In modern Formula 1, continuity is considered the ultimate virtue. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen define an era with a single team over years, sometimes over a decade. But behind the glamour of these long-term marriages hides a completely different species of racing driver: the nomads.

Drivers whose careers read like an prologued journey through the paddock and whose mailing addresses changed almost as quickly as their sets of tyres.

But who stayed the shortest in one place? We have undertaken a statistical analysis to identify the drivers who changed teams most frequently in relation to their total grand prix starts.

Of course, a line has to be drawn somewhere; otherwise, Jack Aitken would win by default, having averaged only one race per team – having only driven one single race in his entire career at Sakhir 2020 as a Williams stand-in.

For our ranking, we have therefore set the requirement that a driver must have switched teams at least three times to truly count as a nomad. Additionally, the requirement was that they must have made at least one start in this millennium – because Formula 1 statistics become increasingly diluted the further back you go.

This is also what placed our #1 on this list, as the driver only competed in two grands prix in the 2000s – all others were prior to that.

Had we set the threshold slightly lower, namely at two switches, Sakon Yamamoto would have won, having competed in 21 starts for three teams: Super Aguri, Spyker, and HRT. This gives the Japanese driver an average of only seven races per team - exactly how many he drove as a replacement for each of the three squads.

In this regard, the sheer number of teams was actually not the deciding factor and would only have led to confusion, as the example of 10th-placed Heikki Kovalainen shows: Renault, McLaren, and Lotus are clear. And then?

Podium: second place Heikki Kovalainen, Renault

Caterham was officially a different team than Lotus, but the Finn didn't have to go looking for a new apartment. And does his appearance for Lotus – the other Lotus, namely Lotus Renault – in 2013 count as a new team or still as Renault?

Because of this, we kept it simple: If a driver changed addresses, it counts as a new team, even if they had been there once before.

To find out who switched even more often than Kovalainen, read on here.

The top 10 nomads of modern F1

10. Heikki Kovalainen: 4 teams in 111 races 

His career began in 2007 at Renault as the successor to Fernando Alonso; a year later, he replaced the Spaniard once again, this time at McLaren. Driving alongside Lewis Hamilton, who became world champion in 2008, he managed only a single grand prix victory in Hungary. In 2010, the Finn found a new home at the newcomer Lotus but had no real chance of scoring points for three years. In 2013, he returned once more to Enstone, where he filled in for Kimi Raikkonen for two races at Lotus Renault (which was indeed a different team).

9. Heinz-Harald Frentzen: 6 teams in 156 races

The Mercedes junior entered F1 in 1994 with Sauber, where he stayed for three years. In 1997, he moved to Williams, where he became world championship runner-up as Damon Hill’s successor. However, the German was mostly overshadowed there by Jacques Villeneuve and moved on to Jordan. He experienced his best years there and was a long-term contender in the 1999 title race. In 2001, however, he was fired during the season and moved to Prost in an exchange with Jean Alesi, where he drove for five races. His next stop, Arrows, shut down during the 2002 season before the circle closed with a farewell season at Sauber.

8. Robert Kubica: 4 teams in 99 races 

One wouldn’t have thought the Pole would appear here after the first years of his career, as he remained loyal to BMW-Sauber for three and a half years after his 2006 debut. In 2010, he moved to Renault, where he stayed for only one year – though involuntarily. His horrific rally accident before the 2011 season initially ended his F1 career. However, Kubica fought his way back and completed a comeback season with Williams in 2018, which proved to be sobering in an underperforming car. In 2021, he also stepped in for Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo for two races.

Pedro Diniz, Forti Corse

7. Pedro Diniz: 4 teams in 98 races 

The classic pay-driver of the 90s, who nevertheless performed quite respectably. Despite modest prior success, he was signed by Forti in 1995 because he brought a lot of money from Brazil. He was actually supposed to stay there for three years, but Forti was a hapless case. Consequently, Diniz moved to Ligier after just one year and then to Arrows a year later, where he managed to last two years. The Brazilian also stayed for two years at his final stop, Sauber, before his career ended following a scoreless 2000 season.

6. Johnny Herbert: 7 teams in 160 races 

Herbert also just barely qualifies for this list due to his final season in 2000. The Briton was dismissed by Flavio Briatore after only a few races at Benetton in 1989, had a brief stint at Tyrrell, and was then active for Lotus until 1994, before completing one start for Ligier. After returning to Benetton alongside Michael Schumacher, he moved via Sauber to Stewart, where he took a surprise victory at the Nurburgring in 1999. Jaguar bought the team, but after the 2000 season, Herbert’s time in Formula 1 was over.

5. Pedro de la Rosa: 5 teams in 104 races 

After stints at Arrows and Jaguar, driving two seasons for each, he signed as a test driver for McLaren, where he replaced Juan Pablo Montoya, first temporarily and then permanently at the end of 2006. This was the Spaniard's most successful period in F1. De la Rosa moved back into the second tier to make way for Lewis Hamilton, but received an unexpected comeback chance at Sauber in 2010. He drove his final season in 2012 for the hopelessly outclassed backmarker team HRT.

4. Vitantonio Liuzzi: 4 teams in 80 races 

Originally, he was supposed to share a cockpit with Christian Klien during Red Bull’s 2005 entry, but Liuzzi only got four races and became one of the drivers for Red Bull’s new second team, Toro Rosso, the following year. After being outperformed there by Sebastian Vettel, he joined Force India as a test driver. In mid-2009, he replaced Giancarlo Fisichella, who had moved to Ferrari as Felipe Massa’s replacement, and remained on board through 2010. In 2011, there was one final, unsuccessful swan song season with backmarker HRT.

3. Mika Salo: 7 teams in 109 races 

After two races for Lotus at the end of 1994, the Finn actually seemed stable. Three years at Tyrrell was an enormously long time for a driver in the 90s, but after that, Salo became the king of team-switching. He first went to Arrows for one season before 1999 became his major year. That season, he became the ultimate "super-sub" for two teams: first replacing Ricardo Zonta at BAR for three races, and then Michael Schumacher at Ferrari - he famously handed a victory in Hockenheim over to team-mate Eddie Irvine. Salo then found a seat at Sauber and helped Toyota enter F1 in 2002.

2. Jos Verstappen: 7 teams in 106 races 

The Dutchman was passed around the midfield in the 90s. With Benetton, Simtek, Footwork, Tyrrell and Stewart, he drove for five teams in five years between 1994 and 1998. In 1999, he also nearly became the replacement at Jordan for Damon Hill, who wanted to quit spontaneously. Arrows is the only team where Verstappen stayed for more than a year, but with only three points-scoring finishes in two years, success remained elusive. After a scoreless 2003 season with Minardi, he bid farewell to F1.

1. Luca Badoer: 5 teams in 50 races 

The Italian still holds the record for the most world championship starts without ever scoring a point. With Scuderia Italia (1993), Minardi (1995), Forti (1996), and Minardi again (1999), the machinery was simply too poor – though it almost worked out at the Nurburgring in 1999. In the current millennium, Badoer drove only two races: in 2009 as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa. Ferrari rewarded him at the time for his long years of service as a test driver, but the comeback turned into a disaster, and Badoer was taken out of the car after only two races.

Luca Badoer, Minardi M01 Ford

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MADRID —  Seven days in, the Madrid Open and the players left in the field could really use a break.

First, there was the torrent of withdrawals, some for acute injuries and some for players managing their bodies, a month out from the climax of the clay swing at the French Open.

Then came the pollen, yellow and white snowflakes of allergy-inducing grains from the vegetation around the Caja Mágica, the tennis center roughly six miles south of Madrid’s city center. It swirled in the air and fell on the courts, sometimes in a blanket, reddening players’ eyes and irritating their throats.

Then came the sickness.

The 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys withdrew due to illness April 24. Marin Čilić, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, gave João Fonseca a walkover the following day. Liudmila Samsonova gave Linda Nosková one too.

“Hi everyone,” Čilić said on social media.

“Unfortunately, I got food poisoning yesterday. After trying to recover all night, my body is unfortunately exhausted and not at the proper level to get into the battle.”

On the same day, seven-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek retired in the third set of her match against Ann Li, having appeared to struggle in her practice and throughout the match. “The last two days were pretty terrible. I think I have some virus, so it’s been some hours, fine, some hours, pretty bad,” she said in a mixed zone afterward.

Sunday, it was Coco Gauff’s turn. She was puking in the bathroom between the first two sets of her three-set win over Sorana Cîrstea. Gauff teared up on and off throughout the afternoon on Court Manolo Santana. She said it was the worst she has felt on a tennis court — ever.

Gauff said she felt “a little weird” Saturday night but woke up feeling fine. The nausea came on in the middle of the first set on a sun-splashed day in the Spanish capital. Then came some actual throwing up, in the bathroom and at the side of the court.

“I just didn’t want to throw up in the middle of a point, which I almost did at one point,” she told a huddle of reporters.

She took some pills, which helped manage the queasiness. She told herself just to get through the second set so she wouldn’t have to quit. But then Cîrstea started to spray errors and grow frustrated, and then Gauff found herself surviving the second set and cruising through the third.

“It’s just a virus going around between the city and then I think the players got it, and then I think I got it from another player that was sick and their locker is close to mine,” Gauff said.

“What can you do except just try to get through it.”

Gauff’s diagnosis of herself and the tournament put her in line with the event’s organizers, who have had to work overtime trying to tamp down rumors that the food in the player dining area might be the source of the problems.

“There is no issue with the food. It is a gastroenteritis virus, like any other virus, but the food is perfectly OK,” Rafael Plaza, a spokesperson for the tournament, wrote in a message Sunday.

The intestinal issue comes on the heels of the pollen struggles that have plagued the tournament in the past. Jannik Sinner mentioned it after a loss to Alexei Popyrin in 2021, and even for players who do not have severe hayfever, it can have enough of an impact on congestion and breathing to cause issues.

There is plenty of overgrowth around the Caja Mágica, and a warm and dry spring has compounded the problem this year. Plaza said this has been the worst season for pollen in years. Climate change has made matters worse, extending the growing season. Some rain would help, and there is some in the forecast for the second week, but there isn’t much the tournament can do to make it better. Madrid’s largely idyllic climate this time of year comes with some disadvantages.

Dr. Robby Sikka, the medical director for the Professional Tennis Players Association, said pollen-induced allergic reactions can go well beyond itchy eyes and runny noses.

“For athletes, it can be a performance issue,” Sikka wrote in a text message last week. “When pollen counts are high, players are breathing huge volumes of air during long, high-intensity matches. If they are mouth-breathing, they bypass some of the nose’s natural filtering system, so more pollen and irritants can reach the lower airways. That can trigger inflammation, coughing, chest tightness, or exercise-induced bronchospasm.”

Gauff gave her on-court interview with an ice towel around her neck, putting it to her mouth several times as she spoke to try to avoid spreading it, and also keeping it close in case there were any lingering symptoms about to emerge. She said hydration and rest were on her schedule for the afternoon following the 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Cirstea.

Caty McNally, who saved a match point with a nasty backhand drop shot before prevailing over Kateřina Siniaková in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(2), said the virus has spared her so far. After two years of injuries and surgery, McNally will make a rare appearance in the round of 16 at a WTA 1000 Monday and isn’t taking any chances.

“My only diet on site is chicken and rice,” McNally said. “There are a couple of good places that I’ve been eating, back by the hotel, and I’ve just been keeping it really simple, like really simple foods.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Tennis, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Welcome back to the Monday Tennis Briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories from the past week on court.

This week, yet another player could not put away a cramping opponent, a top star made positive moves on a crucial shot, and a college tennis program was axed as the name, image and likeness (NIL) era continues to impact the sport.

If you’d like to follow our fantastic tennis coverage, click here.

How can tennis stars stay composed when an injured opponent is on the other side of the net?

Ugo Humbert is not the first player to lose to someone who can barely move around the court, and he will not be the last.

On Saturday at the Madrid Open, Humbert’s opponent, Térence Atmane, was sprawled on his back in agony, covered in brick dust, and two points from losing the second set in a tiebreak. That would have meant playing a third set, which looked entirely beyond Atmane. Humbert had sportingly provided a chair for his opponent before the tiebreak, perhaps in a moment of French camaraderie, and perhaps feeling that there was no chance he could lose the set.

Well: He could.

Serving up 7-6(3), 6-6(2-5), Atmane was so stricken that he could not even complete his service motion, swatting forehands into the service box instead of even trying to hit a regulation over- or underarm serve. It worked the first time …

… So he did it again, and it worked again. In reply, Humbert did what most tennis players do against an injured opponent. He played just as he might have done if Atmane could move properly, using the same shots and making the same errors. This dynamic plays out across tournaments, big and small, as the physically compromised player is forced to do as much as they can on every ball with minimum exertion, while the opponent can get lost in overthinking.

Keeping the ball in the court feels overwhelmingly important, so changing strategy — using more angles or drop shots — feels too risky. So after Atmane won both of his service points despite not hitting a proper serve at all, Humbert gathered himself to hit two of his own.

On the first point, he missed a first serve, made the second, but played too conservatively. In the second point, he made a first serve, but he played the rally too cautiously again and missed at the net.

That left Atmane serving at 7-6(3), 6-6(6-5), and by moving about during the previous two points, he had unlocked his muscles just enough to hit a real serve just when he needed one: On match point. He made it, ripped another backhand and Humbert missed again to lose the match. Then came an unsurprisingly cool handshake, before Atmane sheepishly held his hands palms to the ground, as if to apologize for the win.

Humbert had a case for complaint: Atmane was allowed to go well past the allotted 25 seconds between points on several occasions without a warning, committing enough time violations that he could have received a point penalty, or perhaps two. But when those points started, Humbert found his brain scrambled by what was going on across the net. While Atmane’s limited movement focused his mind on what he had to do, Humbert found himself with a buffet of tantalizing options, but was far more paralyzed than the opponent who had been writhing in the clay minutes before sealing a 7-6(3), 7-6(5) victory.

— James Hansen

Has Iga Świątek started to turn a corner on a shot that can limit her on the court?

At January’s Australian Open, Iga Świątek spoke about the difficulty of making fundamental changes mid-season. “I see Carlos Alcaraz, for example, changing his serve every year,” she joked in a news conference. For her, Świątek said, these things take “much longer.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion was speaking after losing in the quarterfinals to Elena Rybakina, a match that showcased the difference between the two players’ serves. Rybakina’s serve gave her a platform to attack, or it simply won points outright; Świątek’s meant pretty much every point began at neutral. The disadvantage eventually took its toll in an unraveling straight-sets defeat, a recurring theme during Świątek’s uneven start to 2026.

She parted ways with coach Wim Fissette in March, only eight months after they had won Wimbledon together, and with new coach Francisco Roig in tow, Świątek has set about making a change she knew she needed, but that is so hard to implement during the relentless tennis season.

At the end of March, footage emerged of Świątek working on her serve before the Stuttgart Open, bending her right arm at the elbow earlier in her swing to abbreviate it, get more power, and reduce the number of places in the motion her kinetic chain can be interrupted.

After beating Daria Snigur to reach the third round of the Madrid Open, Świątek admitted that in Stuttgart, she had been caught between her old habits and serving the way she and Roig were working on, during a run that ended in a semifinal. But in her first match in Madrid, Świątek said she was properly implementing the changes for the first time. A 6-1, 6-2 win saw the world No. 4 make 70 percent of her first serves and win 78 percent of those points.

TC's Alison Riske-Amritraj breaking down Iga's slight service adjustment.

Biggest change is Iga's starting position which gives her an earlier elbow bend in that serving arm. pic.twitter.com/nLqGNmOgO9

— Christian's Court (@christianscourt) April 23, 2026

“I was supposed to serve like that in Stuttgart, but it was on and off!” Świątek told Sky Sports.

“So, the last few days on the practice court, I was really making sure my elbow was in the right position and today was the first match where I felt it was how I wanted.

“The serve was great. I need to get used to the movement and that was a good step forward.

“In Stuttgart, I thought it was going to be a bit easier for my body to remember it on its own but I realised that no, I still need to think about it a lot.

“I was naive to think that way because one week is not enough for the body to remember the movements.

“I don’t care that it is the middle of the season because maybe it wasn’t that visible but we adjusted my serve a few times a year last year and it wasn’t a comfortable situation for me when I constantly needed to change something.

“But still, the changes weren’t what we wanted in the end, they were just steps forward. Now I have made a big change, but I can stay with it if it goes well and adjust little things, so I have much more belief in it.

“I did not feel comfortable in Indian Wells and Miami with my serve, so that was the best time to change it, just because of the feeling. I did not care it was before the clay, I wanted to feel good on my serve.”

Improvements to Świątek’s serve would make a substantial difference to her prospects. Yes, she has a complex game, but the serve is absolutely fundamental for any player. When she won Wimbledon last year, Świątek won points on her first serve more frequently (78 percent) than any other player who played more than one match.

— Charlie Eccleshare

What did a huge celebration mean for Stefanos Tsitsipas?

On the face of it, a 27-year-old two-time Grand Slam finalist beating an unheralded world No. 90 would not be a cause for big celebration.

But when that former Australian Open and French Open finalist is Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has almost dropped out of the world’s top 100, every victory feels like a major success.

Tsitsipas was within a set of winning the 2021 French Open but is now the world No. 80, and hadn’t won a match on clay this year until he beat American lucky loser Patrick Kypson Thursday. He did so by the narrowest of margins, eking out a 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4) win to reach the second round of the Madrid Open.

When it was over, Tsitsipas yelled before raising his arms aloft. After shaking Kypson’s hand, he put his finger to his ear, asking the crowd for more noise. He then gestured for more and raised his hand again in celebration.

Not so long ago, it would have been unthinkable to see Tsitsipas wildly celebrating progress to the second round of an ATP Masters 1000. Even needing to play a first-round match at an event like this would have been hard to imagine, given that the 32 seeded players are given a bye. That was always Tsitsipas, until his ranking dropped from No. 30 to No. 80 over a couple of months from late February to last week, as points from last year fell off his total.

A chronic back injury, uncertainty over his best racket and a loss of confidence have combined to leave Tsitsipas a long way from the days when he was tipped as a major champion in the making as a teenager. He admitted a few months ago that in 2025, those persistent lower back problems forced him to consider retirement.

Celebrating so passionately against Kypson can be seen as a reflection of how far Tsitsipas has fallen, but few would begrudge him the moment after a rough year. Victory did not come easily, either, and he could be seen berating his father, Apostolos, during a change of ends. Apostolos was also given an all-too-common coaching violation.

But his son backed up the win by beating the increasingly consistent Alexander Bublik 6-2, 7-5 in the following round and setting up a match against Spanish qualifier Daniel Mérida.

Charlie Eccleshare

Why did one college sports program axe tennis?

So much of the talk around college tennis these days centers on what a great training ground it is for the professional tours.

With the new rules of college sports allowing athletes to get paid, promising tennis players in their late teens and early 20s can make money, face solid competition, not worry about paying for rent or food or a coaching staff, and train in top-notch facilities while getting an education, if they are interested in doing so.

The flip side of all that is an increasingly competitive and expensive system for sustaining a top-level tennis program. As the revenue sports (football and basketball) adopt a similar approach, competing meaningfully in those already expensive sports becomes even pricier. Consequently, resources can be pulled into them from elsewhere in colleges’ programs.

Some top tennis programs have benefactors who can help cover the costs. The programs without outside investment struggle to compete — or, in the case of the University of Arkansas, decide they don’t want to anymore.

“After considerable reflection and thoughtful discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” vice chancellor and director of athletics Hunter Yurachek announced late last week.

“We understand the disappointment and emotion this news will bring to many. The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, requiring us to make challenging choices as we balance competitive opportunities, resources and the long-term sustainability of our department.”

Razorback tennis, which produced a bevy of players with pro tour rankings points, will disappear at the end of the current season. The decision has sparked an outcry that college sports in general, and college tennis specifically, have already reached an inflection point. John Isner, who played for the University of Georgia, said that the post-name, image and likeness (NIL) “college landscape is out of control” on X.

“Flat out ruining college sports and now a very proud men’s and women’s program is being cut altogether because of all this BS. This is a travesty.”

Patrick McEnroe, who led player development at the U.S. Tennis Association from 2008 to 2014, described the situation as “very serious”.

Current players at the University of Arkansas will have their scholarships honored through the completion of their degree programs if they choose to remain at the university, Urachek said. They will also continue to have access to the support services. They just can’t play intercollegiate tennis anymore.

— Matt Futterman

Shot of the week

Aryna Sabalenka described this single-handed backhand winner as the “shot of her life.” She probably isn’t wrong:

📅 Coming up

🎾 ATP 

📍Madrid: Madrid Open (1,000) featuring Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Rafael Jódar.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel 💻 Tennis TV

🎾 WTA

📍Madrid: Madrid Open (1,000) featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel

Tell us what you noticed this week in the comments below as the men’s and women’s tours continue.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Sports Business, Culture, Tennis, College Sports, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Wisconsin’s women's hockey team kept the celebration going in Madison this week, bringing its trophy tour to American Family Children’s Hospital.

The Badgers spent time with patients, families, and staff, posing for photos, sharing conversations, and giving kids a chance to see the trophy up close. The stop was a part of Badger Fridays, a program where UW athletes connect with the community by spending time with younger fans through reading, art, and visiting.

Stops like this are a regular part of being a Wisconsin athlete and a reminder that college athletics still hold the community-based aspect that separates them from their professional counterparts. Championship moments and big seasons don't just stay in the locker room; they make their way around Madison, where players are reminded of who they represent every time they put on the jersey.

The trophy was the reason for the visit, but the day was about more than hardware. It was another reminder that the impact of a Wisconsin program can stretch well beyond the ice.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Badgers hockey team celebrates with trophy tour at hospital

Florian Wirtz drives Liverpool surge with Kop-end goal and Isak connection against Palace

Liverpool’s late flourish against Palace carried the unmistakable imprint of Florian Wirtz, whose stoppage-time strike settled nerves and sealed a 3-1 win that could prove decisive in the race for Champions League football. Speaking after the match, as reported by the original source on Liverpoolfc.com, the German playmaker framed the result in blunt, purposeful terms.

“I think we needed these three points, especially at home,” Wirtz said. “So, really happy that we keep them here.”

There was no glossing over the challenge Palace posed. Their direct approach and willingness to stretch the pitch forced Liverpool into a disciplined defensive display before quality told at the other end.

“We knew before the game what was coming,” Wirtz explained. “They play a lot of balls in behind, take not too much risk, just looking for deep runs, so I think we defended it quite well.”

That blend of tactical awareness and attacking execution defined Liverpool’s performance. They absorbed pressure, trusted their structure, and waited for the moments that would tilt the game.

Photo IMAGO

Kop-end goal seals momentum

The defining image of the afternoon came deep into stoppage time, Wirtz gliding onto a precise delivery before striking cleanly towards the Kop. It was a finish that combined instinct with execution, and one that extinguished any lingering hope Palace might have had.

“First of all, I knew that Joey would throw the ball over me,” he said. “Then a good pass from Macca, and I had to take the risk to just hit it on target. I hit it quite well so I’m happy about that. Sometimes you can feel it that it’s a good strike.”

That Kop-end goal was more than a flourish. It was a statement of control, a reminder that Liverpool possess the cutting edge required in tight contests. The timing of the strike, arriving just as Palace sensed an opening after pulling a goal back, underlined its importance.

Isak partnership growing influence

Much of Liverpool’s attacking promise revolved around the link-up between Wirtz and Isak. The striker, returning from injury, found the net and offered a focal point that had been missing in recent weeks.

“Especially as a striker it’s always important to score goals so I’m happy for him,” Wirtz said. “I hope it’s the start of many and he can keep going like this.”

Wirtz was clear about the dynamic required to unlock Isak’s potential. Service is everything.

“I think it’s also important for him that we feed him with balls because if he’s just there on top alone, then it’s hard for him to score goals. He needs the balls to score them and as you could see today, if he gets the chance, he normally scores.”

There is a growing understanding between the pair, one built on timing, movement and trust. If sustained, it could become a decisive factor in Liverpool’s run-in.

Champions League push intensifies

With the victory over Palace, Liverpool strengthened their grip on a top-five position, opening a valuable gap with only four matches remaining. The significance of the result was not lost on Wirtz.

“It is a massive three points today,” he said. “It was clear for us that this game today is really important for the qualification for the Champions League. It’s not done yet, we have a few more games, but a good step today.”

There was also praise for the defensive resilience that underpinned the win, particularly goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

“He was unbelievable today,” Wirtz added. “He had two or three top saves so I’m really happy for him. He saved us the points.”

In a season defined by fine margins, performances like this carry weight. Liverpool did not dominate throughout, nor did they cruise to victory. Instead, they showed the hallmarks of a side learning how to win when conditions are less than perfect.

Against Palace, it was the combination of structure, opportunism and individual brilliance that made the difference. At the heart of it all was Wirtz, orchestrating, finishing, and articulating a performance that could yet shape Liverpool’s season.

Barcelona can secure the La Liga title as early as next weekend, should they win at Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to defeat Espanyol. However, the trip to Pamplona will be a tricky one for Hansi Flick’s side, who were defeated 4-2 at the same venue last season.

To make it more difficult, Barcelona will be without the services of Lamine Yamal, whose hamstring tear has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. However, they are able to get two piece of good news on the injury front, with Diario AS reporting that Raphinha and Marc Bernal are due back in group training this week.

Raphinha injured his hamstring while in action for Brazil a month ago, and Barcelona have been counting down the days until his return, such is his important to Flick. He should be able to receive the medical green light in for the trip to Osasuna at the weekend, and the same should be said for Bernal, who has been out for three weeks with a sprained ankle.

Returns come at good time for Barcelona

The return of Raphinha in particular is very timely for Barcelona, given Lamine Yamal’s absence. He can be used on the right wing, although the likelihood is that he will regain his place on the left, where Marcus Rashford and Fermin Lopez have deputised in the last month.

As for Bernal, he will find it difficult to regain the starting spot he had prior to his injury. Frenkie de Jong’s return to action, coupled with Gavi’s impressive performance levels, will mean that the teenager has work to do if he is to find his way back into Flick’s plans before the end of the season.

The hope for Barcelona is that Raphinha and Bernal are back in training on Monday or Tuesday, which will give them plenty of time to earn the medical green light before the weekend.

Mike Tomlin has broken his silence on his shocking decision to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it apparently wasn't an easy one to make.

Tomlin, who made his NBC debut on Sunday, explained his thought process about why he finally decided to leave the Steelers after 19 years.

"It's probably not an overnight decision, but it's probably not something I could articulate or share with people," Tomlin said via NBC's Football Night in America. "It's just, there's a loneliness in leadership. I just thought it was a good time for me, personally. And by that, I mean just where I am in life. I thought it was a good time for the organization, to be quite honest with you. We didn't have a lot of success in the playoffs in recent years. There's just some veteran players, guys like Cam Heyward, and T.J. Watt, and [Chris] Boswell, that I thought were worthy of the excitement and the optimism associated with new leadership."

Mike Tomlin joins Maria Taylor to talk about his new role on Football Night In America on NBC and Peacock! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dxiLKFQlw4

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) April 26, 2026

Tomlin, who was the head coach of the Steelers for almost two decades, decided to leave Pittsburgh following another first-round playoff loss, a pattern that had become all too familiar.

Here's to hoping Tomlin finds success and joy in his new endeavor as a sports analyst for NBC, where he'll have the opportunity to comment on his Steelers from afar.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin explains why he left Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft is behind us, and teams are preparing to get a first look at their new draftees as rookie minicamps are about to take center stage.

For the Tennessee Titans, it will be a great chance to get a closer look at what many consider another solid haul for general manager Mike Borgonzi. Although that isn’t a unanimous opinion. In fact, Bucky Brooks of Fox Sports believes the Titans were one of the biggest losers in the draft.

Tennessee Titans

The 2026 draft pivoted when the Titans shocked the world with the Carnell Tate pick at No. 4 overall. Although most observers viewed the Ohio State star as the No. 1 wideout in the class, the decision to take a collegiate WR2 over a freakishly athletic pass rusher (Arvell Reese) and off-ball linebacker (Sonny Styles) has put Robert Saleh’s debut class under the microscope. Perhaps Tate will silence the critics by playing at a superstar level, but he will need to adapt to a new role and more responsibility as the WR1 for a team that lacks an elite supporting cast around him.

The Titans traded back into the first round to acquire a big-bodied edge rusher, Keldric Faulk, with modest sack production. While there was plenty of love in the scouting community for the Auburn star as a run defender, the Titans are counting on the 21-year-old to transform into an Arik Armstead-type defender with inside-outside versatility. Considering how collegiate sack production typically translates into NFL performance, the Titans will need their second first-rounder to remake his game to match his draft expectations.

With second-round pick Anthony Hill slated to be a Day 1 starter at middle linebacker, the Titans are counting on three developmental playmakers to fill voids on a squad looking to climb out of the AFC South cellar.

The logic being displayed by this (and a few other national) takes is somewhat confusing. Tennessee chose to add a weapon with the fourth overall selection, and they clearly scouted and valued Carnell Tate as a player, and are being somewhat criticized for drafting a player that was widely regarded as a top 5 to 10 player in this class.

Yes, the pick went against what many “experts” perceived as the team's biggest need, but those needs were based on opinion and perception rather than on what the coaching staff and front office believe. Only time will tell what this draft class accomplishes, but to list this Titans’ draft class as a loser because they went against outside expectations is somewhat frustrating, and a perfect example of why grades or evaluations should be made at least two years after the fact. Just look back at the opinions on another Ohio State wide receiver taken fourth overall: Marvin Harrison Jr.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Bucky Brooks names Titans on of the biggest losers of the draft

No. 7 Texas A&M (33-8, 14-6 SEC) is possibly the hottest team in the country after winning its fifth SEC series, defeating Florida on the road for the first time since joining the SEC, and after losing Game 1 9-2, the Aggies stormed back on Saturday, winning 8-4, while Sunday's rubber-match was never in doubt thanks to impressive pitching from Weston Moss, Gavin Lyons, and closer Clayton Freshcorn.

The biggest takeaway from the weekend has to be the play of freshman outfielder Jorian Wilson, who recorded five hits and two home runs, hitting his 11th homer on Sunday, while his eye-popping throw from right field to catch Bear Harrison to prevent a Florida run might earn the young star an SEC Player of the Week award by Monday morning.

Texas A&M has now won nine out of its last ten games, and is heading back to Blue Bell Park for the first time in nearly three weeks, set to host Tarleton State before Auburn comes down for another crucial SEC series.

Across the rest of the SEC, Georgia's road series win over Ole Miss was similar to the Aggies' comeback over the Gators, while Texas has now won back-to-back series after defeating Vanderbilt, following Texas A&M's sweep of the Longhorns two weeks ago.

Before hosting Auburn, Texas A&M remains in sole second place in the SEC standings, trailing Georgia by just half a game, while the Bulldogs' early series win over the Aggies will serve as a head-to-head advantage down the stretch.

Updated SEC Standings

1. Georgia (34-11, 15-6 SEC)
2. Texas A&M (33-8, 14-6 SEC)
3. Texas (32-9, 13-7 SEC)
4. Mississippi State (34-10, 13-8 SEC)
5. Auburn (30-13, 12-9 SEC)
6. Florida (29-16, 11-10 SEC)
7. Ole Miss (31-14, 11-10 SEC)
8. Arkansas (29-16, 11-10 SEC)
9. Oklahoma (29-14, 11-10 SEC)
10. Alabama (29-16, 10-11 SEC)
11. Vanderbilt (29-19, 10-11 SEC)
12. Tennessee (29-15, 10-11 SEC)
13. Kentucky (27-15, 9-12 SEC)
14. South Carolina (22-23, 7-14 SEC)
15. LSU (24-21, 6-15 SEC)
16. Missouri (21-23, 4-17 SEC)

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

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M half a game out of first place in the updated SEC standings

Serie A has a problem, and its name is boredom. Last night’s 0-0 at the Meazza, in what was supposed to be the headline match of the 34th round, instead turned into the worst possible advertisement for Italian football, in a weekend when the spotlight was already on our league for a far less noble reason: the investigation into the work of referees’ chief Gianluca Rocchi.

Watch the full Serie BKT live on OneFootball for just €9.99 a month. Click here to buy the LaB Channel Monthly Pass with no automatic renewal.

A point that moves Milan and Juve up the table, but one that disappointed the San Siro crowd, who at the final whistle did not spare either side from boos. The numbers on chances created speak clearly: 0.65xG for the Rossoneri against 0.52xG for the Bianconeri. Little, far too little.

The one between Allegri and Spalletti, however, was not an isolated case. In the reverse fixture, in fact, Juve-Milan had also ended goalless, with the only difference being that back then Igor Tudor was sitting on the Old Lady’s bench. Sticking with yesterday, the Meazza clash was the third goalless draw of the round, after Hellas-Lecce and Fiorentina-Sassuolo. Again, not exactly the best way to promote the product.

🫣 A record number of 0-0s!

The tally of 0-0 draws has now risen to 30 in Serie A, an extremely high number. Across Europe’s top five leagues, no one can keep up with us. The Premier League is on 23, Ligue 1 on 18, La Liga on 13, and the Bundesliga, finally, has just 12 goalless matches.

With two more matches still to be played tonight, there is a risk the season record could be matched or even broken, considering that in Matchday 7 there were as many as four 0-0 draws and only eleven goals in total.

Leading this special table is Parma, who have finished a match without conceding or scoring as many as 6 times. Then come Verona and Cremonese on 5, and the group made up of Como, Lazio, Genoa, Pisa, Fiorentina and Lecce on 4.

🤔 The solution from... Serie B?

Looking at the teams involved, it becomes clear how many of these 0-0s are driven by fear or a lack of motivation. So why not take a cue from Serie B, one of the most unpredictable and exciting leagues in the world?

Thanks to the playoffs and playouts, in fact, there is currently not a single club without a goal to fight for. The promotion race is one of the best ever, with three teams battling for two spots with just 180 minutes left. There is also a dogfight in the playoff zone, where aside from Palermo and Catanzaro, certain of finishing 4th and 5th respectively, everyone from 6th-placed Modena to 10th-placed Carrarese can still dream.

At the bottom, finally, nobody is safe, not even 14th-placed Padova who, with a difficult chain of results, could slip from 14th to 18th, which would mean relegation.

⏳ No more time should be wasted

In short, something should also be rethought when it comes to Serie A. Perhaps by introducing a playout, which would already halve the number of “safe” teams and therefore teams with no motivation left. The same system would probably be complicated for the Scudetto and Champions League places, but a solution for the spots that lead to European competition could also come from introducing a playoff for, for example, the Conference League. 

For now, it is just an idea. With the FIGC without a president, the national team out of the World Cup and without a head coach, and the chaos surrounding the investigation into the work of the referees’ chief, the Serie A format is probably not the priority right now. It seems clear, however, that sooner or later things will have to change, one way or another. Our football has already lost too much time and, above all, appeal.

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

Bayern Munich will start contract renewal talks with forward Harry Kane after the season and winger Michael Olise is not for sale, supervisory board member Kar-Heinz Rummenigge has said.

Former Bayern CEO Rummenigge told the t-online portal on the eve of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final at Paris Saint-Germain that regarding Kane it is Bayern's "clear aim to renew his contract."

England captain Kane came to Bayern in 2023 from Tottenham Hotspur for a club record €100 million ($117 million) and has scored 138 goals for them in 141 matches. He has a contract until 2027.

"Getting Harry Kane to Munich was an important coup in the history of the club," Rummenigge said.

"It is known that he had a release clause. He didn't trigger that and signalled that he would definitely stay in Munich. And, as agreed, now those responsible in the operational area will hold talks with him at some stage after the season."

Rummenigge said that Kane has undergone a transformation under coach Vincent Kompany from a striker who scored many goals to "a playing striker" who also drops back into midfield, which he named "very important" for Bayern's game.

Almost as important is French winger Olise, who arrived in 2024 from Crystal Palace and boasts 39 goals plus 45 assists.

Olise is said to have caught the interest of European top clubs but Rummenigge effectively declared the "wonderful player" not for sale because Bayern bosses decided several years ago "not to sell any player in the future who we would miss for sporting reasons.

"This unwritten rule still applies today. For a player like Olise, there’s no price tag that would make us bat an eyelid," Rummenigge said.

The Eagles selected eight players in the 2026 NFL draft, with Howie Roseman getting tremendous value with his first four picks. Value is an integral part of the draft process. Understanding the board is vital to judging how teams maximized value during the draft. Establishing actual “value” on NFL draft prospects is incredibly difficult, with all 32 NFL teams having different schemes, cultures, and ideas of what elite talent looks like.

Arif Hasan of Wide Left Football creates the go-to consensus board, ranking the top 300 players in the draft class based on 101 big boards from draft analysts. As Hasan noted, “the consensus of these experts does a better predictive job than individual experts.”

With the draft now final, here are Philadelphia's picks, consensus rank, pick number, and the difference between the two.

1st round-20th overall: Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal

Consensus rank: 12

Pick number: 20

Difference: +8

Considered one of the top pass catchers in the draft, Lemon was the third wide receiver selected and went eight picks later than he was ranked.

2d-54: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Consensus rank: 58

Pick number: 54

Difference: -4

The second-best tight end on the board, Stowers went four higher than he was ranked, signifying the value he had on the Eagles' draft board.

3d-68: Markel Bell, T, Miami

Consensus rank: 116

Pick number: 68

Difference: -48

The Eagles aren't known to reach, but landed the giant offensive tackle 48 spots higher than expected.

5th-178: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

Consensus rank: 127

Pick number: 178

Difference:+51

A player who can do some thinking, he'd be a potential third or fourth round pick. Payton fell into the Eagles' lap, highlighting the value Philadelphia had to secure.

6th-207: Micah Morris, G, Georgia

Consensus rank: 221

Pick number: 207

Difference:-14

Philadelphia felt strongly about Morris' unique intangibles and landed the former Georgia offensive guard some 14 picks before his expected draft rank.

7th-244: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Consensus rank: 228

Pick number:244

Difference:+16

A talented safety who could replicate Reed Blankenship's rise, Wisniewski fell into the Eagles' lap late in round seven.

7th-251: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria

Consensus rank: 358

Pick number: 251

Difference: -107

A 300+ pound defensive player who can run faster than running backs, the International Pathway Program pick was scooped up by Philadelphia in the seventh round when most prognosticators didn't have him on draft boards.

7th-252: Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico

Consensus rank: 303

Pick number: 252

Difference: -51

The talented edge rusher was projected as an undrafted free agent; instead, he'll join the Eagles as a seventh-round pick.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Breaking down Eagles draft value relative to the 2026 consensus board

Amazon and New Heights, with retired Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, will bring a special live edition of their Wondery podcast, “New Heights Live in LA,” to Los Angeles at the historic Orpheum Theatre on June 15.

The live podcast will take place in front of fans and soccer enthusiasts in connection with the World Cup kicking off in Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased beginning today. The “New Heights Live in LA” recorded episode will be available on YouTube, Prime Video, and wherever podcasts are available on Wednesday, June 17.

New News ... WE'RE DOING IT LIVE!!!

New Heights Live is coming to the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on June 15th!!!

Tickets on sale Monday April 27. Get yours at https://t.co/DIfzhZ86FRpic.twitter.com/Ta4vWGDw7X

— New Heights (@newheightshow) April 22, 2026

“We’re excited to announce we’re getting outta the house this summer and bringing our live show to the West Coast for ‘New Heights Live in LA.’ When the World Cup is bringing the world together, we couldn’t think of a better time to party with the 92%ers.” said the Kelce brothers in a joint statement, “The energy of a live show is unmatched, and we can’t wait to have some unforgettable moments with the fans, have a blast with some ‘friends of the show,’ and get everyone fired up to cheer on Team USA.”

Earlier this year, they launched Kelce Clubhouse, a dynamic retail and content destination inspired by “New Heights,” and will release No Dumb Questions with HarperCollins in June. 

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce to host ‘New Heights Live in LA’ this Summer

Bayern Munich will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the first leg of the semi-final ties this midweek.

Below, we’ve compiled predicted lineups for both upcoming fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition.

Champions League 2025/26: Predicted semi-final first-leg lineups

Tuesday, April 28

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich predicted lineups

Wednesday, April 29

Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal predicted lineups

Kayla Harrison has fired back at Ronda Rousey, after the UFC legend accused her of having “the charisma of a wet towel” and dismissed her legacy.

On 16 May, Rousey will fight in mixed martial arts for the first time in 10 years, facing Gina Carano on a Most Valuable Promotions show.

All the while, Harrison is recovering from a neck injury as she aims to defend the UFC bantamweight title for the first time. She was scheduled to do so against a returning Amanda Nunes in January, before she sustained her injury.

Harrison, 35, and Rousey, 39, actually have similar backgrounds, with the latter winning Olympic judo bronze for Team USA in 2008, before Harrison won gold in the same discipline in 2012 and 2016. Rousey also held the UFC bantamweight title from 2013 until 2015.

Rousey actually retired after a knockout loss to Nunes in 2016, but now she is back to face Carano, a fellow Strikeforce legend, who hasn’t fought since 2009. And Rousey has been typically outspoken during the build-up, leading Harrison to respond.

“I’m just going to go ahead and say I could be meaner,” Harrison said during on Saturday. “I think that it would be really hard... I can’t imagine what it would be like for someone to come in and beat everything I’ve ever done. That would be hard. I get it.

“Imagine hating me and I’m just over here in my backyard feeding chickens. It’s got to be rough.”

“I think that the part that bothers me most about Ronda is at one point she was a real athlete. She was training for the Olympics. She’s an Olympic bronze medalist. She became a UFC champion. She was really trying to chase greatness. I will never take away the fact that Ronda is probably the most-important female fighter; if it weren’t for her, for sure I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I wouldn’t have a job.

“But this fight [with Carano] is not the greatest fight of all time. It’s between someone who hasn’t fought in 10 years and is coming off two knockout losses, and another woman – again another legend, another pioneer, but [who] hasn’t fought in 17 years and is in her 40s. Don’t call it the greatest fight of all time.

“I’m chasing greatness. You’re chasing money. We’re different.”

It is unclear when Harrison will return to the cage, but she is still expected to fight Nunes next time out.

Harrison was a lightweight champion in the PFL before debuting in the UFC in 2024 and cutting down to bantamweight. Her UFC debut was a submission win over Holly Holm, who dethroned Rousey via KO in 2015, and Harrison next outpointed Ketlen Vieira before challenging Julianna Pena last June. Harrison submitted Pena to become bantamweight champion.

Tottenham have been dealt a major blow in their fight for Premier League survival after Xavi Simons was ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The club confirmed the Netherlands international has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is expected to be sidelined for around eight months. The injury also means Simons is set to miss this summer’s World Cup, leaving the 23-year-old devastated.

Simons suffered the injury during Spurs’ 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday. He went down after a collision with Hugo Bueno and initially tried to continue, but quickly collapsed again in front of Tottenham’s medical staff. He was later stretchered off the pitch at Molineux.

The setback is a huge one for Spurs and manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has already seen several key players sidelined since taking charge. Spurs are battling to avoid relegation and, despite ending a long winless run with victory at Wolves, they remain in the bottom three.

The midfielder will undergo surgery in the coming weeks before beginning rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.

The 2026 World Snooker Championship takes place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 18 April to 4 May - and you can watch every shot of the tournament live on the BBC.

Top seed Zhao Xintong, who became the first champion from China by beating Mark Williams in last year's final, is the favourite this year.

Ronnie O'Sullivan hopes to win a record eighth world title at the age of 50 - 25 years after claiming his first - to move clear of Stephen Hendry as the championship's most successful player.

World number one Judd Trump aims to lift the trophy for the second time, while other contenders include former champions Neil Robertson, John Higgins, and Shaun Murphy.

For only the third time in Crucible history, all but one of the 16 seeds made it through to the second round.

Iran's Hossein Vafaei was the only qualifier to progress thanks to a comprehensive 10-3 victory over 15th seed Si Jiahui.

This year is the 50th championship to be held at the Crucible since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.

The two-day final starts on 3 May, with the winner taking home £500,000.

• Crucible pressure '50 times worse than driving test'
• 'Something special' - O'Sullivan & Higgins renew rivalry

When does O'Sullivan play?

The 50-year-old has not won a ranking title this season and has played a limited schedule, but opened his campaign with an emphatic 10-2 win over He Guoqiang.

O'Sullivan is currently 9-7 up against Higgins in the second-round in a best-of-25 contest which continues on Monday afternoon at 13:00 BST.

The Englishman, whose most recent world title triumph was in 2022, is making his 34th consecutive appearance at the World Championship.

O'Sullivan, who made the sport's highest-ever professional break with a 153 at the World Open in March, is seeded 12th and is in the same half of the draw as defending champion Zhao.

'The Rocket' lost 17-7 with a session to spare to Zhao in the semi-finals last year.

• O'Sullivan's 'rolling the dice' cue gamble pays off
• Why snooker's golden generation are still shining at 50

How to follow on the BBC

With comprehensive television coverage across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four, and uninterrupted streaming on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, audiences won't miss a moment from the first break to the final frame.

Legends of the game Hendry, Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and Dennis Taylor will offer their expert analysis throughout the tournament.

The BBC Sport website and app will provide daily coverage via live streams and live text pages, including updates from our reporters at the Crucible.

BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will have regular updates throughout the Championship.

BBC Sport social media channels will deliver behind-the-scenes content as well as highlight clips from the tournament and player interviews.

• How 'dropouts' hangout' became snooker's ultimate stage
• What is the Crucible curse?

Second round (best of 25 frames)

All times BST and subject to late changes, while session times could finish earlier or later than listed below. *denotes final session

Monday, 27 April

13:00

John Higgins (5) 7-9 Ronnie O'Sullivan (12) *

Mark Selby (7) 7-9 Wu Yize (10) *

19:00

Chris Wakelin (13) 6-10 Neil Robertson (4) *

Hossein Vafaei 7-9 Judd Trump (2) *

Live coverage

13:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

15:00-17:00 - BBC Two & Red Button

19:00-22:00 - BBC Four & Red Button

Highlights

00:00-02:00 - World Championship Extra on BBC Two

Quarter-finals (best of 25 frames)

Tuesday, 28 April

10:00

Zhao Xintong (1) v Shaun Murphy (8)

Mark Allen (14) v Barry Hawkins (11)

14:30

John Higgins (5)/Ronnie O'Sullivan (12) v Chris Wakelin (13)/Neil Robertson (4)

Mark Selby (7)/Wu Yize (10) v Hossein Vafaei/Judd Trump (2)

19:00

Zhao Xintong (1) v Shaun Murphy (8)

Mark Allen (14) v Barry Hawkins (11)

Live coverage

10:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

10:00-12:15 - BBC Two

10:00-14:00 - Red Button

14:15-18:00 - BBC Two & Red Button

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two & Red Button

Highlights

00:00-02:00 - World Championship Extra on BBC Two

Wednesday, 29 April

10:00

John Higgins (5)/Ronnie O'Sullivan (12) v Chris Wakelin (13)/Neil Robertson (4)

Mark Allen (14) v Barry Hawkins (11)

14:30

Zhao Xintong (1)/Ding Junhui (16) v Shaun Murphy (8) *

Mark Selby (7)/Wu Yize (10) v Hossein Vafaei/Judd Trump (2)

19:00

John Higgins (5)/Ronnie O'Sullivan (12) v Chris Wakelin (13)/Neil Robertson (4) *

Mark Selby (7)/Wu Yize (10) v Hossein Vafaei/Judd Trump (2) *

Live coverage

10:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

10:00-11:15 - BBC Two

10:00-14:00 - Red Button

14:15-18:00 - BBC Two & Red Button

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two & Red Button

Highlights

00:00-02:00 - World Championship Extra on BBC Two

Semi-finals (best of 33 frames)

Thursday, 30 April

Live coverage

13:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

13:00-16:00 - BBC Two

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two

Highlights

00:00-02:00 - World Championship Extra on BBC Two

Friday, 1 May

Live coverage

10:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

10:00-12:00 - BBC Two

14:15-18:00 - BBC Two

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two

Saturday, 2 May

Live coverage

10:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

10:00-12:30 - BBC Two

14:00-16:30 - BBC One

16:30-17:30 - BBC Two

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two

Final (best of 35 frames)

Sunday, 3 May

Live coverage

13:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

13:00-16:00 - BBC Two

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two

Monday, 4 May

13:00-23:00 - uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, website and app

13:00-16:00 - BBC Two

19:00-22:00 - BBC Two

What is the highest break?

Chang Bingyu made a magnificent 147 break against Luca Brecel in the qualifying tournament to earn himself a £147,000 bonus and a shot at the £15,000 highest break prize.

The Chinese player, who lost his match to Brecel, also made a 147 in the qualifying tournament for the UK Championship and earned the £147,000 bonus on offer for any player making two maximums in snooker's major tournaments.

The highest break at the Crucible is currently 140, a score achieved twice by Mark Allen and once by Murphy.

Northern Ireland's Mark Allen made a 147 break in his second-round match against Chris Wakelin last year, becoming only the 11th player to make a 147 at the Crucible.

The maximum was the 15th at the venue in the tournament's history and the first since Selby's clearance in the 2023 final.

Results

Second round

Shaun Murphy (8) 13-3 Xiao Gudong (9)

Zhao Xintong (1) 13-9 Ding Junhui (16)

Barry Hawkins (11) 13-9 Mark Williams (6)

Mark Allen (14) 13-9 Kyren Wilson (3)

First round

Zhao Xintong (1) 10-7 Liam Highfield

Mark Allen (14) 10-6 Zhang Anda

Barry Hawkins (11) 10-4 Matthew Stevens

Mark Williams (6) 10-4 Antoni Kowalsk

Xiao Guodong (9) 10-6 Zhou Yuelong

Ding Junhui (16) 10-5 David Gilbert

John Higgins(5) 10-7 Ali Carter

Kyren Wilson (3) 10-7 Stan Moody

Wu Yize (10) 10-2 Lei Peifan

Judd Trump (2) 10-5 Gary Wilson

Shaun Murphy (8) 10-9 Fan Zhengyi

Chris Wakelin (13) 10-6 Liam Pullen

Ronnie O'Sullivan (12) 10-2 He Guoqiang

Mark Selby (7) 10-2 Jak Jones

Hossein Vafaei 10-3 Si Jiahui (15)

Neil Robertson (4) 10-4 Pang Junxu

Who were the 16 qualifiers?

Moody and Liam Pullen both made their debuts after coming through the qualifying tournament at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Moody gave 2024 champion Wilson a tough test before falling to a 10-7 defeat, while Pullen lost 10-6 to 13th seed Chris Wakelin.

China's He was another debutant, while Antoni Kowalski, 22, became the first player from Poland to play at the Crucible.

Former finalists Matthew Stevens, Ali Carter and Jak Jones all claimed one of the 16 qualifying places before being beaten in the first round.

Iran's Hossein Vafaei was the only unseeded player to make it into the second round thanks to a comprehensive 10-3 victory over 15th seed Si Jiahui.

• Vafaei 'fighting to make Iranians proud' at Worlds
• How many nationalities have played at the World Snooker Championship?

How much is the Crucible prize money?

The winner receives £500,000 and there was a total prize fund of almost £2.4m.

Winner: £500,000

Runner-up: £200,000

Semi-finalists: £100,000

Quarter-finalists: £50,000

Last 16: £30,000

Last 32: £20,000

Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000

Who are the past 10 champions?

2025: Zhao Xintong (China) *

2024: Kyren Wilson (England) *

2023: Luca Brecel (Belgium) *

2022: Ronnie O'Sullivan (England)

2021: Mark Selby (England)

2020: Ronnie O'Sullivan (England)

2019: Judd Trump (England)

2018: Mark Williams (Wales)

2017: Mark Selby (England)

2016: Mark Selby (England)

* first-time winners

• Does O'Sullivan hold every snooker record?
• Why is snooker played in silence?
• What is snooker? Rules, points, colours and set-up explained

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he is unhappy with the attitude his players showed in their 34-31 loss at Gloucester.

Chiefs conceded four tries before half-time, but rallied to get within three points of the Cherry and Whites before Ethan Roots was sent off in the closing stages.

Despite the defeat - which came almost a year after the club's record 79-17 loss at Kingsholm - Exeter remain fourth in the Prem with four games to go.

"I'm frustrated by how things unravelled around that lack of emotional preparedness for the game," Baxter told BBC Radio Devon.

"I said before the game my biggest concern was actually that Gloucester had been on the end of quite a bad scoreline last week, because it's actually rare that you don't get emotional responses in teams.

"Gloucester did get an emotional response, and I think maybe we did as well, but our emotional response was backwards, not forwards, and theirs was certainly a step up."

• Gloucester edge past play-off chasing Chiefs
• How Exeter recovered from record 79-17 defeat

Exeter made eight changes to their side with one eye on this Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final at Ulster.

Baxter defended his decision to make so many changes - with six of them coming in his forward pack.

"I still think we did the right thing making some changes because we can't just keep running the group over and over again and we have to improve," he said.

"We have to improve the depth. We're not going to improve it without it playing against some tough lessons.

"The good thing we can do, with some of the guys who stepped in today and potentially aren't going to be involved next week, is they can have a bit of a tough review this week based on what they have to do and how they have to turn up and perform."

Having not reached the play-offs since 2021, Exeter's hopes of a return are still in their hands.

They are a point above fifth-placed Bristol in the final play-off place and three behind third-placed Leicester, who were beaten at Saracens on Saturday.

Exeter face a tough end to the season with fixtures against second-placed Bath, Harlequins, Leicester and sixth-placed Saracens in their final four Prem games.

"Our next Prem game is Bath at home, we've got to go to Harlequins in the Big Game, we actually need to roll our sleeves up and get on with things a bit better than we did today," Baxter added.

"But on the whole we have this season, so I'm not looking at us on the slide now, I'm thinking we've still got plenty left in the tank.

"We've rested quite a large number of players today who should be absolutely flying next week.

"We're under a bit of pressure, but it's a privileged pressure because every game means something.

"For some clubs they're not in that scenario. We need to make sure it brings the best out of us, not the worst out of us.

"Unfortunately there were times today where I think it brought the worst out of us, that's the bit we've got to try and work with the players to improve."

Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has praised his depleted squad after the side claimed a 3-2 win over Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 48-year-old made four changes to face his former side, with defender Andrew Hughes, who had scored North End's only goal in their previous 2-1 loss to Birmingham City, missing out.

"I'm proud of the players," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We had a lot of damage coming out of the game on Wednesday night [at Birmingham City] that we weren't really aware of.

"We were missing a lot of key players, but the boys who had to go again were excellent, and the ones who we put back in were very good. I'm proud of what they did today.

"I don't think we've been good enough at set-plays all season, and you've just seen the value of them."

Listen to the full post-match interview on BBC Sounds

Listen to more Preston North End content on BBC Sounds

• Latest Preston North End news, analysis and fan views

We asked for your views after Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United on Sunday.

Here are some of your comments:

Keith: These players should hang their heads in shame. The difference between the Brighton game and this game, performance-wise, cost a man his job. Having said that... come on, the Chelsea!

James: Slightly more tense than I was hoping for but, nevertheless, job done and on to what will be a very tough final. Manchester City will no doubt be favourites but, as we saw in last season's final, anything can happen.

Chris: Much, much better but we still need to keep improving to get anywhere near a Champions League place or a result against City in the final. Caicedo is still kicking everything that moves and he needs to show some discipline. If we can keep improving from this result, who knows? As long as we keep going forward - and not backwards and sideways - we may surprise a few people.

David: Not pretty but we needed to win - it didn't matter how. We showed grit, determination and skill (not to mention the dark arts). About time!

Seb: As a Chelsea fan of 30 years, this is a team that I just can't remotely like. The gamesmanship, petulance and egos might reflect modern football (ugh) but it does ill to the legends of Chelsea - Vialli, Di Matteo, Zola etc - who won my adoration as a 10-year-old. We very well might go on to win the FA Cup but it doesn't feel the same somehow.

Valentine: It was a gritty performance from Chelsea. Congratulations to the lads.

Brian: Good, solid performance overall. Joao Pedro was outstanding - he is different class. Great saves from Sanchez to keep us in it. Need to play like this for the remaining games but so good to get to a final again, which we will win 1-0. Come on, Chelsea.

Paul: That is what a real manager can do for a team. Give them belief, not just talk a good game - and pick the right players at the back, not leave all the best defenders on the bench. The last manager didn't know what he was doing.

Ohio State has always been loaded with NFL talent, but the Buckeyes’ 2024-25 national title team may have been their most stacked roster to date.

With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, all 11 defensive starters from Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Notre Dame on Jan. 20, 2025 have now been drafted to the NFL, with each and every guy being taken within the first five rounds of the last two NFL Drafts.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, several rotational guys on defense from that year’s squad are also now on their way to the league. In fact, every defensive player to receive at lease five snaps against the Fighting Irish has either been drafted to the NFL or is still on the Ohio State roster waiting for their chance in the 2027 NFL Draft.

The only outlier among that group is Mitchell Melton, who played eight snaps in the national title game but transferred to Virginia, where he became an UDFA and signed with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Here is where every one of those 11 starters was taken in order of draft position between the 2025 and 2026 NFL Drafts. All recruiting rankings are based on the 247Sports Composite.

The Starters

Sonny Styles – 2026 Rd 1 Pick 7 – Commanders

A homegrown talent, Styles came to Columbus as a five-star safety out of Pickerington, Ohio. Despite reclassifying and getting to Ohio State a year early, Styles did play a little bit for the Buckeyes as a freshman when he should’ve still been a high school senior.

Styles then played more than 540 snaps as a sophomore at safety, where he racked up 53 total tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. It wasn’t until his junior season that Styles made the transition to linebacker, where after a bit of a slow start, he quickly became one of the very best at the position in all of college football.

By the end of that 2024 season, Styles was an absolute stud at linebacker under the tutelage of James Laurinaitis. He posted 100 total tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks that year, and followed it up 82 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2025 as one of the nation’s most dependable and consistent defenders.

Styles was taken with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.

Caleb Downs – 2026 Rd 1 Pick 11 – Cowboys

Downs has been a star since he first stepped foot on a college campus, beginning his career at Alabama. A five-star safety and a top-10 player nationally, Ohio State finished second in his recruitment to the Crimson Tide, and Downs would tally more than 100 tackles as a freshman under Nick Saban.

Once Saban announced his retirement, Downs took his talents to Columbus, where he spent the final two years of his career as the focal point of the Buckeyes’ defense both under defensive coordinators Jim Knowles and Matt Patricia. The true do-it-all athlete managed 147 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four interceptions in his two years at Ohio State.

Downs’ contributions extend way past the box score. The quarterback of the defense, Downs seemed to always be where the action was happening, whether he was lined up deep at safety, in the middle of the field as a linebacker or even down near the line of scrimmage.

For his efforts, Downs earned two-time Unanimous All-American honors, the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award, as well as the Jim Thorpe Award and Ronnie Lott Trophy in his junior campaign. He was selected at No. 11 overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tyleik Williams – 2025 Rd 1 Pick 28 – Lions

Unlike Ohio State’s two first round picks in 2026, Williams did not come to Columbus as a cant-miss, five-star talent. The Virginia native was no slouch by any means, ranking as the No. 25 DL and No. 166 player nationally in the 2021 recruiting class, but he became a true star with the Buckeyes.

The latest in a string of incredibly disruptive interior lineman at Ohio State, Williams did a little bit of everything on Larry Johnson’s defensive line, as the 6-foot-3, 330-pound tackle was adept at both rushing the passer and stopping the run. All told, Williams posted 136 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in his time in Columbus.

Williams was taken with the No. 28 overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft.

JT Tuimoloau – 2025 Rd 2 Pick 45 – Colts

Alongside Williams on that defensive line was Tuimoloau, a former five-star prospect and one of the very best overall players in the 2021 class as the No. 2 DL. The Washington native was a massive recruiting win for the Buckeyes, but for awhile it didn’t look like Tuimoloau could quite live up to the billing.

More of a run-stopping defensive end rather than a pass-rusher, Tuimoloau wasn’t that same flashy edge player like the Bosas and Chase Youngs before him. However, when the lights shined the brightest, the lineman played some of the best football of his career.

After notching 11 total sacks over his first three seasons in Columbus, Tuimoloau broke out for 12.5 sacks in his senior campaign, with 6.5 of those coming in the College Football Playoff. Tallying 61 tackles and 21.5 TFLs as well in 2024, Tuimoloau became a second round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Davison Igbinosun – 2026 Rd 2 Pick 62 – Bills

Igbinosun had a fascinating college career. After spending his freshman season at Ole Miss, Iggy followed running back Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State, where he became a three-year starter for the Buckeyes at cornerback.

One of college football’s most physical cover corners, that physicality got Igbinsoun in trouble far too often when it came to penalties. In 2024, the New Jersey native was the most penalized player in the sport, racking up an astonishing 16 flags that year — most of which were either defensive holding or pass interference.

Still, Igbinosun’s coverage skills were undeniable, and he was a crucial part of the Buckeyes’ defense even despite the flags. The young defensive back refined his game in his senior season, earning only five flags in 2025, and finished his Ohio State career with 157 tackles, four TFLs, 22 PBUs and four interceptions.

Igbinosun was a late second round selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 2026 NFL Draft, where he joins former teammate Jordan Hancock.

Cody Simon – 2025 Rd 4 Pick 115 – Cardinals

Simon was a high four-star prospect in the 2020 class, ranking as the No. 4 LB and No. 75 overall player. The New Jersey native spent five seasons at Ohio State, redshirting his freshman year but playing more than 1,800 career snaps as a Buckeye.

Simon saved his best season for last as Sonny Styles’ running mate. One of the very best linebacker duos in the country, Simon led the team with a whopping 112 total tackles to go along with 12.5 TFLs, seven sacks and seven PBUs.

The stud defender had a great rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, finishing fourth on the team with 76 total tackles.

Lathan Ransom – 2025 Rd 4 Pick 122 – Panthers

Ransom was a four-star prospect out of Arizona in the 2020 class, coming in as the No. 11 safety and No. 167 player nationally. The 6-foot-1 athlete overcame a number of injuries during his time at Ohio State, but still managed to log more than 2,400 snaps as a Buckeye.

The defensive back’s career was nearly over before it even started, having broken his leg on special teams coverage during the Rose Bowl against Utah at the end of the 2020 season. Despite missing all of spring camp the following season, Ransom was back on the field for preseason practice. Beginning the year as a backup, it wasn’t long before Ransom took over a starting job that he would not relinquish.

As a senior in 2023, Ransom was having another great season, but it would be cut short by a foot injury suffered against Wisconsin. Taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to COVID rules, Ransom announced he would return for Ohio State in 2024, and the rest is history.

Ransom went on to have the best season of his career, posting 76 tackles with nine TFLs, a sack, a pick and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Ransom was then taken in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL Draft, starting six games and recording an interception in his rookie season.

Jack Sawyer – 2025 Rd 4 Pick 123 – Steelers

Like Tuimoloau, Sawyer had a bit of a tough time living up to his recruiting ranking. Sawyer came to Ohio State as one of the very best players in the 2021 class, a five-star prospect and the No. 1 player in Ohio in the cycle. A homegrown talent with sky high expectations, Sawyer struggled to find consistency early on.

Sawyer showed flashes of tremendous talent over his first two years on campus, tallying 9.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks as a freshman and sophomore. The defensive end was even better in 2023, posting 10 TFLs and 6.5 sacks, but he finally put it all together in his final season at Ohio State.

Sawyer had what should have been a legendary play by an Ohio native with a goal line interception against Michigan in The Game, but the Buckeyes managed to lose a 13-10 contest to the Wolverines, so that would ultimately be forgotten. Instead, Sawyer came up with an even bigger moment in the College Football Playoff — a game-ending pick-six in the final minutes against Texas to send Ohio State to the national title game.

All told, Sawyer finished his senior campaign with 59 total tackles, nine TFLs and nine sacks, plus the pick-six. He was taken in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ty Hamilton – 2025 Rd 4 Pick 148 – Rams

Hamilton was never a flashy player at tackle like the Tyleik Williams’ and Kayden McDonald’s of the world, but he did his job incredibly well and was a consistent force up the middle for Ohio State. Just a three-star prospect ranked in the low-700s as a recruit, Hamilton was largely an afterthought early in his career.

After redshirting as a freshman, Hamilton played between 250-350 snaps for the Buckeyes each of the next three seasons, posting 65 total tackles and seven TFLs over those three years. The tackle really came into his own as a senior, notching career-highs across the board with 51 tackles, six TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

Hamilton was a fourth round selection by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jordan Hancock – 2025 Rd 5 Pick 170 – Bills

Hancock was maybe one of the most underrated players on Ohio State’s entire national championship team. A former top-75 prospect and an important recruiting win over Clemson, where he had initially been committed, Hancock was never a guy who stuffed the stat sheet, but his role was paramount to everything else the Buckeyes were doing on defense.

Hancock was responsible for locking down the middle of the field from his nickel safety/slot corner role, and he did that about as well as anyone in the country. The Georgia native started each of his last two seasons at Ohio State, totaling 98 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions as a Buckeye.

Hancock was taken in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

Denzel Burke – 2025 Rd 5 Pick 174 – Cardinals

Burke had a bit of an up-and-down career at Ohio State. At times the Arizona native looked like he could be the next big cornerback to come out of Columbus, but at others he found himself running behind receivers who were en route to the end zone.

Perhaps the worst game of Burke’s career came early in that 2024 season against Oregon, where PFF credits him with allowing seven catches on seven targets for 162 yards and two touchdowns. To Burke’s credit, he did not allow that bad performance to sour the rest of his season, as the corner allowed more than three receptions in a game only once the remainder of the year.

Notre Dame tried to go after Burke in that national title game, but the DB allowed only three catches for 19 yards on seven targets. Playing more than 2,600 snaps in his Ohio State career, Burke finished with 28 PBUs and four interceptions across four seasons.

Burke was a fifth round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Rotational Guys

Four reserves on that Ohio State College Football Playoff National Championship team went on to play massive roles for the Buckeyes in 2025, with all of them being taken in the 2026 NFL Draft…

• Arvell Reese – 2026 Rd 1 Pick 5 – Giants
  • Reese played six snaps in the national title game
  • 2024 totals: 43 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks
  • 2025 totals: 69 tackles, 10 TFLs, 6.5 sacks – All American
• Kayden McDonald – 2026 Rd 2 Pick 36 – Texans
  • McDonald played eight snaps in the national title game
  • 2024 totals: 19 tackles, 1.5 TFLs
  • 2025 totals: 65 tackles, 9 TFLs, 3 sacks – All American
• Lorenzo Styles – 2026 Rd 5 Pick 172 – Saints
  • Styles played five snaps in the national title game
  • 2024 totals: 16 tackles, 4 PBUs
  • 2025 totals: 30 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 3 PBUs
• Caden Curry – 2026 Rd 6 Pick 214 – Colts
  • Curry played six snaps in the national title game
  • 2024 totals: 22 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks
  • 2025 totals: 66 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 11 sacks

Who’s Left?

Only four other Ohio State defensive players logged at least five snaps in that national title game against Notre Dame:

• Jermaine Mathews Jr. (23 snaps) – still on team, potential 2027 NFL Draft pick
• Kenyatta Jackson (15) – still on team, likely 2027 NFL Draft pick
• Eddrick Houston (11) – still on team, likely 2027 NFL Draft pick
• Mitchell Melton (8) – transferred to Virginia (UDFA in 2026 – Colts)

Virgil van Dijk believes Mohamed Salah will get a big send-off at Anfield even if his Liverpool career has already come to a premature end.

But the Liverpool captain is convinced his departing teammate will to everything in his power to return before the end of the season and play for the club again.

Salah came off in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury, with head coach Arne Slot unsure if he will be back before the end of the campaign.

The 33-year-old will undergo a scan to see the extent of the damage and Van Dijk hopes he will be back.

“I hope so,” said the defender. “There will be a medical assessment and then that will determine what the issue is going to be. I know he is doing everything in his power to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Liverpool have four matches remaining, starting with Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, with their other trip being to Aston Villa. They are at home to Chelsea on 9 May and Brentford on 24 May, in what had shaped up as Salah’s final game for the club.

“If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there is only two more home games left for him it’s a combination of feelings that go through your mind when you go off,” Van Dijk said.

“The reality is he has to get scanned, assessed, hopefully he won’t be long but at this point I don’t know. Maybe he’s back next week, maybe not. I have no idea.”

Salah is the third highest scorer in Liverpool’s history, with 257 goals in 440 appearances, and Van Dijk believes his achievements – including winning the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League twice and the PFA Player of the Year award three times – mean he will be celebrated, whether or not he is able to play for the club again.

“He will get the send-off regardless,” he added. “I don’t think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn’t think too far ahead. Knowing Mo he is a quick healer with the right people around us and let’s see.”

Grading a draft immediately after it happens is an interesting concept – a bit like giving out marks for a meal in a restaurant right after you order. But the NFL Draft Industrial Complex will not rest until verdicts are handed out, so here we are.

So, with the standard disclaimer that we won’t know for years just how these moves turn out – who had the last pick of the 2022 draft leading his team to a Super Bowl appearance? – here’s a rundown of what caught our eye over the last few days.

WINNER: Cleveland Browns

We are not used to praising the Browns this time of year – there are reasons that this was the franchise immortalized in the legendarily awful Draft Day movie. But it’s tough to argue with the draft class Cleveland put together. The Browns traded down from the sixth to the ninth overall pick, and selected Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. Fano is one of the cleanest blockers in this class, and he’ll help a Browns line that had the mammoth but raw Dawand Jones last season. General manager Andrew Berry said that the plan is to park Fano at left tackle and leave him there.

Then, with the 24th and 39th overall picks, the Browns took two receivers to add to a very thin group. First up was KC Concepcion, dismissed by some as a gimmick receiver, but the tape shows a fully formed weapon if he can solve his drop problem (he had seven in 2025). At pick 39, 6ft 4in Denzel Boston is a big, fast, contested-catch wizard who brings skill sets the Browns’ receiver group lacked in 2025.

But the steal of the Browns’ draft may well be Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who they took at No 58. The 6ft 4in, 201lbs McNeil-Warren may have the most pure athletic upside of the do-it-all defensive backs in this draft class, and the two other such players – Caleb Downs (Dallas Cowboys, 11th overall pick) and Dillon Thieneman (Chicago Bears, 25th overall pick) went much higher than McNeil-Warren.

Related: NFL draft 2026 takeaways: Rams reach, Cowboys retool and Jets add juice

Add in athletic quarterback Taylen Green, and the Browns had a fascinating draft – in a good way. We still don’t know who Cleveland’s quarterback will be in 2026, but that’s just the way the Browns seem to roll.

LOSER: Jermod McCoy

If McCoy’s draft position was solely based on his 2024 season with the Tennessee Volunteers, when he allowed just 31 catches on 62 targets for 386 yards and an opponent passer rating of 53.6, he would have gone in the first half of the first round. Unfortunately, McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL, but when he performed well at Tennessee’s pro day in March, most analysts believed that he had shown enough of a recovery that teams would still be keen on him.

Before the draft, however, multiple reports said that McCoy may need surgery to repair a bone plug, a procedure that would most likely see him miss the entire 2026 season. In the end, the Raiders selected McCoy with the first pick of the fourth round, presumably thinking that using a lower-round pick was worth the risk.

“All my doctors that did my surgery, they told me I’m good,” McCoy said in his post-draft press conference. ”I feel like I’m good, but if there’s something that they’re wanting me to do for the longevity of my career, I’m willing to do that. I’m going to listen to the team, because I feel like they have my best interest. So, honestly, whatever the team’s plan for me is, I’m going to do that.”

We don’t yet know how things will go for McCoy, but right now, every possible outcome is in play – from multiple All-Pro nods, to a future in which the NFL is denied to him through no fault of his own.

WINNERS: AJ and Avieon Terrell, Atlanta Falcons

Speaking of cornerbacks who were selected later than they expected, it was a bit of a surprise when Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, who looked like a future first-rounder in college, lasted until the 48th overall pick when he was grabbed by the Falcons. The good news? Avieon will be teammates with his older brother AJ, who the Falcons picked in the first-round of the 2020 draft.

AJ and Avieon will become the third known set of brothers in NFL history to play in the same secondary, following in the footsteps of Jason and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots from 2018 to 2020, and Lyle and Glenn Blackwood of the Miami Dolphins from 1981 to 1986.

Avieon couldn’t have been happier.

“Just getting that call, it was a blessing,” he said after the pick was made. “My heart dropped. AJ played it cool. I didn’t even know it was going to happen, but once I’d seen that call, it felt good and I already knew what time it was.”

Related: NFL draft 2026: Mendoza goes No 1 as Rams surprise with move for QB Ty Simpson at No 13

LOSER: Sean McVay’s body language

Well, this one got interesting in a hurry. With the 13th pick, the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a one-year starter whose performance waned as the 2025 season went along. Even with the reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford already under center, the move raises questions because of the significant draft capital spent on a prospect with major questions surrounding his potential in the pros. Instead of addressing quarterback, where they already have Stafford, Los Angeles could have used the 13th pick to fortify a roster that is already in the Super Bowl conversation – especially after acquiring the Kansas City Chiefs’ top two cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, through trade and free agency.

At the press conference after the pick, Rams general manager Les Snead talked far more than head coach Sean McVay did, and for the most part, McVay looked despondent. This led to some damage control. On Friday, McVay said that his demeanor was the result of his relationship with Stafford – he didn’t want to appear too happy about the Simpson pick, because he wanted to show respect to the veteran. Whether that’s true or not, using a first-rounder on a quarterback who appears to lack the talent to ever reach Stafford’s level raises all sorts of questions.

WINNER (as usual): Howie Roseman, general manager, Philadelphia Eagles

Roseman is a familiar figure in the winners category of the draft. One of the NFL’s most astute executives was at it again this year, and he once again helped his team immeasurably. Before we even get to the actual draft, we should mention the trade with the Minnesota Vikings for edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard, who fills a right-now need, and signed a four-year, $100m deal with his new team.

In the first round, the Eagles traded up with the arch-rivals Dallas Cowboys to select USC receiver Makai Lemon, who has what it takes to be the team’s new No 1 receiver with AJ Brown likely to be traded. In the second round, Philly selected Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, who could eventually replace Dallas Goedert. In the third round, Roseman selected Markel Bell, a massive (6ft 9in, 346lbs) blocker who has some of the same traits as starting Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata.

In the fifth round, the Eagles took North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, another one-year starter, but in this case, one with a combination of passing and rushing ability that makes him the perfect backup for Jalen Hurts. Sixth-round pick Micah Morris, a guard from Georgia, and seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski, a safety from Texas Tech, could contribute sooner than later.

As usual, Roseman went after the guys he knew would help, he did it without overspending on cap space or draft capital, and his team will be better for it. Some guys just know how to do this job.

LOSER: Mike Vrabel, head coach, New England Patriots

The alleged extramarital affair between Vrabel and NFL reporter Dianna Russini, has caused its own set of complications. Russini has resigned from The Athletic, and Vrabel announced that he would miss the third day of the draft to engage in counseling.

We are not here to impugn Vrabel’s focus on his family, but a head coach is fairly important in a team’s draft process, and one wonders if this could not have waited an extra day.

New England’s general manager, Eliot Wolf, was asked over the weekend what the Patriots would be missing in Vrabel’s absence.

“The stability of him as a person, some of the leadership, some of the presence,” Wolf said. “He does a nice job for us with the undrafted players. Obviously, he’s a tremendous recruiter, so that’s maybe something that we’ll be missing. But again, we’re very confident in the people we have with the process. The assistant coaches have done a tremendous job, as have the scouts, preparing for day three. And we’re excited about it.”

If you’re missing anything in a draft due to your head coach’s indiscretions, that’s not a great look.

How to Watch Penguins vs. Flyers Game 5: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for 2026 NHL Playoffs originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Can the Penguins send their first-round series back to Philadelphia with a Game 5 win?

Pittsburgh secured its first victory of the 2026 NHL Playoffs on Saturday, avoiding a sweep against a Flyers squad that outscored the Penguins, 11-4, through the first three games of the series. Sidney Crosby had two points (one goal, one assist) in the 4-2 win, and Arturs Silovs finished with 28 saves in his first postseason start with the Pens.

If the Penguins want to be the first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit since 2014, they will need to carry the momentum from Game 4 into PPG Paints Arena on Monday night.

Here is everything you need to know about Penguins vs. Flyers, including TV and streaming options for Game 5 of the first-round series.

How to watch Penguins vs. Flyers Game 5: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: SportsNet Pittsburgh
• Live stream: SNP 360, fubo

Penguins vs. Flyers will air locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Game 5 will also be available to stream on SNP 360 and fubo.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Penguins vs. Flyers Game 5 start time

• Date: Monday, April 27
• Time: 7 p.m. ET

Penguins vs. Flyers is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, April 27. Game 5 will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Penguins vs. Flyers schedule: Philadelphia leads 3-1

*If necessary

NHL Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026

Here are the key dates to know for the NHL Playoffs:

*Can move up depending on earlier series

More Penguins

• Latest Penguins news
• 2025-26 Penguins schedule
• 2025-26 Penguins roster
• Complete history of Penguins championships

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a 2026 NFL Draft that was, well, perplexing to put it nicely. There are a lot of ways to skin a cat when it comes to the draft process, and in three to four years, there's a chance we look back on the class and the prevailing notion was dead wrong. 

So today, we are going to name the three biggest overreactions to what the Steelers just did over the course of the weekend. Let's jump in. 

Overreaction No. 1: Max Iheanachor is another Broderick Jones 

Look, if we want to reprimand what happened in the first round and the phone-gate debacle, that's fine. But as Omar Khan said after the draft, the Steelers stuck true to their board and went with their highest rated player once Makai Lemon was poached by the Eagles. 

And yes, Iheanachor is raw. Yes, he didn't start playing football until very recently and was mostly a soccer player. But the truth is, there might not be a tackle with higher potential and a greater ceiling than Iheanachor. 

The feet, the length, the traits, it's all there. Sure, the Steelers will need to be patient, but this isn't a player who is fundamentally flawed the way that Jones was. This is a player who you don't have to fix; you have to build up. So it's far too soon to write off Iheanachor. 

Overreaction No.2: Mike McCarthy doesn't like Will Howard 

When the rhetoric coming out of Pittsburgh is always about how much the Steelers love Will Howard, and on day two, with their third pick in the draft, the Steelers take another quarterback that many view as a reach, it's easy to see why some may believe that McCarthy doesn't like Howard. 

The truth is, McCarthy doesn't know what he likes. He needs to see both Allar and Howard competing in a live environment before making any rash decisions. And when you don't have an obvious quarterback of the future, taking as many shots as possible makes a lot of sense. 

Overreaction No.3: Omar Khan was carried by Mike Tomlin

If you look at Omar Khan's draft history since he took over for Kevin Colbert in 2023, you see draft classes littered with talent and starters. And honestly, just about every time it reached Sunday of draft weekend, the consensus view was that Khan and the Steelers nailed the draft. 

Well, the only obvious difference in the decision-making process this year was no Mike Tomlin. And under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers were at every big-time Pro Day, the Senior Bowl, and well represented at the NFL Combine. A lot of that changed this year, but it doesn't mean that Omar Khan wasn’t heavily involved, if not making picks, before.

We’ll see if the media and fans, or Khan and co., are right in 3-4 years.

To quote Jon- Eric Sullivan: “Fast gets slow, but big doesn’t get small”. The Miami Dolphins have a new philosophy heading forward and it showed during the draft. The previous iteration of the Dolphins was based around speed and unfortunately, Sullivan’s quote became pretty true. This new regime wants to change the opinion of this team and wants to build a physical football team heading forward. We saw that with their first selection in Kadyn Proctor, who is a massive human being along the offensive line.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Miami Dolphins get physical with draft class: ‘You need tough guys’
From the beginning, it was a mantra.

Dolphins 2026 Draft

Ranking the Dolphins’ Draft Selections
The Miami Dolphins wound up with 13 picks in Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first draft as the GM of the team

Breaking Down the Dolphins’ 2026 Draft National Grades
What are national analysts around the NFL saying about what the Dolphins were able to do this weekend in their first draft under Jon-Eric Sullivan?

Miami Dolphins Final 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Did Miami walk the walk after talking the talk this winter?
The Miami Dolphins’ first draft class under Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley is complete. Did they live up to their word from when they got the job?

Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Dolphins 2026 draft class – The Splash Zone 4/26/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

2026 NFL Draft Recap: Every trade and all 257 picks
Recapping the entire 2026 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins 2026 undrafted free agent tracker and live updates: Keeping up with all the rumors and signings
Keeping up with the latest Miami Dolphins news and rumors as the 2026 NFL Draft ends and UDFA signings begin.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: UDFA Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins fans which undrafted free agents will make the final roster and which might contribute in 2026.

Nguyen: NFL Draft’s 10 best scheme fits: Giants, Cowboys, Bucs among teams picking perfect pieces (paywall)
“I thought Stribling would be a perfect fit for the 49ers because of his ability to run after the catch, and he’s the best blocking receiver in the draft, both skills that former 49er Jauan Jennings was adept at. Stribling averaged 7.3 yards after the catch, which was slightly higher than Omar Cooper Jr., whom many regarded as the best YAC receiver in the draft.

I’m sure coach Kyle Shanahan envisions Stribling as a supercharged version of Jennings. Jennings was a big possession slot receiver, whereas Stribling can play outside and win deep with speed and physicality at the catch point. According to Matt Harmon’s reception perception, Stribling’s best route is the dig (83.3 percent success rate), a prominent route in Shanahan’s offense and one of Brock Purdy’s favorites. Stribling will give the 49ers a physical runner after the catch, one they really don’t have after moving on from Deebo Samuel last season and Jennings this season, and with tight end George Kittle recovering from tearing an Achilles tendon in the playoffs.”

Evaluating 49ers’ 2026 draft class: No A’s, some eyebrow-raisers and one polarizing pick (paywall)
“The 49ers’ still-good-but-getting-geriatric offense desperately needed an infusion of speed. And Stribling ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash that’s even more impressive given his size (Note: Boston isn’t known for his wheels and passed on running a pre-draft 40). Stribling had strong production at Power 5 schools, was one of 16 draft prospects given the 49ers’ gold-helmet designation for qualities such as work ethic and character and is an elite run blocker.”

49ers announce 8 undrafted free agent signings following 2026 NFL Draft
“The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with eight undrafted rookie free agents following the 2026 NFL Draft.” 

49ers’ George Kittle offers cautious update on potential training camp return after Achilles injury
“Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves,” Kittle said. “Let’s just—we’ll dip our toes back in a little bit slower than that. But, hey, who knows? Miracles have happened.” 

Despite the cautious tone, Kittle emphasized that his recovery is trending in the right direction. 

“Achilles is doing great,” Kittle said. “We’re 13 weeks out of surgery. I think I’m ahead of schedule. My surgeon’s super happy with it. So, we’re on track to play a lot of football next season. So, I’m in a great place.”

MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: Jasson Domínguez is being called up to the big-league roster from Triple-A ahead of the upcoming series against the Rangers. He fills the spot opened by Luis Gil’s demotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and could factor into the DH and outfield pictures with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined with a calf injury. After getting optioned to the minors out of spring camp, Domínguez has performed well to open the season, slashing .306/.404/.471 with three home runs, 13 RBIs, eight stolen bases, a 135 wRC+, and almost as many walks as strikeouts in 22 games. His defense will not come under as much scrutiny with the 23-year-old slated to mostly DH, and he’ll look to improve upon his 103 wRC+ in 122 games last season. The Yankees will face three righties in this upcoming series against the Rangers, allowing the switch-hitting Domínguez to contribute from his superior side.

The Athletic | Brendan Kuty ($): Gil’s demotion to Triple-A opened the spot on the roster for Domínguez’s call-up. He got shelled for six runs in four innings in the series finale against Houston and always looked like the first name to be called with Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole nearing their returns to the rotation from injury. Until Rodón is ready to return, the Yankees will likely use Ryan Yarbrough in a spot start, though they are also weighing calling up one of their top prospects including Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodríguez (they are at least able to skip his next start due to the Thursday offday).

Aaron Boone and Matt Blake said they hope Gil can work on finding a consistent release point and better command in the minors. His path back to the majors is uncertain with Will Warren and Ryan Weathers ahead of him in the rotation pecking order. In four starts, Gil is 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA, 8.43 FIP, more walks than strikeouts, and -0.4 fWAR across 19.1 innings.

MLB.com | Steve Schaeffer: Domínguez’s promotion coincides with lingering uncertainty over the severity of Giancarlo Stanton’s calf injury. He was removed from Saturday’s game in Houston with right calf tightness after feeling discomfort running the bases and missed the final two games of the series. The team said they will make a final decision on Monday as to whether he will go on IL. In 24 games, Stanton is hitting .256/.302/.422 with three home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 101 wRC+.

New York Daily News | Gary Phillips: The Yankees have made several ill-advised ABS challenges over the last few weeks and have had to institute a fining system for particularly egregious decisions. To hold each other accountable for wasting challenges, players are fining themselves $500 for a challenge on a pitch that is fully inside of the strike zone, Jazz Chisholm Jr. even fining himself $1,000 for challenging a strike right down the middle against the Astros on Saturday. The Yankees have made the second-most challenges in baseball but own the ninth-worst success rate (43-percent). Boone has even indicated that some players might have their ABS challenge privileges revoked if they don’t follow the guidelines laid out by the team at the start of the year, Boone notably calling José Caballero into his office for a “stern” one-on-one meeting about wasting challenges.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Red Sox front office made waves when they fired manager Alex Cora and much of his staff on Saturday, Triple-A skipper Chad Tracy replacing him yesterday in a win over Baltimore. Cora had been at the helm of the team for eight years and won the 2018 World Series, but with the Red Sox in last place, Cora had to go. Also getting the axe is former Yankees hitting coach Dillon Lawson — his second midseason firing in just a few years — and Jason Varitek, who had been serving as the club’s game planning and run prevention coach (the longtime catcher was reassigned within the organization). Boone is close friends with Cora from their time working together on ESPN broadcasts, and revealed he reached out with words of support for his now-former rival manager.

It ended in a goalless draw between AC Milan and Juventus on matchday 34 of Serie A, a result that brings both sides closer to their objective of qualifying for the Champions League. On a night at San Siro in which Saelemaekers' strike against the bar was the clearest chance, Luka Modrić once again shone brightest.

It was a commanding performance from the Croatian, the heartbeat of the Rossoneri midfield and influential in both defence and attack. Substituted in the 80th minute after a collision with Locatelli, his display included 53 successful passes as well as several fine touches to evade the Juventus press.

He also won four of six duels, made three recoveries, and provided calmness and quality throughout the game. As the games go by and the minutes add up, Luka's level of performance does not drop, despite the fatigue of the season run-in.

This was more than appreciated by the Rossoneri fans, who voted him MVP of AC Milan v Juventus with 43% of the vote, ahead of Saelemaekers on 30% and Adrien Rabiot on 15%. Now, focus turns to the away fixture against Sassuolo on Sunday at 15:00 CEST at the Mapei Stadium, with hopes of a swift recovery for Luka.

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Change is no longer a possibility at Real Madrid – it is becoming an inevitability. 

After a disappointing campaign that has raised serious questions about the squad’s balance and long-term direction, the club is now preparing for what could be one of the most significant rebuilds in recent years.

Reports from Defensa Central suggest that as many as eight players are currently facing uncertain futures, with the club internally assessing who fits into the next phase of the project and who does not.

Three veterans in spotlight

Among the most straightforward cases are David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. 

Both players are approaching the end of their contracts, and as things stand, neither is expected to receive an extension. 

Unless there is a late and unexpected turnaround, their departures appear almost certain, marking the first steps in what could be a wider squad reset.

Another situation that continues to attract attention is that of Antonio Rudiger. Unlike Alaba and Carvajal, the German defender does have a renewal offer on the table. 

However, the lack of response so far has created uncertainty and the club is reportedly unwilling to improve their current proposal, meaning the next move rests entirely with the player.

Who are the other players?

Further down the squad, several players are facing a different kind of reality. 

Camavinga could be sold to generate revenue. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

The likes of Dani Ceballos and Fran Garcia have both struggled for consistent minutes this season. 

That lack of involvement has naturally led to frustration, and both players are now open to exploring exits if suitable offers arrive. 

However, the more complex decisions lie elsewhere.

The futures of Eduardo Camavinga, Gonzalo Garcia, and Raul Asencio present a different kind of dilemma. 

These are not fringe players lacking quality, but individuals whose roles within the squad are now being reassessed. 

Internally, there is a growing belief that certain departures may be necessary to sign new players.

Lastly, there is the unique case of Franco Mastantuono. Unlike others on the list, Real Madrid are not looking to sell him outright. 

Instead, the plan is to send the young talent out on loan, allowing him to gain valuable experience before potentially reintegrating into the squad in the future.

At the end of the final home game of the season, Stoke's players were sent out to do a lap of appreciation, honouring the fans, and were faced with row upon row of empty red seats.

The supporters have stuck with their team admirably this season, but over the last few weeks patience that was wearing thin has been worn through.

The performance against Portsmouth was abject, lacking enthusiasm, energy, desire and resolve from more than a handful of players in red and white.

After the game manager Mark Robins said players would be "cut loose."

Damningly, he added that Stoke "need to move people on who are mercenary, don't want to train and don't want to work hard."

Robins reiterated again that the club has a lot of work to do and fans are again staring down a summer during which one failed project will be torn down and another one put in place, all in the space of three or four months.

He has repeatedly said that greater physicality will be a priority and promised significant change and a focus on players with the right mindset to compete.

Everyone associated to Stoke will hope it's ninth time lucky for a club stuck in Championship purgatory.

• Latest Stoke City news, analysis and fan views
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According to a report in local news source Ruhr Nachrichten, David Blacha is expected to follow Nils-Ole Book to Borussia Dortmund in summer.

Out of respect for his ex-club SV Elversberg, Book did not bring his confidant David Blacha with him to BVB back in March. 

Now, however, the report states that Blacha is likely to follow suit and team up with his old colleague once again, but now at Dortmund.

Interestingly, rumours surrounding Blancha joining the Westphalians were picked up by Kicker.de in early April. 

Book and Blacha worked closely and successfully together at the Saarland club, almost achieving promotion to the Bundesliga.

What specific position the 35-year-old could potentially take on in Dortmund is still undecided at this moment in time.

Blacha progressed from a scout role to being appointed as head of football at Elversberg, who are fourth in the 2.Bundesliga table. 

HOUSTON -- The Los Angeles Lakers were bracing for a sweep Sunday night in Houston.

After an emotional Game 3 overtime victory that defied the laws of win probability, the Lakers needed 48 more minutes to eliminate the Houston Rockets and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023.

The mission was not accomplished in a 115-96 Game 4 defeat, but the Lakers finally unlocked the version of Deandre Ayton they awaited all series. With the offense struggling to the tune of 24 turnovers and a 5-of-22 showing from three, Ayton kept his team afloat through two-and-a-half quarters with one of his best showings donning purple and gold.

The former No. 1 overall pick combined for a mere eight points in his prior two outings. But on Sunday night, he contributed a team-high 19 points — six more than the next closest Laker — on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, regularly getting favorable position in the post to drain high-percentage hook shots.

“It’s been tough for DA,” Lakers point guard Marcus Smart said. “We’ve been hard on him. He’s been hard on himself. [The media] has been hard on him. It’s all good though. He’s been taking it and embracing it and trying to get better and better. Today he showed that. He came out, we relied on him a bit more, he made plays for us.”

However, Ayton’s stellar night came to an abrupt halt with 5:41 remaining in the third quarter when his left elbow collided with the face of Rockets center Alperen Sengun. After a lengthy review, Ayton was assessed a flagrant 2 — warranting an ejection from the contest.

“I was really just trying to brace the contact with Sengun,” Ayton said. “We’re both sweaty guys. I just slipped off his shoulder, and literally, my elbow hit him right above his shoulder. It looked crazy on camera, but I’m not a guy who is a dirty player or plays like that. If anything with me trying to play dirty, I’d be hurting myself. I just hope he’s alright and he doesn’t think it was intentional.”

Ayton’s teammates vehemently disagreed with the decision to eject their starting center, believing the contact was incidental and did not meet the criteria for a flagrant 2.

“We all understood it was some BS,” Smart said. “That’s what we felt. He was just trying to brace himself. Two guys who were sweating their butts off playing the game, his arm slips up. But we’re proud of the way he handled it, and I think that just speaks volumes about who he is and his progression. He’s learning. He could have easily — and it probably would have been justified — if he went off. But he kept his composure and stayed positive. That’s only going to help him and this team.”

Combining regular season and playoffs, Game 4 was Ayton’s 519th game of his NBA career. It also marked his first career ejection. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was also surprised by the officials’ decision to remove Ayton from the game, implying the grounds for an ejection have become too strict in recent years.

“It looked intentional, but I was surprised it was a flagrant 2,” Udoka said. “That’s the NBA nowadays. They call it a little softer than they used to.”

Ayton’s teammates complimented his poise through the frustrating moment in the Lakers’ 19-point road defeat. But the center looks to channel that frustration into positive energy, as Los Angeles retakes the hardwood Wednesday night at home for a potential closeout Game 5. 

“We’re pretty angry,” Ayton said. “I’m pretty angry. Honestly I wish we could play tomorrow. I have a lot of energy now. We’re gonna go back, watch the film, and turn up our level of intensity a little bit higher as well. And we’ll have our fans out there cheering for us.”

HOUSTON — In order to achieve something that had never been done before — clawing back from a 3-0 playoff deficit — Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had to attempt the impossible by calling on a few lineups that hadn’t played more than a few seconds prior to Game 4. 

Udoka had raved about the prospect of playing small for weeks leading up to the playoffs — and teased the idea every now and then — his passion about the strategy was Houston’s worst-kept secret. The potential for speed, switching, versatility and chaos as an in-game changeup outweighed the ability to predict the future. 

The Rockets’ desperation naturally played a part in Sunday night’s brawl; the sheer pride, ego and confidence displayed for months wouldn’t so easily go into the night without some resistance. But in a first-round series that has been decided by timely chess moves and adjustments, Udoka’s latest trick delayed a dance with disaster, reinvigorating a group not ready to call it quits on its season. 

“The switching was good for us,” Udoka said following Houston’s 115-96 win. “We like small [ball] and the fact that some guys are out — obviously Kevin [Durant] — we can activate Dorian [Finney-Smith] and certain guys, so there will be lineups that we haven’t seen as much of. Everyone that came in contributed, defensive intensity was on point, focus was good and that’s the result you get, holding them under 100.”

Houston’s small ball, with at least four defenders on the floor at all times who can switch any matchup, slowed the game down for a Lakers team that had found success hunting and exploiting matchups in this series. Game 4 was always going to be a mud-wrestling bout — this matchup was already operating at the league’s second-lowest pace — but the uglier the game got, the slower it became and the longer it wore on, fortune favoring the fierce. The Lakers scored just 84.7 points per 100 half-court plays, which ranks in the 16th percentile of all playoff games to date, were woeful from deep (5-of-22) and turned the ball over 25.6% percent of offensive possessions, the worst in the postseason. 

The thinking is simple: small ball breeds switching, and switching breeds stagnation. During the regular season, the Lakers scored just 0.97 points per chance against opponent switches, according to Synergy tracking data — a workable number and worthy gamble for a Rockets team desperate to leave the casino with something. Houston isn’t a heavy switching group by nature, a byproduct of playing Alperen Şengün and Reed Sheppard, which comes with hesitancy. 

Still, the Rockets had been able to find success when they did switch, allowing .946 points per chance, just outside the top 10. That math works against a player even as great as LeBron James, who is shooting around 36% from 3 on five attempts per game. Houston begins the possession below with Finney-Smith on James, who motions for Deandre Ayton to screen to get Jabari Smith Jr., a perceived mismatch. Notice how quickly Houston aligns itself to switch and extend, ensuring James’ potential driving lane is being monitored and he only has the option to launch a deep triple. 

Pertaining to James, the most important player atop the scouting report, small ball played a pivotal role in keeping him off balance, rushing his play and causing mistakes. LeBron struggled tremendously in Game 4, finishing the night with 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting along with a game-high 8 turnovers — his second straight game with that many cough-ups. Smith, who anchored Houston’s small lineups as a multi-faceted stretch center, instructed his teammates on assignments coming up the floor. In the blink of an eye, Smith was able to align his feet with James’ dribble, angle his body toward the ever-eager Tari Eason, who is there to simply blow up the action. Udoka praised Eason’s ability to go rouge defensively, citing his uncanny instincts and timing. 

“It’s tough,” Smith said. “It’s not easy. We try to help each other. We all hang our hat on the defensive end. Me, Tari and Amen [Thompson] try to set the tone to start the game. Try to anchor the defense, be in the right spot, be vocal and focus on the mental side of it, too. We gotta get better at the mental side of it, knowing who to close out on, who to rotate off of, and knowing where to be. And I think we did that tonight.”

Where the Lakers might continue to find difficulty, even as they return home for a closeout Game 5, is exactly how the Rockets set up when they indeed go small. (LIneups that didn’t feature a center in Game 4 were plus-16 in 19 possessions). The lack of a traditional center puts more emphasis on perimeter accountability, pushing Houston’s defensive shell further out. Think of the shell as the total surface area connecting each individual player’s feet on the ground. The closer they are together, the more compact the shell and vice-versa. 

Being further out and closer to the opposition allows for more aggression, particularly in the passing lanes, where the Rockets rank No. 1 among playoff teams with 91 deflections. Houston also tied a franchise-record in steals in Game 4 with 17, with Smith and Eason combining for 8. Smith’s presence, experience as a small ball center and physicality continue to be extremely useful tools for Udoka as the Rockets extend the series. 

“We’ve played them four times now, so you kind of know the tendencies of guys,” Smith said. “You know some sets they run. I’m just trying to use my voice as much as I can to help people be in spots, fly around and help. Try to stop what they’re doing.”

FC St. Pauli suffered a major setback in their bid to avoid relegation at the weekend, falling 2-0 to bottom-placed 1. FC Heidenheim.

With just three games left to play, the Kiezkicker sit in the relegation play-off spot in 16th, five points behind 15th-placed local rivals Hamburger SV and just one point above 17th-placed Wolfsburg.

Speaking after the match, St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine admitted the frustration of the defeat, but called for focus on the final stretch of the season, maintaining belief that the team can still secure survival.

“It’s tough because we had a huge chance. If you don’t reach your peak performance in this league, you’ll get rolled over. We were too passive and didn’t put the tackles in, and when you make the wrong decisions on top of that, you lose the game. It’s as simple as that," Irvine said.

"We have to focus on the last three games and the nine points that are up for grabs. The task now is to pull together and regroup. We all have to look at ourselves and what we can control as a group. We know we can do it – we’ve put in some good performances, especially at home, even if the results haven’t always gone our way.”

St. Pauli face Mainz, RB Leipzig and Wolfsburg, respectively, in their last three league games of the season.

Jersey Bulls Women completed a perfect season as they thrashed Milford and Witley 12-3 to win their league title.

The islanders - in their first-ever season in English league football - won every game they played in South East Counties Women's Football League Surrey Division One.

The Bulls scored 144 goals across their 18-game campaign - including an incredible 30-0 win against Guildford Saints in January that was later removed from their records after their opponents pulled out of the league.

Their final win of the season ensured Bulls finished top of the promotion group of their division with the club hoping they can be promoted by more than one level next season.

"The idea of the Jersey Bulls Women was set up for the better players on the island to get opportunities to go off, but it was also for them to then become role models, which they've taken on and for younger players to look up to them," manager Chad Morris told BBC Radio Jersey.

"All the credit's got to go the players. They could have switched off today and I'd have moaned at them, but really you couldn't moan at them because they'd done the job; it's been a hard season.

"We sat here in June and wanted dedication and for them all to buy into it, but that's easy to do in June when it's sunny and you're sitting here in your shorts.

"It's a different matter at 04:30 in January when you're travelling away and it's freezing cold, so I've got nothing but praise for them, they're a great bunch of players and the effort and the dedication they put in is just unreal."

• A 30-0 win & nearly 100 goals in 11 games - meet the bulldozing Bulls
• Jersey Bulls Women hoping to earn extra promotion

Top scorer Anita Tavares gave Bulls an eighth-minute lead before Milford pulled a goal back a minute later.

Roisin Flynn scored the first of five goals soon after before Sam Silva Pinto made it 3-1 after 15 minutes.

Flynn got her second before the visitors scored again to make it 4-2 at half time.

The hosts ran riot in the second half as they scored five goals in the first 20 minutes to take it to 9-2 - Holly Sundby scoring a hat-trick and Flynn and Tavares each getting another.

Flynn hit two more while Leah Morris also got on the scoresheet in between a third Milford goal.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Tavares, who took her tally to 41 goals for the season.

"It was such a nice feeling to win it with these girls. We've obviously played the whole season and won every single game, gone unbeaten, so it's just an amazing feeling to be crowned champions."

Tavares will be leaving the side to head off to university, as will Morris, meaning there will be some changes for the 2026-27 campaign.

"There'll be players coming back from uni plus academy players coming in, so that's like the evolution of a football team and this happens," manager Morris explained.

"We might have to tweak a bit how we play and we're going up a league so we need to have a look at them.

"It keeps changing year after year with younger players coming in, players coming back from uni, some players leaving, so it's a case of a season by season but the strength to your team is to build a way of playing around that."

Related internet links

• Jersey Bulls

Although the spotlight in the press is on a historic event, in football Barça and their possible La Liga title this weekend are already making headlines.

The week begins with several fronts open: on one side Real Madrid against La Liga, on another Atleti gearing up for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, and on another, a Barça side doing the math to become La Liga champions.

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

At some point, patterns stop being coincidental and start becoming reality. 

For Real Madrid, another trophyless season is forcing a difficult but necessary question: Is the problem really the managers, or something much deeper?

In less than 12 months, the club has already cycled through three managers, and now even Alvaro Arbeloa finds his future hanging in the balance. 

If he departs, which is a certainty, he will become the third managerial casualty in a single year, meaning by the summer, the team will have its fourth manager in nearly a year.

This is a statistic that points towards instability at a structural level rather than isolated failures. 

Mbappe’s arrival and further destruction

When different managers fail under similar circumstances, attention inevitably shifts towards the players.

In that context, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe appears to have been a turning point, but not necessarily in the way many expected. 

On paper, signing one of the world’s best players should elevate a squad. Instead, it seems to have disrupted an already delicate balance.

Before Mbappe’s arrival, the hierarchy within the squad was at its peak. 

Players like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham were naturally emerging as leaders, driving the team forward through strong performance. 

But the introduction of a global superstar altered that dynamic, creating a shift not just in roles, but in perception and status.

The issue is not competition, as top teams like Real Madrid thrive on it. Rather, the problem is when status outweighs structure.

Three managers have failed

Ancelotti’s end to his Real Madrid tenure was tough. (Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images)

Managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and now Arbeloa have all faced similar challenges. 

Each has made tactical errors, yes, but the recurring theme has been their struggle to fully control a dressing room filled with strong personalities and established egos.

Ancelotti, in his final stretch, appeared to prioritise stability over confrontation. 

Known for his calm authority, he chose to go through the situation carefully rather than risk open conflict, even as signs of disconnect between the squad and coaching staff became increasingly visible on the pitch.

Alonso’s tenure, meanwhile, happened more publicly. His tensions with Vinicius complicated his authority within the group, and ultimately, the club’s decision to back the player over the manager sent a powerful message.

That message may have long-term consequences, as it more or less conveyed the idea that player influence had reached a level where it could directly influence managerial futures.

Then there is Arbeloa

Now, with Arbeloa, the situation appears slightly different, but not necessarily resolved. 

While he has managed to bring a degree of calm to parts of the squad, cracks are still evident. 

Reports of friction involving players like Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos show that tensions have not disappeared. Instead, they have simply shifted.

Interestingly, a section of the dressing room is said to support Arbeloa’s continuity. 

But that backing shows uncertainty about what comes next and whether a new manager would challenge the existing power dynamics more aggressively.

This is where the real issue lies.

Real Madrid are not lacking talent, nor are they short of tactical ideas. What they are struggling with is control – the ability to establish a clear hierarchy where the manager’s authority is unquestioned.

Until that balance is restored, changing coaches will continue to be a temporary solution to a deeper problem.

Gian Piero Gasperini has clear ideas on how to strengthen his Roma team.

Raising the quality level ahead of next season is the Grugliasco-born coach’s main goal. He already spoke at a press conference: “I’m a professional who takes care of the technical side. The club has always shown faith in me. The club is powerful and can achieve great things, and I hope to contribute. I have some ideas on how to raise the level and strength of this team. But if I have technical responsibilities, it’s right to have credibility and that I get my wish.”

The Giallorossi coach wants attackers, the ones he’s been looking for since arriving in Rome. Soulé and Malen aren’t enough.

The Giallorossi will also need to strengthen on the flanks, with Wesley currently the only certainty.

Roma is seeking reinforcements on the flanks for next season.

Gasperini will lose Tsimikas and likely Celik, whose contracts expire.

The only key player forced to move to the left is Wesley, who is found everywhere on the pitch.

As Il Messaggero reports, the Roma coach is considering another Brazilian winger to raise the bar on the flanks.

Gasperini, in fact, is interested in Fiorentina’s Dodô. The 1998-born player has played 32 Serie A games this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. His contract expires in 2027 and could be a credible option on the right flank.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have one of the most unusual rivalries that goes far beyond the regular disdain between clubs from the same region.

This has gone on for the better part of the last 131 years and shows no signs of letting up, even as both clubs now fight to preserve their top-flight status.

Tottenham and West Ham have been sucked into a relegation battle that’ll likely end with one of these two iconic London clubs dropping into the Championship.

The North Londoners have brought in Roberto De Zerbi to lead their survival, although whether he can pull that off depends on how he approaches Tottenham’s fixtures in May.

West Ham also have a tricky run of games coming up, and Nottingham Forest’s 5-0 victory over Sunderland makes it more likely that one of the two London clubs will be relegated.

In light of both clubs trying to keep their head above water, we have decided to take a look at the history of the rivalry between the London duo.

A rivalry born in the streets of London

The rivalry between Tottenham and West Ham may not be the Premier League’s loudest feud, but it has lasted for more than a century and continues to find new life in unexpected moments.

The bad blood between the two clubs dates back to 1898 when West Ham, then known as Thames Ironworks, travelled across London to face Tottenham in a local league fixture.

At the time, neither club could have imagined how often their paths would cross, but they kept bumping into each other in the Southern League, the Western League, and the London League.

They then found themselves in the Football League and locked horns there for the first time in 1920.

Since then, Tottenham and West Ham have squared off a remarkable 227 times over the past 128 years, and there’s a high chance that their paths will diverge at the end of this season.

How Lasagna sparked an intense rivalry between both clubs

There wasn’t much of a rivalry between Tottenham and West Ham in the early days. But all of that changed in May 2006 when things became more intense.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jermain Jenas explained how the North Londoners arrived at West Ham’s then home ground, Upton Park, with everything to play for on the final day of the season.

Led by Martin Jol, Tottenham needed all three points to finish fourth above Arsenal and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

They ultimately fell short as West Ham claimed a 2-1 victory, but what happened in the build-up to the game quickly became a major headline.

Most of the Tottenham players suddenly fell ill the night before the memorable clash, struck by food poisoning from a lasagna served at their hotel.

That incident was later referred to as “Lasagna-gate”, and Jenas believes it was the moment when Tottenham’s rivalry with West Ham truly began.

The Olympic Stadium dispute

Six years after the events of “Lasagna-gate”, Tottenham and West Ham were once again in the headlines during the famous Olympic Stadium dispute.

After the 2012 Summer Olympics, the future of the main stadium in Stratford became a major talking point as both clubs wanted to make it their new home.

With neither willing to compromise, what followed was one of the most memorable turf wars in the history of the English top flight.

Tottenham offered to redevelop the stadium and wanted the athletic tracks removed. West Ham preferred to keep the stadium the way it was, but make it suitable for football.

The Hammers wanted to reduce the capacity from 80,000 to 60,000 and were even willing to keep the running track. But Tottenham argued that it would leave fans too far away from the action.

Instead, they wanted to tear down the stadium and rebuild it as a football venue. They also proposed refurbishing the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace to compensate for removing the athletics track.

The Olympic Park Legacy Committee ultimately chose West Ham as its preferred club to move in after the Olympics, but the deal fell through due to a legal dispute with Spurs.

They ultimately decided that the stadium should remain in public ownership. West Ham now call London Stadium home, although they could be plying their trade in the Championship next season.

The Hammers are facing a fight to avoid relegation in their final four Premier League fixtures. They cannot afford to drop any more points in the home stretch.

At this stage of the season, titles are usually decided by fine margins. 

For Barcelona, however, the difference has come from something far more controlled, which is their defensive discipline.

Simply put, back-to-back clean sheets in La Liga, something they had not managed since January, show just how much control they now have over games.

And at the heart of that transformation stands Joan Garcia.

The goalkeeper is putting together a run that is not just impressive but genuinely decisive in the context of the title race. 

A look at the numbers

Across the league, he has now gone 14 matches without conceding, while his overall tally extends to 17 clean sheets when cup competitions are included. 

That level of consistency explains why Barcelona bet big on the former Espanyol stopper.

From an analytical standpoint, conceding only 19 goals in 27 La Liga appearances, Garcia currently holds the lowest goals-against average in the division at 0.70. 

Joan Garcia could win the Zamora trophy this season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Yet, despite those standout metrics, there is a technicality delaying his rise to the top of the Zamora Trophy standings. 

The rules require goalkeepers to complete at least 28 matches, each with a minimum of 60 minutes played, before they can officially lead the rankings.

That requirement now puts all eyes on the upcoming fixture against Osasuna, as one more appearance would be enough for Garcia to qualify and unless Barcelona suffer a heavy defeat, he is expected to move straight into first place.

Meanwhile, the current benchmark is set by Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid, who has conceded 24 goals in 28 matches, maintaining a goals-against average of 0.86 despite dealing with injury setbacks.

Further down the list, David Soria and Luiz Junior remain in contention, but neither currently matches the efficiency Garcia has shown.

If the current trend continues, the story could shift quickly as Courtois is not expected to play until the final few games of the season. 

This is why Barcelona may soon celebrate not just a team triumph, but also an individual recognition.

The intercontinental derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce once again delivered everything it had promised. A tremendous atmosphere, hard-fought challenges, and numerous mass confrontations shaped the game.

Unsurprisingly, referee Yasin Kol was also at the center of attention. After 14 minutes, the official awarded Fener a penalty. Shortly afterward, however, Gala did not receive a spot-kick in a tricky situation.

That sent the reigning Turkish champions into a fury and prompted the social media team to post the following: “Despite this referee, we are still leading 1-0. We see through you, your plans, and the evil within you. This cannot go on. We are here and we will not stay silent! In the end, good will triumph again!”

This unmistakable message was clearly aimed at the Turkish federation, with which the club has been at odds for quite some time. The background is frustration over refereeing performances, match scheduling, VAR decisions, and the federation’s general leadership.

Despite all the uproar, Gala ultimately won the derby convincingly 3-0. That leaves Leroy Sané’s side all but certain to retain the title – despite an allegedly large-scale conspiracy on the part of the league and the federation.

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

It’s fair to say we’re all reaching the end of our tether: with this season, this manager and the ineptitude of this team to play any kind of attacking, entertaining football.

The worst bit is that we saw nothing new against Rotherham United. This is now our modus operandi. Bland, boring, aimless football is our default. At this point I think we’re all just a bit numb to it.

Somehow, some of the fans managed to muster enough emotion to react to another depressing afternoon watching Reading Football Club. 

Leam Richardson

Rob Couhig came out again and doubled down on his backing of Richardson on the TTE podcast in the run-up to Saturday’s game, but it’s going to take something truly, truly special for him to win back the fans now.

I agree wholeheartedly with Couhig that stability is key, absolutely it is. But stability with the wrong man isn’t, and everything we’re seeing on the pitch right now suggests that Richardson is not the right man. 

And as for Richardson’s post-match interview, calling this “another positive result” and saying Daniel Kyerewaa’s equaliser was “as good a goal you’ll see”… yeah, it just leaves me a bit speechless to be honest.

No trust in the youth

An undercurrent throughout Richardson’s time at Reading has been his lack of trust in the academy. 

Up until Saturday we’d had bigger fish to fry than the lack of experience being given to youth-team players. However, against Rotherham – in a complete dead rubber and a game in which Richardson himself said he’d be prioritising looking to the future – to sub on Emmanuel Osho and Sean Patton with only minutes to go was really, really naff.

In the grand scheme of things, it perhaps wasn’t that big of a deal, but for many it’s just more confirmation that Richardson isn’t the man for this club…

Conclusion

Barring a sudden u-turn from Couhig, Richardson is going to be in charge come August. A good transfer window and strong pre-season will give us all a bit of a boost, sure, but it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than that for the fans to get behind Richardson. 

Richardson likes to mention in his post-match interviews that this team is still learning and needs to learn together. I get that. But that’s something I’d expect to hear from someone who’s just got into the job – Richardson has been here since October. 

He’s got out of this league before, but if this is the way he wants to try and replicate that here, it’s just not going to work. 

Here’s to it being one game closer to the end of the season.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates after scoring his eighth goal of the season against West Ham on Saturday

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall clearly shares the frustration of many fans who watched Everton give another two awful goals at the weekend, either side of his eighth goal for the club this season. 

“It’s very tough, it’s very frustrating. I didn’t think we were probably good enough anyway on the day, but it was a nervy atmosphere from the start, and we didn’t capitalise on that.

“The two goals are awful to concede, so there’s no excuse and accountability needs to be taken. We’re men, we need to do that.

"We’ve put ourselves in a position to at least get a point from the game, to be the team to go on and take the three points. But a lapse of judgement two minutes later has killed us, and that’s not enough if you want to do something this year.”

“I’m very surprised. It’s not been us this year, pretty much. For large parts of the season, we’ve been really resolute and defensively strong. For one reason or another, the last two games, the four goals we’ve conceded have just been so bad.

“Teams aren’t having to do an awful lot to score. The set-piece ones especially, they’re so big in the game these days, it’s giving teams an edge on us going into the games.

“We’ve worked on it, but we’ve obviously not worked on it enough because teams are looking at us like we’ve got a weak link on set-pieces at the moment. It’s something we need to look at next week and work harder on because they’re killing us at the moment.

“Of course it’s been mentioned in the dressing room. Everyone should know that, everyone needs to take accountability and everyone has got a job. If they score from a set-piece then somebody is not doing their job. That’s as a collective.

“Even if it’s not you, you need to get everyone together and make sure they’re doing their job. At the moment, we’re not doing that and we need to change it quick.

“Like I said, they’re so important in the game these days and two set-pieces in the last two games have cost us points.”

//

Liverpool’s admiration for Yan Diomande is no secret.

The 19-year-old has announced himself as one of world football’s most exciting prospects this season, and many view him as the perfect addition to Arne Slot’s squad.

The news that Mohamed Salah will be departing Anfield at the end of the season has only amplified talk of Diomande making a Merseyside move.

Liverpool aren’t the only side chasing a deal for the Ivorian forward though, and a €100 million (~£87m) valuation could complicate things.

A deal to bring Diomande to Anfield won’t be simple, but Slot’s side have a secret weapon that could give them the upper hand.

Liverpool’s advantage in the race for Diomande

The Reds are clearly big admirers of Diomande, but that feeling is reciprocated. The Ivorian has made it clear that he can see himself playing at Anfield one day.

A shared appreciation isn’t the only thing working in Liverpool’s favour though, as the club’s previous dealings with RB Leipzig could prove key.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider that states that the relationship developed when negotiating deals for both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate could be key for Liverpool in negotiations for Diomande.

The Reds’ iconic former manager, Jurgen Klopp, is also Red Bull’s global head of soccer which can only be a positive for Richard Hughes and Co.

The report claims that agreeing personal terms will likely be no problem if a club-to-club agreement can be reached, and Liverpool could find themselves ahead of other clubs already due to their good working relationship with the RB Leipzig.

Diomande already boasts an impressive 22 goal involvements in 33 matches for the German outfit and will look to impress further when he heads to the World Cup with the Ivory Coast in June.

Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return for the San Antonio Spurs to help them to the brink of a series victory in the NBA play-offs.

The France international missed game three against the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering concussion in the previous match on Tuesday.

But he was cleared to play on Sunday and scored 27 points as the Spurs won 114-93 in Portland to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The NBA's defensive player of the year added 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals on returning and later admitted to being "very disappointed" with aspects of the NBA's concussion protocol.

"I won't get into the details," he said. "Ask me again at the end of the season."

The 22-year-old added: "I had lots of emotions before the game - excitement, frustration. I let it all out tonight."

The concussion protocol requires 48 hours of rest followed by a gradual return to physical activity and daily neurological tests.

A player must then be cleared by his team and the NBA's concussion programme director in order to resume playing.

De'Aaron Fox scored a game-high 28 points for the Spurs, who are second seeds in the Western Conference and can clinch the series back in San Antonio on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers can do the same as they return home on Tuesday, with the Houston Rockets having won 115-96 to prevent the Lakers sweeping the series.

Kevin Durant (ankle) missed his third game of the series for Houston but all five of their starters reached double figures, with Amen Thompson scoring a game-high 23 points.

Joel Embiid made his first appearance of the series for Philadelphia but could not prevent the 76ers losing 128-96 at home to the Boston Celtics.

Boston's Payton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench - a career high for the play-offs - while Jayson Tatum claimed 30 points and 11 assists.

The Celtics, the Eastern Conference's second seed, now lead 3-1 and can clinch the series in Boston on Tuesday.

Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points as the Toronto Raptors held on for a 93-89 win at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Eastern Conference rivals are now level at 2-2, with game five taking place in Cleveland on Wednesday.

• James leads Lakers to brink of play-off series win

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid literally and figuratively loomed large over the Boston Celtics heading into the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. He was sidelined for the first two games of the series rather definitively, yet there was always a chance he could return following his recovery from an appendectomy in early April. That moment finally came on Sunday night, as Embiid went from "doubtful" on the injury report to "questionable" less than an hour later and then was cleared to play 30 minutes before tipoff at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

While Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla refused to explicitly say whether or not his squad was previously preparing for Embiid's arrival, their coordinated play in Game 4 suggests that they weren't exactly startled. Although the 2023 league MVP started off hot with 10 points in the first quarter on 60 percent shooting, he missed 10 of his next 16 shots and finished with a dismal plus-minus rating of minus-25. The Celtics went on to dominate, 128-96, and take a 3-1 series lead behind stellar performances from star Jayson Tatum and sixth man Payton Pritchard.

Joe Mazzulla said the Celtics’ defense was good but he understands that the Sixers also just missed some shots:

“Embiid missed some shots he’ll make.”

He also spoke on their defense vs. Embiid:

“You’re not going to be able to stop him. You just have to contain him.” pic.twitter.com/CMEDdFQEcW

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 27, 2026

"You're not going to be able to stop him," Mazzulla described of Embiid. "You just have to try to contain him."

At times, the Celtics took a laissez faire approach while guarding the Cameroon center. They'd let him square up for a long jumper or a 3-pointer because they were willing to live with the result. Those calculated risks paid off.

Embiid failed to connect on 5 of his 6 attempts from deep and shot under 50% on his tries outside of the paint but within the 3-point arc.

"You have to be able to just contain him and defend him as a team," Mazzulla said. "He's so effective to the point where you just got to know what you're willing to live with, what you're willing to take away. And you got to be ready to do that."

The Celtics gave Embiid a few different looks defensively. Everybody from big man Nikola Vucevic to the 6-foot-1 Pritchard guarded Embiid and did their best to spoil his first playoff game in almost 2 full years.

"I thought we were physical at the point of attack," Mazzulla stated. "And you have to be that against a team like this."

Of course, not everything worked against the 7-footer. Embiid quickly got Celtics starting center Neemias Queta into foul trouble and still finished with a team-high 9 free throw attempts. Mazzulla also pointed out that some shooting variance was involved, and the Celtics can't always bank on Embiid being rusty.

"I think Embiid missed some shots that he'll make," Mazzulla admitted.

In his first game since April 6, Embiid recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. On paper, that sounds like a successful night. However, it was probably the kind of outing the Celtics were willing to accept in exchange for Sixers star Tyrese Maxey having less of an offensive impact.

After averaging around 26 attempts per game through the first three contests of this first-round series, Maxey shot the ball just 14 times in 40 minutes on Sunday. He wanted to make room for a rusty Embiid, but the speedy point guard ironically slowed down the Sixers in the process.

"Regardless of who we're playing against, we have to have an understanding of they're a really good team," Mazzulla said humbly of Philly's changing personnel. "They can beat you on any given night."

The Celtics learned that in Game 2 when the seventh-seeded Sixers shocked them 111-97 at TD Garden. In response, the C's took Games 3 and 4 in Philly, with the most recent win coming via a 32-point blowout.

"You can't have an expectation of it's supposed to go a certain way," Mazzulla reiterated. "At the end of the day, we just have to play Celtics basketball and stick to the process of winning."

If there's one thing the Celtics can expect for Game 5 on Tuesday night, it's that the 76ers will be desperate to avoid elimination. The C's will prepare for such a play style and likely reuse their strategy of taking calculated risks with Embiid until he proves they can't afford to do that.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla on not stopping, but containing Joel Embiid

Portal season is well underway, and that means lots of player movement. We’ll do our best to keep up with it here. Lots of activity as the portal entry closed Tuesday night. Check below for updates.

By the way, there’s not really any place to put this right now, but at Louisiana State, former NC State coach Will Wade currently has an empty roster.

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT

• Donald Hand (Loyola Chicago)
• Akbar Waheed (St. Bonaventure)
• Luka Toews (Furman)
• Jason Asemota
• Jayden Hastings
• Fred Payne
• Boden Kapke
• Marko Radunovic
• Caleb Steger
• Kany Tchanda
• Nick Petronio

IN

• Money Williams (Montana)
• JB Frankel (Northeastern)
• Ernest Shelton (Merrimack)
• Luke Hunger (Georgetown)
• Brandon Benjamin (Fairfield)
• Colby Duggan (Charleston)

CAL

OUT

• Dai Dai Ames (Tennessee)
• Justin Pippen (Ohio State)
• Rytis Petraitis
• Semetri Carr

IN

• Jacob Wilkins (Georgia)
• Michael Cooper (Wright State)
• Nojus Indrusaitis (Pitt)
• JHeymanordan Ross (Georgia)

CLEMSON

OUT

• Jake Wahlin (BYU)
• Butta Johnson

IN

• Cole Certa (Notre Dame)
• Liutauras Lelevicius (TCU)
• Dylan Faulkner (Samford)

DUKE

OUT

• Nik Khamenia (UConn)
• Darren Harris (Indiana)

IN

• Drew Scharnowski (Belmont)
• John Blackwell (Wisconsin)

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

• Cam Miles (UNLV)
• Chauncey Wiggins
• Alier Maluk
• Shah Muhammad
• Martin Sommerville
• Maximo Garcia-Plata
• Xavier Osceola
• Thomas Bassong
• Lajae Jones

IN

• Shon Abaev (Cincinnati)
• Kameron Taylor (UNC Asheville)
• Anthony Robinson II (Missouri)
• Sebastian Rancik (Colorado)

GEORGIA TECH

OUT

• Mouhamed Sylla (West Virginia)
• Jaeden Mustaf (Indiana)
• Davi Remagen (UT Martin)
• Baye Ndongo (Pitt)
• Eric Chatfield
• Akai Fleming
• Peyton Marshall
• Brandon Stores
• Chas Kelley
• Dyllan Thompson

IN

• Tylis Johnson (Ole Miss)
• Victor Valdes (Troy)
• Colby Garland (San Jose State)
• Jackson Fields (West Virginia)
• Nasir Whitlock (Lehigh)

LOUISVILLE

OUT

• Vangelis Zougris (St. Mary’s)
• Sananda Fru (Marquette)
• Khani Rooths (Oklahoma)
• Spencer Legg
• Mouhamed Camara
• Kasean Pryor

IN

• Jackson Shelstad (Oregon)
• Flory Bidunga (Kansas)
• Karter Knox (Arkansas)
• Alvaro Folgueiras (Iowa)

MIAMI

OUT

• Tru Washington (Xavier)
• Treyvon Maddox (UNCW)
• Noam Dovrat 
• John Laboy
• Salih Altuntas
• Jordyn Kee
• Timo Malovec

IN

• Somto Cyril (Georgia)
• Acaden Lewis (Villanova)
• DeSean Goode (Robert Morris)

NORTH CAROLINA

OUT

• Luka Bogavac (Oklahoma State)
• Zayden High (South Florida)
• Jonathan Powell (Pitt)
• Derek Dixon (Arizona)
• Ivan Matlekovic
• Kyan Evans
• James Brown
• Seth Trimble

IN

• Neoklis Avdalas (Virginia Tech)
• Matt Able (NC State)
• Terrence Ferguson (Utah)
• Maxim Logue (FAU)

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

OUT

• Terrence Arceneaux (George Washington)
• Jerry Deng (Memphis)
• Cole Clouer (Alabama)
• Alyn Breed (UNC)
• Matt Able (UNC)
• Paul McNeil
• Musa Sagnia
• Colt Langdon
• Jayme Kontuniemi
• Tre Holloman
• Ven-Allen Lubin

IN

• Christian Hammond (Santa Clara)
• Preston Edmead (Hofstra)
• Kyle Evans (UC Irvine)

NOTRE DAME

OUT

• Cole Certa (Clemson)
• Markus Burton (Indiana)
• Jalen Haralson (Tennessee)
• Garrett Sundra (James Madison)
• Ryder Frost 
• Kebba Nije
• Sir Mohammed

IN

• Logan Duncomb (Winthrop)
• Ethan Roberts (Penn)
• Braeden Smith (Gonzaga)

PITT

OUT

• Nojus Indrusaitis (Cal)
• Roman Siulepa (Ole Miss)
• Brandin Cummings (Memphis)
• Kieran Mullen
• Papa Amadou Kante
• Omari Witherspoon
• Amdy Ndiaye

IN

• Colin Hawkins (Gardner Webb)
• Jonathan Powell (UNC)
• Jalil Bethea (Alabama)
• Naithan George (Syracuse)
• Dominique Diomande (BYU)
• Baye Ndongo (Georgia Tech)
• Armani Mighty (Mercer)
• A’lahn Sumler (Charleston Southern)

SMU

OUT

• Samet Yigitoglu (Indiana)
• Sam Walters
• BJ Davis-Ray
• Chance Puryear
• Mitchell Holmes

IN

• Rowan Brumbaugh (Tulane)

STANFORD

OUT

• Ryan Agarwal
• Oscar Giltay
• Jaylen Thompson
• Jeremy Dent-Smith

IN

SYRACUSE

OUT

• Naithan George (Pitt)
• Tyler Betsy (BYU)
• Donnie Freeman (St. John’s)
• Aaron Womack
• Tiefing Diawara
• Luke Fennell
• Ibrahim Souare

IN

• Gavin Doty (Siena)
• Tasman Goodrick (Siena)
• Garwey Dual (McNeese)
• Aiden Tobiason (Temple)
• Luke Wilson (App State)

VIRGINIA

OUT

IN

VIRGINIA TECH

OUT

• Jaden Schutt (Kansas State)
• Neoklis Avdalas (UNC)
• Antonio Dorn (Wake Forest)
• Izaiah Pasha
• Christian Gurdak
• Brett Freeman
• Jailen Bedford

IN

• Kuol Atak (Oklahoma)

WAKE FOREST

OUT

• Myles Colvin (Cincinnati)
• Dimitrije Kovacevic (Washington State)
• Omaha Biliew (Grand Canyon)
• Jaylen Cross (Coastal Carolina)
• Juke Harris
• Cooper Schwieger
• Marqus Marion
• Sebastian Akins

IN

• Antonio Dorn (Virginia Tech)
• Kevair Kennedy (Merrimack)
• Jamari McDowell (Kansas)
• Vincent Chaudhri (George Washington)

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Evan Ndicka was one of the best players on the pitch in Roma’s 2-0 win at Bologna on Saturday.

The Ivorian defender was perfect in reading the defense and blocking the attacks of Italiano’s attackers, who struggled to create any real threat.

The 1999-born defender, who arrived on a free transfer, has increased his market value with solid performances, providing an assist for the Giallorossi, who need to make capital gains by June 30th. There’s no shortage of interest from European clubs.

Evan Ndicka announced on Instagram that he will manage his future personally.

The Giallorossi defender has parted ways with the agency that handled his interests.

This news could impact his transfer market and, consequently, that of Roma, who could sacrifice him for capital gains.

The 1999-born defender was keen to inform everyone with a photo on his social media with the following caption: “I would like to inform you that, following the end of my collaboration with my former agent Michael Ncho and his company AMS Consulting, we are now continuing our professional activities separately. From now on, I will personally manage my professional career.”

Manchester United Under-21s chief Adam Lawrence says Shea Lacey's regular exposure to first-team training is developing his all-round game.

Lacey was excellent in the 3-2 win over Sunderland in the PL2 play-off last-16 tie at Leigh Sports Village.

The 19-year-old showed off his superb close control, balance and excellent passing skills before he cut in off the right wing and drilled a precise low shot into the bottom corner that effectively sealed a last-eight trip to Crystal Palace.

It was a surprise to see Lacey involved given he was on the first-team bench for their most recent games against Leeds and Chelsea, but Lawrence was glad to have him available.

"Shea is playing with a lot of maturity," he said. "You can see training with the first team and being around their programme consistently is definitely helping him in a lot of areas of his game.

"It was a really good performance. He got his goal and he looked like a real threat at the top end of the pitch."

Lacey had a long spell out of the game during the 2023-24 campaign with a thigh complaint, then missed a month more recently after suffering a calf strain.

Generally, he has been operating at a high level and United feel he has huge potential.

"Credit to all the staff who work behind the scenes managing him - all the sports science and medical staff, just in terms of where he's got himself to," said Lawrence.

"He's a young man and maturing all the time. Sometimes we forget he's going through those years of growth.

"But that maturity is something we've definitely seen an improvement with, on and off the pitch.

"Hopefully he will continue to build on that and take confidence from it."

The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and everyone wants to know what ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. thought of their favorite team's draft class. The Washington Commanders held six picks in the 2026 draft, beginning with No. 7 overall, where they selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

Washington was without picks in the second and fourth rounds as a result of last year's trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That proved to be an excellent move for the Commanders, who recently inked Tunsil to a new two-year extension, keeping him under contract for the next three seasons.

So, what did Kiper think of Washington's draft? He gave the Commanders a B.

Sonny Styles (fourth in my rankings) shows his former-safety self, using 4.46 speed and elite-level explosion to read the play and close in a flash. He doesn't miss tackles and chases down running backs before they can get to the edge. He's a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who is going to make this team better. It was a really good start to the draft.

Antonio Williams and Kaytron Allen will boost the offense. Williams catches a lot of passes and is productive after the catch (331 of his 604 yards last year came after securing the football). He missed a little time last season and wasn't as effective as he was in 2024 (11 touchdowns), but he will be a reliable outlet out of the slot for Daniels while also making an impact as a returner. Allen isn't Love, but he did score 15 touchdowns on the ground last season and broke 30 runs for at least 10 yards. The Commanders brought in Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to join Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the backfield, but Allen will see his share of touches.

Joshua Josephs fell a little bit in the pre-draft process (only four sacks last season), and the Athan Kaliakmanis pick was a little off the wall. He was QB19 on my board. If Washington wanted a backup quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier was still there.

It sounds like Kiper knocked the Commanders for using a seventh-round pick on Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis, instead of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier. Considering it was a seventh-round pick, not sure that's worth knocking Washington for. Clearly, the Commanders like Kaliakmanis, as they hosted him on an official top-30 visit before the draft.

Considering Washington had only six picks, it did an outstanding job of finding value, filling needs and finding at least four players who could help them in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: What did Mel Kiper Jr. think of Washington Commanders?

Just a day ago at the Madrid Open, Jeļena Ostapenko delivered an unintentionally comic spectacle as her racket slipped mid-serve, cartwheeled toward the net, and narrowly missed her partner Erin Routliffe. The moment blended chaos with laughter, a flash of unpredictability on clay. Then, almost eerily, Elmer Moller, opponent of Jannik Sinner, repeated the madness, producing a bizarre, attention-grabbing mishit.

During the second set, an unusual moment stole the spotlight. Moller’s racket slipped from his hand in the middle of a rally. Instinctively, he tried to return the ball with his fist. The crowd reacted instantly to the bizarre attempt. It was not just amusing, but revealing of his fighting spirit. That single moment captured his determination to stay in the contest.

Earlier in the set, Moller had taken a medical timeout. At 2-5, he received treatment on his abdominal area from the tournament physio. Despite that concern, he chose to continue competing. Even while dealing with discomfort, he showed resilience. He pushed through the physical strain and stayed engaged in the rallies. His effort kept the match competitive in patches.

Moller’s backhand remained his standout weapon. It was the shot that had helped him climb toward the world’s Top 100. In the second set, he found a better rhythm through that wing.

However, it was not enough to stop Sinner. The Italian maintained control and composure throughout. He closed out the match in straight sets without allowing momentum to shift.

Sinner may have faced an unfamiliar opponent, but his approach remained unchanged. He delivered a clean 6-2, 6-3 victory in the third round of the Madrid Open. The performance was efficient and clinical.

For Moller, the defeat still came with positives. It was at this same event last year that he made his ATP Tour debut, losing to João Fonseca. This time, he returned with greater confidence and results.

He secured two wins in qualifying and added two more in the main draw. That run set up his clash with the world No. 1. Facing a Top-10 player for the first time was a significant step in his journey.

Sinner, however, proved too strong. He wrapped up the match in one hour and 17 minutes inside Manolo Santana Stadium. The victory extended his Masters 1000 winning streak to 24 matches, the fourth longest since 1990.

Now holding a 26-2 record for the season, Sinner is closing in on history. He is just four wins away from becoming the first player to win five consecutive Masters 1000 titles, building on triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, and Monte-Carlo.

Next, the 24-year-old will face Cameron Norrie, who defeated Thiago Agustin Tirante 7-5, 7-6(5), for a place in the quarter-finals. The challenge will be different, but Sinner’s form remains dominant.

As for the racket-slipping moment, it may have been rare, but it added to the spectacle. Such incidents have caught fans’ attention before and continue to do so.

Alexander Shevchenko’s racket shatters mid-serve after slipping from his hand

At the Delray Beach Open 2025, Alexander Shevchenko found himself at the center of a bizarre moment. It came during a crucial match against Michael Mmoh. What followed was something rarely seen on a tennis court.

While serving, Shevchenko lost control of his racket. It slipped out of his hand in the middle of the motion. The situation escalated instantly upon impact. As the racket hit the court, it snapped cleanly in half. The handle separated from the head. The visual was dramatic and unexpected.

The incident quickly became the “image of the day.” It spread across the tennis world as a rare and shocking moment. Fans and analysts were left surprised.

Tennis rackets are usually built for durability. They are designed to last for years under intense use. Breakages typically occur only when players smash them in frustration.

In this case, however, the reason appeared different. Extreme humidity in Delray Beach, Florida, was considered a possible factor. The conditions may have weakened the equipment unexpectedly.

Despite the malfunction, play continued under the rules. Since his first serve had already been called out, Shevchenko was allowed to take his second serve. The point resumed without penalty.

Incidents involving rackets slipping from players’ hands are rare but not unheard of. At times, they have led to chaotic and even controversial outcomes. The unpredictability adds a strange edge to the sport.

One such case dates back to 2017. Tiago Cação defaulted during an ITF Futures event in Idanha-a-Nova. He was facing João Monteiro in a tense second-round match.

The match stood at 4-4 in the third set after more than two hours of play. Then, Cação’s racket slipped from his hand. It accidentally struck Monteiro, forcing an abrupt end.

Speaking afterward, Cação explained the moment. “My racket escaped from my hand and all of sudden it hit Monteiro’s foot,” he said. “I had already understood that I would have been banned, which I accept.”

Now, with Elmer Moller adding another twist by attempting a shot with his hand after a similar slip, these moments continue to stand out. They underline how even rare mishaps can shape matches in unexpected ways.

The post WATCH: Jannik Sinner’s Opponent Returns Shot in Unusual Way After Racket Slips Away appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jorge Martin says there is "no gap" between Aprilia and Ducati following the Spanish Grand Prix and he believes it is down to the riders to make the difference as the MotoGP season unfolds.

Aprilia was defeated for the first time this year at Jerez last Sunday, when Alex Marquez took victory for the Gresini Ducati squad. After the factory Aprilias, Marco Bezzecchi and Martin, came home second and fourth respectively, Martin said there was nothing to choose between the two Italian marques.

MotoGP Spanish GP: Alex Marquez ends Aprilia’s winning streak, Marc Marquez crashes

Asked in his media briefing if Ducati had closed the gap in Spain, he replied: "There is no gap. I think there is no sense to continue comparing Aprilia with Ducati.

"I know it's your job," he joked with the journalists in attendance. "You need to speak about something. But there's no gap. 

"The Aprilia and the Ducati are different. One is faster in one point, the other one is faster in another one.

"Today, a Ducati won, with an Aprilia second. I was in fourth, so a bit of a mix. I think it will be like this all season. Ducati versus Aprilia, or, I don't know, Marquez versus Martin versus Bezzecchi.

"So, it's more about the rider than the bike at the moment."

Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Martin's countryman Pedro Acosta, who struggled to 10th aboard the factory KTM, on a bad weekend he hopes will be an outlier, was more forthright about Ducati having made progress upon MotoGP's return to Europe.

Pedro Acosta explains Q1 relegation, hopes Jerez is worst race of 2026

"It's clear that Ducati woke up again," said the man from Murcia, who went on to offer an opinion on a key storyline in that battle among the top riders: Marc Marquez's struggles.

Once again, Marc failed to assume his usual position as leader of the Ducati brigade. Not only was he unable to match the pace of his brother Alex, he also crashed. Asked about the accident at the fast Criville right-hander, Acosta referenced the injury Marquez picked up in Indonesia last season, just after he wrapped up the world championship.

"It looks like since Indonesia, he's not riding as comfortably as he was last year," said Acosta, who is slated to join Marquez at the Ducati factory team next season. "[That's why] I imagine that he's not at his 100%, because it's quite strange to see Marc crashing in this type of corner."

Marquez reiterated after the Spanish GP that he was fully recovered and fit, but echoed Acosta's observation.

"For some reason, at the moment I'm not feeling [the way I did] last year," he said. "Last year, I was riding in an easy way, always in a good position on the bike. And this year, I'm not able to do it."

Photos from Spanish GP - Sunday

Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing

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Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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The World Championship trophy

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Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

Ducati Corse

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Yamaha

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

Ducati Corse

Giacomo Agostini

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Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing umbrella girl on the grid.

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Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Team

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Fans

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Alex Rins, Yamaha Factory Racing

Yamaha

Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

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Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Team

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Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

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Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Marc Marquez, Ducati Team, Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Yamaha

Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

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Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

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Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing Team

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Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Team, Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Márquez, Gresini Racing, Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing, Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing

Aprilia Racing

Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

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Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

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Transfer interest around Gonzalo Garcia is beginning to intensify, but Real Madrid have made one thing absolutely clear that they are not prepared to let their academy talent leave on the cheap.

Recent developments from AS suggest that Borussia Dortmund have now entered the race for the young forward, identifying him as a potential attacking reinforcement. 

In fact, the Bundesliga side are reportedly willing to invest around €30 million to secure his services.

However, Real Madrid’s position has quickly cooled any immediate optimism around a deal.

Real Madrid’s asking price

According to the outlet, the club have set a valuation of €60 million for the striker, showing how highly they rate Gonzalo and position him among the most valuable talents to emerge from their academy in recent years.

It is said that while Real Madrid are open to player sales when it suits the squad’s long-term structure, they are increasingly selective about the terms. 

In Gonzalo’s case, they are willing to negotiate, but only from a position of strength.

That message was made evident during a recent visit from an Italian club, whose representatives travelled to Valdebebas to explore the availability of several Madrid players and as per sources, among those discussed was Garcia.

Borussia Dortmund are interested in Gonzalo Garcia. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

When asked about his valuation during those talks, Madrid’s response was €60 million. 

The figure effectively sets the benchmark for any club hoping to enter serious negotiations and highlights the club’s refusal to undervalue its assets.

Real Madrid’s statement of intent

For Dortmund, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as the German side has built a reputation for developing young talent, and Garcia could fit that model perfectly. 

But unless they are prepared to significantly increase their offer, a deal looks difficult at this stage.

Ultimately, this is less about one transfer and more about a statement of intent. 

Real Madrid are making it clear that their academy products are no longer viewed as expendable assets.

Rather, they are investments, and any club hoping to acquire them will have to pay accordingly.

The Juventus Men's First Team secured a valuable point on the road by drawing 0-0 with AC Milan on Serie A Matchday 34.

Let’s take a look at the standout stats from the game.

STALEMATE | For the first time in the history of Serie A, both matches between Milan and Juventus in a single season have ended 0-0.

SHUTOUTS | Juventus kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven Serie A matches, as many as in the previous 21 games combined. Since March 7, the Bianconeri are the team that has recorded the most clean sheets (six) in the top five European leagues.

UNBEATEN | Juventus remain unbeaten in their last eight Serie A matches (5W, 3D) and, since early March, are the only team still unbeaten in the top flight.

FANCY FEET | Francisco Conceicao successfully completed five of the six dribbles he attempted during Milan vs Juventus. In addition, the Portuguese player was involved in 14 duels, winning 10 of them, more than anyone in the match.

INVOLVED | Manuel Locatelli was the player who touched the ball the most (94) and attempted (85) and successfully completed (78) the most passes in the match between Milan and Juventus.

Gallery | Serie A | Milan-Juventus

Bayern Munich’s new kit for the upcoming season has been fully leaked.

The good people at Footy Headlines have released a couple of new images of the home kit for the 2026/27 season. The kit features a classic red and white design, with dark red pinstripes running down the front and back of the shirt. Gold details adorn the sleeves and the collar.

Here is the full look:

@iMiaSanMia also captured some mockup images of the players in the kits themselves, Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala to be exact.

The kits will be released sometime next month, presumably the week before the team’s final Bundesliga match against FC Köln. As is tradition, the team will most likely wear the kit during the Meisterschale celebration, and in the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart. The kit might also be worn in the Champions League final, if Bayern defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals. However, since both potential final opponents Arsenal and Atlético Madrid wear red and white, it will depend on who gets named the “home” side.

There is also a possibility that the Frauen will debut it before the men, since their final home Bundesliga game (and potential Meisterschale celebration) is on the 9th of May, the week before the men face Köln.

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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While Julian Alvarez has dominated the headlines in recent weeks in lieu of speculations linking him to Barcelona, the club are aware that the operation will be tricky due to cost involved. 

In addition to signing a top striker, Barcelona are also looking for another attacker and that is where Marcus Rashford comes into the fray.

Although the Catalans are actively looking to sign Rashford permanently, their sticky financial situation means the club are also looking for cost-effective alternatives.

To that end, Jan Virgili emerging as one of the options. Formerly of La Masia, Virgili left the club to join Mallorca on a permanent deal last summer. Since then, he has mightily impressed with his dynamism and flair, notably racking up two goals and six assists.

Virgili an alternative, but not a priority

According to Diario SPORT, Jan Virgili is indeed one of the players on Barcelona’s radar following his impressive performances for Mallorca this season.

Virgili has impressed mightily at Mallorca. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

The young Spaniard has impressed this season with his productivity in the final third and is being considered as a strong alternative, especially if Barcelona fail to land a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford.

Although Virgili, too, has a release clause worth around €30 million, Barcelona can sign him for much cheaper as the club own 40% of the player’s transfer rights.

This effectively means that Barcelona can bring back the young Spaniard for a figure of around €13-17 million, making him a potential bargain.

Virgili, after all, is well aware of Barcelona’s style of play and has already flourished under that system. A return to Barcelona, this time in the first team, will be a natural progression for the young forward.

Biggest

Oof

Too much constant yapping

• Man City have identified Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez as summer transfer target
• Fernandez widely expected to leave Chelsea this summer amid UCL doubts
• Argentina midfielder will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge for the right price

Executives at Stamford Bridge are willing to discuss a possible departure for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez this summer, as per a new report.

Fernandez has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City for the summer as they plan for life beyond departing club captain Bernardo Silva, who will leave in June.

City director of football Hugo Viana will prioritise the acquisition of at least one world-class midfielder ahead of the 2026-27 season as the Portuguese official progresses his rebuild of the Blues’ first-team ranks.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been widely reported as Manchester City’s top target in midfield in recent months and there is confidence at the Etihad Stadium that a deal can be done for the 23-year-old England international around the FIFA World Cup.

Manchester City identify Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez as Elliot Anderson alternative

Report: Chelsea willing to Fernandez sale to Man City

City officials have added Fernandez to their list of targets for the summer transfer window as they monitor the market to bolster their ranks and build on their January signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.

As reported by Jacob Steinberg of Guardian Sport, Chelsea are willing to sanction a sale for Enzo Fernandez but will demand a lucrative sum for the former British transfer record signing.

Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez remains at an early stage amid uncertainty over the Chelsea vice-captain’s future at Stamford Bridge as the west London club grapple with the after-effects of sacking Liam Rosenior as head coach.

Fernandez has publicly flirted with the idea of leaving Chelsea in the last month, having opened the door to living in Madrid in an interview that saw his club sanction him for two games.

Are Man City expected to sign Fernandez?

City are frontrunners to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest and there is a growing belief in the English press than the Blues will close a deal for the midfielder at some point of the summer.

However, should Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stick to his reported £125 million asking price for Anderson, City will have no choice but to walk away from negotiations and pursue other targets.

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is also being monitored by Manchester City but Manchester United are currently believed to be leading the race to sign the Italy international, who is almost certain to leave St. James’ Park this summer.

Before City step up their interest in Fernandez, the Blues will hold direct talks with Nottingham Forest to understand whether a deal for Anderson can be done as they put plans in motion for what is expected to be a busy transfer window at the Etihad Stadium.

According to the Bosnian newspaper 'Meridian Sport', 1.FC Köln have submitted an inquiry to BSK Banja Luka for Matej Deket.

Deket is considered a very promising young strikers in his home country, with 13 goals in 13 games for the U-19 team this season.

Despite only being 16-years-old, he has also established himself with the first team, with six goal returns in 16 appearances.

The technically gifted youngster also possesses playmaker strong qualities and can operate as a second striker if needed.

However, Czechia club Slavia Prague has supposedly already gone a step further by submitting an official offer for Deket.

PSV Eindhoven have reportedly also made an enquiry, therefore Köln should up the ante somewhat if they want to secure the youngster.

Many signs point to Deket taking the next step in his career this summer, six months before his contract expires at Banja Luka. 

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Mark: Never looked like scoring. No obvious threat tactics. Busy trying not to lose and giving the opposition the initiative in the process.

Dan: A major rebuild is needed in the summer to have any chance of surviving, never mind coming straight back up. The only gameplan I can see is to keep it 0-0 until 70 minutes and then try to nick it at the end. We are already down, so why not just go for it and let the fans be entertained for a change?

Wol: Another poor performance. First half was terrible but I thought we were better after the break. No threat up front again. A lot of this squad will leave and I don't think Fosun will invest massively in the summer and we will see academy players coming through. I don't think that we will get automatic promotion but will possibly finish in the play-offs with the new format coming in next season. Cheaper season tickets is a bonus for us but was done in the hope it will help fill the ground.

Mel: It was a very poor performance from start to finish. The defence looks very weak and we didn't look like the home team. Midfield effort was there but clearly not good enough to compete at Premier League level. Going forward, why would we persist in pumping high balls to a player much smaller than Spurs’ defenders? Clearly, we have to rebuild the team from back to front, otherwise we are going to struggle in the Championship. Such a disappointing season and the supporters deserve so much more.

Tottenham fans

Dave: Kinsky's save was massive. He was my man of the match. Defence more solid. Midfield combative but still lacked creativity. Solanke and Simons big losses for the rest of our campaign. Overall, high marks for effort and application… there's no doubt we are getting better.

Bert: This hard-fought victory against the bottom side of the Premier League leaves a bitter taste. Nothing in our performance suggests we have any chance of avoiding relegation. Meanwhile, West Ham showed more drive and determination.

Ian: After 70 years of loyal support, nothing surprises me about Spurs. Champions or relegated, it seems it's all the same to some of these players. I think I'm too old to plough my way through another season like this.

Christopher: Finally, a win in the league and well deserved. Sure, it wasn't pretty and Wolves were poor - but the signs are encouraging under De Zerbi. A pattern of play and more forward passing rather than hopeful long balls. The fans were superb as usual before during and afterwards. COYS.

Another withdrawal for the World Cup!

After Hugo Ekitiké, Serge Gnabry and Rodrygo, another star has officially withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup!

Injured this Saturday on the Wolverhampton pitch with Tottenham, Xavi Simons will not play in the World Cup with the Netherlands.

The former Leipzig and PSG player announced the terrible news on his Instagram account during the night from Sunday to Monday!

"My season has come to an abrupt end. All I wanted was to fight for my team. My chance to do that has been taken away from me, just like the World Cup. It will take time to come to terms with this, but I will continue to be the best teammate I can be," the player said in his message.

Suffering from a knee injury, the Dutch playmaker had to be stretchered off on Saturday.

📸 DARREN STAPLES - AFP or licensors

As a reminder, the Netherlands are in World Cup Group F, alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

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

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, of Tottenham, announced on his social media that he is out of the World Cup due to an injury to his right knee.

The injury occurred last Saturday during the 1-0 win over Wolverhampton in the Premier League. The incident happened while contesting the ball, without any contact with the opposing defender.

Although Tottenham have not disclosed the clinical details, English media outlets report that there is suspicion of ligament damage. Even without the club’s official diagnosis, the 23-year-old player has already confirmed the end of his dream of playing in his second World Cup.

In 2022, in Qatar, he played only the final minutes of the Netherlands’ 3-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16.

In a post on Instagram, the player shared a lengthy message about the pain of having his season brought to an abrupt halt.

The Netherlands are in World Cup Group F, alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.

Below is the full statement released by the player:

They say life can be cruel, and today that’s exactly how I feel. My season has come to an abrupt end, and I’m just trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of this makes sense. All I wanted was to fight for my team, and now the chance to do that has been taken from me… along with the World Cup. Representing my country this summer… it’s simply over. It will take time for me to find peace with this, but I will continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that, together, we will win this fight. I will walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with conviction, as I count the days until I return to the pitch. Please be patient with me.

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

Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick’s win at the Zurich Classic means there’s a new gear free agent on the PGA Tour.

With the team victory, Alex earns a PGA Tour membership through the end of the 2028 PGA Tour season while Matt becomes 2026’s first three-time winner.

Like his brother, Alex is a gear-free agent (aside from Matt’s deal with Bettinardi for his putter) and his bag, while not quite as unique as his brother’s, has a few neat quirks to it, including his three TaylorMade Qi4D fairways (making for five TM fairways between the brothers) and his Vokey WedgeWorks A+-Grind lob wedge.

As is often a talking point at the Zurich, both Fitzpatricks play a version of the Titleist Pro V1x, so switching between the two models likely wasn’t a big issue for the team.

Keep reading below for more on Team Fitzpatrick’s complete WITB specs.

Alex Fitzpatrick’s winning clubs at the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Driver: Ping G440 LST 9.0˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6-X

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Fujikura Ventus Black Wood Shaft (Previous Gen)

  The Fujikura Ventus Black utilizes a Tour-inspired profile and the first to include Fujikura’s VeloCore Technology in an accelerated taper, ultra stiff tip profile. Maximum energy transfer from the tip section boosts the clubhead’s performance and a straight taper design enhances loading and feel. You can purchase the Fujikura Ventus Black in the following models: 6, 7, and 8. You can buy the Fujikura Ventus Black with the adaptor sleeve of choice built to your requires specifications. JOCKEY TIP: The Fujikura Ventus Black is ideal for the player looking for a low launch, low spin shaft that was designed to significantly tighten shot dispersion and maximize ball speed especially on off-center shots.

$350.00 from Fairway Jockey

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3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D 15˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7-X

7-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D 21˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9-X

9-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D 24˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9-X

TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Fairway Wood

PROVEN RECIPE TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility. The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance. ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight. 4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts. REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence. Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels. TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes. Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance. Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits. Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.

$379.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Irons: Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X

Titleist 2025 T100 Custom Irons

Unmatched precision meets unrivaled feel with T100 Irons. Fully forged with more aggressive grooves in the mid/short irons, T100 offers pure player’s feel with improved consistency in variable conditions. Now with higher long-iron launch for optimal trajectory control in every club. Forged Player’s Design   Masterfully forged into a pure player’s design that offers precision control and buttery feel. Superior Flight and Stability  Split High-Density Tungsten produces optimal CG with remarkable stability for precise shotmaking. Consistent Speed & Spin  New VFT technology and progressive groove design for consistent spin and speed across the face in variable conditions. Elevated Long-Iron Launch  Lower CG and a new muscle channel help improve peak height and carry. 

$215.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10(46-56), Vokey SM11 WedgeWorks (60)
Lofts/Grinds: 46.10F, 50.12F, 56.14F, WedgeWorks 60A+
Shafts: NS Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X (46-50), Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (56-60) 

Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks SM11 A+ Grind Custom Wedge

The A+ Grind is a mid-bounce wedge that originated from removing the grind lines from an M Grind — the same modification that turns an L Grind into an A. Because of this, the A+ moves faster through the turf than its related M Grind, but it features more bounce and a wider sole than the A. This helps the A+ Grind excel in firm to neutral conditions. “On tour over the years, we started seeing some loyal M Grind players who were finding that sole to be a little too bouncy for their liking,” said Dill. “Those players found the leading edge of the A+ sat a bit lower, and the wedge moved faster through the ground, unlocking a bit more versatility.” The 2013 Masters champion is one such player, regularly gaming a 58A+ on the PGA TOUR. 

$229.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Putter: Odyssey Ai-ONE No. 7 S

Odyssey Ai-DUAL #7 S Custom Putter

$349.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x

Titleist Pro V1x Golf Balls

Total Performance With Higher Flight And More Spin Pro V1x golf balls are the optimal premium performance choice for players looking for maximum distance, higher flight and more stopping power. Why Play Pro V1x? Pro V1x is recommended to players who are looking for high-trajectory flight, low long game spin with maximum short game spin, and firmer feel. Comparison to Pro V1 Due to its unique dimple pattern, Pro V1x has a higher flight than Pro V1. A high-gradient dual core produces slightly more iron and wedge spin than Pro V1.

$57.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Matt Fitzpatrick’s winning clubs at the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Driver: Titleist GT3 9.0˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Orange 65 TX
Surefit setting: A1

Titleist GT3 Custom Driver

GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping. For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control. Seamless Thermoform Crown A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence. Split Mass Construction A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact. Advanced Aerodynamics GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.

$649.00 $449.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, Titleist

Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei 1K Pro Orange Wood Shaft

NOW AVAILABLE — A material improvement. TENSEI™ 1K Pro Orange builds on the legacy of CK Pro Orange by incorporating 1K Carbon Fiber into the shaft’s construction. The result is Mitsubishi Chemical’s most premium counterbalanced offering ever, a shaft that features even lower torque and tighter dispersion than its renowned Carbon Kevlar predecessor. TENSEI loosely translates to “transformation” and the latest iteration of our 1K family represents yet another transformation. Built using the incredible 1K Carbon Fiber in the handle for a tighter weave and less imperfections and bolstered with additional tungsten handle side, MR70 tip side, and the new Xlink Tech™ Resin System, TENSEI 1K Pro Orange turns over every stone to create the finest Orange profile Mitsubishi has ever made.

$360.00 from Fairway Jockey

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3-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 15˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Orange 75 TX

5-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 18˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 80 TX

TaylorMade Qi35 Custom Fairway Wood

$349.99 $299.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Irons: Ping i210 (4), Ping S55 (5-9)
Shafts: PING CFS X
Length: 36.25″ 7-iron EOG
Lie Progression: 58.25/58.5/58.75/60/60/60.25
Loft Progression: 23.25/27/30/33.25/37/41.25

PING i240 Custom Irons

The Tour-inspired i240 advances our popular Players technology, providing added forgiveness along with the control, look and feel that will appeal to a wide range of skill levels. It’s PING’s highest-launching Players model, giving golfers more control and the ability to consistently hit their distance numbers and stop the ball close to the hole. A new ABS badge in the true cavity-back design is 8.5g lighter, and combined with an elastomer insert allows for more perimeter weighting to increase the MOI in the mid and long irons. This helps achieve an 11% reduction in dispersion. The badge and insert contribute to a more desirable sound and a softer, responsive feel from the 431 stainless steel cast head.

$200.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10
Lofts/Grinds: 46.10F, 52.12F, 56.08M, 60.08M @ 61.5
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S300

Titleist Vokey SM11 Tour Chrome Custom Wedge

$199.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Putter: Bettinardi DASS BB1 Flow prototype
Length: 34″
Loft: 2.5˚
Lie: 72˚
Face: C-Groove
Neck: Flow

Bettinardi 2026 BB1 Savannah Blue PVD Putter

$495.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Ball: 2019 Titleist Pro V1x

Titleist Pro V1x 2025 Standard Play Golf Balls

THE GREATEST COMBINATION OF SPEED, SPIN AND FEEL For players who prioritize total performance, with higher flight and higher spin. New faster high gradient core Speed amplifying high-flex casing layer Spherically-tiled 348 tetrahedral dimple design Soft cast urethane elastomer cover

$57.99 from PGA TOUR Superstore

Grips:Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Want to overhaul your bag for 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

The post Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick’s clubs: What’s in their 2026 Zurich Classic winning-bags appeared first on Golf.

John Stones to Barcelona, Smart Move or Sentimental Gamble?

There is a certain rhythm to modern transfers, a pattern shaped by finance, opportunity and timing. The latest development, reported by Fichajes, fits that rhythm neatly. John Stones, a player synonymous with Manchester City’s era of dominance, has “offered himself to FC Barcelona and is willing to take a pay cut to sign.”

That sentence alone captures the shifting dynamics of European football. Experience is now currency, and flexibility is often as valuable as talent.

Barcelona’s Calculated Risk

Barcelona are operating within tight financial parameters, a reality that continues to shape every decision. The appeal of a free transfer, particularly one involving a player of Stones’ pedigree, is obvious. The club’s recruitment strategy increasingly leans towards low risk, high intelligence deals.

“FC Barcelona is already working on its plans for next season and has received an unexpected offer from the Premier League.” That unexpected nature is key. Barcelona are not chasing Stones, rather, the opportunity has presented itself.

At 31, Stones represents experience, composure and tactical intelligence. His ability to step into midfield, something refined under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, aligns with the positional fluidity expected under Hansi Flick.

Career Arc Reaching Turning Point

There is a sense of inevitability about this moment. “After a decade at Manchester City, all signs point to John Stones ending his time at the English club.” That decade has been transformative. Stones arrived as a talented but inconsistent defender and leaves as one of Europe’s most tactically refined centre backs.

Photo IMAGO

Elite careers often pivot not on decline, but on reinvention. For Stones, this move would be less about escape and more about extension. A new league, a new tactical framework, and a different kind of pressure.

Financial Reality Meets Sporting Ambition

“John Stones prioritizes the FC Barcelona project.” That line speaks volumes. Players at this stage rarely accept reduced wages without a compelling vision. Barcelona, despite their financial constraints, still offer prestige, identity and a stage that few clubs can replicate.

The willingness “to make a significant financial sacrifice” is not just admirable, it is strategic. It signals a player intent on controlling his narrative rather than drifting towards the final years of his career.

Strategic Fit or Short Term Fix?

Barcelona’s internal debate is understandable. “Market opportunities like John Stones are rare.” Yet age, squad evolution and long term planning cannot be ignored.

This is not simply about adding depth. It is about whether Stones can elevate the collective, whether his intelligence can accelerate Flick’s ideas, and whether experience can bridge Barcelona’s transitional phase.

In a market increasingly driven by data and youth, this feels almost old fashioned. And yet, that may be precisely why it works.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City perspective, this development feels both logical and quietly significant. John Stones has been integral to one of the most dominant sides English football has seen, but there has been a gradual shift in his role and availability.

City fans will recognise that “the end of this chapter seems inevitable.” Injuries have disrupted rhythm, and the squad has evolved with younger, more physically robust options emerging. Letting Stones leave on a free may feel underwhelming on paper, yet it reflects the club’s ruthless efficiency.

There is also a sense of pride. Stones reinvented himself under Guardiola, becoming more than a defender. He became a hybrid, stepping into midfield, dictating tempo, shaping games. That evolution will be remembered.

From a supporter’s viewpoint, Barcelona gaining a player of that intelligence, even at 31, carries risk. La Liga demands technical excellence, but also consistency across a long season. If Stones adapts, he could become a leader within that dressing room.

For City, the question is less about what is lost and more about what comes next. Squad regeneration has been relentless, and this departure would simply be another step in that cycle.

PSG-Bayern, tick tock... 🔥

This Tuesday, April 28, the Parc des Princes opens its doors to Bayern Munich for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

PSG teased the clash on social media.

We seriously can’t wait!

Coventry City celebrate promotion 🏆

The club had been relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2017-18 season. 

Since then, they have reached the play-offs twice: in 2023 and 2025. Neither time was successful.

This time, they’ve done it! Coventry City are champions and will also be in the Premier League next season!

The superb tribute to Gignac 🤩

This Saturday, April 25, André-Pierre Gignac was very likely playing the final match of his career.

In the 10th minute, Tigres supporters unveiled a stunning tifo in tribute to the French striker.

Yesterday’s must-sees 🍿

- A completely insane meltdown from a Spanish second-division goalkeeper! 🤯

- PSG/Bayern Munich – Vitinha, Hakimi, Mendes... the latest updates are in

- 🚨 UCL: Bayern lose another player before their semi-final against PSG

TV schedule 📺

6:30pm: Cagliari - Atalanta (DAZN)

8:45pm: Boulogne - Dunkerque (beIN Sports 1)

8:45pm: Lazio - Udinese (DAZN)

9:00pm: Manchester United - Brentford (Canal+ FOOT)

9:00pm: Espanyol - Levante (beIN Sports 2)

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

Franz 'Bulle' Roth scored crucial goals in three of FC Bayern's European finals. Without him, the record champions' history would look very different today. On 27 April, the man for the important goals turns 80. In our interview, he talks about his friendship with Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller, his admiration for Harry Kane and Vincent Kompany - and the secret of his success: a slice of strawberry cream cake before a game.

Interview with Franz ‘Bulle’ Roth

Herr Roth, a few weeks before your 80th birthday, you attended an FC Bayern reserves match at your old stomping ground, the Grünwalder Stadion. What was that like? ”It’s almost unbelievable: it was my first time there since our team moved to the Olympiastadion in 1972. A lot has changed; our changing rooms have been completely refurbished – back then, there was no such thing as comfort: the bags would just be dumped in there – with shirts, shorts and boots – and everyone had to sort through everything themselves. I still remember how, once in the depths of winter, we wanted to wear tights because the pitch was frozen. Our manager Robert Schwan just said: ‘No way.’ End of discussion (laughs).”

What else came to mind? "The atmosphere was incredible. Our grandstand was standing room only – a fantastic atmosphere. Back then, a ticket cost two or three marks. I remember the first time I went to Säbener Straße. The route took me up Giesinger Berg, past the stadium, and I thought: I might play there one day. As a reserve, you don’t know if you’ll actually ever make it. Those memories, that feeling, will stay with me forever.”

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

Is it true that one of your shots once broke the scoreboard? “Yes, it really was in pieces. I wanted to shoot at goal from distance, so I had to put some power into the shot. I just put too much into it (laughs). I’d just joined Bayern from the Bayernliga. We lost the first match 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt. In the second match in Düsseldorf, I made the team – and from then on I was a regular starter.”

And you became a legend at FC Bayern alongside Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Sepp Maier. “We were a close-knit group; we did everything together, even off the pitch. I often went to the cinema with Gerd; he loved Westerns. During ‘A Fistful of Dollars’, we even stayed behind and watched the film twice in a row. Gerd loved it, so I said, ‘All right then, I’ll stay too!’ I’m incredibly grateful to FC Bayern for everything I was able to experience. ‘Legend’ is a bit too grand a term for me – for me, it was simply always something special to wear those colours.”

Statues have been erected in front of the Allianz Arena in honour of Franz and Gerd. What would you like to say to them today? "(haltingly) That we had such a wonderful time. That I'm so incredibly happy that we became friends. That they were unique people, something truly special."

You yourself scored decisive goals in three European finals. Which one was the most important to you? “The most important goal was the 1–0 – the winner in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Glasgow Rangers in Nuremberg. That was the breakthrough; it was the first time FC Bayern were on everyone’s lips internationally. We’d only been promoted to the Bundesliga two years earlier; we were a very young team, clearly the underdogs, but we came out on top. From then on, things went from strength to strength year on year.”

There’s that famous photo of you in bed with the trophy on the nightstand… “Actually, you weren’t allowed to take the trophy. I really wanted the match ball back then, but it was reserved for the referee. Schwan went into his dressing room with me and gave it to me. I got everyone to sign it, but unfortunately the signatures have faded over time. The ball is on display at the FC Bayern Museum.”

You regularly go to the Allianz Arena. What do you think of FC Bayern today, in 2026 – 50 years after your third consecutive European Cup victory? "There are always different eras, but FC Bayern have enjoyed consistent success over the decades. Ever since I joined – almost 60 years ago now – the club has been among the world’s elite. The fans have every reason to be proud. That’s because the club is managed exceptionally well. Uli Hoeneß becoming general manager in 1979 was the biggest stroke of luck. FC Bayern is Uli Hoeneß – and Uli Hoeneß is FC Bayern. There’s no need to say any more than that. Franz Beckenbauer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also achieved great things here after their playing careers."

Who in the current squad particularly impresses you? "Harry Kane is a phenomenon, an exceptional footballer. He can defend, score goals – he can do it all. What’s more, he’s the England captain, yet he never tries to hog the limelight. That’s another reason why he’s so successful. But you have to mention them all: Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer – you could list them all. And Vincent Kompany is currently the best coach in the whole of Europe in my view. It goes beyond the pitch and the dressing room: that sense of calm, that charisma. He’s got everything under control.”

Dieser Inhalt kann hier leider nicht dargestellt werden. Zum Anschauen kannst du die Website des FC Bayern München besuchen:Artikel auf fcbayern.com

How do you think Kimmich and Aleks Pavlović are doing in your old position? "They’re both outstanding. They set the pace. They complement each other perfectly; they’re a perfect match. I can’t think of many better in the whole of Europe. They’re both absolute professionals.”

You yourself used to keep a sweet secret about your strength… "I grew up on a farm, so I was always the first one of the team awake. On matchdays, I'd need a quick bite to eat before setting off for the game, so I had a secret arrangement with the hotel staff – there was always a slice of strawberry cream cake waiting for me in the corner of the kitchen. Schwan eventually caught me: ‘What on earth are you doing?’ At first he was stunned, then he said: ‘Carry on eating if that’s what you need.’"

What are your hopes for FC Bayern in the future? “I have no doubt FC Bayern will still be right at the top of world football in 20 or 30 years’ time. They always think ahead here. The core philosophy of FC Bayern is success. And that will never be lost. We always said to ourselves: ‘No one’s taking off our lederhosen.’ FC Bayern cannot go under. That’s not going to happen. ‘Mia san mia’ – that has to remain.”

We look back at FC Bayern’s Champions League semi-finals:

XXL-Rückblick: Highlights aller CL-Halbfinal-Spiele des FC Bayern

LOS ANGELES -- The international break has come to an end, and the NWSL is back. In Los Angeles at the always lively BMO Stadium, Angel City FC and Portland Thorns faced off. This hard fought physical and at times frustrating match ended in a 2-1 win for the Thorns. These two teams came into this one holding extremely similar records, Angel City FC with three wins and one loss, while Portland had three wins, one draw and one loss. This one was going to show who could rise above, and that Portland did. 

Forward Pietra Tordin opened up the scoring in this game in the 76th minute for Portland. Along with the celebration that came from the away team, there was confusion coming from the home team. Following the game veteran and captain defender Sarah Gorden said that they thought there was a foul on the play that led to the goal. 

“On the first goal we did feel like there was a foul on the play and that's kind of why we were hoping that the ref would look at it, we felt like there was a push in the back.” Gorden continued, “I’m one of those people that will never blame one moment or one call or no call on a reason that things don't go our way.” 

No one team today was noticeably more dominant than the other. Angel City FC head coach Alex Straus mentioned that in a result like this one, it is due to their own mistakes. He said that in their last game before the international break on April 3 against the Orlando Pride, they were “pretty average”. While touching on what they need to change, he had an emphasis on how if the game were to end after the first half, there needs to be more energy and production right out the gate.

A highlight for the Los Angeles team came from Prisca Chilufya who was subbed into the game late in the second half put a point on the board for LA, and did not hold back any energy. The Kitwe, Zambia native in a break away moment sprinted towards the goal and made sure to be the first one to put a foot on it. 

Chilufya’s goal made the score 2-1, and even though the goal came in the 98th minute there is something to be said for being able to still score with only moments left in the game rather than remaining scoreless. 

“I think it’s extremely important [to end the game with Prisca’s goal].” Gorden then added, “Prisca’s goal gave us a little bit of life even though we only had a few minutes left, it gave us a little bit of life to go out there and try and push for just anything to make anything happen.”

Angel City is currently dealing with a few injured players that have been key assets to the team. In this thriller of a game, one of the few players that were drafted to the inaugural Angel City FC season, June Endo, entered this game coming back from injury. Endo received welcoming cheers from the Angel City FC crowd as she jogged onto the field, and of course again when she made her first play. 

“To echo Prisca, I mean it's amazing to have Jun come back.” Gorden went on to say, “she’s worked so hard and had some unfortunate injuries, so to see her out there, you guys can see the magic she brings is really special.”

Angel City FC now have a record of three wins and two loses, and are ranked 5th in the National Women's Soccer League following this loss. 

Barcelona’s march towards the La Liga title could soon receive a significant lift, with key players edging closer to full fitness at just the right time of the season. 

As things stand, Barcelona are on the brink of wrapping up the league, and the return of important squad members could prove decisive in getting them over the line.

According to recent developments from AS, both Raphinha and Marc Bernal are expected to rejoin the group this week. 

The plan is for both players to target medical clearance by Saturday, just in time for the crucial clash against Osasuna.

Perfect timing

That fixture could effectively seal the title, as a victory would put Barcelona 14 points clear at the top, leaving Real Madrid with no room for error. 

Should Madrid fail to beat Espanyol the following day, Hansi Flick and his squad could be crowned champions with four games still left to play.

Raphinha’s potential return is particularly significant, as the Brazilian winger has been sidelined since late March after picking up a right hamstring injury while on international duty against France. 

Bernal will rejoin training this week. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Initially ruled out for five weeks, he is now approaching the final stages of his recovery.

Complete caution

As per the outlet, Barcelona’s medical team have taken a cautious approach. 

This is because earlier this season, Raphinha suffered two separate setbacks while attempting to rush back in time for the Clasico at the Bernabeu. 

That experience has influenced the club’s current handling of his situation, ensuring there are no unnecessary risks taken at such a critical stage of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Bernal’s recovery has taken slightly longer than expected, as the young midfielder sustained a grade-one sprain in his left ankle, with an initial recovery timeline of around ten days. 

That period has now effectively doubled, though it is important to stress that this is not due to any relapse, but rather a cautious approach to ensure full fitness.

One star has played his last game for Liverpool.

The past few years have taken the club's supporters on an emotional rollercoaster. What once felt like a golden era now seems to be slowly fading into memory.

For nearly a decade, Jurgen Klopp brought not just success, but identity and belief back to the club. Alongside him was a carefully built squad of players who weren’t just talented footballers, but personalities who connected deeply with the fans.

Together, they created moments that will live forever at Anfield, nights we simply will never forget.

However, as with all great teams, change has been inevitable. It began gradual, with key figures departing one after another.

First it was Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Then came the biggest shift of all - Klopp’s departure - and with it the rest of his coaching staff.

What remains now is only a fragment of that legendary group. A few familiar faces are still there, reminders of what once was, but even they seem to be edging closer to the exit.

This summer feels like a defining moment. Much like the one before it, significant changes are on the horizon, with another major rebuild expected. The squad is set to evolve once again, ushering in a new generation.

For supporters, it’s a bittersweet transition, the end of an era that gave so much joy, and the uncertain beginning of what comes next.

We don't know what the future brings. We don't know what life will look like after Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker all leave for pastures new.

And then there is also the question of Virgil van Dijk, will he stay? Will he go? Even if he stays, he's only got one more year left on his contract, so sooner or later he will be departing as well.

The saddest of all the news though is that one of these stars could have played his final game for the club.

Salah pulled up with a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on Saturday and was forced off the pitch.

Arne Slot did not reveal the extent of his injury. However, a source close to the Egyptian national team has shed light on a damning revelation that could have seen Salah play his last game for the Reds.

Speaking to Reuters via The Sunday Guardian, Egypt’s team doctor Ibrahim Hassan suggested the 33-year-old may be sidelined for the rest of the season, though his participation in the 2026 World Cup is not believed to be at risk.

“The diagnosis has been confirmed for Mohamed Salah‘s hamstring tear, and he will be sidelined from the pitches for four weeks,” Hassan said.

“There is ongoing monitoring of Mohamed Salah‘s condition, and his injury will not affect his participation in the 2026 World Cup.”

At the very best case scenario, if this is true, Salah may be able to play the final game of the season against Brentford. However, even that is going to be a race against time, given the four weeks he needs to recuperate for.

And with the World Cup on the horizon, aggravating an injury or coming back too soon is not something Salah will want to do.

Real Madrid may still be chalking out a final plan for the summer transfer window, but there are certain moves that the administration is already certain must go through.

One such move that Real Madrid are reportedly set to trigger is the return of Endrick to the first team after his loan stint at Olympique Lyon, which runs out in the summer.

The Brazilian youngster left the club in the winter transfer window after seeing a few minutes under Xabi Alonso, and the timing of his exit coincided with a managerial change and an injury crisis in attack – both of which made Los Blancos value his presence.

Now, they have decided to bet on him next season, although it remains to be seen whether he is prioritised as a starter or a bench option.

Endrick’s interview

The Brazilian phenom recently spoke to Canal Plus, where he was asked if it was a possibility for him to stay at Olympique Lyon beyond his current loan stint.

“Chance to stay at Lyon? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m here on a 6-month loan deal,” he said.

Endrick is making waves in France. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

“If I have to return to Real Madrid, I will gladly return. If I have to go elsewhere, I will go elsewhere,” he added, maintaining flexibility around his future.

The player then spoke on his adaptation to life in France, and explained his efforts to integrate into the new country, despite it just being for a few months.

“I’m learning French, I’m taking classes.I’ve also learned a lot at Real Madrid with the French players,” he added.

Finally, he spoke about his strong relationship with Real Madrid’s French duo and how they helped him in the linguistic aspect.

“Camavinga was my friend, and Mbappe and I sat next to each other, that’s how I started learning.”

Manchester United aim to take a step closer to securing a return to the Champions League as they face a Brentford side with European aspirations of their own. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Monday night's clash at Old Trafford (20:00 BST).

Fernandes continues to inspire United

After only one win in four, the first small murmurs of discontent about Michael Carrick's suitability to take on the Manchester United role permanently were aired ahead of last weekend's trip to Chelsea.

They were far from perfect at Stamford Bridge, having less shots and only one on target, an expected goals tally of 0.29 compared to Chelsea's 1.55 and just 10 touches in the opposition box, but the three points were all that mattered as their 1-0 win edged them ever closer to a Champions League return.

The eight wins they have amassed in 12 league games under Carrick is as many as they had managed across their first 21 matches of the campaign, while the 28 points they have secured in 2026 is more than any other side.

The Chelsea win marked the 21st successive top-flight game in which they have scored, their longest such run since doing so 23 times under Sir Alex Ferguson between November 2012 and April 2013.

The Red Devils were once again indebted to the creative brilliance of Bruno Fernandes as their captain laid on an 18th top-flight assist of the season to further his claims to be named PFA player of the season.

He is only the fourth player to create 10 assists in a Premier League season away from home, while he is now just two shy of equalling the all-time record for assists in a season.

Draw specialists Brentford still dreaming of Europe

Brentford enjoyed a superb 3-1 win over Manchester United back in September and are now targeting a first victory at Old Trafford since 1937.

After a rip-roaring run of nine wins in 14 matches in all competition the Bees have forgotten how to turn one point into three. Their last six matches in all competitions have ended in draws, three of which have ended 2-2 and three 0-0. Its the longest such run in their history while five straight league draws is the most in the top flight since Manchester City had seven between October and November 2009.

They haven't fallen behind in any of their last six league matches dating back two months, but Keith Andrews will be desperate for his side to go on and keep their noses in front as they try to secure European qualification for the very first time.

One quirk of last Saturday's draw with Fulham is that Keith Andrews became only the second Premier League boss this season to not make a single substitution in a match, following Oliver Glasner, who also decided not to make a change in Crystal Palace's defeat to Sunderland in January.

General manager Joe Hortiz chose to bolster the defense with the Chargers' first-round pick, selecting edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.

The 25-year-old recorded 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles last season at Miami. The 2025 campaign marked the edge's sixth collegiate season, and he entered the draft with both age and injury concerns.

However, Hortiz dismissed both as potential issues throughout his Chargers tenure.

"We interviewed him in Indy. You felt that in the room," Hortiz said of the edge's maturity. "He's experienced. He got an education in football at Miami. ... Age is just a number."

Mesidor is slated to be the third edge rusher, behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipolotu, on the depth chart.

The Chargers welcomed Mesidor to the organization this past Friday, with head coach Jim Harbaugh greeting the rookie and allowing him to pick his jersey number.

Mesidor couldn't choose the number he wore with the Hurricanes as safety Derwin James already wears No. 3 for the Chargers.

He went with a number he's worn before: 90.

"Ninety was my first number in college," Mesidor said. Back to it, monster number."

talkin' numbers pic.twitter.com/xRRoLKOKbY

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 24, 2026

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers reveal rookie Akheem Mesidor's jersey number

Games between old hands like Luciano Spalletti and Massimiliano Allegri will always be highly tactical affairs.

Of course, those tactics tend to be diametrically opposed. Between Spalletti’s attacking innovation and Allegri’s defend-at-all-costs approach, it’s always interesting to see how the two would work to get the advantage over each other.

It’s been hard for Juventus and AC Milan to gain an advantage over each other the last few years. Three of the last four games against each other had ended in goalless draws, including their first game this year at the Allianz. The return at this critical juncture of the season was heavy with meaning. Milan’s recent breakdown in form had allowed Juve to pull up three points behind them. A victory would’ve seen them pull past them into third on the head-to-head tiebreaker and keep the distance between Roma and Como at five.

But that tendency to cancel each other came back out again. Both sides had their chances — Juve hit the target with five of their 10 shots and had a goal called back, Milan saw Alexis Saelemaekers slam a ball off the crossbar—but in the end, neither team had the push to get the ball over the other’s goal line. With the results earlier in the weekend, Juve finished three points above the chasing pack and still in control of their own destiny in the race for the top four with four games to go.

Spalletti got Dusan Vlahovic back to the bench after yet another injury stop, but Kenan Yildiz was still only fit for sub appearances, and Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal were out. Spalletti named a strong 3-4-2-1 lineup, with Michele Di Gregorio at its base. Pierre Kalulu, Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly made up the back three, while Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso started as wing-backs. Former Milan prospect Manuel Locatelli joined Khéphren Thuram in midfield, while Francisco Conceição and Jérémie Boga supported Jonathan David in attack.

Allegri wasn’t missing many to injuries, although Davide Bartesaghi started despite not being 100 percent. The 3-5-2 that has become his staple remained, however ill-fitting some of his players were for it. Mike Maignan started in goal behind the defensive trio of Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Fikayo Tomori. Bartesaghi joined Saelemaekers out on the wings, while Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modric, and Youssouf Fofana ran the midfield. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão started together as an unconventional strike pair.

As expected, the game started cagey. Juve, usually a team that presses hard up top, allowed Milan to hold the ball in their own half, with Maignan getting time to survey the entire field when his team tried to recycle the ball. Modric found himself getting man-marked by Thuram, the old Croatian war horse having been identified as the biggest threat on the field.

It wasn’t until the 10th minute that either side took a shot, an effort from range by Thuram that was blocked in close. In the 16th minute the Frenchman was teed up beautifully by Boga, but couldn’t get to the ball in time to get a shot off. Locatelli clearly had come out with a point to prove against the club that gave up on him, slamming into his former teammate Rabiot in midfield and sending him sprawling.

Milan took their first attempt in the 21st minute, but Fofana got selfish and fired well off target after Cambiaso, who had been booked, proved ineffective in defending the pass that game his way. With 10 minutes left in the half Rabiot took a shot from the top of the box that fortunately went right at Di Gregorio, who parried it back out into the box to find Leão blazing way over.

Seconds after that Juve thought they had taken the lead after Conceição made a lovely move in the box and found Thuram with a low cross—but the midfielder was well offside, and the goal was quite rightly disallowed. The Portuguese continued to present danger, taking down a beautiful long pass from Locatelli and shaking Bartesaghi before firing at a tight angle right into Maignan’s chest. He shook the young Italian winger again in first-half stoppage time, but again hit it too centrally for it to be of much trouble for Maingan.

Less than five minutes into the second period Saelamaekers blasted into the crossbar after a beautiful, flowing pass move, while David couldn’t quite work his way through the middle on a breakaway a few minutes later. Bremer tried his luck from outside the box, but again hit the ball far too centrally and saw another simple hate by Maignan.

Milan had a bit more control of things in the middle of the half, but didn’t look like they had any idea how to penetrate the Juve defense. Locatelli, on the other hand, was able to break Conceição through the lines, but Pavlovic was able to stop him in the nick of time before a shot. Teun Koopmeiners had a long-range shot slightly deflected to make it a little easier for Maignan, then put a free kick in that was punched out.

There was a scary moment with 15 minutes to go when Locatelli and Modric both went up for the ball and violently clashed heads, with the Croatian clearly getting the worst of it. Locatelli eventually went to check on his stricken opponent, who was replaced by Ardon Jashari with a massive swelling on his face.

Spalletti wasn’t satisfied with the draw, and sent Yildiz and Edon Zhegrova into the fray for the final 15 minutes. The latter saw a cross fly just over the head of David as Juve kept their hosts pinned in their own half for the final phases. The Canadian did get to a cross from Emil Holm moments later, but couldn’t make clean contact and instead flashed it across the face of goal.

Vlahovic was a welcome sight coming off the bench in the last few minutes. Locatelli made a long pass toward the byline that Yildiz simply whiffed at, while Vlahovic went a little early before he forced Maignan into a kick save. Milan was clearly content with not losing, while Juve pushed until the end to actually win the match, but simply couldn’t find the opening in Milan’s armor to make the final thrust. The final seconds ticked by, and when the last whistle blew, it brought the curtain down on 180 minutes of goalless football between the two sides.

Facing a 0-3 series deficit, 23-year-old Sengun challenged his teammates to keep their season alive, a message that resonated throughout a balanced offensive performance where every starter scored at least 16 points. “I didn’t give up on this series, and I just wanted to let everybody know,” underlined the Turkish starting center to open his postgame press conference. “Just going into the games, watching the films. I just wanted to do something different. I’m glad it worked, and everyone came out to play today. Hopefully, everybody’s mindset has changed going into the fifth game. We saw it today, and I’m really happy for that.” The Giresun native reflected on the difficulty of displaying leadership while navigating a second language. “After the talk, everybody was saying that you really motivated me. And I was like, ‘My language was good?’. They were, ‘You messed up one point, but I don’t care’. I was happy because they understood me. It’s hard to talk in another language, but I try every day,” Sengun added.

EuroHoops.net

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Alperen Sengun: 'I didn’t give up on this series, and I just wanted to let everybody know'

Will Guillory: Alperen Şengün said it was a different experience giving a speech in front of the team this morning, knowing English isn't his first language. He said Amen Thompson came to him after and said the speech really motivated him going into Game 4. Şengün: "Did I mess up any words?" Amen: "You did once, but I was still motivated."

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Şengün: "Did I mess up any words?" Amen: "You did …

Oh No He Didn't: Jabari Smith Jr on Sengun being a vocal leader: "As his English gets better he tends to talk more" 😂

x.com

Jabari Smith Jr on Sengun being a vocal leader:

"As his English gets better he tends to talk more" 😂 pic.twitter.com/Psz4fLFlVC

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 27, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "As his English gets better he tends to talk more"

Oh No He Didn't: Sengun on Ayton's ejection: "I don't want to like make the officials crazy but I didn't expect him to be ejected. I think it was a little bit soft. I'm glad they called it" x.com/UnderdogNBA/st

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I don't want to like make the officials crazy but I …

Ryan Ward: Per Lakers: With his second field goal tonight at Houston, LeBron James recorded his 3,000th career playoff field goal, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach the mark. 1. LeBron James (3,000) 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2,356) 3. Michael Jordan (2,188)

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: LeBron James recorded his 3,000th career playoff field …

Jorge Sierra: With Lakers losing tonight, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains alone at No. 1 as the player with the most sweeps in NBA history (13). LeBron could have tied the record with a win in Houston.

bsky.app

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains alone at No. 1 as the …

Lou Williams: I want to put you on the hot seat. With all things considered, obviously AD is traded away now. Should the Mavs have kept Luka at this point? Devin Harris: That’s such a hard question. I will say, even after the trade and everything went down, that game against Houston, for those first 15 minutes of that game, and watching everything go down, I’m looking like, “Oh my God, we could win this championship.” That’s how dominant it looked. So at that point, I saw the vision that Nico had. In that moment, I was like, “Okay, this could really work out really well for us.” Obviously, he got hurt, I think, like two minutes later, and then we didn’t see him again for another couple weeks. It just kind of went down from there. But in hindsight, yes. If you’re looking at it, we probably should have kept him, absolutely. I mean, we’re talking about a top-five player.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: In hindsight, yes. If you’re looking at it, we …

There’s some speculation that Jason Kidd might go front office. Would he do that, or do you think he remains coach? Devin Harris: I think it intrigues him, but with Cooper being in the stage that he’s in, in the development process, I think he would rather remain as coach and just continue that development and that connection that they have there.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: I think it intrigues him, but with Cooper being in the …

How do you compare Jordan, your teammate, to LeBron James, who entered the league the year you retired? Steve Kerr: LeBron’s brilliance doesn’t lie in the same skill set that Michael’s did. It lies in more of a holistic game where he dominates with his pace and his athleticism and his passing. I’ve always felt scoring is secondary for LeBron, but he’s the greatest scorer in the history of the N.B.A.! Almost incidentally. Steve Kerr: Yeah, incidentally. Some of that is longevity: he’s a machine. I mean, I think he’s literally the greatest athlete on the face of the planet and in the course of human history. Playing with Michael, I saw the killer instinct, the emotional dominance he had over not only the other team but the officials, the entire arena. I don’t see that with LeBron. So they’re different, as far as the emotional part of it. Everybody came into a series against Michael knowing they were going to lose. There’s never been anybody like that. Maybe Bill Russell. But I’ve never felt the same way on a basketball floor as I did with Michael.

The New Yorker

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Everybody came into a series against Michael knowing …

Liverpool are looking for a stop-gap option to replace Hugo Ekitike

As mentioned, Ekitike has been one of Liverpool's best players this season.

And, even though Alexander Isak is back in action and could take the reigns, it's been made clear that he's a tad unreliable.

Liverpool will want to be back challenging for titles in the 2026-27 campaign but without Salah and Ekitike to help them, it's clear that some additions need to be made.

Unsurprisingly, a fresh report from Football Insider has claimed that the Reds are going to do exactly that but maybe not in the way fans think.

"Liverpool will explore the market for a new striker in the summer transfer window but will hold back from spending big, sources have told Football Insider," they wrote.

"The Merseyside giants are eyeing a possible loan move or bargain transfer, using the bulk of their summer kitty for other squad acquisitions.

"The club’s recruitment team are honing their strategy for the window after it was confirmed that Hugo Ekitike is set to be ruled out for the rest of 2026 with a ruptured Achilles."

Liverpool need to upgrade several areas of their team in the summer

Comparing draft prospects to NFL players, both former and current, is an annual tradition.

It doesn't necessarily mean they'll have the same kind of success at this level. Yet, the comparisons are made based on how similar the prospects' game play, physical measurements, production, roles and traits are.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report's Matt Holder wrote a scouting report on Chargers first-round pick Akheem Mesidor and provided an NFL comparison.

Holder compared Mesidor to Colts' Laiatu Latu.

Latu, who was the first defensive player taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, has played two professional seasons. This past season, he became a full-time starter, finishing the season with 27 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

I can see the comparison between Mesidor and Latu, as the two are technically advanced pass rushers who excel at using their hands and quickness to beat offensive linemen.

Additionally, Mesidor, like Latu, can kick inside to rush over guards on passing downs, adding value to sub-packages.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Which NFL player does Chargers EDGE Akheem Mesidor compare to?

Texas Athletics announced earlier today its intentions to light UT Tower after the beach volleyball program won the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship — the program’s conference.

From Texas Athletics:

“In its first season in the conference, Texas captured the MPSF tournament title Friday with wins over No. 1 UCLA, No. 5 USC and No. 6 Grand Canyon. The Longhorns were selected as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Championship earlier Sunday, the highest in program history. Texas will face Georgia State in the first round at Gulf Shores, Alabama.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: How many Texas Longhorns will get drafted by the NFL in 2027?

Austin American-Statesman: What Texas State football players said about facing Texas in Week 1

247Sports: Horns247 Roundtable: Which Texas player had the best NFL Draft and which Longhorn could be a sleeper?

247Sports: Sam Cozart has been giving Texas baseball superstar production. On Sunday, he showed superstar moxie, too

247Sports: 2026 NFL Draft: Everything Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had to say about the program’s six players drafted

Inside Texas: Steve Sarkisian and his 2026 Texas roster are now on the clock

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

No. 4 Texas grits out 4-3 10-inning win over Vanderbilt

Four home runs power No. 4 Texas past Vanderbilt, 11-4

Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. selected No. 60 by the Tennessee Titans

Texas CB Manny Muhammad selected No. 124 by the Chicago Bears

Texas LB Trey Moore selected No. 130 by the Miami Dolphins

Texas S Michael Taaffe selected No. 158 by the Miami Dolphins

Michael Taaffe ‘blacked out’ when the Miami Dolphins called

Texas OG DJ Campbell selected No. 200 by the Miami Dolphins

Texas TE Jack Endries selected No. 221 by the Cincinnati Bengals

Texas UDFA tracker: Ethan Burke signs

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

Austin American-Statesman: From UT to UT: Ex-Texas forward Aaliyah Moore transfers to Tennessee

Inside Texas: Why Texas football’s NFL pipeline matters for recruiting

Inside Texas: Texas Football Recruiting Update: New 2027 and 2028 offers across the country

Inside Texas: Top 10 out-of-state recruits Texas football is targeting in the 2027 class

SEC SHOWDOWN

Rock M Nation: Three-star, in-state linebacker Caleb Green commits to Mizzou football

And The Valley Shook: Baseball swept for a third consecutive weekend

Rocky Top Talk: Several Vols sign as undrafted free agents

Roll ‘Bama Roll: Top ranked 2027 QB prospect commits to Alabama

Dawg Sports: Hard hitting Daylen Everette is a bet on development for the Steelers

A Sea Of Blue: Recruiting expert predicts Miikka Muurinen to Arkansas

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: Anthon Edwards injury: Wolves star out for ‘weeks’ after knee injury in NBA Playoffs

SB Nation: Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record

SB Nation: Nelly Korda wins Chevron Championship going wire to wire, third career major win

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Have fun, fellas.

Welcome to the 52nd and final instalment of On This Week – we’ve completed a whole year, and we’re rounding off in style.

Although, in typical OTW fashion, we’re not talking about the famous first FA Cup win in 1937, nor a league title win or two – no. We’ve gone for some much more obscure things than that!

On today’s show…

• Kelvin explores the 1969 FA Youth Cup win over West Brom – a thrilling two legged game that featured a number of players who became household names.
• He also looks back on Sunderland’s first ever competitive European game – a Roker Park fixture against Lazio.
• Meanwhile, Andrew looks back on Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien appearing on the same Stadium of Light pitch for the first time!

All of this and, as always, much much more!

Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show.Want to get in touch with us? You can drop us an email at HawayThePodcastSAFC@Gmail.com, or you can contact us via social media – we’re @RokerReport on almost every platform. For your daily SAFC fan-written content, head over to⁠RokerReport.SBNation.com 

The year 2020 truly was the best of times and the worst of times for Bayern Munich fans.

While much of the world was shut-in due to the pandemic, things eventually had to return to normal — and they did…at least somewhat.

Football was one of the first aspects of “normal life” to help people remember what it was like after masks, vaccines, and fears of a plague dominated the conversation for months.

Finally, football gave people some of those old time (pre-pandemic) feelings. And for Bayern Munich fans, it was a glorious time on the pitch. Hansi Flick had the squad rolling to a treble (and an eventual sextuple) and the Bavarians were just a rollicking and fun show to watch.

When it came to the Champions League final, though, it was not really all that much fun. Tension, intensity, and uncertainty reigned supreme as Bayern Munich could not break through vs. PSG. Finally, the Bavarians took a 1-0 lead on a header from Kingsley Coman of all people in the 59th minute.

That showdown was just one of many recent UCL battles between the two legendary clubs. Amid that war, was a player who had history with organizations — Coman. The Frenchman recently took some time to talk to FCBayern.com and think about to 2020, that Bayern Munich team, and his Champions League finale:

FCBayern.com: Everyone remembers the image of your header in the 2020 Champions League final against PSG. When you think back to the seconds before the goal: What small moment – ​​a run, a glance, a thought, a shout – has stayed with you most vividly?

Coman: “Perhaps Thomas’s shout after the goal. I’m not sure if I actually heard it. I remember more the moment I opened my eyes and saw that the ball was in. It was during the pandemic, so there were no fans in the stadium. But even if there are sounds: In a moment like that, you hardly notice them. You’re only focused on the ball, on the player crossing, on your opponent, and your teammates. I wanted to be as focused as possible in every situation.”

FCBayern.com: Did you know when the ball came that it could be your moment?

Coman: “No, it all happens far too quickly. It’s not like in a movie where time stands still and you think: Now’s my moment. You don’t have time to think, you just run to where you think the ball might go – and suddenly it’s there. Headers were never my strongest point. So I just wanted to hit it as cleanly as possible. The execution might not have been textbook, but the ball went exactly where it needed to go, with the necessary force. In the end, that’s all that matters.”

FCBayern.com: You say that heading the ball was never your strongest skill. Yet it was precisely such a moment that landed you in the FC Bayern history books. What does that tell you about big games today?

“It’s almost a strange situation. This very weakness helped me fulfill my biggest dream. It’s a beautiful contrast. For me, it shows that with focus, courage, and belief in yourself, you can achieve things on the biggest stage, even if they aren’t among your greatest strengths. That will always make me smile.”

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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Arsenal are interested in signing Real Madrid gem Endrick ahead of the summer transfer window. 

Madrid spent a fortune to secure a deal for the 19-year-old from Palmeiras in 2022. 

The talented youngster has made 40 appearances for Los Blancos since joining in 2024 after turning 18. 

But Endrick is currently playing for Lyon, having joined the Ligue 1 outfit on loan in the winter window. 

He has been impressive with his displays in France, bagging seven goals and seven assists in 18 games. 

The Brazilian is expected to return to Madrid after his loan spell is over. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are monitoring the young centre-forward, and are ready to make an offer if an opportunity arises in the summer. 

But Madrid rate the player highly and have no intention to sell him.

Endrick mainly operates as a striker, but he has also been used as a right winger and a second striker. 

He is a gifted player who is known for his explosive pace, physical strength and exceptional finishing. 

Despite his young age, he has earned 15 caps for the Brazil national team, scoring three goals in the process. 

Arsenal would love to sign a player of Endrick’s quality, but a deal for the teenager looks highly unlikely at this stage. 

Madrid have no plans to sell their prized asset, and have him under contract until the summer of 2030. 

Stats from Transfermarkt 

Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has named the Chelsea player who was ‘absolutely tremendous from the get-go’ yesterday.

Enzo Fernandez got named the official Player of the Match for the game, and he fully deserved to take that medal home with him.

EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea showing interest in strong Premier League centre forward!

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.

Fernandez was the driving force behind Chelsea’s race into the FA Cup final yesterday, scoring the only goal of the game to help his side beat Leeds United 1-0 in the semi final at Wembley.

After a turmoil time these last few weeks, Fernandez stepped up to lead his side into the final, putting on a superb performance- and playing with a smile on his face.

Gerrard praises Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez celebrates his goal. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard was quick to emphasise that Fernandez’s impact extended far beyond his crucial goal.

He said (via BBC Sport):

“You have to say Enzo Fernandez has been absolutely tremendous from the get-go. He keeps picking up positions on the sides of them, behind them. He’s jumping on second balls.

“He played a lovely pass earlier to Joao Pedro, so he’s certainly influencing this game. It’s a big goal for Chelsea, in the context of the day and also for the run they are on.”

Big praise from a legend of the game.

In other news today

Robert Sanchez was a key figure in Chelsea’s cup win yesterday, and he got some well earned praise from his manager at full time. Callum McFarlane says Sanchez’s saves were massive yesterday!

McFarlane has also explained his tactical approach in the lead up to the game and how they looked to use Sanchez, as well as ‘athletes’ to unlock Leeds.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

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

An East Yorkshire boxing club is aiming to raise £225,000 to expand its premises.

Goole Amateur Boxing Club (GABC) hopes to buy its existing building on Boothferry Road and also a property next door.

The club said the modernisation would meet growing demand and "increase accessibility for the local community".

GABC offers boxing classes for all ages as well as people with Parkinson's Disease.

The club opened in 2021 and has more than 225 members ranging in age from eight to over 60s.

In a statement, chair of trustees Andrew Horncastle MBE said GABC "does not just aim to create champions in the ring, but champions in life".

"To continue doing the great work it does, GABC needs a permanent home," he said.

"Having the opportunity to buy both buildings is exactly what we need, but it is a huge financial undertaking."

Local farmer Richard Longthorp, who has the condition, regularly trains at the club.

He said the club "does fantastic work for all of its members whatever their age".

"Everyone can benefit from boxing training, whether you simply want to get a bit fitter and lose a bit of weight, or you've set your sights on being the next Olympic champion," he said.

"There is already waiting list of people who want to train at the club and that will only get longer.

"Without this expansion, they could miss out."

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, and watch the latest episode of Look North.

More related stories

• Parkinson's patients hail benefits of boxing
• Library set for £450k refurbishment
• 'I set up a boxing class to help people with Parkinson's'

Related internet links

• Goole Amateur Boxing Club

Matt Fitzpatrick will collect a check, but really, Alex Fitzpatrick will emerge from this week’s Zurich Classic as the winner.

You needed only to watch the scene on the 18th green on Sunday evening at the Zurich Classic to know that was true. It was there, on the 18th, that the Fitzpatrick Brothers emerged victorious after a glorious mid-range sand-shot from elder brother (and U.S. Open champ) Matt. And it was there, on the 18th, that Alex realized the fulfillment of his greatest life dream.

“Yeah, I’m still lost for words,” Alex Fitzpatrick said afterward, still gobsmacked. “Just an overwhelming emotion of happiness. Like Matt said, at the start of the week it was coming here to be a family and spend time with each other, eat Mr. B’s, and have a great week. To be sitting here now and done what we did, yeah, I’m pretty speechless.”

If you wanted to know why Alex Fitzpatrick was speechless, the trophy celebration didn’t provide all the answers. You see, his win was bigger than just a title at a PGA Tour event, and bigger than a winner’s check. By winning at the Zurich, the younger Fitzpatrick also clinched a series of career-altering perks, which we list in their entirety below.

What Alex Fitzpatrick really won at the Zurich Classic

1. A PGA Tour card

The biggest and most significant benefit of Alex Fitzpatrick’s victory is PGA Tour status. By virtue of a winner’s exemption, Alex earned full PGA Tour status through the end of 2028, giving him the rarest gift in pro golf — job security — for the next 18 months.

2. A PGA Championship invite

Hopefully Alex hadn’t planned out his spring break for the second week in May, because those plans went up in smoke the second his final putt hit the bottom of the cup. Fitzpatrick earned an invite into the PGA Championship at Aronimink with his win, giving him his second career major championship start, following only the 2023 Open Championship.

3. A Players Championship invite

Thanks to his victory on Sunday, Fitzpatrick will also play in the PGA Tour’s flagship event next March at TPC Sawgrass.

4. Signature Events!

If you’re a player with $3 million in career earnings and you’re hoping to multiply your bank account, the Tour’s $20 million Signature Events series is a pretty good place to start. Fitzpatrick will have the chance to do exactly that over the coming months thanks to the Signature Events invites he received on Sunday evening. Fitzpatrick will spend the rest of his 2026 teeing up in some of the most lucrative events in golf, including the Cadillac Championship, Truist Championship, Memorial Tournament and Travelers Championship.

5. $1,375,000

Fitzpatrick’s win wasn’t just about money, but it was a little bit about money. He’d won $3 million in his career as a pro prior to Sunday’s victory, and he won nearly half of that total on Sunday evening, adding $1.375 million to his career earnings with the win.

Not shabby, Alex! Not shabby.

The post Here’s everything a PGA Tour win gave Matt Fitzpatrick’s brother Alex appeared first on Golf.

Michael Carrick could see his options boosted by the returns of Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu against Brentford this evening.

Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston claimed on Sunday that he ‘assumes’ the pair will be available tonight due to Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher, who made up Carrick’s matchday squad as substitutes in the win over Chelsea, starting for the academy yesterday.

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Will Yoro and Dorgu start vs the Bees?

It remains to be seen if the two young Reds will be instantly restored to the starting XI, though.

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With the form Dorgu was in before sustaining his hamstring injury, having scored against both Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive game weeks, fans have been desperate to see him back in the fold as soon as possible.

However, Carrick may opt to gradually reintroduce him to action by utilising him off the bench tonight.

As for Yoro, he was ruled out of the Chelsea trip on the day the players travelled down to London, leaving the manager with only one senior centre-half available: Ayden Heaven.

How Heaven fared last time out

The teenager excelled in the absence of his counterparts, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended and Matthijs de Ligt sidelined. 

Heaven was partnered by natural full-back Noussair Mazraoui, yet they oversaw a formidable shift between them, securing a clean sheet and playing a vital role in Manchester United claiming their first win at Stamford Bridge in six years.

As a result, it would be incredibly harsh for Heaven to be dropped out of the side just because Maguire and Yoro are set to be available.

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Another NFL Draft is in the books and the 2026 edition had all the usual shock picks and surprise slides as the 32 teams attempted to reload their rosters for an assault on the Super Bowl.

There was no surprise with the Las Vegas Raiders' number one overall pick but a huge one was later sprung by the Los Angeles Rams, while another surprise came with the New York duo of Jets and Giants actually looking like putting a good draft class together.

It was a good draft for UK involvement and an even better one for hosts Pittsburgh and the NFL itself, with the event continuing to grow.

So after three days and 257 players being chosen, let's take a look at who made the headlines for the right, or wrong, reasons.

• All 32 first-round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft
• Raiders take Mendoza with first pick of NFL Draft

Were the Rams right to draft a QB?

The shock of the draft was the Rams picking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick - because Simpson was not even a consensus first-round talent.

The Rams also have MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback for a team many thought was the best in the NFL last season and even more see as Super Bowl contenders this coming campaign.

Head coach Sean McVay's instant subdued reaction to the pick went viral, but he insisted he did not want to seem too excited out of respect for Stafford - but his mood was one plenty of Rams fans shared.

Stafford is 38 and playing year-to-year so getting a long-term successor makes sense, but to take full advantage of his talents many thought a pick as high as 13 should be used to add a final elite piece to the roster that could just be the difference.

A star pass rusher or another top pass catcher being two options, but instead the Rams used that selection on a player who in all probability will not see the field at all in 2026.

The Rams made eye-catching moves in free agency for cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to strengthen even further - so as usual only time will tell if they won or lost this one.

Vegas finally heading in the right direction

There was no shock in Fernando Mendoza being the first overall pick of the draft - he certainly looks like a star, but top-pick quarterbacks can struggle without the right supporting cast.

The Raiders will have a sixth head coach for their seventh season in Las Vegas, but after all the turmoil they finally they look like heading in the right direction with some savvy picks.

Most notable was Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, who is a super talent but slipped down to the fourth round, pick 101, after missing all of last season with a torn ACL.

It's a flier with a big upside if McCoy's knee is right, which he insists it is. He's got tremendous ability, and with fellow draftee Treydan Stukes at safety could add some much-needed playmakers in the secondary.

Mendoza has first-round picks around him already with running back Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers at tight end, while the Raiders splashed out big money to grab centre Tyler Linderbaum to add yet more assistance.

Whisper it quietly, but the Raiders are heading in the right direction and could be the biggest winners of the draft.

New dawns in New York?

The Giants have made the play-offs just twice in 14 seasons, while the Jets have the longest active play-off drought in American sports with 15 seasons on the outside looking in. So fans in the Big Apple needed a big draft.

They had five first-round picks between them and both teams, for once, seem to have emerged as draft winners.

Signing John Harbaugh as new head coach was already a win for the Giants, and getting edge rusher Arvell Reese at pick five was another big victory, which adds to what's looking a scary Big Blue defence.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart got a new weapon in third-round receiver Malachi Fields, who combined with superstar Malik Nabers gives the Giants the look of a side capable of making a leap this year.

The Jets are behind in their transition but pass rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and receiver Omar Cooper all add star talent as first-round picks.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik was a bit of a flier in the fourth round but one worth taking if veteran Geno Smith struggles. Still, there are positive signs for a change with the Jets.

Pittsburgh sets NFL Draft record

You have to hand it to the NFL for making three days of reading names off cards into the second-biggest event on the league calendar.

A record 805,000 fans visited the three-day event in Pittsburgh, with a single-day attendance record of 320,000 for Thursday's first round.

Only the Super Bowl is bigger, and even then that's only of serious interest to two teams, but all 32 are involved in the draft for one simple reason - hope.

The worst teams get the best picks of the college superstars and that gives them hope of a magical turnaround - and the NFL has managed to market it all as a must-see experience.

Detroit hosted 775,000 fans in 2024, Green Bay had 600,000 last year, and both were topped by Pittsburgh.

Washington DC will hope for even more next year and commissioner Roger Goodell revealed cities were lining up to win hosting duties in years to come - with representatives from 10 on scouting trips in Pittsburgh this weekend.

The NFL Draft looks set to get even bigger.

• Steelers draft QB with Rodgers future still unclear

NFL Draft 2026 talking points

History was made by the International Player Pathway (IPP) as Britain's Seydou Traore and Nigerian Uar Bernard were selected by the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles respectively.

Tight end Traore came through the NFL Academy but Bernard has never played American football before - his physical attributes have earned him a shot at making it with the Eagles.

The gazumping of the draft came in the first round when Makai Lemon was on the phone to the Pittsburgh Steelers being informed they were drafting him at spot 21, only to then see the Philadelphia Eagles trying to call him.

The Eagles in fact traded up to number 20 to pinch Lemon from under the noses of their fellow Pennsylvanians - a move that did not go down too well with the home fans in Pittsburgh as they certainly lost that one.

Possibly both winners and losers, the Cleveland Browns made six trades in the first five rounds and became the first team in 30 years to draft two receivers in the top 40 - KC Concepcion at 24 and Denzel Boston at 39.

The Browns are also the first team in 15 years to draft three quarterbacks in two years as they added Taylen Green to a crowded four-man line-up including Deshaun Watson and last year's two draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

For all of Cleveland's good draft work, they will head into the season with another confusing four-way quarterback battle.

• Dolphins pick British tight end Traore in NFL Draft
• Nigerian with 'natural explosiveness' aiming for NFL spot

Had LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier entered the draft last year he may well have been a first-round pick. Instead he was only pick number 249 in the seventh round this year.

That's the downside. The upside is that he was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs and has only Justin Fields to battle for the job of backing up the injured Patrick Mahomes. That's turning a loss into a big win.

Billed as the biggest losers of the draft, the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars were among the more underwhelming teams - with both accused of 'reaching' when drafting players higher than their consensus rating.

San Francisco traded out of the first round then picked receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the first pick of the second - much higher than he was expected to go.

They then added running back Kaelon Black - who did not even get an invitation to the NFL Combine - in the third round. The Niners have a poor recent record both with second round picks and running backs, so neither bodes well.

Jacksonville may have picked up steals with their first four picks, but all four were drafted miles ahead of where they sat on most pre-draft rankings. General manager James Gladstone is still only 35 but in his second draft he's either pulled off some masterstrokes or made some huge errors.

Calum McFarlane has his first win as interim head coach — on his third attempt, in now his second stint — and he’s hoping that it will prove a momentous one indeed. Chelsea have been in historically bad form over the past many weeks, but we still have six games left (five in the league and one in the FA Cup: the final itself) and we still some hope of achieving European qualification (at least the Europa League).

Those may be some bold intentions, perhaps a bit too bold even based on just this one game, but it’s good to still be aiming high.

“It was important to get the win. […] It was important to break the momentum and the form that we were in. And I thought we were confident that we would do that today, and I think that completely changes the feel within the group […] and gives us confidence going into the next five games. [Of course] we want to win every single game from now to the end of the season, as you do in any season. [We] want to do it for ourselves, we want to do it for the fans and the club, everyone. A massive competition in the FA Cup, historic, and we want to win the final and win every Premier League game remaining.”

It wasn’t exactly a spectacular performance from the Blues on a glorious Wembley afternoon, but it was solid enough and that’s something we haven’t been able to say too often of late against top flight opposition. We still needed a couple spectacular saves from Bob and our chance creation overall was quite lacking (0.39 xG on just eight shots and two on target; and just 0.05 xG after we scored halfway through the first half), but we would see out the clean sheet relatively comfortably and avoid any sort of self-sabotage in the meantime (including not messing around with the ball at the back needlessly). Baby steps.

And solid is something you can build on. Obviously, there isn’t much left of the season iself, but if we have to go back to the basics, we need to start with a foundation.

That was precisely the point behind some of McFarlene’s tactical choices, including at the back.

“[Giving Tosin the start] was one of the most difficult decisions in the preparation for this game, because Jorrel Hato has been probably our best player over the last five, six games. But I decided to go with Tosin, mainly down to the Dominic Calvert-Lewin threat, and probably being the best match-up to defend that. Also set-pieces is a massive part of their game, Tosin’s a great leader, a great character, I fully trust Jorrel, and Jorrel could have played in this game, as could Wesley Fofana, so you make decisions as a manager, and you hope you get them right, and I thought Tosin was exceptional today.”

-Calum McFarlane; source: Football.London

Let’s hope we can press a few more of the correct buttons in the remaining weeks ahead.

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The Angelo State Rambelles’ win streak continues with another doubleheader sweep on Sunday, April 26.

Angelo State Rambelles softball carried a 10-game winning streak into its matchup Sunday versus Midwestern State. This was quite the favorable matchup for the home team, given that the second-place Rambelles faced the Lone Star Conference’s last place team in the Mustangs.

The Rambelles did start slowly in game one, but they quickly broke a scoreless draw in the bottom of the fourth inning to lead 6-0. Midwestern State cut the deficit to three in the top of the sixth inning, but ASU’s Zoey Sifuentes hit a no-doubter solo home run in the ensuing bottom half to ice the game, leading to Angelo State’s 7-3 win.

Game two was a different story at first, as the Rambelles quickly jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and led 4-0 after three. The Rambelles’ offense remained quiet the rest of the game, totaling just four hits, but pitching was once again outstanding as Addy Ewing pitched a complete seven-inning game. She allowed just three hits, recorded three strikeouts, allowed no walks and no runs. The Rambelles completed the sweep with a 4-0 win. This extends the team’s winning streak to 12 games, also now having won 15 of their last 16.

Angelo State’s next matchup is one the team has had circled on its calendar all season. A showdown of the top two teams in the Lone Star Conference awaits in Canyon, Texas as second-place Angelo State travels to face first-place West Texas A&M. Only one game separates these teams in the LSC standings with one week remaining in the regular season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.

Morgan Morris is already looking forward to next season but his Ospreys boss believes the number eight might extend an injury-hit campaign with a Wales breakthrough.

The 27-year-old strong-running forward has endured a frustrating 2025-26 in which he has made 10 appearances.

Morris missed the end of last season after a foot operation and calf issues delayed his return until mid-December, then he was forced off again the following month against Lions.

"It has probably been my toughest season," he admitted. "I came into it injured, picked up another couple of injuries, got back into the flow of it and then got injured again.

"I'm just happy to be back out there and I'm looking to be involved. I am taking that as a positive and looking to next season now."

• Ospreys 'positive' as Scarlets set to sign WRU deal
• Tierney outlines latest plan for Welsh rugby

Morris had been an Ospreys regular when averaging 20 games in the four seasons before the current campaign.

"It's the first time I've had a season like this," he said. "I've been pretty lucky in the last few years and haven't really missed many games.

"It's been a tough year for me but it happens as a rugby player and I've come back from it."

Ospreys are blessed with some strong back row performers in Gloucester-bound Jac Morgan, recent Wales caps Harri Deaves and Morgan Morse, Ross Moriaty and James Ratti.

Nonetheless, Wales hopeful Morris has shown what they have missed since returning with his strong carrying.

"Deep down, sadistically, we all enjoy it," said the consistent back-rower. "To be a forward in this game you've got to love the physicality."

Morris pushing for a Wales debut

Morris was frequently mentioned as a Wales contender without getting a call-up by former boss Warren Gatland.

Current national head coach Steve Tandy gave debuts to Ospreys back-rowers Morse and Deaves and, with Taulupe Faletau injured again, is sure to be looking at Morris.

A strong end to the campaign could earn a shot to feature in the summer fixtures against Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.

"Morgan is a unique player for us," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones. "He is very physical and wins a lot of collisions while from a cultural point of view he's such a good guy in the environment.

"He has been like a new signing and him and Jac Morgan have done a great job since returning to really put some depth into our squad.

"His performances have been really good and I know he is keen to push on and really get into Steve Tandy's eyes and impress for a summer tour."

Morris and his Ospreys team-mates now have a week off while the semi-finals of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup take place.

Ospreys finish the season with a final home fixture against Scarlets before a trip to Leinster, and are not lacking motivation even if their hopes of the top eight have gone.

Captain Jac Morgan heads the list of leavers from a squad that have battled hard throughout the season despite off-field uncertainty and protests.

"The boys love each other," said Morris. "We care about each other a lot and we owe it to the boys who are moving on to see out the season with as much happiness and as many wins as we can."

Jesse Lingard is making history.

The first Englishman to play in Brazil's top flight, Lingard is enjoying his early days as a Corinthians player and last week scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil.

There was some surprise when the move was announced, with local pundit Mauro Cezar Pereira describing it as a "strange kind of signing".

But former Manchester United forward Lingard, who joined Corinthians after leaving FC Seoul, is settling in well.

"It's still high-level football," he says. "I think I can play at a high level. For me, it was just about the competition - how big the club is here, how big the league is.

"I had offers on the table, but I still test myself out."

And Lingard's motivation is clear when he says: "I've come here to lift a trophy."

In his first major interview since moving to Brazil, the 33-year-old sat down with the BBC to reflect on his new life, Manchester United and coming up against Neymar.

Lingard on life in Brazil

Lingard's former United team-mate Memphis Depay was among those who convinced him to join Corinthians - and the Dutchman has since helped him settle in.

Lingard made his Corinthians debut against Fluminense at the world-famous Maracana in Rio earlier this month.

It was, he says, "amazing" to be back on the pitch after months without playing and spells of having to train alone.

But within a week manager Dorival Junior had been sacked after an eight-match winless run left them in the relegation zone.

Former Brazil interim coach Fernando Diniz has come in, and the team have since won both their Libertadores games.

Lingard has already felt the intensity of the Corinthians fanbase up close, with supporters turning up at the club's training ground.

"I'd never experienced it before," he says. "Fans going into the training ground... speaking to us. You see how passionate they are for us to do well and win. It only gives us more reason to win on a matchday.

"When you fall short, of course, you're going to get the scrutiny."

One particular challenge has been the language.

Lingard had a translator at FC Seoul, but is navigating life in Brazil without one.

"Some players speak a little bit of English and do translate a little bit," he says.

"But I want to pick up Portuguese. The Korean language was very difficult. I picked up a few words, but I feel like here I could actually learn the language."

And he has already picked up some basics, including how to greet people and order his coffee.

Lingard on Manchester United

It is no surprise Lingard is following developments at Manchester United closely, and he reflects on an "amazing chapter" at his boyhood club.

Lingard spent 20 years at United, leaving in June 2022 when his contract expired. He joined Nottingham Forest the following month.

"We achieved amazing things," he says. "But there's going to be a point in time where you move on. For me, it was Korea."

Lingard knows "everyone was a bit shocked" when he moved there, but says he needed to do so to focus on football and "clear my mind".

Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season, but are on course to return to the Champions League following an upturn in form since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as manager in January.

Lingard says United have come on "leaps and bounds" under his former team-mate and is certain Carrick should be given the job permanently.

"It can be difficult with different managers coming in, having different ideas, different personnel," he says.

"But I think they're really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing really well under him.

"He's got that Manchester United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club."

Lingard remains in close contact with United captain Bruno Fernandes.

"He always wanted to see the best of me at United," says Lingard. "He's always been a guy that's been there, that I can always reach out to."

Fernandes, 31, has provided 18 assists in the Premier League season - two short of the record with five matches remaining.

Former team-mate Paul Pogba said earlier this week that Fernandes would be in contention to win the Ballon d'Or if he played for a team like Manchester City.

Lingard believes Fernandes should be in the running anyway.

"100%," he says. "His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He has to be up there."

Facing Neymar and the World Cup

Asked to pick his favourite Brazilian players, Lingard names Neymar and 2005 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho.

He says he occasionally speaks to Neymar - still the world's most expensive footballer having moved from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain for £200m in 2017 - and is relaxed about the prospect of facing him if Corinthians play Santos.

"It's always good to play against world-class players," he says. "You can test yourself against some of these guys."

Lingard once went viral for teasing former United team-mate Marcus Rashford for apparently talking to Neymar about the weather in the tunnel before a match.

Asked what he would say in the same situation, he laughs and says: "There'd be too many memes about that, to be honest. I might mention the Brazilian weather... it is sunny!"

Lingard played 32 times for England - including at the 2018 World Cup, where England were beaten by Croatia in the semi-finals.

Looking ahead to this summer's tournament in North America, he highlights Brazil, England and France as very strong sides - and fancies the Three Lions to go all the way.

"We've always had a good chance," he says. "I think in big tournaments, we always do well. I believe in the lads. I know how good they are, so I don't see why not."

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has opened up about his famous meal with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Success in England

The former Espanyol player and manager arrived in England in 2013.

He spent one year at Southampton before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, where he would remain until 2019 after leading them to the Champions League final.

After some time out of football, he spent a year at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Chelsea for the 2023-2024 season.

Pochettino has been manager of the United States national team since 2024 and is preparing for the World Cup on home soil later this summer.

Links with United

For over a decade, the Argentine has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford and was very close to being offered the job in 2022 before losing out to Erik ten Hag.

Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Pochettino revealed what happened during his famous meal with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a known admirer of his coaching career.

Commenting on the meal, he said, “through the secretary of the League Managers Association, Sir Alex asked for my phone number so that we could have lunch.”

He described the encounter as “a meeting in London between colleagues, between a genius and an apprentice.”

The Argentine also revealed the amusing story: “when we asked for the bill, I wanted to take it, and so did he. We started arguing over who’d pay.”

Sir Alex’s solution was to ask him to name an Argentine who scored in the 1930 World Cup final, and if he answered correctly, Pochettino would need to pay.

Much to Ferguson’s surprise, Pochettino responded “Stabile”, so the former Tottenham Hotspur manager ended up paying the bill.

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Thuc Nhi Nguyen: Deandre Ayton on his ejection: “We’re both sweaty guys.” He said his arm just slipped off Sengun’s shoulder. He emphasized that he didn’t intend it to be a dirty play even though it “looked crazy on camera.”

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