• PSG have emerged as a ‘surprise contender’ for Bernardo Silva’s signature this summer
• Benfica return remains Silva’s ultimate ambition but PSG & Barcelona have made recent contact
• PSG have previously made two attempts to sign Man City captain during his time in England

Paris Saint-Germain have re-entered the race to sign Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva this summer, as per a new report.

Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City as a free agent when his current contract expires this summer, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano and City assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders having confirmed the Portuguese’s exit in recent weeks.

Silva has been one of the most decorated players of the modern era during a nine-year association with the club, winning six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and a historic treble since joining from AS Monaco for £43 million in 2017.

Bernardo Silva selects next club among Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain

However, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has maintained that Silva is yet to inform him of his plans for next season – insisting he “deserved” to be the first to know.

Report: PSG emerge as surprise contender for Silva

According to new claims, Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as a ‘surprise contender’ for Silva’s signature this summer, having previously made two attempts to sign the Portuguese midfielder during his time at Manchester City.

While a Benfica return is said to have always been the City skipper’s ‘ultimate ambition’ during the closing stages of his top-level career, it is reported that PSG and Barcelona have made recent contact due to his free agent status, establishing potential wages and a signing-on fee.

PSG’s interest in Silva is far from new. The French champions made an audacious €70 million bid for the midfielder in the summer of 2023 – a bid City rejected – before registering further interest the following summer.

His availability on a free transfer this summer, combined with the financial package any club would be required to offer in lieu of a fee, makes the Parc des Princes a credible destination in a way that previous approaches could not quite achieve.

How does PSG’s interest fit into the wider picture?

Barcelona had previously been understood to be Silva’s preferred next destination, with the playmaker having long harboured a desire to return to western Europe and reunite with compatriot and former Manchester City teammate Joao Cancelo.

Paris Saint-Germain hold ‘historic’ transfer interest in Manchester City midfielder expected to move this summer

However, financial constraints at the Camp Nou have consistently complicated the pursuit and PSG’s renewed interest introduces a fresh dynamic into what is shaping up to be a genuinely competitive transfer race.

Juventus had also made formal contact with Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes over a potential move to Turin, while the Saudi Pro League has previously tabled extraordinary financial offers for the City skipper that he is so far believed to have declined.

Silva’s availability on a free transfer is the defining factor in how this summer’s pursuit unfolds. The wages and signing-on fee any club would need to offer, given what City will not be paying him after June, represent a significant but not insurmountable commitment for a club of PSG’s financial standing.

With Barcelona still navigating their own financial complexities and Benfica the sentimental favourite rather than the frontrunner, the Parc des Princes could yet spring the surprise that this latest report suggests is possible.

Michael Olise is enjoying a sensational season, having scored 17 goals and provided 29 assists in 42 games for FC Bayern Munich.

Heading into Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Real Madrid, head coach Vincent Kompany backed the 24-year-old French winger to become one of the best players in the world if he continues on his current trajectory.

“We see him every day and he does it at the highest level in the Champions League. He’ll surely be one of the best in the world one day,” Kompany said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“He’s on the right track now. Everything he does is right. His level now is one of the best in Europe. But if I said now he’s the best, people will ask how many titles he’s won. He needs to keep going as he has done over the last 18 months. If he keeps going, we’ll see what becomes of him.”

Going into the game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg at the Bernabeu, Bayern will hope Olise delivers another remarkable performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Shohei Ohtani on-base streak: How Dodgers star can continue eye-popping stretch of hitting dominance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Shohei Ohtani has proved that he can do just about anything on the baseball field. He can lead the league in home runs, pitch well enough to win a Cy Young and be the driving force behind the formation of a dynasty. 

Ohtani is not only one of the best players in the game today, but also one of the most consistent. Heading into the Los Angeles Dodgers series finale with the New York Mets on April 15, 2026, he is riding a 47-game on-base streak, meaning that the star has reached base safely in the last 47 games that he has played in.

The unique thing about Ohtani is that his on-base streak includes games where he was the starting pitcher and still managed to safely get on base, while also having to think about his approach on the mound in the next half-inning. Even though it is the longest active streak in the league, the superstar has a long way to go before getting close to breaking the all-time on-base streak. 

Here is more on Ohtani's active on-base streak. 

MORE: Is Shohei Ohtani the GOAT?

Shohei Ohtani on-base streak

Ohtani has safely reached base in 47 consecutive games. The streak began back on August 24, 2025. Ohtani can extend his streak with a base hit, a walk or getting hit by a pitch. His streak has had some close calls, like on April 13, 2026, when he faced the New York Mets. He went 0-4 in the box score, but got bailed out by his first plate appearance of the game. Ohtani was hit by David Peterson's third pitch in the bottom of the first inning. The Dodgers star went on to strike out, ground out, and fly out twice the rest of the game. 

His on-base streak is the longest for a Japanese-born player, and he set that record when he reached base on April 10, 2026. Ohtani surpassed Ichiro Suzuki, who previously held the record for a Japanese-born player with a 42-game on-base streak. 

He is tied for the third-longest on-base streak for a Dodger player since 1900, but still has a ways to go before he sets the team record. That belongs to Duke Snider, who reached base safely in 58 consecutive games. Ohtani trails Shawn Green, 53 games, and is tied with Ron Cey at 47 games. 

MORE: How fast is Shohei Ohtani?

When was the last time Shohei Ohtani failed to reach base?

The last time that Ohtani failed to reach base was on August 23, 2025. He and the Dodgers were facing the San Diego Padres in a divisional matchup, and the slugger went 0-4 at the dish. Ohtani started the game striking out swinging to San Diego starter Nestor Cortes. In the top of the fourth, he lined out to right field. Cortes was still going strong in the sixth inning, and he ended the frame by getting Ohtani to fly out to center. 

In his final at-bat of the night, the L.A. slugger faced San Diego closer Adrian Morejon. Ohtani worked a 2-1 count and on the fourth pitch of the at-bat, flew out to right field for the second out in the top of the ninth inning. 

The current streak began the next day when Ohtani went 1-4 with a home run and a walk. 

MORE: Breaking down Shohei Ohtani's record-setting contract

Longest on-base streak in MLB history

When thinking about the longest on-base streaks in MLB history, it is easy to first start at 56 games. That is Joe DiMaggio's record for consecutive games with a hit. When you include walks and getting hit by pitches, there are 13 players who have a longer on-base streak than DiMaggio's hit record. 

Here is a look at the longest on-base streaks in MLB history.

MORE: Explaining Shohei Ohtani's gambling scandal

French football expert Julien Laurens criticised the tactical decisions made by Arne Slot as Liverpool exited the Champions League on Tuesday night following a home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

With the Reds trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Dutchman went for broke by starting both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, although neither of those made it to the second half, in which the hosts were unable to capitalise on a 20-minute period of dominance before Ousmane Dembele struck twice.

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Although LFC’s performance was a marked improvement on the first leg, ultimately the scoreline from Paris was replicated at Anfield as the Merseysiders bowed out of Europe for another season.

Laurens: Slot let Liverpool down with ‘unbelievable’ decisions

Laurens was critical of Slot for his tactical approach and team selection on Tuesday night, particularly the decision to start the Swedish striker when he’s still feeling his way back from a four-month injury layoff.

The European football expert told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t want to blame Arne Slot again like we did last week, but that line-up to start was complete nonsense. That second half should have been exactly how Liverpool should have started this game tonight, to get the crowd going.

“It should not have been Isak from the start. I don’t even understand where that came from – unbelievable. I don’t understand. He made errors in that first leg in his line-up and the way I think they set up.

“Again, we said before the game tonight, he cannot get it wrong. Tonight is not the game to get it wrong. You can’t change at half-time and expect then to turn this game around. He had to get it right from the beginning, and for me again, he let the team down and the club down and the fans down.”

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Did Slot get it wrong on Tuesday night?

Slot had to be bold with his starting XI on Tuesday with Liverpool two goals down from the first leg, although some fans may legitimately question the wisdom of starting Isak if – by the head coach’s own admission – the striker was only fit enough to play 45 minutes.

The Reds were treading a delicate tightrope in the first half last night – obviously they had to show some ambition to overturn the 2-0 deficit from Paris, but they couldn’t be overly cavalier and run the risk of PSG picking them off and killing the tie before half-time at Anfield.

LFC at least kept themselves in the fight going into the second half, and the ferocity they showed in the first 20 minutes after the interval was rightly praised by Tim Sherwood, but fatefully they failed to find the net when they had their opponents on the ropes in that period.

Slot also faced criticism from John Aldridge over some of his decisions on Tuesday, particularly the substitution of Joe Gomez just 22 minutes after bringing him on at half-time, although the head coach claimed afterwards that the Liverpool defender had asked to come off due to a fitness concern.

The Dutchman had to take some risks last night – being conservative simply wasn’t an option – but unfortunately the gambles didn’t pay off, and the scrutiny over his future will surely intensify if the Reds come up short in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

In February, I wrote a piece questioning whether Jean-Philippe Mateta deserved to play for Crystal Palace again. When he returned to the Selhurst Park pitch on 12 March in a 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca, the reaction from the crowd said plenty - a chorus of boos echoed the stands, showing just how frustrated fans were with January's off-field drama.

Fast forward four weeks, things feel a lot different and our number 14 is back doing what he does best... kicking the corner flag!

In what I would argue was Palace's best performance of the Conference League campaign, Mateta reminded us exactly what he offers. His penalty against Fiorentina set us on the way to a comfortable victory and in a good position for our upcoming away leg.

In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, the Frenchman stated: "I dreamed about that for nights." Maybe being out of favour with Oliver Glasner is exactly what Mateta needed to reignite the fire in his belly.

Just three days later came Newcastle. Introduced from the bench with 25 minutes left, he completely changed the game. His late double was exactly what we had been missing and the noise around Selhurst Park was something special.

It has helped that Jorgen Strand Larsen has not found his rhythm yet, scoring three goals in 11 appearances, which has given Mateta an opportunity. I would love to see the two play together, although it seems Glasner is reluctant to move away from his preferred system.

We could be seeing another repeat of the Wilfried Zaha to Everton saga in 2019, where villain becomes club hero... and what better way to do that then helping Palace win their first ever European trophy!

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid defender José Emilio Santamaría, a Uruguayan who won four European Cups as part of the club's golden generation of players from the 1950s and 1960s before becoming coach of Spain, has died at age 96.

“Santamaría will always be remembered as one of the great symbols of our club,” Madrid president Florentino Pérez said in a statement on Wednesday.

The cause of death was not made public.

Born on July 31, 1929 in Montevideo, Santamaría joined Madrid in 1957. He helped it win European Cups in 1958, 1959, 1960 and in 1966, playing alongside such legends as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskas.

He also helped it win six Spanish league titles, among other trophies, during his 337 appearances.

Uruguay international Santamaría began his coaching career the season after he retired from Madrid in 1966. He led Spain in the Summer Olympics of 1968 and 1980 and for its home 1982 World Cup.

Starting in 1971, he also coached Espanyol for seven seasons.

___

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

Antonio Conte continues to be linked with a potential move to re-claim the Italy national team head coach job following the recent resignation of Gennaro Gattuso, and Tuesday’s reports claim that Napoli have four potential candidates lined up to replace last season’s Scudetto winner.

Who could become Napoli head coach if Conte leaves to take over Italy job?

Conte along with Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri are the two names at the top of the list of potential replacements for Gattuso as head coach of the Italy national team. There have also been mentions of a potential return for Roberto Mancini and suggestions that ex-Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi could be an option as well.

The Conte option is picking up traction again, especially after an interview given to The Athletic by Napoli President Auurelio De Laurentiis on Tuesday.

NAPLES, ITALY – JUNE 26: Antonio Conte new SSC Napoli head coach and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli president during SSC Napoli new manager unveiling on June 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

De Laurentiis claimed that Conte ‘will never abandon me at the last minute’, but urged him to decide sooner rather than later regarding his future in order to allow Napoli enough time to line up an adequate replacement.

According to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s ideal replacement for Conte in the event that he leaves to take over the Italy job is Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Gasperini had also been a candidate to take over at the Stadio Maradona before Conte was given the job in the summer of 2024. His future at Roma has been put in doubt recently as well, following reports of tension between him and Giallorossi advisor Claudio Ranieri.

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Gian Piero Gasperini Atalanta head coach greets Antonio Conte Napoli head coach beforeg the Serie A match between Napoli and Atalanta at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 03, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

There are three other potential options for Napoli as well according to Wednesday’s reports, including Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano, Sassuolo’s Fabio Grosso, and a potential return for former head coach Maurizio Sarri, who had the Napoli job between 2015 and 2018 and is currently in his second stint with Lazio.

Sometimes there’s just too much going going on, but we still need to get all of the relevant Notre Dame (and whatever) information out. That’s called a Speed Option, so let’s run it.

BRIAN KELLY BELIEVES IN YOU BRO

I know anytime I invoke the name of Homeboy BK, you guys get a little irritated, and I’m sorry about that. But… I also know you’ll feel much better at night knowing that Brian Kelly said positive things about Jeremiyah Love. I know it.

A FACELIFT FOR WHAT?

The College Football Playoff announced a rebranding of sorts, and of all of the things they suck at and could improve — these changes definitely ain’t close to being one of them. And yet… here we are.

MARCUS FREEMAN PREPARES FOR THE BACKLASH

Locker rooms can be a brutal place for anyone after getting a little too much love from the media. Brutal in the sense that the jokes are endless and can come out of nowhere at anytime. Marcus Freeman’s photoshoot for Esquire is going to be one of those things.

SIMPLY THE BEST

Notre Dame cornerback, Leonard Moore, is the best CB in college football. Don’t ever forget that.

SPECIAL

Will Compton speaks to the Notre Dame football team about the importance of special teams. He talked to the team that there is a special “Notre Dame Rule” in college football about special teams, about the importance of special teams.

INDIANA JONES

Notre Dame alum, Brad Lidge, is doing exactly what he wants to do with his life after baseball.

Perhaps it was easier when they weren't playing.

In the three and a half weeks without a game, some sense of anticipation had begun to build up. There may have been only the most slender hope of survival but there was at least the prospect of some fun on the way to the exit.

After Friday's 4-0 loss at West Ham, and the careless mistakes in the second half, Wolves instead enter a period of footballing purgatory.

There will be a numbness about these final games. If they win, maybe even if they win them all, it will be too late to count. If they lose, after being bottom of the league for almost the entire season, they can be no worse off. They will be results without consequence.

But it is just this sense of futility that makes the remaining weeks of the season so dangerous. No doubt several members of the squad will be playing out their last few weeks with the club, at least in their own minds. Although there is apparently no immediate financial urgency to sell, Wolves will need to shift at least a few players out to press on with the renewal of their squad - the sooner the better to prepare for the Championship.

Whether the list of players Wolves intend to move on matches the list of those who think they should, to say nothing of the list of those likely to attract decent offers, will take some time to establish. There is a danger of drift now. For a player who thinks - or whose agent thinks - he is about to land a lucrative move away, what is the incentive to go for that tackle or to make that sprint? If Wolves expect a player to leave, is there any point in picking them now anyway?

There is some logic to leaving out a few stars. Giving young players a chance always appeals to the footballing romantics. But using the remaining games just as testbeds heightens the risk of another losing run. A string of defeats now may make no difference to the league table but would still sap morale, at a time when the club is trying hard - with more sensible pricing - to persuade fans to pay for another season.

As Wolves have found in recent years, the mood in May carries over to August. Exposing young players to the harsh spotlight of the last weeks in the Premier League, and a low moment in the club's recent history, is also a difficult thing to do.

Listen to full commentary of Leeds v Wolves at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM (DAB Black Country)

And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Explore Wolves content on BBC Sounds

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton insisted there was no hangover from last weekend's East Anglia derby win against Norwich following Tuesday evening's 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth.

Despite the result, Town remain second in the Championship, two points clear of Millwall in third and with a game in hand on their automatic promotion rivals.

"On the night there wasn't much in the game - I don't think they carved us open," Walton told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"Coming out on top in all the duels, the second balls, winning first contacts from their goal-kicks, it's just the small details in games that make a massive difference and we probably came up short on those.

"Everyone enjoyed Saturday and that was a really good team performance - we wanted to replicate that tonight and we didn't.

"It's naive to think we're going to win every game to the end of the season and play amazing, with perfect performances. There's always going to be bumps in the road but we're looking forward to Sunday now."

Ipswich are at home to fifth-placed Middlesbrough at Portman Road next, but then have to travel for three successive games, the last of them at Southampton - who are currently fourth - on 28 April.

"They're all big games. In terms of our performance, we need to go into it [on Sunday] with the character and belief that we have in all the games," said Walton.

• Latest Ipswich Town news, analysis and fan views
• Listen to Ipswich Town content on BBC Sounds

Heart of Midlothian, Rangers or Celtic? Who is going to finish on top of the Scottish Premiership?

Just three points cover the top three with five games remaining.

The Edinburgh side were last champions in 1960 and we have not had a non-Old Firm winner in 41 years.

There have been plenty of tight tussles between the Glasgow duo over the years, but when was the last three-way fight that went right down to the wire?

For that you need to go all the way back to the 1982-83 campaign.

• Listen: How do fans view the Scottish title race?
• Your views: Who turned in a 'title-winning performance'?

Six successive wins for one-point victory

In the year former Scotland internationals James McFadden and Shaun Maloney were born, there was no league split.

And, when TV classics Taggart and Auf Wiedersehen Pet were launched, only two points were awarded for a win.

Dundee United were crowned champions for the first - and only - time, holding their nerve to rattle off six successive victories to finish one point clear of both Celtic and Aberdeen.

The Dons, who happened to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup and Scottish Cup over the closing straight, were also unbeaten in their final six, but in among five wins was a 0-0 draw away to Hibernian.

Celtic, who had a young Charlie Nicholas raining in goals, were the team to slip most significantly, losing to both of their closest rivals over their closing six league fixtures.

Adding to the drama, United's crown was clinched at Dens Park on the final day.

They beat city rivals Dundee 2-1, with Ralph Milne and Eamonn Bannon on target, but an Iain Ferguson reply just before half-time made for a tense second half.

"The final few minutes seemed like an eternity," United's legendary goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine recalled.

At the same time, Aberdeen thumped Hibs 5-0 at Pittodrie and Celtic were left feeling flat despite a 4-2 win over Rangers at Ibrox.

United and Celtic each scored 90 goals over 36 games, while Aberdeen were slightly off that pace with a mere 76 at the close of play.

Kilmarnock pip Hearts at post in 1965

Proving that it is, indeed, a rare occurrence, the previous three-way fight was played out in 1964-65, when Kilmarnock beat Hearts on the old goal average system (goals scored divided by goals conceded), with Dunfermline Athletic a point behind in third.

Hearts hosted Kilmarnock on the final day, holding a two-point lead and with a better goal average, but the visitors silenced Tynecastle with a 2-0 win. David Sneddon and Brian McIlroy got the goals on 27 and 29 minutes.

It gave the Ayrshire side a goal average of 1.878, with Hearts on 1.836.

Under the current goal difference system, the Edinburgh team would have been champions on +40, compared to Kilmarnock's +33.

The top three that season all won 22 of their 34 matches, with Dunfermline enjoying an impressive goal average of 2.3.

Hearts fade as Celtic end Rangers' run in 1998

The closest thing we've had to a three-way battle since United's thrilling triumph came in 1997-98 and it was Hearts pushing Celtic and Rangers.

Under Jim Jefferies, Hearts were right in the mix with seven games to go, but then came a run of just two points from five matches, including a derby defeat at Easter Road and a 3-0 loss to Rangers at Tynecastle.

Walter Smith had let it be known it would the last season of his first spell as manager at Ibrox and the defending champions stumbled over the closing stretch, losing two of their last four matches - away to Aberdeen and at home to Kilmarnock.

Celtic lost 2-0 at Ibrox in mid-April, but with Wim Jansen at the helm for his solitary term in the east of Glasgow, a finish of two wins and two draws was enough to prevail by two points, ending their city rivals' bid for a historic 10-in-a-row and with Hearts seven points off the pace.

Eintracht Braunschweig president Nicole Kumpis has hailed the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta at Union Berlin but said that existing football structures make it difficult for more women to have a coaching career in Germany.

Kumpis was a trailblazer herself when she was elected president of the second division club in 2022. Eta became the first woman to coach a men's Bundesliga team when she succeeded Steffen Baumgart on Saturday.

"I know Marie-Louise, I was very happy for her and wished her a lot of success for this task. But at the same time we are not where we should be in 2026 because such moves should no longer be something exceptional," Kumpis told dpa.

"There is no lack of skill but of structural conditions and opportunities.

"It is therefore even more important that more women become visible and enter leading positions in professional football - on the coaching bench, in management or in committees."

The German governing body DFB started an initiative to get significantly more women involved in 2021.

Six of the 14 women's Bundesliga teams have a female coach but there were only two women from the 50 people who obtained the highest DFB coaching licence, the pro licence, over the past two years.

The DFB however said: "Compared with all other European national associations, the DFB has trained the most female coaches with a pro licence – 31 in total."

Barcelona could be dealing with fresh trouble off the pitch after their Champions League elimination, with Raphinha now at risk of disciplinary action following his fiery remarks after the clash against Atletico Madrid.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, UEFA are reviewing the winger’s comments, which could result in a suspension of up to three matches. 

If the sanction is confirmed, it would be served in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, potentially impacting Barcelona’s European campaign before it even begins.

What’s the story?

The controversy stems from Raphinha’s reaction after the second leg at the Metropolitano. 

Despite not featuring due to injury, the Brazilian was present with the squad and did not hold back when speaking to the media following the match. 

His comments quickly gained attention due to their direct criticism of the officiating.

“It was a stolen match; the refereeing was full of problems. The decisions they made were unbelievable. 

“Atletico Madrid committed I don’t know how many fouls and weren’t shown a single yellow card. I want to understand the fear of Barcelona going through,” he said after the match.

Raphinha was not happy with the officiating. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

While his words reflected the frustration within the Barcelona camp, such statements can carry consequences under UEFA regulations.

Facing UEFA action

Now, as per the aforementioned outlet, UEFA’s disciplinary framework is clear when it comes to public criticism of officials. 

In that context, Article 11 of the governing body’s Disciplinary Code outlines the standards expected from players and clubs.

The regulations state that any ‘insulting behaviour or behaviour that otherwise infringes the basic standards of decent conduct’ or behaviour ‘that brings the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute’ shall be grounds for sanction.

Given the tone and nature of Raphinha’s comments, UEFA could interpret them as falling within those parameters, which opens the door for a suspension.

As things stand, a final decision is yet to be confirmed. 

But if the ban is enforced, Barcelona could be without one of their key attacking players at the start of their next Champions League campaign.

The Lega Calcio Serie A assembly recently approved a majority resolution to close a €300 million transaction with IMG after years of legal battles.

The case dates back to the period between 2008 and 2018, when the Antitrust Authority found the existence of an agreement restricting competition, which would have negatively impacted the value of television rights sold abroad.

Currently, 17 clubs, including Roma, are in favor of continuing the negotiations, with the goal of each earning between €15 and €20 million.

This figure would represent a significant boost to the Trigoria club’s finances, especially given the requirements of Financial Fair Play and the capital gains to be realized by June 30.

The Giallorossi club could therefore benefit from this agreement to improve its financial situation, with a positive impact on its transfer market operations and its financial needs to finish the season in compliance with UEFA parameters.

It’s not gone well in the last week, has it? Reading completed a turgid three-game run with a loss on the road to beach-bound Doncaster Rovers. Ben and Ross discuss the very shape of that Yorkshire beach and try to work out what the shape on the field was, with Paudie O’Connor ranging upfield.

There’s a bulging mailbag to go through as well, and Ross pre-empts the Player of the Season discussion with a themed version of Dingwang.

The mentioned article is here.

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Barrow interim boss Sam Foley has said their dramatic win against Oldham Athletic was the result of his players' recent hard work as they kept alive their fight for League Two survival.

The Bluebirds pulled off the victory in frantic fashion as Danny Rose and Josh Gordon hit back with two late goals in two minutes, before Tom Pett looked to have rescued a point for Oldham.

But Barrow earned a huge three points courtesy of Isaac Fletcher's stoppage-time winner, which moved them to within a point of safety.

"We knew they had performances in them, it's just the games have been tough," Foley told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We've come up against good opposition and we've just not had the rub of the green, but [against Oldham] we kind of showed that you do make your own luck and the players deserve that for everything they gave."

Barrow have picked up two wins and a draw from four games at home during Foley's short tenure, but he is not getting carried away with their respectable form.

"At the end of the day we're not going to get ahead of ourselves," he added.

"We've still got a job to do and this just contributes towards a bigger picture."

• Barrow 3-2 Oldham Athletic

Tuesday's victory was Barrow's second in five games and means there is now a crowded battle for League Two survival.

Bottom side Harrogate are four points adrift with three games remaining, however 23rd-placed Barrow, Newport in 22nd and Crawley and Tranmere in 21st and 20th places respectively are all level on 37 points. Tranmere, however, have a game in hand.

Barrow face Walsall on Saturday at Holker Street in an early fixture, but Foley does not believe playing a few hours before their relegation rivals presents much of an edge.

"I don't really see it as an advantage. We can't really affect what anyone else does," he said.

"It might be a disadvantage to them depending on how they look at it, but we've just got to concentrate on ourselves. That's all we have to do and it's all we've done.

"We've shown what we're capable of and we'll continue to do that."

Claudio Ranieri’s future at Roma could be in the balance, in a scenario that, while sensational, cannot be ruled out.

The absolute silence imposed by the Friedkins at Trigoria, following the cold video call with coach Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director Frederic Massara, is fueling rumors of a possible departure.

Ranieri, in fact, could decide to leave Roma without hesitation if the Friedkins no longer consider him essential to the project.

Should he depart, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Massara, who has received Ranieri’s full support, could also follow the coach and pack his bags.

Meanwhile, amid the rumors circulating in the capital, some suggestive scenarios are emerging, such as a possible appointment of Giovanni Malagò as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the current Roma Senior Advisor as technical director.

If this scenario were to materialize, with Gasperini permanently at the helm of the team, Roma could consider Francesco Totti as a prestigious advisor, fully aligned with the coach.

Regarding the transfer market, two names appear to be in pole position to fill the role of operational expert: former Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli and Sean Sogliano, current sporting director of Verona, with whom Gasperini has shared past experiences, particularly at Genoa.

Chelsea are keen on both Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus if Tottenham get relegated according to our writer Simon Phillips.

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After a quiet January the Blues are expected to be busy this summer, with a number of positions needing to be filled in the squad.

Chelsea are reportedly in the market for a centre back, whilst they are said to want to add another midfielder and attacker.

Chelsea interested in Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus

It’s been reported Chelsea realise they need to sign players with proven Premier League experience, but fans won’t believe it until they see it happen.

The Blues have been linked with Morgan Rogers, but it’s thought a deal for the England international could exceed £80m.

Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is another name linked, and now Phillips has reported on his Substack that if Spurs go down Chelsea are keen on Kudus and Bergvall.

Chelsea reportedly expressed an interest in Bergvall in January, whilst they were also linked with Kudus last summer.

Tottenham currently sit 18th, two points behind West Ham with just six games remaining and are staring relegation in the face.

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In other news…

Chelsea are said to be monitoring Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley, with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly both interested.

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15th Apr 2026, 08:15am

A new midfielder is said to be a priority, and Chelsea could also find themselves looking for a replacement for Enzo Fernandez with doubts over his future.

A deal for Valentin Barco has reportedly been agreed, and the Blues have also been linked with both Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

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

Four days is a long time in football. On Saturday, Portsmouth were minutes away from dropping into the Championship relegation zone. Now they are four points and three places above the dotted line.

If Saturday was a smash-and-grab win at Middlesbrough, Tuesday night's home victory over Ipswich was fully deserved. They worked hard and defended well against a good Ipswich side, took their chances when they came and held on fairly comfortably in the second half.

This felt like any number of home wins we saw last season. There haven't been too many Fratton Park nights like that this campaign.

Survival suddenly seems within touching distance. However, last season Pompey did have a knack of following up big wins with disappointing losses.

Also, this was victory against a team wanting to outplay Pompey at Fratton Park. They still haven't proved they can beat sides who come and play very defensively against them.

Leicester have to beat Pompey on Saturday - a draw is of little use to them. How they approach things will be interesting to see.

There have been a total of 10 European golfers to win at Augusta National since a Spaniard broke the duck in 1980.

How many of them can you name?

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Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, in the Pacific Division) vs. Nashville Predators (38-33-10, in the Central Division)

Nashville, Tennessee; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Nashville Predators host the Anaheim Ducks after Luke Evangelista scored two goals in the Predators' 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

Nashville is 38-33-10 overall and 21-16-3 in home games. The Predators have a -24 scoring differential, with 238 total goals scored and 262 allowed.

Anaheim has an 18-20-2 record in road games and a 42-33-6 record overall. The Ducks have committed 320 total penalties (4.0 per game) to rank seventh in league play.

The teams match up Thursday for the third time this season. The Predators won the previous matchup 5-0.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan O'Reilly has 25 goals and 48 assists for the Predators. Steven Stamkos has five goals and one assist over the last 10 games.

Cutter Gauthier has 40 goals and 28 assists for the Ducks. Leo Carlsson has scored five goals with one assist over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Predators: 4-5-1, averaging 2.7 goals, 5.1 assists, 3.6 penalties and 10.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

Ducks: 2-6-2, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.5 penalties and 9.3 penalty minutes while giving up 3.7 goals per game.

INJURIES: Predators: Nicolas Hague: day to day (upper-body).

Ducks: Chris Kreider: day to day (illness), Petr Mrazek: out for season (lower-body), Jansen Harkins: out (upper body), Ross Johnston: out (lower-body), Radko Gudas: day to day (lower body).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

St. Louis Blues (36-33-12, in the Central Division) vs. Utah Mammoth (43-32-6, in the Central Division)

Salt Lake City; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Blues visit the Utah Mammoth after Jimmy Snuggerud scored two goals in the Blues' 7-5 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Utah is 43-32-6 overall with a 13-10-2 record in Central Division games. The Mammoth have committed 313 total penalties (3.9 per game) to rank 10th in league play.

St. Louis is 36-33-12 overall with a 9-16-0 record against the Central Division. The Blues have a 29-10-5 record in games they score at least three goals.

The matchup Thursday is the fourth time these teams square off this season. The Mammoth won 4-2 in the last matchup. Nick Schmaltz led the Mammoth with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Clayton Keller has scored 26 goals with 60 assists for the Mammoth. Mikhail Sergachev has 13 assists over the past 10 games.

Snuggerud has 21 goals and 29 assists for the Blues. Dylan Holloway has six goals and nine assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Mammoth: 6-4-0, averaging 4.2 goals, 7.3 assists, 3.8 penalties and 10.9 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.

Blues: 6-3-1, averaging four goals, seven assists, 2.9 penalties and 6.6 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Mammoth: Barrett Hayton: out (upper-body), Jack McBain: out (lower-body), John Marino: day to day (upper-body).

Blues: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, in the Pacific Division) vs. Calgary Flames (33-39-9, in the Pacific Division)

Calgary, Alberta; Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Kings head to the Calgary Flames in Pacific Division action on Thursday.

Calgary is 33-39-9 overall with a 13-9-3 record in Pacific Division games. The Flames have committed 323 total penalties (4.0 per game) to rank fifth in NHL play.

Los Angeles has gone 35-26-20 overall with a 10-5-10 record in Pacific Division play. The Kings have a 26-4-11 record when scoring three or more goals.

The teams meet Thursday for the fourth time this season. The Flames won 3-2 in a shootout in the last meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Morgan Frost has 21 goals and 21 assists for the Flames. Blake Coleman has four goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Adrian Kempe has 36 goals and 37 assists for the Kings. Quinton Byfield has scored six goals with two assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Flames: 3-5-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 5.1 assists, four penalties and 8.5 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.

Kings: 7-1-2, averaging 3.4 goals, five assists, 3.2 penalties and 9.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

INJURIES: Flames: Samuel Honzek: out for season (upper body), Jonathan Huberdeau: out for season (hip), Jake Bean: out (undisclosed), Yan Kuznetsov: day to day (upper body), Matt Coronato: day to day (undisclosed), Kevin Bahl: day to day (lower body), Joel Hanley: out for season (upper-body).

Kings: Kevin Fiala: out for season (leg), Alex Turcotte: day to day (undisclosed), Jeff Malott: out (undisclosed), Andrei Kuzmenko: out (knee).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Vancouver Canucks (25-48-8, in the Pacific Division) vs. Edmonton Oilers (40-30-11, in the Pacific Division)

Edmonton, Alberta; Thursday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Edmonton Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks after the Canucks knocked off the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime.

Edmonton is 40-30-11 overall with a 15-7-3 record against the Pacific Division. The Oilers have gone 38-9-8 in games they score three or more goals.

Vancouver has gone 25-48-8 overall with an 8-15-2 record in Pacific Division games. The Canucks have a 9-9-6 record in games decided by a goal.

Thursday's game is the fourth time these teams match up this season. The Oilers won 6-0 in the previous matchup. Jack Roslovic led the Oilers with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Connor McDavid has scored 48 goals with 86 assists for the Oilers. Evan Bouchard has two goals and 11 assists over the last 10 games.

Elias Pettersson has 15 goals and 36 assists for the Canucks. Jake DeBrusk has scored eight goals with two assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Oilers: 6-2-2, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.1 assists, 2.9 penalties and 6.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.3 goals per game.

Canucks: 4-6-0, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.5 assists, 3.1 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 4.1 goals per game.

INJURIES: Oilers: Leon Draisaitl: out (lower-body), Max Jones: out (lower-body), Jason Dickinson: day to day (leg), Zach Hyman: out (undisclosed), Mattias Janmark: out for season (undisclosed).

Canucks: Thatcher Demko: out for season (hip), Derek Forbort: out (undisclosed), Evander Kane: out for season (upper-body), Filip Chytil: out (face).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will return from America this weekend, and his meeting with Antonio Conte may be brought forward.

ADL has urged the Salento-born coach to make a quick decision regarding his future, noting that if Conte were to leave, he would have time to find a replacement between April and May.

The technical issue is key: Conte wants an increasingly ambitious squad, but the Napoli president will no longer be able to afford the crazy spending he did last summer due to budget constraints.

There’s also a significant financial aspect: the national team’s offer is tempting Conte, but he could never guarantee the same salary he currently earns in Naples.

In this scenario, as reported by Il Corriere della Sera, De Laurentiis already has a list of potential replacements. Gian Piero Gasperini remains one of the leading candidates, unless the situation with Roma and Ranieri is resolved.

Fabio Grosso is another highly sought-after name, while Enzo Maresca, who has also been linked with the Giallorossi’s position as coach, is viewed with interest.

Finally, Maurizio Sarri could represent a welcome return, provided the conditions are favorable and the Tuscan coach is willing to leave Lazio.

Barcelona’s Champions League journey came to a frustrating end at the Metropolitano, and while the 2-1 win on the night showed fight and quality, the tie against Atletico Madrid will be remembered just as much for the refereeing calls as for the football itself.

In a match filled with intensity and pressure, three key decisions from referee Clement Turpin and the VAR team proved decisive, leaving Barcelona players and fans questioning what might have been.

The first incident

The first major flashpoint arrived just before half-time when Dani Olmo went down inside the box after contact from Marcos Llorente. 

The Barcelona midfielder had done well to beat his marker and position himself for a shot, only to be nudged off balance at a crucial moment.

Despite loud appeals, Turpin waved play on, and VAR, led by Jerome Brisard, chose not to intervene. 

The decision immediately sparked debate, with refereeing analyst Cesar Barrenechea Montero offering a telling assessment of the incident.

“It’s a borderline decision. If he had awarded a penalty, nobody would have said a word,” noted Cesar Barrenechea Montero, a refereeing analyst for Mundo Deportivo.

The second incident

A truly horrific incident involving Fermin Lopez and Juan Musso unfolded during the match.

Reacting to Lamine Yamal’s cross, Fermin decided to go for a header and the follow-up from Musso resulted in a nose injury for the Barcelona youngster.

Medical personnel rushed onto the scene, and he was treated soon. Ultimately, the Spaniard wasn’t taken off as he continued to play.

The third incident

After a disallowed goal from Ferran Torres, the second major incident effectively sealed Barcelona’s fate. 

In the 77th minute, Alexander Sorloth broke through on goal before being pulled down by Eric Garcia. Initially flagged for offside, the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Turpin was called to the monitor to assess whether it constituted a clear goal-scoring opportunity and whether Jules Kounde could have intervened. 

Eric Garcia was subsequently sent off, leaving Barcelona with ten men in the closing stages, a disadvantage they could not overcome despite their efforts.

Aqib Talib is a former NFL first-round pick. Talib played 12 seasons in the NFL as a cornerback, won a Super Bowl, was named first-team All-Pro once, second-team All-Pro once, and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.

These days, Talib is a co-host of "The Arena: Gridiron" podcast, alongside Skip Bayless, Gerald McCoy and Cody Kessler. Recently, Talib has been previewing the 2026 NFL Draft. This week, Talib, alongside his co-hosts, named their top three receivers in next week's draft. For Washington Commanders fans, the analysis was worth a listen.

Washington badly needs another wide receiver. The Commanders have hosted most of the top receivers in this draft class and met with them numerous times. At some point, Washington will select a wide receiver, perhaps as high as No. 7 overall.

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is often mentioned as a possibility for the Commanders in mock drafts. It makes sense. The 6-foot-2, 192-pounder is a two-year starter for a school that produces some of the NFL's best wide receivers, including Washington's Terry McLaurin. Tate has fans across the NFL, including with the Commanders. Recent rumors suggest he could go as high as No. 5 to the New York Giants or No. 6 to the Cleveland Browns.

When each co-host of "The Arena: Gridiron" named their top three receivers, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson came in at No. 1 for Talib and McCoy. Tate was No. 2 for both, while Kessler, a former NFL quarterback, ranked Tate No. 1. Bayless, though, felt differently, ranking Tate third behind USC's Makai Lemon and Tyson.

"I don't get Carnell Tate," Bayless said. "I just don't. I'm just watching TV, and I see one guy, named Jeremiah Smith, who might be the first overall pick one year from right now. And Carnell Tate, to me, doesn't have elite speed, elite quickness, elite separation."

For as outlandish as Bayless can sometimes be, it's a fair point. Tate ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, and some in the NFL have questions about Tate without an elite talent like Smith playing opposite him. While Bayless looked at that as a negative, Talib did not.

"He's got great size, great hands, a polished route-runner," Talib said of Tate. "He's also going up for 50/50 balls and making plays. If he didn't play across from the guy he played across from, he probably would've put up better numbers, but the numbers are there. I think he's got great game speed. His 40 time is 4.5, whatever, but you see on tape in the game, and he looked fast. I love his game speed."

Kessler called Tate a "quarterback-friendly wide receiver," meaning he knows how to come back to the football and is a big-play waiting to happen.

If Tyson didn't have a long injury history, he'd probably be ranked No. 1 on most draft boards. However, that's not meant to disparage Tate. He's outstanding. About his speed, how many defensive backs did you see catching him from behind?

The Commanders have a big choice on their hands next week. Do they believe Tate is the No. 1 receiver? Will he even be available? Would they feel comfortable with Tyson's medical history, or taking Lemon inside the top 10?

Washington continues to be one of the most fascinating teams to watch one week from the 2026 NFL Draft.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Ohio State's Carnell Tate the top WR?

Chelsea may be struggling at senior level, but — somewhat ironically given the millions we’ve spent on supposedly top-tier young talent — we’re doing quite well at Academy level.

The U18s (coached by Dan Hogan since January; Hassan Sulaiman before then) are currently leading the South Division of the U18 Premier League while the U21s (coached by Harry Hudson since January; Calum McFarlane before then*) were confirmed as regular season champions of the PL2 (i.e. Premier League 2) this past weekend. In both competitions however, the overall winners will be decided in the playoffs. For the PL2 playoffs, Chelsea will enter as the top seed.

A couple years ago, the Premier League 2 switched to a single-division format containing all Category 1 academies. For this season, that translated to a record 29 teams in the division — though through a convoluted setup, each team would end up playing just 20 of the 29, for a total of 20 games each. Chelsea won 14 of our 20 games, finishing level on points with Manchester United, but with a much better goal difference (+27 vs. +17). Incidentally, both teams lost on the final weekend. A massive part of that goal difference was our top scorer, Shim Mheuka, who also led the league in scoring with 17 goals in 17 appearances. Very nice!

The top 16 now enter a single-elimination playoff. Our opponents for the first round have not yet been determined, as a few teams have yet to play their final game. We will play whoever finish 16th: currently that’s Middlesbrough, but it could still also be Stoke City or, much less likely, Aston Villa or Sunderland.

Last season, as the third seed, we fell in the second round thanks to an absolute drubbing from sixth-seeded Crystal Palace (6-0). Let’s not do that again!

The Blues have not won the PL2 since 2019-20 (under the old promotion/relegation format). That team featured the likes of Marc Guéhi, Ian Maatsen, Billy Gilmour, Tariq Lamptey, Tino Anjorin, Armando Broja, and even a very young Tino Livramento and Levi Colwill at times. All top tier talent!

Who are in line to be heroes this year? (Who will be our saviors when the financial house of cards collapses?) Mheuka has led the way, but there are many other, already familiar names as well (from their occasional times around the first-team), like Jesse Derry, Reggie Walsh, and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. Right back Genesis Antwi has played in all but one game, while Kaiden Wilson and Harrison Murray-Campbell have formed a solid partnership in the center of defense. Landon Emenalo, the son of our former technical director Michael Emenalo is the starting left back. Midfielders Ollie Harrison and Leo Cardoso have also been key players. Max Merrick has handled the goalkeeping duties, mostly. (Dujuan “Whisper” Richards was an important player in the first half of the season as well, coming back from his long-term injury, before joining Leicester City on loan in January — unfortunately, he’s barely played for them.)

The playoffs should be starting here very shortly, though official dates and times for the games have not been announced yet.

*McFarlane, following his brief stint as interim first-team head coach, joined Liam Rosenior’s staff. Hudson was promoted from the U18s to take his place — instead of Sulaiman, who unfortunately got the boot instead amid all these changes in January. Hogan was pulled up from the U16s to take his place.

As the days pass by ahead of the NFL draft, the speculation continues to grow, and analysts are scrambling to update what they are hearing. While this was happening outside of the team facility, Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and his staff were busy hosting another Top 30 visitor. 

Justin Melo of the NFL Draft on Sports Illustrated reports that Kentucky interior offensive lineman Jager Burton is the latest prospect to visit the organization. 

Burton is one of the more experienced center prospects in this class. The fifth-year senior started 47 consecutive games along the interior of the Wildcats offensive line. A natural center, he does have enough athleticism to offer some interior positional flexibility. While he has shown enough strength and quickness to succeed in the NFL, he could use some technical refinement to improve his production. 

Sources: the Tennessee Titans hosted Kentucky IOL Jager Burton on a Top 30 pre-draft visit.

Titans have potential holes at RG/C and Burton has experience at both spots. Ran 4.94 at the NFL Combine, 6th-fastest among OL.

Started 47 consecutive games at Kentucky.

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 14, 2026

Viewed as a Day 3 prospect, Burton could be an option for the Titans, who hold six selections on the final day of the draft and must find a way to address the interior of their offensive line. 

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans hosted Kentucky IOL Jager Burton on a Top 30 visit

It takes something special for a club to go through four managers and for nothing to change.

Four different sets of principles, four different approaches, four different game plans, yet nothing sticks. Not one idea nor concept has made a lasting impact on who we are as a football club. Tottenham Hotspur have been lacking an identity for so long that I am not sure I could tell a stranger, someone who has never heard of the club, what exactly we are.

Games pass us by, bad luck seems to wait at every 50-50 and there is such a lack of goal threat that opposition goalkeepers may as well start their summer holidays early. We are a team lacking in every department, on the pitch and off it.

With each appointment, we are promised change. Something to make us proud, something to cling to, but every new era brings the same disappointment and the same draining of our most valuable resource: time.

The new manager bounce is a fable as old as time, but at Spurs there has been no sign of it. It remains a bedtime story as we sleepwalk towards relegation. Every weekend brings another must-win game, and every weekend the line in the sand is erased and redrawn further down the beach.

On a personal level, I have gone beyond panic, fear and anger. I have arrived at acceptance. Since January, all we have needed is three wins, yet even that has proved beyond everyone involved. I do not see Spurs, with the finish line in sight, suddenly finding the energy to push on. Instead, we will continue to crawl towards it, as Nottingham Forest, Leeds and, most painfully, West Ham surge past us to safety.

In the long term, Roberto de Zerbi may prove an inspired appointment, but he has been dropped into a hole so deep and so dark that even a five-year contract may not give him enough time to find a way out.

Tottenham fans have been let down so often this season that I have no fingers left to point with. You make your own fate, and this club has created a monster.

Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch - a Spurs podcast

Dominican forward Dorny Romero scored an unusual goal to secure Bolívar’s draw against Deportivo La Guaira, in a match from the same Libertadores group as Fluminense, this Tues

The curious moment happened when Venezuelan goalkeeper Jorge Sánchez dropped the ball onto the grass to restart play and did not notice Romero right behind him.

The striker reacted first, stole the ball with extreme ease, and only had to tap it into the empty net.

The play was quickly compared to Ronaldo Fenômeno’s historic goal for Cruzeiro in 1993.

On that occasion, the then-young No. 9 took advantage of an identical lapse by Uruguayan goalkeeper Rodolfo Rodríguez, of Bahia, to score.

Bolívar and La Guaira are in the same group as Fluminense, who take the field this Wednesday (15) at the Maracanã to face Argentina’s Independiente Rivadavia.

The Argentine side, in fact, lead the group after beating Bolívar itself in the opening match.

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

Arsenal play Sporting on Wednesday with the aim of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in successive seasons.

Mikel Arteta's side have a one-goal advantage after the first leg in Lisbon, in which goalkeeper David Raya made a string of impressive saves to deny the home side before Kai Havertz snatched a 1-0 victory late on.

Havertz's late winner means Arsenal have the best chance of reaching the final four at 91.6%, according to the Opta Supercomputer.

But some may not have that level of confidence after Arsenal's recent results.

Saturday's defeat by Bournemouth was their third in four games in all competitions and one Arteta described as "a big punch to the face" and a "painful day".

Arsenal cannot afford another knockout blow in the Champions League after FA Cup and Carabao Cup disappointment.

The Gunners have won 17 of their past 18 European two-legged ties when they have secured a first-leg away victory.

But the most recent time these two sides met at Emirates Stadium, it was the Portuguese team who came out on top. That was in March 2023 when Arsenal lost their Europa League last-16 tie to Sporting on penalties.

The visitors will be boosted by the return of captain and midfielder Morten Hjulmand who was suspended for the first leg, but Luis Guilherme and Fotis Ioannidis remain sidelined.

For Arsenal, Mikel Merino is unavailable, while Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are doubts.

With a colossal Premier League game at title rivals Manchester City looming, the Gunners have to stop the rot and that starts by securing a Champions League semi-final place.

Did you know?

• Arsenal's only defeat across their past 23 European home games came against Paris St-Germain in last season's Champions League semi-final (0-1).
• Mikel Arteta's side have kept a clean sheet in 16 of their past 22 European matches at Emirates Stadium, conceding just nine goals overall.

Some of you have been using our Ask Me Anything about Manchester United form to query what's happening with Harry Amass.

The defender is not expected to play again this season despite closing in on a full recovery from a serious hamstring injury.

Amass suffered the injury just days into a loan spell with Norwich.

The full-back, who had an outstanding first half of the season at fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, was recalled by United so he could continue his rehabilitation at the club's Carrington training ground.

Sources say Amass, 19, is training outside again.

However, a return to Norwich for the final four games of the league campaign has been ruled out and while Amass could, in theory, play for United's Under-21 side in the Premier League 2 play-offs, which are due to start next week, that is thought to be unlikely.

The anticipation is he will be available for the start of pre-season training in mid-July.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies says major concerns remain about the future of professional rugby in west Wales.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney told an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) this week the governing body were committed to cutting a professional men’s side.

There is due to be a licence awarded in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west, which could be a straight shootout between Ospreys and Scarlets.

Tierney told the EGM a couple of options in the west could be a merger between Ospreys and Scarlets or the creation of a new entity, although she later stated no decision had been made.

The future of Ospreys and Scarlets is only guaranteed until the summer of 2027 when their current deal with the WRU expires.

Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media are still in talks with the WRU to buy Cardiff, who are owned by Welsh rugby’s governing body, with the latest deadline running out on 22 April.

• WRU plans delay will see Wales fall behind - Tierney
• Collier-Keywood not forced out of WRU - Tierney
• Three Teams, No Turning Back: Abi Tierney After the EGM

"There is still a lot of uncertainty," said Davies.

"It is natural that there is concern for everybody and particularly if you are involved with the Scarlets and Ospreys, off the back of the EGM.

"Whether we like it or not, the Welsh Rugby Union, Ospreys and Scarlets are in the same eco-system and have to work together and put our heads together.

"I am sure there are a lot of bruised people from all sides involved with what has gone on over the last few years.

"Ultimately we all want the same. What's good for Welsh rugby.

“We are probably at a point now where we have to decide how we move forward."

Will Davies be part of Scarlets' future?

Scarlets had initiated legal action against the WRU over the Cardiff takeover with both sides refusing to reveal details of the legal verdict, but the Llanelli-based region have provided a recent statement insisting internal investment has secured a viable future.

Davies was brought back by the Scarlets in an interim capacity halfway through the session and was also given a task to put in place a long-term plan to restore success.

"This [Scarlets continuing] has been the scope of the work I have been doing and it has not been any broader than that," said Davies.

"I can't let the outside noise around me affect where we need to be, to move forward and be successful.

"It is up to others whether that was right or not and whether we had the finances and support to do it."

Davies says his plans for the long-term future has been approved by the Scarlets board.

"There is a very strong plan in place and part of my remit coming in here was to put a plan in place to move forward successfully," said Davies.

"That is what I have done and presented it to the board, who have approved it and we are pushing ahead with those plans now.

"The plan is not just mine. It has been put together by with senior coaching staff and senior people within the business so that we are clear that everything is aligned.

"I can't tell you now exactly what those plans are but it is like a domino effect and when it is appropriate we will make the announcements."

So will those plans involve Davies staying in charge?

"We will see," said Davies.

"I have enjoyed being back. It is great to be back around the environment.

"In terms of my own future, that is not what is important.

"What is important is we have got a solid plan and we will measure how we move forward against that.

"There are some huge challenges ahead for us and the game in general in Wales, but there are great opportunities as well.

"The reason I have put the plan together is to provide that certainty in the chaos."

• Ex-Wales star Williams mentoring young Scarlet Woolley
• Anderson signs new Scarlets contract
• Wales wing Rogers to join Ospreys from Scarlets

Ospreys fans criticise WRU three-team plan

Ospreys supporters have also expressed their dismay at the WRU doubling down on reducing a professional side, despite the impending departure of chair Richard Collier-Keywood in July.

A statement from Ospreys supporters club said: "We are extremely disappointed, though not surprised, by the outcome of the WRU EGM, where it was confirmed that plans remain in place to remove one of the elite professional teams in west Wales.

"Despite recent leadership changes, the WRU's position remains unchanged.

"This only reinforces our view that those making these decisions are increasingly out of touch with the very people who sustain Welsh rugby – community clubs, supporters, and local representatives.

"The current situation Welsh rugby finds itself in is not accidental; it is the result of years of chronic mismanagement and neglect at the top of the game.

"Attempting to remove a professional side in order to correct those failings is unacceptable and risks causing lasting damage to the sport in one of its strongest heartlands.

"This approach further exposes a deeply fractured relationship between the WRU and the wider rugby community.

"One characterised by a lack of trust, poor transparency, and decisions imposed rather than earned. It reinforces the sense that the same top-down, heavy-handed culture remains firmly in place.

"We stand firmly behind the need for four competitive professional teams and call on the WRU to urgently reconsider its position, rebuild trust through genuine engagement, and work collaboratively with stakeholders before further damage is done to Welsh rugby."

First Black Player in Pirates History: How Curt Roberts Broke Pittsburgh Color Barrier originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While Pittsburgh was known for its legendary Negro League teams like the Crawfords and Grays in the early 1900s, the Pirates didn't have a Black player on their roster until 1954 when Curt Roberts officially broke the color barrier.

Roberts was a talented second baseman with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before being signed by the Boston Braves. When the Denver Bears of the Western League became an affiliate of the Pirates, Boston and Pittsburgh reached an agreement to allow Roberts to join the Pirates' system.

Roberts later took the field for the 1954 season opener against the Phillies at Forbes Field, becoming a pioneer for the franchise.

As the baseball world celebrates Jackie Robinson Day, let's reflect on Roberts' legacy in Pittsburgh.

Who is Curt Roberts?

Roberts was a second baseman who officially integrated the Pirates on April 13, 1954. His arrival was championed by general manager Branch Rickey, who previously signed Jackie Robinson as a Brooklyn Dodgers executive, following significant pressure from the local community.

Roberts was an exceptional defender in the Negro Leagues, playing alongside future Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks and Satchel Paige.

In honor of Black History Month, we're celebrating some of the greatest players in our history.
⁰Infielder Curt Roberts made his Major League debut on April 13, 1954 and tripled in his first at bat. pic.twitter.com/n24oTbuTfv

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 1, 2026

In his MLB debut against the Phillies at Forbes Field, Roberts made an immediate impact by hitting a triple in his first at-bat. He went on to play 134 games during his rookie season, earning a reputation as a fielder with impressive range.

While he struggled to maintain high offensive numbers over the next two years, his presence was a catalyst for the franchise's future. By breaking the color barrier in Pittsburgh, he paved the way for the team to scout more diverse talent, leading to the arrival of Roberto Clemente in 1955.

After his three-season stint with the Pirates, Roberts continued to play professionally in the minor leagues, earning MVP honors for the Montreal Royals of the International League in 1959. His life was tragically cut short in 1969 when he was struck by a car while changing a tire on the side of a road. He was 40 years old.

When did Curt Roberts play for Pirates?

Roberts played for the Pirates from 1954 to 1956. He was a fixture at second base throughout the 1954 season, appearing in 134 games and logging more than 500 plate appearances as he shouldered the immense responsibility of being the franchise's first Black player.

His presence on the field diminished significantly over the following two years. In 1955, he appeared in only six games for the Pirates, spending most of the year with the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League. In 1956, he played in 31 games before his time with the organization came to an end.

After the 1956 season, Roberts was traded to the Kansas City Athletics, but he never appeared in an MLB game for them.

Curt Roberts career stats

The bulk of Roberts' production came during his rookie year in 1954. His playing time decreased significantly over the following two seasons.

More Pirates

• Latest Pirates news
• 2026 Pirates schedule
• 2026 Pirates roster
• Complete history of Pirates championships

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has the utmost respect for Real Madrid.

When push comes to shove, though, Hainer really likes his team’s chances vs. anyone — not just Los Blancos. That said, Hainer knows better than to count out a very talented Real Madrid side.

“I think it’s a good position to go into the second leg with a win in Madrid. But of course, we absolutely mustn’t take it lightly: Real Madrid didn’t win the Champions League five times in the last ten years for nothing. We’re playing in our Allianz Arena and we can count on our fans – they were fantastic in Madrid, too. And there’s one thing I’m particularly counting on: We’ll play great football,” Hainer told Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Each team has reasons to be confident for this matchup. For the Bavarians, though, this would represent getting back over the hump and taking down a true giant in a Champions League for the first time since 2020, It would truly be a chance for Bayern Munich to plant its flag once again as a primary contender for Champions League glory.

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

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Dusan Vlahovic’s injury troubled season has taken another setback, with the striker once again sidelined after missing the recent match against Atalanta due to a calf problem. The Serbian forward has endured a difficult campaign, with recurring fitness issues limiting his impact on the team.

Vlahovic, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly since Luciano Spalletti took charge. Despite his injury concerns and reduced contributions, the manager continues to regard him as the best striker at the club. When fully fit, he remains a first choice option for the Old Lady.

Ongoing Fitness Concerns

Juventus are continuing to manage Vlahovic’s recovery carefully, with the aim of restoring him to full fitness as quickly as possible. However, his current condition raises concerns at a crucial stage of the campaign, especially as the team pushes to secure a top four finish.

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the striker is expected to miss the club’s next three matches. The report further suggests that he remains unfit and could be unavailable for the remainder of the month, casting doubt over his immediate return to action.

This extended absence presents a significant challenge for Juventus, who have relied on Vlahovic’s goal scoring ability in previous campaigns. His inability to feature regularly has disrupted the team’s attacking rhythm and reduced their options in the final third.

Contract Pressure and Expectations

Beyond his fitness issues, Vlahovic’s contractual situation also adds an additional layer of complexity. As he approaches the end of his deal, he is expected to seek a favourable salary in any potential renewal discussions, placing pressure on both player and club.

Juventus continue to view him as a forward with considerable goal scoring potential, and they will be eager to see him return in time to make a meaningful contribution before the season concludes. His presence could prove decisive in tight matches where clinical finishing is required.

The Bianconeri remain hopeful that he will recover sooner than anticipated, allowing him to play a role in their push for a strong finish. If he can regain fitness and form, Vlahovic could still have an important part to play in helping Juventus achieve their objectives.

Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot described striker Hugo Ekitike’s injury as “really bad” following the team’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Ekitike fell to the ground at about the half-hour mark, clutching his right ankle in what appeared to be a non-contact injury, sparking fears of a tear of the Achilles tendon. He was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, making way for Mohamed Salah.

Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Slot had this to say:

“He’s not good. We could all see that it didn’t look good. He went home in the second half so I haven’t seen him yet.”

“Losing a game is hard but again losing a player is something we’ve had many times this season. It’s very hard for him at this time of the season.”

He expanded on the situation further in his post-match press conference:

“It looks really bad but it is difficult for me to say how bad. Tomorrow we will investigate this further, how bad this is for him.”

“Let’s see but that it doesn’t look good is clear.”

Teammate Ibrahima Konaté also expressed sadness for his compatriot’s situation:

“I’m very sad for him. I think it is bad.”

“I don’t know. I heard many things, but I don’t want to talk about that because with the World Cup, all of the things coming this summer, it’s very hard for him at this moment. I send him my prayers and everything.”

Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season and would likely have been in the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup, having gained some traction with recent friendly appearances. It is an unfortunate ending to one of the few bright spots in this Liverpool season.

As for the Reds, Hugo’s injury leaves them with Alexander Isak, who has only just returned from long-term injury, as the lone option at striker. Slot could have to mix it up with Salah or Cody Gakpo if Isak isn’t able to play for whatever reason.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Chivu power 

More weight on the transfer market after the Scudetto

The Inter coach will sign a renewal to open a new cycle. Salary doubled

Mazzola, the interview: ‘Deserved title, Lautaro will stay for life and surpass Meazza

Leao 

Playing them all

Milan continue ahead with Rafa (despite the whistles)

The CT race 

Nazionale question

The Diavolo want to tie Allegri down. De Laurentiis: ‘Conte decide now’

Spalletti, here’s Kim again 

Only big names for Juve, the Korean colossal if Bremer goes

Locatelli signs: 2030

Atletico knock Barca and Yamal out, Super PSG, two goals again in Liverpool

Corriere dello Sport

Conte changes everything 

De Laurentiis: ‘If he wants to go, say it now’

Antonio is the key | ADL’s interview with The Athletic reopens the discourse on Napoli’s future

A meeting is expected between the President and the ‘coach of miracles’, who will decide whether or not to continue. Gasperini, Italiano, Sarri and Grosso on the list of possible replacements

Cholo, party with Lookman 

Champions League: Atletico in the semi-finals, Barca out

Simeone loses 2-1 at home, but the goal from the ex-Atalanta man is enough to get through. Brace from Dembele: PSG win 2-0 again in Liverpool and also make it through. This evening, Real Madrid looking for the turnaround at Bayern Munich’s home (20.00)

From Alisson to Hojbjerg: Spalletti’s list 

Juve’s objectives

Lucio wants an ‘instant team’ to aim for the Scudetto. Bremer alarms: The €54m clause reachable

Serie A has lost goals and goalscorers 

782 goals scored

Only eight in double figures up until now. For the first time in 35 years, the top goalscorer could be won by someone with fewer than 20 (The last was Vialli)

Tuttosport

Juve reshape the left 

Bernasconi and Spinazzola if Cambiaso leaves

Premier League clubs (as well as Milan) interested in the Bianconeri left-back, valued at €40m. They like the 23-year-old from Atalanta and the possibility of signing the Napoli wing-back for free is intriguing. Need €30m to come in in June: From Gatti to Kelly, the players who could save the balance sheet

Cholo masterpiece, bye-bye Barca

Champions League quarter-final second legs: Dembele freezes Liverpool (0-2), PSG through.

Atletico in the semi-finals despite defeat: Lookman’s goal decisive after going 2-0 down, Ruggeri heroic. Now it’s Arsenal or Sporting (who kick-off at 1-0). This evening, Real looking for a come-back against Bayern after the 1-2 in Madrid

Vlasic’s promise: ‘Yes, I’m staying at Toro’ 

Meeting between the fans and the Croatian

Meanwhile, the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Scudetto also involve D’Aversa: ‘Radice was a hero of mine, he coached me at Monza: A great man’

‘Lock yourselves in a room and only come out with reforms’ 

FIGC elections and the new CT, interview with Calentini

Cesc Fabregas is enjoying an impressive spell as manager of Como, delivering performances that have attracted widespread attention. His work at the club has underlined his growing reputation, and it is widely expected that Como will not be the final destination of his managerial career.

During the summer, Inter Milan reportedly attempted to appoint him as their new manager. However, Como rejected the approach, and Fabregas himself did not push for a departure, choosing instead to continue his project with the club. His commitment has been reflected in improved results, with the team performing better than it did last season.

Rising Reputation in Management

Fabregas has guided Como to a level where they could even challenge for a place in the Champions League. This achievement would represent a remarkable milestone for a club of their stature. His tactical approach and ability to develop players have been key factors in this progress.

Although it remains unclear how long he will remain at Como, there is increasing speculation about his future. A move to a top European league, particularly the Premier League, appears likely at some stage in his career, given his profile and early success as a coach.

As reported by the Metro, Marco Materazzi believes Fabregas could be an ideal candidate to manage Chelsea in the future. He stated, “They have to try for Cesc Fabregas this summer. I love the job he is doing right now in Como. I don’t know if he will move because he wants to take Como to the Champions League but I can see Chelsea in the future for Fabregas.

“Why not? Chelsea are the best club for Cesc Fabregas because they have young players who will follow his words immediately.”

Potential Move to the Premier League

Such comments highlight the growing belief that Fabregas possesses the qualities required to succeed at the highest level. His understanding of the game, combined with his experience as a player, has translated effectively into his managerial approach.

However, while the interest and praise are notable, Fabregas is still in the early stages of his coaching career. He will need additional experience before taking on a role of such magnitude, particularly at a club where immediate results are often demanded.

For now, his focus remains on continuing his development with Como, building on his current success and gaining the experience necessary to handle future challenges at elite clubs.

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The post Woods to Call Final Red Wings Game on Wednesday appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Paul Woods will call it a day after he calls the final game of the NHL season for the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers. The radio analyst on Red Wings broadcasts will hang up his headphones following the game and head off into retirement.

Oddly enough, it was a couple of random calls out of the blue that led to the two Red Wings experiences that changed Woods’ life.

He was a minor-league forward with the AHL Nova Scotia Voyageurs, top farm club of the Montreal Canadiens, in the fall of 1977. Following practice, a team official was pointing him to a pay phone in the arena hallway, informing Woods there was a call for him.

It was the Red Wings on the other end of the line, specifically, Wayne Maxner, coach of the club’s AHL squad.

“He says, we’re thinking of taking you in the [NHL] waiver draft,'” Woods recalled. “Would you come if we draft you?”

He took a second to catch his breath and to pinch himself, because his dream was on the brink of coming true.

“I really wanted to beg,” Woods said, “I just wanted to say, ‘Please do anything. Just take me.'”

The Red Wings did take Woods, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Woods Broke Into The NHL With The Red Wings

He made his NHL debut with the Wings during the 1977-78 season. Collecting career highs with 19 goals and 42 points, Woods helped Detroit make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 1969-70 season.

“I wanted to be an NHL hockey player at a young age,” Woods said. “I used to tell people in my hometown that I was going to do that. They’d all laugh, and it was the funniest thing they ever heard in their life, you know. But I just kept at it.

“I really did believe it, and I just kept getting better and better, and then next thing you know, I’m playing the NHL against some guys who were your childhood heroes.”

Woods Moved Into The Radio Booth In 1987

He stayed with the Red Wings as a player through the 1983-84 season. In 1987, Woods was approached about joining play-by-play man Bruce Martyn in the radio booth to call Red Wings games.

“They just called me and asked me after I got done playing,” Woods said. “And I started thinking about it.

“I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll give that a shot.’ At least one day I’ll be able to say, ‘I did that.'”

He’s been doing it more often than any broadcaster in Detroit sports history. First with Martyn and then with Ken Kal after Martyn retired in 1995. Woods has called more than 3,000 Red Wings games.

And now, his time to step aside has also arrived.

“To have gone this far and to have seen so many games, it’s just beautiful,” Woods said. “I loved hockey from the time I was six years old.”

And it all started while wearing the winged wheel.

“The Red Wings were my first squirt house league team for the first two years,” Woods said. “And now I’m with this franchise for more than half a century. It’s been an amazing run, and I’m very, very thankful.”

The post Woods to Call Final Red Wings Game on Wednesday appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Bayern Munich interest intensifies around Gordon

Bayern Munich’s recruitment strategy has long balanced elite pedigree with emerging dynamism, and their latest target reflects that philosophy. According to the original source, talkSPORT, the German champions are weighing up a summer move for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, with manager Vincent Kompany reportedly a keen admirer of the England international.

Gordon’s rise has been built on intensity, directness and a willingness to attack defenders relentlessly, qualities that align with Bayern’s traditional wide play. At 23, he represents both immediate impact and long-term value. For Bayern, this is not simply opportunistic scouting. It is a calculated move aimed at reinforcing their attacking structure with Premier League-proven energy.

Interest in Gordon also signals Bayern’s continued engagement with the English market. The Bundesliga giants have increasingly leaned towards players comfortable in high-tempo environments, and Gordon fits that profile seamlessly.

Photo IMAGO

Kane connection shapes transfer narrative

Any potential deal is inevitably framed through the presence of Harry Kane, whose influence at Bayern Munich extends far beyond goals. Since arriving in August 2023, Kane has delivered extraordinary numbers, scoring 134 goals in 137 appearances across all competitions. That output alone establishes him as a central figure in Bayern’s modern era.

The link between Kane and Gordon adds a compelling dimension. The pair have already shared the pitch 12 times for England, offering a level of familiarity that Bayern could leverage. As noted in the original source, Bayern may “lean on Kane for insights on Gordon”, a detail that underlines how recruitment at elite clubs increasingly blends analytics with interpersonal intelligence.

Kane’s endorsement, whether formal or informal, could carry significant weight. Dressing room chemistry is often overlooked in transfer discussions, yet Bayern’s recent history shows a preference for players who can integrate quickly into a demanding environment.

Newcastle position and summer uncertainty

Newcastle United’s stance will be pivotal. Currently positioned 14th in the Premier League with 42 points, the club faces a period of uncertainty. European qualification appears increasingly unlikely, and that absence could reshape the ambitions of key players.

Gordon, with 17 England caps, is among those whose trajectory may outgrow the club’s immediate prospects. Newcastle’s chief executive David Hopkinson has already hinted at a pragmatic approach to the transfer market. Reflecting on previous challenges, he stated: “Any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club.”

That statement suggests Newcastle will not be passive sellers. Any move involving Gordon would likely demand a significant fee, especially given his contract running until 2028. Bayern Munich, however, are well accustomed to navigating such negotiations, particularly when identifying players they view as system-critical.

Rival interest complicates Gordon pursuit

Bayern are unlikely to have a clear run at Gordon. Liverpool’s long-standing admiration remains a factor, rooted in both the player’s background as a supporter and previous transfer discussions that nearly materialised in 2024. Arsenal have also been linked, with respected voices suggesting Gordon would elevate their current wide options.

This competitive landscape introduces urgency. Bayern’s decision-making will need to be decisive if they are to secure Gordon ahead of Premier League rivals who can offer familiarity and, potentially, higher wages.

Yet Bayern’s appeal lies in its clarity of purpose. The opportunity to play alongside Kane, compete for domestic titles and challenge in the Champions League presents a compelling proposition. For Gordon, it is a question of trajectory. Stay within a rebuilding Newcastle framework or step into a system engineered for silverware.

As the summer window approaches, this developing story reflects broader themes in modern football: elite clubs targeting players at the intersection of performance and potential, and the growing influence of established stars like Kane in shaping recruitment pathways.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Manuel Neuer is currently weighing up whether to sign a one-year extension or hang up his gloves.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the 40-year-old spoke about his uncertain future and said he expects to make a decision soon.

“I’d like to make a decision sooner rather than later,” Neuer said.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet, but it won’t be long before I do. And then there will be talks with the club.”

Will Manuel Neuer extend his Bayern contract?

According to Sport Bild, Neuer is "likely" to sign a contract extension, with the German outlet stating that, if he remains fit, the veteran goalkeeper wants to continue doing what he enjoys most – playing football.

This is also part of why he is not fuelling the debate about potentially coming out of international retirement to represent Germany at the World Cup.

Neuer is aware of the physical demands of a major tournament, and if he decides to continue playing, he would prefer to use the summer break to prepare for another season with FC Bayern Munich, as per the report.

If Neuer does extend his contract, the plan would be for his designated successor, Jonas Urbig, to make around 20 appearances next season, which aligns with the 40-year-old’s thinking.

Oscar Piastri has argued that mental training is possibly more important than physical training.

The McLaren driver found himself in the championship fight in his third Formula 1 season in 2025, and while reflecting on the intense year, he claimed that having mental strength was imperative.

"It's a really important part of it, and I think for me it's probably equally, if not even more, important than the physical training," the Australian driver explained during a fan Q&A session with Quad Lock.

"In an engineering sense, looking for 200ths of a second here, 200ths of a second here, to find a tenth in total. But if you're not in the right state of mind or able to get the most out of your potential, you can easily be leaving one of those tenths just on the table from your own performance.

"So, trying to get the most out of that is really important, and it covers a lot of different things. Identifying how tired you are is a really important thing."

Looking back at his debut in the championship in 2023 with McLaren, the 25-year-old revealed that he was mentally exhausted by the end of the season.

"And at the back end of my first season in F1, for example, I kind of thought there were a few things that weren't going that well. And by the time the season finished, I actually just stopped thinking about racing for a bit," he continued.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

"I was absolutely knackered from a mental point of view because I was trying to spend all my time thinking about, how do I find improvements here, how do I find improvements there?

"And sometimes, actually just taking a step back is important. So that's been something this year: I think where you spend your energy, which battles you fight, which ones you don't is important as well.

"Obviously, [2025] was a really high-pressure year for the whole season. And I think dealing with some of the difficulties that came my way was a really important thing to try to manage. And I think I tried to do the best job I could."

While he felt he had made a jump in mental strength in 2025, he admitted that there was still room for improvement.

"There's probably some improvements that I can make. In some ways, I can handle things better. Talk with the people around me about how we can reduce stress in the environment, and how you can just maximise your potential."

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Liverpool’s worst fears regarding Hugo Ekitike (23) have unfortunately been confirmed by L’Equipe. The outlet reports that the France international has ruptured his right Achilles tendon. Ekitike was stretchered off the pitch during Liverpool’s 2-0 home loss to PSG in the Champions League quarter-final return leg. It is an awful blow for Ekitike, who will miss out on the World Cup and also a significant chunk of the next campaign.

In the aftermath of the game, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot already provided a worrying update regarding Ekitike’s injury. “I think we could all see that it didn’t look well and didn’t look good“, the Dutchman. “Let’s wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn’t look good.“

The manner in which Ekitike collapsed on his own to the ground, holding his right ankle in severe pain was an ominous sign that he had suffered a serious Achilles injury. In today’s edition, L’Equipe confirms that the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward ruptured his Achilles tendon. The outlet estimates that a 9-month lay-off is necessary before resuming training, in the best case scenario.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval

Remembering The 97, 37 Years On…

Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, a day forever etched into the heart of Liverpool Football Club. 97 supporters lost their lives as a result of the tragedy, and the pain of that loss continues to be felt deeply by families, friends, and all those connected to the club.

The fight for truth and justice has defined the decades since 1989, driven tirelessly by the families of the victims and their supporters. Their strength and resilience continue to inspire, reminding us all why we must never forget and must always stand against injustice.

From everyone at Anfield Index, we stand in solidarity. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by the events of that day.

There will be no social media posts, articles, podcasts or videos from us today.

You will never, ever, walk alone. Hillsborough Law Now!

Photo: IMAGO

The Roshn Saudi League will be represented in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals, with both Al Ahli and Al Ittihad reaching the last eight.

Al Ahli, who last year landed an historic continental crown, were the first to book their spot in the quarter-finals, the Asian champions coming through Monday night’s clash with Qatar’s Al Duhail 1-0 in Jeddah.

Algeria star Riyad Mahrez, so crucial in the march to the title 12 months ago, netted the winner with a superb free-kick in the 117th minute.

Al Ahli will now face Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia on Friday, as the Finals take place for the second successive year in Jeddah.

"It was a tough match, but we managed to overcome it and now we are focusing on the next round,” match-winner Mahrez said. “We always strive to give everything we have for the team."The fans always support us, the atmosphere is positive, and we hope to deliver our best. We want their presence and support in every match, but we realise that this depends on us delivering a good level of performance."

Then, on Tuesday night, Al Ittihad maintained their quest for a third Asian Champions League trophy with a 1-0 victory of their own in Jeddah, the RSL champions eventually seeing off UAE side Al Wahda.

Like Al Ahli, Sergio Conceicao’s men needed extra-time to progress, captain Fabinho converting a penalty in the 130th minute following a foul on Abdulrahman Al Obud.

Al Ittihad captain Fabinho converts 130th-minute penalty to send club into AFC Champions League Elite Finals

Al Ittihad, back-to-back champions in 2004 and 2005, will now go up against tournament debutants FC Machida Zelvia of Japan on Friday.

“This was a very difficult and balanced game between the two teams,” Conceicao said. “We created chances and we were more dangerous up front, but they were defensively resolute. “I’m very happy with what we have done and proud of the players. The most important thing is that we qualified for the next round."

There was, however, disappointment for Al Hilal, with the record four-time winners exiting the tournament on Monday with a penalty-shootout defeat to Qatar’s Al Sadd.

Hansi Flick says Barcelona ‘deserved to be in the semi-final’ following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid. 

The Blaugrana were trailing 2-0 from the first leg and needed a big comeback on Tuesday to make it to the final four. 

Lamine Yamal reduced the deficit in the fifth minute when he slid the ball under goalkeeper Juan Musso. 

Barca levelled the tie midway through the half, as Ferran Torres picked out the top corner with a fine left-footed strike. 

However, Atletico restored their aggregate lead on the half-hour mark when Ademola Lookman finished past Joan Garcia after being brilliantly set up by Marcos Llorente. 

Torres put the ball into the net early in the second half but his effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. 

The visitors were reduced to 10 men after Eric Garcia received a red card for tripping Alexander Sorloth. 

Barcelona desperately pushed for an equaliser but their La Liga rivals held on to seal a 3-2 victory on aggregate. 

In his post-match press conference, Flick said: “I’m very proud of the team’s performance and the way we played. Over the two matches, we deserved to reach the semi-finals.”

Barcelona made a valiant effort in Madrid, but they ultimately came up short after conceding twice in the first leg. 

The Blaugrana haven’t made it to the Champions League final since 2015, when they defeated Juventus to become the European champions. 

Barcelona won the La Liga title last season, and are on course to defend their title this term. 

They sit nine points clear at the top of the league table with seven games remaining. 

However, success in Europe has eluded the Spanish giants over the years. 

Youngest

Quickest

Hmm

First Black Player in Red Sox History: How 'Pumpsie' Green Broke Boston Color Barrier originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On April 15, Major League Baseball honors Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the sport's color barrier in 1947. While Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a revolutionary turning point for the nation, the integration of baseball was a slow, uneven process that met fierce resistance in New England.

More than a decade after Robinson's historic debut, the Red Sox remained the final MLB holdout. That cycle of exclusion finally ended on July 21, 1959, when Elijah Jerry "Pumpsie" Green took the field for Boston.

Every Jackie Robinson Day, the Red Sox join the rest of the league in honoring No. 42, but the franchise also reflects on Green's legacy.

Who is 'Pumpsie' Green?

Green, a switch-hitting infielder, worked his way through the minors and broke Boston's color barrier on July 21, 1959, when he debuted as a pinch-runner against the White Sox.

During his five-season MLB career, Green spent the majority of his time in Boston before playing his final year with the Mets. He was a versatile player capable of handling multiple infield positions, but his contribution to the game was defined more by his resilience than his statistics.

He faced significant discrimination during his climb to the main roster, including being forced to stay in separate housing from his teammates during spring training in 1959. He handled the immense pressure of being "the last first" with remarkable grace.

When did 'Pumpsie' Green play for Red Sox?

Under Tom Yawkey, the Red Sox infamously resisted integrating their roster, even passing on opportunities to sign future Hall of Famers like Robinson and Willie Mays. Green entered Boston's system in 1955 when the Red Sox purchased his contract from the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League. He spent a few years in the minors before being given a real opportunity to join the Red Sox.

The 1959 season began with a high-profile controversy. During spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., Green was barred from staying in the team hotel because of local segregation laws.

Despite hitting a stellar .327 in spring training games, the Red Sox sent him back down to the Triple-A Minneapolis Millers to start the season. This move sparked outrage from the NAACP's Boston chapter, which pushed for an investigation by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Green was eventually called up in July 1959 after the team fired manager Mike "Pinky" Higgins, who was known for his staunch opposition to integration.

When Green finally made his home debut at Fenway Park in August 1959, he was met with a thunderous standing ovation from fans who had waited 12 years to see their team join the rest of the league.

Though he often described himself as a "reluctant pioneer" who just wanted to play baseball, he will always be remembered as one of the most important figures in franchise history.

Pumpsie Green's legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/BWIP7CdZVi

— NESN (@NESN) March 8, 2019

'Pumpsie' Green career stats

Green spent four years with the Red Sox before finishing his MLB career with the Mets. His most productive statistical season came in 1961, when he set career highs in home runs (six), doubles (12) and RBIs (27).

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What channel is Clippers vs. Warriors on today? Time, TV schedule to watch 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Clippers and the Warriors have made the postseason, but are currently only qualified for the play-in tournament.

As the two lowest seeds in the Western Conference, they will have to win two games to make it into the first round of the playoffs. The Clippers and the Warriors will play on Wednesday, April 15, with the winner advancing to a second play-in game on Friday, and the loser being eliminated from contention. 

The Clippers had lost two games in a row before winning the regular-season finale over the Warriors. Kawhi Leonard didn't play in the Clippers' final game of the season with an ankle injury, but is considered day-to-day. 

The Warriors got guard Steph Curry back during the final stretch of the season, but his addition didn't help the team avoid losses. They finished the regular season on a three-game losing streak, and have dropped seven of their last eight games. 

Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between the Clippers and Warriors, including broadcast information and start time.

What channel is Clippers vs. Warriors on today?

• TV channel: None
• Live stream: Prime Video

Under the NBA’s new media rights agreement, every game of the 2026 Play-In Tournament will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, marking the first time the entire tournament has shifted to a streaming-only platform.

Clippers vs. Warriors start time

• Date: Wednesday, April 15
• Time: 10 p.m. ET

The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament game between the Clippers and Warriors is set to tip off at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. 

The Clippers and the Warriors played four times during the regular season. The Warriors won the first one 98-79 in late October. The Clippers won the remaining three games: 103-102, 114-101, and 115-110. The most recent matchup was the teams' final regular-season game on Sunday. The Clippers won by five, and Warriors point guard Steph Curry remains on a minutes restriction.

The Clippers are not only looking for their first NBA Championship in franchise history, but are also still trying to make their first appearance in the NBA Finals. They have only been in the conference finals once, in 2021, but they lost the series 4-2 to the Phoenix Suns. 

The Warriors' last championship came in 2022. Since then, they haven't made it past the conference semifinals. 

NBA Play-In Tournament schedule 2026

NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026

Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason. 

* Can move up depending on earlier series

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Bayern Munich’s campus is set a lot of changes in the summer. A lot of coaches are already stepping down as new Campus director Michael Wiesinger continues to make an impression. But with Wiesinger joining, the question on everyone’s lips was what would happen to the old sporting director, Markus Weinzierl. The close friend of Max Eberl’s two year contract from 2024 expires in the summer, after all, and Bayern have already found his successor. Would they let him go or find a different position for him?

In a rather unsurprising turn of events, according to Bild (and captured by @iMiaSanMia_GER), Bayern have reportedly decided to go with the former option:

FC Bayern will not extend the expiring contract with Markus Weinzierl, even though Max Eberl would have liked to give him a new one. Michael Wiesinger is a major reason for the changes at the Campus.

One cannot say Weinzierl did the best work in his position and his credentials for the job, beyond his friendship with Eberl for whatever that is worth, were questionable. It is not bad to have an experienced coach around the club if he accepts such a role, but it was always a questionable fit.

Manchester City are offering Antoine Semenyo all the care and guidance he requires after the forward was racially abused on Instagram earlier this week, as per reports.

Semenyo took to Instagram to celebrate Manchester City‘s 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend, with the Ghana international continuing his fine run of form for the sky Blues since joining from Bournemouth in January.

The 26-year-old went on to share a snap of vile racial abuse aimed at him by a user in the comments, seven seasons on from when former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling was racially abused on the pitch at Stamford Bridge in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

Antoine Semenyo racially abused on Instagram after Manchester City win over Chelsea

City play Arsenal in a monumental Premier League title deciding clash this weekend and Semenyo is expected to keep his place in the starting XI as Pep Guardiola’s men search for a fourth consecutive win to build on a fine run of triumphs over Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in the last three weeks.

City supporting Semenyo through disgusting racial abuse

Shamoon Hafez of BBC Sport has reported that Manchester City are offering Semenyo ‘all the care and support’ through what has become a dangerously normalised ordeal in professional football fuelled by the access to athletes onlookers have via social media platforms.

This is not the first or last time Semenyo has suffered racial abuse in his professional career – only the latest of a long line of incidents that are a sad indictment of a wider societal problem that has etched its name in global sport.

Guardiola and his coaching staff will be providing great care to Semenyo, who has made a blistering start to life at the Etihad Stadium and has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for the title-chasing Blues.

City’s captaincy group – comprising skipper Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri – will also have put an arm round Semenyo’s shoulder to remind the Ghanian of the unrelenting support he will have in what is still a new dressing room for the London-born attacker.

Guardiola is expected to be probed for his two cents on how Semenyo is coping with the incident when the Manchester City manager faces the press on Friday to preview Sunday’s titanic battle with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Miami is a wild place.

Newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg got a chance to explore “The Magic City” over the weekend after knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 327(watch highlights here). Though effectively on one leg after blowing his knee early in the fight, “Black Jag” made it to his afterparty rather than the hospital.

The one problem? Ulberg isn’t exactly sure where his belt ended up after a night of partying, though the Kiwi knockout artist doesn’t seem particularly concerned.

“I’ve lost the belt, bro,” Ulberg admitted to Fox Sports Australia. “ … I don’t know exactly where it is. Initially after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right? First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another and you’re doing shots. So it’s ‘OK, I’ll have another, and another, and another …’

He continued, “We’ve got a big group of boys over here in Miami and, when the fight was done, we all went out to the afterparty at a nightclub. Then after that, it was back to one of the boys’ apartments and we all hung out there. I didn’t want to be carrying the belt around so I think it’s still there at the apartment somewhere. One of the boys probably has it in bed with him.”

Sounds like the belt will turn up sooner than later (unlike this one).

Ulberg also revealed that he has yet to visit a hospital and get a confirmed diagnosis and/or surgery on his injured knee. There’s a lot of speculation that Ulberg tore his ACL, which would sideline the new champion for a year at minimum. That would-be diagnosis remains unconfirmed, however, and Ulberg expects to get imaging and treatment in Las Vegas sometime this week.

Stay tuned for updates on the new champion’s injuries and subsequent layoff.

Real Madrid may be heading into a defining phase of the season, but one of the biggest positives emerging at just the right time is the resurgence of club captain Dani Carvajal. 

After months of uncertainty, injuries, and doubts surrounding his physical condition, the experienced right-back has finally turned a corner, and he is doing so when his team needs him most.

Simply put, the Spanish international’s campaign has been anything but smooth. 

A rough season

Persistent knee discomfort disrupted his rhythm earlier in the season, forcing him to undergo another surgical procedure after an initial return in the summer failed to resolve the issue. 

At that point, Carvajal faced a critical decision. 

Rather than managing the discomfort conservatively, he chose to undergo surgery with the aim of returning quickly and contributing during the most important stretch of the campaign. 

In recent weeks, though, those within his inner circle have consistently highlighted a key detail about his recovery. 

“Without a single twinge in his knee,” they say, according to AS.

This means the club captain is now playing without any problem in his knee and feels completely fine physically.

Strong performance vs Girona

Carvajal played full 90 minutes vs Girona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

That confidence was clearly reflected in his performance against Girona. Carvajal completed the full match and looked sharp throughout, something that had not always been the case earlier in the season. 

His movement down the right flank was fluid, his defensive positioning assured, and perhaps most importantly, there were no visible signs of discomfort. 

It was the kind of display that reminded everyone why he has been such a reliable figure for Madrid over the years.

Not an easy road ahead

However, his situation remains complex for the club veteran. 

The presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold has added competition at right-back, while Carvajal’s contract situation, set to expire at the end of the season, raises further questions about his future at the club. 

Despite that, the Spaniard’s mindset appears unchanged. His focus is on proving that he still belongs at the highest level.

Heading into the crucial clash against Bayern Munich, indications suggest that Alvaro Arbeloa could favour Alexander-Arnold in the starting lineup. 

Yet, the manager now has a fully fit and match-ready captain at his disposal, something that did not seem possible just a few months ago.

With the playoffs clinched, the last two games for the Los Angeles Kings are about positioning in the postseason. Tonight’s game may prove to be a missed opportunity.

Although the Kings got the majority of chances in the contest, they snapped a five-game winning streak with a 4-3 overtime loss to the last-place Vancouver Canucks. It is their NHL-leading 20th overtime loss of the season.

The loss is made more painful by other results around the league tonight. After the Anaheim Ducks lost in regulation, the Kings had a chance to move into the third-place standing in the Pacific Division. Instead, they remain in the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot, which would lead to a series against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

“Probably a little too flat for what we need,” defenseman Mikey Anderson said of the Kings’ performance. “And you got to carry these games with you into the playoffs. So get a good reset tomorrow and try and have a good one to finish it off.”

While the Kings can still move out of that position and even gain home-ice advantage for the first round, they do not control their own destiny for either and must count on other teams to lose their final games in addition to winning their own season-ender.

“If we win [these] games, there’s a huge possibility we could be playing in front of our fans in game one and two, and that definitely gives us an advantage,” forward Alex Laferriere said. “So we want to do that.”

Depending on the results over the next two days, the Kings could play the Ducks, Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights or Edmonton Oilers in the first round. The Avalanche have had by far the best season of those teams, and the prospect of a fifth straight first-round series against the Oilers would likely frustrate many Los Angeles fans. However, the circumstances are ultimately too complicated — and too out of the Kings’ control — to try to manipulate a certain opponent.

“We’re going to go out and play our best, but you got to let it fall where they may,” interim head coach D.J. Smith said. “And whoever we play is going to be higher than us, most likely, in the standings if anyone wins. So I don’t think you can sit back and try and pick who you’re gonna play. You gotta go and just make sure your team’s ready when the playoffs [start].”

If the Kings have a positive to take from being lower in the standings, it’s that both of their championship runs have come from that position. They won the Stanley Cup in 2012 as an eight seed, then won it again in 2014 after finishing third in the Pacific following the NHL’s change in playoff format. Two players from those teams, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, are still on the Kings.

“In times like this, you gotta kind of focus and lean back on your leaders, and Drew and Kopi are those guys for us,” Laferriere said. “They’re telling us how it feels like 2012 in here, and how they were stringing together some games at the end of the season and crept in and then they went on to win the Cup. I think right now, it’s just about continuing trending positively with our game, and stringing those along and just trying not to take any huge dips. And I think we’re gonna be in a good spot going into game one.”

Like the athlete’s family, Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian has held a key place amongst the audience of influential football minds that have watched returning Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning grow up.

From the Manning family’s living room to their soon-to-be four college football season working together, Sarkisian has been there as Manning’s maturity both physically and mentally has noticeably leveled up.

So, we can take Sarkisian’s assessment of the incoming redshirt junior quarterback as accurate.

“Arch has been back now, really going outside of the team stuff, and I can see the continuity with [Auburn transfer receiver Cam Coleman], which we knew was going to be important,” Sarkisian said, according to 247Sports. “I think he threw him two touchdowns today. So, that level of comfort [between Manning and Coleman] for me, feels better. I’m not so concerned.”

Encouraging Sarkisian as a player developer has been Manning’s emergence as an authentic team leader, he noted.

“He’s being himself now,” Sarkisian added.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: Why Steve Sarkisian is eager to bid farewell to ‘The Bubble’

Dallas Morning News: Dallas Wings sign Texas center Kyla Oldacre to training camp contract

247Sports: Why Texas football’s ‘havoc’ players are so important to Longhorns’ success in 2026

247Sports: Steve Sarkisian provides an injury update on several Texas football players during the final week of spring

Inside Texas: Tracking Texas’ progress this spring through Steve Sarkisian’s own words

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

No. 4 Texas hosts Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Texas F Declan Duru enters the NCAA transfer portal

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Texas set to host the nation’s No. 1 WR Monshun Sales

247Sports: Top247 CB Montre Jackson down to four contenders, recaps recent Texas visit

247Sports: Top247 LB Mikahi Allen has top eight, discusses key factors he wants in program

Inside Texas: Inside Texas Recruiting Intel: Texas casting a wide net at defensive line

SEC SHOWDOWN

Austin American-Statesman: How far did Texas softball fall after its SEC series loss to Oklahoma?

Inside Texas: SEC Spring Power Rankings: Who follows the top Dawgs?

Inside Texas: Texas baseball looks to hit the reset button ahead of pivotal week of SEC play

Rock M Nation: Mizzou scores commitment from Providence transfer Jamier Jones

Red Cup Rebellion: Can Ole Miss baseball extend winning streak & get revenge versus Southern Miss?

Rocky Top Talk: Chaz Coleman uncertainty leaves questions about Tennessee edge rushers

A Sea Of Blue: Donnie Freeman is now on his visit to Kentucky, but UConn may be the favorite

WHAT WE’RE READING

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SB Nation: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini’s alleged romantic photos, explained with the internet’s best sleuthing

SB Nation: LaMelo Ball helped convince the Hornets to draft Kon Knueppel

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Some things just never get old.

When Manchester City signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon last summer, there were question marks surrounding how the French international would fit into a Pep Guardiola side. Cherki’s talent was never in question, however, his work out of possession was in some circles. As the 2025-26 season has progressed, Rayan Cherki has emphatically put any doubts about his fit into this City side to bed, both with his play in possession and his work to help his team out of possession in terms of his high pressing. Cherki has put any doubts about his fit into this City side to bed, as has Pep Guardiola, who explained after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge what he expects from Cherki when his team doesn’t have the ball.

Rayan Cherki does all that he needs to do to aid the cause of Manchester City out of possession.

Rayan Cherki’s prodigious impact and talent on the ball for Manchester City is obvious to see; it has been all season. The French international has become a key player in this City side, and his last three performances against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea show how valuable and dangerous Cherki is. At times, Cherki resembles the creative hub of this City side, especially playing in a free role of sorts that allows him to drift across the pitch from the right wing to the left. This role allows Cherki to receive the ball in dangerous areas of the final third and inflict maximum damage on Manchester City’s opponents. When Manchester City signed Cherki last summer, this was expected from him given Rayan Cherki’s proven reputation as a playmaker.

The questions that arose around Rayan Cherki’s fit into a Pep Guardiola side concerned his work without the ball, or more to the point, when possession was lost, or what role Cherki would play in Manchester City’s high press. This season, Cherki has put those doubts to bed. When possession is lost, Cherki is willing and able to help his team.

We saw this against Chelsea last Sunday. Also, Cherki is no slouch when helping his team press their opponents. This was on display when Jeremy Doku dispossessed Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo. Doku took the ball from Caceido and went on to score. Alongside Doku was Rayan Cherki. That was an overlooked, but important aspect in Manchester City’s third goal against Chelsea.

There are other examples of Rayan Cherki doing what is required out of possession for his team. But what has stood out is that the concern in some circles about Cherki’s fit into a Pep Guardiola side out of possession has proven to be wide of the mark.

Pep Guardiola only expects Rayan Cherki to do his best when pressing City’s opponents.

Speaking after his Manchester City team swept Chelsea aside at Stamford Bridge, Pep Guardiola explained what he expects from Rayan Cherki out of possession. All that Guardiola wants from Cherki is to try his best in this department of his game. Guardiola explained: “His work ethic is unbelievable knowing he doesn’t have the speed and pressing that Antoine Semenyo has that is amazing.”

“I’ve been with Sergio Aguero and Sergio Aguero was not the incredible high press player but he tried his best and all I ask is that…do your best and you can do it because he has another quality.”

“Every player has his own ability. Rayan has something special, the second goal I said choose the pass right and he passed to Marc Guéhi that I could not even see from outside. He is a top talent and again what I said, if Manchester City decide to bring that player in, it is because Manchester City is working really well.”

Rayan Cherki has shown that he is the ideal fit for Manchester City on both sides of the ball. Any questions surrounding Cherki’s fit into a Pep Guardiola side have long since been put to bed. Scarily, Cherki is producing match-winning performances in big moments in his first season as a City player. It is scary to think how much of a weapon Cherki will become for Pep Guardiola’s side the longer he plays at City.

Hugo Ekitike will fear for his World Cup after being stretchered off during Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ekitike went down off the ball holding his ankle after suffering a suspected Achilles injury and appeared in some agony.

Liverpool doctors were quick to signal to the bench that the Frenchman wouldn’t be able to continue and that he would require a stretcher to be taken off.

The Frenchman was replaced by Mohamed Salah on the right flank, who missed out on the starting XI but failed to make an impact off the bench as Liverpool lost 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

The injury could have devastating implications for Ekitike that go beyond Liverpool, with the 23-year-old due to feature for France at this summer’s World Cup.

“Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad,” Arne Slot said after the game. “Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear. I didn’t see him at half-time and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet.”

The sentiment was echoed by club and international team-mate Ibrahima Konate, who was left praying for the forward.

“I think it is bad,” said Konate after the match, speaking to Prime Video. “I don’t know, I have heard many things, I have no word to talk about that because with the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers."

Ekitike spent two years at PSG and had a point to prove to Luis Enrique, who left the striker out of his Champions League squad in 2023/24.

Ekitike started alongside Alexander Isak against the Champions League holders, the first start the Swede had made for four months after recovering ankle surgery, but his evening was curtailed after just 30 minutes with Liverpool now fearing their other striker is set for an extended period on the sidelines.

PSG were also dealt a first-half injury blow, with left-back Nuno Mendes limping off eight minutes after Ekitike’s replacement in place of Lucas Hernandez.

Enrique was then forced into another sub after the break after star winger Desire Doue, who scored in the first leg, collided with the advertising board under the challenge of Dominik Szoboszlai.

The 20-year-old briefly tried to continue after receiving treatment but was not moving freely and hobbled off for Bradley Barcola. Szoboszlai, who appeared to push Doue in the back before he went down, apologised as he left the field.

Chelsea are one of the Premier League clubs circling Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke, according to VI.NL.

Chelsea need a new centre-half or two to help shore up their leaky backline, and the Dutchman is on their shortlist.

Van Hecke has impressed the Blues with his reading of the game, impressive tackling, and progressive passing.

The 25-year-old has won 56 percent of his aerial and 66% of his ground duels in the Premier League this term.

He has helped keep seven clean sheets and contributed three goals and two assists in 30 league appearances.

Chelsea reportedly want height and physicality at the back, and Van Hecke fits the bill. He can form a long-term partnership with Levi Colwill.

He can also fill in the left-centre-back slot adeptly when the Englishman is not in the picture.

Lauded as a leader and role model, he is exactly what the West London outfit needs.

Van Hecke’s potential arrival will spell doom for the unimpressive Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Both men have looked uncomfortable in that right-centre-back position this season, and Chelsea should move on from them this summer.

The Blues must use their Brighton connections to snap up Van Hecke before other interested parties, such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

They need a battle-hardened, Premier League-experienced, quality centre-half in their ranks, and Van Hecke is their man.

Even if they secure his signature, Chelsea cannot rest on their laurels. They must sign another physically imposing defender who dominates the box.

Como’s Jacobo Ramon should be the other name on the Chelsea shortlist. He is a physically dominant yet progressive defender who can significantly improve the backline.

Their potential arrival allows the Blues to move on from duds like Fofana, Adarabioyo, and Benoit Badiashile.

It will allow Mamadou Sarr to head back out on loan to smooth the rough edges of his game.

A defensive composition of Colwill, Van Hecke, Ramon, Trevoh Chalobah, and Josh Acheampong will be top under the right tactical blueprint.

Manchester United are monitoring Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi ahead of a potential summer move, according to Chris Wheeler.

The Red Devils could use some firepower in the centre-forward position, with Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to lead the line.

Man United have now reportedly turned to the 19-year-old striker who has bagged 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this term (15 starts).

Kroupi’s eye for goals has turned heads with the young forward spearheading Bournemouth’s push to finish in the top half of the table.

The Man Utd transfer target has been praised as a ‘great finisher’.

Unsurprisingly, Man Utd will not be alone in the race for his signature this summer, with Chelsea and Liverpool also circling the exciting young talent.

However, Manchester United need to temper any early excitement.

Kroupi is undeniably a top-tier prospect, but his breakout campaign still sits within a relatively small sample size.

Leading the line at Old Trafford carries a different weight entirely, and not every promising young striker makes that leap seamlessly.

With other elite clubs also tracking his progress, the temptation to move quickly will be strong.

Still, United’s recent track record with developing forwards suggests patience is the smarter play.

Let El Kroupi prove his consistency, durability, and adaptability over time before committing significant resources to securing his signature.

The report also mentions Man United’s interest in Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, who becomes a free agent this summer.

The Argentine centre-half could be a decent pick up for the Red Devils, especially as Lisandro Martinez continues to struggle with injuries.

Harry Maguire recently signed a contract extension, but he is entering the twilight of his career, and the club must make plans for a successor.

Senesi is not as physically dominant as Martinez or Maguire, but he more than makes up for it with his exquisite ability on the ball.

Liverpool are one of three clubs that can activate the release clause in Nico Schlotterbeck’s new contract with Borussia Dortmund, according to Bild.

The Reds are reportedly on the trail of the German defender as they look to bolster their faltering rearguard this summer.

Liverpool likely thought they had missed out on the 26-year-old when he signed a contract extension with BVB.

However, it turns out there is a release clause of around €50-60 million, allowing him to leave this summer. It reportedly expires at the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Liverpool and Real Madrid can activate the clause, but Bayern Munich cannot.

Leveraging this clause, Liverpool can still snap up Schlotterbeck, who is understood to be a candidate to succeed Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield.

Schlotterbeck has caught the eye with his performances this season, winning 64 percent of his aerial and 62% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga.

He has helped his side keep nine clean sheets in 23 appearances. His ability to break lines with his passing is outstanding.

Schlotterbeck is a natural-born leader, the type Liverpool need to take the reins from Van Dijk when he eventually moves on.

Despite signing a new deal, he is still widely expected to leave Germany this summer, which is why he was booed in his last outing for BVB.

For Liverpool, this is a gamble worth taking. Schlotterbeck ticks too many boxes to ignore.

He is physically dominant, progressive in possession, and already showing leadership traits at the highest level.

Lauded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, he can help shore up Liverpool’s leaky backline.

He is entering his prime and has the personality to shoulder the responsibility of replacing a figure as imposing as Van Dijk.

The clause removes the usual negotiation complications, making the deal both attainable and timely.

If Liverpool are serious about planning for the post-Van Dijk era, Schlotterbeck stands out as the most reliable, ready-made successor on the market this summer.

Aston Villa are weighing up a summer move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as uncertainty grows around Emiliano Martinez’s future.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are open to offers for Martinez, with the Argentina international increasingly likely to depart at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old came close to leaving Villa Park last summer after attracting significant transfer interest.

While no formal bid materialised, there has long been an acceptance behind the scenes that his stay in the Midlands could be nearing its natural conclusion.

Signed for around £16million in 2020, Martinez has since become one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers. Villa stand to make a little profit from his sale.

Offloading one of their top earners would also ease ongoing financial pressures as the club looks to remain compliant with both Premier League and UEFA spending regulations.

With that in mind, attention has turned to the ‘incredible’ Trafford.

The 23-year-old is emerging as a serious option as the Villains begin planning for a potential transition between the sticks.

Trafford has not received enough playing time at City following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Despite earning his senior England debut during the recent international break, opportunities at club level have been limited to 270 league minutes this season.

However, his reputation remains strong. He has made only three league appearances but has recorded one shut-out and prevented 1.89 goals.

Trafford was instrumental in Burnley’s promotion campaign last term.

He kept an outstanding 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances and outperformed his goals-prevented metric.

Those performances underlined his potential as a long-term No.1, something he is now keen to re-establish.

Villa view Trafford as a goalkeeper capable of growing into the role should Martinez depart.

Younger, ambitious, and already tested in English football, he can be the perfect successor to Martinez.

It is worth noting that Trafford has other options on the table, with several Premier League clubs interested in signing him.

Ulster back row Bryn Ward says the rivalry with Irish interprovincial rivals Leinster makes Friday's interprovincial game between the two teams at the Affidea Stadium "a spicy one".

Ulster sit third in the table, one point ahead of Leo Cullen's charges, before the encounter in Belfast, and aim to avenge a narrow 24-20 loss to Leinster in their previous United Rugby Championship meeting in Dublin in December.

"Any home interpro at home is a spicy one, but with Leinster I just think it goes to the next level," Ward told BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews.

"We know them so well and guys are competing against their opposite numbers to try and get into a green jersey as well.

"We're really looking forward to it. We don't really know what sort of team they are going to send up, but it doesn't really matter, they have a lot of talent and a lot of depth, but we're looking forward to it, to the challenge, and I really hope it stays dry."

Ulster will face Exeter Chiefs for a place in the European Challenge Cup final in early May but are also well in the hunt for URC silverware with four sets of games remaining before the knockout play-off stages of that competition.

"To be in this position now is class. If you'd said at the start of the season we'd be in the position we are now we'd have been delighted," enthused the 21-year-old.

"The hard work that we've done over the season is now really standing to us.

"We have some big games coming up, but the majority of those at home which is really good, so hopefully a packed Affidea can get us over the line in those games."

Ward is also pleased with his own form this campaign, although he knows there is still room for improvement.

He scored a try after coming on as a replacement in the Challenge Cup last-eight win over La Rochelle last weekend.

"From where I was last year to now I think I have come on a lot and have really grown in confidence.

"There are still things I need to work on, still a lot to learn, but hopefully I can kick on at the business end of the season.

"Playing in front of our fans is amazing, they really get behind us, they really back us, and we just want to keep performing, getting a few more people into the stands to cheer us on and put a few more smiles on faces."

Chelsea were outclassed by Manchester City on Sunday afternoon but Micah Richards has stated he actually felt sorry for the Blues.

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City ran out convincing 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge thanks to second half goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku.

The win left Chelsea outside of the Champions League places in sixth, but they are now just two points ahead of tenth placed Sunderland.

Micah Richards felt sorry for Chelsea against Man City

Chelsea have now lost their last three league games by a combined scored of 7-0, and haven’t scored a league goal since the 4-1 win against Aston Villa on March 4th.

Not many expected the Blues to get anything from the game, but you could argue their plan worked in the first half.

However, after the break City were just able to up their levels, and Chelsea simply had no answer as they were swept aside.

It was another damaging defeat which heaped more pressure on Liam Rosenior, but Richards admitted after he felt sorry for Chelsea.

“I felt a little bit sorry for Chelsea because they had a plan,” he told The Rest Is Football.

“It looked like the plan was working. The game opened up a little bit and then, in games, it’s all about moments, isn’t it?

“And Chelsea don’t defend in the key moment and then don’t score when they’re on top.

“And then Manchester City, we’re always going to take the opportunity once it comes, because they just have quality players and players who have to win, you know what I mean?”

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In other news…

Chelsea are reportedly preparing for a busy summer window, and accept they need to add players with proven Premier League experience.

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The Blues have been linked with Morgan Rogers and Murillo, but until action is taken by the club, fans remain sceptical as they’ve heard this all before.

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

The fallout from Barcelona’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid continues to intensify, with emotions spilling over in the mixed zone after the final whistle. 

While Barcelona produced a strong performance on the night, it was not enough to overturn the aggregate deficit, leaving several players visibly frustrated, particularly over refereeing decisions.

One of the most vocal reactions came from Raphinha, who missed the match due to injury but travelled with the squad to support his teammates. 

Watching from the sidelines clearly did little to ease his emotions, as the winger did not hold back when addressing the media after the game.

Speaking with raw frustration, Raphinha made a bold claim about the outcome of the tie. “It’s a stolen match,” he said. 

“To make a mistake is human, but for it to happen again in the second leg? We played very well, but this tie has been stolen from us.”

More from Raphinha and Gavi

The Brazilian went further, directly criticising the officiating and suggesting that key decisions consistently went against Barcelona. 

Expanding on his statement, Raphinha added, “The refereeing was full of problems; the decisions he made were unbelievable. 

Barcelona players were not happy with the referee. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Atletico committed I don’t know how many fouls and the referee didn’t show them a single yellow card. 

“I really want to understand his fear that Barça might have gone through.”

While Raphinha’s reaction was direct, Gavi offered a more measured perspective, focusing on the footballing aspect of the tie. 

The young midfielder acknowledged Barcelona’s overall performance but admitted that inefficiency in front of goal ultimately cost them progression.

Reflecting on the team’s display, Gavi said, “We were the better team in the tie, but in the end the ball has to go in and it didn’t.”

Gavi also touched on one of the key incidents, the sending-off of Eric Garcia, that shifted momentum, while choosing not to fully criticise the official.

Offering his view on the red card situation, he stated,

“I don’t know if Eric deserved a red card. Jules was there. In the end, he made the decision and that’s that,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

In recent games, Northern Ireland have not been known for scoring a flurry of goals with just one in their past six matches prior to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Malta.

However, during Michael McArdle's first game in charge, they looked confident and netted four times in a match for the first time since 2023.

McArdle handed Keri Halliday a rare start with the winger netting her first two international goals and registering an assist during the 4-0 win.

The 21-year-old impressed during her time at Linfield with 53 goals in 85 appearances before making the move to Scotland, and is currently on loan from Hearts to Motherwell.

"It means a lot with my family there. Dad did say it was coming and he was right," Halliday told BBC Sport NI.

"Michael [McArdle] is a lovely man, he's had all faith and confidence in us to go out and get points from these games.

"He's given us freedom and I think you can see that we're playing with smiles on our faces and playing with energy, stress-free and you can see that in the scoreline. I'm loving playing at the minute."

• McArdle praises NI's 'intent' in big win over Malta
• NI end winless run against Malta in McArdle's first match

Developing a more attack-minded side as clearly been the early priority for McArdle after being appointed in March, with a focus on younger players clearly evident too.

Five of the starting XI were under 25 with Linfield's Cora Chambers also coming off the bench to make her senior debut.

With captain Simone Magill away from the side after announcing her pregnancy in November, Northern Ireland have missed her experience, leadership and goals but after being handed the armband by McArdle, Rebecca McKenna, lead by example from defence and also helped push the side into the final third.

During his time within the Scottish FA, McArdle created a new Under-23s programme and a new Academy programme, showing he is no stranger to helping younger players develop.

Halliday added that the side need to use his trust to demonstrate their abilities as Northern Ireland aim to secure a World Cup play-off.

"It's great that he's trusting us to play and come on," Halliday continued.

"He's trusting us for a reason and we need to back ourselves on the pitch and do what we do week in week out with our clubs.

"We hadn't scored yet on the campaign so to come out and score four is something we wanted to do and hopefully keep that up for the away game."

'Plenty more to come from Halliday'

Danielle Maxwell also netted during the convincing victory when she lobbed over stopper Giulia D'Antuono.

The Burnley midfielder believes that this is only the start of Halliday's goalscoring career.

The former Linfield stars goals helped to end a four-game goal drought, something that they side must aim to avoid becoming a common pattern if they are to develop. positively

Despite her limited experience in the senior side, the 21-year-old looked assured and impressed both her fellow teammates and new manager.

"Outstanding," is how Maxwell described Halliday after the game.

"She always is. She's young but she's really good quality on the ball and that's what she can bring when she plays.

"It's only going to push her forward now and there's plenty more to come from her."

McArdle was also impressed by Halliday's performance and added "she lit the place up tonight which was exciting to see".

Now, the Scot will be hoping for a similar showing away to Malta in their second must-win match of the qualifying campaign to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Mikel Arteta asked for perspective on a week he described as the “biggest opportunity” of his Arsenal tenure. His side are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with six games to go. They are potentially 90 minutes away from a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid; a favourable draw. Yes, things could be far worse. But after a catastrophic weekend, Arsenal are staring at the ghosts of their recent history.

"We need to embrace that,” Arteta said, reiterating that his players must rise to the pressure that comes with the run-in. “The higher you are, the bumpier it gets. It’s more demanding, and the line between being the best and the worst, is really, really thin, and you have to cope with that.”

The walls had felt like they were beginning to close in before Saturday’s ill-fated visit of Bournemouth. Between then and their previous Premier League outing, four trophies had become two. Now nine points has become six. It could be become three at the Etihad this weekend – and then nought if Manchester City win their game in hand.

The only pillar of Arsenal’s season of silverware that hasn’t either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage stands in Europe. The Champions League is Arteta’s greatest Arsenal ambition: “We are trying to do something in this competition that hasn’t been done in the history of the club in 140 years.” They lead their quarter-final tie against Sporting CP, only just, ahead of Wednesday’s home leg thanks to a last-gasp Kai Havertz finish in Lisbon. But it wasn’t a joyful watch for the fan nor the neutral. Arteta’s side did what was required – and nothing more – to emerge victorious.

That pretty much sums up this Arsenal team when comparing them to their elite counterparts. There is a lack of footballing expression, no spark; and to their credit, for seven months, that style has consistently brought results, even if it led to the belief that Arteta’s Gunners will probably be the ugliest champions in Premier League history ifthey lift the title.

But that ‘if’ is now a heavy ‘if’ and doubts are turning into panic of a recurring disaster. Suddenly Arsenal are in desperate need of inspiration, the source of which isn’t exactly obvious. Arteta called for “zero fear” on the pitch and in the stands, only “pure fire”; but how can there be flames without that spark?

Arsenal’s “game-changers” are either sidelined or looked scarred by the past. Declan Rice missed the club’s open training session on the eve of Sporting’s visit; Arteta will “see how he is tomorrow”. Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are both doubts, meaning Arsenal could be without their preferred right-flank once again.

Out of their fit stars, even the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba are looking increasingly nervy after a season of imperiousness. They are two of seven current Arsenal players to have experienced all three of the title near-misses under Arteta. The Spaniard says their motivation “is to give to the people with us what they deserve and what they’re looking for” rather than prove the doubters wrong; but that cohort is growing exponentially, as is the weight of potential failure.

The pressure also appears to have rubbed off on those even without experience of Arsenal’s shortcomings. Martin Zubimendi is seriously struggling for form. Viktor Gyokeres was full of running against Bournemouth but failed to convert in open play when it truly mattered. Noni Madueke looks ineffective.

So in this time of need, maybe Arteta should look to a man – sorry, a boy – who has already shown his capability to bring life to this team.

Max Dowman produced what at the time looked like a potentially title-winning 22-minute cameo against Everton in mid-March. He injected venom off the bench as a previously-static Arsenal snatched two late goals to avoid dropping two big points, including his 97th-minute counter-strike which etched the 16-year-old into history as the Premier League’s youngest ever scorer. If Arsenal do end up topping the table, the visual of the rapturous celebrations that ensued will be immortalised.

There is no debate over the calibre and seismic potential of this young footballer. It’s only a question of when he is allowed to become a staple of this Arsenal team, for his own good. He cannot be rushed into regular 90 minutes at this level or it could break him.

But as demonstrated by Liverpool’s own teen sensation Rio Ngumoha in an instrumental outing against Fulham at the weekend, there is value to trusting these talents from the outset of football matches – and in matches that matter. Fans pegged Ngumoha’s impetus as perhaps Liverpool’s biggest hope of pulling off another famous European comeback against PSG and campaigned for the 17-year-old to keep his starting berth for Tuesday’s second leg. Their wish was not granted; their side exited the competition.

Maybe Arsenal supporters ought to do the same for Dowman for their trip to the Etihad, charged with taking invaluable points off their fast-pursuing title rivals. It is the biggest occasion, the deepest end to be thrown into. But at this embryonic stage of his career, Dowman is unencumbered by the trauma of his teammates and in turn is less susceptible to being tortured by his own psyche. As David Raya noted in November, Dowman always plays “with a smile” like he is “playing in the school”; there is an innocence to his excellence.

With Saka’s involvement uncertain, Sporting offers the perfect opportunity to see how Dowman can handle the pressure.

This is anything but a dead rubber, of course – Arsenal’s lead stands at only one so everything is to play for. All signs so far indicate he can rise to such a challenge. Fresh-faced and without the mental battle-scars of years gone by, six weeks of fearlessness that only a teenager can harness could be just what the doctor ordered.

SAN DIEGO -- Two teams entered Petco Park riding win-streaks Tuesday. The Padres emerged on the other side with one still intact.

San Diego, now rolling with the Majors' second best record (11-6), snapped what was a four-game hot streak for the Seattle Mariners with a 4-1 triumph after a one-run, six inning effort behind Michael King and a gritty offensive performance against All-Star righty Bryan Woo.

Facing what should be considered a gauntlet-style lineup for the M's, it was King who out-dueled Woo, despite throwing one less inning than his counterpart.

"Felt like we had a great game plan from the start and executed it. Campy and I were working great. Communicating. Felt like we were on the same page the whole time. It was good," King said after earning his second individual win this season.

David Frerker-Imagn Images

Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

King worked out of a one out, bases loaded jam in the second setting the tone for the rest of the night. The only run to cross the plate for Seattle came on a Dominic Canzone sacrifice fly that same inning, limiting what could have resulted to be a big inning for the Mariners.

"A lot of the hits were soft contact. The run in the second was a infield single and a bunt, and then a hit by pitch. It's not like I was getting beat on certain pitches — as we stuck to the game plan, it proved to be accurate," King added.

He also held Seattle's big three of Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor to just one hit with three strikeouts.

The start offered much optimism for the Padres, especially after placing co-ace Nick Pivetta on the 15-day injured list pre-game Tuesday. Pivetta was pulled from his start in the fourth inning Sunday against the Colorado Rockies with what the team announced was right elbow stiffness.

Offensively, Ramón Laureano and Xander Bogaerts stayed hot at the plate, going 5-for-8 against Seattle pitching. Laureano's one-out triple in the third gave way to Bogaerts' two-out, two-run single later in the inning to give San Diego a 3-1 advantage over Woo and the M's.

Jackson Merrill's three hits and stolen base also proved crucial in the contest. The Padres center fielder found himself zooming around the base paths, coming around to score twice from second base.

"We talk about that a lot. Taking the extra ninety and using our running game as part of our offense — today was a good example of him [Merrill] taking advantage of that and giving us a couple of runs," said manager Craig Stammen postgame. 

With King's performance and the lineup's ability to score off Woo, Stammen called upon Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, and Mason Miller, who collected his fifth save of the campaign, to cover the ballgame's last three frames.

The Friars will look to make it seven consecutive wins on Wednesday when they send out a re-invented Randy Vásquez to counter Emerson Hancock. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m.

The No.12 USC Trojans struggled to suppress the Long Beach State Dirtbags offense and develop run production of their own in a 5-3 loss, Tuesday evening.

The Trojans never found their footing on the mound and fell victim to a dominant pitching performance early to put them in a quick hole. 

Long Beach State added to the scoreboard first with a two-RBI double pushed to left field by Kaiden Smaka in the first inning. The Dirtbags continued to bring runs home in the fourth inning, despite a Trojan pitching change from Chase Herrell to Garren Rizzo, with a sacrifice fly ball from Trotter Enright and a Jake Evans single to center field. 

USC spent the majority of the afternoon struggling to put runners on base, as Long Beach State pitcher Caleb Anderson stacked nine strikeouts and just one hit over six innings pitched. This comes after Anderson pitched just 1.1 innings and gave up eight runs against Cal State Fullerton on Friday. 

USC's first hit of the game came in the fourth inning off an Isaac Cadena single. This ultimately led to three quick outs to end the inning, preventing opportunity to establish momentum. But their first run finally showed face after a seventh-inning pitching change from Long Beach State that introduced Jaxon Baker for Anderson.

A flurry of USC pinch hitters took the plate after a Maximo Martinez walk. Will Stickney subbed in for Andrew Lamb and poked a base hit to right field. Later in the inning, Jack Basseer pinch hit for Maddox Riske and doubled to right-center to score Martinez. But the Dirtbags responded their next at-bat with a run of their own coming from a sacrifice ground out by Smaka. 

The eighth inning showed potential for a USC comeback. Cadena, the lone Trojan to establish a multi-hit game, knocked a single to center off of Tyler Gebb. Designated hitter Augie Lopez ripped a two-run home run to right field to put USC down just two runs soon after. But the late-game heroics were not enough to keep the Trojans' bats warm, eventually going down in order for the remainder of the game. 

This loss puts USC's overall record to 30-8 with an away record of 8-7. The Trojans are 0-5 in their last five away games, having won their last in Maryland on March 29.

As their shaky performance on the road continues, the Trojans will head to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the 29-9 Cornhuskers in a Big 10 juggernaut matchup from April 17 to April 19. Nebraska has been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 16-1 record. 

Long Beach's record improves to 12-23 following the upset victory. The Dirtbags will host the 20-18 San Diego State Aztecs Wednesday on the second night of their back-to-back. 

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in Germany for a ticket to the Champions League Semifinals. Jude Bellingham will almost certainly return to the starting lineup while Los Blancos try to replace Tchouameni’s presence in the midfield.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Lunin; Trent, Militao, Rüdiger, Mendy; Thiago, Fede, Bellingham; Güler; Vinicius, Mbappé

Bayern Munich predicted XI: Neuer, Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Stanisic, Pavlovic, Kimmich, Olise, Gnabry, Diaz, Kane.

Most reports published in the Spanish press suggest that Camavinga will not start, which means that this could be another opportunity for Thiago to play. If that ends up being the case, Valverde will be Real Madrid’s defensive midfielder.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Date: 04/15/2025

Time: 21:00 CET, 03:00pm EST.

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany.

Available TV: Movistar Liga Campeones (Spain)

Available Streaming: Paramount+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video (USA)

Managing Madrid has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.

Vitória Calhau celebrates her first goal for the Brazilian National Team, scored against Zambia, in the FIFA SeriesCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

Vitória Calhau and Raissa Bahia scored their first goals for the Brazilian Women’s National Team in the 6-1 win over Zambia in the second round of the FIFA Series on Tuesday night (14) at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá. In an interview with SporTV right after the match, the defenders celebrated the goals they scored in the clash.

“I’m very happy about my first goal. Being here with the National Team is a childhood dream for everyone. I’m very happy; this is a team effort. I’m not even the penalty taker, and I asked Ary (Borges) to let me take it, but luckily I was able to score,” celebrated Vitória Calhau, who played her fifth match for the Canarinha.

“I’m very happy to have helped the team with the goal. In the last match, I helped with an assist, and today with a goal. I feel very fulfilled,” said Raissa Bahia, who made her second appearance for the National Team.

__twitter:https://x.com/SelecaoFeminina/status/2044253769366409501__

In her debut in last Saturday’s match (11) against South Korea, Raissa provided the assist for Kerolin’s goal and hit the crossbar. This Tuesday, the left-back found the net with a header. Despite her strong start with the Canarinha and her dream of being called up for a World Cup, she remained calm and focused on improving little by little.

“Every game is a different game. We have to keep working. From now until next year, there’s still a long way to go and nothing is decided. We just have to stay focused and keep working,” a statement Vitória Calhau agreed with.

Brazil will face Canada next Saturday (18) at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá at 9:30 p.m. (local time), with live coverage on TV Globo, SporTV, GE TV, and Globoplay.

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

SEATTLE — On Tuesday, the grass at Lumen Field withstood its first real test: the rain.

The U.S. women’s national team became the first players to christen the newly installed grass, returning to Seattle with a 1-0 loss to Japan. But a persistent downpour that lasted all day Tuesday served as an early trial for the surface, which was installed last month in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

It’s been a decade since either U.S. national team has played at Lumen Field as a result of the turf, so the switch opened up an opportunity for the USWNT to return to the Pacific Northwest. Over 36,000 fans made their way to Lumen Field, braving the rain in a sea of raincoats and ponchos — they’re used to this, after all — to watch the USWNT play on the brand-new surface.

Overall, the grass, made up of real grass woven with artificial fibers, appeared to hold — a positive sign, given the complexity of the installation to make the stadium World Cup-ready in June.

Soobum Im/USSF via Getty Images

Postgame, the USWNT players praised the grass, even with the nasty weather.

Midfielder (and part-time captain) Claire Hutton described it as “really nice.” Team captain Lindsey Heaps was a little more practical: “I didn’t notice it at all, so that means it was a good thing,” she said.

Defender Tierna Davidson got a little more in-depth. “I think playing on natural grass with a bit of a sprinkle, I don’t mind it,” she said “The grass was playing like a typical natural grass field, so I thought it was great.”

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes agreed that it was a “nice surface,” though she admitted that the weather may have played a role in how the ball moved.

“I think it played nicely. I didn’t get the sense that there was an issue there,” she said. “However, because it was so wet, it played really quick. So, I think our short passes … anything that wasn’t put into people’s feet, if it was a misplaced pass or so it’s over here, it just ran away from us. So yes it plays a part, but this is football, you’ve gotta play the conditions.”

The transition to grass was a must for Lumen Field, one of only two artificial turf NFL stadiums participating in the World Cup this summer. (The other, Gillette Stadium, has also been updating its field over the past few months.) So the switch took place over the past few weeks, as part of a larger renovation of the stadium. Rather than tear out the turf, more than a foot of sand was placed on top of the existing turf, before the sod was placed on top, per The Seattle Times.

Lumen Field used the grass installation as a chance to make other improvements throughout the stadium. The northern section of the stadium (known as “the Hawk’s Nest”) got an upgrade during the renovations, with the metal bench seating replaced with plastic seats forming the Seattle Seahawks mascot. The stadium entrance and ticket-scanning system was revamped. Small screens were added above the tunnels leading out to the concourse; section numbers were repainted to be bigger and more visible.

That revamp displaced two of Lumen Field’s tenants, the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign, resulting in the two playing “home games” across the state in Spokane. But the two will be rewarded with a handful of home games on the surface: The Sounders will play seven home games, and the Reign four, before the grass is removed.

Like most grass fields, the surface needs to be carefully tended to. At halftime on Tuesday, a group of staff members combed over the grass with orange buckets, seemingly picking up pieces of grass, while others patted down the squares of sod with sticks. Postgame, a team of four lawn mowers maintained the grass in its carefully cut lines.

Postgame, Davidson pointed out the difference between short-term grass fields and long — like, say, the temporary sod put down in many stadiums (including Lumen) for the Club World Cup last year — means that fields like this are given more care, with better results.

“I think because it’s one of those lays that are kind of a longer-term lay in the sense that it’s going to be there for a number of months,” she said. “I think that first allows time for it to take and then there’s a little bit more attention to the very small details because it’s going to be used for a major tournament, so I thought it was done really well.”

Ever since Marcus Freeman took over at Notre Dame, there has been a lot of new ground broken. Other than the aura of winning a national championship, the Irish are one of the elite programs again — and life is mostly good. Some of the proof is that the Irish are a consensus top two in odds to win the national championship, and quarterback CJ Carr is one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy.

But why are things so different? Why have things changed so drastically under Marcus Freeman? Brian Kelly won a lot of games at Notre Dame, and he also played for a national championship game in his third season as the head coach. Why are we so much more enamored with Freeman s opposed to Brian Kelly at this point in their careers?

A good personality goes a long way anywhere, but maybe as the head coach of the Notre Dame Football team it does much more than that. With Coach Freeman, his interactions with his players look and sound genuine. He appears to have mastered the ability to be a both Commander in Chief and the guy in the foxhole with you. It’s an incredibly hard thing to do, and even if a coach does do it — it doesn’t guarantee success.

One of the biggest tells to prove that a coach has that dual ability is his relationship with his quarterback. The relationship between Marcus Freeman and CJ Carr looks and sounds like something out of a movie — or at least a weeknight drama on NBC (they still do those— right?).

That relationship is made stronger by Carr’s mother, and they shared a couple of interesting notes about Tammy Carr on Bussin’ With the Boys.

It’s funny how they made it first sound like she was more like a fan that would be enamored with Freeman and Notre Dame — but then pull out the story about her wrath when things went wrong in practice and CJ ended up really banged up.

But that’s family. Only family is able to weave in and out of those moment of pure trust and love with pure anger and skepticism — and back again.

Family is also a cabal of trash talkers, “liars”, and a battlefield of competition. The simple game of whiffle ball has long been something that brings out the best between friends and family, as my two sons would gladly confess under oath.

You just get that there is a sense of absolute trust between these two men, that extends out onto the football field. This only makes Notre Dame that much more dangerous for the 2026 season and postseason. There’s a bond here between Carr and Freeman that’s something special, and it’s the easiest thing to notice as they interact.

I mean — you just can’t call anyone a liar right to their face and get away with it… but that’s fam.

Manchester United’s under-21s have had another positive season.

Positive season

The academy has seen four players make their senior debuts this season.

Shea Lacey, Bendito Mantato, Jack and Tyler Fletcher have all appeared in the Premier League this season.

They also finished second in the Premier League 2 table, finishing on equal points with Chelsea.

They lost 1-3 in their final league game against Newcastle and were knocked out of the Premier League International Cup after a 2-4 loss to Real Madrid in extra-time.

Confirmation for next season

There had been some uncertainty as to where United’s under-21s would play next season, but this has reportedly now been decided.

The Daily Mail report, “that Rochdale’s ground was about to be the new base for the Under 21s heading into next season.”

Nonetheless, the Spotland Stadium will not be the new home of the under-21s after all, and they will continue to play at the Leigh Sports Village.

The newspaper “understands that while this was a consideration at one stage for United, bosses have ultimately decided to stick with Leigh Sports Village.”

Unfortunately, United have seen attendances decrease for academy games this year in spite of the strong form of the team.

An example of this is that “only half a stand gets opened up for supporters, compared to the entire stand that was used for most matches last season.”

United have decided that they are still happy with the arrangement, and the under-21s will play there for the foreseeable future.

The Women’s team also plays at Leigh for most of their home matches domestically and in Europe.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: HoopsHype Daily: Deni Avdija leads Blazers to playoffs, Brandon Miller shines in clutch time

Season ticket prices for the 2026-27 campaign were released late last week and it is fair to say the feathers of many Evertonians have been ruffled.

With an average of a £45 increase for adults - up to a maximum of £85 - you can well understand why many fans feel a sense of disappointment at the latest price rises. This has been compounded further by a reduction in the number of seats in the Family Stand, meaning if those impacted want to keep the same seat, they will have a near £300 increase.

It is important to highlight that prices for under-11s have been frozen, which offers an element of protection for our younger fan base.

With the volatile nature of the global landscape - with seemingly ever increasing prices for everyone - the reaction from those dissenting voices is entirely understandable. The Everton Fan Advisory Board have also issued a statement to express their disappointment, with the club conversing with them regularly since October.

There is an acceptance by others that the increases were somewhat inevitable. A new stadium, grand ambitions and a need to increase revenue comes at a price. We want to be in a position to compete in the transfer market and any extra revenue can help us achieve that.

The big question is whether an extra couple of million pounds could have been made up elsewhere.

Speaking directly to the club, it confirmed that Everton is still a loss-making business, with a need to increase both commercial and matchday revenue to work towards becoming sustainable - very much in line with the second stage of the owner's strategy. The club also pointed out that it remains 12th in terms of average season ticket prices across all clubs in the league.

Price increases are always a balancing act. Personally I expected a rise and deep down knew the reasons. It equates to approximately £3 per game for me and I am fortunate enough to be able to renew. It does not stop me having empathy for those who are not.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity

Liverpool are exploring a move to sign their next Andy Robertson.

Who was the single greatest signing of the Michael Edwards era?

It wasn't Mohamed Salah. It wasn't Virgil van Dijk. Nor was it, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino.

It was Andy Robertson.

£8m. What can that get you now? It can't even get you a Fabio Carvalho. But almost a decade ago, it was enough to sign one of the best left-backs to ever play in the Premier League.

Even at the time, the signing of Robertson was a bargain. That same summer, Liverpool sold Kevin Stewart to Hull City for £8m, which meant the Scotsman basically cost nothing for the Reds.

Robertson has since gone onto become a phenomenal player and he's defined a successful era for Liverpool.

This summer marks the end of his time at the club and it's a new beginning for Liverpool. In this summer, they could also sign their next Robertson.

But it won't be at left-back.

As this season has unfolded, the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back has become more and more apparent.

Although Conor Bradley was proclaimed as a natural heir to his throne, the ongoing injury issues he has faced this season and all three of his seasons at Anfield have raised concerns about his reliability as a long-term first-choice option.

There’s no doubt he still has a role to play within the squad, especially because he is homegrown, but Liverpool need more certainty in such a vital position.

Jeremie Frimpong was also touted as an Alexander-Arnold replacement but he is yet to prove himself as a dependable defensive presence, with his strengths clearly better suited to more advanced, attacking roles.

That lack of confidence in Frimpong and the doubts over Bradley's fitness has forced Liverpool into action and they will be attempting to reinforce the right-back position this summer.

Arne Slot has defended his decision to start Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night, amid external criticism of the striker’s performance.

It was only last week that the 26-year-old made his return off the bench from a four-month injury layoff, but despite the head coach’s pre-game warning that the Swede would only be able to play for 45 minutes, he was included in the Reds’ starting XI against the European champions last night.

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Indeed, despite Hugo Ekitike going off with what appears to be a serious injury after half an hour, his fellow centre-forward was substituted at the interval as planned, and he looked understandably rusty in the time that he was on the pitch, as evidenced by his performance figures from Sofascore.

Slot has no regrets over starting Isak

Slot stood over his decision to play Isak from the start despite him only lasting 45 minutes, believing that Liverpool’s record signing was ‘ready’ to participate from the first whistle on Tuesday.

The Reds boss explained (via liverpoolfc.com): “I said before the game, if you go to extra time and he plays in the second half and plays 45 minutes, there is only two minutes in between before extra time comes up for half an hour and I don’t think that was realistic.

“To play him 45 and let’s see at half-time how he feels to add five to 10 minutes to that, that was a possibility for today, but because we already had to make the first substitution in the first half, I didn’t want to make the second substitution five or 10 minutes after half-time. That’s why I took him off at half-time.

“I think he was ready and if I thought he wasn’t ready, then I wouldn’t have played him. I think if you compare us today to last week, I think it is fair to say he was completely ready to play. Otherwise you can’t play the first half as we did, although the second half was even better.”

However, Stephen Warnock was highly critical of Isak’s performance against PSG as he raged on BBC Radio 5 Live (via Liverpool.com): “He was non-existent here tonight. He didn’t want to get any physical contact alongside Marquinhos. He was sort of wanting to bump into him. There was no wanting to build a platform for his team to get onto the ball.”

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

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Isak now needs to step up after Ekitike injury blow

With Liverpool needing to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg and Slot believing that Isak was ready to start, we can understand why he felt the gamble of playing him and Ekitike together was worth taking.

However, some fans may question why the Swede started when his head coach knew before kick-off that he’d only last for 45 minutes, which’d suggest that his half-time withdrawal was premeditated even without the sickening injury to his French teammate.

Now that the latter is set to miss the rest of the season, the ex-Newcastle man will have a significant burden to carry at centre-forward, and this is the time when he needs to show why LFC made him their club-record signing at £125m last year.

We could forgive him some rustiness against PSG as he’s still feeling his way back from his leg break in December, but Isak will need to start delivering soon for Liverpool as the fate of their season rests on a six-game sprint to the finish line in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

A decisive contribution in the Merseyside derby on Sunday would be most welcome from our number 9.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that Hugo Ekitike's injury doesn't 'look good'.

Ekitike was stretchered from the pitch during Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night with what appeared an Achilles issue. The French forward was in visible pain and Liverpool will now assess the extent of the injury.

Ekitike's injury is a big blow for the Reds, with the 23-year-old expected to face a significant spell on the sidelines.

The forward is Liverpool's leading scorer this season, with 17 goals in all competitions, and now faces the prospect of missing thePremier League run-in, and potentially the 2026 World Cup with France.

Speaking about Ekitike's injury, Slot told Amazon Prime Video that the initial assessment does not look good.

"Not too good. I think we could all see that it didn't look well and didn't look good. Let's wait and see what it will be. But we could all see it didn't look good.

"In the second half he went home so I haven't seen him yet. Losing a game is already very hard, especially in the way we lost it, but again – as it seems to be – losing a player is something we've had so many times this season.

"It's especially very hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially not at this moment of time in the season."

Ekitike started the defeat to PSG alongside Alexander Isak in attack, with the latter having only recently returned from a long lay-off. Slot is grateful to have Isak back among his options, particularly ahead of an anticipated spell on the sidelines for Ekitike.

"One of the reasons to play Alex and Hugo is because they have proven to be goalscorers,"Slot said.

"I don't know what it is but it is part of our season this season. But of course part of this is that Alex hasn't been available. Because if there's one proven goalscorer in the Premier League as a No.9 I have in my team, it's of course Alex, who scored so many times for Newcastle."

Dominic Smith hit a go-ahead, three-run double in the eighth inning as part of a four-RBI night, and the Atlanta Braves rebounded from a four-run deficit to beat the Miami Marlins 6-5 on Tuesday.

Atlanta trailed 4-0 in the second inning and 5-3 in the eighth when Drake Baldwin singled off Pete Fairbanks (0-1) leading off, Mike Yastrzemski singled with two outs and Ozzie Albies was hit by a pitch.

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Smith pulled a cutter that landed on the warning track in left-center for his third hit. Smith, who drove in Atlanta’s first run with a second-inning single, is batting .395 with 15 RBIs.

Baldwin had two hits and drove in a run, giving him 18 RBIs, and Matt Olson played in the 800th consecutive game, the 11th-longest streak in major league history

Robert Suarez (2-0) allowed Otto Lopez’s run-scoring single in the eighth.

Raisel Iglesias struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 100th save with the Braves, his third this season.

Agustín Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly in the first, and Connor Norby and Jakob Marsee hit run-scoring singles in the second around Graham Pauley’s RBI double off Reynaldo López, who allowed five hits and three walks in five innings.

Atlanta closed to 4-3 in the third on RBI doubles by Baldwin and Olson against Max Meyer, who allowed five hits in five innings.

Pauley’s double went off the right-field wall, and Ronald Acuña Jr. threw to second where shortstop Mauricio Dubón relayed to catcher Drake Baldwin, who tagged out Javier Sanoja.

Up next

Braves RHP Bryce Elder (1-1, 1.02) opposes Marlins RHP Chris Paddack (0-2, 6.14) in the series finale Wednesday.

____

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With two games to go, just three points separate the top two teams in the Irish Premiership - with the same goal difference.

The title race has truly gone down to the wire this season.

Now, in what could prove to be a title-decider, top of the table Larne travel to title rivals Glentoran at the Oval on Friday live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

The Inver Reds can secure the Gibson Cup if they are the victors in east Belfast but if Glens win or the teams draw, the title race will go down to the final game of the season.

BBC Sport NI takes a look ahead to the huge match at the Oval.

What is at stake?

If Larne can avoid defeat, they remain in the driving seat to become this year's Irish Premiership champions.

The Inver Reds currently sit three points ahead of the Glens and know that three points at the Oval would be enough to secure the Gibson Cup for a third time in four seasons.

Declan Devine's side need to avoid defeat to keep their title challenge going, and three points for his outfit will mean that the teams would be level going into the final round of fixtures.

If the sides draw, Larne will enter the last match of the season with a three-point advantage at the top, and they will still have the same goal difference.

Larne face Dungannon Swifts at Inver Park in their final fixture, while Glentoran travel to play Coleraine with both games 17:30 BST kick-off.

Players to watch

Pat Hoban was recently named NIFL's Player of the Season, and he will certainly play a key role on Friday. The 34-year-old has netted 26 goals so far this campaign and is a real threat upfront for the Glens.

The Inver Reds have their own talisman upfront in Andy Ryan. Despite missing five months of the season through injury, he has still played a pivotal part in the Inver Reds hopes of clinching the Gibson Cup.

Larne’s Matt Ridley has proven that he is both solid in defence but can also push the side forward. The summer signing netted during the 2-0 win over Linfield last weekend and will hope for a similar overall performance at the Oval.

Cameron Palmer has been influential in Glentoran's midfield and has made 43 starting appearance and netted three goals. The former Rangers academy player was named Player of the Year this season for the Glens, but his biggest contribution could still be to come.

How have the previous meetings between the sides gone?

Larne fans will take confidence that their side have a good record against Friday's opponents with the Glens without a win in the past 15 meetings.

Earlier this season, Benji Magee's 82nd minute strike sealed the three points for the Inver Reds in the first meeting between the sides.

Then, at the Oval, Larne thrashed 10-man Glentoran 4-1 thanks to a double from Paul O'Neill and strikes from Cricky Gallagher and Tomas Cosgrove.

O'Neill was on target once again in February's 2-2 draw at Inver Park before Larne knocked the Glens out of the Irish Cup with a penalty shootout win in the quarter-finals.

How has the season gone for both teams?

It looked like Larne had one hand on the Gibson Cup when they opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the table, but their struggles in recent months have set up this exciting finale to the season.

A notable stumble from Larne followed their Irish Cup win over Warrenpoint in January, with the side without a win in their next four matches.

In more recent weeks, Coleraine's back-to-back wins against Gary Haveron's side - the first after extra time in the Irish Cup before a 4-1 thrashing at Inver Park four days later - have damaged their momentum.

As for the Glens, they had a blip in form back in November with defeats to bottom of the table Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts before drawing with Bangor.

A month later though they recovered with victories over Coleraine, Linfield and Portadown before hammering Carrick Rangers 7-0 in what has proved to be a crucial chunk of fixtures.

They then were beaten by the Inver Reds but have lost just one of their next 14 Premiership games and will be hoping to extend this impressive run on Friday.

Nico Schlotterbeck recently signed a long-term contract extension with Borussia Dortmund running until 2031, but he could still potentially leave the club as early as this summer.

The German centre-back has a release clause worth €50–60 million for the upcoming summer window, which was inserted into the deal and – according to Sport Bild – can be activated by three sides before it expires in July.

The report states that Liverpool FC and Real Madrid are two of those clubs, while the third has not been named.

Earlier, Sky Germany also reported that Real Madrid were among the sides capable of triggering the clause.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund supporters expressed frustration over the clause at the weekend, booing Nico Schlotterbeck when the starting lineup was announced ahead of Saturday’s 0-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.

It’s never a good sign when a soccer coach and player apologize postgame for a performance. 

That was the case for Austin FC on Tuesday, when both Verde & Black manager Nico Estévez and goalie Damian Las grimly tried to get a grasp on the team’s dismal showing following a 2-1 loss to Louisville City FC in a U.S. Open Cup match at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville. 

“We deserved this result,” a somber Estévez said. “I’m having a tough time understanding (the performance). I have to be better and put our guys in better positions to succeed.” 

After a mostly subpar performance Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy, when it was extremely flat for most of the match, Austin FC looked the same in the first half Tuesday. And one could argue it looked worse. 

The Verde & Black lacked energy, didn’t seem to have a clear idea of what they wanted to do with possession, were outplayed and entered halftime trailing 2-0.

But this opponent was from the second tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid, not the MLS, and it came in a knockout competition Austin FC played in the final of last season. 

“I think they wanted it more,” Las said, bluntly. “It’s unacceptable. … We did not meet their intensity. … We came out slow collectively. … And not winning individual battles was a (problem).” 

Las was in an unusual position. 

He made his senior team debut for Austin FC against the club he was loaned out to by the Verde & Black the last two seasons. He fared well with several quality saves, but any joy from his performance and appearance was muted by the club’s loss. 

“I just tried to approach it as a normal game,” said Las, who said he appreciated Estévez giving him the opportunity. “But it was special to debut against (Louisville).” 

Sean Totsch’s header on a corner kick and Tola Showunmi’s redirection of a cross in a six-minute span midway through the first half gave the hosts their 2-0 lead. 

It turned out to be enough. 

Austin FC was the better side in the second half, though outside of a 15-minute stretch that included CJ Fodrey’s goal on a cross from Joseph Rosales, it didn’t exactly dominate. 

“We didn’t handle their physicality well,” Estévez said. “And we didn’t play 90 minutes. We only played 45 minutes.” 

Bad loss a blessing in disguise? 

There’s no sugarcoating this result, which looks worse for Austin FC coming after Saturday. 

The Verde & Black are 1-4-3 in all competitions this season, and a loss against a USL Championship squad is embarrassing and will linger a few days. 

But the U.S. Open Cup is a competition where if a club doesn’t win it, it might as well lose as early as possible. There’s no glory in making a run to the quarterfinals — quick, name all eight quarterfinalists from a year ago — and for an Austin FC team that seems to always be dealing with injuries, fewer matches might be a good thing. 

(It’s unclear if Dani Pereira re-injured his hamstring when he left the match in the 11th minute.)

Most also forget that in the club’s banner 2022 season, when it finished second in the Western Conference and advanced to the conference final in the playoffs, it lost to USL side San Antonio FC in the U.S. Open Cup at exactly the same stage. 

Austin FC plays at Toronto on Saturday when it returns to MLS play. It’s a game-by-game situation for the club with its health issues, but from a big picture perspective, Austin FC needs to weather the eight games before the World Cup break to make sure it’s not in a desperate position when the season restarts in late July. 

And after Tuesday, it certainly won't have the U.S. Open Cup to worry about. 

Sonny Gray Reveals What Derailed Him In Rough Outing Vs. Former Team originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Soxaren't having a good time at Target Field this week.

After watching Garrett Crochet endure the worst start of his career in Monday's series opener against the Minnesota Twins, Sonny Gray was unable to stop the bleeding on Tuesday, resulting in a 6-0 defeat for the scuffling Red Sox.

Gray stumbled against his former team, allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk in four innings. He struggled with his control, throwing only 51 of his 93 pitches for strikes, yielding two home runs and recording just one strikeout in his worst start of the year so far.

The three-time All-Star was hard on himself after the game, taking the blame for his first defeat of the season in his candid postgame interview with NESN.

Sonny Gray after tonight's start

"I just didn't feel like myself."

REMINDER: MLB Players are people, too

🤝 presented by @WBMasonCopic.twitter.com/vjF8TDrU8M

— NESN (@NESN) April 15, 2026

"They just beat me... I just couldn't focus as well as I needed to. That's what it felt like the most," Gray admitted. "I knew I didn't have it... I wasn't good at all, and they just made me pay."

Despite not feeling mentally or physically sharp, Gray tried to power through it and "compete." Unfortunately, the Twins' offense was relentless and he wasn't able to, resulting in another long night for Boston's bullpen.

"I just didn't feel like myself... I just didn't have it," Gray acknowledged. "I kept trying to find it... I guess I just got beat."

While Gray wasn't himself on the mound, it didn't matter much. The Red Sox got shut out and weren't able to get anything going offensively, so they were doomed regardless of how well he pitched.

Boston will try to salvage the series finale and avoid getting swept for the second time this season behind Connelly Early on Wednesday. The Red Sox could really use some length from Early after getting just 5 2/3 innings from their starting pitchers over the last two games combined.

More MLB: Red Sox Ace Becomes Latest Victim Of Bizarre Target Field Trend

ST. LOUIS – During all the fireworks of a 7-5 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the home finale on Tuesday, Oskar Sundqvist caught himself in alone moments trying to take it all in.

The St. Louis Blues forward, who scored a goal and was in the starting lineup for coach Jim Montgomery’s side, would in moments of his own, find himself looking around Enterprise Center, taking in the 18,096 in attendance wondering with an unknown future, would this be the last time the 32-year-old who was part of this franchise’s first Stanley Cup title in 2019, suit up in front of the home crowd for the final time?

“A couple times,” Sundqvist said he he looked around. “The future is obviously uncertain. It’s been kind of an emotional day. It’s been my home for a while now. I love this city and these people from Day 1. Obviously you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Sundqvist played in his 52nd and what could have been his final game of the season on Tuesday; the Blues (36-33-12) have one game left Thursday in Salt Lake City against the Utah Mammoth. He’s spent eight of his 11 seasons in the NHL with the Blues, including this, his second stint, which has included the past three seasons.

From the moment they acquired him from the Penguins in 2017, along with a first-round pick (Klim Kostin) that sent Ryan Reaves to Pittsburgh at the draft that year, it’s veen a love affair for the Boden, Sweden native, who met his now wife Blake here; the couple recently welcomed a daughter into the world.

But Sundqvist has always been a gamer for the Blues; coach Jim Montgomery earlier this season called the versatile center the team’s “binkie.”

He built his game into one that produced one of the most effective fourth lines with Alexander Steen and Ivan Barbashev that helped the Blues win the Cup in 2019 to a mentor, cherished and popular teammate that will head into an uncertain summer with his current two-year contract set to expire July 30.

“I have always valued Oskar Sundqvist,” Montgomery said. ‘Oskar Sundqvist is a player you win with. He makes your competitive fire on your team, how hard you play, how smart your team plays. That’s his strength. Last game he played in Chicago, he had the two best back-checks of the night. Breaks up two great plays because of his effort and his desire to make sure your team wins. And whenever I think about Oskar Sundqvist, I think of a winner.”

Said Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, who won a Cup with Sundqvist, “I love ‘Sunny.’ He’s one of a kind for sure, super funny. Sometimes you don’t really know what he’s saying, but just a great guy to have around, be around and build a relationship over the years with. He’s a gamer, no question about that. He’s a great player to have on your team.”

But Sundqvist, who has 181 points (67 goals, 114 assists) in 545 regular-season games with the Blues, Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild, wants it to be known that this is his home, now and forever even with the uncertainty of whether the Blues would be interested in retaining him or allowing him to walk.

“I think from Day 1, even if my first year wasn’t great, this city has always been awesome,” Sundqvist said. ‘I’ve loved every second of it and that’s why obviously I kept my house while I got traded (to the Red Wings in 2022). It’s going to be my home for the rest of my life.”

And that’s why the Blues chose to put him in the starting lineup on Tuesday, and it was only fitting that his goal at 4:51 of the second period started the string of five straight goals in the comeback win:

OH SUNNY DAY! pic.twitter.com/i04FgRWhZd

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) April 15, 2026

“It was awesome. It was a great feeling,” Sundqvist said. "It’s been a lot of fun years here and a lot of not-so-fun years. I think this is a great group. Obviously we did not meet the expectations that we had for ourselves. That’s something we need to look over and start on time next year. I think from time to time we’ve been playing really good and then kind of lost it. That’s not good enough in this league. We need to be a more consistent team for next year.”

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NCAA gymnastics schedule 2026: How to watch Oklahoma, LSU, UCLA and more at women's college championships originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Get ready — the 2026 NCAA gymnastics championship is headed to Fort Worth this weekend, and it's shaping up to be a bloodbath.

This year's title race will feature a loaded docket, headlined by defending champions Oklahoma, as well as Florida, LSU and UCLA. The top-seeded Sooners are back in action after claiming their seventh program title in 2025. All-around winner Jordan Bowers graduated in the offseason, but senior Faith Torrez has stepped into her role gracefully.

No. 2 LSU is led by powerhouse sophomore Kailin Chio, and UCLA by Olympian and influencer Jordan Chiles, who has the opportunity to complete a gym slam in her senior season if she can score a perfect 10 on beam.

Be sure to tune in for all the action.

Here's everything you need to know about the NCAA gymnastics championship, including TV channel and streaming options for the 2026 competition.

Where to watch NCAA gymnastics championships 2026

• TV channels: ESPN2 (semifinals) | ABC (championship)
• Live streams: fubo

The semifinal rounds of the NCAA gymnastics championship will air on ESPN2, while the national championship will broadcast on ABC. 

Cord-cutters can also stream the action live on fubo, which offers a free trial for all new users.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

NCAA gymnastics schedule 2026

• Dates: Thursday, April 16 (semifinals) | Saturday, April 18 (championship)
• Times: 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET (semifinals) | 4 p.m. ET (championship)
• Location: Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas

The semifinals of the NCAA gymnastics championships will be held on Thursday, April 16. Semifinal I (LSU, Florida, Georgia, Stanford) will compete at 4:30 p.m. ET, while semifinal II (Oklahoma, Arkansas, UCLA, Minnesota) will begin at 9 p.m. ET.

The top two teams from each semifinal will battle it out for the national championship on Saturday, April 18 at 4 p.m. ET at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

Thursday, April 16

Saturday, April 18

NCAA gymnastics regionals scores 2026

Wednesday, April 1

Thursday, April 2

Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4

Sunday, April 5

Liam Rosenior is struggling as Chelsea manager and a lot of the players are bad – but the fault is in the structure that made that happen.

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

The London is Blue podcast have been as downcast as the rest of us by Chelsea’s recent form.

After another damaging defeat, with our Champions League hopes slipping away, they were clear on who they thought was responsible.

Chelsea’s “structure” to blame for another failed season

“I blame the structure for this. Makes no bones about that. They screwed up this season,” presenter Nick Verlaney said.

“They didn’t buy the right talent to make us competitive. They had difficulty with the previous manager – if Enzo Maresca was still here we would be competing for top five.

“The structure is wrong, the philosophy is wrong, and the playing personnel isn’t correct. Those things can’t go against you,” he concluded.

We agree on all those counts, really. Things have gone wrong all the way down the chain, but you can’t really look beyond the top as the source of the problems. That’s why changing the manager every season is having no effect on our progress. Bigger changes need to be made.

You can see them speaking in the clip embedded here:

In other news…

Mick Brown thinks that the “toxic” situation is down to the players, who can’t be “trusted.”

Kaveh Solhekol fears that Liam Rosenior has lost the dressing room and the fans already.

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

LOS ANGELES — At a certain point, the aesthetics of a game like this start to feel beside the point.

On a sun-splashed Tuesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers didn’t just beat the Mets, 2-1. They leaned into something that is becoming increasingly clear through 17 games: when Yoshinobu Yamamoto is on the mound, they don’t need much else.

They’re now 13-4, another series win secured, another reminder that their formula can be as simple as this: elite pitching, one timely swing, and just enough at the end.

This one belonged to Yamamoto.

A duel worth the price of admission

For three pitches, it looked like it might unravel quickly.

Francisco Lindor jumped a first-inning offering and sent it soaring over the right-field wall, a no-doubt solo shot that stunned the crowd and, briefly, put the Dodgers in a 1-0 hole.

It would also be the last time the Mets truly solved Yamamoto.

From that point forward, the right-hander was surgical. Efficient. Relentless. He didn’t allow another hit until Bo Bichette sliced a two-out double down the left-field line in the sixth, and even that moment dissolved as quickly as it appeared.

Everything else? Weak contact, late swings, and a growing sense that the Mets were simply guessing.

Yamamoto’s final line—7 2/3 innings, four hits, one earned run, seven strikeouts on 104 pitches—only tells part of the story. The 22 whiffs tell the rest. He wasn’t just getting outs; he was dictating terms.

Afterward, Dave Roberts didn’t overthink it.

“Right now, this is who he is here, as one of the elite pitchers in baseball.”

Yamamoto, for his part, pointed to the steady climb he’s felt with each outing.

“Every outing, I'm starting to feel better and better.”

McLean matches, until he can’t

Lost in Yamamoto’s brilliance was just how good Nolan McLean was on the other side.

The Mets’ right-hander allowed a run in the first, then locked in. Through seven innings, he scattered just two hits, struck out eight, and kept a Dodgers lineup, one that rarely looks this out of sync, guessing all afternoon.

It wasn’t looking pretty for the Dodgers while McLean was on the mound. But the moment he left the game, the Dodgers jumped on their bullpen immediately.

For long stretches, it felt like a mirror image. Two starters, different styles, same result: zero margin for error. For Yamamoto and McLean, the performances were nearly identical. The difference was simple: the Dodgers’ offense backed their ace when it finally had the chance.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium.

The inning that flipped it

Tied 1-1 in the eighth, the Dodgers finally nudged the door open. Miguel Rojas worked a leadoff walk. A sacrifice bunt moved him into scoring position. Then, with first base open, the Mets made the predictable decision: put Shohei Ohtani on.

The intentional walk didn’t just load the bases—it extended Ohtani’s on-base streak to 48 games, now the fourth-longest in Dodgers history.

It also handed the moment to Kyle Tucker.

Tucker hasn’t exactly been scorching to start the season. Entering the day, just two extra-base hits. Some mistimed swings. Some frustration, even if he wouldn’t quite call it that. Then came a line drive that won a game.

It wasn’t crushed. It simply dropped into left field, scoring Rojas and finally giving the Dodgers their first lead of the afternoon.

“It was nice to come up with a huge hit right there, you know, get the run in, win the game, so I'll take it,” Tucker said postgame.

Asked if the slow start has weighed on him, Tucker shrugged it off.

“Not really,” he said. “I feel like I get myself out at times. With certain swings, I feel like I should drive more up the middle or gap to gap that I end up popping up or fouling off. At times, it’s kinda just part of the game but it’s still early in the season, we still got like five and a half months to the end of the year. We have plenty of time to figure it out.”

For at least one at-bat, he already had.

“Just grinding through the at bats, I'll take my walks and stuff, come up with a huge right there, get the run in and win the game.”

There was still work to do.

Roberts pushed Yamamoto into the eighth, and for a moment, it looked like the right-hander might finish what he started. Two quick outs. Then, suddenly, traffic—back-to-back singles and a dugout stir as both Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia began to get loose.

Roberts made the call.

Yamamoto’s day ended after 7 2/3 innings, a final push that showed both trust and awareness, 94 pitches stretched to 104, dominance giving way to just enough trouble. Treinen entered and struck out Luis Robert Jr. to extinguish the threat, stranding two and preserving the slim lead.

The ninth belonged to Vesia. Three batters. Three strikeouts. Ballgame.

The takeaway

There’s a temptation to frame this as a gritty win, or a sign of resilience, or any number of early-season clichés.

But the truth is simpler.

The Dodgers are 13-4 because they can win like this. Because on days when the offense sputters, they can hand the game to a pitcher like Yamamoto and trust that he’ll shrink it to something manageable. Because even when a hitter like Tucker is still searching, he’s capable of delivering the one swing that matters.

And because, increasingly, Yamamoto looks exactly like what they believed they were getting.

“Every outing,” he said, “I’m starting to feel better and better.”

For the rest of the league, that’s the more significant development than any single result in mid-April.

The series continues Wednesday on Jackie Robinson Day, with Ohtani set to take the mound against Clay Holmes as the Mets try to avoid a sweep.

Former MLB All-Star absolutely blasts Francisco Lindor as struggles reach new heights originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There are a lot of guys to blame for the struggles during the 2026 New York Mets season, but Francisco Lindor needs to be at the top of that list. Lindor was expected to be the captain of this organization when they landed him in one of the bigger moves of this decade. Unfortunately, while Lindor has typically been a good player, the 2026 season has been filled with all downs.

Unfortunately for Lindor, a lot of this seems to be mental. For a player of his caliber, some of the mistakes he's making are just inexcusable. A former MLB player had a lot to say about it.

“Fine, I get it. But what the heck is Francisco Lindor doing?” ex-MLB All-Star AJ Pierzynski said, per NJ.com. “Like there’s been too many gaps for a guy that’s this good and has been so good and so locked in and he’s the captain and all that... 

“We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all forgot how many outs there are. We all forgot this and that, but forgetting to turn double plays repeatedly. I don’t know. It’s just something I haven’t seen from him. So, it’s shocking.”

It's tough to argue with what Pierzynski said here. The harsh reality is that Lindor has been in this game for way too long to be making the mistakes he is currently making. It almost seems like, at times, he doesn't even want to be on the field. That's more of an issue than anything else, though we don't know if he's potentially hurt or something, and that could be playing a factor in his play.

More MLB news:

• Juan Soto injury update is far from ideal for Mets amid horrid skid
• Despite Mets' poor play, New York’s series against Dodgers is making Major League Baseball history
• Mets’ Carlos Mendoza will quickly learn that adversity will get him fired
• Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani pitching plan won’t change despite him being hit by a pitch on his shoulder
• Alex Cora speaks on whether Garrett Crochet is dealing with an injury after latest Red Sox setback
• Red Sox Masataka Yoshida seemingly called out Alex Cora amid limited role to start the season

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has said Arsenal's league form "isn't as bad as it feels" after Saturday's home defeat by Bournemouth and the Premier League title is "still very much in their hands".

Despite the loss, Arsenal are six points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The two title contenders meet on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

"The idea of [Arsenal] 'bottling it' is based on the last few years and what the expectations were [in those seasons]," said Onuoha on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"This last run of games has been interesting from an Arsenal perspective because we are talking about [results] across three different competitions.

"They lost the League Cup final, lost in the FA Cup and now lost a league game. [Before Bournemouth] the last league loss was against Manchester United in January, so the momentum they have in the league itself it isn't as bad as it feels.

"The league is still very much in their hands and Mikel Arteta understands that, but for me, it is the nature of some of the performances and not necessarily the results. Even in some of their wins, it has been a bit uncertain.

"How the team feels is what matters. Do they feel good and like it is a blip? Or do they feel like something is happening and they are starting to doubt themselves?

"The moment a team has doubt themselves, that's when the opposition gain belief and play them in a different manner as a consequence.

"Arsenal's players are good enough to get through this spell and go to the Etihad on Sunday and get a positive result for themselves. But the difference is Manchester City aren't in the Champions League in midweek. Arsenal have got something to deal with before they can even look ahead to the next game, whereas City are planning for that game right now.

"That, I think, in some ways is an advantage [to City]."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Wrexham's Championship play-off hopes have been dented after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time since the opening two games of the 2025-26 campaign.

Phil Parkinson's side sit four points adrift of sixth place, with four games to play. It's still possible to finish in the top six, though their play-off destiny is no longer in their own hands.

But has the record-breaking back-to-back nature of Wrexham's promotions through the English Football League set unrealistic expectations of them?

BBC Sport examines whether it matters if Wrexham don't seal promotion to the Premier League this season at the first time of asking.

Pre-season ambitions

Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac (who recently changed his name from Rob McElhenney) have made their ambitions clear ever since their first interview as owners in 2021.

A member of the media asked the actors what their perfect ending would be? Reynolds responded: "We'd be lying if it wasn't the Premier League.

So far, so good for the north Wales outfit. They're one promotion away from the top flight and their latest accounts reveal a record turnover of £33.3m in the process. But was it ever really the aim to make it four promotions in a row?

At the start of their first season back in the second tier of English football since 1982, Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson told the Telegraph that his aims for the season were Championship survival, a mid-table finish and to be competitive.

He proposed this to Reynolds and Mac, who immediately responded by asking what it would take to reach the top two.

Williamson went on to say that after discussions between the club's hierarchy, they landed on: "Let's be competitive and see where we end up."

"If we can find ourselves in that position towards the back end of the season, I give us a very good shot of being in the play-offs. And then, ultimately, if we're in the play-offs, I give us a very good shot of getting promoted just because of who we are and what we are and the DNA, the resilience and what it means to this town and for the squad," explained Williamson.

The CEO also said that should promotion not be achieved this time, then that was OK too.

• Shaun Harvey – How Wrexham Blew Past Expectations
• Kop Stand upgrade will be 'iconic' for Wrexham
• Birmingham end losing run to dent Wrexham's top six hopes

Stadium development

Modernising the historic Stok Racecourse, notably the Kop end, has been an ongoing project.

The Red Dragons have been getting themselves 'Premier League ready' for some time.

They are future-proofing the club in all aspects, from the infrastructure to the number of people employed by the club.

Before their Championship debut, Wrexham added new TV gantries, moved the dugouts and spent £2m on adding under-soil heating to the pitch.

Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners say their long-term ambition is to increase the club's stadium capacity to as much as 55,000.

The original standing Kop terrace was abandoned in 2007 and was unused until its demolition in January 2023. The work on a new 7,500-7,750 capacity stand only began in December 2025, so to fast-track its opening for a Premier League debut season in 2026 just wouldn't have been possible. Instead, the club are working towards an April 2027 target.

Once the work is completed, the stadium will be able to host competitive Wales national team fixtures and Uefa-recognised matches, which in turn will further boost their revenue.

Not sealing promotion this season would at least allow their redevelopment plans to remain on track without the added pressure of fast-tracking an upgrade for Premier League requirements.

Player recruitment

A third successive promotion came at a financial cost. Bolstering Parkinson's ranks by bringing in 13 players in the summer of 2025 cost the club around £30m - the highest net spend in the Championship.

The business they've done thus far has given the club a solid foundation beyond the end of this season.

Just four players are out of contract this summer - Issa Kabore, Jay Rodriguez, Reuben Egan and Aaron James. Of them, Kabore will be the biggest loss when he returns to Manchester City at the end of his loan - he ranks 10th in the most minutes played by a Wrexham player in the league this season.

Rodriguez, who is injured, has only played 16 minutes of football in all competitions. Egan and James are not in the current squad.

If Wrexham remain in the Championship, they will head into next season knowing the biggest part of their business has already been done - the main members of their playing squad have contracts beyond next season. They won't need to spend as much as they did before the 2025-26 campaign to compete again in the second tier.

Of course, if they did get promoted to the Premier League, then their needs may be different.

But as it is estimated Wrexham will report a turnover of between £46m and £50m for the year ending June 2026, they will be able to afford to bring in new additions if they wish, regardless of promotion.

Parkinson's future

If Wrexham don't get promoted this season, will Parkinson's future be in doubt?

The 58-year-old has delivered immense success at the club. Appointed under the new ownership in 2021, his achievements have been unprecedented - masterminding three consecutive promotions while navigating a Hollywood takeover, global spotlight and increasing pressure.

Reynolds and Mac have always expressed an immense gratitude for Parkinson - even declaring that he has a "job for life".

The former Bradford, Bolton and Sunderland manager is on a 12-month rolling contract.

In an interview with The Athletic, Mac said: "I don't know [if] I have the words to fully describe how integral Phil has been to the story and success of Wrexham.

"I just don't see a scenario where Phil Parkinson gets fired. It doesn't make any sense.

"He has been the architect, the creator of this. From our perspective, he's got the job for life. Unless he finds another job he wants to go off and do, he's our coach. He's our manager. He's our guy."

It's hard to overstate what Parkinson has done for Wrexham. Should they narrowly miss out on the play-off places, this season would still be deemed a huge success.

Of course, it's football and nothing is impossible - but it is hard to imagine Wrexham without Parkinson at the helm.

Stephen Curry minutes restrictions, explained: Why Warriors star isn't playing full game during NBA Play-In Tournament originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Steph Curry minutes restriction

This past Sunday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr opened up, saying that Curry would be on a minutes restriction for the team's must-win Play-In Tournament game against the Los Angeles Clippers. According to Kerr, the perennial All-Star would be playing less than 40 minutes after recently returning from a lengthy knee injury that sidelined him for more than a quarter of the season.

Curry did manage to play four of the team's final five games of the season, averaging 20.3 points across 26.8 minutes per game. In those games, the Warriors went 1-3.

Along with Curry, both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will also play less than 40 minutes. The Warriors will need to make the most of limited minutes from a few of their better players, as Jimmy Butler will also not be playing due to an ACL tear earlier this season.

MORE: What is the schedule for this year's NBA Playoffs?

What happened to Steph Curry?

During a workout before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 24, Curry cited pain and swelling in his right knee. However, he decided to power through the pain and continue playing. Less than a week later, Curry was forced out of the lineup on Jan. 30 and would end up missing 27 games this season over the span of just over two months.

This was a surprise to Curry, as originally, he had anticipated only missing around a week, according to ESPN. However, the pain proved to be too much to play through, and the Warriors did not want to take any chances on their franchise's best player.

When asked if this knee injury was something he would need to manage the rest of his playing days, this is what the star said:

"Yes and no. There's nothing structurally wrong with my knee. So it's not like I'm compromised out there. It is a new normal, though, if that makes sense."

MORE: What did Draymond Green say about teams tanking?

Steph Curry injury history

Curry has missed extended time at a few different points throughout his 17-year NBA career. Let's take a look at those injuries and how they impacted the Warriors.

During the 2011-2012 season, Curry missed over 50 games for the first time in his career after extensive ligament damage in his ankle. The star needed to get surgery on it twice in the span of two years. At the beginning of the next season, the Warriors decided to risk giving Curry a four-year, $44 million contract extension. Despite being a high-risk, high-reward situation, Golden State's recent championship history proved this to be the right move, and Curry would go on to win four championships for the franchise.

Curry's worst injury came at the beginning of the 2019-2020 campaign. After breaking his hand that October, the sharpshooter was out for multiple months, essentially ending any shot of Golden State contending for the playoffs that year. They would go on to land the second pick of the 2020 Draft, when they selected James Wiseman.

This season, Curry was sidelined for just over two months with patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee, also known as runner's knee. The pain and swelling in Curry's right knee initially popped up on Jan. 24 during a workout prior to a game against the Timberwolves, but he played through it for a few games before leaving the lineup Jan. 30. While Curry expected to only miss "a week, ten days max," according to ESPN, the injury proved to be much more severe than him or the team originally anticipated.

MORE: How often has Steph Curry been hurt during his career?

Fabio Caressa said it 12 years ago, then Alessandro Del Piero repeated it, and after that pretty much all of Italy got behind this idea: "We only want them big and fast." Whether they are Italian or not matters little, at least to clubs.

And do those who, at 16, still haven’t developed the physique of a fully grown footballer get to play? Generally, no. The same fate that befalls most boys born in the second half of the year: because those born from July to December practically never play.

Young Italians: those born from July onward... don’t play

The math is simple: if you were born in the last 6 months of the year, you don’t play. That’s what the numbers revealed by Sky Sport tell us: in the Italy Under-17 squad at the 2025 World Cup, only 14% of the players were born in the second half of the year. An incredible 0% were born in the last quarter: from October to December.

ITALY U17 AT THE 2025 WORLD CUP:

• Born January-March: 62%
• Born April-June: 24%
• Born July-September: 14%
• Born October-December: 0%

The problem (called the Relative Age Effect) becomes slightly less serious the closer players get to physical maturity: because at 16, in 10 months, the body can change completely. At 21, that rarely happens.

U21 PLAYERS IN SERIE A

• Born January-March: 33%
• Born April-June: 31%
• Born July-September: 19%
• Born October-December: 17%

If we look at Italian U21 players getting minutes in Serie A (still very few, in any case), we can see that the gap remains significant. The boys born in the first quarter are almost double those born in the last quarter.

The solutions adopted by other countries

In Italy, then, it is practically impossible for anyone born from July onward to be part of any youth national team. At club level, these players will likely be relegated to the bench: not because they lack potential, but because they do not provide enough immediate guarantees.

Other European countries have found solutions to this problem, so let’s take a look at them.

ENGLAND

In England they use the Bio-Banding Programme: a program for 12- to 15-year-olds that identifies the boys’ biological maturation and does not assess them solely by chronological age. In this way, a 15-year-old with the physique of a 13-year-old will have the chance to play against 13-year-olds. Not because he is considered technically “worse,” but because physically he is not — yet — able to cope with the impact of facing his peers.

FRANCE

France has also started using a program similar to the English one, alongside the territorial selections "Avenir - Maturité Tardive", where the best talents born in the second half of the year are observed and selected. A special scouting system in which not only the very best are trained at federal centers, but also the best among those with late development.

GERMANY 

In Germany too, the biological age of young players is analyzed. In this case, among 14- to 16-year-olds, the "Playing Down" initiative is applied: young players are given the opportunity to play in lower age categories without running into regulatory restrictions or over-age limits.

BELGIUM

In Belgium, the U15, U16, and U17 national teams have a specially created counterpart called "Futures": national representative teams in which footballers who are maturing later, the "Late Maturing Players," are called up. In this way, late-developing boys can represent their country at the highest level, while remaining under the watch of dedicated federal coaches.

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

And then there were three. The Oklahoma City Thunder dwindled their possible Round 1 opponents to just three possibilities. We saw the first batch of play-in tournament games played out on Tuesday. The eighth seed will be determined on Friday.

The Portland Trail Blazers clinched the seventh seed in a 114-110 win over the Phoenix Suns. They will face the San Antonio Spurs. Deni Avdija had a stellar postseason debut with 41 points and 12 assists. His squad survived a 24-4 run in the second half on the road.

Now, the Suns will get one more chance to get a playoff spot. They will host the winner of Wednesday's Golden State Warriors at LA Clippers matchup. Those are the three teams left that the Thunder could face.

Regardless of who advances, the Thunder should be the heavy favorite to win the Round 1 series. Over the last two years, they swept the eighth seeds. The full Round 1 schedule can be viewed here.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder to face 1 of these 3 teams in Round 1 of 2026 NBA playoffs

‪Sean Highkin‬: Tiago Splitter: “Tough year, but this group is very resilient. We showed that in the fourth quarter. Making the playoffs is a great accomplishment for this group.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Tiago Splitter: 'Tough year, but this group is very resilient'

No one expected a high scoring game when the San Diego Padres hosted the Seattle Mariners for the first game of a three-game series at Petco Park on Thursday. Michael King was on the mound for the Padres and Bryan Woo was pitching for the Mariners so both offenses knew opportunities to score would be limited. In the end, it was the San Diego lineup that made the most of the success it had against Woo, which resulted in a 4-1 win over Seattle.

King and Woo battled back-and-forth through the sixth inning, but it was the Mariners who would allow their starter to pitch into the seventh inning. The Padres had a 3-1 lead after six innings and the bullpen was set and ready to follow the winning blueprint with Adrian Morejon handling the seventh inning, Jason Adam taking the eighth inning and Mason Miller closing in the ninth to take earn their sixth win in as many games.

The San Diego offense got to Woo in the bottom of the third inning after King allowed a run in the top of the second. With Seattle leading 1-0, Ramon Laureano hit a one-out triple off the base of the wall in right field. He scored one batter later when Fernando Tatis Jr. singled up the middle to ties the game, 1-1. Jackson Merrill followed with another single to move Tatis Jr. to third. The Padres had runners on the corners with two outs after Manny Machado popped out for the second out of the inning.

Merrill stole second base to put runners at second and third for Xander Bogaerts, who came through once again with a big hit. Bogaerts singled to center field which allowed Tatis Jr. and Merrill to score to give San Diego a 3-1 lead. Gavin Sheets followed with a flyout to shortstop to end the inning, but the Padres had a lead they would not relinquish.

San Diego tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning after Merrill doubled to start the inning off Seattle reliever Casey Legumina. Machado hit a deep flyball out to left field, which allowed Merrill to move to third base. Bogaerts came through once again with his third RBI of the game which came on a single to right field to give the Padres a 4-1 lead. Miller trotted into the game from the bullpen in the top of the ninth and recorded outs against all three Mariners he faced.

King finished his day on the mound after allowing one run on four hits through six innings. He also recorded five strikeouts and allowed just two walks. Woo was taken out of the game after completing seven innings. He allowed three runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

Merrill and Bogaerts led the offense for the Padres with three hits each. Merrill scored two runs and Bogaerts recorded three RBI.

San Diego plays the second game of the series against Seattle on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Jake DeBrusk scored his second goal of the game in overtime and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 on Tuesday night.

DeBrusk collected a pass from center Elias Pettersson and tapped a shot in to seal the victory 2:58 into the extra period.

Defenseman Elias Pettersson opened the scoring for the Canucks (25-48-8), and DeBrusk and Zeev Buium added goals in the second period. Elias Pettersson had two assists. The Canucks won their third straight game for the first time since Dec. 14-20, when they took four straight road victories.

Kevin Lankinen stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced as Vancouver improved to 9-27-5 on home ice this season.

Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere each had a goal and an assist for the Kings (35-26-20). Adrian Kempe scored his 36th of the season and Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves.

DeBrusk scored for a third straight game. His three goals across the stretch came on the power play. The 29-year-old winger has scored 19 of his 23 goals with the man advantage this season.

Anze Kopitar played his final game at Rogers Arena and registered an assist on Kempe’s second-period goal. He has 864 career assists, all with L.A. That ranks third among active players with a single franchise, trailing only the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin (874) and Sidney Crosby (1,107).

The Kings have secured a playoff berth and remain in the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot with one regular-season game remaining.

The Kings had their five-game winning streak halted. Los Angeles did earn a point for the eighth straight game (6-0-2).

Up next

Kings: At the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

Canucks: At the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Manchester United’s defeat at the hands of Leeds United underlined just how thin and weak their backline is.

Leny Yoro started alongside Lisandro Martinez in the absence of Harry Maguire. Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved to be a handful for both defenders, who just could not outmuscle the Leeds striker.

In his attempts to get the better of Calvert-Lewin, Martinez briefly tugged the Englishman’s hair and ended up receiving a red card after a VAR intervention.

Given Maguire’s ageing legs, Martinez’s fitness issues, and Yoro’s inconsistent showings, United would be wise to bring in a solid central defender ahead of next season.

Manchester United enter race for Ousmane Diomande

According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), Manchester United have set their sights on Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande.

Last summer, Crystal Palace appeared to be in the driving seat for Diomande’s signature, but the Eagles failed to get a proposed deal worth £43m over the line amid uncertainty over Marc Guéhi’s future. Their captain eventually moved to Manchester City in January.

Diomande, meanwhile, renewed his contract in Lisbon until 2030. His release clause, however, remains at €80m (£69m).

On the back of yet another promising campaign in Portugal and Europe, the 22-year-old Ivorian is starting to attract more “sharks”.

Record now report that United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Arsenal are all closely monitoring Diomande, making it very difficult for Palace to quietly secure the services of the highly-rated defender.

Ousmane Diomande available for £43m

The six foot three inch tall defender is known for his aerial dominance and solid positioning. 

Moreover, the Ivory Coast international is comfortable with the ball at his feet and possesses exceptional passing range to beat the press. He has been described as an “absolute freak” in possession.

There were question marks over his fitness record, but this season has been relatively encouraging on that front as well. He has made 24 appearances across all competitions. Another resilient performance against Arsenal in the Champions League may further boost his reputation.

Interestingly, Sporting remain flexible despite his £69m release clause. It is suggested they would be open to negotiating in the region of €40m-€50m (£34m-£43m).

United have also been strongly linked with Bournemouth’s left-footed centre-back Marcos Senesi, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.

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Awaiting to learn the eighth seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder learned their full schedule for their Round 1 opponent in the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The Thunder will face one of the Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers or Golden State Warriors. The Portland Trail Blazers clinched the seventh seed with their 114-110 win over the Suns in the play-in tournament on Tuesday. Deni Avdija had an unreal 41 points and 12 assists.

On Friday, the Suns will host the winner of Wednesday's Warriors-Clippers play-in tournament game. Whoever wins that will clinch the eighth seed and face the Thunder. The full Round 1 series schedule is below. * means if necessary:

• Game 1: No. 8 seed at Thunder on Sunday, Apr. 19, at 2:30 p.m. CT. It will be broadcast on ABC.
• Game 2: No. 8 seed at Thunder on Wednesday, Apr. 22, at 8:30 p.m. CT. It will be broadcast on ESPN.
• Game 3: Thunder at No. 8 seed on Saturday, Apr. 25, at 2:30 p.m. CT. It will be broadcast on NBC.
• Game 4: Thunder at No. 8 seed on Monday, Apr. 27.
• Game 5: No. 8 seed at Thunder on Wednesday, Apr. 29.*
• Game 6: Thunder at No. 8 seed on Friday, May 1.*
• Game 7: No. 8 seed at Thunder on Sunday, May 3.*

Regardless of who advances, the Thunder should be the heavy favorite to win the Round 1 series. Over the last two years, they swept the eighth seeds.

Here is the Thunder’s Round 1 series schedule: pic.twitter.com/UzVsrPf1bt

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 15, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder's 2026 NBA playoffs Round 1 schedule revealed

Warning: This article contains reference to eating disorders

England rugby star Ellie Kildunne says she slipped into disordered eating and unhealthy weight loss during the coronavirus lockdown as her competitive instincts and isolation from her team left her feeling vulnerable.

The 26-year-old was a figurehead for the Red Roses' World Cup win last year, scoring five tries including a superb solo effort in front of an 82,000-strong sell-out crowd at Allianz Stadium in the final against Canada.

However, away from the big stage, clear goals and obvious opposition, Kildunne says she was prey to self-destructive behaviour. Now she wants to speak out to help others in a similar situation.

"Our lives as athletes are surrounded by control - you've got to reach certain metrics on your GPS, you're chasing weights in the gym, you're trying to score the try, the goal, whatever it is," she told BBC Sport.

"Once that's taken away from you, I think I just tried to find that sense of control in other places."

During lockdown, Kildunne was part of Great Britain's sevens squad, training for an Olympic Games which was subsequently postponed until 2021.

Without access to a gym and team sessions, and with uncertainty over her playing future, Kildunne focused on running, searching out faster courses to try and improve her times over certain distances.

But, at the same time, she was eating less.

When she couldn't control what she was eating, Kildunne would exercise to compensate, nipping out for runs to 'earn' the meal friends were about to serve her.

"I could probably see myself getting a little bit smaller, but then was still trying to chase being smaller on top of that," Kildunne added.

"I wasn't in that team environment with physios all the time, or my team-mates.

"And body dysmorphia is such a funny thing, because I would have been small but I would see myself as bigger in the mirror.

"It seems really stupid now, and I look back on it - I don't know why I did it. But I just ended up having a terrible relationship with food.

"In the rugby world, I'm considered small, but in my world outside rugby, I was considered big - so I never really had that place where I felt comfortable, that I fit in.

"Maybe I was rebelling against everything, but not knowing what I was trying to aim for at the same time."

The skipped meals and scarce calories soon showed when Kildunne returned to organised rugby.

She suffered a stress fracture in her knee.

"That was probably just because I didn't have the muscle to take the force of running and the intensity we train at," Kildunne reflected.

As she attempted to lift weights in the gym, involuntary tremors would set her limbs shaking.

"It was just because I had no energy. I had nothing in me to fuel," she added.

As she switched into fifteens from sevens, her lack of power and confidence in contact was exposed.

"Every time I touched the ball, the ball got ripped off of me or I got absolutely smashed. I couldn't make the tackles and I didn't have the confidence to. So I started wearing shoulder pads, so I felt a bit bigger and stronger."

More effective than extra padding was an additional question, though.

Kildunne, who now plays at Harlequins, was having a physiotherapy session at previous club Wasps.

Emily Ross, who had also worked with Kildunne during her time in Sevens, assessed her physically, but also asked if she was OK in other areas.

"I broke down in tears, probably because I've been waiting for someone to say that," said Kildunne.

"I knew I had a problem, but it was something that I wasn't even trying to stop.

"But as soon as you say something out loud to somebody, that creates accountability. If I'm not stopping for me at this point, I'm stopping because I've told you and I don't want you to worry.

"So we had a really honest conversation, and from that point on Emily became a real support for me."

Kildunne was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) - a neurodevelopmental condition that can lead to hyperactivity, hyperfocus and impulsiveness - at the start of 2025.

She says that the condition can mean she can become distracted and fail to prioritise eating as she should.

But a combination of understanding food as fuel for her sport and proactive steps, such as eating free from distractions and alerting team nutritionists to pay her special attention, has helped keep her on track.

"I think it's ongoing," she said.

"I wouldn't say I've got a bad relationship with food now, but it's something that you've always got to be conscious of, because I've got those habits somewhere."

Kildunne is not the first women's rugby player to highlight Issues of body image and food.

Ilona Maher, the United States centre and social media phenomenon, told the BBC in August that her relationship with food is a "never-ending battle" to balance the pressures of societal ideals and the bonds and comfort that food brings.

Sarah Bern, who played alongside Maher at Bristol Bears last season and is an England team-mate of Kildunne's, has spoken regularly about how she has struggled with body image, particularly as a teenager.

Bern has said she is "totally blown away" by the responses she gets from girls and women to her story.

"I don't want a younger version of me or any young girl growing up thinking that they have to restrict themselves, or be controlling or obsessive in what they're doing to think of themselves as beautiful," she said.

"When I share it, I get a lot of women coming up saying: 'If I had a role model like you, like you would have saved me so many of these years where I really struggled, or maybe I would be more confident now.'

"Or I have young people saying: 'You've literally saved my life.'"

Kildunne, whose book was released last week, says she wants to help people in the same way.

"I feel like I'm in control now, that I can talk about something and it not trigger me," she said.

"I have finally started to realise the influence that I can have on other people, and I want to do more than I have been doing, because I really think that can help people.

"From the outside it all looks perfect, and I want to show people that no one's perfect.

"Just because I'm a rugby player for England doesn't make me this superhero. And I want to relate to people that maybe are going through similar things and give them that friend and that support that I probably needed."

If you or anyone you know have been affected by any of the themes raised in this article, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.

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LIVE: Deni Avdija: 41 PTS | 12 AST | 7 REB Deni Avdija becomes the first player in NBA Play-In Tournament History to record 40+ points and 10+ assists

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Deni Avdija becomes the first player in NBA Play-In …

‪ Bobby Marks: With Portland advancing to the playoffs, Chicago will now have their first-round pick. No. 9 and possibly No. 15

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: With Portland advancing to the playoffs, Chicago will …

Law Murray: As expected they're giving the Kevin Durant-LeBron James face of the game series two days off before Games 2, 3, and 5 only other series with three games of 2+ days off is Cleveland-Toronto, and that's Games 3, 4, 5 with two days off

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As expected they're giving the Kevin Durant-LeBron James face of the game series two days off before Games 2, 3, and 5

only other series with three games of 2+ days off is Cleveland-Toronto, and that's Games 3, 4, 5 with two days off pic.twitter.com/mDo7C5oAG9

— Law Murray 🪺 (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 15, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: As expected they're giving the Kevin Durant-LeBron …

Nike's trademark application for Los Angeles Lakers' guard Bronny James' "B9" logo has been refused because of a "likelihood of confusion" with an already-registered mark, according to United States Patent and Trademark Office documents. The USPTO turned down the application because examining attorney P. Scott Craven deemed the logo too similar to the "B9" logo created by Back9 Golf Apparel, a company out of Austin, Texas. Both "B9" markings were filed for clothing and apparel usages. Nike applied for the "B9" logo, which has a lowercase "b" in gothic lettering with the number "9" in the middle, in February. James has worn logo-adorned shoes multiple times this season. Nike posted images of the shoes featuring the logo on April 12.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nike's trademark application for Los Angeles Lakers' …

Pending new Chelsea player Geovany Quenda has been in London for the last three months recovering from an injury.

The current Sporting player decided to head to Cobham in order to go through his recovery with the club he is officially joining this summer.

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Not only did Quenda use that time to get himself back recovered and fully fit again, he also used to it prepare himself for Premier League football going into next season.

And tonight of course, he will have a chance to show that as he is likely to be on the pitch playing against Arsenal in the Champions League, with Sporting going there after a 2-2 draw from the first leg.

Quenda ready for PL

Geovany Quenda has agreed a move to Chelsea (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Nizaar Kinsella of The BBC says:

“The three-month stay in London allowed Geovany Quenda to put into practice the English he had been learning in Lisbon, secure accommodation for next season and gain muscle mass in preparation for the physical demands of the Premier League.

“Quenda is back and ready to face Premier League opposition again, starting with Arsenal.”

In other news today…

Former scout Mick Brown has said that Chelsea’s dressing room is getting “toxic” and Liam Rosenior may not be able to handle it. We don’t think he’s wrong with this either, it’s not good.

Liam Rosenior’s job is safe as Chelsea manager – at least if you believe the briefs doing the rounds at the moment. But of course, we’ve heard that all before with all their previous managers, who soon left not long after!

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

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

Minnesota United outlasted Sacramento Republic in a stunning 12 rounds of penalty kicks Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 at Heart Health Field in Sacramento, Calif.

The Loons, which reached the semifinals of the 2025 national tournament, was facing elimination a few times in PKs, but Dominik Wanner pulled his shot wide for Minnesota to win 9-8.

United advances to the Open Cup’s round of 16 on April 28 or 29. The opponent — either San Jose Earthquakes and Phoenix Rising — will be determined Wednesday.

Minnesota dominated possession (66-34%) and held an advantage in shots (16-9 total and 5-2 on target), but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard through 90 minutes and another 30 minutes of added extra time.

Wanner had the game’s best chance in the 115th minute but his shot near the penalty spot went off the chest of Loons goalkeeper Alec Smir.

James Rodriguez made his first start in a Loons shirt after missing the last two MLS matches due to extreme dehydration. The Colombian star played 66 minutes alongside Mono Diego and Bongi Hlongwane, but in that threesome that has not played together, Rodriguez was credited with only one scoring chance created.

The Loons made nine changes to its starting XI from the 2-1 win over San Diego FC in MLS action on Saturday. Only Owen Gene and Morris Duggan kept their places after a short turnaround.

Two USL Championship teams knocked off MLS sides on Tuesday. Louisville City pulled off a 2-1 upset of Austin, which beat Minnesota in the semifinals last year and Colorado Springs Switchbacks earned a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, New England needed penalty kicks to outlast Rhode Island.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jacob Wilson hit a two-run single and made a nice defensive play at shortstop, helping the Athletics to a 2-1 win over Texas on Tuesday night that ended a seven-game losing streak against the Rangers.

The A's have won six of seven after a 3-7 start and have four one-run wins in their last seven games.

Jeffrey Springs (3-0) allowed one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Mark Leiter Jr. struck out two in a perfect ninth for his second save, finishing a four-hitter.

Brandon Nimmo doubled leading off the first and scored on Jake Burger's single.

Denzel Clarke hit a two-out double in the third against MacKenzie Gore (2-1), who walked consecutive batters before Wilson’s single.

Wilson made a diving stop on Andrew McCutchen's grounder up the middle in the second, spun and made an off-balance throw to first for the out while falling on the outfield grass.

Gore (2-1) gave up three hits in 4 2/3 innings and walked six, matching his career high.

Clarke made a leaping catch at the center-field wall to rob McCutchen of a home run in the fourth.

Texas reliever Luis Curvelo left in the seventh due to an apparent injury. He skipped off the mound in apparent pain after his second pitch, pulled his left hand out of his glove and waved at the dugout for an athletic trainer.

Up next

Texas RHP Kumar Rocker (0-1, 4.50 ERA) starts Wednesday goes against Athletics RHP J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.27), who makes his second start of the seasob.

___

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The NBA play-in tournament is off to a stunning start, with the Charlotte Hornets winning an overtime thriller against the Miami Heat to keep their season alive, and the Trail Blazers advancing to the playoffs with an upset win over the Phoenix Suns.

Play-in action continues Wednesday with two more high-stakes games.

In the East, the No. 7 seed Philadelphia 76ers will host the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs and a meeting with the Boston Celtics in the first round. The loser will play the Hornets on Friday to determine who will get the last playoff spot and a first-round series with the Detroit Pistons.

In the West, the No. 9 seed LA Clippers will host the No. 10 seed Golden State Warriors in an elimination game, with either Kawhi Leonard or Stephen Curry going home early. The winner will get to a Friday matchup with the Suns with the No. 8 seed on the line.

Who will advance Wednesday? Our writers break down the matchups and make their picks.

What's your take on Magic-Sixers?

Dan Devine: The Magic have to get a handle on Tyrese Maxey. With Joel Embiid sidelined following an appendectomy, all eyes will be on the All-NBA point guard to serve as Philadelphia’s primary source of shot creation, both for himself and for his teammates. If the just-returned Anthony Black (who saw the bulk of the Maxey assignment in the teams’ threeregular-seasonmatchups) and Jalen Suggs can make life tough on Maxey, it’d go a long way toward defanging a Philly attack that has scored at a bottom-10 level in minutes without the big fella this season. To wit: In the 76ers’ twowins over Orlando, Maxey scored a combined 72 points; when he had a comparatively quiet 20 against Orlando during NBA Cup group play in November, the result was a 41-point Magic blowout. 

Nekias Duncan: The Magic have to impose their will. While I’m truly excited to watch a win-and-in game, VJ Edgecombe’s postseason debut, and the smooth-operating of Paul George (21-6-3 on 53/42/74 splits since his return), I can’t help but start with the Magic here. This has been such a topsy-turvy season for a group that I had top-three hopes for. But catch them on the right night, and you see the potential: skilled size across the board headlined by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, backed by Jalen Suggs-led physical defense that can flatten you with switches. 

With Embiid unavailable, Banchero and Wagner (and the woefully underrated Wendell Carter Jr., to a lesser extent) should own the paint in this one-off. With Suggs and Black healthy, Maxey shouldn’t have too much fun. But there have been so many could-have, should-have performances from the Magic this season that it’s hard to believe.

Dan Titus: Can the 76ers put the Magic out of their misery? Both teams come in with identical records, but the vibes are off in Orlando. They couldn't close out a shorthanded Celtics squad on Sunday. Banchero looks disengaged and the decision to limit Desmond Bane to 17 minutes down the stretch to manage his health raises more questions than answers. Jamahl Mosley’s playing on borrowed time. 

Meanwhile, Philadelphia is without Embiid — but that's nothing new. Their defensive rating is similar with and without Embiid, but I expect they’ll push the pace to make up for their disadvantage on the interior. The key to the Sixers winning this game is leaning on their backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe. Yes, the Magic are the healthier team. However, I sense there’ll be more urgency from the Sixers in front of their home crowd than from a Magic team pressing to get this season over with.

What's your take on Warriors-Clippers?

Duncan: I’m fascinated by the “who gets two” of it all. Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard aren’t just two of the best players in the NBA; they double as two of the most demoralizing. Curry makes the nonsensical look routine; it’s why every botched switch or screen navigation snag feels like the apocalypse. There’s a level of I-don’t-care with Kawhi’s shotmaking that even the most stoic of defenders eventually crack under when he’s on a heater.

In an ideal world, Curry is held in check by the combination of Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. In an ideal world, Kawhi is kept in a box by Draymond Green, or the feisty efforts of a Gui Santos or the smaller-but-stifling Gary Payton II allow the Warriors to stay home. This isn’t an ideal world. 

There are plenty of subplots in this game, but I’m most enthralled by Curry and Kawhi. How often will those two see a second defender? How often will those instances be intentional — they both were blitzed on over 15% of their pick-and-rolls this year, per Second Spectrum — and when will we see it? Their ability to draw and beat two will swing this game.

Titus: Clippers or bust. The 10-seeds don’t have much success moving on to the playoffs. The Warriors are literally limping into this matchup against a team that’s playing on another level. Leonard’s been playing at an All-NBA level while the rest of the Clippers have found their stride since the deadline. Golden State, on the other hand, has gone 10-21 since Feb. 5, primarily because they’re running out of healthy bodies. 

Porziņģis and Curry will have minutes restrictions. Sure, the Dubs always have a glimmer of hope with Curry and some positive 3-point variance, but the Clippers are flat-out the better team. They have too many offensive weapons for the Dubs to handle. And their versatility on defense can neutralize the Warriors' supporting cast. The Warriors will need something historic from Curry to stay alive. However, it’s unlikely to happen Wednesday night. 

Devine: I’m interested in the “larger sample vs. one-night elimination game” component of this. Since dropping to 6-21 on Dec. 18, the Clippers have the West’s third-best recordandnet rating, and have been especially dominant with Leonard on the floor, blitzing opponents by nearly 13 points per 100 possessions in his minutes in that span. The Warriors, meanwhile, have spent most of the past three months scuffling, due largely to the injuries that ended the season of Jimmy Butler — who was Steve Kerr’s No. 1 defensive option on Kawhi during the teams’ firsttwo meetings — and cost Stephen Curry two months.

But now, the Warriors have Curry and trade-deadline acquisition Porziņģis both back in the lineup; that combo’s plus-18 in its first 51 minutes together. They have Draymond to throw at Kawhi, and Payton and De’Anthony Melton to throw at Darius Garland, to try to disrupt an offense that’s been cooking. Brandin Podziemski’s been shooting 40% from 3-point land for a month and a half; Santos popped for 25 or more three times in Golden State’s final seven games. Kerr’s got some ingredients to work with. The Clippers have objectively been the better team for months. But can the Warriors, with Steph now back, be better for 48 minutes?

Predictions: Who's advancing?

Titus: Sixers and Clippers. I have Philly over a Magic team that can’t fire Mosley fast enough. The Clippers move on as the Warriors brace for an important offseason where Kerr needs a new deal and Curry needs reinforcements.

Devine: Sixers and Clippers. I’ll take Philly, even without Embiid, because Orlando has not demonstrated that it deserves our trust, and the Clippers, because I don’t think the Warriors are going to have enough answers for Kawhi.

Duncan: Magic and Clippers. The Magic are healthier in key places, and the Clippers have been a better team for longer stretches this year while also having home-court advantage. Magic malaise and a Curry Classic could make me look foolish, but it wouldn’t be the first time.

Frenkie de Jong felt that luck wasn’t on Barcelona’s side as they were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night against Atletico.

Barcelona started well and raced into a 2-0 lead on the night. However, Atletico pulled one back to halve the deficit, while Barca then saw a penalty appeal turned down and had a goal ruled out for offside.

Here’s what De Jong had to say about the game after the final whistle.

“We played a very good match. We gave it our all. I have the feeling that luck wasn’t on our side. I think we’re growing, that we have a young, talented team that can compete for everything. We’re going to keep going like this,” he told Movistar.

Barcelona also suffered yet another red card in the Champions League, when Eric Garcia was sent off, but De Jong is adamant the team are moving in the right direction.

“We’re down one player, which is always more difficult. Everyone gave their all. It wasn’t enough,” he added.

“It’s never good to fall in the quarterfinals. We want to win it. That doesn’t mean we’re not playing well or that we’re not on the right track.

“In the Champions League, it’s all about details and you need a bit of luck. At some point, it has to go our way if we keep going like this.”

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the news broke that after fifty years of innovation, all-time great live performances and the development of a catalogue of classics that would put most bands to shame, Iron Maiden — for years apparently seen as a poor fit and shamefully overlooked — are to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

It was an honour that was long overdue and with which few could seriously argue; an example of an iconic institution finally getting its due, and closer to home, as Sunderland saw off Tottenham to give their European credentials another boost, it was our turn to look to the past as the recipients of placings on the club’s newly- created Legends’ Waywere announced at half time during Sunday’s Premier League clash.

Now, before I go any further, I must say that I genuinely believe this is one of the best initiatives the club has pressed forward with for some time.

Perhaps taking our cues from American sports teams that generally commemorate their former players in the grandest manner, it’s a major statement of intent as we continue to establish ourselves in the top flight — and a superb way of remembering those on whose hard work and sacrifices the club was ultimately built.

Once it’s all in place, complete with new signage, fan-created stones and a statue of Jimmy Montgomery, there’s no doubt it’ll look superb and will make for an experience to be enjoyed by both home and away fans during their trips to the Stadium of Light, but in the meantime, I think there’s cause to look more closely at the former club figures who made this particular cut, as well as those that didn’t.

Ostensibly the result of a public vote after a heavily-hyped PR campaign, some of the names announced at half time on Sunday were rightly beyond criticism.

From the mid-twentieth century, title-winning skipper Raich Carter, ‘The Clown Prince of Soccer’ Len Shackleton and Irish powerhouse Charlie Hurley were absolute musts.

From more recent times, Gary Rowell, Kevin Phillips, Kevin Ball and Niall Quinn felt like natural fits too. Hugely influential figures, terrace heroes and players about whom stories, timeless moments and ‘I was there’ anecdotes will be shared for years to come.

However, as well-intentioned as this idea may be and for whatever reasons the votes were cast, I found the inclusions of Bob Murray, Jermain Defoe and Jill Scott in particular utterly baffling, and the absence of the likes of Bobby Gurney, Dave Halliday and Charlie Buchan — among others — equally perplexing.

Of course, the word ‘legend’ (a word which, strictly speaking, should be used to define something or someone whose existence has neither been confirmed nor debunked — the Lambton Worm, Jayden Danns’ spell as a Sunderland player, and so on) has always been hazardous when used in this context.

Its usage is a guaranteed way of stirring up debate or of getting people’s backs up if you suggest that a certain figure should be classed as one, but this really does feel more cut and dried, particularly when you consider that this monument will sit outside our stadium for all time and will play a key role in a love of Sunderland enduring throughout the generations.

To my mind, it feels as though they’ve played fast and loose with the criteria for inclusion when in reality, the list of figures associated with Sunderland AFC that truly belong in that category is very, very short — perhaps twenty or twenty five in either a playing or non-playing capacity.

Was Murray — no doubt a hugely influential figure in our history and someone whose impact at the club should rightly be acknowledged — not honoured to a sufficient degree when the Murray Gates were unveiled back in 1999?

Furthermore, if you stress-test this theory, does Defoe truly fit into the ‘legendary’ category when placed alongside his fellow nominees or those that missed out, and does Scott’s legacy in football encompass her career beyond Wearside to a greater degree than it does in a red and white shirt? Questions worth asking, in my view.

To put it bluntly, Sunderland’s Legends’ Waycan never boast total and utter credibility while such iconic figures are overlooked, and I think this would apply to any football club, anywhere in the world.

Like any hall of fame or similar concept, there needs to be a number of figures in place for whom a counter-argument to their inclusion can’t really be made. That’s how you show that it’s a very, very serious idea and something that’ll be expanded upon and treasured instead of a flash-in-the-pan idea designed to keep people happy for a while.

I’m not entirely convinced that’s the case here, particularly when our three all-time leading scorers didn’t make the cut and someone who made less than fifty appearances for Sunderland did. That’s not right. Sorry, but it just isn’t.

On the other hand, perhaps this is just the start. Maybe one day, the club will run another poll in order to give more Sunderland greats a chance to be added to this roll of honour and we’ll see figures of appropriate status, including supposed forgotten greats like Jimmy Thorpe, George Holley, Stan Anderson and Ned Doig given their laurels.

I really hope it happens. For various reasons, it needs to.

Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is doing his best to convince everyone around him that there is absolutely zero doubt that his team can pull off the upset vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

With his team trailing 2-1 on aggregate, Arbeloa is projecting confidence and excitement.

“We’re excited. Everyone in Madrid believes we can do it. We’re Real Madrid. We’re coming here with the belief we can do it. We’re a team that never gives up. We’ve won the Champions League 15 times. Nobody knows how it’ll go, but we’ll give our all,” Arbeloa said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We don’t need a miracle here. Their goalkeeper was man of the match in the first leg. Nobody would’ve been surprised if we had won. Everyone who knows Real Madrid knows that we don’t need a miracle here.

“We’re ready to fight, to keep making history and produce a comeback. We’re prepared for the atmosphere. We’ve played here before, I’ve played here before, it’s a fantastic stadium and atmosphere. Real Madrid players always feel very comfortable in atmospheres like this. Every single player believes we will make a comeback tomorrow.”

Arbeloa has a team fully capable of executing a game plan to pull out a victory. To quote Mike Tyson, though, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Bayern Munich will be looking to deliver that knockout blow against what will definitely be a motivated and desperate Real Madrid side.

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

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Celtic academy graduate Calvin Miller remains determined to break into the Scotland national team setup with the World Cup just around the corner…

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a seriously impressive campaign under John McGlynn, playing a key role in Falkirk’s return to the Premiership.

Miller could be up for individual awards after a stunning season with the Bairns, registering eight goals across all competitions while also providing 11 assists.

His performances have been instrumental in guiding Falkirk to a surprising top-six finish, exceeding expectations for a newly promoted side. However, his form did not earn him a place in Clarke’s most recent squad announcement.

Despite that setback, the former Hoops winger has not ruled out his chances of representing his country and continues to push for international recognition.

Speaking via Daily Record, Miller said: “No, of course not [giving up on a call-up], you never do. A few people have spoken about me being called up, but I feel like Steve Clarke has had his squad, and now, because I’m doing well, my name’s getting mentioned. I’ve not really seen myself as a part of that or anything, so I’m not thinking about that too much.

“I’m just trying, on a personal level and collectively with Falkirk, to do as well as possible and see what happens. Are these final five games of the season playing against the best in the league a platform for you to show what you can do?

“Well, that’s exactly what the gaffer said to me before Sunday’s game against Rangers. These are the big games that you want to go and produce and showcase your talent. I want to finish the season as strong as possible.”

April 26th 2017, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Scottish Youth football Cup Final, Celtic versus theRangers; Goalscorers Calvin Miller Sam Wardrop and Aidan McIlduff Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Miller brought his time at Celtic to an end in 2020, making the switch to English outfit Harrogate Town before later joining Chesterfield.

The winger returned north of the border in 2023 with a move to Morton, and subsequently signed for Falkirk later that same year.

Conor Spence

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It still amazes me, five decades and more later, and with all the relegation battles that have come and gone since, that we gave ourselves a chance going into the final game of this dreadful campaign. 

The start of the 1969/1970 season had been bad by any definition — we’d had failed to score a goal in our first four games and did not win a game until September 20, eleven league games into the season!

A 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest was quickly followed by our first away victory of the season (one of only two that campaign) courtesy of an own goal by Mike England just before half-time at Spurs. It should’ve signalled take-off, but it would be another twelve league games before we would taste victory again.

Despite taking honourable draws off the top three at Roker Park, our season was littered with drawn games that we could’ve won, and games we lost that we should’ve drawn. Apart from a very brief two-week period in January, Alan Brown’s team spent the whole of this season from August 23 in the relegation zone!

As the season entered its final phase, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday were battling it out to avoid being the team that accompanied us down to the Second Division (as far as the football world was concerned, we were certainties for the drop).

A hard-fought 2-1 victory against Wolves at Roker Park in March suggested our team hadn’t given up the fight and even though we lost our next game against Ipswich at Portman Road, we went five games undefeated after the Wolves game, with draws against champions Everton and second-placed Leeds, as well as Newcastle and fourth-placed Derby County.

We also beat Manchester City and drew at Coventry away from home over this period to give ourselves a chance of escaping what had seemed an inevitable relegation — all we had to do was beat Liverpool at Roker Park!

If we could manufacture a victory we would leapfrog Crystal Palace, whose season had already finished, a point ahead of ourselves. With Sheffield Wednesday propping up the rest of the table and hopefully not picking up enough points in their remaining two games, we would be safe; if we could get a victory over the Merseysiders, the Owls couldn’t catch us. 

Liverpool were a team in transition as Bill Shankly moved on the old guard — their fifth-place finish in the league and nothing much to show off in the knockout tournaments evidenced this change. 

28,774 fans had turned up for the Everton draw at Roker Park the week before, and the gate looked to have topped that as kick off approached (in fact, 33,005 was Sunderland’s third biggest gate of the season). Sunderland were the league’s lowest scorers at home and away — and if an opponent scored first, it more often than not lead to a defeat.

In terms of our lineup, five of this team would feature in Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup campaign and another three might’ve done if Colin Todd hadn’t been sold to Derby and Bobby Park and Martin Harvey not sustained career-ending injuries the following season.

I’d gone from feeling resigned to our relegation by mid-February to being convinced we were going to save ourselves. It’s an old adage in football: “It’s the hope that’ll kill you”.

One thing I can say about our team on this night is that nobody could accuse them of not trying or putting a shift in.

To a man they ran, harried and fought. The difficulty was Liverpool had these qualities too — and had the extra ingredients of skill and class which put this game beyond us, the Merseysiders delivering a show of pace, power and sharp passing that was just too good for us on this day.

What they also did was miss a number of very good chances and the longer this went on, the more I hoped we could nick a result.

It’s a bit harsh to say Liverpool missed all the chances they created.

Jimmy Montgomery made at least five cracking saves, including an almost unbelievable stop from an Emlyn Hughes piledriver. Colin Todd also threw himself in front of a blockbusting shot from Doug Livermore; Chris Lawler and Hughes put shots just past the woodwork and Ian Callaghan bounced a lob off the bar with Monty stranded just before half time.

Todd in defence and Mick McGiven and Park in midfield in particular delivered a first-half of grit and effort. All we had to show from the first half in an attacking sense was a snap-shot from the lively Billy Hughes and a Dennis Tueart rocket that unfortunately hit Hughes and deflected to safety. 

The period after half-time saw the scales tip slightly in our direction.

Ray Clemence made a great save from Park and Hughes saw his thunderbolt deflect off a defender to safety before McGiven struck a superb lob that Clemence just got fingertips to — a magnificent save from the as-yet uncapped goalkeeper.

Liverpool wrested back control and proceeded to dominate for the rest of the game. Our need to score was driving us forward whenever we did regain possession, yet our effort and strong running lacked guile and creativity.

Former Sunderland star Ivor Broadis reported on the game the next day and described our efforts going forward as “reminiscent of the Keystone Cops”. It was a harsh comment, but difficult to argue against!

The gaps we were leaving as we charged forward were constantly exploited by Liverpool — they had enough chances to end the tension and the hopes of the home fans long before they did.

In fact, we were into the closing five minutes of the game when blonde-haired Alun Evans swung a dangerous cross into the box that was half-cleared by Richie Pitt and Todd.

The ball landed back at the feet of Evans and he fired into the box again, with the ball deflecting off Pitt’s foot and right into the path of the onrushing full back Lawler, who smashed home from fourteen yards out, giving Monty no chance.

There was an element of luck about the goal, but there was nothing lucky about the actual strike from Lawler, a full back that loved to get forward and scored an almost astounding forty one goals for Liverpool in his four hundred-plus appearances.

We came into this game with only one defeat in eight and had given ourselves an unlikely chance of survival, with some credible performances in the closing stages of the season. As I walked out of the ground having applauded the team off the pitch, the disappointment hit me like a two-tonne truck.

Maybe it would’ve been better had we not rallied and given ourselves that glimmer of hope, but it was my first acrid taste of relegation and it was going to take some swallowing!

I recall an attitude from the adults around me that was almost relief — “It had to come, thank goodness it’s all over!”

Manager Brown had now overseen two Sunderland relegations and he would also find himself unfairly being held responsible for his former team Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation as they were unable to get the points they needed (despite their fighting draw at Old Trafford) in their last game against Manchester City to haul themselves past Crystal Palace. 

I’ve never forgotten the crushing disappointment I felt and have used it to embolden my sensibilities in the hard times that have come our way since then. 

Elsewhere, it was an interesting night for players with a Sunderland connection.

John “Yogi” Hughes (Billy’s brother) scored one of the goals that took Celtic past Leeds and into the European Cup final versus Feyenoord, while Colin Suggett scored for West Bromwich Albion and Vic Halom scored for Fulham. 

As if relegation wasn’t bad enough, a crowd of approximately two hundred and fifty youths wrecked havoc after the game, going on a disgruntled rampage and smashing windows in Church and Dundas Street as well as the bus windows of supporter coaches heading for Horden.

They also smashed a number of windows in the Monkwearmouth Community Centre, traumatising a small group of pensioners that had been tidying up after an event. Shame, to add to the disappointment!

My journey home took place in abject misery and I was only partially distracted by the news that Apollo 13 was in trouble somewhere out there in space. I searched the night skies for signs of Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, and considered that maybe there was something worse than relegation after all.

15 April 1970

Division One 

Roker Park

Attendance: 33,005

Sunderland 0

Liverpool 1 (Lawler 86’)

Sunderland: Montgomery, Irwin, Harvey; Todd, Pitt, Kerr; Park, McGiven, B.Hughes; Harris, Tueart

Sub: Symm

Liverpool: Clemence, Lawler, Smith; Yeats, Lloyd, Callaghan; Livermore, E.Hughes, Graham; Evans, Thompson

Sub: Ross

Last weekend’s game took place on International Fans’ Day weekend, and Friday night at the Fans Museum was a chance for all of our visitors and some of the Roker Report team to meet up and chat all things Sunderland.

It was my first experience of the IFD; beforehand, I’d only ever listened to episodes of Haway The Podcast as they’ve interviewed our guests and I’ve listened to their fantastic and varied stories behind becoming Lads’ fans.

On the night, had the pleasure of talking to Nancy, whom originally hailed from Canada and had moved to Netherlands after meeting her husband Erik. She was kindly offering around some delicious caramel-type wafers that I annoyingly can’t remember the name of, because they were delicious!

She’s now a devoted and dedicated Sunderland fan — and I think she said that this was her fifth year of visiting on IFD.

As a younger lad, her husband Erik had gone shopping, and had spotted a ‘cool’ looking football shirt that was predominantly white with a thin red stripe. It turned out to be a Sunderland home shirt and he was hooked from then on!

Each to their own I guess, as this was always my least favourite home strip, but it’s always fascinating to hear how different people get caught up in their own Sunderland story and become as mad and as passionate as anyone else.

I could’ve listened to Nancy all evening, and her memories and stories about being a fan, but it was a different thread that I promised her that I would write about — the decision by Sky TV and the Premier League to move the Tottenham game from Saturday to 2:00pm on Sunday.

I remember on one of the podcast episodes when the moving of games by Sky was being discussed, including the crazy decision to change our game against Bournemouth to a 12:30pm kick off. I’m sure someone said that the Tottenham game wouldn’t be moved as that had already been verified as our International Fans’ Day weekend and match.

It was this point that had Nancy most annoyed, and I couldn’t blame her!

Because of the game being moved from Saturday to Sunday, their stay had to be belatedly rearranged. Ferry bookings had to be altered and an extra hotel stay had to be added.

We’re all used to Sky calling all the shots when it comes to fixtures and fixture changes, as the amount of money they pump into the Premier League is well known, but for this particular game, there seemed to have been a particularly poor defence put up by Sunderland.

As Nancy pointed out (of course, neither of us had the full facts), the club knew this was International Fans’ Day weekend. After all, they do a brilliant job of showing folks around the ground and the Academy, and the fans’ group puts on this annual party for them — in fact, I think Nancy was correct in saying we’re the only club that stages anything like this.

So why didn’t we put in a complaint about the rearranged game? It was obvious that it was going to hinder many people who’d already travelled thousands of miles. Surely another game could’ve been played at that time, or our game moved to a lunchtime kick off slot on the Saturday?

We’re all used to getting no joy out of Sky when fixtures are discussed, but it seems that on the surface, our international fans were let down by the Premier League and to a lesser extent, their own club. There could’ve been other options, as the date for the IFD had been in diaries for many months.

Apart from the inconvenience, Nancy was keen to talk about the revenue that international fans bring in.

Like many ‘tourist’ spectators, they spend more than most at the club shop, but it’s also in their own country that they do a lot of ‘invisible’ advertising and promotion for Sunderland. She has her own experience of this, whereby they’ll discuss the club with friends and family, who also start to follow the club, widening the Sunderland family and fan base.

This is how it works.

Nancy was only there because the passion had been passed on by her husband. Then others buy into our club, buy merchandise and even save to come to a game, and so it continues. Treating our international fans like this was a bad move and even if our hierarchy had no power to change anything, I’d like to think they at least protested, and I’d like to know the definitive response.

As Nancy said, we fans have ultimately a lot of power.

It might not always seem so, but without fans, the game would eventually die. We need to at least record our feelings and thoughts and I’m sure Nancy will be writing to the club herself, but she also appreciated my offer of highlighting this faux pas via Roker Report.

Thank you to all who visited last weekend, and although I wish I’d been able to meet more of you, at least you enjoyed the sunny day, the atmosphere and the great result for once!

Keep the faith, and haway me bonnie lads!