weakness addressed. He arrives at ONE Samurai 1 as a complete martial artist.

The TRIBE Tokyo MMA affiliate shared: 

“I want to give everything I have and show the skills and mental strength I have built up over the years at ONE Samurai 1. I am confident that fans will see a new side of Yuya Wakamatsu — and honestly, I can’t wait to see what kind of fight I can put on myself.”

Yet for Wakamatsu, the stakes extend beyond the belt. 

The roar of a hometown crowd has fueled him before. He knows that energy comes with responsibility — to the fans who never stopped believing during his long road to the top.

The flyweight MMA king concluded: 

“Thank you so much for always supporting me. I will show you everything I’ve got in this fight — please look forward to it!”

Source

Wales' Hockey World Cup qualifying hopes hang by a thread after a 5-0 defeat by France in Santiago, Chile.

Victor Charlet opened the scoring for the French in the second quarter with a penalty stroke to take a 1-0 half-time lead.

Benjamin Marque scored with a powerful reverse stick shot past Toby Reynolds-Cotterill from a tight angle to double the French lead in the third quarter.

Charlet added his second goal four minutes later from a penalty corner to take a commanding lead into the final quarter.

Charlet completed his hat-trick with another penalty corner and Marque grabbed his second to compound Wales' misery.

Wales have one point after two games in their pool after a 2-2 draw with hosts Chile on Sunday.

Wales play their final pool game against 20th ranked Scotland on Wednesday (21:00 GMT) knowing they will need to win to have any chance of making it through to the semi-finals of qualifying.

Danny Newcombe's side are seeking World Cup qualification for just the second time in their history, having made their tournament debut in 2023 in India.

Scotland and Chile drew 2-2 in their game in Pool A on Tuesday.

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FIRST HALF ANALYSIS:

UCLA came out on fire to start this one, while Nebraska couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean. The Bruins took an immediate double-digit lead, as they hit 6 of their first 8 field goal attempts. The Huskers would commit 3 turnovers in the opening 2 minutes. Nebraska would couple that with a 3:30 scoring drought, all the while UCLA would still be shooting over 70% from the floor in the opening 8 minutes.

Cale Jacobsen tried to spark Nebraska back into this, but no one would come along with him, as the Huskers built a replica of Pauley Pavilion from distance. Trent Perry and Xavier Booker would carry UCLA, as leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau would be held scoreless. It wouldn’t matter, as the Bruins continued to shoot well, combined with Nebraska being colder than an ex-mother-in-law’s hug. UCLA took an incredibly comfortable 37-24 lead into the break.

FIRST HALF STATS:

Nebraska shot 9-29 for 31% from the floor. They went a wretched 2-16 for 13% from deep and 4-6 for 67% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 18 rebounds, 6 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 7 turnovers to just 5 assists.

The Huskers were led by Cale Jacobsen, who had 6 points off the bench. 5 different Huskers had 3 rebounds each. Jamarques Lawrence had 2 assists.

UCLA shot 15-30 for 50% from the floor. They went 5-14 for 36% from deep and 2-4 for 50% from the free-throw line. The Bruins collected 20 rebounds, 4 of which were offensive. UCLA had 6 assists to 5 turnovers. They had 9 second chance points.

The Bruins were led by Trent Perry, who had 9 points. 4 different Bruins had 3 rebounds each. Perry and Donovan Dent had 2 assists each.

SECOND HALF ANALYSIS:

If Husker fans were looking for the team that plays incredibly well in the second half, they never found it. Every time Nebraska tried to climb back into this one, they shot themselves in the foot with a turnover or couldn’t get a stop. Case in point, Nebraska hit 7 straight field goals at one point but only reduced the deficit by 2. The closest Nebraska got was 10 points, but UCLA hit a basket, Jamarques Lawrence was called for a foul underneath, and UCLA then hit a 3, culminating a 5-point possession.

The lead went up to 15 and stayed there for quite a while. Nebraska had hope when it reached the bonus by the under 8 timeout, but they decided it was better to continue to brick everything instead of scoring points. UCLA ran out the clock as comfortably as Usain Bolt running the hundred-meter dash against me.

FINAL STATS AND THOUGHTS:

Nebraska shot 19-49 for 39% from the floor. They went 5-24 for 21% from deep and 9-18 for 50% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 34 rebounds, 11 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 13 turnovers to 12 assists, and only 7 second chance points.

The Huskers were led by Sam Hoiberg, who had 12 points. Rienk Mast and Cale Jacobsen had 11 each. Berke Buyuktuncel, Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort each had 5 rebounds. Lawrence also had 5 assists.

UCLA shot 28-60 for 47% from the floor. They went 10-29 for 35% from deep and 6-10 for 60% from the free-throw line. The Bruins collected 36 rebounds, 11 of which were offensive. UCLA had 17 assists to 8 turnovers and had 17 second chance points.

The Bruins were led by Trent Perry, who had 20 points and 7 rebounds. Eric Dailey Jr. had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Donovan Dent led the way with 8 assists.

I’m a little at a loss for words on this one. I know Nebraska has played some uggos recently, but dear God, what team was I watching tonight? Look at the stats, no hit anything from anywhere. The assists to turnovers were negative. Nebraska on 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS had got 3 OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS in a possession and DIDN’T SCORE!!!

UCLA hit its first shot 11 seconds into the game, and Nebraska never saw the light of day after that. 11 freaking seconds was all that Nebraska was in this contest. Some days you are the dog; others you are the hydrant. Tonight was a hydrant night. Better to have crapped the bed now than do it two weeks from now in the NCAA Tournament. Nebraska finishes its regular season on Sunday against Iowa. Tip-off from Pinnacle Bank Arena is at 4:00 pm central and can be seen on Fox.

One more for good measure…

On the second episode of UFC 326 Embedded, Charles Oliveira hits pads surrounded by his family; BMF Max Holloway sees how “The Ninth Island” compares to home cooking; Caio Borralho trains with support from The Fighting Nerds; Reinier de Ridder embarks on a quest to find hot springs; Rob Font prepares for his fight at Tristar Gym; Gregory Rodrigues spends quality time with his wife and daughter; Charles Oliveira activates “Super Saiyan mode” ahead of his main event fight.

UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 takes place on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by a lightweight bout for the symbolic BMF title between former champion Charles Oliveira and former featherweight titleholder Max Holloway.

UFC 326 Embedded - Episode 2

Dennis Schroder, having played for 11 teams in the NBA since his debut in 2013, has a lot of former teammates, and with most of them he has been on good terms. On Tuesday night, however, he had an uncomfortable, albeit lighthearted encounter with Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Schroder began the current campaign with the Sacramento Kings but was on the move once again in February and now finds himself chasing a top playoff spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He scored 15 points in a 113-108 win, but during the game his exchange with Cunningham, which was caught by the mic, showed how much the Pistons star had changed since Schroder was his teammate.

The Pistons, after scrambling near the bottom of the standings two seasons ago, are now the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham has admittedly been the biggest reason behind this turnaround, with his 25 ppg and incredible consistency helping Detroit dream big. Unfortunately, his rising stock has also made him a busier man who has become harder to reach.

Cunningham, mid game against the Cavs, tried to talk to Schroder, but the German baller replied, “Don’t talk to me now.”

“I tried to call you, you got MVP chants, now you not answering the phone no more,” the Cavs guard added, with a laugh, which suggested that it was banter.

At the same time, this could be true. Cunningham isn’t just a prospect anymore. The former #1 Draft pick is the protagonist of a team chasing a Championship, and he has, indeed, received NBA MVP shouts from legends like Shaquille O’Neal.

The Pistons last won the NBA title in 2004, when they beat the Lakers 4–1 in the Finals. Since then, they have been on a steady decline. Between 2008 and 2024, they reached the playoffs only three times and exited in the first round in each of those seasons after being swept. It was only Cunningham’s rise in 2025 that took them back to the playoffs, where they pushed the New York Knicks to six games before bowing out.

It was a defining moment for Cunningham and the Pistons, setting the stage for a better 2025–26 season, which they are currently having.

The Cavs, meanwhile, are on their tail. They are No. 4 in the East and could very well meet Detroit in the postseason. Schroder vs. Cunningham? It might be a battle Schroder takes personally if Cunningham ignoring his calls truly affected him.

The post Dennis Schroder Accuses Cade Cunningham of Ignoring Him After Getting MVP Chants appeared first on The SportsRush.

Jakob Poeltl describes Knicks' Jalen Brunson's indomitable will in the clutch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks pulled out their 40th win of the 2025-26 regular season on Tuesday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in a 111-95 victory.

It was a victory defined by streaks, including a third straight win holding their opponents under 100 points, their 10th straight win over the Raptors, and a third straight season with at least 40-plus wins.

The real star of the night, as per usual, was star point guard Jalen Brunson. The All-Star led the Knicks in scoring with 26 points, shooting 10 of 22 from the field, including seven points and an assist in the final five minutes. Last year's Clutch Player of the Year is, in fact, still clutch.

Jakob Poeltl explains why it's so hard to defend Knicks' Jalen Brunson

In his postgame interview, Raptors center Jakob Poeltl described how difficult it can be to defend Brunson, especially in those crunchtime situations.

"I mean, obviously it's difficult...he's good in these kind of situations. He knows how to dictate the game very well. We try to be really aggressive with him, try to take him out of his comfort zone," Poeltl told reporters.

"They just made some good plays at the end there. Knocked down some shots, some wild plays...it got out of hand in the last couple of minutes."

The Knicks improved to 40-22 on the season following the win in Toronto as they continue their push for the playoffs.

Next up, the second night of a back-to-back against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

It's sure to be a battle between two of the top teams in their respective conferences.

More Knicks news:

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Manchester United Women had numerous players in international action yesterday evening.

Jess Park

The United starlet discussed how she wanted to use her club form to launch her international career, and she got off to the perfect start.

Park scored two goals in England’s 6-1 demolition of Ukraine in World Cup qualifying.

In the 78th minute, the ball was whipped across goal and Park showed great instinct to turn in the pass.

She grabbed her second in the 89th minute when she tucked inside and launched a trademark dipping long-range effort, giving the Ukrainian keeper no chance.

Jess Park season stats

Maya Le Tissier also played the match at right back for the Lionesses, despite impressing from centre back for her club.

Melvine Malard

The French striker was also the heroine for her national team as they came from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1.

She scored a wonderful goal on 71 minutes when she waltzed through the Irish defence and slotted home a calm finish to bring her side level.

The United attacker completed the comeback on 78 minutes, when the ball finally landed to Malard in the box and she spun and struck a fine effort into the bottom corner to bring her side level.

Lisa Naalsund

The Norwegian has had a strong season for United, and she was the hero for her national team as she scored the only goal of Norway’s 1-0 win over Austria.

The United midfielder swept in an effort from the middle of the box in the 81st minute to give her side the lead.

Lea Schuller

The German star scored her nation’s fifth as they comfortably dispatched Slovenia 5-0.

She fired in her effort with her left foot from inside the area to put the cherry on top of the cake after 71 minutes of play.

Dominique Janssen

The United veteran was also involved for the Netherlands, starting at centre back.

She captained her side and played the entire 90 minutes of their 2-2 draw with Poland.

Swedish trio

Finally, Julia Zigiotti and Hanna Lundkvist both started for Sweden in their impressive 1-0 win away to Italy.

Fridolina Rolfo also came on as a substitute in the game in her return to full fitness.

Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images

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Fulham return to Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening, looking to maintain their European charge against a West Ham United side desperate to escape the relegation zone.

The Cottagers enter this midweek London derby in exceptional form, having won three consecutive matches across all competitions, including a superb 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. That result, inspired by first-half goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, propelled Fulham into ninth place and completed their first top-flight double over Spurs in 22 years. Silva’s side now has the opportunity to record just their second-ever Premier League season sweep of West Ham, having secured a 1–0 victory at the London Stadium in late December.

West Ham United, meanwhile, travel across the capital, currently sitting in 18th place, two points adrift of safety after a heavy 5–2 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday. Despite the scoreline, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men showed resilience in the second half with goals from Tomáš Souček and Valentín Castellanos. The Hammers know that a victory tonight could lift them out of the drop zone, depending on Nottingham Forest’s result at Manchester City. However, the visitors must overcome a wretched record in city derbies this season, having lost seven of their eight Premier League London matches.

Fulham vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news

• Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
• Venue: Craven Cottage, London
• Referee: Matt Donohue
• VAR: John Brooks
• Last Meeting: West Ham 0–1 Fulham (27 Dec 2025), Premier League

Team News

Fulham

Marco Silva is sweating over the fitness of star winger Harry Wilson, who was withdrawn on Sunday with a twisted ankle. Wilson has been fundamental this season, recording 15 goal involvements (9 goals, 6 assists). Brazilian winger Kevin is definitely out as he recovers from foot surgery. In better news, defender Joachim Andersen is back after missing the Spurs win through illness, and midfielder Saša Lukić could return following a hamstring injury.

West Ham United

Nuno Espírito Santo has a nearly full squad at his disposal, reporting no fresh injury concerns after the trip to Anfield. Forward Pablo Felipe remains sidelined with a calf injury, though he has begun an individual training program. Midfielder Freddie Potts serves the final game of his three-match suspension. Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa, and Tomáš Souček are expected to anchor the engine room in his absence.

Form

Fulham

The West Londoners have hit their stride in 2026, winning five of their last seven home matches across all competitions. Most recently, they dispatched Spurs 2–1 and Sunderland 3–1, showing clinical efficiency in early kick-offs. Notably, Fulham have won seven of their last 10 home evening Premier League games starting at 7pm or later. While they showed some late vulnerability against Tottenham by dropping deep too early, their defensive organisation has generally improved under Silva.

West Ham United

The Hammers have shown signs of improvement recently, picking up 11 points from their last seven Premier League outings—seven more than they managed in the previous 10. Prior to the Liverpool defeat, they were on a three-game unbeaten run in the league (W1, D2), including draws against Manchester United and Bournemouth. Notably, West Ham have been defensively frail on the road, having already conceded 54 league goals this term; only Burnley (56) have shipped more.

Predicted Lineups

Fulham Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Smith Rowe, Bobb; Jimenez

West Ham United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Bowen, Magassa, Soucek, Summerville; Fernandes; Castellanos

How to Watch Fulham vs West Ham United?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports. Coverage typically begins at 19:00 GMT.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

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Newcastle United host Manchester United at St James’ Park tonight, aiming to secure a fourth consecutive home league win over the Red Devils and snap a dismal domestic run.

The Magpies have moved into a critical period of their campaign, currently sitting in 13th place after losing five of their last six Premier League games. Manager Eddie Howe oversaw a frustrating 3–2 home loss to Everton on Saturday and is now desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive home league defeat—a streak last seen at the club in 2018. Notably, 36% of Newcastle’s all-time Premier League wins against Manchester United have come under Howe’s tenure.

Newcastle United Team News

Eddie Howe manages a squad still missing several influential leaders due to a persistent injury crisis. Notably, Bruno Guimarães, Tino Livramento, and Fabian Schär are not expected to be available tonight, though they are nearing returns. Consequently, Sven Botman is poised for a recall to the centre of defence ahead of Dan Burn. Jacob Ramsey is expected to feature after overcoming an illness that forced him off at the weekend. Notably, Ramsey has either scored or assisted in each of his last three league appearances, despite failing to register a goal involvement in his first 15 games for the club.

Nick Pope will start in goal behind a defensive line likely featuring Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall. In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are expected to anchor the side alongside Joe Willock. Anthony Gordon is likely to lead the line as a makeshift number nine if Nick Woltemade fails a late fitness test. Notably, Gordon has struggled for league efficiency this term, converting just 8% of his 38 shots into goals, a stark contrast to his 29% conversion rate in cup competitions.

Newcastle United Predicted Lineup

Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at St James’ Park on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:15 GMT.

How to watch Newcastle vs Manchester United?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Fans can also stream the action via the discovery+ app.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

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Nottingham Forest travel to the Etihad Stadium tonight, aiming to snap a three-game losing streak and secure their first league points under Vítor Pereira.

The Tricky Trees have moved into a precarious position, sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone following a 2–1 loss at Brighton. Manager Vítor Pereira oversaw a resilient but ultimately fruitless performance on the South Coast and now faces a City side that has proved impenetrable for Forest in recent years. Notably, Forest have lost all three of their away Premier League games at the Etihad without scoring a single goal, conceding 11 times in the process.

Nottingham Forest Team News

Vítor Pereira manages a squad heavily impacted by a wave of long-term knee injuries to senior players. Notably, top scorer Chris Wood remains out until April, while Willy Boly and Nicolò Savona are also sidelined. Consequently, Igor Jesus will continue to lead the line. In goal, Matz Sels has recovered from a groin issue and is expected to start, especially with Stefan Ortega unavailable to face his former club. Notably, Morgan Gibbs-White remains the key attacking threat; he has scored seven goals this season, matching his career-best in a single Premier League campaign.

Matz Sels will start in goal behind a defensive line led by Nikola Milenković and Murillo. In midfield, the partnership of Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson will be tasked with disrupting City’s rhythm. Notably, Anderson leads the league for duels won and possession won this season. Morgan Gibbs-White will operate in the number ten role, flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye. Notably, Forest have won in only one of their eight away top-flight visits to City since 1989 and must find a way to stop a City team that has won 24 of their last 26 Wednesday home matches.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

How to watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest?

UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 4. Highlights will be available on Match of the Day later tonight.

Read more- Latest Arsenal injury news on Rice, Raya, Havertz and Odegaard

See Also- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

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Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, aiming to maintain their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal against a Nottingham Forest side battling to stay above the drop zone.

The Citizens arrive in ruthless form, having won their last six matches across all competitions. A clinical 1–0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday ensured City remained within touching distance of the summit, trailing the Gunners by five points with a crucial game in hand. While City have transformed the Etihad into a fortress—winning 16 of their last 19 home league games—they face a Forest side that has historically struggled to contain them in Manchester. Notably, Forest have lost all three of their away Premier League games at the Etihad since returning to the top flight by a staggering aggregate score of 11–0.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, travel north under immense pressure as they sit just two points above the relegation zone. Life under new head coach Vítor Pereira has yet to yield a Premier League victory, with Sunday’s 2–1 loss at Brighton marking a third consecutive defeat in all competitions. Despite showing flashes of personality in their recent European exploits, the Tricky Trees must find a way to solve a defensive crisis that has left them without several key senior figures. Facing a City side that has won 24 of their last 26 Premier League home games played on a Wednesday, Forest face a monumental task to avoid being dragged into the bottom three.

Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news

• Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
• Referee: Darren England
• VAR: Tony Harrington
• Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Manchester City (27 Dec 2025), Premier League

Team News

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is sweating over the fitness of star striker Erling Haaland, who missed the Leeds match with a knock. While the manager noted Haaland feels “much better,” a late decision will be made on Tuesday. Midfielder Nico O’Reilly is also a doubt after picking up an ankle injury at Elland Road. The hosts are definitely without Croatian duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, both of whom remain long-term absentees. However, Max Alleyne has returned to first-team training and is expected to be in the squad.

Nottingham Forest

Vítor Pereira manages a squad significantly depleted by a wave of knee injuries. Chris Wood remains sidelined until at least April, while Willy Boly, John Victor, and Nicolò Savona are also unavailable. In goal, Matz Sels has made a timely recovery from a groin issue, which is vital as former City keeper Stefan Ortega is ruled out with a calf injury. Full-back Neco Williams will be assessed after appearing jaded in the defeat to Brighton.

Form

Manchester City

The Sky Blues have been the picture of consistency lately, winning four consecutive Premier League matches and six in a row in all competitions. Most recently, they ground out a 1–0 win at Leeds following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Newcastle. Notably, 39% of City’s wins this season have come by a single goal, their highest such proportion in over a decade. Guardiola’s side has also been historically dominant on Wednesdays, averaging 2.85 points per game at home on that specific day.

Nottingham Forest

Forest arrive in Manchester searching for their first league win under Vítor Pereira. Their recent form includes a 2–1 defeat at Brighton on Sunday and a narrow 1–0 home loss to Liverpool last week. Notably, Pereira remains winless in the Premier League this season across his time with Wolves and Forest, a run spanning 12 matches. The Tricky Trees have also struggled defensively at the Etihad, becoming one of only three sides in competition history to fail to score while shipping 10+ goals at a single stadium.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez; Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Semenyo; Marmoush

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

How to Watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 4. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT ahead of the 19:30 kick-off.

Read more- Latest Arsenal injury news on Rice, Raya, Havertz and Odegaard

See Also- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

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St James’ Park serves as the setting for a high-stakes Premier League clash on Wednesday night as a revitalised Manchester United look to cement its top-four credentials against a Newcastle side desperate to end a worrying slide.

The Red Devils arrive on Tyneside in clinical form under interim manager Michael Carrick, having amassed 19 points from a possible 21 since mid-January. A gritty 2–1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday propelled United into third place, level on points with Aston Villa and three clear of Liverpool. Carrick has overseen a remarkable defensive turnaround, with the team losing just one of their last 11 away league games (W5 D5). However, the Theatre of Dreams has proved more fruitful than St James’ Park lately; United have failed to win on their last three visits to Newcastle and are searching for their first victory there since 2020.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position, currently floundering in 13th place after losing five of their last six league matches. Eddie Howe’s side has been hampered by the dual demands of a Champions League campaign and a crippling injury list, most recently suffering a damaging 3–2 home defeat to Everton. The Magpies have lost three consecutive Premier League home games, conceding eight goals in the process. With a brutal run of fixtures including Manchester City, Barcelona, and Chelsea on the horizon, Newcastle must capitalise on their recent historical dominance over United at home to ignite their European hopes.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

• Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Kick-off: 20:15 GMT
• Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
• Referee: Peter Bankes
• VAR: Paul Tierney
• Last Meeting: Manchester United 1–0 Newcastle (26 Dec 2025), Premier League

Team News

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe continues to manage a heavily depleted squad. Influential figures Bruno Guimarães, Tino Livramento, and Fabian Schär are all nearing returns but are not expected to be fit for Wednesday. Lewis Miley remains sidelined with a niggling thigh injury, while Emil Krafth is out for the season. In more positive news, Jacob Ramsey is expected to be available after recovering from illness, though Nick Woltemade remains a major doubt. Sven Botman is pushing for a recall to the starting defence.

Manchester United

Michael Carrick faces fresh defensive concerns after Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were forced off against Crystal Palace due to illness and knocks. While Carrick is hopeful they will recover, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are on standby. Lisandro Martínez and Mason Mount are back in training but might find this game coming too soon for a start. Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) remain definite absentees.

Form

Newcastle United

The Magpies have struggled for defensive consistency at home, having lost their last three Premier League matches at St James’ Park. Notably, Newcastle have only lost two of their last 20 home evening kick-offs (7pm or later) in the division. While they have won four of their last six matches in all competitions, two of those victories came in Europe against Qarabag FK. Anthony Gordon will look to improve his clinical edge, having converted just 8% of his shots in the league this season compared to 29% in other competitions.

Manchester United

Under Carrick, United have become the Premier League’s “comeback kings” in 2026, recovering nine points from losing positions—more than any other side. Notably, the Red Devils have lost only one of their last eight league matches after falling behind. Bruno Fernandes has been the creative heartbeat of the side, recording 13 assists this season, the most by a United player in a single campaign since 2012. Striker Benjamin Šeško arrives in predatory form, averaging a goal every 49.7 minutes in recent weeks.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon

Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

How to Watch Newcastle United vs Manchester United?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Latest Arsenal injury news on Rice, Raya, Havertz and Odegaard

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

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Arsenal head to the South Coast on Wednesday night, aiming to maintain their grip on the Premier League title race against a Brighton & Hove Albion side finding form at a critical moment.

The Gunners enter this midweek fixture in commanding form, unbeaten in their last nine matches and fresh from back-to-back London derby victories over Tottenham and Chelsea. While Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead over Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, leaving the Gunners with little room for error. Arsenal’s clinical nature in away games has improved significantly recently; they averaged just 1.2 goals per game on the road between August and December, but that figure has surged to 2.3 per match since the turn of the year.

Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, appear to have moved past a difficult winter spell that saw them go winless in six matches between January and February. Fabian Hürzeler’s side has secured consecutive victories over Brentford and Nottingham Forest, moving them to 11th in the table and reigniting their European aspirations. The Seagulls have a historic knack for frustrating the league leaders, having won two of their last four Premier League home games against the team starting the day at the top of the table.

Brighton vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

• Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
• Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• VAR: Michael Salisbury
• Last Meeting: Arsenal 2–1 Brighton (27 Dec 2025), Premier League

Team News

Brighton

The Seagulls will assess Mats Wieffer, who was forced off late in the win over Forest, with Joel Veltman ready to deputise. Yasin Ayari is nearing a return from a shoulder problem and faces a late test. However, Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas are both ruled out for the season with knee injuries. Veteran James Milner remains available despite the quick turnaround.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Declan Rice will be available after a knock forced him off against Chelsea, noting the midfielder felt “much better” on Monday. Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both pushing to be involved, though their conditions will be assessed late. David Raya is fit to start, but Ben White, Mikel Merino, and Max Dowman are expected to remain sidelined.

Form

Brighton

Brighton have secured more wins in their last two games than they had in their previous 13 combined (W1 D6 L6). Notably, the Seagulls have suffered just two home defeats all season, though they have won only two of their last eight at the Amex. Forward Danny Welbeck has already matched his career-best of 10 Premier League goals this term; one more would see him join an elite group of players scoring 10+ goals in a season for the first time while aged 35 or older.

Arsenal

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 19 evening Premier League matches (7pm or later), a run stretching back to December 2023. Notably, set-pieces remain Arsenal’s most potent weapon; they have equalled the Premier League record for goals from corners in a single season (16). Furthermore, of the 20 times Arsenal have opened the scoring this season, 13 of those goals have come from a set-piece or penalty—the joint-most in the competition’s history.

Predicted Lineups

Brighton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Gross, Baleba; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Mitoma; Welbeck

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

How to Watch Brighton vs Arsenal?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 2. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT ahead of the 19:30 kick-off.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

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Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium tonight aiming to secure a third consecutive victory and break the Premier League record for goals scored from corners.

The Gunners have moved into a clinical phase of their title charge, maintaining a five-point lead following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta oversaw a performance that equalled the record for most corner goals in a season (16), and his side now looks to take the outright record against a Brighton side that has kept only one clean sheet in their last 10 games. Notably, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five visits to the Amex since the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta manages a squad balancing recent knocks with the return of key senior figures. Notably, Declan Rice is a doubt after a knock in the Chelsea match, but he is expected to train and push for a start. Consequently, if Rice or Martin Ødegaard are not fit, Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly could earn a start in midfield. Viktor Gyökeres arrives in excellent form, having been involved in six goals in his last seven away games (5 goals, 1 assist). Notably, Arsenal have become far more prolific on the road in 2026, averaging 2.3 goals per game compared to 1.2 earlier in the season.

David Raya will start in goal behind a defensive unit led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. In midfield, Martin Zubimendi is expected to continue his partnership with Rice if fit. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will provide the width, with Gyökeres poised to lead the attack. Notably, 65% of the time Arsenal have opened the scoring this season, the breakthrough has come via a set-piece or penalty.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at the American Express Stadium on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

How to watch Brighton vs Arsenal?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2. Fans can also stream the action via the discovery+ app.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

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Chelsea travel to Villa Park tonight aiming to secure their first away victory at the ground since 2022 and close the gap on the Champions League places.

The Blues have moved into a period of frustration under manager Liam Rosenior, currently sitting sixth in the table and winless in their last three matches. Manager Rosenior oversaw a narrow 2–1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, a result that highlighted his side’s continued tactical progression but also their vulnerability at set-pieces. Notably, Chelsea have lost eight of their last 10 midweek away games in the Premier League, including both of their trips on the road this year.

Chelsea Team News

Liam Rosenior manages a squad missing a key winger due to suspension but bolstered by a significant defensive return. Notably, Wesley Fofana is available for selection after serving his ban, while Cole Palmer has been cleared to play despite a minor injury scare against Arsenal. Consequently, Tosin Adarabioyo may make way in central defence. However, Pedro Neto is suspended following his red card, and Marc Cucurella remains a major doubt. Notably, João Pedro has been directly involved in five goals in his five career appearances against Aston Villa, his favourite opponent in the competition.

Robert Sánchez will start in goal behind a defensive line led by captain Reece James and the returning Fofana. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Andrey Santos are expected to anchor the side, allowing Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández to support João Pedro in attack. Notably, Chelsea are winless in their last two visits to Villa Park and haven’t lost consecutive away league games at the ground since the early 2000s. The visitors have dropped 19 points from winning positions this term, a habit they must break to secure a vital result tonight.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-3-3): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at Villa Park on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Chelsea?

UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3. Highlights will be available on the TNT Sports app shortly after the final whistle.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Haaland injury update delivered ahead of Man City vs Forest

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Fulham host West Ham United at Craven Cottage tonight, aiming to secure their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions and close the gap on the European places.

The Cottagers have moved into ninth place in the table after a revitalising run under Marco Silva. Manager Silva oversaw a clinical 2–1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday, and his side now looks to complete a rare top-flight double over the Hammers. Notably, Fulham have won seven of their last 10 home evening Premier League games, making Craven Cottage a formidable venue under the lights.

Fulham Team News

Marco Silva manages a squad balancing significant momentum with fresh injury concerns in attacking areas. Notably, Harry Wilson is a major doubt after twisting his ankle against Spurs; if he fails a late test, Samuel Chukwueze is poised to start on the right flank. Consequently, Oscar Bobb and Emile Smith Rowe will likely continue their creative partnership behind Raúl Jiménez. Notably, Wilson has been Fulham’s most productive player this season with 15 Premier League goal involvements, the most by any player at the club since Dimitar Berbatov in 2012-13.

Bernd Leno will start in goal behind a defensive line bolstered by the return of Joachim Andersen, who missed the weekend win through illness. In midfield, Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi will anchor the side, with Saša Lukić also pushing for a return to the matchday squad following a hamstring injury. Notably, Fulham have already beaten West Ham 1–0 this season and are looking for the first league sweep of their London rivals since the 2023-24 campaign.

Fulham Predicted Lineup

Fulham Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Smith Rowe, Bobb; Jimenez

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 GMT.

How to watch Fulham vs West Ham?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Fans can also stream the action via the discovery+ app.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

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Manchester United travel to St James’ Park tonight aiming to secure a Premier League double over Newcastle and extend their unbeaten away run to six matches.

The Red Devils have moved into third place in the table after a revitalising spell under manager Michael Carrick, who has won five of his first six games in charge. Manager Carrick oversaw a clinical 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, and his side now looks to consolidate their top-four position. Notably, Manchester United have only lost one of their last 11 away Premier League games, a significant improvement from their previous 11 on the road.

Manchester United Team News

Michael Carrick manages a squad coping with fresh defensive doubts after two veteran stars felt unwell during the weekend’s win. Notably, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are being monitored; if they are unable to start, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are ready to step in. Consequently, the manager may hand a first inclusion in the league XI to striker Benjamin Šeško after his match-winning contribution off the bench. Notably, Šeško has scored seven goals in eight matches since the departure of Ruben Amorim, averaging a goal every 49.7 minutes during that run.

Arne Lammens will start in goal behind a defensive line led by Leny Yoro and potentially Harry Maguire. In midfield, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to continue their partnership, providing the platform for Bruno Fernandes to operate in the creative role. Notably, Fernandes has already provided 13 league assists this term, matching the most by a United player in a single campaign since 2011-12. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will provide the threat from wide areas as United seek to become the first side since 1931 to win four consecutive league matches at St James’ Park.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup

Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture takes place at St James’ Park on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:15 GMT.

How to watch Newcastle vs Manchester United?

UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Highlights will be available on Match of the Day later tonight.

Read more- Man Utd boss Carrick says set-piece grappling has ‘gone too far’

See Also- Guardiola agrees with Slot on growing Premier League problem

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Toluca bounce back from trailing twice in the match to get a 3-2 victory over Pumas that meant they are the only undefeated team in the Clausura 2026. Pumas’ undefeated recorded ended in large part because of a terrible goal miss that also dropped them off to 5th place. Pumas will now travel north to face off against Necaxa on Friday while Toluca return home where they will host FC Juarez.

The 1st half started with Pumas coming out with the same starting 11 as they had in their previous two matches. Toluca had the return of Luan to the starting 11. Off a corner kick, the cross from Pavel Perez came dangerously close and forced a save from Pumas’ goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. A great cross into the area was volleyed by Paulinho and it would hit the post although it would have been offside had it gone in. A cross into the area was deflected into the path of Alan Medina but his weak shot was easily saved by Toluca’s goalkeeper, Hugo Gonzalez. After getting a thru pass in the area, Jorge Diaz Price got off a great right footed shot that forced a great save from Navas. Off a corner kick, Luan got off a header that went wide. After a good combination play, Jordan Carrillo got into the area where he got brought down by Luan and the ref gave a Penalty Kick to Pumas. Robert Morales stepped up to take the PK and got off a strong right footed shot that went past Gonzalez and into the net to score and give Pumas the 1-0 lead against the run of play. From outside the area, Jesus Ricardo Angulo got off a left footed shot that was saved by Navas. After a great run, Juninho started a 2 vs o counter attack and the got off a pass that took out Gonzalez and left Morales with a wide open net shot and he sent his shot well wide in an historic bad miss. It was a sure goal for Morales and the miss was so bad, it will probably go thru the world wide media, it was that bad. Then a minute later, Jesus Ricardo Angulo made a good play and got off an incredible left footed shot that went past Navas to score and tie the match at 1-1. The game went from an almost sure 2-0 lead for Pumas to a 1-1 tie in a huge hit to Pumas. The halftime whistle blew with the tied score.

The 2nd half started with neither team making a substitution. A pass into the area would fail to be controlled by Paulinho from close range and Navas would beat him to it. Paulinho would get off a right footed shot from outside the area that went wide. Pumas subbed out Jordan Carrillo for Uriel Antuna. From outside the area, Paulinho was given time and space to get off a right footed shot but it was easily saved by Navas. A counter from Pumas ended with Antuna getting off a right footed shot that forced a good save from Gonzalez. From outside the area, Alvaro Angulo got off a left footed shot that forced another save from Gonzalez. Off a corner kick, the ball would not be cleared well by Toluca and the ball would end up getting to Alvaro Angulo, who in the area got off a left footed shot past Gonzalez to score and give Pumas the 2-1 lead. Toluca subbed out Luan for Helinho. After getting the ball in the area, Federico Pereira got off a right footed shot that forced a great save from Navas. The ball was left there for Pereira, who got off a bicycle kick volley that would reach Paulinho, who from close range would send his shot wide. Off a counter, Morales got off a right footed shot in the area that forced a save from Gonzalez, who left the ball there but Juninho would crash the close range shot into him. From way off the half line, a huge shot from Morales would go just wide. Off a corner kick, Toluca would surprise by getting off a pass to a wide open Diego Barbosa, who got off a wonderful right footed shot from outside the area that went past Navas and into the net to score and tie the match at 2-2. It was the second consecutive match where Pumas got scored on a play like that, the only goal Tijuana scored in their previous game came off the same play. Pumas would sub out Alan Medina for Guillermo Martinez. A cross into the area would fall to Helinho, whose left footed shot was deflected wide by Pumas’ defense. Toluca subbed out Jorge Diaz Price for Nicolas Castro. Off the ensuing corner kick, the ball would eventually fall to Perez, whose right footed shot was brilliantly saved by Navas. Jesus Gallardo would get off a good shot that was headed from close range by Paulinho and although Pumas claimed an offside, the goal stood and Toluca had taken the 3-2 lead. Toluca subbed out Jesus Ricardo Angulo for Antonio Briseño. A right footed shot from Helinho was deflected wide. Pumas subbed out Angel Azuaje and Pedro Vite for Ruben Duarte and Cesar Garza. A bad clearance allowed Antuna to get off a shot in the area but his left footed shot went wide in a bad miss. In would be the last play and Toluca got the 3-2 victory that meant they were the only team without a loss in the season.

Pumas’ undefeated record came to an end with a very exciting match that ended with Toluca defeating them by a 3-2 score. While Toluca was the better team and the win was deserved, Pumas’ fans will feel and opportunity was wanted when Morales’ terrible miss meant that a 2-0 lead at home would end up a minute later with a 1-1 tie. Pumas should also be worried about the team’s defensive struggles especially after the tying goal being similar to the goal that Tijuana scored on Friday against Pumas. Pumas will need to bounce back quickly as they have to travel to play on Friday against Necaxa in Aguascalientes. Toluca will return home where they will be heavy favorites against FC Juarez as they once again are a leading candidates for the Liga MX title.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The UNLV Runnin' Rebels defeated the Utah State Aggies, 92-65, on Tuesday March 3, 2026, at the Thomas and Mack Center and The Sporting Tribune's RJ Forbus was there to capture the following TST Images.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels G Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn (0) hypes up the crowd in the final minutes of a college basketball game against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels senior G Howie Fleming Jr. (3) battles for position against a Utah State Aggies player on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels G Issac Williamson (12) follows through on a three-point shot against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels F Tyrin Jones (6) dunks the ball during a college basketball game against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels senior F Kimani Hamilton and teammate F Tyrin Jones (6) celebrate after Hamilton earns a free throw shot after scoring a basket against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels senior F Kimani Hamilton (2) watches the ball after shooting a three-point shot against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels F Jacob Bannarbie (10) looks for a pass during a college basketball game against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels senior F Walter Brown (22) dunks the ball during a college basketball game against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels F Jacob Bannarbie (10) draws a foul while shooting a lay-up shot during a college basketball game against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

RJ Forbus - The Sporting Tribune

UNLV Runnin' Rebels F Tyrin Jones (6) points to the crowd after scoring a breakaway basket against the Utah State Aggies on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The UCLA men’s basketball team made Senior Night one to savor Tuesday, dominating No. 9 Nebraska 72-52 at Pauley Pavilion for its 20th victory of the season and third over a top-10 ranked opponent.

The Bruins improved to 20-10 overall and 12-7 in the Big Ten with one regular season game remaining, Saturday at crosstown rival USC.

Trent Perry scored 20 points, Eric Dailey Jr. had 14 and three players — Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark and Xavier Booker — each added eight points.

Sam Hoiberg had 12 points to lead Nebraska.

The Bruins were in control from the opening tip-off and never trailed the Cornhuskers (25-5, 14-5). UCLA improved to 10-3 in all-time against Nebraska and the win greatly strengthened its resume for an NCAA tournament berth as the Bruins also beat then-No. 4 Purdue 69-67 on Jan. 20 and then-No. 10 Illinois 95-94 in overtime on Feb. 21 on Donovan Dent’s layup with one second left.

Read more:Kelly Inouye-Perez proud to honor UCLA Bruins' legacy of winning

This is the fifth time in head coach Mick Cronin’s seven seasons that the Bruins have won 20 or more games. They are 17-1 at home (their only loss in overtime to Indiana on Jan. 31).

UCLA went ahead by 15 points, 37-22, on Perry’s three-pointer with 2:41 left and led 37-24 at intermission. The Bruins shot 50% from the field in the first half (15-for-30) while Nebraska was only 31 percent (nine-for-29).

The Bruins increased their advantage to 18 points on Dailey Jr.’s dunk less than five minutes into the second half and the visitors got no closer than nine the rest of the way.

Prior to pregame introductions the Bruins honored seniors Bilodeau, Dent and Clark; fifth-year player Jamar Brown; redshirt seniors Steven Jamerson II, Jack Seidler and Anthony Peoples Jr; and redshirt junior Evan Manjikian. In a media timeout, midway through the first half, former coach Jim Harrick (who led UCLA to its 11th national championship in 1995) was honored and got a loud ovation.

Over the last four games, Dent has 46 assists and just two turnovers.

Bilodeau has scored in double figures in 26 of 28 games played, totaling 20 points or more nine times.

Dailey moved to within five points of reaching the 1,000-career point milestone.

UCLA has now made at least one three-pointer in 887 of 888 games dating to February 2000.

Sign up for UCLA Unlocked for big game takeaways, recruiting buzz and more UCLA sports insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Five goals to win a hockey game is where the Edmonton Oilers are at right now.

They gave up four goals in forty minutes, fell behind by two, and needed a comeback win against the Ottawa Senstors who have been watching the playoff race from the outside for a while now.

This isn’t a new story, that much is obvious. This is the same turnovers, the same high danger chances, and the same goaltending left out to dry at various points throughout the game. But then there's a dominant third-period comeback that makes you wonder why they can’t just play like that for sixty minutes instead of twenty.

Compare it to the other night in San Jose, and it's a slight, subtle improvement.

“The previous game against San Jose was just horrible," began Zach Hyman. "We were flat. And this game we were better. There’s just some lapses in our game that result in high danger chances, and those are tough. We would love it if the other team would give us lapses like that, right?

"So (there's) things that you can clean up just by being sharper, being more desperate, having more urgency in your game. And I think we showed it in the third period. That’s a result of playing better all around.”

Connor Murphy Embraces Oilers Pressure: “Winning Is the Top Priority”New acquisition Connor Murphy revealed trade details after coming to the Oilers, his eagerness to play meaningful games, and why Edmonton's pressure is a privilege.

Hyman’s describing a team that’s been capable of playing well all season but still can’t consistently put together a full sixty-minute effort. Those lapses he’s talking about aren’t some new development that crept into their game recently. They’ve been there, showing up at the worst possible times, and at some point, “we can clean it up” needs to actually become cleaning it up.

Tuesday’s win was the kind of game the Oilers themselves have criticized. Needing five goals because you gave up four isn’t sustainable, and everyone in that room knows it. This a team, and a group of players, who have gone as far as you can without winning it all, and they know a 5-4 overtime win over Ottawa isn’t it.

“We don’t want to be putting ourselves in that position, continued Hyman. "But sometimes you need a game like that where you can come back and it’s a complete team effort, and you’re able to dominate a third period and win a game. So I thought it was a good one for us, and hopefully a springboard for better games.”

Oilers Aren't Accepting Any Excuses For Recent PerformanceForget fatigue theories. Oilers players demand better performance, refusing to let past success excuse current struggles.

A springboard is an optimistic outlook, and sure, maybe it is. Stranger things have happened. But the Oilers have had plenty of moments this season that felt like turning points and then weren’t, so forgive anyone for not getting too excited about an overtime win against a mediocre team in early March.

“We don’t have huge smiles on our face, we’re not coming out of this game patting ourselves on the back," said Hyman. "We’ve been to the finals, we know what it takes. We know what type of hockey you have to play.

"Again, having said that, there are positives, and we know we can come back in games, and there are going to be some of those, but if you want to be successful, you got to keep the puck out of your net. And I think we are capable of doing that. We just have to do it more often and consistently.”

The State Of The Oilers And Their Playoff PositionTake a look at the NHL standings and spend a few minutes with the games played column. The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers#google_vignette">Edmonton Oilers</a> have played more games than just about anyone in the league, and they're sitting third in the Pacific at 29-24-8 while other teams in the Pacific have multiple games in hand.

They keep coming back to the word "capable," and it’s accurate. This is absolutely a capable hockey team. But capability without consistency is just potential, and potential doesn’t get you very far when the games actually matter. On their best nights, the Oilers look like a genuine contender.

The issue is that their best nights and their worst nights have been showing up in no particular order, and time is running out to figure it out.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jalen Green scored 20 points, Grayson Allen had 18 and the Phoenix Suns beat the NBA-worst Sacramento Kings 114-103 on Tuesday night to sweep the four-game season series.

Seventh in the West at 35-26, the Suns won their second straight and got back Devin Booker after the star guard missed four games because of a right hip injury. He scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half.

Collin Gillespie scored 17 points — hitting 5 of 8 3-pointers — and had nine assists and six rebounds. Oso Ighodaro added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Phoenix is without Dillon Brooks because of a fractured left hand.

The Suns used a 14-0 run in the third quarter to turn a 63-62 deficit into a 76-63 lead. Royce O’Neale capped the run with consecutive 3-pointers.

Maxime Raynaud had 22 points — on 10-of-12 shooting — and 10 rebounds for Sacramento in the opener of a five-game homestand. The Kings dropped to 14-49. They are 2-3 following a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak.

Precious Achiuwa added 18 points, DeMar DeRozan had 17 and Russell Westbrook 16. Kings forward Keegan Murray missed his third straight game because of ankle injury.

Phoenix led 59-55 at the half. Ighodaro had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the half, and Achiuwa had 16 points for Sacramento.

Up next

Suns: Host Chicago on Thursday night.

Kings: Host New Orleans on Thursday night.

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

The NBA player who had the league's second-longest active games played streak saw that spell snapped over the weirdest reason.

San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes had played in 364 consecutive games, trailing only New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges' longest active streak of 616 games. But on Tuesday, March 3, ahead of San Antonio's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson revealed that Barnes was a late addition to the injury report.

Per Johnson, Barnes woke up from a pregame nap with a sore left ankle.

“He’s with the medical staff now,” Johnson told reporters prior to the game. “Hoping it’s nothing serious, but I don’t have much information.”

Barnes was initially listed as questionable, though he would go on to miss the game to snap his streak. The Spurs dominated Philadelphia, winning by 40 points, 131-91. Eight different Spurs scored double figures and all but one of the 13 players who appeared in the game scored a point.

This marked the first time since Dec. 4, 2021 that Barnes missed a game, when he was a member of the Sacramento Kings.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nap injury halts Harrison Barnes' consecutive game streak

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — Sara Didar choked back tears as she shared the concerns of the Iranian soccer team for their families and loved ones at home amid the war while they're in Australia contesting the Women’s Asian Cup.

“Obviously we’re all concerned and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar said in comments translated to English during a news conference Wednesday on the eve of a Group A game against Australia.

"I really hope for our country to have good news ahead. And I hope that my country will be strongly alive.”

The 21-year-old striker was part of the squad that stood in silence as the Iran anthem played at the Gold Coast Stadium before their opening loss to South Korea on Monday.

The squad and management arrived in Australia well before the strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Saturday that led to the broader conflict.

Head coach Marziyeh Jafari and players declined to comment on the war or the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during their first official news conference of the tournament on Sunday.

On Wednesday, an Asian Football Confederation moderator asked reporters before the scheduled pre-match news conference to stick with football questions and refrain from asking about the war.

When a question was posed, Didar and Jafari each expressed concerns about the people in Iran.

“Obviously we have so much concern regarding the health of our families and our loved ones and all other Iranian people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with," Jafari said, highlighting the limited contact because of blackouts in Iran.

“But, here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on our football and match ahead.”

A pocket of Iranian fans at Monday's game waved the red, green and white national colors and some pre-Islamic revolution flags, and chanted support for the team.

Jafari said the team was happy to have the support of Iranian-Australians.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said he wanted his team and supporters to greet the Iranian squad with compassion. Thursday's game is expected to draw a capacity crowd at Gold Coast Stadium.

“We want to give them the best tournament possible in terms of giving them the experience of a lifetime," Montemurro said. "For us, it’s about just showing our human compassion, our respect and show them how beautiful we are as a country, and how beautiful we are as Australians.”

Australia, the 2010 Asian Cup champions and semifinalist at the 2023 World Cup it co-hosted with New Zealand, opened with a 1-0 win over Philippines and can secure a quarterfinal spot with a win over Iran. The Iranians are in Australia hoping to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, which means they have to finish in the top eight in the Asian Cup.

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

In the modern era, with NIL and instant transfers, it’s pretty easy for a coach to win in Year 1.

Well, at the top of the sport, that is.

When you get down to lower levels, what you find is that a) you don’t have the NIL resources that bigger schools have, and b) players are much more likely to prove themselves and transfer up.

Therefore, winning at smaller schools is tougher, and winning at most HBCUs is even more difficult.

All of which makes what former Duke guard and assistant Nolan Smith has accomplished this season even more impressive: in his first season at Tennessee State, Smith is currently 21-9 and 15-5 in the OVC.

The OVC tournament starts on Friday, and if Tennessee State wins that, they’ll be playing in the NCAA tournament. And if that happens, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll draw Duke in the first round.

• Nkrumah Named OVC Player of the Year; Smith Earns Co-Coach of the Year
• Nolan Smith wins OVC Coach of the Year at Tennessee State after one season
• Jon Scheyer’s Former Duke Basketball Co-Star Wins OVC COY
• Tennessee State basketball’s Nolan Smith voted OVC co-coach of the year
• Duke legend Nolan Smith Wins OVC Coach of the Year
• Duke legend Nolan Smith Wins OVC Coach of the Year
• Tennessee State’s Nolan Smith named OVC Coach of the Year
• Nolan Smith wins OVC Coach of the Year at Tennessee State after one season