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Guardiola: Part of me is leaving Man City with Silva departure

Pep Guardiola feels like a part of him is leaving Manchester City as the club prepares for the departure of captain Bernardo Silva. It was announced this week that Silva, who joined Man City from Monaco in 2017, will be leaving at the end of the season. The Portugal international has won 15 major trophies […]

The post Guardiola: Part of me is leaving Man City with Silva departure appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Guardiola: Part of me is leaving Man City with Silva departure appeared first on Soccer News.

Man Utd star Fernandes in a rush to seal Champions League qualification

Manchester United are in a hurry to secure their return to the Champions League, so says Bruno Fernandes. A depleted United team, shorn of four senior centre-backs, beat out-of-form Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Fernandes starred, providing the assist for Matheus Cunha’s strike late in the first half. The United captain has now […]

The post Man Utd star Fernandes in a rush to seal Champions League qualification appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Man Utd star Fernandes in a rush to seal Champions League qualification appeared first on Soccer News.

Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Syracuse Orange forward Donnie Freeman (1) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Syracuse Orange and the SMU Mustangs on March 10, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kentucky Basketball could be closing in on a major addition to its frontcourt, according to KSR’s Matt Jones.

Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.

One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.

Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.

The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.

Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.

The Cleveland Browns have to rethink the NFL Draft after Dexter Lawrence arrived in the AFC North

The Cleveland Browns have to rethink the NFL Draft after Dexter Lawrence arrived in the AFC North originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There are a lot of people hoping the Cleveland Browns draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Those people believe the club will want to pair a prize prospect at wide receiver with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A move some think will transform the young quarterback into a true franchise starting-caliber quarterback. It may work, it may not. Sanders had one of the worst statistical rookie seasons on record, and a stud wide receiver may just help Sanders make a jump in production.

Despite the obvious, that no rookie is a guarantee, what's more likely to help Sanders excel at quarterback (or whoever starts under center) is a strong offensive line. It's an obvious need for the club, and one that has to be addressed. Especially after the news broke on Saturday of a major player landing in the AFC North. 

The Cincinnati Bengals traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the Bengals' first-round pick, 10th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft. That move alone makes the Bengals' front four all that much more vicious. It's a move that puts the entire AFC North on notice, with each of the other three clubs now needing to prepare to face Lawrence a combined six times. 

More: Why Giants trading Dexter Lawrence to Bengals is gut-wrenching news for Browns

The move should make the Browns worried, after all, they had a hard enough time keeping their quarterbacks upright in 2025 without Lawrence in state. The Browns gave up 51 sacks in 2025, seventh-most in the NFL last year, and ensuring that doesn't happen again should be paramount.

To help with that, the Browns landed Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, and Elgton Jenkins in the offseason, while re-signing Teven Jenkins. Except for Jenkins, everyone the Browns signed so far to "bolster" the offensive line is a mediocre offensive lineman on their best days, according to PFF. Howard posted a PFF grade of 62.3 in 2025, with Johnson sitting at a 56.5, and Jenkins at 62.0. The Browns need better than average, especially when you're looking at a division that contains Lawrence, T.J. Watt, and Trey Hendrickson. 

They are now in one of the scariest divisions in the NFL with one of the worst offensive lines going. If the goal is to keep Sanders upright and healthy, then the Browns have to focus heavily on the offensive line. Seeing as how the Browns have two first-round picks, a second, and a third as of press time, they should draft two, if not three, offensive linemen. It may seem excessive, but they simply didn't do enough in the offseason before the Lawrence trade, and now with his arrival, it's become all the more obvious.

The Browns would be wise to get a center, a guard, and a tackle to help balance out the line and prepare the team for the pressure to come. Otherwise, it won't matter who the Browns are throwing to if the man who's throwing it is constantly on his back.

More NFL 

SEC tight end with impressive speed has Colts' interest

The Indianapolis Colts are doing their homework on the tight end position ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

According to Essentially Sports' draft analyst Tony Pauline, Mississippi State tight end Seydou Traore had an official pre-draft visit with the Colts.

During the pre-draft process, each NFL team can have up to 30 draft prospects take an official visit. These visits can be with first-round prospects all the way to UDFAs.

Let's take a closer look at what Traore could bring to the Colts.

Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: TE Seydou Traore

Traore has been a big factor in the passing game over the last three seasons, totaling 164 targets during that span. He's been reliable as well, catching 72% of those passes, while averaging 11.2 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns -- five of which came this season.

This past season, a career-high 50.1% of Traore's snaps came as a blocker. For what it's worth, by PFF's metrics, he did not grade out well as a run-blocker.

Pro Football Network is projecting that Traore is taken in the sixth round.

Seydou Traore's athletic profile

Seydou Traore is a TE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.42 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 87 out of 1471 TE from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/nIeXGP7VXbpic.twitter.com/efWCeM68KX

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 15, 2026

What is the Colts' need at tight end?

Another addition doesn't have to be made here, but adding some competition for that fourth tight end spot on the roster wouldn't be a bad idea. Also, the draft is about planning ahead, and Alie-Cox, Ogletree, and Mallory are all free agents in 2027.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts host TE Seydou Traore on visit

RAF 08 live stream results, discussion and video highlights | Arman vs. Faber

Real American Freestyle (RAF) returns TONIGHT (Sat., April 18, 2026) with its eighth event, streaming live from Liacouras Center of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Former two-division UFC champion, Henry Cejudo, was supposed to headline the card against former Bantamweight champion and former rival, Merab Dvalishvili; however, a last-second injury forced Cejudo off the card (details here).

The new main event is No. 2-ranked UFC Lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan, taking on mixed martial arts (MMA) legend, Urijah Faber. The co-main event now features a championship match as Kyle Snyder defends his Light Heavyweight title against Rizabek Aitmukhan.

RAF 08 kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and airs exclusively on FOX Nation.

Below, you’ll find live results, highlights and discussion throughout the evening.

RAF 08 Results and Highlights:

RAF 08 Main Event

175 lbs: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber —

RAF 08 Co-Main Event

215 lbs: Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan (championship match) —

RAF 08 Main Card

190 lbs: Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair —
285 lbs: Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov —
130 lbs: Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak (championship match) —


145 lbs: Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault — Woods def. Ashnault via Points (7-2)

175 lbs: Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze — Nolf def. Blaze via Points (11-2)

145 lbs: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius — Khinchegashvili def. Johnni DiJulius via Points (8-5)

155 lbs: Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel — Palmer def. Henschel via Points (3-2)

145 lbs.: Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill — Oliver def. Vanbrill via Points (5-0)

135 lbs.: Lucas Byrd vs. Darian Cruz – Byrd def. Cruz via Criteria, (2-2)


For the latest wrestling-related news and notes click here.

Utah's top 10 football recruits for the 2027 class

BYU and Utah's rise as College Football Playoff-contending programs over the last decade has a lot to do with the rise of high school talent in the state.

Every year, a good crop of five and four-star talent comes out of the state and takes their talents to one of the in-state programs or another program likely contending for a playoff spot.

This year is no exception, with numerous prospects ranked in the top 200 by multiple recruiting outlets.

Here's a look at the top 10 players from the Beehive State in the 2027 class.

1. Bode Sparrow, Davis (Kaysville)

Position: Athlete

Height: 6-2

Weight: 180

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Sparrow did a little bit of everything last season for the 10-2 Darts. On offense, he caught 83 passes for 1,218 yards and 16 touchdowns. Defensively he totaled 71 tackles, seven interceptions and 6.5 tackles for loss.

2. Kamden Lopati, West (West Valley City)

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6-3

Weight: 220

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Lopati was the definition of efficient as a junior. He led the Panthers to an 11-win season in 2025, completing 65% of his passes for 2,671 yards and 34 touchdowns while also rushing for 730 yards and 10 more touchdowns.

3. Krew Jones, Orem

Position: EDGE

Height: 6-4.5

Weight: 233

Commitment: Oklahoma

Football recruiting notes: Jones transferred from one state championship team in Ridgeline to another in Orem. He helped the Riverhawks finish 14-0 last season, totaling 80 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

4. Jaxton Itaaehau, Davis (Kaysville)

Position: Athlete

Height: 5-11

Weight: 185

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Itaaehau was another two-way standout for the Darts last season. He totaled 1,286 total yards of offense and 16 touchdowns on offense while also recording 33 tackles on defense.

5. Christian Hanshaw, American Fork

Position: Tight End

Height: 6-5

Weight: 230

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Filling in more as a blocker, Hanshaw will likely be relied upon more in the receiving game his senior season. In 2025, he caught 27 passes for 356 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

6. Ian Aloisio, Timpview (Provo)

Position: Interior Offensive Lineman

Height: 6-4

Weight: 280

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Arizona and Utah have been in a battle for Aloisio, with each set to host him for official visits this summer. He'll be in Arizona on June 12 and Utah a week later.

7. Peyton Higginson, Salem Hills

Position: Athlete

Height: 6-3

Weight: 181

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Higginson will have his choice of where to play in college, as he excels on both offense and defense. Offensively, he caught 40 passes for 574 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns in 2025. On defense, he totaled 81 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions.

8. Broncs Baker, Stansbury (Tooele)

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6-1

Weight: 215

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: Baker's name is fitting as he plays for the Mustangs and was also one of the state's top linebackers in 2025. He capped his junior season with 66 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks.

9. Sam Ngata, Olympus (Salt Lake City)

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6-3.5

Weight: 215

Commitment: Oregon

Football recruiting notes: Sam Ngata is the son of longtime NFL defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. He committed to Oregon on January 24 and recorded 23 tackles in 2025.

10. Uhila Wolfgramm, Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork)

Position: EDGE

Height: 6-3

Weight: 245

Commitment: Uncommitted

Football recruiting notes: The Eagles struggled in 2025, but Wolfgramm was a bright spot. He finished his junior season with 36 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and five sacks.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Bode Sparrow headlines top 2027 college football recruits from Utah

Kristian Winfield: The Hawks picked their poison — and it cost them Game 1 vs. Knicks

NEW YORK — Ahead of tipoff in Game 1 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series between the Knicks and Hawks on Saturday, Atlanta coach Quin Snyder detailed the many ways his team could potentially have trouble defending Karl-Anthony Towns, the six-time All-Star center who's averaged close to 30 points over the seven regular-season games he’s played against the Hawks since his 2024 trade to New York.

Snyder called the Towns assignment a challenge. He was complimentary of the 7-foot scorer whose game he’d come to know well after coaching the Utah Jazz for the better part of a decade. And in true candid fashion, Snyder openly admitted the matchup would be a problem for the Hawks, who only have one experienced, trusted center in Onyeka Okongwu available as Jock Landale recovers from an ankle injury.

Snyder was so effusive of his praise — and steadfast in his desire to find a way to stop the Knicks’ center — one could surmise the Knicks’ big man was top priority on the Hawks’ scouting report.

Which was Atlanta’s undoing in Game 1, because the second you forget about Jalen Brunson is the second you’ve hammered the final nail into your own coffin. And in what became a wild game, Brunson put the Hawks on the grill: 28 points, seven assists and 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

The Knicks have taken a 1-0 series lead over the Hawks with Game 1 looming on Monday.

Snyder will make adjustments. He said as much ahead of tipoff on Saturday. But he detailed the plight of this very quandary before the opening tip as well.

“It’s a little bit of pick your poison, you know? How do you handle [KAT] on the post with a mismatch? Do you just guard him? How do you handle pick and roll? How do you handle him and Brunson on pick a roll?” Snyder said. “I think for us to be prepared for all those situations, you can adjust every time down the court.”

Towns did not score in the first quarter and had six points on 1-of-6 shooting at the half. The Knicks, of course, went three quarters of the season with Towns as an afterthought offensively before folding him more permanently into scoring actions. He has also become much more content with his fluctuating role.

Some nights may not call for a Big KAT masterclass. Others will. And in the playoffs, games will call for both: Towns scored just six points in the first half but finished with 25 points on 6-of-13 shooting and a perfect 10-of-10 shooting from the foul line.

Yet despite Towns’ late start, despite an Atlanta defense built to be aggressive and physical at the point of attack, the Knicks still built an 11-point lead, watched it go to zero, then led by as many as 19 points with four minutes left in the final frame.

It’s why The Daily News took the Knicks to win this first-round series in not six, but five games. Because the Knicks, at their best, are light years ahead of the Hawks, whose franchise cornerstone — Jalen Johnson — is experiencing his first-ever playoff series.

Game 1, of course, had its hiccups, moments the Hawks applied pressure many assumed capable of breaking the Knicks. The first quarter was a doozy. Brunson’s heroics saved the day. The Knicks built a double-digit lead in the second quarter and suddenly found themselves tied at 48 shortly before the half. Brunson, even in a hot night, shot 8 for 11 to start the game and 1 for 11 to finish it.

And then there were the injuries: Officials assessed C.J. McCollum a technical foul for kicking Brunson below the belt. Jonathan Kuminga grabbed a rebound and elbowed Towns in the face on the way down. OG Anunoby limped out of the game in the second quarter then checked himself back in shortly after. And Josh Hart came up limping in the third quarter before playing through the visible pain displayed on his face.

The Hawks are going to do more beating-up of the Knicks than actually beating them on the hardwood floor. They’ll need to find a way to beat the Knicks at their own game, too. Because taking away Towns freed up Brunson, and re-focusing on Brunson opened up Towns.

It’s the very poison Snyder spoke of — and the Hawks drank it on Saturday.

Suns vs. Thunder – NBA Playoffs – Game 1 predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 19

The NBA’s top overall seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder open the defense of their title Sunday at Paycom Center against a battle-tested but potentially fatigued Phoenix Suns squad. Less than 48 hours ago, the Suns eliminated the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament while OKC sat at home. Sure, the Suns arrive with momentum and a "nothing to lose" attitude, but the schedule and the Thunder roster see OKC favored by 13.5 at DraftKings. Oklahoma City started their march to the title last season with a first round sweep.

The Suns, led by rookie head coach Jordan Ott, were not expected to be a factor in the Western Conference this season after trading Kevin Durant last summer. However, they face a monumental task at both ends of the court. OKC’s defense finished the regular season with the best defensive rating in the league. Their offense is quarterbacked by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Phoenix will need an MVP-level performance from Devin Booker and major contributions from the supporting cast.

Key to the matchup is the battle between reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Phoenix’s perimeter defenders, specifically Dillon Brooks, who will more than likely be tasked with slowing down SGA. If somehow the Suns succeed in containing the MVP, they then must slow down the supporting cast led by Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The Suns do not have the depth the Thunder possess.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Thunder vs. Suns

  • Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
  • Time: 3:30PM EST
  • Site: Paycom Center
  • City: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Network/Streaming: ABC

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Thunder vs. Suns

The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder (-1100), Phoenix Suns (+700)
  • Spread: Thunder -13.5
  • Total: 215.5 points

This game sits right where it opened with OKC favored by 13.5 and the Game Total set at 215.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule! 

Expected Starting Lineups: Thunder vs. Suns

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • SG Luguentz Dort
  • C Isaiah Hartenstein
  • SF Jalen Williams
  • PF Chet Holmgren

Phoenix Suns

  • SG Devin Booker
  • PG Collin Gillespie
  • SF Jalen Green
  • PF Dillon Brooks
  • C Mark Williams

Injury Report: Thunder vs. Suns

OKC Thunder

  • Thomas Sorber (knee) has been declared OUT of Sunday’s game

Phoenix Suns

  • Mark Williams (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game
  • Grayson Allen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game

Important stats, trends and insights: Thunder vs. Suns

  • The Thunder are 34-7 at home this season
  • The Suns are 20-21 on the road this season
  • The Suns are 47-34-3 ATS this season
  • OKC is 39-42-1 ATS this season
  • The OVER has cashed in 44 of the Thunder’s 82 games this season (44-38)
  • The OVER has cashed in 38 of the Suns’ 84 games this season (38-46)

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
 
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s Thunder and Suns’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Thunder -13.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 215.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar! 

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick) 

Pat McAfee exits WrestleMania on a stretcher before main event

The road to WrestleMania is when WWE builds its storylines for the "Showcase of the Immortals," creating iconic moments that lead to must-see matches in the biggest show of the year.

The Undisputed WWE Championship feud was headed in that direction earlier this year, but the polarizing introduction of Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll into a main-event matchup has been a controversial topic among WWE fans in recent weeks.

See:WrestleMania Night 1 live grades, results for every match

Here's how the McAfee storyline played out on Saturday night during Night 1 of WrestleMania 42:

McAfee was the first to make an entrance, flipping double middle fingers as he sauntered down the ramp, something not many (if anyone) has had license to do since Stone Cold Steve Austin at his peak. Audio also picked up McAfee saying "f*** you" to someone in the crowd.

Whether you love him or hate him, people are ALWAYS talking about @PatMcAfeeShow! 👀

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/E77XnmjG9b

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Orton brought some positive energy back into the building with his entrance, which got the usual sing-along from the 50,000+ in Allegiant Stadium.

Rhodes got an extended entrance which features close-ups of four mannequins wearing his gear from his many character changes throughout his long WWE career.

McAfee took the mic from ring announcer Alicia Taylor to give his own Paul Heyman-style intro - which couldn't really compare to the WWE legend.

Very classy, @PatMcAfeeShow 😒 pic.twitter.com/AtJusfONK2

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Before referee Charles Robinson signaled for the bell to ring, McAfee attacked Rhodes with his microphone. Rhodes rallied and hit a Cross Rhodes on McAfee, then dragged McAfee onto an announce table to pummel him. Jell Roll appeared at ringside and jumped from one announce table to the other, driving an elbow through McAfee and the table.

ELBOW THROUGH THE TABLE 💪@JellyRoll615 takes out @PatMcAfeeShow!

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/mdXA7P9qF0

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Jelly Roll yelled at Rhodes to give the fans what they came for, and medical staff rolled out a gurney to remove an injured McAfee from the area. McAfee capped his performance by raising a middle finger from the gurney.

A message for the Vegas crowd on his way out 🙄@PatMcAfeeShow

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/EBpokEDcBS

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

This may be WWE's way of extracting McAfee from the rest of the show and giving us a match, but I have a feeling McAfee may not be done on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: What happened with Pat McAfee in WrestleMania main event?

From Carlos Alcaraz to the next “diamond” — Boris Becker names Spain’s rising star

Photo by Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Spain’s next big thing in tennis

As Rafael Nadal’s time at the top of tennis began to wind down, it didn’t take long for Spain to find its next superstar.

Carlos Alcaraz has already made a massive impact on the ATP Tour, and he’s only 22 years old. In that time, he’s already picked up 26 ATP titles, including seven Grand Slams.

At 19, Alcaraz became the youngest player to reach world number one. By 22, he had achieved a Career Grand Slam, winning all four majors at least once.

Boris Becker recently spoke about another young Spaniard who he believes could be a major star. The teenager has started making appearances on the main tour and is ranked just inside the world’s top 600.

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Boris Becker speaks highly of Rafael Jodar after Barcelona victory

Rafael Jodar made a bit of history at the Barcelona Open on Friday, and he did it in front of a home crowd.

At just 19, he became only the fifth Spanish teenager in the Open Era to reach the semi-finals of the ATP 500 event.

By beating Cameron Norrie in straight sets, he joined Alcaraz, Nadal, Carlos Moya and Alex Corretja in that select group.

Becker also shared his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter: “Love his composure and maturity already. Spain is lucky to have another diamond in its arsenal.”

How Rafael Jodar has fared on Tour so far this year

Jodar began 2026 by reaching the final of a Challenger event in Canberra, where he was beaten by Alexander Blockx.

He then qualified for a Grand Slam for the first time at the Australian Open and made it through to the second round before losing out to Jakub Mensik.

After an early exit in Dallas, Jodar picked up two wins between Delray Beach and Acapulco, defeating Ethan Quinn and Norrie along the way.

His Sunshine Double didn’t start well with a first-round defeat at Indian Wells, but he reached round three of Miami after getting past Yannick Hanfmann and Aleksandar Vukic.

Read more:

Eight reasons why Atlético went wrong in the Copa del Rey final

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Koke of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A first Copa del Rey final in 13 years gave Atlético Madrid a real shot at silverware for the first time since 2021 at La Cartuja against Real Sociedad. But a painful penalty shootout defeat after a 2-2 tie means more suffering and pain for Colchoneros.

Here’s where Atleti went wrong on Saturday night.

1. Juan Musso showed why he’s second-choice

First of all, full credit to Juan Musso for being the closest Jan Oblak has had to a real rival in his entire time at Atlético Madrid. But in Seville, it all went wrong.

Musso didn’t cover himself in glory with the first goal. I don’t include the decision to give a penalty for a tap on Gonçalo Guedes’ shoulder here to avoid it becoming a refereeing rant after a game in which Javier Alberola Rojas is not the main reason for Atlético’s defeat. But that decision was an appalling one. And it was one that Musso gave him to make.

Then the penalty shoot-out, where Musso went the wrong way repeatedly, as he did for Mikel Oyarzabal’s in-game effort, reflected a lack of preparation and a poor penalty record. In his career, Musso has saved 10.9% of penalties, compared to Oblak’s 20.8%. That could’ve been the difference.

⁉️💥 ¿Es penalti la acción de Musso sobre Guedes?

✅ 𝗦𝗜.

👉🏻 Guedes se anticipa a Musso y el portero argentino impacta con su puño en la cabeza del portgués.

▪️ Al tratarse de una acción temeraria, acompañada de amarilla, no puede considerarse un contacto residual. pic.twitter.com/y4zJawN1gb

— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) April 18, 2026

2. The difference in rest periods

Between Real Sociedad’s last match ending last Saturday and the Copa del Rey final starting, Atlético Madrid played two matches: a La Liga tie against Sevilla, with heavy rotations, and a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona. It was logical, therefore, that Atleti struggled to find a breakthrough late on against tired legs as the clock ticked. Where their quality could have made the difference in other circumstances in these closing stages, Atleti were exhausted.

Why? In part, because the RFEF screwed up. Their decision to place the Copa del Rey final in Seville in the middle of their incredibly-popular Feria de Abril holiday in the city meant a late change to the schedule, bringing forward the final by a week to avoid the clash, albeit coinciding with a week including Champions League action in midweek. Had both finalists — or neither — been involved in Europe, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Unfortunately for them, it was.

3. This wasn’t Atleti’s strongest XI

It’s an excuse, but it’s a good one. Aside from Musso, the deputy for the cup, you could count at least two players who most likely would not feature in Atleti’s strongest line-up. Nahuel Molina and Robin Le Normand, impressive in recent weeks but enjoying his worst season in many years, are firmly squad players who would almost certainly have been on the bench had Dávid Hancko and Pablo Barrios been fit. It would have seen Marcos Llorente return to right-back, his normal role, and could have changed the game entirely from the early moments.

A perfect line-up is rare, but this Atleti side was missing several key players across the board.

4. Penalties aren’t Atleti’s forte

There was almost a sense of impending doom as a shootout neared. Many saw it coming that the shootout ended in defeat, repeating the outcome of the only previous Copa final between the two clubs in 1987, when La Real also prevailed on penalties.

The pattern is uncomfortable enough that it has become part of how Atlético fans process big nights, echoing the painful 2016 Champions League final. Julián Alvarez’s “double-touch” penalty against Real Madrid a year ago had left a scar, and no other player has stepped forward as a clinical spot-kick taker since then.

Once again, 12 yards provided to be the killer for an Atlético side who will feel that they edged it in the 120 minutes.

Hard to believe Sørloth AND Julián Alvarez missed Atleti's first two penalties in the shootout 😮 pic.twitter.com/s2iT4DHSbJ

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 18, 2026

5. A lack of depth on the bench

It said a lot that when Diego Simeone was forced into changes, he was forced into changing the formation.

Simeone’s captain, the 34-year-old Koke, should not have been required to play 120 minutes. The fact that he was, in testament to him and his work rate, reflects poorly on the squad management by the likes of Carlos Bucero, Mateu Alemany, and Miguel Ángel Gil.

If we consider the period of 25 to 28 to be the peak of a footballer’s career, it is notable that Atlético currently have no midfielders in that age range. Rodrigo de Paul, for all his sins, filled that gap as an experienced leader who could rotate with Koke, but he was sold. Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, or January signings Rodrigo Mendoza or Obed Vargas are some way off cementing such a role.

There can be those who argue that the starting XI should get the job done, but when they didn’t, the chances fell to Cardoso, Sørloth and Álex Baena. All three missed.

Las lagrimas de Koke. #LaCopaMola#LaCasaDelFútbolpic.twitter.com/hq28gD7gxG

— Movistar Plus+ Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) April 18, 2026

6. One eye still on the Champions League?

The big question: if Atleti were out of the Champions League, would the likes of Barrios, Hancko or José María Giménez have been risked here?

“I’m not thinking about Arsenal; this really hurts,” Cholo Simeone said after the game in Seville, but could the same be said for his players and his medical team?

It is hard to envisage that the opening goal on 15 seconds would have been conceded with the experienced leadership of the backline which is offered by Hancko or Giménez. It’s hard to envisage that Atleti would have struggled through to battle to the final whistle with barely any creativity had Barrios been on the field.

These are small differences, but at this level, the fine margins make a significant difference.

🚨 JUST IN – Injury Updates:

• In principle, Pablo Barrios and possibly David Hancko will be included in the squad, but neither will be risked, with the team still competing in the Champions League.

• Josema Giménez is the only player who is 100% ruled out. pic.twitter.com/PwdbZzDMQf

— ​ScoreZone (@ScoreZoneHQ1) April 18, 2026

7. A one-dimensional approach through Ademola Lookman

You could be forgiven for forgetting that Giuliano Simeone was on the field or that anyone was on the right flank for much of the first half. Time and time again, Atleti would opt for the long ball over the top to the left flank and for Ademola Lookman to chase. Sometimes it worked, but it exhausted the Nigerian and it made Atleti’s approach incredibly predictable.

Contrary to what many Atleti fans may argue, taking him off made sense. Atleti needed more presence in the box, without sacrificing the quality of Julián or Antoine Griezmann. To do so meant a change in shape, and Lookman plays no role as a wing-back. He was tiring, struggling to track back, and leaving gaps that could be exploited.

On paper, replacing Lookman seemed madness given his performance, but it was striking while the iron was hot, rather than waiting for it to go lukewarm.

8. A lack of cutting edge

It’s not the first time this season that we talk about Atleti missing their chances. But once again here, Atlético Madrid had the chances to win this game inside 120 minutes.

Their 1.96 xG was far more than Real Sociedad’s 1.62, but the Basque side were just more clinical. They had 40% of shots on target, compared to Atleti’s 21%. Even if we just look at Baena’s 87th-minute chance worth 0.61 xG, or Cardoso’s 91st-minute chance worth 0.29 xG, the chances were there for Atlético to take this game, but they failed to do so. That was ultimately the difference between the two teams.

NFL Draft 2026: Giants trade Dexter Lawrence, add 10th overall pick

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 02: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers before the game at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Giants have added a second pick in the top ten selections of the 2026 NFL Draft with a blockbuster trade Saturday night. The team sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, gaining the 10th overall pick in exchange – landing the Giants right in front of the Miami Dolphins, who hold the 11th and 30th picks in the first round round this year.

The Giants will now pick 5th and 10th when the Draft kicks off on Thursday.

Lawrence was the 17th overall pick by the Giants in 2019. He has been selected to three Pro Bowls in his seven seasons and has been named a Second-Team All-Pro twice. He has recorded 341 career tackles, 15 passes defensed, one interception, five forced fumbles, and 30.5 sacks. He had requested a trade earlier this month as he and the Giants could not come to an agreement on a new contract. He has two-years remaining on a four-year, $90 million extension he signed before the 2023 season.

What impact do you think this trade has on the Dolphins’ draft pick? Let us know in the comments.

For more on the Bengals’ side of this trade, check out Cincy Jungle. For Giants’ reactions, head over to Big Blue View.

Dexter Lawrence trade grades: Bengals pay hefty price to upgrade problematic defense in deal with Giants

Dexter Lawrence

Dexter Lawrence trade grades: Bengals pay hefty price to upgrade problematic defense in deal with Giants originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the rest of the NFL focuses on the upcoming draft, the Bengals still had some offseason business to handle.

Cincinnati swung a blockbuster deal with the Giants for DT Dexter Lawrence on Saturday, landing the three-time Pro-Bowler in exchange for the No. 10 pick in Thursday's draft.

The deal leaves the Giants with two top-10 picks but a void up front on their defense, while the Bengals add a defensive anchor after losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency.

Here's how the Bengals and Giants did in the Lawrence blockbuster.

MOREFull 2026 NFL Draft order

Dexter Lawrence trade grades

Bengals grade: C

  • Bengals receive: DT Dexter Lawrence

Make no mistake: the Bengals badly need a talent infusion on their defense, and that was true even before Trey Hendrickson's exit in free agency. Lawrence makes their defense better from day one, and a stronger defense is critical to Cincinnati's hopes of returning to the playoffs with Joe Burrow.

This is still a hefty price to pay for player heading into his eighth season who is presumably asking to become one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL. The Bengals might not get a player of Lawrence's caliber with the No. 10 pick — ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the team considers 2026 "a big year" and want an immediate impact — but considering how much more cost-controlled that player would be, Cincinnati has to hope Lawrence plays like an All-Pro to live up to this deal.

Instead, a Bengals team that needs help just about everywhere other than the skill positions now owns only three top-180 picks in the 2026 draft.

The Bengals are betting that Lawrence will prove his 2025 was an aberration. He wasn't as effective at getting to the passer or stopping the run, something he owed to playing through an elbow injury. Lawrence was much more effective in 2024 and even more effective in 2022 and 2023, when he was an All-Pro Second-Team selection.

It's certainly possible Lawrence becomes that type of player again, but there is enough uncertainty to say this trade could be looked back upon as a desperation move.

MORE:2026 NFL mock draft with trades

Giants grade: A

  • Giants receive: DT Dexter Lawrence

Trading a defensive anchor just as you're expecting to come out of a rebuild and make a leap isn't ideal, but the Giants clearly drew a line in the sand in contract negotiations with Lawrence. Is that because they believe he won't be the player he once was? Only time will tell.

Regardless, landing a second top-10 pick is a major coup that will allow coach John Harbaugh to better put his stamp on the Giants' roster. No, that player might not have the immediate impact of someone like Lawrence, but New York now has two chances to add a cost-controlled, high-level talent to its roster and more flexibility to move around in the first round if needed. 

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported executives expected the Giants to land a late first-round pick for Lawrence, which sounds about right for a player who isn't an edge rusher, isn't coming off his best season by any means and is demanding a massive third contract. To land a top-10 pick, particularly as a team that already has a quarterback and has multiple major roster needs, is a significant win that makes the temporary void on the defensive line much easier for Harbaugh to stomach. 

The Giants want to win in 2026, but Harbaugh is under far less pressure to win right now than the Bengals' regime. That difference showed in this trade. 

Dallas Stars game notes: Losing battles all over & Game 1 problems continue in loss vs Wild

Dallas Stars game notes: Losing battles all over & Game 1 problems continue in loss vs Wild
Apr 18, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) watches a replay of a Minnesota Wild goal in the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars could never really get going in a 6-1 Game 1 loss against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday. Minnesota leads the series 1-0.

Stars lines

  • Steel – Johnston – Rantanen
  • Robertson – Duchene – Bourque
  • Bäck – Hryckowian – Benn
  • Erne – Faksa – Blackwell
  • Lindell – Heiskanen
  • Harley – Lundkvist
  • Bichsel – Myers  
  • Oettinger
  • DeSmith

Scratches: Bunting, Hyry, Lyubushkin, Petrovic, Capobianco, Bastian (injured), Hintz (injured), Seguin (SELTIR)

Top story

Game 1s, for good and for bad.

The Stars have a history of falling in Game 1. Including tonight against Minnesota, they have dropped nine of their past 11 Game 1s to open a playoff series.

In there, have been some lopsided losses like this one, and others where they just didn’t have their best stuff, mixed in with some OT losses and close games. Tonight, they were clearly the inferior team for most of the game and lost by five goals.

Okay, that’s all the bad stuff. Purge!

On the flip side, Dallas has won five of those nine series. They have gone on long playoff runs and come within a couple of wins of the Stanley Cup Final. They have even dropped down in some series 2-1 and won three straight to turn it on its head.

And even better, they are absolutely never out of any fight.

If I have learned one thing above all else while covering this team for six seasons and watching them for 20 or more, it is that they can be incredibly frustrating, while also being incredibly determined to right their wrongs. They get down, they start slow, they lose Game 1, they go down 3-2 in a series, whatever it is. Yet, pretty much without failure, they bounce back. They rise from the dead, get that important next goal, and find a way to come back and win a game or a series.

That’s the attitude this group has right now. Are they disapointed? Sure. Do they have plenty to work on to be better in Game 2? 100 percent.

But they also understand the highs and lows of the sports, especially in the playoffs, and they are fully confident they will have a much better performance on Monday night.

Maybe I’m a fool, but I believe ’em.

Live game notebook

Period 1

  • Not only is the energy high inside the AAC, but the on-ice and in-arena presentation is awesome. Live view of players walking out of the tunnel projected onto the ice. Love that.
  • The pace is SO high. Everybody finishing checks.
  • Dallas has the puck more here early on. Not a ton actually on net, but created a bit of chaos with cycle and forecheck.
  • Tyler Myers chicken wings Mats Zuccarello, taking an unnecessary penalty away from the puck. Minnesota works a PP breakout to perfection, then goes tick-tac-toe down low to Matt Boldy and quickly to the slot for Joel Eriksson Ek, who beats Jake Oettinger to the glove side. Miro Heiskanen got a piece of the pass, but it still got there. Tough to allow the entry pass after outnumbering the puck carrier four to one, too. Don’t take penalties in this series.

MINNESOTA STRIKES FIRST‼️

Joel Eriksson Ek gives the Wild the early lead on the power play 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dOBpVxDPDr

— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2026
  • Jason Robertson looks like the best Stars skater so far. He has been flying, winning battles, and looks confident with the puck.
  • Jamie Benn tried to curl up the wall after entering the zone, but fell. But he made a nice play to dive and knife the puck down the wall because four Wild skaters were heading up ice to start 4-on-2 the other way. Sometimes, those “boring” plays make a huge difference. Don’t be the one to make the big mistake.
  • Oettinger makes a big-time left pad save in tight after Vladimir Tarasenko made a slick pass off the wall to Danila Yurov.
  • Mikko Rantanen gets a chance on one end, but takes a high-sticking minor on the other. Massive PK for Dallas here in the final 90 seconds of the period.
  • Oettinger with another good save, moving right to left on a perfectly executed set entry play from Minnesota. Zuccarello’s vision is absurd.

Got a Jake there 🧱 pic.twitter.com/eumkdi5enn

— x – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 18, 2026
  • Not a bad period from Dallas. But Minnesota has to really like how it played. They weathered a bit of Dallas pressure early, killed off the Stars only PP, scored on their own PP, and shifted the scoring chances 5v5 in their favor as the period ended.
  • And, exhale.

Wild 1, Stars 0

Period 2

  • Stars killed off the remaining seconds of the Wild PP, but Kirill Kaprizov absolutely picked a corner shortside on Oettinger shortly after. Thomas Harley looked to be waiting for support as Kaprizov skated in from the top of the circle, trying to stay home in front of the net. But Wyatt Johnston was too far away, Rantanen didn’t get back enough on the backcheck, and nobody got there to contest one of the most dangerous players in the game. It’s 2-0 early in the period.
  • Quinn Hughes turns nothing into a chance with an absurd spinning pass in the neutral zone as he is heading back toward center ice. There was nothing there before that. Then, he makes another great pass to get a backhand across to Brock Faber, whose slapper hits Ryan Hartman and bounces in. 3-0 Wild just like that.

4-3. A third power play goal for Minnesota. Quinn Hughes enters the zone with ease, and Spurgeon finds Hartman streaking to the net for a tap-in with 9 seconds to go in the second period. pic.twitter.com/JJN7TqdGU0

— Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) April 10, 2026
  • Rantanen takes his second minor of the game seconds later. Wheels are coming off right now. Dallas needs to settle down.
  • When you are getting bounces, you are getting bounces. After the puck slides across the crease, Harley tries to clear it behind, but Boldy gets there at the same time and slides it inside the post to make it 4-0.

  • Worst-case scenario start for Dallas midway through the game.
  • Dallas has not created a ton, but Jesper Wallstedt has been solid in there when they have gotten to him. Made a huge save on Heiskanen coming down the slot on the power play.
  • But… now they do get to him, and it’s Robertson on the backhand from the right of the crease. Wallstedt didn’t look to be expecting a shot at all, but rather a cross-crease pass of some king. He barely moved. Robertson has a sneaky release.

Chip away at it pic.twitter.com/tSirRjGy4o

— x – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 18, 2026
  • Dallas with a glorious chance to make it 4-2. Johnston picks up a missed shot carom off the glass and has a 2-on-1 with Rantanen from center ice and no back pressure. He wanted to move it to Rantanen so bad, but Minnesota took away pass, and Wallstedt got the tip of his glove on Johnston’s shot.

AND A SAVE BY WALLSTEDT#EasyToCelebrate | @budlightpic.twitter.com/H8qvFW2F16

— x – Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 18, 2026
  • The AAC crowd is very much back into the game. Look out if Dallas gets another.

Wild 4, Stars 1

Period 3

  • Rantanen looks like he has a little extra juice to start the third. Can he do it again?
  • Dallas came so close on multiple chances down low on the PP. Jared Spurgeon probably saved a goal coming out and blocking Rantanen’s one-timer at end of a crazy sequence.
  • The good news is Dallas has played better in the third. The bad news is they waited until trailing 4-0 to wake up.
  • Huge PK for Minnesota, and now Esa Lindell is called for tripping. Not scoring there felt like maybe game over. But if the Wild score here, it certainly is game.
  • And, they do exactly that. Oettinger makes a good save, but Dallas leaves Eriksson Ek all alone in the low slot. Not the best shot in the world, but still standing alone with time to pick a spot shortside. Minnesota will win Game 1.

  • Dallas has a kryptonite. Its name is Game 1. They will drop another one here at home. Maybe getting outplayed and losing by a big number will be what sparks them to come out motivated in Game 2. Score doesn’t matter. They all count as one win and one loss.
  • EN for Minnesota makes it 6-1.

Final: Wild 6, Stars 1

Quotable

Stars coach Glen Gulutzan

“I thought that they certainly, to a man, were better than us… That hasn’t happened to us a lot during the year, and it was to a man. So, there’s certainly room for growth for our team. But you can’t get your game going if we’re not going to win battles. You can take any metric, and if you lose the skating battles and puck battles, you’re always on the receiving end of everything negative.”

Identifying the best prospect fit for Packers at each position in 2026 NFL draft

Fans of both the Green Bay Packers and the NFL draft are extremely fortunate. Not only do Packers fans have great team-specific draft analysts available, such as Packers Wire's Brennen Rupp, who puts together his 100-player "Unpacking Future Packers" draft preview series every year, but fans also get access to some of the best, most in-depth draft guides available among the 32 NFL teams. Leading the way is Packer Report's "Green Bay Draft Guide," an annual masterpiece in combining smart draft analysis with a rigorous understanding of how the Packers handle the process.

As a result, the "Green Bay Draft Guide" does one thing better than most all the rest: identifying the players who check all the boxes, fit into the "Packer people" category and have the best chances of being picked by the Packers.

To help preview the 2026 draft, Packers Wire reached out to Jacob Morley of Packer Report, who does some heavy lifting for the guide. Our question was simple: Who is the most Packers-y prospect at every position?

Here are Morley's picks, along with analysis about each player:

Before you dive in, strongly consider buying the draft guide. For fans of the Packers and the draft, the guide is a steal of a deal at $11.99. The draft is just days away, but you still have time to learn all you need to know from a Packers angle with the guide.

QB: Taylen Green, Arkansas

Morley: "I think Matt LaFleur got a taste of what life is like with a super athlete at backup QB. Green has a lot of work to do has a passer, but he has a ton of upside and if anyone is going to turn him into a viable option at QB, it is Matt LaFleur."

Our analysis: Big, athletic, can run, huge arm. Green is like a supersized Malik Willis. But there is a ton of development required.

RB: Kaelon Black, Indiana

Morley: "Josh Jacobs is your early down back and one of the best pure runners in the NFL, but you don’t love having him on the field in pass pro if you can avoid it. Chris Brooks is a great third down back due to his ability in pass pro. Black is a bit of both with the ability to break off explosive plays. He is what they have been looking for at RB2."

Our analysis: Black looks like one of the best options at running back in terms of experience, versatility and future starting potential.

Unpacking Future Packers: Kaelon Black

WR: De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

Morley: "There will be other options here as well, Ted Hurst and Bryce Lance are great options and big time Packer fits too. The one thing Stribling does that separates himself from other Packer types: blocking. That is not to say some of the other WRs in this class don’t block well, they certainly do. Stribling is just better at it, he takes pride in his ability in the run game and it shows up all over the field."

Our analysis: If Matt LaFleur were to craft his perfect receiver in a lab, it would look something like Christian Watson or De'Zhaun Stribling.

Unpacking Future Packers: De'Zhaun Stribling

TE: Sam Roush, Stanford

Morley: "Taking into consideration the fact that Tucker Kraft is on the verge of becoming an All-Pro at the position, Green Bay needs to factor in a Robin to his Batman. Roush is one of the biggest, most athletic tight ends in this class. Coming in at nearly 270 pounds, with explosive first step ability, he has the upside to be a nightmare in 12 personnel grouping with Kraft, who is also a threat in the pass and run game."

Our analysis: Roush can run, block, make it happen after the catch and play special teams. Luke Musgrave, the current No. 2 tight end, can do only one of those things.

Unpacking Future Packers: Sam Roush

Use PROMO CODE: draftweek for 15% off!https://t.co/p4JKzeLJo4

— Packer Report (@PackerReport66) April 17, 2026

OL: Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M

Morley: "When Zach Tom came out of Wake Forest, we all just agreed he would be a Packer, and he now is. Zuhn is cut from a similar cloth, we did not get the agility numbers from him but turn on the tape and you see a player that moves well, can play multiple positions, and simply put, stays between himself and the QB at all costs. He would likely kick inside in GB, but the Packers may be a team willing to let him fail at tackle first, and sometimes (Zach Tom, David Bakhtiari) they just don’t. Even with the recent extension of Sean Rhyan, it wouldn’t surprise me if Zuhn is the starting center by October."

Our analysis: Great size and athleticism, with vast left tackle experience at the collegiate level, dominant pass-blocking ability and the versatility to play multiple positions. The Packers often hit home runs with this offensive line profile.

DL: DeMonte Capehart, Clemson

Morley: "Capehart may be a good 'when need meets value' type of player. Green Bay desperately needs an interior run defender, Capehart is that, and he has the type of prerequisite athleticism they have tended to value in the past. There may be other IDL options that they like more, but I don’t know if the draft will fall the way they want it to, specifically at the IDL position."

Our analysis: Capehart has an awesome blend of size and athleticism, and he's terrific against the run. He feels like a safe pick for a team needing to get bigger and tougher up front.

Unpacking Future Packers: DeMonte Capehart

EDGE: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Morley: "Green Bay has tended to lean towards long, dense, athletic freaks at the pass rusher position. DDS has the holy grail numbers that tend to make pass rushers successful at the NFL level. They would likely have to take him with the 52nd pick, but if the board falls a certain way it should not be surprising to see GB make a run at him."

Our analysis: It's hard to imagine an edge rusher with his combination of size, athleticism and experience/production at a top program not working out at the NFL level. And the upside is immense.

LB: Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Morley: "Golday fits the mold of players they have taken in a similar range in the past (Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker). Both Cooper and Quay were linebackers that were super athletes and Green Bay thought they could get more out of. That has worked out well with Cooper and they had varying degrees of success with Quay. Golday is a long athlete that they have loved to have on the field in the past."

Our analysis: It's hard to imagine the Packers investing a Day 2 pick at linebacker, but if they are going to do it, Golday looks like the most natural fit.

Unpacking Future Packers: Jake Golday

CB: Julian Neal, Arkansas

Morley: "Checks every single athletic box the Packers have typically valued. Plus he is a dog in the run game and attacks the ball well in zone coverage. He seems like a match made in heaven for Jonathan Gannon. If GB wants their secondary to play with better ball skills, plus add in a guy that loves the ball and embodies the Micah Parsons 'I dare you to beat me to the ball' quote, Neal should be at the top of their list."

Our analysis: A mock draft favorite for the Packers. Neal looks the part, has receiver-like ball skills and is fearless on the field.

S: Skyler Thomas, Oregon State

Morley: "Thomas does not check every single box they typically like from an athletic profile perspective. But two things he does offer that GB will be interested in: He is going to go on Day 3. Green Bay is deep at the safety position and it is unlikely (though not impossible) they target a safety early. And he is one of, if not the best, special teams players in this year's class. Thomas would likely be a Zayne Anderson replacement, and they have shown they are willing to roster those types of players."

Our analysis: Losing Zayne Anderson and having Javon Bullard play so much in the slot opens up an opportunity for the Packers to add depth at safety via a Day 3 pick. Special teams would be the way to the 53, and Thomas was productive (18 tackles) over almost 700 career special teams snaps at Oregon State.

Keep those 5-Star reviews coming.

They are much appreciated!https://t.co/y6ya9YItD8pic.twitter.com/G3ebi7b8Av

— Packer Report (@PackerReport66) April 15, 2026

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Identifying the best prospect fit for Packers at each position in 2026 NFL draft

Highlights! Jai Herbert survives storm to KO Mandel Nallo at UFC Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 18: (L-R) Jai Herbert of England punches Mandel Nallo of Canada in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Canada Life Centre on April 18, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

There was a lot of violence traded between Jai Herbert and Mandel Nallo for a fight that lasted just over two minutes. In the end, Herbert survived the storm and caught Nallo with a big right hand that dropped his opponent to the canvas. He didn’t let Nallo get back up, earning a TKO stoppage at 2:05 of round one.

“Yo Canada, you enjoyed that or wha?” Herbert yelled to a largely unresponsive crowd (Nallo fights out of Vancouver). “Canada, is that $100 grand or what? C’mon, help me out!”

“I was coming here to get the finish and that was it,” he added. “So when he hurt me four times, I knew I was gonna get the finish. He backed me up, and I knew I’d get the counter.”

The victory puts Herbert back in the win column after a split decision loss to Chris Padilla in March 2025. It’s been a rough five years for Jai, who is now 4-4-1 over that time period.

That was Mandel Nallo’s UFC debot after punching his ticket to the big league off a first round TKO on Contender Series in September 2025. The loss drops him to 14-4 in MMA.

Take a look at the wild action from that fight, courtesy of UFC and Paramount+:

IN HOSTILE TERRITORY, HE TAKES THE WIN 😤@JaiHerbert2 earns a MASSIVE victory tonight in Round 1!

[ #UFCWinnipeg | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/sVqcs27LNa

— UFC (@ufc) April 19, 2026

Tremendo comeback de Jai Herbert, aquí gran parte de toda la secuencia, que dos minutos de pelea, ha sido increíble#UFCWinnipeg#UFCHBOMaxpic.twitter.com/oYrWCMN5l5

— Pelunaton (@pelunaton) April 19, 2026

Primer acto: Nallo casi noquea a Herbert
Segundo acto: Herbert noquea y finaliza a Nallo

Esto es MMA ‼️#UFCWinnipeg | Ver en vivo por @PPlusDeportespic.twitter.com/X0haN5jPhm

— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) April 19, 2026

For more highlights and play-by-play from UFC Winnipeg, click here.

Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could have interest in Saints 61-TD trade candidate

Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could have interest in Saints 61-TD trade candidate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New Orleans Saints added a pair of running backs during NFL free agency this offseason.

New Orleans started by signing Travis Etienne to a four-year deal worth $52 million, and the team followed that move up by inking a deal with Ty Chandler.

With the Saints making running back a priorty, it has raised questions on whether Alvin Kamara will be on the roster in 2026. Kamara was once one of the league's top backs, but his play has seen a sharp decline over the last few years.

Kamara named Saints draft day trade candidate

With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh just days away, USA Today's Jack McKessy listed Kamara as a possible trade candidate.

"Kamara will turn 31 in July, and the Saints seem to have found their new (and younger) lead back in free agency by signing Travis Etienne. There are plenty of teams that should be enticed by a veteran running back with the kind of dual-threat abilities Kamara has," McKessy wrote.

Seahawks, Giants, and Broncos could have interest in Kamara

The Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos could be interested in trading for Kamara, as all three teams could use more talent in their running back rooms.

Seattle lost Kenneth Walker in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs and hasn't done much to replace him outside of signing Emanuel Wilson.

Kamara's ability to contribute in both the rushing and passing attack would make him a nice fit in the Seahawks' offense, and the veteran would also pair well with Zach Charbonnet when he returns from a torn ACL suffered in last season's playoffs.

Though Cam Skattebo showed some promise during his rookie campaign in 2025 before going down with a dislocated ankle, New York would be wise to add some insurance behind the Arizona State product.

Kamara could be a potential target for the Giants as they look to surround quarterback Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible.

Denver's running game was incredibly lackluster last season, and though Kamara wouldn't fully solve that issue, the five-time Pro Bowler would take some pressure off RJ Harvey and add much-needed experience to the Broncos' running back group.

Kamara would also be a solid security blanket for quarterback Bo Nix, a role the 30-year-old has played throughout his career.

Keeping Kamara doesn't make sense for the Saints, and general manager Mickey Loomis should look to cut ties with the franchise legend soon to officially usher in a new era.

More NFL News

Giants draft picks 2026: Here's a look at New York's stockpile after Dexter Lawrence trade

Giants draft picks 2026: Here's a look at New York's stockpile after Dexter Lawrence trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With only five days until the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants traded DT Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. In exchange, New York received the Bengals' No. 10 pick to gain their second top-10 pick.

Giants fans were already excited for the possibility to aid either the offense or defense in landing a top-five talent from the draft pool; now, the team can do both. Jim Harbaugh and Co. have established a new regime in New York and are starting with some new firepower at the expense of a defensive lineman demanding more money or a trade.

Many draft experts believe the Giants are targeting a wide receiver and a defensive player, whether that's a safety, linebacker, or edge rusher. It largely depends on who is still on the board at No. 5, but they are guaranteed two stars from this year's draft pool.

New York is set for the future, combining their recent draftees in Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. Now, here's what they can do during this year's draft.

MORE: What was the complete package in the Dexter Lawrence trade?

New York Giants 2026 draft picks

Prior to Saturday night's trade with the Bengals, New York was slotted to take an elite defender or wide receiver with the fifth pick. Names like Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs, or Sonny Styles have all been mentioned by draft insiders. Now, the Giants have a lot more versatility and can land both a WR and a defensive star. Here is their current pick capital with just over a week till draft night.

RoundPick
15
110 (from CIN)
237
4105
5145
6186
6192 (from MIA)
6193 (from DAL)

New York now has two top-10 picks in next week's draft. This is a beautiful sight for Giant fans to take in ahead of the upcoming season. The team is set up to give second-year QB Jaxson Dart some help on the offensive side of the ball, while still improving their defensive front.

MORE: Who are the Giants projected to land in this year's draft?

Giants first round mock

After Fernando Mendoza is inevitably taken No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, the draft order begins to have some questions. The New York Jets will most likely take either edge rusher in David Bailey or Arvell Reese. A few teams near the top of the draft may also have interest in Notre Dame standout RB Jeremiyah Love. The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans both need help in their running back room, and Love may be enough to take that first step forward.

That leaves the Giants with pick No. 5. Many names have been linked to join the Jim Harbaugh era in the Big Apple. A combination of Tate, Downs, Styles and WR Jordyn Tyson may be there for their first pick. Now with the Bengals' pick in the tenth slot, the Giants could reload at one of their other necessities. What looks to be on the horizon is New York picking a defensive star at No. 5, whether that be Downs, or if Bain or Styles fall. According to Mike Garafolo, the Giants have already met with Tyson, who is projected to still be on the board at No. 10.

#Giants GM Joe Schoen flew to Arizona to attend Jordan Tyson’s workout yesterday. Schoen also had dinner with Tyson the night before, sources told me and @RapSheet.

With NYG at 10 after the Dexter Lawrence, Tyson’s odds of being a top 10 pick have now increased significantly. pic.twitter.com/KY0ycxflfp

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 19, 2026

With it being impossible to mock No. 5 and 10 in an isolated capacity, here is how the first 10 picks of the draft could play out with the draft order being what it is (drawn from Vinnie Iyer's most recent mock). This was how Iyer's first 10 picks were predicted prior to Saturday's trade.

PickTeamPlayer
1Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2New York JetsArvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
3Arizona CardinalsSonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
4Tennessee TitansRueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
5New York GiantsCaleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6Cleveland BrownsCarnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
7Washington CommandersJeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
8New Orleans SaintsDavid Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
9Kansas City ChiefsMansoor Delane, CB, LSU
10Cincinnati BengalsPeter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Giants need help on both sides of the ball to push them in a top-heavy NFC East division. While they are most likely still not better on paper than the Philadelphia Eagles, they could be in a prime position for a wild-card spot with the guarantee of two top-10 talents in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fans were already excited, landing one standout player in the top five, and now they can double up through ten picks, as things stand now.

MORE: Who are the 10 best WRs in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Twitter celebrates Bengals’ trade for Giants All-Pro Dexter Lawrence

Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) fumbles the ball late in the fourth quarter as New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) defend at MetLife Stadium. The ball went out of bounds. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Less than a week before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have struck a blockbuster deal with the New York Giants. In exchange for their No. 10 overall pick, the Giants are sending three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to Cincinnati.

When rumors of Lawrence’s discontent with New York and how they were handling his contract negotiations surfaced, his request for a trade soon followed. Who Dey Nation held on to what seemed like a pipe dream of the gigantic nose tackle landing in The Queen City.

Throughout Saturday, there were reports that Lawrence very well could land in the AFC North, but those centered around the Browns. Cincinnati eventually swooped in with a high pick to get Lawrence on their rebuilding defense. The trade will become official once Lawrence passes a physical with the Bengals.

Needless to say, the Bengals’ staff and fans are overjoyed to have this gigantic presence in the AFC North. Cincinnati’s defense struggled in almost every aspect throughout most of 2025, but the addition of Lawrence with other free agent hauls paints a much brighter picture for defensive coordinator Al Golden’s unit in 2026.

Let’s have a look at some tweets about the move.

Bengals Twitter Reactions to Dexter Lawrence Trade

Trade comp, via @JordanRaanan: the Bengals will receive DT Dexter Lawrence in exchange for Thursday night’s 10th overall pick, straight up. Lawrence still needs to pass his physical and finalize a contract with Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/GOzycM9VYE

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2026

The #Bengals deal for Dexter Lawrence is pending a physical, obviously.

But this is the most out-of-character move by this franchise in a generation.

The urgency and all-in talk this offseason amid years of defensive frustration finally produced a change in philosophy.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 19, 2026

From a #Bengals perspective, the organization understands it’s in a win-now window every year with Joe Burrow and must take advantage of that.

Sitting at No. 10 felt like a spot where they could be left out of the mix in a draft thin on blue-chip talent.

So they make the big… https://t.co/TnU1eC6AsD

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 19, 2026

Bengals new defensive starters:

* Dexter Lawrence
* Boye Mafe
* Jonathan Allen
* Bryan Cook

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) April 19, 2026

THIS IS ALL IN!!!!! OMG WE ARE DOING IT!!!!! #WHODEYpic.twitter.com/V075214XaL

— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) April 19, 2026

It's about time the Bengals got aggressive to upgrade their defense.

Huge pickup with Dexter Lawrence.

Makes sense for the Giants, too.

— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) April 19, 2026

Dexter Lawrence over the last 5 seasons, per @NextGenStats:

🔸53.2% double team rate (highest in NFL)
🔸65 QB pressures after double team (4th in NFL)@Bengals

— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) April 19, 2026

The Giants have traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, sources confirm to me @NYDNSports

As one NFL source said Friday when told the Bengals were a potential destination, “they could win the Super Bowl if they got him”

We have told you for… pic.twitter.com/hTlU0MJGvG

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 19, 2026

DEXTER LAWRENCE IS A BENGAL‼️ LETS GOOOOOOOO‼️ pic.twitter.com/F8yBIe0k59

— Bengals Central (@BengalsCentral_) April 19, 2026

S – Bryan Cook
DE – Boye Mafe
DT – Jonathan Allen
CB – Ja'Sir Taylor
S – Kyle Dugger
DT – Dexter Lawrence
Big moves 💪💪

— Houston (@MHAbner17) April 19, 2026

pressures when aligned at nose tackle, since 2022:

108 – Dexter Lawrence
107
106
105
104
103
102
101
100
99
98
97
96
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 7, 2026

The steep prices paid by the Bengals for Dexter Lawrence underscores two important points about this draft class:

This is not a strong draft at the top. The lack of blue chippers is well-established.

This draft is extremely thin at defensive tackle.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 19, 2026

This is my formal apology Cincinnati Bengals ownership.

I told you to prove me wrong and you did.

This is all in.

— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) April 19, 2026

Before the Bengals played the Giants in 2024, Dan Pitcher was asked about Dexter Lawrence.

Pitcher said, "He's a huge, explosive, strong man that lines up on the center virtually 90% of the game. That presents challenges. He's going to do a great job, and we've got to put Ted…

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 19, 2026

Dexter Lawrence is a fucking monsterpic.twitter.com/mxg6Gf80OP

— mike (@bengals_sans) April 19, 2026

All of the draft work. All of the prep. We toss it into the air now.

The Bengals made a MOVE.

Wow.

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 19, 2026

Bengals really traded for a top 5 DT in football. This is crazy lmao

— JR Levert (@JRho_11) April 19, 2026

What are your feelings about the Bengals giving up the No. 10 overall pick for Dexter Lawrence?

Sean Johnson has 4 saves for DC United in 0-0 tie with Union

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Sean Johnson finished with four saves and had his third shutout this season for D.C. United in a 0-0 tie with the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

D.C. United (2-4-2), which had lost back-to-back games, is winless in four straight.

The Union (1-6-1), who won the 2025 MLS Supporter's Shield title, beat Montreal 2-1 last Saturday to snap a season-opening six-game losing streak.

Philadelphia had 54% possession and outshot D.C. United 17-5, 4-0 on target.

___

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

Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson combine for 53 points to lift Knicks past Hawks in Game 1

It was often an overlooked part of New York's playoff resume: The Knicks evolved into a good defensive team. Since the calendar flipped to Jan. 1, the Knicks have had the sixth-best defense in the NBA.

The Atlanta Hawks found out about that. For the first 19 minutes of the second half, the Hawks scored just 32 points (14 fewer than the Knicks) on 37.1% shooting and went 3-of-15 from 3-point range after New York cranked up the defensive pressure. Even Karl-Anthony Towns was making defensive plays (and hitting some 3-pointers).

KAT DOING IT ALL.

24 points, 8 boards, 3 blocks and this strip... he's HYPED as the Knicks look to seal Game 1 at home! pic.twitter.com/WEMcEpNo6n

— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026

Towns and Jalen Brunson combined for 53 points and lifted the Knicks past the Hawks 113-102 Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Game 2 is set for Monday at Madison Square Garden.

For Knicks fans hoping their team can take the next step this season after making the conference finals for the first time in 25 years last season, this game was exactly what they wanted to see. OG Anunoby played elite defense and added 19 points, while Josh Hart had 10 points and 14 rebounds.

It was Brunson who got the Knicks off to a fast start, scoring 19 in the first quarter.

THE BRUNSON BURNER ♨️

HE DROPS 19 PTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER pic.twitter.com/4ZnACHB5qS

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 18, 2026

CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 26 points, while Jalen Johnson added 23. While the Hawks made some runs, their offense wasn't consistent against the Knicks defense.

New York, on the other hand, looked like the best version of themselves. The challenge now for Mike Brown's crew is to maintain that.

Former Arizona forward Blessing ‘Adde’ Adebanjo commits to Georgia

TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 17: Arizona Wildcats forward Blessing Adebanjo (14) acknowledges the crowd after a women's basketball game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats on February 17, 2026, at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Blessing ‘Adde’ Adebanjo often had the word “raw” affixed to her talent, but that didn’t keep her from having high profile suitors on the transfer market. The former Arizona Wildcat visited Tennessee, Georgia, and DePaul before committing to Georgia on Saturday.

The native of Nigeria joined the Wildcats a bit late after spending several years in Japan. She finished high school at Japan Aviation Academy then played college ball at Yamanashi Gakuin University. It took a little time to adapt to U.S. college basketball, but she showed a great deal of promise on an Arizona team that was in dire need of size and athleticism.

She contributed 3.7 points on 50 percent shooting, 2.5 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 10.4 minutes per game. The blocks put her in the 92nd percentile of DI basketball. On a per-40 basis, that worked out to 14.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 3.6 blocks.

Adebanjo played double-digit minutes in the last eight games of the season and made four starts. During those final eight games, she averaged 7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 2.0 bpg in 18.3 mpg.

Her best game came in the win against Kansas State on Feb. 4. That game was the first of three straight starts in February. She went 5-for-8 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the line to score 17 points in 33 minutes on the court. She also logged 6 blocks in that game.

The programs Adebanjo considered had a great deal of need. Tennessee lost eight players to the portal while Georgia lost nine. It was more understandable for the Bulldogs, who just hired a new head coach. DePaul is heading into the second year under a new head coach, which is often a year of considerable movement, as well.

Adebanjo was initially listed as a sophomore by Arizona, but head coach Becky Burke later said that she was actually a freshman by NCAA eligibility standards. That would give her three more years to play.

Although she didn’t make a formal announcement on social media Achol Magot is listed as a new member of the Sacramento State Hornets on the portal tracker at on3.com. Magot has one more year of eligibility.

The two bigs join guard Kamryn Kitchen as the three former Wildcats who have chosen their new programs.

LIVE Burns vs. Malott: UFC Winnipeg Results & Highlights

LIVE Burns vs. Malott: UFC Winnipeg Results & Highlights

On Saturday night the UFC heads north to Canada for another edition of UFC Fight Night.

The card is set to take place at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. UFC Winnipeg will be headlined by a matchup at 170 pounds, when veteran Gilbert Burns (22-9) squares off against the Canadian native Mike Malott (13-2-1). Burns will aim to get back to the win column. He is currently in an 0-4 skid, which dates back to 2023. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Malott has compiled a 6-1 record. Only two of those wins were decided by the judges.

Below, you can catch up on all the UFC Winnipeg results and fight-ending highlights.

UFC Winnipeg Results (Prelims)

Jaime Siraj (-256) vs. John Yannis (+216)

Yannis defeats Siraj by TKO (2:43 of Round 1)

Canadian MMA strikes again, Jamie Siraj gets absolutely mauled by John Yannis #UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/2NTRiDbj7i

— Evan Theoharis (@EvanTheoharis6) April 18, 2026

John Castaneda (-155) vs. Mark Vologdin (+135)

Contest ruled a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

Can't tell if Mark Vologdin was lucky or good here but sweet either way. pic.twitter.com/R8B6a7wjTI

— RJ Clifford (@RJcliffordMMA) April 18, 2026

John Castaneda and Mark Vologdin put on a show in round 3 💥 #UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/ERcE4sLuRC

— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) April 18, 2026

JJ Aldrich (+150) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (-175)

Aldrich wins by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

JJ Aldrich defeats Jamey Lyn Horth via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Thoughts on the scorecard? 👀

Canada: 0-2#UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/L5qAFJFAG1

— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) April 18, 2026

Melissa Croden (-138) vs. Daria Zhelezniakova (+118)

Croden defeats Zhelezniakova by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Melissa Croden and Darya Zheleznyakova going strike for strike in round 2 #UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/Oihh4PqZ9k

— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) April 18, 2026

Bom momento de Melissa Croden no finalzinho da luta! 🔥

[ #UFCWinnipeg | Ao vivo somente no @ParamountPlusBR ] pic.twitter.com/yVxlc2h3sJ

— UFC Brasil (@UFCBrasil) April 18, 2026

Strong finish to this fight by Melissa Croden!

📺 @paramountpluspic.twitter.com/og0E8ML159

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 18, 2026

Tanner Boser (+126) vs. Gokhan Soricam (-146)

Gokhan wins by TKO (4:43 of Round 2)

Momento importante para Gokhan Saricam na luta! 💥

[ #UFCWinnipeg | Ao vivo somente no @ParamountPlusBR ] pic.twitter.com/Ttj7VAAmIo

— UFC Brasil (@UFCBrasil) April 18, 2026

HEAVY HANDS!!

Welcome to the UFC, Gokhan Saricam!

📺 @paramountpluspic.twitter.com/H8lSQKmgbG

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 18, 2026

Julian LeBlanc (+150) vs. Robert Valentin (-175)

Valentin defeats LeBlanc by submission, due to a rear-naked choke (2:22 of Round 1)

Robert Valentin picks up his first UFC victory with a first round submission over Julien Leblanc#UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/DQRUoG9xff

— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) April 18, 2026

Dennis Buzukja (+285) vs. Marcio Barbosa (-350)

Barbosa wins by KO (3:39 of Round 1)

MARCIO BARBOSA ONE PUNCH KNOCKOUT!!!

📺 @paramountpluspic.twitter.com/yo777moCQn

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) April 18, 2026

UFC Winnipeg Results (Main Card)

Thiago Moisés (+137) vs. Gauge Young (-157)

Young wins by split decision (28-28, 28-29, 29-28)

WHAT AN END TO THAT SCRAP 👏

[ #UFCWinnipeg | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/wY0TCy8raL

— UFC (@ufc) April 19, 2026

Jasmine Jasudavicius (-320) vs. Karine Silva (+270)

Jasudavicius defeats Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

https://twitter.com/GIFsZP/status/2045670810300366861?s=20

Mandel Nallo (-160) vs. Jai Herbert (+140)

Herbert wins by TKO (2:05 of Round 1)

Big time comeback win for Jai Herbert. Gets Mandel Nallo out of there in the first. #UFCWinnipegpic.twitter.com/RFumEhlkOY

— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) April 19, 2026

Kyler Phillips (+116) vs. Charles Jourdain (-136)

Gilbert Burns (+235) vs. Mike Malott (-275)

Related Headlines

Kremer throws one bad pitch, offense goes silent in a 4-2 loss to Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a 3-run home run during the fifth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians on April 18, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

This was a short and unremarkable game. If you’re are a Guardians fan . . . well, what are you doing reading this blog? OK. If you’re a Guardians fan, there was much to celebrate in Gavin Williams’ seven-inning, three-hit, one-run, eleven-strikeout performance. The current MLB strikeout leader continued a fabulous streak where he’s allowed two ER in 24.2 innings, and now has a 2.12 ERA in 29.2 innings.

But without taking away anything from Williams, for the Orioles, the real story seems to be the bats, which remain missing in action after tonight’s 4-2 loss, a game where they managed just four hits total. The good news: Gunnar Henderson = still a stud. He finished 2-for-4 with a homer. Leody Taveras also went deep. He’s looked like a good signing thus far, doing it with the bat and the glove. Taylor Ward hit a double.

But that’s it, folks. Pete Alonso finished 0-for-4 with four K’s. Golden Sombrero territory is not where we want to be with the offseason’s biggest signing. Dylan Beavers, 0-for-4 with three punchouts. Colton Cowser, another Golden Sombrero. And these are the No. 3-5 hitters in the lineup. How is the team exactly to produce runs while going a combined 0-for-12 with 11 K’s from this chunk of the lineup?

Cleveland’s rotation may be on a red-hot streak, but there have been too many of these performances.

The Orioles made some noise early, but as usual of late, no runs. Taylor Ward doubled in the first, but Dylan Beavers swung through a fastball and couldn’t push him home. Gunnar singled and made it to third on a throwing error in the third inning, but two K’s in a row left him stranded. Cleveland’s Williams fed Pete Alonso and Dylan Beavers a bunch of breaking stuff that they swung through. It was frustrating.

In the top of the fourth, Leody Taveras opened the scoring by walloping a curveball into the right field seats. This is the way the few teams that have scored runs off Gavin Williams have done it—by long ball. It was a good idea, but to make a 1-0 lead stick, you need ace pitching on the other side. Instead, the O’s had Dean Kremer.

Maybe that’s too harsh. I continue to be happy to see Dean Kremer in the rotation. He threw six innings today and struck out seven. He allowed only two hits in that stretch. Regrettably, one of those was a home run with two on, courtesy of Brayan Rocchio. Dean Kremer has, in the past, had the tendency to go “boom” in the fifth inning. Today, he was nearly perfect through four, and then allowed three runs in the fifth. He walked Rhys Hopkins, hung a splitter that Daniel Schneeman roped into right, and then Bryan Rocchio made it 3-1 with that one swing, powering a fastball into the right field bleachers.

I’ll still take it, under the circumstances. He has a 6.12 career ERA in April. Considering, three runs on two hits and two walks in six innings from your No. 5 is fine, frankly.

No, I think we can safely say that the offense is the real problem here. They struck out 16 times and had just four hits, half of which belonged to Gunnar Henderson, who made it a manageable 3-2 game with an eighth-inning solo shot off Hunter Gattis, pitching for the third straight day and not maybe at his freshest. Down just one run, the O’s could smell another comeback.

But no comeback was forthcoming today. Bo Naylor took Albert Suárez deep off a low-and-inside changeup, and this was a 4-2 game. Then Cleveland’s Cade Smith struck out the side swinging in the ninth.

Maybe the bats will heat up as the weather does. But for now, the Birds are not doing it at the dish, and there are lots of questions to be asked and answered. Game Four of the series, a Trevor Rogers start versus Joey Cantillo, is at 1:40 ET tomorrow.

Dexter Lawrence traded out of the NFC, Giants get a top 10 pick

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants walks off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s a shake-up at the top of the NFL Draft order, and it involves one of the league’s best defensive tackles.

The New York Giants have dealt disgruntled star Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, who have sacrificed the No. 10 overall pick in the process. That means John Harbaugh’s first season as Giants head coach will involve two picks in the top 10.

Draft week blockbuster: The Giants are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal that will include the 10th overall pick going to New York, per ESPN sources.

The Giants now head into Thursday night with the 5th and 10th overall picks. pic.twitter.com/cV6Qobp6Aq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2026

Unless they trade back into the first, this will only be the second time in franchise history the Bengals have not held a first-round pick. I’m not even sure they’ve ever traded a first-round pick for a player, so this is a splash move for a franchise not known for monumental offseason moves.

Lawrence wanted a contract extension from the Giants, the two sides were reportedly far apart on money, and the two-time All-Pro requested a trade. The Giants obliged, sending Lawrence to a Bengals squad that lost Trey Hendricks on in free agency but signed Jonathan Allen, former Seahawk edge rusher Boye Mafe, and now they’ve got one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league.

The Seattle Seahawks were probably never really in the Lawrence sweepstakes, if only because it’s hard for the Super Bowl champions to one-up a deal involving a top 10 pick, but the good news is he’s no longer on the Seahawks’ regular season schedule.

Antonio Williams Analytical NFL Draft Profile

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Film Profile | Analytical Profile

Prospect Information

College: Clemson
Height/Weight: 5'11"/187
Hands: 9 1/4"
Age: 22 (at the time of the 2026 season opener)

Important NFL Combine/Pro Day Numbers

40-Yard Dash: 4.41
Vertical Jump: 39.5"
Broad Jump: 10'4"
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
3-Cone: 7.0

Model Overview

My Wide Receiver Rookie Model evaluates receiver prospects through the traits that historically translate best to fantasy production. The model weighs target earning, market-share production, route efficiency, role deployment, ball skills, athletic translation, age, breakout timing, teammate competition, team context and historical outcome trends.

Williams stands out as a fantasy-friendly slot-driven receiver with strong athletic support, quality route-level production and a profile built around earning volume underneath and in the intermediate areas. He is not a classic boundary alpha, but there is real utility in the type of role he projects to fill.

The model views Williams as an inside-oriented movement receiver whose fantasy appeal comes from separation-friendly usage, target earning and the ability to create value after the catch.

Model Derived Athletic Scores

BMI: 25.4
Speed Score: 98.9
Burst Score: 49.8
Agility Score: 0.33
Composite Athleticism Score: 0.23
Historical Athleticism Percentile: 80th

Understanding the Athleticism Score

The Composite Athleticism Score blends size-adjusted speed, burst, agility and model-derived translation when full testing is unavailable. The percentile compares Williams to historical wide receiver prospects in the database.

Williams projects as an above-average athlete in this model. He does not win through size, but the testing and movement profile support a receiver who can separate, work in space and create efficient touches from a slot-heavy role.

Receiving Efficiency Metrics

Yards per Route Run: 2.19
Yards per Target: 8.51
Touchdowns per Target: 7.6%
First Downs per Route: 0.109
Targets per Route: 0.259

Williams' efficiency profile is solid across the board, and the most important number is the targets per route run. He consistently earned the ball, which is one of the more important projection signals for fantasy-friendly receivers who do much of their work from the slot.

Usage and Alignment

Average Depth of Target: 8.6
Catch Rate: 75.7%
Contested Catch Rate: 44.8%
Contested Target Rate: 19.5%
Drop Rate: 4.9%
Yards After Catch per Reception: 5.2
Slot Rate: 77.2%
Wide Rate: 22.0%

Williams' deployment was clearly slot-driven. He lived inside, worked short-to-intermediate areas and brought enough after-catch value to project as a receiver who can create fantasy points without relying on extreme depth of target.

Production Snapshot

2025
Games: 10.5
Targets: 74
Receptions: 56
Receiving Yards: 643
Receiving Touchdowns: 6
Routes Run: 297.5
Yards per Game: 59.1
Touchdowns per Game: 0.53

Target Share: 15.9%
Yard Share: 17.7%
TD Share: 20.7%
Dominator Rating: 19.2%
Yards per Team Pass Attempt: 1.28

Williams' 2025 production profile is more good than overwhelming, but the role and target-earning signals still matter. He was a meaningful part of Clemson's passing offense and did his work in a way that fits how fantasy-relevant slot receivers often translate.

Positive Indicators

Strong slot-driven target earning

Williams' route-level usage and targets per route run support a receiver who can earn volume from the inside.

Above-average athletic profile

The combine and model translation both support a receiver with enough movement ability to separate and create after the catch.

Fantasy-friendly role

His deployment gives him a path to PPR-friendly usage if an NFL team leans into his slot strengths.

Areas of Concern

Lower market-share ceiling than top names

Williams' production profile is solid, but it does not carry the same market-share dominance as the top receivers in the class.

Slot-heavy deployment

His projection is tied more to inside usage than to a versatile every-alignment alpha role.

Moderate fantasy ceiling

The profile is useful, but it likely needs the right offensive fit to reach a true starter-level fantasy outcome.

Historical Model Comps

Amon-Ra St. Brown
Tre Tucker
Luther Burden III
Rashee Rice
Emeka Egbuka

This comp cluster reflects slot or movement-based receivers whose fantasy value comes from target earning, route efficiency and the ability to create usable volume from fantasy-friendly alignments.

Historical Fantasy Tier Outcomes

WR1 (Top 12): 16.3%
WR2 (13—24): 3.7%
WR3 (25—36): 16.5%
WR4 (37—48): 3.4%
Outside WR4 / Bust: 60.1%

These outcomes are exclusive and sum to 100%. Williams' distribution points to a useful fantasy path if the landing spot supports his role, but it also shows a meaningful amount of volatility outside the top tier of the class.

Early Career Fantasy Outlook

Year 1: WR40—WR55
Year 2—3: WR24—WR40

Williams projects as an early complementary contributor with a chance to become a useful fantasy option if his NFL team gives him stable slot volume and lets his movement-based strengths show up.

Dynasty Translation

Williams profiles as a deeper dynasty target for managers who value slot-driven volume paths and movement-based receivers.

He brings good athletic support, solid target-earning traits and a role that can translate into PPR usability if the landing spot is right. That gives him a believable path to fantasy relevance even without a classic perimeter build.

The model sees Williams as a receiver who can become a useful fantasy piece if his NFL team leans into his slot role and allows his separation and after-catch ability to generate consistent opportunity.

This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Antonio Williams: Fantasy Football Model Comps and NFL Draft Fit

Auburn football names offensive and defensive MVPs from A-Day

The Auburn media voted freshman wide receiver DeShawn Spencer offensive MVP and sophomore EDGE Jared Smith defensive MVP of the Auburn A-Day spring game.

The freshman wide receiver had a busy day hauling in passes. Spencer finished with nine receptions for 93 yards receiving on 10 targets. His longest play came on a 23-yard reception and had 33 yards after the catch. Auburn could have a vital role in developing in the young freshman from Mobile, Alabama.

On the defensive side of the ball, it was 6-foot-6 sophomore EDGE Jared Smith taking home defensive MVP. Smith recorded one tackle and a 75-yard pick-six. He had picked off the ball in the middle of the field from starting quarterback Byrum Brown.

All around, the defense shone in today's spring game. The unit had four interceptions, nine tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and two pass breakups. The offense did not really have too many flashy plays from its starters. Head coach Alex Golesh and his staff still have four months to get this team ready for week one against Baylor in Atlanta.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jac on Twitter@Jac_Myrick

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football's MVPs of offense and defense from A-Day

ESPN Disrespects Bruins With Sabres Playoff Series Prediction

Boston Bruins

ESPN Disrespects Bruins With Sabres Playoff Series Prediction originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Most Boston Bruins fans are in agreement that drawing the Buffalo Sabres in their first playoff series since 2011 is the best-case scenario in head coach Marco Sturm’s first season. 

However, much of the mainstream media is backing the young and exciting Sabres to turn their first playoff berth into their first playoff win.

ESPN’s flagship NHL writer, Greg Wyshynski, doesn’t think it will be particularly close. 

“I don't think the Bruins defend well enough to pull an upset here,” Wyshynski wrote. “Bruins coach Marco Sturm said this week that ‘we are bigger, stronger, and we are more physical.’ Even if that were true -- and a glance at the rosters says it isn't -- the Sabres showed in their epic regular-season battles against the Lightning that they can take a punch, wipe their mouths and score the next goal. Despite their postseason pedigree, they're ready for this.”

Wyshynski’s official prediction is that the Sabres will take this series in just five games, and I simply cannot get behind that.

I have no clue where Wyshynski is pulling this number from. The Bruins took the regular season series 3-1 with backup goalie Joona Korpisalo starting a majority of the games. 

The Sabres only won five more games than Boston and ended the season with a very favorable schedule down the stretch. The Bruins have a chance to remind the young Buffalo squad what competing with playoff teams feels like, and, if Sturm’s quote was any indication, they’re looking forward to doing exactly that.

I believe the Bruins will have every opportunity to take this series and would be absolutely dumbfounded if it ends in five, as Wyshynski predicted.

More NHL: Bruins Plan To Rely On The 'Big Guys' To Set Tone Against Sabres

Best social media reactions from Texas A&M's series win over LSU

Texas A&M claimed its fourth consecutive SEC series win with a 7-2 outing against the LSU Tigers on Saturday evening at Alex Box Stadium.

Every Aggie in the lineup reached base again in Game 2, as Texas A&M secured seven runs on nine hits, including two home runs. Infielder Gavin Grahovac and catcher Bear Harrison notched the massive hits for the Maroon and White against the Tigers, while Aiden Sims had one of the most impressive outings of the season for Texas A&M on the mound.

Through 7.0 innings pitched, Sims recorded six strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs. Clayton Freshcorn closed things out by striking out two hitters and allowing just two hits to help the Aggies claim another integral conference win.

Next up, Texas A&M will look for the sweep of LSU on Sunday afternoon. First pitch at Alex Box Stadium against the Tigers is slated for 1 p.m. CT and will be nationally broadcast on ESPN.

Here are some of the best social media reactions from Texas A&M's series win over LSU on Saturday evening in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:

Final from Alex Box Stadium

Louisiana Saturday night, turned maroon 😈#GigEm | @BrookshireBrospic.twitter.com/aW4Touxmxj

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Freshcorn closes it out for the Aggies on the mound

Series ours. Finale tomorrow. 😤 pic.twitter.com/dfE54rOlcg

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Sims has another impressive outing on the mound

Another dominant performance from Sims 👏 pic.twitter.com/DIVprloBGO

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Every Aggie reaches base for the second consecutive contest

Second straight game: every Aggie on base 👏 pic.twitter.com/PVkP18y4LB

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Grahovac's web gem

Grahovac with the web gem double play 😤 @GavinGrahovacpic.twitter.com/t9EfJofdUp

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Grahovac's 12th home run of the season

His 7th SEC homer this year 😤 @GavinGrahovacpic.twitter.com/eSKZ8xLWBH

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 18, 2026

Harrison records his sixth home run of the season

GONE. His 6th homer of the year 👍 @bearharrison32pic.twitter.com/t5IOTf4JS6

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 18, 2026

Texas A&M dominates for the series win over LSU

SERIES. AGGIES. 🔥🔥

Texas A&M dominates LSU to take the series and Aggies are tied with Texas for 2nd in the SEC at 11-5 pic.twitter.com/nOPyfOdyWY

— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) April 19, 2026

The Aggies' dominance against LSU continues

Mike Elko and Mike Earley go into LSU and pull the fire alarm pic.twitter.com/uhwGyenjBJ

— Ryan Brauninger (@R_Brauninger) April 19, 2026

Solid outing from the Aggies in Game 2

Comprehensive outing from the Aggies.

They get a fantastic start from Aiden Sims, strike early offensively, and play stellar defense from start to finish to capture the series in Baton Rouge.

Weston Moss will likely get the ball tomorrow as A&M looks to sweep. https://t.co/M4RqTtp3r8

— Ryan Brauninger (@R_Brauninger) April 19, 2026

The streak against the Tigers continues

It’s been 714 days since LSU won a season series against A&M in football, men’s basketball, baseball, softball or volleyball. The Tigers’ next chance on the schedule to do so is the football game in Baton Rouge on Sept. 26. pic.twitter.com/SVqIGt5JHS

— Robert Behrens (@rcb05) April 19, 2026

Where does the RPI stand?

College Baseball
Southeastern Conference
Baton Rouge, LA, Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field

Final
(rpi: 11) Texas A&M 7
(rpi: 63) LSU 2https://t.co/WR7q7dJkG4

— RPI Update (@RpiUpdate) April 19, 2026

Aggies > Tigers

In seven of eight Texas A&M vs. LSU sporting events played during the 2025-26 season in Baton Rouge, the Aggies won the game or the series.

Football, men's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, women's tennis and men's tennis 👍

— Kay Naegeli (@KayNaegeli) April 19, 2026

Terrific performance from the Aggies in Game 2

A&M continues its hot play with a 7-2 win over LSU to take the series. @AggieBaseball’s Aiden Sims was terrific on the bump yet again. Things are looking extremely iffy for LSU right now. https://t.co/lzmMiz6PKI

— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) April 19, 2026

Texas A&M looks for the sweep of the Tigers on Sunday

Game 2 is ours, onto the next... pic.twitter.com/lCbzexLQiF

— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 19, 2026

Hacopian with an inspiring message after the injury sustained in Game 1

Chris Hacopian was hit in the face with a 93 mph fastball last night. He now highlights John 3:16 on the helmet that may have saved his career. Good bull👍❤️ pic.twitter.com/NF4BUzIsWW

— Trevor Knight II (@undercoverags) April 18, 2026

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 Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Social media reactions from Texas A&M's 7-2 win over LSU in Game 2

20.5-sack star named "best fit" for Cowboys in 2026 NFL Draft

20.5-sack star named "best fit" for Cowboys in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's no secret that the Dallas Cowboys want to be better on defense in 2026. 

The team's defense was absolutely abysmal in 2025. So bad, that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was fired after just one season in the role. The horrible season wasn't JUST due to trading away edge rusher Micah Parsons, but that definitely didn't help. 

As a result, the team has made a couple of moves this offseason to help turn the unit around. Otito Ogbonnia Jalen Thompson, and Cobie Durant were all added in free agency, while Rashan Gary was added in a trade with the Green Bay Packers

However, it's clear the team still needs to add to the pass rush. Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku are currently slated to start on the edges, with James Houston and Sam Williams making up the top depth options. 

It's therefore easy to see the Cowboys taking an edge rusher early in the 2026 draft. Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports recently identified the best first-round fits heading into the draft. One of Clawson's best fits is edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to the Cowboys. 

Regarding Bain's fit in Dallas, Clawson offered the following:

The Cowboys ranked top 10 in pressure rate last season but it wasn't impactful pressure. They allowed the most pass touchdowns with pressure (17) by any team on record (PFF tracks this since 2017).

Bain Jr. had the most pressures (83) by any player in a season since 2017 and racked up 5.0 sacks and 24 pressures in four CFP games during Miami's run to the title game. He should make an instant impact for a team trying to capitalize on a window to win with Dak Prescott.

As Clawson mentioned, the Cowboys HAVE to get home more on defense in 2026. Bain certainly had no problem doing that in college, as Clawson pointed out that Bain had more pressures than any player in college since 2017. 

In total, Bain played in 16 games and collected 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. The defender was a big reason why the Hurricanes made it to the National Championship Game, and he earned First-team All-American honors for his performance. 

There's no question Bain would immediately come in and make a difference in Dallas. The defender was productive against NFL-level talent and has some of the best tools of any defender in this class. 

More NFL news:

Round 12 of the BR starts with comeback, thrashing and CHANGE in Z-4; table

Round 12 of the BR starts with comeback, thrashing and CHANGE in Z-4; table
Round 12 of the BR starts with comeback, thrashing and CHANGE in Z-4; table

Matchday 12 of the 2026 Brasileirão kicked off on Saturday night (18) with four matches taking place. 

Botafogo steamrolled Chapecoense, who have not tasted victory since the opening round.

Also in the 6:30 p.m. slot, Vasco came from behind to beat São Paulo and end their winless run.

The next match was a Vitória vs Corinthians game that produced just one shot on target.

Meanwhile, Cruzeiro beat Grêmio, who are still struggling, to shake up the Brasileirão’s bottom four.

Check below for the updated Brasileirão table and the remaining matches. 


📊 UPDATED Table

Flamengo, Bahia, Botafogo, Vitória, Mirassol and Chapecoense are the teams with postponed matches - one each. 


Rest of the matchday 📅

4/19 - Sunday

11 a.m. - Internacional x Mirassol - Beira-Rio

4 p.m. - Santos x Fluminense - Vila Belmiro

4 p.m. - Coritiba x Atlético - Couto Pereira

6:30 p.m. - Palmeiras x Athletico - Allianz Parque

6:30 p.m. - Red Bull Bragantino x Remo - Cícero de Souza Marques

7:30 p.m. - Flamengo x Bahia - Maracanã



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

Sei Young Kim blows all but 2 strokes of 8-shot lead in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sei Young Kim had an eight-stroke lead with five holes left Saturday at El Caballero Country Club in the JM Eagle LA Championship. She ended up needing to get up-and-down from off the back of the 18th green to salvage a two-shot advantage.

“Oh, wow, it feels like roller-coaster,” the 33-year-old South Korean said.

Her late meltdown with four straight bogeys gave two-time event winner Hannah Green and others who thought they were playing for second a chance Sunday in the final event before the first women’s major of the season.

“It’s golf. It can be happen again," Kim said. "It’s learn and then learn and learn. Mistake and then learn. Hopefully, success end of the day tomorrow.”

Kim shot a 1-under 71 to get to 15-under 201. Green, the 2023 and 2024 champion at Wilshire Country Club, had a 67 to join Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (67), Jessica Porvasnik (68) and Ina Yoon (71) at 13 under. Former UCLA star Patty Tavatanakit was another stroke back after a 67.

“I’m just going to go out there and play golf,” Tavatanakit said.

The tournament is being played at El Caballero for the second straight year because of course renovations at Wilshire. The Chevron Championship is next week in Houston for the first of the five women’s major tournaments.

A shot ahead entering to day, Kim birdied the par-5 first and all the other odd-numbered holes on the front nine, running in a 20-footer on the par-3 ninth for a seven-stroke lead. She pushed the lead to eight before falling back with the bogeys on Nos. 14-17.

“Every hole is downwind starting 15 until the 18,” said Kim, who hit into the water on 16 going aggressively at a difficult pin. "I was struggling with the downwind today.”

She won the BMW Ladies Championship last year at home in South Korea for the last of her 13 LPGA Tour titles.

“I’m very confident, but I just keep doing what I’m doing the last couple days," Kim said. "That’s what I can do the best. So we’ll see tomorrow.”

Green has three worldwide wins this year — the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore on the LPGA Tour and the Women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA in her home country.

“I don’t really know where they put the pin locations for tomorrow, but I’m sure they’ll be tricky and there will be some holes that will probably play easy,” Green said. “I’ve noticed the last two days the wind is kind of switched at times so that will be tricky to manage. The ball is going far off the tee.”

Amateur Asterisk Talley was tied for 23rd at 7 under after a 69. The 17-year-old Talley is playing her first event since losing the lead on the back nine in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

During the round, the sponsors raised the purse $1 million to $4.75 million.

___

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

Oh Canada! Watch Devon Larratt, 50, crush Vitaly Laletin in ‘East vs. West 23’ arm wrestling rematch | Highlights

Devon Larratt proved he’s still among the best arm wrestlers in the world tonight (Sat., April 18, 2026) in Germany, defeating the much younger Vitaly Laletin in their Right Arm Super Heavyweight championship bout 4-1.

Laletin and Larratt last competed at East vs. West 22 in a Left Arm super heavyweight championship bout, with Laletin taking the win 4-0.

I love Devon Larratt ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JeklllMpKm

— ᴇvil (@abduhin) April 18, 2026

Given Latelin’s size and age (nearly 15 years younger), another big win over the nearly 51-year-old Larratt wouldn’t have surprised anyone, despite his left arm being his specialty. But, Larratt came into the rematch as feisty as ever and bounced back from a 1-0 deficit to cruise to a 4-1 win.

Checkout some highlights from the event (care of East vs. West Arm Wrestling):


For the latest combat sports-related news and notes click here.

Giants make blockbuster trade with Bengals ahead of draft

Well, the New York Giants granted Dexter Lawrence his wish. Lawrence demanded that he’d be traded, and he was.

Late Saturday night, the Giants announced that they will be trading Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in next week’s draft. 

Mike Garafolo tweeted about the trade:

“Cincy Dexy: The #Giants are trading DT Dexter Lawrence to the #Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in next week’s NFL Draft, sources tell me and @RapSheet

Lawrence gets a new deal from his new team, while picks 5 and 10 now run through East Rutherford.”

Cincy Dexy: The #Giants are trading DT Dexter Lawrence to the #Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in next week’s NFL Draft, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Lawrence gets a new deal from his new team while picks 5 and 10 now run through East Rutherford. pic.twitter.com/CMPWC7b1Jz

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 19, 2026

Garafolo added:

“When word spread around the league the #Giants were likely getting a first-round pick in exchange for Dexter Lawrence, many believed it would be a late 1 but Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh & Co. land a top 10 pick in exchange for the 17th pick in 2019.”

When word spread around the league the #Giants were likely getting a first-round pick in exchange for Dexter Lawrence, many believed it would be a late 1 but Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh & Co. land a top 10 pick in exchange for the 17th pick in 2019. https://t.co/rcfrKk2r0F

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 19, 2026

This trade accomplishes two things: First, the Giants now get two first-round draft picks, No. 5 and No. 10.

The Bengals have now found a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens about a month ago. So this is a win-win move for both teams.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Giants make blockbuster trade with Bengals ahead of draft

Former Iowa women's basketball guard Teagan Mallegni commits to Big Ten foe

After entering her name into the NCAA's transfer portal on April 6, former Iowa women's basketball guard Teagan Mallegni has committed and signed to play for the Wisconsin Badgers next season.

The rising junior will join sophomore-to-be guard Addie Deal in Madison as the second member of the Hawkeyes program to make the flip to the Badgers this offseason.

While there was promise for the 6-foot-1 guard to take on more of an impactful role, Mallegni's early-season injury setbacks and subsequent slip in the depth chart limited her to being a reserve off the bench. In just 15 appearances last season, she averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game on 24.2% field goal shooting and 15% from 3-point range.

Home state. Home team. Let’s work. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yJhQIjdK6Z

— Wisconsin Women’s Basketball (@BadgerWBB) April 18, 2026

Across 45 games played in her two seasons at Iowa, she closes her Hawkeyes career averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 31.8% overall from the floor and 20.8% from 3-point territory.

Mallegni leaves Iowa City having scored 119 points, totaling 83 rebounds, assisting 25 times, registering 14 steals, and eight blocks.

As a native of McFarland, Wisconsin, which is only about nine miles outside of Madison, committing to the Badgers not only provides Mallegni with an opportunity to earn increased playing time but also allows her to be much closer to her family and hometown.

https://x.com/StavrosForever/status/2038736820976939Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews

This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa women's basketball guard Teagan Mallegni commits to Big Ten foe

Iga Swiatek discusses new coaching setup after loss to Mirra Andreeva in Stuttgart

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Iga Swiatek’s first tournament campaign on the WTA Tour since changing coaches came to an end in the quarter-finals.

Swiatek parted ways with Wim Fissette in March after an opening round exit at the Miami Open, splitting with the Belgian after a year and a half of working together.

The Pole has since appointed Rafael Nadal’s former coach, Francisco Roig, who spent six months with Emma Raducanu between 2025 and 2026.

Roig was in Swiatek‘s corner this week at the Stuttgart Open, where she picked up her first win of the clay season against Laura Siegemund.

This wasn’t Andreeva’s first big result either. She reached last year’s French Open quarter-finals and took Aryna Sabalenka to three sets at Indian Wells earlier this year.

Following her victory over Swiatek, Andreeva moved into just her second semi-final on tour and will play Elena Rybakina for a place in Sunday’s final.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Despite Stuttgart exit, Iga Swiatek finds positives under new coach Francisco Roig

Andreeva fought back from a set down to beat Swiatek 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, setting up a semi-final clash with world number two Elena Rybakina.

Even with the loss, Swiatek sounded positive about her first tournament working with Roig.

“I think for now, you know, we’re getting to know each other,” she said in her post-match press conference.

“He’s giving me space to kind of figure it out in matches. You know, I have a clear vision of what to do. It’s just sometimes hard to do that. That wasn’t like a main thing today, I would say.”

Iga Swiatek pleased by progress despite defeat in Stuttgart quarter-finals

Reflecting on the loss to Andreeva, Swiatek told reporters: “She played better for a while, so I think these parts of the match that I played well, I felt like, you know, full control over what’s going on. So this is something positive. You just need to keep that towards the end of the match.

“I think the baseline game was, you know, it made sense. I felt like I kind of knew what I was doing, and this is something positive, because honestly, for, you know, previous matches, it wasn’t always like that.

“I think I returned the first serve of her pretty well, looking at the speed and everything. So these are the positives.”

Swiatek has dropped from second to fourth in the rankings after an inconsistent start to the year and will be looking to build momentum heading into the French Open next month.

Read more:

Giants 7-round NFL mock draft: Dexter Lawrence trade leads to big change

The New York Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a blockbuster deal less than a week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Giants acquired the 10th overall selection in the draft in exchange for Lawrence's service, USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon confirmed. The deal is subject to Lawrence passing a physical examination, which is expected to take place April 19.

Lawrence spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Giants after being a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Clemson product developed into a high-quality nose tackle, making three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2022-24 and twice earning All-Pro second team nods.

Lawrence's departure leaves a gaping hole in the middle of New York's defense, one it's sure to address at some point during the 2026 NFL Draft. It also gives the franchise two top-10 selections, which will give Joe Schoen's squad unique buying power to reshape itself in the mold of new head coach John Harbaugh and add talent around young quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Here's a look at how the Giants could upgrade their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft after trading Lawrence for an additional first-round selection.

New York Giants mock draft

Round 1, Pick 5: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Harbaugh's defenses with the Baltimore Ravens seemed to always sport high-end, middle-of-the-field playmakers. That should put Styles and Caleb Downs in play with the No. 5 overall selection, but the athletic linebacker will get the nod here.

Styles has rare size at 6-5, 244 pounds and starred at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He should be a dominant, sideline-to-sideline defender at the professional level and has earned comparisons to Fred Warner.

Round 1, Pick 10: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Giants now have two, top-10 selections after trading Lawrence to the Bengals. The 10th overall selection should be an ideal range for New York to land some support for Dart, whether it's at wide receiver or right tackle.

Tyson gets the nod here for now. The 6-2, 203-pound receiver is one of the draft's best separators and would be a perfect fit across from Malik Nabers.

Round 2, Pick 37: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

The Giants brought in Daniel Faalele from the Ravens on a one-year deal, but he is merely a stopgap option at right guard. Pregnon would be a long-term fit to protect Dart, and his power and abilities as a downhill blocker should help make him a Day 1 starter for the G-Men.

Round 4, Pick 105: DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati

The Giants need to add talent to their defensive line to help replace Lawrence. Corleone would give the team a powerful nose tackle option, as he carries a whopping 340 pounds on his 6-1 frame. Corleone didn't notch a sack in his final season at Cincinnati, but he still closed his four-year college career with 9.5 sacks to his name.

Round 5, Pick 145: OT Isaiah World, Oregon

The Giants re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor to a three-year, $39 million contract, but it wouldn't hurt the team to add a younger player to challenge him.

World is coming off a torn ACL suffered in the College Football Playoff, so it isn't clear how much he will be able to play as a rookie. That said, he has great size and length with his 6-5, 323-pound frame, so he's a nice developmental option for the Giants. He will just need to work on his pass protection to become a quality professional starter.

Round 6, Pick 186: RB Adam Randall, Clemson

Cam Skattebo is coming off a gruesome ankle injury that prematurely ended his rookie season. He is expected to be ready for Week 1, but it wouldn't hurt the Giants to add extra depth to their running back room as they ease the Arizona State product back into action.

Randall is a former receiver who converted to running back at Clemson. He's still raw, but his pass-catching skills and 6-3, 232-pound frame could make him an ideal long-term partner for Skattebo.

Round 6, Pick 192: C Pat Coogan, Indiana

John Michael Schmitz graded 28th among 37 qualified centers for the 2026 NFL season, per Pro Football Focus. The Giants could stand to add competition for him, and Coogan's 6-5, 311-pound frame and three years of collegiate starting experience make him a solid candidate to challenge the former second-round pick for playing time.

Round 6, Pick 193: DB Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State

OK, look, having the Styles brothers go to the same team may simply be wishful thinking. However, the Giants could use depth at safety – as Harbaugh often played three safeties during his final years in Baltimore – and Styles blazed a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Styles' speed could also make him a special teams asset, so this seems like a quality, late-round gamble for the Giants.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giants 7-round mock draft updated after Dexter Lawrence trade, new pick

Nuggets hold off T'Wolves, Knicks and Cavs win NBA playoff openers

Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell powered the Cavaliers in a game-one victory over the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA playoffs (Jason Miller)

Nikola Jokic's 25-point triple-double and 30 points from Jamal Murray propelled the Denver Nuggets to a 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their NBA playoff opener on Saturday.

Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic added 13 rebounds and 11 assists, shaking off a slow start that saw him score just six points in the first half to help the Nuggets pull away in a game tied 62-62 at halftime.

Murray scored 17 of his 30 in the first half to keep the Nuggets close, finishing a perfect 16 of 16 from the free-throw line.

The third playoff series in four seasons between the teams got off to a physical start at Denver's Ball Arena, with more than 40 fouls called, a flagrant foul called on Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels and a technical on Denver coach David Adelman.

The Nuggets trailed by as many as 12 in the first quarter before bearing down in the second period and pulling away after the break.

Adelman was pleased with the way his team responded after the early punch from the visitors.

"Winning a grimy game, it's good," Adelman said. "Both teams are experienced and used to winning these games. They know what it means to play in a physical match-up. There's a respect on both sides. There's also a want to win.  

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 22 points and Rudy Gobert added a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, but ultimately they couldn't find an answer for Jokic.

"(Jokic) is such a patient player," Adelman said. "Early it was a lot of our guys making plays for each other and as they changed their coverages then he went to work."

The Nuggets, who beat Minnesota in the 2023 playoffs on the way to the NBA title, then lost to them the following year, host game two of the best-of-seven Western Conference series on Monday.

In the Eastern Conference, the third-seeded New York Knicks and fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers opened with comfortable victories.

Jalen Brunson scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 for the Knicks in a 113-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.

Brunson scored 19 points in the first quarter to help the Knicks emerge from the back-and-forth period with a 30-24 lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Towns stepped it up in the second half, scoring 19 points in the second half to keep things rolling for a Knicks team aiming to improve on their trip to last year's Eastern Conference finals.

CJ McCollum scored 26 points to lead the Hawks.

In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points to fuel the Cavaliers in a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors.

James Harden added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds and Max Strus scored 24 points off the bench for the Cavs, who host game two. 

RJ Barrett scored 24 points for the Raptors, who never led after the opening minutes and trailed by as many as 24.

Mitchell has now scored at least 30 points in an NBA record nine straight playoff series openers.

"You see the focus," Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said of Mitchell. "How he just gets more locked-in than ever."

- Durant out for Rockets -

The final game of the day saw the West's fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets.

The series was billed as a matchup of old foes LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

But Rockets star Durant was ruled out of game one with a bruised knee suffered in practice.

"Hopefully it's a one-game thing," coach Ime Udoka said.

James, 41 and playing in his unprecedented 23rd season, is in the playoffs for a record-equaling 19th time and chasing a fifth NBA title.

He's leading a Lakers team missing NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic and fellow guard Austin Reaves, who are sidelined indefinitely after late-season injuries.

bb/jgc

Cost of Giants-Bengals Dexter Lawrence trade not feasible for Jaguars

We do not know if the Jacksonville Jaguars had any interest in New York Giants' defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. When GM James Gladstone was asked about trading for Lawrence recently, he had little to say.

"That's not something we've gone into," Gladstone said. "Obviously, he's under contract with them, so not at liberty necessarily to even talk about it."

But even if some level of interest was there for the Jaguars, acquiring Lawrence was likely never in the cards, given his price tag.

Giants trade Dexter Lawrence to Bengals

On Saturday evening, the Giants traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in this year's NFL draft. The Bengals will also likely sign Lawrence to an extension.

The Jaguars could never compete with that offer. They do not have a first-rounder this year, and even if they were willing to part with their 2027 first-round pick, a future selection compared to one in the current year doesn't carry the same value, not to mention that no one expects the Jaguars to be picking near the top 10.

The Jaguars need help at the defensive tackle position -- it is arguably their biggest need -- making Lawrence an obvious fit. Depth and more pass-rush juice are required. However, Jacksonville will continue looking elsewhere.

Hopefully, the addition of Ruke Orhorhoro can help, but the need at this position isn't solved with that addition either. Investing in the defensive tackle unit in the draft should remain on Gladstone's to-do list.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Dexter Lawrence trade: Cost not realistic for Jaguars if interested

Giants rumor from ESPN reveals who New York could target to replace Dexter Lawrence

Dexter Lawrence

Giants rumor from ESPN reveals who New York could target to replace Dexter Lawrence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Giants agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, dealing defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick.

"Giants star Dexter Lawrence is being traded to the #Bengals in a pre-Draft blockbuster that includes the No. 10 pick heading to the Giants, per me and Tom Pelissero," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on X.

Though Lawrence is coming off a down year in 2025 with just 0.5 sacks, the 28-year-old has played a pivotal role on the Giants' defense over the last few years, and New York will now be tasked with filling that void.

The Giants could search free agency or even the trade market to find Lawrence's replacement, but it sounds like there is a certain prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from Ohio State who could be on New York's radar to add to the defensive tackle room.

Giants linked to Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald

ESPN's Jordan Raanan says multiple sources have told him that McDonald would be a perfect fit on New York's new look defense run by head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

"Something to note: Multiple sources told me earlier this week that DT Kayden McDonald is perfect for the Baltimore-style defense that the Giants will run," Raanan said on X after Lawrence was traded.

McDonald is arguably the top defensive tackle in the draft, and according to ESPN's Matt Miller, many around the league believe he will be the first interior defensive lineman off the board.

"Kayden McDonald, Ohio State. My final board didn't include any defensive tackles in the top 40 players, with Peter Woods (Clemson) and McDonald taking the top spots. However, word around the league is McDonald will be the first interior defender off the board," Miller said.

McDonald isn't a prolific pass-rusher, as the Georgia native tallied just three sacks in his college career. However, the 6-foot-2 defensive tackle is a stout run defender who posted 34 defensive stops and a 91.2 run-defense grade for Ohio State in 2025.

Though there's a solid chance he's the first defensive tackle taken, McDonald will likely be on the board when the Giants are picking at 35 in Round 2, and the 21-year-old would be a no-brainer selection there to replace Lawrence and beef up the interior for New York.

More NFL News

Bengals' best 2nd round options after trading 10th pick for Dexter Lawrence

Dexter Lawrence Giants

Bengals' best 2nd round options after trading 10th pick for Dexter Lawrence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals swung a massive trade with the New York Giants less than a week before the 2026 NFL Draft. According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Bengals are trading for Dexter Lawrence.

In an uncharacteristic move, the Bengals sent the 10th overall pick to the Giants for Lawrence to be their new defensive tackle. It's a steep price to pay, as the Bengals are parting with a top-10 pick for a DT who's set to receive an extension in this deal too.

After trading the 10th pick for Lawrence, the Bengals' first selection in the upcoming draft is at 41st overall. With that selection, there are still some very interesting prospects the Bengals could draft to help round out the defense alongside Lawrence.

Bengals 2nd round options after Dexter Lawrence trade

With defense still the priority, the only thing that this trade can cross off is the need for interior defensive line help. Between Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, the interior is set. So the secondary, edge, and linebacker are all in play still. Here are some of the best options:

Cornerback:  4

1. Colton Hood, Tennessee: While he might not be likely to make it here with some first-round buzz recently, he'd be an incredible pick at this spot. The 21-year-old had a pick-six last year and has a very high ceiling coming into the NFL.

2. Chris Johnson, San Diego State: He would be a solid CB option as well. He's 21 years old and had four interceptions this past year. While he's had some buzz lately, there is a chance he could be on the board for the Bengals at 41.

3. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina: Cisse is another fun option for the Bengals at 41. He's only 20 years old and had a pick-six this past season. He has a decent chance of making it here.

4. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana: Ponds is a very unique player. At 21 years old, Ponds is 5-foot-9, 173 pounds. A smaller CB comes with some risk, but he's a great player who had two interceptions this past season, and would be very fun 

MoreBengals fans should be confident in $40M Bryan Cook signing for 60% reason

Edge Rusher: 7

1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn: Faulk is highly unlikely to make it here to No. 41, but if he did, he's a developmental option to work behind Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy.

2. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M: Coming off a 12-sack season, the 23-year-old edge would be a better productive player who could slip down the board to 41 overall.

3. T.J. Parker, Clemson: Parker had six sacks this past season and 12 the year before. He's 21 years old and is someone who can both rush the passer and defend the run.

4. Zion Young, Missouri: The 22-year-old edge is coming off eight sacks this past season, and while he might not be the best edge in this class, he'd be a solid option at 41.

5. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma: Thomas is 6-foot-2, 249 pounds. That's on the smaller side of things for an edge rusher. But, he's a productive pass rusher, coming off six sacks in 2025 and nine in 2024.

6. Malachi Lawrence, UCF: After adding Lawrence in a trade with the Giants, the Bengals could add another Lawrence in Round 2. He's 22 years old and had seven sacks this past season.

7. Gabe Jacas, Illinois: There has been a ton of buzz about Jacas lately in NFL circles, and the 21-year-old edge has 12 sacks this past season, and has a good chance to make it to the 41st pick in the NFL Draft.

MoreBoye Mafe signing mightve been a mistake by the Bengals

Linebacker: 1

1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders linebacker is a fascinating option for the Bengals at 41 overall. He's 23 years old, so a bit older, but the on-field production is incredible, as he would be perfect for a win-now team. He's a fit in Cincinnati.

While unlikely, if Georgia's CJ Allen is still available, he'd be a great option as well. Cincinnati could reach a bit and take Missouri's Josiah Trotter or Pittsburgh's Kyle Louis, but they would be better off waiting until Round 3 for those options.

Safety: 1

1. A.J. Haulcy, LSU: The 22-year-old is someone who the Bengals could take as a deep-safety option to pair with Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle. While safety might not be the biggest need, he's someone to keep an eye on with this pick.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren out of Toledo would be a no-brainer if he somehow slipped to this pick, but the odds are very slim. USC's Kamari Ramsey and Arizona's Treydan Stukes and Genesis Smith are Round 3 options, but would be reaches here at 41.

The Bengals have a lot of solid defensive options at the 41st pick. Even though they no longer own the 10th pick in the draft, there should be some solid help in Round 2 for Cincinnati.

More Bengals news:

Salvador Perez rebuts Royals manager Matt Quatraro over 'mental breather' line

Kansas City Royals captain Salvador Perez got a day off Saturday, apparently against his will.

The fun began when the Royals posted a lineup without Perez. Royals manager Matt Quatraro then told reporters he was giving Perez a “mental breather” after some recent struggles, with Carter Jensen getting the start behind the plate instead.

Quatraro on giving Salvador Perez a day off today: “Just looking at the way things have gone, he's played in every game. Day game after night game, Carter was going to catch today, and Salvy’s been struggling a little bit. Just try to give him a little mental breather.” #Royals

— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) April 18, 2026

That seemed simple enough … until about nine hours later, when Perez bluntly posted, “I don’t need a mental breather” on social media.

I don’t need a mental breather

— Salvador Perez (@SalvadorPerez15) April 19, 2026

So it might not be the most harmonious state of play in Kansas City right now. The Royals also lost 13-4 to the New York Yankees on Saturday, worsening their record to 7-14, tied with the New York Mets for the worst in MLB.

Jensen homered in that game, bringing his season total up to five.

What’s particularly awkward is that the 35-year-old Perez has barely been playable so far this season, after a down 2025. He’s slashed .160/.210/.307 in 20 games so far this season, with 17 strikeouts and four walks in 81 plate appearances. Jensen hasn’t been much better at .214/.274/.446, but he has been better (except when it comes to waking up).

Similar to what just happened on the Toronto Blue Jays with Eric Lauer, there’s probably a conversation to be had behind closed doors. Perez commands immense respect in Kansas City as a nine-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, five-time Gold Glove and World Series MVP of the Royals’ 2015 title, but he’s simply a different player now.

Quatraro has been the manager in Kansas City since 2023 and entered this season with a 224-262 record, with a playoff berth in 2024.

Pumas great Clausura 2026 season continues with a victory over Atletico San Luis

SAN LUIS POTOSI, MEXICO - APRIL 17: Jordan Carrillo of Pumas celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal of his team during the 15th round match between Atletico San Luis and Pumas UNAM as part of the Torneo Clausura 2026 Liga MX at Estadio Alfonso Lastras on April 17, 2026 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. (Photo by Ricardo Hernandez/Jam Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Pumas got another important victory by defeating Atletico San Luis by a 2-0 score. It was a controversial match at times but Pumas was the slightly better team and got a deserved three points that now place them in second place of the standings. Pumas continue with their surprising run and are already settled in the Liguilla. They will hope to continue in the upper part of the standings but will have another tough clash at home against FC Juarez, a team that had at times complicated things for them in Mexico City. Atletico San Luis will host Santos as they need a miracle to get to the post season.

The 1st half started with Pumas coming out with their normal starting 11, the exception being Antonio Leone getting a start in defense. A left footed shot from outside the area from Alan Medina would go wide. A cross into the area was headed wide by Juninho. After getting the ball in the area, Medina got off a left footed shot that was easily saved by San Luis’ goalkeeper, Andres Sanchez. Sebastien Salles-Lamonge got of a right footed shot from outside the area that was blocked by Pumas’ goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. Off a counter, a great pass from Adalberto Carrasquilla would find Robert Morales, who looked like he was taken down, and then he got off a right footed shot that went wide. After going to VAR, the ref determined Juanpe had taken down Morales with his slide and gave Pumas a Penalty Kick. Juninho stepped up to take the PK and got off a low right footed shot past Sanchez to score and give Pumas the 1-0 lead. Off a frege kick, a great cross from Carrasquilla was volleyed by Nathan past Sanchez but it hit the post.

The 2nd half started with San Luis subbing out Sebastian Perez Bouquet for David Rodriguez. After getting the ball in the area, Salles-Lamonge got off a right footed shot that went wide. Off a corner kick, Joao Pedro got off a good header that forced Navas a fantastic save. The ball would fall to Roberto Meraz, whose shot would hit the post. The ball would eventually fall to another left footed shot from Jesus Medina that Navas saved as incredibly San Luis couldn’t tie the match in that play. A cross into the area was deflected badly by Sanchez but Uriel Antuna couldn’t get the header on goal. Pumas subbed out Uriel Antuna for Jordan Carrillo. Atletico San Luis subbed out Roberto Meraz and Jesus Medina for Santiago Muñoz and Miguel Garcia. A cross into the area from Alvaro Angulo was right into the path of a wide open Carrillo but his right footed shot hit the post. Pumas subbed out Adalberto Carrasquilla and Rodrigo Lopez for Guillermo Martinez and Pablo Bennevendo. A cross into the area was almost deflected by Bennevendo into his own net. San Luis subbed out Oscar Macias for Leonardo Flores. Pumas subbed out Juninho for Cesar Garza. After a longball was won by Morales, he would go past Sanchez and then was brought down in the area by Eduardo Aguila and Sanchez, the referee gave Pumas a PK. After going to VAR, he changed the play to a free kick and a Yellow card for Sanchez. Off the ensuing free kick, Jordan Carrillo got off a great right footed shot past Sanchez to score and give Pumas the 2-0 lead. It was a great shot from Carrillo and although Sanchez got his hands on the ball, it was too strong for him to keep it out. San Luis subbed out Aldo Cruz for Lucas Esteves. Off a Corner kick, the cross was headed just wide by Flores. Martinez got off a left footed shot in the area that went just wide. It was the last play of the match as Pumas got another important victory in their great Clausura 2026.

Pumas got another key three points and now sit in 2nd place of the Clausura 2026. It’s a great season as Coach Efrain Juarez has surprised everyone by having the team fight for first place. Pumas didn’t have a great performance but was the better team on Friday night. The match had controversial moments like the Penalty Kick not given to Pumas until going to VAR but more so the play in the PK against Pumas that was later changed to a free kick. The telecast showed Horacio Elizondo, director of the referees, during the VAR ruling in the VAR room, something that isn’t allowed. Still the moment will be judged later as Pumas was the aggrieved team in the play, so it didn’t hurt the score. Pumas will now have a tough match at home against FC Juarez, a team that has given Pumas trouble at times in Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Worse yet would be tat both Keylor Navas and Adalberto Carrasquilla will miss the match because of Yellow card suspension. Still Pumas should be favorites for the match. Atletico San Luis will face off against struggling Santos but they will need a miracle to qualify to the Liguilla.

Grading the trade: Bengals go completely off script to make a blockbuster move for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence

Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) in the 3rd quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) in the 3rd quarter at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to part ways with the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for star DT Dexter Lawrence. But was it the right move? We grade it.

Most of the NFL world sat on a very quiet Saturday night just days before the 2026 NFL Draft, with growing anticipation for this Thursday’s marquee event on the NFL calendar. But behind the scenes, the action that predates the draft is very busy. Teams are calling one another, aiming to move up the board.

In the case of the Cincinnati Bengals, however, they appeared to be in no-man’s land. Likely out of range from any of the blue-chippers and knowing that a team like Dallas is behind them, armed with more capital and also trying to move up, Cincinnati went for the win-now move.

Bengals trade 10th pick in 2026 NFL Draft for Giants DT Dexter Lawrence

“Draft week blockbuster: The Giants are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal that will include the 10th overall pick going to New York, per ESPN sources. The Giants now head into Thursday night with the 5th and 10th overall picks.” – Adam Schefter, ESPN

It has been reported that the move for Lawrence is a direct swap. Cincy receives Lawrence, the Giants get the 10th pick. If you are unfamiliar with the situation in New York, it’s pretty straightforward.

Lawrence wants a new deal, but the Giants are starting fresh with long-time AFC North HC John Harbaugh. Harbaugh has made it very clear that if you’re not all the way in, then you can get out. Lawrence requested the trade, and while it was quiet for most of the last week, the Bengals came with premium capital, and it was an offer too good to refuse. But was it the right offer? Here’s John Sheeran of A to Z Sports Cincinnati’s take and grade.

Final trade grade: A

“This is the most shocked I've ever been about the Bengals. While Dexter Lawrence is indeed a force multiplier and absolute difference maker at defensive tackle, trading a first-round pick straight up is definitely unexpected behavior for this franchise. They protect their first-rounders like they're locked in a bank vault, never even entertaining the idea of trading up in the round for a better player. Giving up pick No. 10 for a three-time Pro Bowler and signing him to a new deal is completely uncharted territory for this club, and you can bet the fan base will be energized for the better.” – Sheeran

The Engine Room: Coty, Tarohn pick Pistons over Magic in low-scoring series

The Detroit Pistons head into Sunday's playoff opener against the Orlando Magic after a 60-win regular season and high expectations in the Eastern Conference.

Pistons beat writer Coty Davis and Detroit News contributor Tarohn Finley both predict the Pistons to win the series in 5 games on The Engine Room: A Detroit Pistons podcast.

Here are highlights from today's show, which is also available on YouTube.

0:00: Varsity Ford of Ann Arbor

:30: Cade Cunningham on excitement of playoff basketball

4:30: Jalen Duren on watching in-game opponents

6:20: Expect low-scoring, hard-fought series

11:40: Rollercoaster season for Magic

17:10: Pistons have big edge with team depth

20:20: J.B. Bickerstaff on facing the Magic

24:40: Coty, Tarohn pick Pistons in 5 games

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Pistons favored to beat the Orlando Magic in NBA playoffs

Michigan State lands commitment from Jackson State WR transfer

Michigan State football has made a splash in the transfer portal today, earning a commitment during their spring showcase on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans gained the commitment of Jameel Gardner, a Jackson State wide receiver transfer.

A Detroit (MI) native, formerly of Cass Tech, started his career with Kent State before transferring to the Tigers. At Kent State, Gardner hauled in 24 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown. With the Tigers this past season, he corralled 32 passes for 483 yards and two touchdowns, following a 12 reception, 145 yard season in his first with Jackson State.

He is a 6-foot, 185 pounder that projects to play as an outside receiver. He will provide veteran depth to the Spartans wide receiver room in 2026.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State lands commitment from Jackson State WR transfer

Spartan Football Spring Showcase

Spartan QB, Alessio Milivojevic throws just out of reach of a defender on Spring Showcase day. | Steve Neumann

MSU Football had its final spring practice today and opened it up to the public. Even though I stayed up way too late watching Coachella Livestream, I still was undeterred by the cold, rain and my three year old who did not want her hair brushed this morning. I was curious to see what things were looking like and my family managed to accompany me so here are a few takeaways I noticed.

It was a no tackling, keep everyone healthy demonstration and that makes it difficult to really see strength and weaknesses in the trenches. Obviously we all know the trenches were torturous to watch last year, but it did seem Alessio had some time to make plays and did a nice job of stepping up in the pocket and checking down. It is pretty obvious that McCray is the WR1 and he and Alessio seem to have some chemistry and that will only further develop. Alessio did have a back to back play sequence that we as Spartan fans have to hope gets cleaned up. He had a beautiful play where he stayed in the pocket stepped down out of the pressure and found an open receiver down the middle. Unfortunately, it was followed by an ugly interception that Grose read all the way and took it with ease. That back and forth play will make it tough for fans but the good news is this is spring. The pocket passing mixed with the ability to scramble are a positive sign and the accuracy seems closer than what we were getting with Chiles. Ultimately the QB play left me with optimism knowing there is room for growth but nice fundamentals in place. Kayd Coffman also looked solid with limited action. He was 4-7, 45 yards and 16 yards rushing.

The kicking game looked like it needs some work. When you are used to Eckley punts, todays short shanks left a lot to be desired. There was one nice pin down punt inside the 5. Field goal wise Boyd and Ahmetbasic combined for 2-6. Both makes were from Boyd at 35 and 44 yards. Ahmetbasic missed badly on both of his and it looks like both kickers will continue to work and hopefully improve.

The secondary was a place I was intrigued to watch. Since there was no tackling, the corners vs receivers match ups became the most exciting moments to watch. There were some flags thrown and there probably could have been more. I will say it was nice to see the aggression of the corners who were actually playing up on receivers and getting physical with their hands. Tyran Chappell was all over the place as Brantley was out with an injury. He had two solid pass break ups and was a difference maker in some incompletions too. There are still some questions and once we get a look at more contact play later in the summer we’ll see if the corners are still playing tight and physical.

The running game was really tough to gauge with no tackling. Kenneth Williams had a nice 67 yard sprint down the sideline that he managed to be untouched on. Hard to tell if that was a positive for him or a big negative on the defense for not laying a finger on him. Jaziun Patterson had the most carries at 5 for 19 yards.

I will say it was pretty great seeing Max Bullough on the sideline. The defensive staff in general was really animated and rowdy. It was nice to see sideline energy, the players vibing off of that and getting excited about big stops. It was a pretty small crowd turnout and that may have been due to the cold and rain but those that were there were studying the action. The Spartan faithful are looking for a turnaround and they are paying attention. We even got to see the debut of Zeke V and watch him nail his first catch. My kids hung around and stayed in line for some player autographs and they lucked out with the line they chose as they got to meet the likes of Hall and Alessio. I will say Alessio and Hall were pretty awesome with my kids, giving them the time of day and chatting for a bit. My son even told Zion Gist that the fireworks are his sister’s favorite part of the game and he can make those happen so he better score a lot. Gist replied with, I’ll get that first one just for her. It was nice of the players to take that time to sign and meet with the fans. I know it made a big difference with my kids as they have already hung the posters up in their bedrooms.

Next time we see some practices, it gets even realer. I think we are going to see a very different type of team out there this fall. Will it be one that wins? Maybe, maybe not. It will be a team that sets the tone to turn the program around as the energy did not feel like a team that wants to plunge further into obscurity.

Guardians’ Gavin Williams Leads MLB in Strikeouts After Dominant Start

Gavin Williams hasn’t just established himself as the Cleveland Guardians' ace of their rotation, but as one of the top starting pitchers in all of MLB. 

That narrative only got even stronger on Saturday night as Williams dominated the Baltimore Orioles in the Guardians’ 4-2 victory.

Cleveland’s starting pitcher only gave up one earned run all night, which was a solo home run, and allowed three hits in 7.0 innings of work.

One of Williams’ biggest struggles throughout the early going of the year has been giving away too many free passes to first base, but against the Orioles, he only issued one walk.

The most impressive part of this start, though, was Williams’ 11 strikeouts. This was the second time in 2026 that Williams has notched a start with double-digit punchouts, with the other coming against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gavin Williams, 11th K pic.twitter.com/PNKQ9T5FDU

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 18, 2026

In this outing alone, Williams has a whiff rate of 36 percent (18/50), with the majority of those swings and misses coming off his sweeper (12).

It was that pitch, along with the fastball and curveball, that simply has Orioles hitters guessing all night long, especially Pete Alonso, who struck out all three times he faced Williams. 

Stephen Vogt said that Williams on Saturday was “The best I think we’ve seen from him.”

Now, after this start, Williams has 40 logged strikeouts through his first five starts, which is the most in all of MLB. The other pitches among baseball strikeout leaders include Jose Soriano (39), Cam Schlittler (36), and Cristopher Sanchez (35). 

Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“That’s not the biggest goal for me,” said Williams on the 40 strikeouts. 

“I’m just trying to help the team win games anyway possible to do that, that’s what I’m going to do. It’s cool, but I don’t think it’s necessary if I have to punch that many people out. Just trying to win games.”

Williams may not be trying to get strikeouts, but considering he keeps forcing hitters to strike out is just another fact that he’s entered the conversation for one of MLB’s top pitchers. 

The Guardians don’t just have their ace, but could have an All-Star and Cy Young candidate in their pitching staff if he keeps this up. 

Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.

FlowSpeech – Create human-like speech with emotion, pause, and multi-voice control


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Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria Lead Wellness Tourism Surge as it Sees 15 percent Rise in Spa Visitors

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/greece-north-macedonia-and-bulgaria-lead-wellness-tourism-surge-as-it-sees-15-percent-rise-in-spa-visitors/

Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria Lead Wellness Tourism Surge as it Sees 15 percent Rise in Spa VisitorsBulgaria's wellness tourism...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

TTW-1638583-1776562208

Original Source: Travel And Tour World
Unauthorized copying or republishing is prohibited.

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Indian Railways Unveils Bengaluru-Pune Vande Bharat Sleeper Service, Promising a Faster, More Comfortable Journey with a December 2026 Launch

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/indian-railways-unveils-bengaluru-pune-vande-bharat-sleeper-service-promising-a-faster-more-comfortable-journey-with-a-december-2026-launch/

Indian Railways Unveils Bengaluru-Pune Vande Bharat Sleeper Service, Promising a Faster, More Comfortable Journey with a December 2026 LaunchIndian Railways...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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Original Source: Travel And Tour World
Unauthorized copying or republishing is prohibited.

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BTC Targets $150K and Ethereum Eyes $8K While AlphaPepe Institutional Accumulation Outpaces the Protocol 11 Upgrade in Cardano

crypto-news-today (2)

The post BTC Targets $150K and Ethereum Eyes $8K While AlphaPepe Institutional Accumulation Outpaces the Protocol 11 Upgrade in Cardano appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bernstein holds a $150,000 Bitcoin year-end target citing ETF AUM approaching $250 billion and MicroStrategy’s treasury crossing 715,000 BTC. Standard Chartered’s Kendrick projects Ethereum at $7,500 following the Pectra upgrade activation, with Axi modeling an $8,000 to $10,000 consolidation range as institutional staking products scale.

Cardano’s Protocol 11 Van Rossem hard fork is confirmed for late June with Plutus smart contract upgrades and improved node security, but ADA has barely moved from $0.245 despite the $71 million treasury commitment to scaling. The crypto news today is dominated by large-cap catalysts that take quarters to price in. AlphaPepe is operating on a different clock. Over $890,000 raised across 7,700 wallets, a live AI DEX generating revenue, and a Q2 listing timeline that is outpacing Cardano’s upgrade schedule in raw capital accumulation speed.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Set Institutional Targets While Cardano Prepares Protocol 11

Bitcoin trades near $76,000 after spot ETFs absorbed $4.2 billion in Q1 with exchange reserves hitting 2.3 million BTC lows. Bernstein’s $150,000 thesis rests on ETF AUM doubling from $128 billion toward $250 billion as pension fund allocations begin flowing through regulated vehicles. Galaxy Digital extends the range further to $200,000 by Q4 if five Nasdaq 100 companies add BTC to balance sheets. From $76,000, the $150,000 target is a 97% move over eight months.

Ethereum sits at $2,330 with the Pectra upgrade now live and BlackRock’s staking-enabled ETHB ETF pulling $311 million since March. Standard Chartered’s $7,500 target and Fundstrat’s Tom Lee at $7,000 frame the upside at roughly 200% to 220% from current levels. The institutional thesis is strong. The timeline stretches through year end.

Cardano’s Van Rossem hard fork will deliver Protocol Version 11 in late June, enhancing Plutus primitives and enforcing VRF key uniqueness. Testing hit a memory regression in the 10.7.0 pre-release, adding 6 GB of RAM usage over 15 days, but the fix is bundled into 10.7.1 with the June timeline intact. ADA trades at $0.245 and has not responded to the upgrade confirmation. The $71 million treasury fund for Leios and Hydra scaling is the largest infrastructure commitment in Cardano history, but the price action says the market is waiting for delivery, not announcements.

AlphaPepe Accumulation Outpaces the Protocol 11 Timeline

Cardano’s Protocol 11 upgrade takes two more months to reach mainnet. AlphaPepe raised $890,000 in the time it took the Van Rossem pre-release to discover and patch a memory leak. That is not a criticism of Cardano’s engineering process. It is a statement about the speed at which capital moves into a protocol that already has its product live.

AlphaSwap is running. A cross-chain AI DEX screening contracts for exploit vectors, tracking whale activity across chains, and collecting fee revenue today.

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Stage 13 at $0.01494 with 7,700 wallets and 100 new addresses daily. A $1,500 entry secures 100,401 tokens. Analysts targeting $1.50 value that at $150,601. At $3.50 it crosses $351,403. Buyers at $2,000 or above can apply code ALPHA50 for a 50% bonus. Bitcoin needs ETF AUM to double for 97%. Ethereum needs staking adoption to scale for 220%. Cardano needs a hard fork to land in June. AlphaPepe needs Q2.

The Crypto News Today Is About Timelines. The Shortest One Wins.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano are all building toward legitimate milestones. The presale at $0.01494 with $890,000 raised and a live AI DEX is not waiting for any of them. Stage 13 is filling and the next price level approaches.

Click To Visit AlphaPepe Official Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

What are the Bitcoin and Ethereum price predictions today?
Bernstein targets $150,000 BTC on ETF AUM reaching $250 billion. Standard Chartered and Fundstrat project $7,000 to $7,500 ETH following the Pectra upgrade. Both timelines extend through year end.

What is Cardano’s Protocol 11 upgrade?
The Van Rossem hard fork delivers enhanced Plutus primitives and node security in late June 2026. A memory regression in testing was patched without delaying the timeline.

How much has AlphaPepe raised?
Over $890,000 across 7,700 wallets at Stage 13 pricing of $0.01494. The $1 million mark is approaching with 100 new wallets entering daily.

Motorola will allow even more users to try out the new Android 17 beta this year

With Google releasing the first Android 17 beta version in February, it's now smartphone manufacturers' turn to kickstart their beta programs. Motorola was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon and is doing so with a longer list of devices compared to last year. In addition to the Motorola Edge (2025), Moto G57 and Moto G57 Power, the list of all Motorola devices has been updated with several new devices. Here they are: Motorola Razr+ (2025) [USA] Motorola Razr+ (2024) [USA] Motorola Razr 50 Ultra [India] Motorola Razr 50 Ultra [EMEA] Motorola Razr 50 Ultra...

Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Cunha condemns hosts to fourth straight Premier League loss

Chelsea suffered a fourth straight Premier League defeat as Manchester United boosted their chances of a top-five finish with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Matheus Cunha, from another Bruno Fernandes assist – his 18th in the league this season – struck late in the first half on Saturday, and that goal proved decisive. A […]

The post Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Cunha condemns hosts to fourth straight Premier League loss appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Cunha condemns hosts to fourth straight Premier League loss appeared first on Soccer News.

Giants trade disgruntled DT Dexter Lawrence to Bengals for No. 10 pick

Dexter Lawrence wasn’t happy with the New York Giants, and now he’s on the move.

The Giants traded the Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a package that includes the No. 10 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Lawrence will reportedly be receiving his desired extension with his new team.

#Giants star Dexter Lawrence is being traded to the #Bengals in a pre-Draft blockbuster that includes the No. 10 pick heading to the Giants, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

NYG gets premium draft compensation, Cincy gets a lynchpin, while Sexy Dexy gets a new, big-money extension. pic.twitter.com/u807BevKxV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2026

This article will be updated with more information.

WrestleMania 42 results: Bron Breakker's return spoils Seth Rollins' instant classic against Gunther

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 08: Bron Breakker looks on during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Center on December 8, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 08: Bron Breakker looks on during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Center on December 8, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images

Bron Breakker made his return to help Gunther get the win against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42, Night 1 in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The interference marked the second surprise of WrestleMania weekend, following Paige's tag team title win earlier on Saturday night.

Gunther drop-kicked Rollins as soon as Rollins entered the ring and hit him with a big Powerbomb. The match couldn't even get going properly, as Rollins went for Gunther's eyes outside the ring, leading to a brawl around the ring. He even resorted to grabbing and tossing chairs at Gunther before they entered the ring to start the match. Not before Rollins gave Gunther the double birds, though, of course.

After the match's hot start, they moved at a bit of a snail's pace, trading some slow chops and strike exchanges. They eventually climbed a corner that saw Gunther countered when Rollins leapt over him to set up a Bucklebomb all the way into the opposite corner. He nailed a big Clothesline afterward, halting the pace again before Rollins rushed Gunther to trade shots on their knees. Rollins rattled off machine gun-like chops that backed Gunther into the corner. The "Ring General" simply ate them all and planted Rollins with another big Powerbomb that couldn't get the job done.

This match is BACK and FORTH!!

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/dWNK2ljIdH

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Gunther gained steam late in the match with a trio of Clotheslines, until the third failed and nearly resulted in a Rollins Pedigree. Gunther escapes, but still gets hit with it after a bridge suplex failed. A Stomp from Rollins followed, and still, Gunther kicked out. He wanted a Stomp off the top rope afterward. A Gunther sleeper choke followed after Rollins missed. He fought out, biting the arm of Gunther and landing rolling forearms.

WHAT A MATCH!!!

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/QgizZwZfyP

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Rollins dug deep into his bag of tricks by finding the Superplex-Falcon Arrow combo and locking on Gunther's sleeper. Had it not been for connecting his foot to the rope, Gunther may have went out. A pair of suicide dives landed for Rollins, with the third resulting in his downfall. He gets caught, Bucklebombed onto the apron, then Powerbombed onto the announce desk. Gunther wanted another, but was countered to take a Pedigree on the table. Rollins wasn't done, adding a Stomp to finish it off — as the referee simply didn't work the 10-count.

Then Bron Breakker appeared and Speared Rollins out of his shoes. The referee seemingly missed it while he checked on Gunther. That allowed for the "Ring General" to re-enter and lock the choke onto Rollins for the win.

BRON BREAKKER IS BACK!!!! @bronbreakkerwwe

WHAT A SPEAR!!! pic.twitter.com/xSMkp2FDB6

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Gunther makes Seth Rollins TAP 😱@Gunther_AUT | #WrestleManiapic.twitter.com/oorFxORpvo

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Breakker wasn't done with Rollins after the match. One more Spear came at "breakneck speed," when Breakker sprinted down the long 'Mania ramp to drill his former stablemate.

OH MY SPEAR!!! 💔 @bronbreakkerwwe

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/qGmV9XPF1K

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Check out full WrestleMania 42 Night 1 results, highlights and match-by-match updates here.

20-sack DE seen identified as 'ideal pick' for 49ers in 2026 NFL draft

The San Francisco 49ers attempted to improve their group of pass rushers last offseason, taking Mykel Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft out of Georgia and trading for Bryce Huff right before the season started.

Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL, which could impact his start to the 2026 season, and Huff shockingly retired with one year left on his contract.

With that information, the 49ers may consider attacking the group again early in the 2026 NFL draft, and Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski even went as far as to call UCF's Malachi Lawrence the "ideal pick" for San Francisco in the first round.

"The 49ers' setup is perfect for UCF's Malachi Lawrence, because he's not an every-down defender at this point in his development. However, he has the physical tools and athletic profile to instantly boost San Francisco's defensive front on passing downs," Sobleski wrote.

"Lawrence can primarily serve as a designated pass rusher early in his career and enter the lineup as part of sub-packages, where Williams reduces down into an interior role, thus getting the team's three biggest defensive line investments on the field at the same time."

The 22-year-old was a three-star recruit out of duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, before committing to Central Florida. He went on to record 72 tackles, 20 sacks, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 39 games over four seasons.

San Francisco hosted Lawrence for a top-30, pre-draft visit this month, showing just how interested they are in the 6-foot-4 defensive end. Allowing Williams and Lawrence to rotate opposite Nick Bosa could really help Raheem Morris' defense reach their potential in 2026.

More 49ers: Who should the 49ers have drafted instead of Trey Lance in 2021?

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Malachi Lawrence identified as 'ideal pick' for 49ers

Penguins vs. Flyers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NHL Playoffs Series

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin

Penguins vs. Flyers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From Game 1 of NHL Playoffs Series originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Battle of Pennsylvania will take center stage in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, reigniting one of the most physical rivalries in professional sports. This latest series will mark the eighth postseason meeting between the Penguins and Flyers with Philadelphia holding a slight 4–3 edge.

For a veteran Pittsburgh core led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, this return to the playoffs is a prime opportunity to prove the Pens' championship window remains wide open. Under first-year head coach Dan Muse, the Penguins had an elite offense that averaged 3.54 goals per game in the regular season.

The Flyers enter this matchup after snapping their own playoff drought under first-year head coach Rick Tocchet. Philadelphia's attack is spearheaded by Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras, both of whom crossed the 65-point threshold this season to lead a resurgent offense.

Now, both teams will look to begin their quest for the Stanley Cup with a statement win at PPG Paints Arena.

Follow along right here for live updates, highlights and analysis throughout Game 1 between the Penguins and Flyers.

Penguins vs. Flyers score

123F
Flyers011
Penguins011

Penguins vs. Flyers live updates, highlights from Game 1

Flyers 1, Penguins 1

9:49 p.m.: Pittsburgh has evened it up, and the first postseason goal since 2022 for the Penguins comes from the three-time Stanley Cup winner Evgeni Malkin.

GENNNNNNNOOOOO MALKIN AND WE HAVE A TIED GAME!!! 🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/Bgn9tk1xiM

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 19, 2026

After a period of sustained zone time, Malkin comes off the boards and slides a shot from the right circle through Vladar's pads. It's back to a tie game, and the Penguins are on the board in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

9:46 p.m,: The Penguins can't score on the power play, with the game still 1-0. As the clock winds towards the six-minute mark in the first, Philadelphia still leads 1-0.

Pittsburgh has had more puck possession at 60%, but does not have a goal to show for it.

9:38 p.m.: The Penguins are going to have a chance to level up the game on the power play.

It's Travis Sanheim going to the box after he knocked down Crosby right in front of Vladar. It gives Pittsburgh — who only has nine shots in the contest — a prime opportunity.

Flyers 1, Penguins 0

9:35 p.m. GOAL: The road team Flyers are the first team on the board.

ZEGRAS TO DRYSDALE TO OPEN THE SCORING!!! 🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/Wf73inKTIj

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 19, 2026

It's Drysdale, who rips a wrister from the right circle and past Skinner, who looked like he couldn't see on the play. It's his first career playoff goal.

With it, the Flyers have the first lead of the series.

9:34 p.m.: The pace of the game has sped up, with teams going end to end and getting shots off.

Now, Owen Tippett has his wrist hot saved by Skinner.

9:29 p.m.: With 13:48 remaining in the middle frame, the score is still 0-0.

Pittsburgh has had more zone time this period, but a few giveaways have allowed Philadelphia to have the better opportunities so far this period. Though, Skinner has passed every test so far.

9:24 p.m.: The Flyers have the first real chance of the second, with a 2-on-1 being saved by Skinner after Pittsburgh lost the puck at the blue line.

9:20 p.m.: The second period is underway in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins and Flyers traded chances in the first, but neither could light the lamp. Expect the physicality to go up this period as both teams are settled in.

End of the first period: Flyers 0, Penguins 0

9:02 p.m.: At the end of one, we're scoreless in Pittsburgh. 

The Flyers have outshot the Penguins, but Skinner has stood tall. On the other side, Vladar has made all the saves he's had to make. Let's see what team can break the deadlock in the second.

8:55 p.m.: As the clock ticks under four minutes, the Penguins have some sustained zone time but fail to register a shot. They only have five in the period.

Both teams have had solid goaltending in the first frame, with Vladar and Skinner making saves.

8:46 p.m.: The teams are heading to a 4-on-4 with Crosby going to the box for a roughing penalty and Jamie Drysdale, the Flyers defensemen, going as well for not getting his helmet.

Crosby got a penalty for ripping off Drysdale’s helmet 😭 pic.twitter.com/lbaU7Et8E1

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 19, 2026

8:44 p.m.: Halfway through the first, the game is still scoreless at PPG Paints Arena.

Philadelphia currently holds the shot advantage at 6-3 as both teams are settling in.

8:40 p.m.: It looked like the Flyers might have had a goal, but Christian Dvorak kicked the puck into the net. Though, he fell on top of Skinner, who is being attended to by trainers.

Dvorak puts it in, celebrates, it gets called no goal and then a scrum happens.

This is the battle of PA madness we were expecting.😂 pic.twitter.com/LoShCJArny

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 19, 2026

The Penguins goaltender is back up with the score 0-0.

8:35 p.m.: Now, Philadelphia will head to the power play.

After Tyson Foerster gets hold of a puck and has his backhander saved by Skinner, a whistle is blown, and Kris Letang is going to the box for interference.

8:31 p.m.: Yegor Chinakov had two shots on the power play, but the game stays 0-0. Then, Philadelphia gets its first shot back at full strength, but it's staved away by Stuart Skinner.

8:28 p.m.: Less than two minutes in, we have some physicality already. It's Rasmus Ristolainen of Philadelphia who gets called for interference, giving the Penguins power play an early opportunity.

8:25 p.m.: The puck has dropped and the Battle of Pennsylvania is officially underway. 

Towels swirling. Boos for the Flyers. Huge cheers for the Penguins as Sid and Geno take the ice. The playoffs are different man. pic.twitter.com/OnuSk73X59

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 19, 2026

Here. We. Go.

When you play Pittsburgh, you play the whole city 💛🖤

Let 'em hear us back in Philly 🗣️ 🗣️ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/3ULesiVXKk

— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) April 19, 2026

8:22 p.m.: Puck drop has been delayed due to the Stars vs. Wild game going long, but it should be coming in the next few minutes.

The Battle of Pennsylvania has to wait just a little longer.

8:10 p.m.: It's time, Penguins fans.

Sidney Crosby and the Penguins faithful (a lot of which are rocking Crosby jerseys) are READY for another run @NHL 🥹🐧 pic.twitter.com/rgHKHaGttg

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 18, 2026

7:59 p.m.: Puck drop is minutes away.

The Penguins and Flyers meet in the postseason for the first time since 2018, when Pittsburgh won in six games. This time around, the stakes are just as high.

Let's see how Game 1 unfolds.

7:55 p.m.: Here are Pittsburgh's lines for Game 1.

How we're lining up for Game 1 👇 pic.twitter.com/uOXjPwSmU3

— x - Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 18, 2026

7:44 p.m.: Penguins fans are filling up PPG Paints Arena for the first playoff game since 2022.

Fans are heading into PPG Paints Arena for the first Penguins game since 2022! @KDKApic.twitter.com/pOPar0r4wr

— Ricky Sayer (@RickyReports) April 18, 2026

7:36 p.m.: The Penguins and Flyers split their four-game regular season series with two wins apiece, though Pittsburgh managed to secure points in every contest. The Flyers took both of their victories in shootouts, winning 3-2 in October and 4-3 in March, while the Penguins earned more decisive regulation wins of 5-1 and 6-3 during the middle of the season.

With both teams finishing the year tied at 98 points in the Metropolitan Division, this even split has set a perfect stage for their first-round playoff matchup beginning tonight.

7:26 p.m.: Get ready for the Battle of Pennsylvania.

Less than an hour away until the Battle of Pennsylvania. Buckle up. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/D1n41SERk1

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 18, 2026

7:17 p.m.: In goal for the Penguins for Game 1 is Stuart Skinner, who was traded from the Edmonton Oilers in December.

Dan Muse said Stuart Skinner will start Game 1 against Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/DEzSz2LzU4

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) April 18, 2026

Skinner brings playoff experience, appearing in the last two Stanley Cup Finals. The goaltender is 26-22-0 in 50 games with a goals against average of 2.88 and a save percentage of .893 in the playoffs in his career.

7:07 p.m.: With Pittsburgh back in the postseason, all eyes are of course on No. 87, Sidney Crosby.

The Penguins captain has three Stanley Cups and is looking to add another in the late stage of his career. His stats against the cross-state rival are near video game category.

Sidney Crosby always brings his best against the Flyers. 🐧

Will his dominance continue? The @penguins host the @NHLFlyers in the #StanleyCup Playoffs Game 1 TONIGHT at 8p ET on @espn, @Sportsnet, & @TVASports! pic.twitter.com/aEbnLcPC0g

— NHL (@NHL) April 18, 2026

7:00 p.m.: The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022, and the opponent is the perfect opener for Dan Muse and co.

Tonight, we have Game 1 of the Battle of Pennsylvania, with the Philadelphia Flyers coming into PPG Paints Arena; Philadelphia also snapped a playoff drought under a first year head coach in Rick Tocchet.

Stay tuned for live updates and highlights throughout the night as Pittsbugrh gets its playoff campaign started. 

How to watch Penguins vs. Flyers Game 1: TV channel, live stream

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

Penguins vs. Flyers will air locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Game 1 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 1 start time

  • Date: Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET

Penguins vs. Flyers is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 18. Game 1 will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Penguins vs. Flyers schedule

DateGameTime (ET)TV/Live stream
April 18 Game 1: Flyers vs. Penguins8 p.m.SNP, SNP 360fubo
April 20Game 2: Flyers vs. Penguins7 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 22Game 3: Penguins vs. Flyers7 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 25Game 4: Penguins vs. Flyers8 p.m.SNP, SNP 360, fubo
April 27Game 5*: Flyers vs. PenguinsTBDTBD
April 29Game 6*: Penguins vs. FlyersTBDTBD
May 2Game 7*: Flyers vs. PenguinsTBDTBD

*If necessary

NHL Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026

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

EventDates
First round beginsApril 18
Second round beginsMay 2*
Conference finals beginMay 17*
Stanley Cup Final beginsJune 3*
Last possible day for Game 7June 21

*Can move up depending on earlier series

More Penguins

Frederik Andersen's shutout leads Hurricanes past Senators in playoff series opener

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Rod Brind'Amour bet on Frederik Andersen's veteran experience as the Carolina Hurricanes opened the NHL playoffs as the Eastern Conference's top seed.

Andersen rewarded his coach with a shutout performance — along with a highlight-reel save that helped the Hurricanes stay in control.

The 36-year-old Dane had 22 saves and earned his sixth playoff shutout, and third in the past two postseasons, as the Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2-0 on Saturday to open the best-of-7 first-round series. He held up when clean looks were coming intermittently in a game with little open ice against a pair of hard-checking teams, then stepped up huge when the Senators were buzzing with multiple quality third-period chances in a one-goal game.

“Of course you’re looking for goalies to make saves at the right time, and that’s the right time,” Brind’Amour said. “And that’s what he did tonight. Like, I don’t even know how you explain it. That was exactly the game, right there. And he was up for the challenge tonight.”

“Right there” was the third-period stop on Drake Batherson, followed quickly by one on Brady Tkachuk with the Hurricanes protecting a 1-0 lead against Ottawa’s power play.

Initially, Andersen stopped Batherson at the top of the crease, but Batherson batted a rebound attempt near Andersen’s stretched-out left leg near the post that sent the puck airborne. Andersen reached out to stop the puck before ultimately gloving it, though an official signaled a tying score.

It was unclear whether Andersen’s glove might have been behind the goal line when he controlled the puck, leading to a replay review.

“I had a pretty good idea, you never know I think when they slow it down obviously from those angles,” Andersen said. “I had a good feeling that my glove wasn’t really across the goal line.”

Officials ultimately disallowed the score, saying the puck never completely crossed the goal line.

“I haven’t, to be honest,” Senators coach Travis Green said when asked if he had seen the replay. “Probably won’t look again, either. It didn’t count, it’s not going to count tomorrow.”

Moments later, Andersen had another big stop when Tkachuk had position at the top of the crease, only for Andersen to fall backward with the puck stopping between his legs.

It was a sequence that had Hurricanes fans roaring “Freddie! Freddie!”

“It gives us energy, it gives us a win, really,” forward Taylor Hall said of Andersen's play. “We don't want to have him tested as much as he was. Their PP started to figure us out by the end of the game. But he was there."

Andersen had started 32 playoff games for Carolina the past three years. But he had struggled early this season, going 7-10-5 with a 3.26 goals-against average and an .871 save percentage before the Olympic break.

Meanwhile, former waiver pickup Brandon Bussi had blossomed into a huge story, going 23-3-0 with a 2.16 GAA and .908 save percentage in that time. That was enough to earn Bussi a three-year extension from the team in February, along with questions of how well Andersen might play after the break.

But Andersen regrouped by going 9-4-0 with a 2.70 GAA after the break while Bussi cooled (8-3-0, 3.16 GAA, .865). That opened the door for Brind'Amour to lean on Andersen's history of solid play in net for a team that has reached the playoffs for eight straight years, this run starting against a Senators team that had surged since late January to earn a wild-card spot.

“If you look at his game at the end of the regular season, he was really trending in the right direction," Hall said. "I think he’s a guy that, at least I saw last year, when the lights are brightest, he’s going to be there standing tall.”

___

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Jazz players offseason plans include a trip to Finland, setting up home and (hopefully) a new modeling gig

Utah Jazz forward Blake Hinson reacts to a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the last minute of the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 9, 2026, in Salt Lake City.
Utah Jazz forward Blake Hinson reacts to a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the last minute of the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 9, 2026, in Salt Lake City. | Rob Gray

This article was first published as the Jazz Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Friday.

For the most part, Utah Jazz players intend to spend a lot of time in Salt Lake City this summer, preparing for the 2026-27 season. That’s pretty normal and tracks with how the Jazz players have preferred to train in-market.

They’ll also take breaks, traveling to their home states, going on vacations with family and friends and training at other locations. But outside of the normal training plans, I thought I’d update you on the three most interesting offseason plans from Jazz players.

First up is Lauri Markkanen, who will be in-market until his kids are out of school, then he plans to go back to Finland and play for the Finnish national team in 2027 World Cup qualifying games. Those matches will be in the first week of July.

Next, we have Jaren Jackson Jr., who is going to need to spend more time locally than some might think. He wants to do a lot of conditioning in Utah so that he can use his acclimation to the altitude as a weapon during the regular season.

But, there’s also a logistical side to this. He said he needs to get a house and set up a home here. It’s that simple. Midseason trades often put players in really transitional situations where they’re in temporary accommodations and need time to get things settled.

Finally, we have the winner for the most interesting offseason plans and goals — two-way player Blake Hinson. Hinson said that he will obviously take part in the usual offseason plans of training and fine tuning his game, but with an added twist.

He wants to land a modeling gig.

Hinson is really proud of the transformation his body has gone through since college and he’s done a little bit of modeling in recent years, but he figures that if he’s aiming to get his body lean and cut in the way that would be necessary to have brands interested in him, it will be extra motivation to get into that kind of shape for basketball.

When talking about the offseason goal, Hinson described himself as having been “the fat kid” before getting to the NBA. He then said, wouldn’t it be something if people who had known about him before said, “Oh, now he’s Blake the model?!”

That would be something! So here’s to hoping for success for Markkanen in Finland, success for Jackson in setting up a home base in Utah, and to Hinson landing some offseason modeling work.

New with the Jazz

From the archives

Extra points

  • Expectation for the 2026-27 Utah Jazz is the playoffs — period (Deseret News)
  • What Austin Ainge said about the NBA’s proposed anti-tanking solutions (Deseret News)
  • The Jazz’s lottery position will come down to a coin flip (Deseret News)
  • It’s time for the Jazz to put up, or shut up (Deseret News)

Around the league

Up next

  • NBA Playoffs begin Saturday
  • NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 | Time: TBD

USC pitching throttled in ten-run-rule loss

USC Trojans infielder Adrian Lopez (5) runs to first base during an NCAA baseball game between University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
USC Trojans infielder Adrian Lopez (5) runs to first base during an NCAA baseball game between University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles Calif

The No.12 USC Trojans could not keep up with the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ fast-paced offense in a 12-2 run-rule loss Saturday afternoon.

USC never saw a lead in the game, unlike Friday night’s comeback walk-off victory by Nebraska. This afternoon was all Cornhuskers, ending the game with a two rbi single that implemented the ten-run-rule after just seven innings.

Grant Govel took the mound for USC for his tenth start of the season, but could not replicate the exceptional performance from Mason Edwards in the first game of the Nebraska series. Instead, Govel lasted three innings and gave up seven runs off of eight hits with one strikeout. 

The Nebraska takeover started with a four-run cascade in the first inning. The Cornhuskers formulated a series of extra-base hits to bring runners home, such as RBI doubles from Jett Buck and Drew Grego. It was a 37-pitch inning from Govel and the first time he's given up a run in the first inning since February 28 against the Cal Poly Mustangs in San Luis Obispo. 

The drubbing continued in the third inning with back-to-back solo home runs to right field from Case Sanderson and Dylan Carey. Drew Grego followed suit with a solo home run of his own later in the inning to up the score to 7-0. 

USC's Chase Herrell succeeded Govel in the fourth inning, an atypical appearance for the common weekday starter. His most recent weekend showing was against UCLA in the 10-4 loss on April 5. Herrell pitched one inning and gained zero hits against Nebraska before being relieved by Paul Grossman in the fifth. 

The Cornhuskers continued to put runners on base, this inning in small-ball fashion. Carey singled up the middle to center field before stealing second and third during Buck's at-bat. Buck then walked and stole second during Grego's at-bat before he drove in the two RBIs off a single to left field.

The Trojans' bats were ineffective nearly the entirety of the ballgame, having obtained just two hits in the first six innings. Adrian Lopez provided USC with their first score off of a solo home run driven to center field in the seventh inning. Richard Tejada doubled to right field and was driven in by Diego Velazquez after a short-hop mishandled by third baseman Joshua Overbeek to make the score 10-2.

But the USC comeback was short-lived after a two-RBI single floated to left field by Trey Fikes put Nebraska up 12-2 in the seventh inning to end the game due to the NCAA's ten-run-rule. The ten-run-rule is applicable in games beginning in the seventh inning, which allowed Nebraska to walk-off against USC in unusual style.

Nebraska starter Carson Jasa pitched a complete game, finishing with five hits, one earned run, and seven strikeouts in the seven-inning matchup. Jasa's high-nineties fastball complemented his off-setting curveball, which left USC batters incapable of extending the game to a full nine innings. 

USC will face Nebraska for the final game of the series Sunday at 10 a.m. PST. USC, who now reside in the fifth spot of the Big Ten standings, will look to end their three-game losing streak. Nebraska, sitting in the second spot of the Big Ten standings, hopes to sweep the series and keep their number of home losses to one.

Rain threat forces Red Sox to delay Tigers game 3 hours at Fenway Park

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox pushed back the start of Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers by three hours because of a forecast of rain.

The first pitch at Fenway Park is now scheduled for 4:35 p.m. The original schedule had the game at 1:35 p.m.

The team said it consulted with Major League Baseball because of a forecast for rain from mid-day into the afternoon. The later start could take advantage of better weather expected later in the afternoon “and provides the best opportunity to play the game on Sunday.”

The teams have split the first two games of the four-game series, with the finale the traditional Patriots' Day morning start in Boston on Monday.

___

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

76ers at Celtics Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 19

The Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) travel to TD Garden for a first round series against the Boston Celtics (56-26). The regular season series is tied 2-2.

Boston ended the regular season with a 6-1 record over the last seven games and the fourth-best record overall in the NBA. The Celtics under Joe Mazzula have gone 50-33 in the playoffs, including a 12-4 first round record. In three-straight first round series, Boston has won 4-2, 4-1, and 4-1 with Mazzula at the helm.

Philadelphia beat Orlando, 109-97, during the play-in round to clinch the seventh seed. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid for the play-in tournament and will be without Embiid for Game 1 and possibly longer. The 76ers finished ranked 17th and 16th in offensive and defensive net rating this season, while the Celtics are rated second and fourth-best.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers vs. Celtics

  • Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
  • Time: 1:10 PM EST
  • Site: TD Garden 
  • City: Boston, MA
  • Network/Streaming: ABC

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: 76ers vs. Celtics

The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Boston Celtics (-800), Philadelphia 76ers (+550)
  • Spread: Celtics -12.5
  • Total: 213.5 points

This game opened Celtics -12.5 with the Total set at 214.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Celtics vs. 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers

  • PG Tyrese Maxey
  • SG VJ Edgecombe
  • SF Kelly Oubre Jr
  • PF Paul George
  • SF Adem Bona

Boston Celtics

  • PG Derrick White
  • SG Jaylen Brown
  • SF Sam Hauser
  • PF Jayson Tatum
  • C Neemias Queta

Injury Report: Celtics vs. 76ers

Boston Celtics

  • None

Philadelphia 76ers

  • Joel Embiid (abdomen) is OUT for Game 1

Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers vs. Celtics

  • Boston is an NBA-best 49-33 ATS 
  • Boston is an NBA-best 50-32 to the Under
  • Boston is 26-15 to the Under at home
  • Boston is 23-18 ATS at home
  • Philadelphia is 44-39 ATS
  • Philadelphia is 24-17 ATS as the road team, ranking second-best
  • Philadelphia is 43-40 to the Under
  • Philadelphia is 21-20 to the Under as the road team

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s Celtics and 76ers’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Celtics’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Celgics -12.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 213.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

Magic at Pistons Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 19

The Orlando Magic (45-37) travel to Detroit to take on the No. 1 seeded Pistons (60-22). The two teams split the season series 2-2.

Detroit clinched the No. 1 seed and is one of three teams to reach 60 wins this season (Spurs, Thunder). The Pistons lost in the first round over six games to the Knicks last season, but are much improved this year, ranking second on defense and ninth in offensive net rating. Cade Cunningham missed a portion of the season, but returned for the final three games of the regular season ahead of the playoffs.

Orlando lost to Philadelphia during the play-in tournament, but pounded Charlotte in order to make the playoffs. The Magic ended the regular season on a heater, but fumbled the No. 6 seed in the last game and over the past month. The Magic rank 13th and 18th in offensive and defensive net rating this season, and have been very up-and-down. Luckily, they have welcomed Franz Wagner back to the mix this month, and just in time for a tough series.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Magic vs. Pistons

  • Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
  • Time: 6:40 PM EST
  • Site: Little Caesars Arena
  • City: Detroit, MI
  • Network/Streaming: NBC / Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Magic vs. Pistons

The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Detroit Pistons (-325), Orlando Magic (+260)
  • Spread: Pistons -8.5
  • Total: 218.5 points

This game opened Pistons -8.5 with the Total set at 218.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Magic vs. Pistons

Orlando Magic

  • PG Jalen Suggs
  • SG Desmond Bane
  • SF Franz Wagner
  • PF Paolo Banchero
  • SF Wendell Carter Jr.

Detroit Pistons

  • PG Cade Cunningham
  • SG Duncan Robinson
  • SF Ausar Thompson
  • PF Tobias Harris
  • Jalen Duren

Injury Report: Pistons vs. Magic

Orlando Magic

  • Jonathan Issac (knee) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Game 1

Detroit Pistons

  • None

Important stats, trends and insights: Pistons vs. Magic

  • Detroit is 44-38 ATS
  • Detroit is 21-19 ATS as the home team
  • Detroit is 43-38-1 to the Under
  • Detroit is 17-14 to the Under as a home favorite
  • Detroit is 21-19 to the Under as the home team
  • Orlando is 39-45 ATS
  • Orlando is 18-22 ATS as the road team
  • Orlando is 44-40 to the Over
  • Orlando is 21-19 to the Under as the road team
  • Orlando is 11-10 to the Over as the road underdog

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Sunday’s Magic and Pistons’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Pistons’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Pistons -8.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 218.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)

Blue Jays manager John Schneider bats away pitcher's complaints about opener: 'Above his pay grade'

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer doesn’t like pitching behind an opener. Blue Jays manager John Schneider doesn’t appear to be losing sleep over it.

A minor drama hit the Blue Jays clubhouse Friday when Lauer, a veteran southpaw who has mostly started in his MLB career, openly complained about being asked to serve as the bulk guy behind an opener.

His words, via Mitch Bannon of The Athletic:

"It's definitely different. To be really blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it. You work with what you got. Part of it, too, we're trying to mix some things up. We're trying to find ways to win. It's a gameplan we had and I think we went out there and tried to execute it the best we could. That's really all you can do."

"You can make it work the best you can. It's just, hopefully it's not something that we will continue doing. But you know, that's above my pay grade."

One day later, Schneider confirmed he agreed with Lauer on one thing, that the matter is above his pay grade. He also didn’t seem to appreciate Lauer airing his grievances with the media rather than behind closed doors:

"I respect everyone's opinion. I know the end of his quote was 'it's above my pay grade, and it definitely is above his pay grade as to how we use him. We're trying to win; you know what I mean? My job is to put him in spots to try to have success. That's what I try to do. He's aware of that. He gets that. I think that anyone who's been bounced around a little bit, he wants to start. I get it. He's on board with us, just trying to win and go out and execute until we take the ball from the big fella and do it again the next time.

"It's just reminding guys, if you don't like your role, come talk to me. Come talk to Pete. That goes for everybody. It's you don't like when I take you out as a starter. All right, come talk to me. Don't tell you guys (reporters). Come tell me. So that was it, basically it was quick. I think the message was, like, you pitch, I decide."

Lauer made three starts before Friday, in which he allowed 11 earned runs while striking out 12 and walking nine in 12 2/3 innings of work. With the opener, he allowed three earned runs in five innings in a 6-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

There are levels to this as well, as The Athletic notes Lauer feels pitching out of the bullpen last year cost him his arbitration case, in which the Jays successfully argued for a $4.4 million instead of his $5.75 number.

Lauer is also due to hit free agency next offseason.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer works against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of an baseball game Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Eric Lauer doesn't want to pitch behind an opener.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Openers have become commonplace in MLB in recent years, though some pitchers clearly still have issues with the idea. The Blue Jays are doing it as a matter of desperation, as they entered the season with an overstocked rotation but are now dealing with a significant number of injuries.

Starters Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Cody Ponce are all currently on the injured list, with Ponce likely out for the season with an ACL injury after signing a $30 million deal over the winter. Those inuries are how Lauer made the rotation out of spring training.

Toronto has also signed Patrick Corbin to fill a gap in the rotation, and using an opener in front of Lauer may well be them trying to mitigate issues with a starter they can’t afford to replace right now.

Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam to visit Michigan

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Head coach Dusty May is not slowing down after winning a national championship. Michigan got right to work in the NCAA transfer portal, looking to build a squad capable of cutting down the nets once again.

Now, the Wolverines are bringing in a top center for a visit. Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will be in Ann Arbor on Sunday, On3’s Joe Tipton has learned. Thiam is considered the No. 13 overall player to enter this cycle, per the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. A massive development for Michigan, looking to add a highly sought-after guy.

Tulsa basketball signee Denton Forsythe out of hospital after Dale baseball injury

Dale senior and Tulsa men’s basketball signee Denton Forsythe was released from a local hospital Saturday after suffering an injury during a baseball game. 

An outfielder, Forsythe was injured during Dale’s 4-2 home win against Jones on Friday when a ball was hit in the gap and Forsythe collided with a teammate while diving for the catch. The teammate's leg struck Forsythe, leading to a Grade 3 laceration on his left kidney. Forsythe’s dad, Josh, told The Oklahoman his son’s return this season is uncertain. 

“We thought last night he was going to stay in ICU a couple days, but his pain is way better and he’s not losing blood anymore,” Josh Forsythe said. “They actually just let him come home a bit ago. He’ll go back for more scans and bloodwork in a few days to make sure the vessels weren’t damaged and he doesn’t still need surgery. Hopefully that all comes back good.” 

More: Oklahoma high school baseball: Top storylines, players to watch during 2026 season

Denton Forsythe, the younger brother of OU sophomore basketball player Dayton Forsythe, was recently named to The Oklahoman’s Super 5 first team following a stellar senior basketball season. 

The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 25.4 points, nine rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game as Dale claimed its fifth straight Class 2A state title. 

Dale baseball is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A-I and has a 15-4 record. 

Josh Forsythe said he has heard his son could be out for as little as two weeks to as long as four months and hopes he can play in the state tournament if Dale advances. 

Denton is set to report to Tulsa on June 3. 

“Not sure about his return,” Josh said. “It’ll depend on the outcome of the tests I assume.”

Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Dale star Denton Forsythe out of hospital after baseball injury

Wisconsin basketball signs Miami transfer Eian Elmer, who gives ‘scoring punch’

Wisconsin men's basketball has added a sharpshooting wing via the transfer portal.

Miami (Ohio) transfer Eian Elmer has signed with the Badgers, the team announced April 18. The 6-foot-7 wing will join UW with one year of eligibility remaining.

Elmer averaged a career-high 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 49.8% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range in 2025-26. His production helped the RedHawks go 32-2 and earn an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.

More: Wisconsin Badgers basketball transfer portal tracker | Who's leaving, arriving

"We are really excited to add another excellent addition to our spring signees," UW coach Greg Gard said in a release. "Eian brings a wealth of experience and scoring punch as a 6-7 wing. ... A terrific shooter, his skillset and production fit excellently into our plan as we build out next year's team. Throughout our evaluation process, our staff loved his size, power and skill and truly believe he will thrive in our system."

Miami (Ohio) wing Eian Elmer scores on a layup against Tennessee.

Elmer is Wisconsin's third transfer portal addition since the end of the 2025-26 season, joining former George Washington guard Trey Autry and former Hofstra forward Victory Onuetu. UW also added Australian guard Owen Foxwell.

The additions of Autry, Onuetu and now Elmer leave Gard's staff with three more roster spots to fill ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Badgers are looking to replace much of their production from a 2025-26 team that went 24-11. Nolan Winter is expected to be the team's only returning starter after John Blackwell and Aleksas Bieliauskas entered the transfer portal and Nick Boyd and Andrew Rohde exhausted their eligibility.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Badgers sign Miami (OH) wing Eian Elmer via transfer portal

Mirra Andreeva explains what’s changed in her game after beating Iga Swiatek again

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive run at the Stuttgart Open, coming from behind to defeat Iga Swiatek in three sets and advance to the semifinals.

Swiatek’s first tournament with new coach Francisco Roig came to an end against Andreeva, who fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

This was Andreeva’s third straight win over Swiatek, and she now leads their head-to-head series 3-1 on the WTA Tour.

Her next opponent is world number two Elena Rybakina, a player she hasn’t faced in more than a year.

After the win over Swiatek, Andreeva spoke about how she has started to view her approach differently in recent matches.

Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images

Mirra Andreeva speaks after Stuttgart comeback over Iga Swiatek

Andreeva’s win over Swiatek was her second comeback of the tournament, having also rallied from a set down in her opening match against Jelena Ostapenko.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Andreeva said: “Lately, I just caught the feeling of how much I enjoy playing, basically. I don’t know. I just like to feel the ball on my racquet.

“I like to get that adrenaline, I like to feel nervous a little bit, I like to get tired. I would never say that, but here it is (smiling).

“Yeah, I guess I just caught the moment where I just want to play and see what’s gonna happen on the court.

“Obviously, sometimes when things are not working out my way, I can get a little emotional, I can get a little mad, but I think that I learned that the calmer I stay on the court, the better the result is.

“Not maybe the result, but the better I play on the court, because I feel like I still cannot control the outcome of the match. I can only control how I play and what I do on the court. I just try to focus on that.”

Mirra Andreeva prepares to face Elena Rybakina in Stuttgart semifinal

Their most recent meeting was at the Indian Wells Open in 2025, where Andreeva came out on top.

Looking ahead to their upcoming match in Stuttgart, she noted: “Last time I played against Rybakina was in Indian Wells.

“You know, obviously, she’s got a great serve. She likes to be offensive, she likes to go for her shots, and she’s also won this tournament here, so she knows how to play on this surface.”

Andreeva holds a 2-1 lead over Rybakina and has won their last two meetings at the tour level.

This will be their first encounter on clay, with all previous matchups having taken place on hard courts.

Read more:

Tigers 4, Red Sox 1: It’s Tarik Skubal

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 18: Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers throws in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the unfortunate side effects that we experience in this current era of prestige TV is that it’s all too easy to forget about a great show after it ends. I’m not talking about the Mad Men and Sopranos types of prestige TV shows, the ones that stick around long enough that they firmly embed themselves in the zeitgeist. I’m talking about the smaller, auteur driven shows that flash across our TV screens for just a short season or two before burning out in a way that would make Neil Young proud. I’m talking about shows like Fleabag,I May Destroy You, and Station Eleven. For a few months they dominate the culture, lapping everything else with their originality and voice. We talk about them at bars and in Slack channels, we read recaps and listen to podcasts with their creators. And then they go away. And a few years later we struggle to remember them at all.

Donald Glover’s Atlanta was one of those shows. I adored it, and I will probably rewatch it someday. But despite how wonderful I found it as it aired, it’s not something I think about with any regularity. I can now barely remember certain plot points or even the names of prominent characters. But, for some reason, one particular and not very eventful scene has stuck in my head. It comes at the end of an early season two episode, when Donald Glover’s Earn has planned a night out at the club only for everything to go wrong. He hasn’t had any fun, he’s barely had anything to drink, and he’s failed to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend as he hoped. And then, just as the night is coming to an end, the universe gives him a chance at redemption: Michal Vick is racing any and all challengers in the parking lot.

… and then the chance at redemption passes him by. Of course it does. It’s Michael Vick.

Tarik Skubal against the 2026 Red Sox is the MLB equivalent of Michael Vick racing drunk strangers in a parking lot. You think you have some momentum coming off a walk-off win? You think putting Andruw Monasterio in the two-hole will shake things up? You think Brayan Bello can put up some zeros a few days after his best start of the year to give the lineup a chance to win the game?

It’s Tarik Skubal.

There are some big league lineups that will give Skubal trouble this year. But the lineup of the 2026 Red Sox — with its glaring dearth of power, balance, and veteran nous — is not one of them. The Sox lost this game as soon as the Tigers’ bus pulled onto Jersey Street. It’s Tarik Skubal.

One Lonely Stud

Jovani Moran: 3 IP, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 H, 3 K

I was going to go with the bullpen as a collective for this. But that would’ve been unfair to Moran, who single-handedly kept his team in the game. Moran hasn’t impressed much in his career so far, but that career has also been marked by injury and bad luck. He could turn himself into an unheralded weapon at the back of the Sox’ roster this year.

Three Duds

Trevor Story: 0-4, 3 K

I’m tempted to warn people that this could be the year that Trevir Story falls of a cliff. But let’s face it: Story’s relationship to cliffs has been Homer Simpson-esque ever since he showed up in Boston.

Brayan Bello: 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

Bello wasn’t terrible today. But he also wasn’t good. And he’s going to need to figure out how to be good soon, because right now he’s the weak link in the Sox’ rotation and Payton Tolle is punching the route from Worcester to Boston into Google Maps.

Barometric pressure or cold fronts or whatever

I’m tired of watching cold, raw baseball games and I’m calling on OTM weather guru Matt Gross to fix this.

'Breath of fresh air': How Jazmin Gamble plans to rebuild Hawthorne High football

New Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble poses for a photo on the field while holding a football.
New Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble poses for a photo on the field while holding a football. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Football can teach many life lessons and no one knows that better than Jazmin Gamble, the new varsity head coach at Hawthorne High.

As a woman in a male-dominated profession one could define her as a trailblazer — and that would be accurate — but while she acknowledges the historical significance of what she is doing, Gamble is not letting it distract her from the task at hand — turning around a program that has fallen on hard times.

“It’s less about proving a point and more about giving all these boys a better experience,” Gamble said. “I’m not downplaying the impact of it, rather I want to leverage the attention in a way that benefits the players and opens doors for them. I’m elated and honored that the district saw my vision and said ‘this girl can do that.’ I have to ask myself how I can use this opportunity to spotlight our team.”

Gamble, who turns 36 in June, is a running back and linebacker for the Los Angeles Legends in the Women’s National Football Conference, a full-contact professional league consisting of 16 franchises across the United States.

Gamble was selected Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 when she gained a league-leading 549 yards rushing (averaging 11.9 yards per carry) while scoring three touchdowns.

“I tore my ACL my first season and was on injured reserve but I came back in 2022 and have been playing ever since,” she said. “We made the playoffs last season but lost in the first round. We’re 2-1 right now with three games left. We played our first home game at Long Beach Poly, so the boys got to see their coach in action. We won 23-0 and I scored a touchdown but it got called back due to holding.”

Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble hold her right hand up as she calls for her players to huddle at practice.
Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble calls for her players to huddle during a recent practice. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

The Legends’ next home game is April 25 against the Utah Falconz at St. Anthony Sports Complex in Lakewood.

“This is my last year playing but I’ve been wanting to transition more into coaching,” said Gamble, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor who started a business 10 years ago called The Jazz Standard. “I first heard about the job through my coaching network and it sounded very appealing. I applied, I interviewed and I got it. Football takes up so much of your time and energy. I’ve done enough in this sport. This is a good time for me to stop and although this is my first crack as a football head coach I’ve been coaching athletes for six or seven years, including some of my teammates, and they got better.”

A Bakersfield native, Gamble was an exceptional all-around athlete. Growing up she was a gymnast and a cheerleader. She played club volleyball, ran track and played basketball while attending four high schools, two in Bakersfield and two in the Bay Area, and graduated from Mt. Diablo High in Concord.

Upon moving to Los Angeles 13 years ago she was in survival mode.

“I was homeless and slept in the back seat of my car for a couple of months until I got a job in Human Resources,” she recalled. “I started training and working in the fitness field and after struggling to make it for a few years I decided I wanted to be a business owner and things took off from there. Now I have 33 active clients that I see two to four times a week and even train the No. 2 rusher in the WNFC.”

Gamble lives in Inglewood but her business is in Gardena near Serra High, where she got involved behind the scenes with the flag football team before the sport was officially sanctioned by the CIF in 2023.

Read more:2026 high school football transfer tracker: Which top players are switching schools

“A few of those girls trained with me and I learned to adopt a different schematic approach. Boys are playing football as early as 5 or 6 years old whereas women are starting at 20 or even their early 30s and their bodies aren’t prepared for it. I didn’t start playing tackle until I was 31.”

Gamble is still assembling a staff but one of her assistants will be her brother, Kenneth Davis, a former receiver at Liberty High in Bakersfield.

Hawthorne does not have a junior varsity team. There were 29 players on the roster last year and nine graduated.

“On Day 1, I had 22 come to the weight room,” Gamble said. “Some players are in track right now but in May I’ll have ‘em all. My strong suit is development so I’m ready for this. Right now, we’re at ground zero. We’ve only had a handful of practices, mainly conditioning. The boys have been super receptive. I’m just going to be me!”

Hawthorne went 2-8 last season, finishing fourth in the Ocean League and being outscored by 281 points. The Cougars were shut out three times.

“Jazmin’s a breath of fresh air,” said athletic director Mario Romero, who was involved in the hiring process. “She’s brought enthusiasm across the entire school community and I’m excited about where her leadership is going to take us.”

Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble shows her players how to run a drill during a recent practice.
Hawthorne High football coach Jazmin Gamble shows her players how to run a drill during a recent practice. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Fifteen players showed up for a one-hour workout Wednesday at HalCap Field. One of them was quarterback Anthony Green, who played in the last two games as a sophomore last year after transferring from King/Drew and is the projected starter next season.

“She made a good impression,” he said. “I like the workouts — they’re very intense — and I like the competition. Coach expects a lot and she pushes us.”

Gamble put her players through a series of drills to test their stamina, quickness and technique. The penalty for walking was push-ups.

“Everything out here is earned … may the best man win!’ she shouted.

“Her practices are intense — she knows what she’s doing,” added junior linebacker Adrian Lopez, who was an All-League first teamer last fall. “She has a home game coming up and I think I’ll go out and watch. My goal for us is to have at least a .500 season and make the playoffs.”

Gamble is not the first female to coach varsity football at Hawthorne. Monique Boone was the varsity defensive line and assistant offensive line coach in 2021 under previous head coach Corey Thedford. However, overseeing the entire program puts Gamble in rarified air.

What convinced Moreno that Gamble was the right person for the job?

“Her background, her skill set and also the fact that she plays the sport herself at a high level,” he said.

Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Jenn Gardiner has PWHL-record 4 goals, Goldeneyes beat Torrent 6-5 in OT

SEATTLE (AP) — Jenn Gardiner scored the last of her PWHL single-game record four goals 52 seconds into overtime to help the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Saturday and beat Seattle 6-5 to sweep the regular-season series with the Torrent.

Vancouver (9-1-4-14), which needed to win in regulation, was eliminated from playoff contention.

Hannah Miller added two goals and two assists for the Goldeneyes. Emerance Maschmeyer had 21 saves.

The Torrent (7-1-3-17) have lost six in a row, most recently a 4-1 loss at Vancouver that eliminated Seattle from playoff contention. Carly Jackson, who had nine saves in relief of Corrine Schroeder in the loss to the Goldeneyes on Tuesday, made her first start of the season and had a career-high 35 saves.

Anna Wilgren scored her first two goals this season and added an assist for Seattle. Cayla Barnes, Hilary Knight and Danielle Serdachny each scored a goal.

Gardiner — who went into the game with nine career goals, four this season — had their first multi-goal game in the PWHL.

Up next

Goldeneyes: Host Montreal on Tuesday.

Torrent: Host Minnesota on Wednesday.

___

AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

IPL 2026: 'I was looking at a score around 220-230' - Ruturaj Gaikwad rues CSK’s batting lapse in SRH loss

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted his team let the game slip in the middle overs as they lost by 10 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026. CSK were well placed in the chase but couldn’t maintain momentum when it mattered most.

Gaikwad explained that based on SRH’s strong start, he expected a total around 220-230, so restricting them under 200 felt like a win. However, the chase derailed after the 10-over mark when CSK scored just four runs in two overs, allowing the pressure to build.




"Looking at how their power play went, I was looking at a score around 220-230. To pull it back by 30 runs, I would have taken it any day under 200. It was just about 80 runs needed in 10 overs (with the bat). From there, it was just about building a couple of partnerships. We scored just 4 runs in the next 2 overs after the 10-over mark. Chasing 12-13 at the death is going to be difficult," he said.

Batting first, SRH put up 194/9 thanks to quick half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. CSK bowlers, including Anshul Kamboj, did well to keep the score in check.

In reply, CSK got good starts from Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan, but kept losing wickets. SRH bowlers like Eshan Malinga and Nitish Kumar Reddy controlled the game in the later stages.

Despite the loss, Gaikwad praised his bowlers and highlighted Kamboj’s confidence: "It's been three successive games that the bowling unit has been doing really well. Even the power play today, I thought Abhishek played brilliantly. I think everyone did a good job (with the ball).

"He (Anshul Kamboj) is working really hard on his bowling, especially the death bowling. Very rarely you get bowlers who have clarity and tell the captain that I know what to do, this is what I am going to do."

Phillies place closer Jhoan Duran on 15-day injured list with left oblique strain

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Jhoan Duran on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain before Saturday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves.

The move was retroactive to Wednesday, when Duran felt discomfort in his oblique. It persisted while throwing before Saturday’s game. The 28-year-old right-hander has five saves and a 1.35 ERA this season.

Also, the Phillies called up Felix Reyes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in an effort to boost their struggling lineup. Reyes, making his big-league debut, homered in his first at-bat in the second inning against Chris Sale.

Philadelphia entered Saturday having lost three in a row and eight and 11 games.

The Phillies’ offense began play Saturday with a league-worst minus-72 run differential and Philly had been outscored 30-6 in its last three losses.

To make room for Reyes, the Phillies optioned Otto Kemp to Lehigh Valley.

Philadelphia also recalled right-handed reliever Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and released outfielder Pedro León.

___

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

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Results Live: Winners, Match Grades and Biggest Moments in Las Vegas

Cody Rhodes - Randy Orton - WWE

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Results Live: Winners, Match Grades and Biggest Moments in Las Vegas originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 is set for Saturday, April 18, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton headlining a loaded card. Rhodes puts the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against his former Legacy stablemate, while Liv Morgan challenges Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship.

Also on the WrestleMania 42 Night 1 card, AJ Lee defends the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins faces Gunther, and Jacob Fatu meets Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned Match. Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed will also team up against The Usos and LA Knight.

Follow along here for WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 live results, winners, match grades and biggest moments from Las Vegas.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 live results, winners and highlights

Welcome to NESN's live coverage of night one of WrestleMania 42.

5:55 p.m. ET: With five minutes to showtime, Allegiant Stadium looks packed. 

5:57 p.m. ET: The Las Vegas Mass Choir sings God Bless America. 

6 p.m. ET: WrestleMania 42 has begun!

6:05 p.m. ET: John Cena kicked things off. In a suit. I know we saw him on Total Divas wearing one many times, but seeing Cena wear a suit to the ring looks odd. Corporate Cena. "Long time fan, long time performer, first time host." 

Cena admitted the road to WrestleMania was chaotic, vocal, and polarizing. "The time to talk is up, the time to deliver is now... Who will step up and deliver?" He welcomed everyone to WrestleMania. 

The opening match will see Jey Uso, his brother Jimmy, and LA Knight vs. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed.

The Usos and LA Knight open WrestleMania by beating Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed

Looks like IShowSpeed stole Danhausen's gear. Usos with superkicks to Paul and Theory. Knight and Speed started things off. Speed with a headlock but Knight carried him around like a baby. Speed tried a moonsault, but Knight toyed with him, hitting hard shots. 

Powerslam by Speed. Paul now in the match. He played the heel in peril. Theory now in the match to try and give his team some momentum. Paul continued to give his team the edge. Corkscrew moonsault by Jimmy. Spear from Jey to Theory. Superkicks all over the place. 

Speed with a headscissors. Speed sent Knight into Paul, his partner. Theory tried demanding Speed to do a move. BFT to Theory for the win as Speed watched. 

.@ishowspeedsui is SHOWING OUT at #WrestleMania! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bf6kIFoCrp

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Expected more from Speed and Paul in this match. Though Speed is probably one of the best "celebrities" to enter the ring. The faces won. 

Grade: C+ 

Paul attacked Speed after the match. He tried to do a move through the table, but the Usos landed the 1D on him. Knight woke up Speed. Speed then hit a HIGH frog splash to the outside to a down Paul, through the announce table. That would have given the match a better grade if it happened then. 

ISHOWSPLASH!!!! 🔝@ishowspeedsuipic.twitter.com/Wjh04T1PGJ

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Jacob Fatu shines in Unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre

Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match is next. WWE is not liable for any damage or injuries. Can either one use McIntyre's sword? 

Fatu started by attacking McIntyre right away. He put him over the barricade and took out multiple tables. A toolbox was brought into play. McIntyre slammed Fatu head on the steel under the ring. McIntyre did the selfie phone bit and posted on social media. 

I love this game. pic.twitter.com/kqNqqEgHlz

— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) April 18, 2026

Fatu took over the match in the ring. Fatu honored Umaga. He failed to land a move on the ropes and McIntyre took over. McIntyre with a swanton off the top rope to the outside. He missed a Claymore and Fatu put him through a chair. He hit a moonsault for two.  

McIntyre with a wrench to the head of Fatu. McIntyre sent Fatu through two chairs. He was going to use a belt, but Fatu threw chairs at McIntyre. Fatu used the belt. Claymore to Fatu. They traded shots in the ring. Fatu set up a table. He tried to put McIntyre through it, but the latter hit him with a chair. McIntyre sent Fatu through a table on the outside. 

Fatu got back up and hit superkicks. He hit McIntyre with a toolbox and a moonsault through the table for the win. 

McIntyre vs. Fatu should have opened WrestleMania. What a great car crash. Fatu gets put over in a big way. 

Grade: A

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs. Brie Bella and Paige for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship

The women's tag team championship match is next. Will Nikki be in the match after it was announced she was injured? Nia Jax and Lash Legend honored Demolition's Ax And Smash. 

Nikki Bella is indeed injured. Replacing her in the match? The returning Paige! AJ Lee and Paige are on the same WrestleMania card again. Paige retired after WrestleMania 34. She was unable to compete at the show. She's back and wrestling at WrestleMania 42 following a run with AEW. Great story.

PAIGE IS BACK!!!!! 💜

WHAT A WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT!! pic.twitter.com/3ey0qK3G4o

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

The match structure was a bit confusing, with only a select number of women allowed in the ring and the women only being allowed to tag your partner. Brie with Yes Kicks after Flair initially took over. Jax threw Brie out of the ring. Flair and Legend exchanged boots. Bayley with a flying elbow to Bliss. The crowd wanted Paige. 

Legend forced several women down to the mat. What a force. Paige got tagged in to a loud reaction. She took everyone down. "This is my house!" Paige Turner to Valkyria but only for two. Brie and Valkyria took Jax out of the ring. Lash Extension to Valkyria. 

Flair and Paige took down Legend and the former NXT stars reunited. They exchanged shots. She tried a Figure Eight. Natural Selection to Paige, but Nikki hit Charlotte with a crutch. Twisted Bliss blocked by Paige. Rampage to Bliss and Paige and Brie won. 

Two rEVOLUTIONary Women in WWE!! 🫡

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/qzeWHw2seq

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

So the Bellas were going to win all along, huh? Great moment for a returning Paige. All the women gave it their all. 

Grade: B-

Right after Paige returned, AJ Lee returns to WrestleMania for the first time since 2015 to defend the Intercontinental Title against Becky Lynch. The Wonder Years' lead singer is wearing a Cactus Jack shirt as the band played Lynch to the ring. 

Torch Passed: Becky Lynch beats AJ Lee to become Intercontinental Champion once again

Jessika Carr was the referee, someone Lynch has had issues with. Lynch took over to start. Lee tried to land a move from the top rope to the outside, but Lynch caught her. Lynch with a leg drop off the top rope. Lynch took the pad off the top rope. Lee with a few rough shots to Lynch.

Lee took Lynch off her feet and landed a missile dropkick as the match slowed way down. Lee tried to go for the Shining Wizard but Lynch with a powerbomb. Lee tried going for the Black Widow, but Lynch slammed her head down and hit a Manhandle Slam for two. Lynch got into Carr's face several times. Carr pushed Lynch after she got pushed. 

She tried attacking Carr but the latter ducked and Lee hit a Manhandle Slam of her own. Black Widow submission attempt by Lee. Lynch got to the ropes after holding onto Lee's hair. The top turnbuckle fell and Lee got hit into it. Lynch with the Manhandle Slam for the win. 

OH MY GOD 😲@BeckyLynchWWE is the NEW Women's Intercontinental Champion! pic.twitter.com/2x7OyBVkKy

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Lee had ring rust which was obvious in this match. Still, she tried to give it her all. Lynch made the most of it. She's once again Intercontinental Champion.

Grade: C+

A random match that is expected to steal the show is next, as Gunther faces Seth Rollins. 

Gunther puts Seth Rollins to sleep, Bron Breakker sends a message in return

Gunther dropkicked Rollins right away. He landed a powerbomb. Rollins with thumbs to the eyes. He attacked Gunther on the outside. They threw fan chairs at one another. Back in the ring, they exchanged shots. Gunther with hard chops. Big boots by both. Gunther with the sleeper attempt. 

Gunther chopped Rollins' chest and tried tearing him down limb by limb. On the top rope, Rollins got down and landed a Buckle Bomb. He tried the Stomp, but Gunther landed a release German Suplex. Rollins landed one of his own and a clothesline. They exchanged shots on the floor. 

Rollins encouraged the chops. He landed a few of his own. Gunther with a powerbomb. He hit a hard clothesline. Rollins tried for the Pedigree. He landed a hard knee. A Pedigree attempt was reversed into a bridge pin. Pedigree hit and then a Stomp, but only for two. 

Rollins tried the top rope Stomp. Sleeper by Gunther. Rollins with a discuss punch. And another. Gunther with a clothesline. He tried for a top rope splash, but Rollins hit a superplex and a Falcon Arrow. Rollins with a sleeper but Gunther got to the rope. 

Rollins with a dive on the outside. He landed another one. A third attempt and Gunther hit two powerbombs, one on the apron and the other on the announce table. Rollins hit a Pedigree on the announce table. Rollins with Stomp on the table.

Bron Breakker with a massive spear to Rollins. Sleeper to Rollins. Gunther wins. 

BRON BREAKKER IS BACK!!!! @bronbreakkerwwe

WHAT A SPEAR!!! pic.twitter.com/xSMkp2FDB6

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

After the mess that was the Jey Uso loss, Gunther redeemed himself by beating Seth Rollins. What an incredible match. Even with Breakker interfering, it didn't affect it. 

Grade: A+

After the match, Breakker speared Rollins again. "You should have put me down when you had the chance."

The members of the 2026 Hall of Fame came out: Nick Hogan and Robin Roussimoff for Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, the family of Bad News Brown, Dennis Rodman, Ax and Smash, the family of Sid Vicious, AJ Styles, and Stephanie McMahon. 

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship is next. These women have decimated one another for weeks. Morgan was in concussion protocol at one point. Can it lead to a good match?

Liv Morgan back on top, wins Women's World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer

Liv Morgan has a new theme song. That and the music video-like performance is... something. Morgan still has a MASSIVE bump on her head. Ouch. 

Vaquer took down Morgan right away. They exchanged shots on the floor. It was not pretty to start, in a good way. Knees to the face of Morgan. Vaquer tried going up top, but Morgan landed a powerbomb instead. Three Amigos by Morgan. Big kick to Vaquer's head. 

Morgan tried for a Frog Splash but Vaquer countered. She hit the Devil's Kiss. Elevated knees to the jaw of Morgan. Backstabber by Morgan. She slapped Vaquer and tried for her own Devil's Kiss. Codebreaker by Morgan. Oblivion by Vaquer. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez distracted Vaquer, Oblivion by Morgan, but Vaquer kicked out.  

Vaquer took out Perez and Rodriguez. Morgan accidentally went into Rodriguez. Vaquer with a crossbody to Perez and Rodriguez. Morgan drove Vaquer through the steps. Codebreaker and Oblivion. 

Short match, but Morgan and Vaquer did plenty with the time given. Morgan goes from Royal Rumble winner to world champion at WrestleMania. 

Grade: B+

John Cena announced that Night 1 of WrestleMania had over 50,816 people at Allegiant Stadium. 

Bianca Belair is back! Following a long injury, she returned at WrestleMania! She thanked the fans for supporting her. She talked about surprises. She's in gear. Oh, she's pregnant. 

THE EST IS HAVING A BABY 🙌 @BiancaBelairWWEpic.twitter.com/nXr8s5P7vF

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Alright, the main event is up next. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship. A match with several years of stories that could be told, only for Pat McAfee to be inserted. Will he or Jelly Roll have an impact in the match? 

McAfee is here. Michael Cole has turned on him. Orton has arrived. Rhodes shows all the gear he's worn and the gimmicks he's had through the years. Stardust! All three entrances combined were longer than any match tonight.

McAfee assaulted Rhodes with a microphone. Rhodes with a Cross Rhodes to McAfee. Jelly Roll has arrived. He put McAfee through the table. McAfee got rolled out on a stretcher. It took several minutes. Orton may have a back injury. 

ELBOW THROUGH THE TABLE 💪@JellyRoll615 takes out @PatMcAfeeShow!

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/mdXA7P9qF0

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

The match is now on. Right hand by Orton missed, and Rhodes with a powerslam early on. Cody Cutter attempt turned into a backbreaker by Orton. Neckbreaker by Orton. Orton was selling the back. Half Boston Crab by Rhodes. 

Rhodes attacked the back. The match slowed down. Suplex by Rhodes as Orton's back continued to hurt. Orton finally got an edge and hit a superplex off the top rope. Draping DDT by Orton. 

Rhodes tried attacking Orton out of the ring, but Orton hit a back body drop onto the announce table. 

How to watch WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 live

Wrestling fans looking for the WrestleMania 42 Night 1​​​​​​​ live stream can watch the event on the ESPN app, which carries WrestleMania and every WWE Premium Live Event (PLE).

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on the ESPN App, including access through the official WWE streaming hub for fans with an ESPN Unlimited plan.

The new ESPN app also gives fans a way to watch ESPN without cable, with live access to the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, and ESPN studio shows like SportsCenter and First Take — all in one place, anytime and anywhere.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 start time

  • Date: Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 6 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. PT 
  • Location: Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas, Nevada

Night one of WrestleMania 42 begins on April 18 at 6 p.m. ET. It is in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The home of the Las Vegas Raiders can hold up to 65,000 people. 

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 live results

  • Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
  • Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship
  • Gunther def. Seth Rollins
  • Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee (c) for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
  • Brie Bella and Paige def. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) (c), Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
  • Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match
  • The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) and LA Knight def. The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and IShowSpeed

Kristaps Porzingis diagnoses Stephen Curry, Warriors' top problem in NBA Play-In loss

Golden State Warriors forward Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis diagnoses Stephen Curry, Warriors' top problem in NBA Play-In loss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors have officially ended their 2025-26 campaign. They were decimated by the Phoenix Suns, 111-96, and sent packing after the final game of the NBA Play-In Tournament. A lot of uncertainty now clouds over them like the futures of both Coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry. Winning was important in this game to dispel those questions from rising and Kristaps Porzingis had answer as to why they fell short.

Porzingis knows Warriors lacked 'more time together' before NBA Play-In

It is no secret that the Warriors core remains relatively old while also having spent less time together. Adding in crucial injuries to guys like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler throughout the 82-game run also did not help. Kristaps Porzingis saw all of these problems become the reason for why the Warriors could not stand a chance against the Suns in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

The Warriors big man got into detail as to why he thinks the lack of familiarity led to the untimely elimination of Coach Steve Kerr's squad, via Nick Friedell and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.

"We barely got any time together. It’s just hard to develop some crazy plays playing 14 minutes together. It’s a process, and I’m learning Steph and picking up on his things and talking to him … I wish we had more time," Porzingis declared.

A lot of this holds true. Porzingis had to play through an ankle injury in the NBA Play-In and Curry also nursed a bad case of runner's knee entering the postseason. Coach Kerr just was not able to have the luxury of exploring the chemistry of all the possible Warriors lineups which could have led to better rotations and schemes.

Contracts will also start to expire in the offseason while the budding concern of Curry and Coach Kerr's retirement remain to be scary. Will they be able to bring this team back so that they'd make it past the NBA Play-In come 2027?

More Warriors News:

Reactions: “Not enough productive ideas going forward”

Reactions: “Not enough productive ideas going forward”
Reactions: “Not enough productive ideas going forward”

(in the mixed zone): “Not a pleasant afternoon. For one thing, we’re worried about Niki Süle. On top of that, we lost a match due to two penalties – and you’d have to stretch the imagination to say those were justified under the rules. He (referee Siebert, ed.) didn’t even blow his whistle at first. Everyone in the stadium saw what happened. Someone who wasn’t there might then say he should be sent off. But we have our own issues and we agree: we don’t need to point the finger at the referee. We could have shown more courage from the start. Hoffenheim were clearly the more dominant side early on, even if they didn’t have clear-cut chances. If you’re precise in your build-up play, if you’re technically sound and accurate with your passing, you’ll get your chances. But we didn’t do that often enough. In the second half, we were dominant, we pinned them back, but we didn’t put enough pressure on them to create enough clear-cut chances.”

Niko Kovac (at the press conference): “We saw TSG clearly dominate in the first half. We weren’t in the game. We gave the ball away too easily. We didn’t create enough going forward and then fell behind from a penalty. It was given, so I accept that. The hand was away from the body. How that came about is probably not important. The second half was much better from us. We moved the ball around much better, we positioned ourselves better, we pushed the opposition back. Apart from the goal and a half-chance, however, we still didn’t manage to create many more goal-scoring opportunities. And with the second penalty, we lost. That’s a shame for us, but not undeserved.”

Daniel Svensson (in the mixed zone): “Another bitter defeat. Of course, it’s tough to lose because of two penalties. But that wasn’t exactly our best performance either – not the way we’re supposed to play. And then, naturally, it’s hard to win games like that when we’re up against strong opponents. We need to play with more intensity and get things moving more. When we play like that, we’re really good and a very difficult opponent to beat. We need to do that throughout the whole match – not just for one half or 30 minutes.”Transcribed by Boris Rupert

Rahm leads in Mexico as he goes for 2nd LIV win this year

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Jon Rahm birdied three of his last four holes Saturday for a 4-under 67 that gave him a one-shot lead over teammate Tyrrell Hatton in LIV Golf Mexico.

Rahm will be going for his second win of the LIV Golf season after going winless in 2025. He also won this year in Hong Kong.

Hatton, his teammate on Legion XIII, had a 66. It will be the first time Rahm and Hatton are paired together in the final round in LIV Golf. They have played together in three PGA Tour events, but never in the final round.

“I don’t see the dynamic changing a lot, but I can imagine we’re going to be speaking a little bit less than we do normally just because of the situation we’re going to be in,” Rahm. “Down the stretch, no matter who we’re playing with, usually the conversations are very limited.”

Rahm also will be trying for a better finish at Chapultepec than in 2017, when he nearly chased down Dustin Johnson in a World Golf Championship until a pair of late three-putt bogeys.

Hatton also had a moment at Chapultepec. He was tied with Phil Mickelson on the final of the WGC event in 2018 when he bogeyed the last hole to miss out on a playoff.

“I guess I’ve proved in the past that I can play well around this golf course,” Hatton said. “It didn’t work out for me on the 18th hole in that WGC event, which was disappointing, but hopefully the bubbles will be on my side tomorrow.”

Branden Grace (65) and Tom McKibbin (69) were another shot behind.

___

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

Max Muncy hits winning sacrifice fly in 11th inning as Athletics rally to beat White Sox 7-6

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Max Muncy drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to lift the Athletics to a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

Muncy’s fly to left field scored Jacob Wilson, who began the inning as the automatic runner at second base and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Denzel Clarke.

Jack Perkins (2-0) struck out three and gave up one hit in 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Chicago scored five runs in the second inning on Colson Montgomery's homer on the first pitch of the inning, Reese McGuire's RBI single and Andrew Benintendi's three-run shot.

The Athletics answered with Wilson's second home run of the season in the bottom of the inning. Jeff McNeil added a sacrifice fly in the third and Tyler Soderstrom drove in a run with a single in the fifth.

Munetaka Murakami extended Chicago’s lead to 6-4 with a solo homer in the seventh. The Athletics drew even at 6-all in the bottom half of the inning when Nick Kurtz hit a two-run homer to right field with a 115.3 mph exit velocity.

Lucas Sims (0-2) gave up the winning run.

Chicago stranded 14 runners and went 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position. The White Sox also loaded the bases in the ninth but failed to score.

Wilson finished with two hits and scored twice, while Kurtz had two hits, two RBIs and three walks. The Athletics totaled 10 hits and drew 10 walks.

Prior to the game, the White Sox claimed right-hander Osvaldo Bido off waivers from Atlanta and transferred right-hander Prelander Berroa to the 60-day injured list.

Up next

Chicago LHP Noah Schultz (0-1, 6.23 ERA) and Athletics' LHP Jeffrey Springs (3-0, 1.46 ERA) duel in Sunday’s series finale.

___

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

Bethel men's volleyball wins WHAC title, earns bid to NAIA Nationals

MISHAWAKA — The Bethel University men's volleyball team made history Saturday, April 18.

The Pilots, thanks to a passionate premier performance by Christian Woumnga to go with the continued brilliant play of Thomas Dunkley, punched their ticket to the NAIA Nationals for the first time in the short history of the program.

Bethel, which began men's volleyball in 2022, dispatched Indiana Tech 3-1 in the title match of the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament in front of a spirited crowd in Goodman Gym on the Bethel campus.

More: Bethel men's volleyball team eyeing a spot in NAIA Nationals

More: David Osborn introduced as new Bethel University men's basketball head coach

Sophomore Woumnga, along with junior Dunkley, sophomore Ling Pak Him and junior Santana Roybal-Benson, led the way as the top-seeded Pilots beat the No. 2 seed Warriors 25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 25-17.

Bethel, ranked No. 8 nationally, moves to 21-5 and advances to the 12-team NAIA National Tournament set for April 28 to May 2 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. No. 12 Indiana Tech, which handed Bethel its lone loss in conference regular season play, finishes at 22-9.

The passionate play of Woumnga, a 6-4 opposite, and another sterling all-around effort by WHAC Player of the Year Dunkley was more than enough for a motivated Bethel squad to avenge a 3-0 home loss to Tech on April 11.

Woumnga, who hails from Germany, fittingly served the final two points of the historic win. The Pilots claimed the tournament title and an automatic bid to the NAIA Nationals on a block by sophomore Jibbe Boeren to end the two-hour slugfest.

Woumnga finished the match with a team-high 20 kills on a stellar .485 hitting percentage. He also had 12 digs and six block assists.

Woumnga also brought energy that was contagious on the court Saturday. After slamming a monster kill to put his team ahead 11-7 in the fourth and final set, Woumnga raced towards the Bethel bench and chest-bumped head coach Jose Viera Cerame in a joyous moment of celebration.

"It was just joy in the moment, I was just happy," said a smiling Woumnga of celebrating with his coach. This sport brings me joy since I started playing it when I was 12 years old. The togetherness of it and the way it brings people together makes me smile."

"I could do nothing out here without my teammates. I knew that we could not lose today. Honestly, I wanted to get to Nationals for our seniors. Especially Ben Ritzema. He's such a leader for us and brings so much passion to our team. He's like the team Dad. It was also get back time on Tech after losing to them just a week ago here. Especially in the finals of the conference tournament."

Dunkley, who got his league POY award Friday night during the semifinal matches at Bethel, helped his team seize control early. Locked in a tight 13-12 first set, Dunkley sparked a 6-1 Bethel run with a pair of monster smashes for kills that not only forced a Tech timeout but gave his team breathing room to set the tone and grab momentum with a 1-0 lead.

"Feels good," said Dunkley of the title after celebrating with his team, donning a championship T-shirt and posing for plenty of photos. "I'm just very happy for me, our school and all of the guys. When it mattered the most, we showed up today.

"I just try to focus on the point I'm playing and put all of my effort into that point. I just try to stay in the present moment and that gives me confidence and consistency. Christian is special. He brings passion for sure. He's always putting in extra reps in practice and I knew he had a big game coming like this one."

Dunkley, a 6-2 outside hitter from Las Vegas, finished with 17 kills and 13 digs.

The No. 8 Bethel University men's volleyball team qualified for the NAIA Nationals Saturday for the first time after winning the WHAC tournament championship at home.

Bethel, which won 3-2 at Tech back on Feb. 20, was tied at 16-16 in the second set. The hosts used a 3-0 run, led by Pak Him and Woumnga, to pull away to go up 2-0. Tech was able to avoid the shutout loss with a gutty effort in the third set. The third set was tied at numerous points with the largest lead just three points by either team. Tech led 23-21 before a pair of kills by Dunkley tied it at 23-23.

The fourth set was close early before the Pilots simply pulled away. Bethel simply possessed too many offensive weapons at the net in the end for Tech to counter. Pak Him, a 6-2 outside hitter from Hong Kong, had 14 kills and eight digs. Roybal-Benson, a 6-6 middle blocker from Las Vegas, had seven kills.

Junior setter McGwire Eigenrauch, who also hails from Vegas, had 51 assists. Eigenrauch was the WHAC Setter of the Year and first-team All-WHAC, while Roybal-Benson was a first-team selection and Woumnga, Pak Him and Eduardo Kerkoski were all second team honorees. Ben Ritzema, one of three seniors for the Pilots, earned the Champion of Character award from the WHAC. The Bethel roster also includes senior outside hitter Carson Moore, a Penn High School product.

Bethel coach Cerame looked as calm as could be amid all the post-match excitement.

"I may look calm, but inside I'm very excited," said Cerame, whose team finished 14-16 a season ago and lost in the conference tourney semifinals. "This team has faced so much adversity this season from injuries to other things. To see them come together and do this makes me very proud of them. We have a rule here that it's about us, not about me. And this team has embraced that.

"Christian had a rough game Friday night in the semifinals. But he bounced back today. He turns it on in the postseason and brings his best. You realize today how good he is. As far as the chest bump. I'm here to share the passion with my players, not just be their coach."

Cerame, who was named the WHAC Coach of the Year after his team went 17-1 in league play, and Dunkley agree that the Pilots need to showcase their ability at the national tournament.

"We need to go there and show up and compete," noted Cerame of the Nationals. "I'm proud of what we've done, but not satisfied."

"I want us to go out there and compete at the Nationals," said Dunkley. "When we play like we did today, we are a very dangerous team."

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Bethel men's volleyball earns first berth in the NAIA Nationals

Pellegrino Matarazzo reacts after leading Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory – “It’s just the beginning”

Pellegrino Matarazzo reacts after leading Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory – “It’s just the beginning”
Pellegrino Matarazzo reacts after leading Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory – “It’s just the beginning”

Real Sociedad won the 2025-26 Copa del Rey on Saturday, as they were defeated Atletico Madrid 4-3 in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw between the sides in 120 minutes. It’s the fourth time that the Txuri-urdin have won the competition, and the first since their triumph over Athletic Club in 2020.

As per Diario AS, head coach Pellegrini Matarazzo reacted to his side’s success. Specifically, he was asked about the moment that Pablo Marin’s winning penalty went in.

“It was that moment when we realised that it was real, that we had achieved it. Until you’re done, you don’t have the feeling that it happened. It’s incredible. Thank you to all the fans for their support. During the last few days and today it has been an incredible experience for the team and we are very grateful for today’s support.”

Matarazzo: Marrero played a perfect game

Matarazzo briefly analysed the 120 minutes that took place at La Cartuja, while he also paid tribute to La Real’s hero, Unai Marrero.

“I don’t want to be too tactical. It was important for us to control the game as best we could. Not to take risks. We did a good job defensively. We had to suffer in the second half, but this is the character of the team.

“(Marrero) played a perfect game. I love the energy he has and that he overflows with the fans at certain moments. It was no coincidence that he stopped the two penalties.”

Matarazzo expects further success in years to come

Matarazzo is also hopeful that this Copa del Rey success can be the start of a golden spell for La Real.

“To be honest, it’s always important to see the context. I’m very happy to see people. We have fantastic players, they have done incredible on the pitch against a great opponent. I’m very happy. And I feel that this is just the beginning.”

Freddy Peralta's two sixth-inning walks prove large in Mets' loss to Cubs: 'Ended up costing the game there'

With Freddy Peralta on the mound, the Mets felt pretty good that their long losing streak could come to an end on Saturday afternoon.

And it was looking good at first. Peralta was matching Cubs starter Jameson Taillon pitch for pitch and held Chicago to just one run over the first five innings. However, the game changed in the sixth.

Peralta got the first two batters out before Ian Happ came to the plate. The outfielder had taken Perala deep earlier in the game, so the right-hander was sure to be a bit more careful, but Happ walked on seven pitches. Seiya Suzuki was next, and Peralta got ahead in the count 2-2. However, Suzuki didn't bite on back-to-back sliders low and out of the zone and he walked. 

That spelled the end of Peralta's start.

"I thought I was still competing there," Peralta said of the sixth inning. "Was a very good at-bat from both of them. But I think that I pitched good against Suzuki too. He took a very good at-bat."

Manager Carlos Mendoza brought in Brooks Raley and Cubs skipper Craig Counsell called Carson Kelly to pinch-hit in the spot. Kelly would ambush Raley's first-pitch cutter and deposit a three-run shot into the Wrigley Field crowd. That home run would prove to be the difference in the 4-2 win for the Cubs.

"Tried to move the ball around. Two-out walk to Happ. The Suzuki one, was the one that hurt him," Mendoza said of Peralta's outing. "Ended up costing the game there. He was pretty good, only two walks, and unfortunately, it was the two towards the end there. Overall, I thought he was pretty good, but, again, two outs, two walks ended up costing us." 

"They had a big swing, made a good move putting Kelly in there," Marcus Semien said. "I played with that guy, he can do that. And he did it to us today."

The home run made Peralta the pitcher on record on the losing end. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out three batters across his 5.2 innings pitched. It's the third time in his first five starts this season that Peralta has allowed at least three runs.

Peralta was acquired this offseason to be the ace of the staff, and the stopper of streaks like this. Unfortunately for Peralta and the Mets, his two walks led to their downfall and their 10th straight loss, the franchise's longest losing streak in over 20 years.

The right-hander was asked if he felt extra pressure on Saturday to try and stop the streak, and Peralta disagreed with the notion.

"No, no pressure. I have a commitment to myself and everyone else. Just trying to give my best as always," Peralta said. "I thought I was competing until the last pitch. Sometimes you can’t control some of the stuff that happens in a game."

Mounting pressure or not, the Mets are looking to put together a complete game to finally break the losing streak. The feeling in the locker room, including from Peralta, after Saturday's loss was to flush it and try again tomorrow. 

"We just have to keep preparing. I don’t know how difficult it is [to keep a positive mindset], but we’re professionals," Peralta said. "We have to stay together and win some games."

LIVE GAME BLOG: Pittsburgh Penguins v. Philadelphia Flyers, Game 1

Pittsburgh Penguins v. Philadelphia Flyers - Game 1 (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

Updated start time: 8:25 p.m. ET


Penguins' projected lines and pairings:

Forwards
Egor Chinakhov - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Tommy Novak - Rickard Rakell - Evgeni Malkin
Elmer Soderblom - Ben Kindel - Anthony Mantha
Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari

Defensemen
Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson
Sam Girard - Kris Letang
Ryan Shea - Connor Clifton

Goaltenders
Stuart Skinner (starter)
Arturs Silovs (backup)


Flyers' projected lines and pairings:

Per Siobhan Nolan of THN - Philadelphia Flyers:

Forwards
Travis Konecny - Christian Dvorak - Porter Martone
Matvei Michkov - Noah Cates - Denver Barkey
Tyson Foerster - Trevor Zegras - Owen Tippett
Luke Glendening - Sean Couturier - Garnet Hathaway

Defensemen
Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen
Cam York - Jamie Drysdale
Nick Seeler - Emil Andrae

Goaltenders
Dan Vladar
Samuel Ersson


First period

Let's see if this thing starts at 8:25.

- Well, the puck DID drop at 8:25, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were here to give the "It's a Hockey Night in Pittsburgh" opener. Good stuff.

Also, it is very, very loud. Deafening. "Flyers suck" chants already ringing.


Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

Matt Chapman Delivers in Extras as Giants Extend Win Streak

The San Francisco Giants continued to find ways to win, grinding out a 7-6 extra-innings victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday behind timely hitting and late-game poise.

It was Matt Chapman who delivered the decisive moment, lining a go-ahead RBI single in the 12th inning to break a 6-6 tie. The hit proved to be the difference as San Francisco secured its third consecutive win in dramatic fashion.

The Giants’ offense showed flashes throughout the afternoon, highlighted by a standout performance from Heliot Ramos. Ramos collected three hits, including a game-tying, two-run homer in the sixth inning that erased a deficit and swung momentum back toward San Francisco.

His early double in the second inning also helped spark the offense, eventually leading to the club’s first run.

Despite the win, the Giants had to battle through adversity. A defensive miscue in the second inning opened the door for a multi-run frame by Washington, putting San Francisco in an early hole. Still, the Giants responded with resilience.

Casey Schmitt delivered a key extra-base hit in the third inning that brought in a run, while defensive pressure forced additional mistakes that allowed another run to cross the plate.

San Francisco continued to chip away as the game progressed. Rafael Devers added an RBI single in the seventh inning, giving the Giants a brief edge before the Nationals rallied to tie the game in the ninth.

Extra innings tested both teams, but the Giants’ pitching and defense held firm when it mattered most. A critical sequence in the 10th inning saw San Francisco escape a bases-loaded, no-out jam without allowing a run, preserving the tie and setting the stage for later heroics.

In the 12th, Chapman’s leadoff single finally broke through. From there, the Giants closed the door, with Caleb Kilian finishing the game and earning his first major league win.

With momentum building, the Giants now turn to Robbie Ray as they look to complete a series sweep, continuing a stretch of gritty, hard-fought baseball that has defined their recent success.

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USWNT Win Over Japan Highlighted by Kennedy Wesley Performance Off the Bench

USWNT Win Over Japan Highlighted by Kennedy Wesley Performance Off the Bench
USWNT Win Over Japan Highlighted by Kennedy Wesley Performance Off the Bench

The U.S. Women’s National Team was knocking on the door the entire first half of the match on April 17 against Japan in Commerce City, Colo. From a close-range, acrobatic shot by forward Sophia Wilson to Claire Hutton smashing a shot from the top of the box that clanged off the crossbar, the USWNT was showing urgency in the final third that head coach Emma Hayes implored from her side ahead of the matchup.

Despite going into halftime scoreless, the crowd of 17,589 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park felt a breakthrough on the horizon. They didn’t have to wait long as defender Naomi Girma scored the opener just 155 seconds into the second half. Midfielder Rose Lavelle doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later, and defender Kennedy Wesley put the exclamation point on the game soon after.

Wesley entered the match at halftime in a planned sub for fellow center back Tierna Davidson, earning just her sixth USWNT cap. Her goal was the first of her international career and it came off a corner kick from midfielder Jaedyn Shaw. She grabbed her first international assist on Girma’s goal following another corner kick, and Wesley’s interception started the counterattack that led to Lavelle’s goal.

“I think you could feel that there was a goal coming,” Wesley said. “We had a lot of good chances. We were in their box a lot. So, coming in the second half, I know I really only find myself up there on set pieces, so I just needed to execute my role, and I did that for the most part, at least I tried my best. The team has been working so hard to wrap this camp up on a good note and show all the details that we have been working on, so it was a great showing from the group.”

The 3-0 victory was a strong rebound for the U.S., which was held scoreless for the first time in over a year in the 1-0 loss to Japan in Seattle on April 14. The win in Colorado was the first by a three-goal margin over Japan since 2017. By netting the third goal of the night, Wesley became the 27th player to score under Hayes and the 12th different player to score for the USWNT in 2026.

Wesley’s assist to Girma was a little sweeter considering the two spent three years together playing collegiately for the Stanford Cardinal, winning an NCAA championship in 2019. Wesley and Girma started their first USWNT match together on April 11 in San Jose, and the two instantly reconnected to open the scoring in Colorado.

“I knew that my role was to be on the back post, and the ball was coming into that area,” Wesley said. “So, to be there and to see [Naomi] on the end of it is so awesome. It's a very full circle moment for both of us together.”

Wilson, who also played at Stanford with the two defenders, applauded Wesley’s performance post-game.

“I was so happy for Ken,” Wilson said. “I've seen her pathway to this team, and it's been so fun to watch. I think she's a great player. She puts in the work when nobody's watching. The goal and assist are well deserved.”

Wesley now returns to the San Diego Wave, which currently sits at the top of the NWSL standings following a 4-1-0 start to the season. In a week’s time, she will be back in the same venue as the Wave faces Denver Summit FC, looking to carry the momentum from her stellar international performance into league play.

“I'm excited, now this field has good memories,” Wesley said. “The crowd was amazing. The atmosphere was great, so we're excited to keep going.”

Virginia Tech Football Game Disrupted When Skydiver Crashes into Scoreboard

A parachuter crashes at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on April 18, 2026Credit: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty
A parachuter crashes at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on April 18, 2026
Credit: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Virginia Tech's spring game was delayed when a skydiver struck the stadium's scoreboard
  • The game was originally scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 18, at the Hokies' Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., when the skydiver flew into the stadium
  • Footage shows the parachuter hitting the scoreboard, requiring emergency personnel to step in

A Virginia Tech football game was delayed when a skydiver struck the stadium's scoreboard.

According to USA Today, a spring game was originally scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 18, at the Hokies' Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., when the skydiver flew into the stadium.

Video footage shared on social media showed two of three parachuters who were attending the event, with American flags tied to their gear, flying over the crowd just before the scrimmage was about to begin. The first skydiver successfully glided past the board, but the second parachuter could be seen hitting the scoreboard, requiring emergency personnel to step in.

A parachuter crashes into scoreboard at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on April 18, 2026Credit: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty
A parachuter crashes into scoreboard at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on April 18, 2026
Credit: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty

In a statement shared on social media, Virginia Tech Athletics said the "skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable."

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"Our primary focus remains on their well-being," the statement read. "We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response."

One fan on social media shared that the first skydiver appeared to have a "rough" landing, and that an "awful cross wind seems to have popped up just above the stadium."

Social media users wrote that first responders used ladder trucks and a crane to reach the skydiver. Additional photos showed part of the parachute — with no skydiver attached — hanging from the scoreboard as attendees waited for the game to get underway.

A message on the video board read, "We are waiting for EMTs to get out of the board. Thank you for your patience."

Sports Illustrated reported that the game eventually began at 4:02 p.m.

Virginia Tech's White Team ultimately defeated the Maroon Team, 21-12. The college is set to play its first season under head coach James Franklin, who was hired by the school after he was fired by Penn State mid-season in 2025.

Read the original article on People

Blue Jays allow outfielder batting .094 to play with vertigo

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes has a tangible reason behind his .094 batting average to begin the season. For now, however, he won’t get any time off to remedy it.

According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, Lukes has been experiencing intermittent dizziness and nausea since spring training. He was recently diagnosed with vertigo.

MORE: Blue Jays sign 26-year-old free agent catcher in wake of Alejandro Kirk injury

The Blue Jays’ medical staff cleared Lukes to continue playing after his diagnosis, according to Zwelling, “and their coaching staff trusted him to battle through it.”

The battle is not going well.

Lukes’ pinch-hit single April 17 in Arizona was only his third hit of the season. The Jays don’t have much leeway to give any of their major league outfielders time off.

Addison Barger (sprained ankle), George Springer (fractured toe) and Anthony Santander (shoulder labrum surgery) are all on the injured list. That’s an entire outfield on the shelf.

MORE: Blue Jays to promote 18-year-old shortstop prospect

Lukes was somewhat of a revelation in 2025, his first full season starting at the MLB level at the relatively late age of 30. He slashed .255/.323/.407 with 12 home runs and 65 RBIs in 135 games.

In the postseason, Lukes hit .333 in the Jays’ four-game AL Wild Card Series victory over the New York Yankees. He hit .333 again in a seven-game AL Championship Series win over the Seattle Mariners, lifting Toronto to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

Lukes debuted with the Blue Jays as a 28-year-old in 2023, two years after he signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays as a free agent.

MORE: Blue Jays make trade, acquire 22-homer slugger from AL rivals

Lukes played sparingly in 2023 and 2024, totaling only 51 games at the MLB level prior to his 2025 breakthrough.

Not only are the Jays sticking with Lukes amid his .094 average amid his health issues, manager John Schneider is batting him in the leadoff spot and starting him right field April 18 in Phoenix.

A trip to the injured list would certainly be understandable for a player in Lukes’ position — if not overdue. For now, he’ll try to play through it.

Nets fans vote Noah Clowney as most underrated player on team

Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney is coming off the best season of his career as he continued to improve his game despite the Nets enduring another losing season amidst the rebuild. Brooklyn saw Clowney turn into more of an offensive threat thanks to his adding another facet to his game and the fans noticed that he was one of the players that deserves more attention.

"Noah Clowney's victory is well-deserved. He provides a ton of offensive dynamism when the triples are falling. Winning with just 26 percent of the vote is also a nod to Brooklyn's bread of other options," Dan Favale wrote for Bleacher Report when recapping the results of the fan vote. Nets fans voted on various topics related to the team and 26% of them thought Clowney was the most underrated player on the roster this season.

Clowney, 21, finished the 2025-26 season with averages of 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 39.6% from the field and 32.9% from behind the three-point line. While Clowney's shooting percentages have been down significantly when compared to his rookie season, he has shown consistent improvement along the way, including his ability to draw fouls at a higher rate.

This season, Clowney not only doubled his amount of free-throw attempts per game (3.4 compared to 1.7 in the 2024-25 season), but he also made (180) and attempted (224) more free-throws than he did in his first two years in the league combined. Clowney is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this offseason so it will be interesting to see how much general manager Sean Marks wants to invest in Clowney after his three seasons in the NBA.

Clowney came into the league as someone who scouts projected could be a power forward that could stretch the floor with his shooting while also providing some upside as a rim-protector thanks to his wingspan. Clowney, the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown the makings of being that kind of player at some point, but until then, the fans want him to be recognized for how well he played this past season.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets fans vote Noah Clowney as most underrated player on team

AFC North Scout Predicts Chiefs Draft Polarizing Edge Rusher At No. 9

The 2026 National Football League draft is right around the corner and the time for mock drafts is nearly over, but there’s still time to predict where certain prospects will end up and how it will impact other teams.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be selecting inside the top 10 for the first time since drafting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in 2017, a selection that has impacted the organization incredibly. The franchise gets another shot at finding an impactful player early in the draft, but it will likely be used on a defender this time around.

The Chiefs have two first-round picks, No. 9 and No. 29, after finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 as well as trading star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams to secure the late first-round selection.

Edge rusher should be the clear and obvious position that should be addressed in the first round, preferably with No. 9, but there are good prospect pass-rushers going in the late first and early second-round.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, it’s common practice in the NFL for teams to conduct their own mock drafts and assign staffers to other teams in the first round in an attempt to predict what could happen at each pick ahead of their own selection.

Miller is doing his own version of this exercise for the third year in a row, using 10 anonymous scouts around the league to predict how the first 10 picks will go. Each scout was given a team that is from a different division or conference and wasn’t allowed to make trades.

The Chiefs were assigned a scout from the American Football Conference North division, and Miller wrote that he was thrilled with how the board shook out, allowing Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. to land at No. 9.

“Bain is a powerful edge with great leverage, a great motor, and he was unstoppable in the College Football Playoffs when you're seeing the best versus the best,” the scout said regarding his choice.

Bain was terrific last season, totaling 54 tackles with 9.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He added his lone career interception as well, demonstrating his ability to do it all. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Bain lately, however, as word came out that he was the driver of a fatal car accident that killed a 22-year-old passenger.

Bain was cited for careless driving and nothing else, but the negative attention certainly clouds how great of a player he is. With Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey off the board at No. 2 and No. 3, Bain is likely to be available for the Chiefs at No. 9.

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls Miami a 'beautiful city' amid Bucks' upheaval, trade speculation

With speculation on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time as a Milwaukee Buck is coming to an end, the Miami Heat have emerged as a potential landing spot for the two-time NBA MVP. And, as it turns out, Antetokounmpo isn’t against the destination.

On an episode of the podcast “Gogi’s Garage,” hosted by retired NBA player Goran Dragić, Antetokounmpo didn’t do much to confirm he planned to leave the Bucks. However, he did note an affinity for Miami, calling it “a beautiful city.”

Antetokounmpo, who has spent his entire 13-year career with Milwaukee, told Dragić that this year was the first “real” experience he had with trade rumors. The forward said that stories on his potential departure were “everywhere” and that he was constantly stopped by fans asking him not to leave.

“I kept saying, I was like ‘Guys, I’m here, I’m not going nowhere,’” Antetokounmpo said, saying that the rumors would continue anyway. “They wasn’t listening to what I was saying.”

Antetokounmpo said he has stayed committed to the Bucks, even through this past season. Milwaukee ended with a dismal 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years, with head coach Doc Rivers stepping down after the season ended.

“We are loyal people. When people believe in us and people help us, and make us stand on our feet, it’s very hard for you to turn your back,” Antetokounmpo said. “But at the same time you’re competitive, you want to win. Everybody wants to win. So you’ve gotta make a better decision for yourself.”

Dragić then suggested that Antetokounmpo should head somewhere warm, citing the 31-year-old’s age.

“You need warm climate, man,” Dragić said.

“Hey, Miami’s not a bad place, man. It’s (a) beautiful, beautiful city, beautiful city,” Antetokounmpo said in response.

Dragić, for what it’s worth, spent seven seasons in his 15-year career with the Heat.

Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Bucks through 2028 after signing an extension in 2023. But Milwaukee has been hurtling toward a breaking point with its star, with Antetokounmpo reportedly asking for a trade multiple times during the disastrous 2025-26 campaign.

Antetokounmpo isn’t doing much to tamp down current speculation either: When asked this week if he had played his last game as a Buck, Antetokounmpo said he wasn’t sure.

“That’s a very good question,” Antetokounmpo told reporters after the Bucks’ last game on Sunday. “I don't know. It’s not up to me anymore. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”

NBA Wire Roundtable: Will Thunder or Suns win Round 1 playoff series?

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 04: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hugs Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns following the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

After a week's wait, the Oklahoma City Thunder finally learned their Round 1 opponent of the 2026 NBA playoffs. They will face the eighth-seed Phoenix Suns. Like the last two years, they had to wait out the play-in tournament to figure out their matchup.

The Thunder finished with an NBA-best 64-18 regular-season record and plus-11.1 point differential. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win back-to-back MVP awards. Carrying over their dominance from last year, they enter the postseason as the title favorite.

Meanwhile, the Suns continue to enjoy being one of the best feel-good stories. They went an impressive 45-37 in the regular season. They clinched a playoff spot in a do-or-die scenario with a 111-96 win over the Golden State Warriors.

To prepare for the Round 1 series, Thunder Wire asked its fellow NBA Wire writers for their thoughts and predictions in the matchup. Here's what they had to say in this NBA Wire Roundtable:

Clemente Almanza, Thunder Wire:

Regardless of who survived the play-in tournament, the Thunder were going to be heavily favored to make quick work of their Round 1 opponent. That says less about the Suns and more about how dominant OKC is. If this turns into a low-scoring series — like I think it will — then I'd take Gilgeous-Alexander over Booker any day of the week to come up with big-time buckets. History backs that up, too.

The Thunder have shown the ability to absolutely blow the door off the Suns. It's happened a couple of times. They just don't possess the ball-handlers to withstand OKC's pressure. Could easily see several games in this series escalating because they force a turnover every other possession.

I think the Thunder get another Round 1 sweep to make it three-for-three since Gilgeous-Alexander's ascension. I like the Suns and they've had a nice season, but the talent gap is too wide. That said, we should get some thrilling finishes between these two squads as well.

Prediction: Thunder in 4

Robert Marvi, Lakers Wire:

This should be the most lopsided first-round playoff series this year. The Suns are a feisty team and have done better than initially anticipated after jettisoning Kevin Durant this past summer. But they're simply no match for the defending NBA champions.

The Thunder are simply too good across the board, both defensively and offensively, for Phoenix to have any chance of even competing in this series. I'm not even sure Devin Booker, as lethal a scorer and one-on-one player as he is, can win Phoenix one game.

The only way I see Oklahoma City losing a game in this series is if it gets overconfident, complacent or bored, or if it loses concentration long enough. I doubt any of that will happen, at least enough to avert a sweep.

Prediction: Thunder in 4

Mack Baltes, Warriors Wire:

Although I wouldn't be surprised to see the Suns take a game in this series, Oklahoma City's depth and defense will prove too much to overcome. Apart from Booker and Green, the Suns don't have enough weapons to contend, especially in the frontcourt.

Prediction: Thunder in 4

Ky Carlin, Sixers Wire:

Shoutout to the Suns for defying preseason odds and finding a way to jell together and get into the playoffs. They had to battle through the play-in and knock off Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Congratulations, Suns! You now earn the right to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder! The Suns have Devin Booker to match up in terms of scoring the ball, and Dillon Brooks will do Dillon Brooks-type things, but they will now be able to match up with OKC in a playoff series. The Thunder should handle business here rather quickly.

Prediction: Thunder in 4

Sharif Phillips-Keaton, Nets Wire:

The Thunder have once again finished with the best record in the NBA and this time around, this team seems even better than last season with the addition of Jared McCain to their bench. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could win MVP for the second straight season and beyond that, Chet Holmgren has been able to take his game to the next level.

The Suns pulled off an impressive win over Steph Curry and the Warriors to earn the eighth seed and they will need Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks to be at their best if they’re going to beat the Thunder. Center Mark Williams missed Friday’s eighth-seed game due to injury, so his status will be worth monitoring for this series.

Prediction: Thunder in 5

Justin Quinn, Celtics Wire:

If I could call this one at Thunder in three, I would. The Suns have been a great regular-season story, and could likely steal a win or two in most postseason matchups. But they won't fare well (or last long) against the reigning champs; I'd like to be more charitable given what Phoenix was able to do this season, but I have to agree with Clemente on this one.

Prediction: Thunder in 4

Daniel Donabedian, Celtics Wire:

The Thunder have a championship pedigree. The Suns' greatest experience lies with Devin Booker, who made it to the promised land but couldn't win it all in 2021. Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott has helped his team put together a great campaign, but it's hard to see it lasting for long against the reigning champs. I'll give the Suns a game because they seem better than the last two first-round opponents the Thunder swept (the 2023-24 Pelicans and 2024-25 Grizzlies). That's it.

Prediction: Thunder in 5

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Wire Roundtable: Will Thunder or Suns win Round 1 playoff series?

Finley: MSU Board volunteers to stay in the dark

Take wealthy, sports obsessed donors, a university desperate for cash to compete for top talent, student-athletes who are quickly learning how to play today's mega bucks recruiting game and, "What could possibly go wrong?" asks Mike Balow, a Michigan State University trustee.

Balow sees the potential for another costly and embarrassing scandal ahead for MSU if it doesn't carefully craft a strategy for providing maximum oversight of the new private entity the school spun off to share control of its athletic department.

Trustee Mike Balow is shown during the Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in East Lansing.

A majority of his fellow trustees, however, want to see and hear nothing about how Spartan Media Ventures was created and how it will operate. The board recently voted 5-3 against Balow's resolution to subject the spin-off to the state's Freedom of Information Act and scrap the requirement that trustees sign a non-disclosure agreement before viewing any information about the venture.

"They are willingly covering their eyes and ears and saying we trust the administration and we don’t need oversight authority," says Balow, who was joined in support of the resolution by trustees Dennis Denno and Rema Vassar.

Spartan Media Ventures was spun out of Spartan Ventures, a university initiative approved by the board last fall to assure MSU remains at the top of college sports in the challenging transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness era.

READ: Finley: MSU sports deal stinks to high heaven

While Spartan Ventures is an arm of the university and subject to board authority, Spartan Media Ventures was set up by the MSU administration as a private company outside of the board's reach. That arrangement was made without a vote of the trustees. And though it was handed a big chunk of MSU equity, it has declared itself not subject to FOIA or open meetings laws.

SMV immediately sold an 11% stake in MSU athletics to boosters Greg and Dawn Williams for $100 million. That deal was also made without board approval, and trustees have been told they can't see details without signing a non-disclosure agreement that keeps them from sharing information, no matter how concerning, with the voters who elected them.

More: MSU transparency proposal for sports nonprofit gets pulled over objection

Should they sign the NDA and violate it, they're subject to a $250,000 fine. Its among the most extraordinary affronts to transparency and accountability ever in Michigan. But instead of being openly debated and thoroughly vetted for its impact, the scheme was structured behind closed doors.

The board had a chance to shed at least some light on how this curious asset shift came together and how it will go forward by passing Balow's resolution, but trustees chose to keep themselves in the dark.

More: Top MSU Athletics' executive to lead Spartan Ventures, documents show

That's a risky position for a university that is still emerging from the shame of the Dr. Larry Nassar scandal. The serial molester got away with his evil for so long in part because the administration and the board took their eyes off the athletic department.

That negligence cost them a $500 million settlement and incalculable damage to MSU's reputation.

More: Michigan State lands record $401M from donor couple, mostly for football and athletics

Here they go again, blindly trusting when they should be asking probing questions, abdicating their oversight responsibility and deferring to the administration instead of serving the people of Michigan.

We already know the answer to Balow's question of what could possibly go wrong? Everything.

Sign up for the Nolan Out Loud report.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: MSU board votes against transparency for sports spin-off deal | Opinion

LIVE! RAF 8 Results: Tsarukyan vs. Faber

MMA Fighting has RAF 8 results for the Tsarukyan vs. Faber, a live blog of the main event and more from Temple’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

The main event was originally set with former UFC champions Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo battling it out in a rematch on the wrestling mats. Sadly, Cejudo suffered a late injury and he was scratched from the card with Dvalishvili also dropping out of the event.

With Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili off, the matchup between UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and Urijah Faber has been bumped to the new headliner for the event.

Check out RAF 8 results below.

RAF 8 Fight Card (FOX Nation LIVE now)

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber

Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan

Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair

Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov

Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak

Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault

Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze

Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius

Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel

Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill

Lucas Byrd def. Darian Cruz via Criteria (2-2)

Most Uderrated Dolphins Of All Time According To You

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Jim Jensen #11 of the Miami Dolphins tries to run with the football as he is tackled during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 18, 1988 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Dolphins 40-24. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last week I asked the following question:

In your opinion, who is the most underrated Miami Dolphins player ever, and why? This can be a long-time player or a guy who only made a pit stop in Miami for a season.

Below are some of your thougths and answers-

PA phinphan, like myself, has clearly been around a while.

There are a few that come to mind. Nat Moore was overshadowed by the Marks Brothers. Jim Jensen was the most versatile but he was not underrated by us fans. Don Strock was the most underrated QB, IMO. However, for me, Tim Bowens was the one player that never got the accolades he deserved. Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas got the credit while Bowens did a lot of the dirty work that allowed them to do what they did.

sdphinsfan has a solid list of underappreciated guys from when the team was good year in and year out for the most part.

When the Dolphins were good…I mean really good…they were a collection of under-rated players. Just good football players playing good football. But some that I would name?

  • Howard Twilley
  • Jim Mandich
  • Crash
  • Vern DenHerder
  • Tony Nathan
  • Rose and Cefalo
  • Tim Ruddy
  • Tim Bowens

StanleyDoyle1 points out how solid Bowens actually was.

It seems that your Marinos, Dupers, ZThomas’s, and even Offerdahls cannot be considered “underrated.” They received tons of praise during and after their tenures.

So I think there are only two players who — while they got attention – were never given their proper due. The first was Bill Stanfill, who was a sack machine and dominant force on a dynasty. Stanfill’s talent was dwarfed by all of the other stars on the team.

And second has to be Tim Bowens. The immovable force. He had only started 9 games at Mississippi and Shula was ridiculed for drafting him. Then he played 11 years, and as defensive ends around him peaked and faded, he was a constant, understated yet dominant presence.

Bill Moody points out that the fans deserve at least a pat on the back for sticking around all these years despite constant mediocrity.

The fans. The fact that many of us keep showing up year after year is a testament to our fortitude and loyalty. OK, we’re not technically players, but I said what I said.

Player wise: IDK,I guess he’s not underrated, but I’ll still give him his props. Larry Czonka.

SuperG! points out one of the longest tenured Dolphins as well as one of the most solid long snappers you will ever see.

John Denney

MIAMI235 recalls a guy with all the talent who was overshadowed by being part of such a solid unity top to bottom.

Mercury Morris.

He had all the running skills of O.J. but never could get that amount of carries, with Csonka and Kiick, on the Team.

FFFL66IBA&O remembers our place kicker from the glory days.

Garo Yepremian scored a lot of point’s kicking field goals and extra points for us but most kicker’s are under appreciated. I’m sure most of you old timer’s remember his Super Bowl flub pick 6…..

CluelessNFLfan remembers the running back who was sort of a Swiss Army Knife kind of player.

Tony Nathan. He could do it all. Career 4.8 YPC, 383 receptions, and a QB rating of 117.2!

thebithmonger points out the long-time solid defensive tackle.

the answer of course is bob baumhower, a career dolphin, went to 5 pro bowls, 1 of the killer bees, played in 2 super bowls but if youre not from miami or alabama then you probably dont even remember who he is

TheRoo1 points to “Crash,” who was yet another Swiss Army kind of player.

Jim Jensen

The man came here, (I believe) to be Qb, but became a backup qb, a wideout, a running back, and probably the original “Wildcat” player. He got his Crash nickname for his special teams play.

After leaving the Phins he even stayed in south Florida becoming the player/coach of the

miami Hooters and then the Tropics.

Crash lived football/

davidson11 wishes that our ten-year safety record had gotten more press during his playing days.

Rashad Jones. Dolphins just don’t get the media coverage some teams do.

OldFinFanDon points to a long-time backup QB that spent 15 seasons with the Phins.

Don Strock, dependable back-up for Griese and Marino

USMCFinzFreak remembers the brothers from San Antonio who both played safety.

Lyle and Glenn Blackwood

AK Fin Fan remembers one of the great linebackers that this team has had in the past.

In my opinion John Offerdahl has to be one of most underrated. He was phenomenal LB on under performing D.

finfanfromsiam remembers one of the best pass rushers the team has ever had.

Cam Wake for me!

Well, that’s our selection of comments for this evening. I guess I’m old because I can remember seeing every player mentioned playing. If you missed the original post, you can see the rest of the discussion and comments HERE. As always, thank you to each of you who took the time to participate in our question of the day post.

OPEN THREAD | APRIL 19, 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue!

THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho

KISS THE BADGE

The end of all immaturity. This emotional era of youth has to be curtailed severely.

SIGN CAPTAINS

We need to sign captains, not just potentials.

OBEDIENCE

Obedience isnt the end of freedom. It’s the recognition of authority and responsibility that brings about maturity in decision making and behavioral patterns. In regards to players obeying coaching tactics.

Round Rock grandfather-granddaughter duo will run Boston Marathon as rare entry

Round Rock resident Carlos Sanchez, right, stands with his granddaughter Mia Sanchez. They will run the 2026 Boston Marathon as that event's first documented grandparent running with a grandchild after both had qualified. (Carlos Sanchez)

When Mia Sanchez arrived in Boston a couple of years ago to start her postgraduate studies at Harvard, a part of her left running back home in Texas. 

After all, she had competed most of her life, basically from the time she could stand to her successful years running cross-country and track at Round Rock High School and then St. Edward's University in Austin. Maybe that was behind her, she thought, as she pursued an advanced degree at the Ivy League university. 

Then, during an especially brutal Northeast winter last year, the 23-year-old slipped and fell on a patch of ice. Now it hurt to run.

“I told my mom that I was done with it,” she said. 

A day later, her grandfather, Carlos Sanchez, called with a basic question: Would you run a marathon with me?

MORE:Mia Sanchez was Round Rock's 2019 Homecoming queen  —  and we were there. See our photos.

Finding her way back on a course

When she was a child, Mia’s “pompa” pushed her in a stroller during races. Later, during her time as an athlete competing for Round Rock, he cheered her on. 

Was she really done? 

Maybe not. Eight weeks later, in April 2025, Mia and Carlos celebrated at the finish line of the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon in Ventura, Calif., each claiming 2026 Boston Marathon qualifiers.

“This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Mia said. 

Round Rock resident Carlos Sanchez, left, puts on his shoes next to his granddaughter Mia Sanchez. They will run the 2026 Boston Marathon as that event's first documented grandparent running with a grandchild after both had qualified. (Carlos Sanchez)

In the first marathon of her life, she clocked a time of 3 hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds, which was a full 11 minutes under the standard she needed to qualify for Boston for 18- to 34-year-olds. Carlos, meanwhile, was on his 36th marathon and ran 15 minutes under his 65-69 age group standard to finish with a time of 3:50:49. 

“That’s one of those moments that’s seared in your mind,” said Carlos, who’s now 67. “You hug each other. And you tell each other: We’ve Boston Qualified.”

The duo will line up Monday at the 130th running of the Boston Marathon alongside roughly 30,000 participants from around the world. Only there’s one more note to this story: they’ll be one of the rare grandfather-granddaughter duos in the race’s history.

“It’s an honor to have this opportunity to run with my grandpa,” Mia said, “because it’s something I’ve always dreamed of, and I know how important it is to him.” 

Record or not, history is history

While Carlos is hopeful this is the first instance of a grandfather and granddaughter running (and qualifying for) the Boston Marathon in the same year, the chances aren’t likely. Since 1972, when women were first allowed to run the historic race, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and grandchildren have been competing in Boston — accounting for literally millions of finishers. 

That being said, record-keeping is important. And for Carlos, a former computer programmer and system administrator who retired last June, history has not accounted for this special kind of family relationship just yet. 

“It’s hard to find something like this,” he said. “It’s unique.” 

To Carlos, these are the types of stories that we tell each other as we get older. 

Finding his passion late in life

Carlos was 50 when his relationship with running began. Back then, he knew almost nothing about the sport. His daughter, Alexis, who had run in high school and for a time in college, taught him how to properly tie his shoes — the “runner’s loop,” as it’s commonly known. That same year, they ran their first marathons in Chicago. 

Soon enough, running became Carlos’ passion. He racked up 37 finishes in 12 states, including places like Kansas City, Juneau, Alaska, and Athens, Greece. He’s been fortunate to have been mostly been injury free, save for that one time in 2023 when he crashed his bicycle during a 150-mile ride. 

Safe to say, Carlos doesn’t ride much anymore. But you want to know the first thing he did when he was healthy? 

Naturally, he ran a marathon. 

Actually, that’s when he ran the Mountain 2 Beach Marathon in April with Mia. 

Bonding with Grandpa all over again

There has never been a time in Mia’s life when her grandfather hasn't been in the picture. Whether on the cross-country course or on the track, Carlos has always been there. With a sign. With a calming word. Always with his camera for a picture or two. At postseason awards banquets, Mia said, he would sometimes create slideshows showcasing finishes of her and her teammates. 

“It got to a point where everyone on my team — middle school, high school or college — knew him,” Mia said. “He wasn’t just my grandpa. He was everyone’s grandpa.” 

When Mia finished her eligibility and graduated from St. Edward’s in 2024 with a degree in environmental biology and climate change, she headed off to Harvard. Running became harder. Some of the love was lost. “At the time, I was running very passively,” she said. 

This marathon journey became their connector again. Mia had just eight weeks to train for the debut race in California. It wasn’t an ideal spot for anyone. But what helped was institutional knowledge and years of miles under her legs. 

“There were a lot of times I would go to class, have an hour for a lunch break, then I would go for my runs, shower, then go to my next class,” said Mia, who’s working toward a master’s degree in environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  

A run of a lifetime for grandfather, granddaughter

In Ventura, Calif., the pair took the same bus to the starting line. Carlos remembers the stillness of that moment. 

“We’re sitting there and anticipating it,” he said. “I’m looking at her thinking, ‘OK, I know what she’s about to experience.’ Sitting there in the dark, being with her, it was so incredibly touching and special.” 

When they walked out to the starting line, Mia began to cry. 

“That was the moment that hit me,” she said. “I’m about to run 26.2 miles. It was happy tears of excitement and nerves. But he was there next to me. It was great to know we were together.” 

Right before the race set off, Carlos turned to Mia and said he was proud of her. 

Next up: a date with the Boston Marathon

Last July, Carlos traveled to Juneau and ran his 37th marathon in a new personal record of 3:50:19. The stark environment around him was unlike anything he’s ever experienced. 

“The mountains, the glacier in the distance,” he said. “The scenery, the temperature. There’s bald eagles everywhere. It was just so different.” 

That race continued a path he started in 2008, one that’s seen him cover thousands of miles. He still runs about 40 miles a week on average and doesn’t seem himself stopping anytime soon. 

Mia, on the other end, has run a high of 52 miles over her marathon build and has done three long runs of over 20 miles each. She also earned a small social media partnership with Lucille Health to tell her family’s story of connection — a $1,500 deal that will see her post reels and stories of her and her grandpa. 

On Monday, they’ll ride the bus together to the start line. The point-to-point course begins in the small town of Hopkinton before it makes its way toward downtown Boston, finishing on a jam-packed Boylston Street. Thousands will pack the area, bringing nonstop energy.

Carlos has been dreaming about this all his life. It took him 36 tries to get there. 

“I didn’t believe it was possible,” he said. 

For what it’s worth, Mia never doubted him. 

It was his encouragement that helped redefine her relationship with running and this new pursuit in the marathon. Mia is graduating soon, and the real world awaits. 

But running? That’s going nowhere. And she has her grandpa to thank for that.  

“All my life, he’s the one who supported me through running,” she said. “He’s a big motivator in my training. I get to have this moment with him.” 

Dodgers vs. Rockies game II chat

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 17: Hyeseong Kim #6, Kyle Tucker #23, Alex Freeland #76 , and Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Game two of four between the Dodgers and Rockies in Denver.

Tonight's #Dodgers starting lineup for Game 2 against the Rockies. pic.twitter.com/5RotBVbNsd

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 18, 2026
Saturday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at Rockies
  • Ballpark: Coors Field, Denver
  • Time: 5:10 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

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No. 14 Oklahoma shuts out Missouri

The No. 14 Oklahoma baseball team is officially on a roll.

OU beat Missouri, 4-0, on Saturday, a win that provided the Sooners with four wins in its last five Southeastern Conference games. Most importantly, it put Oklahoma above .500 in SEC play with a final game against Mizzou and four final SEC series to go. Pocketing wins will be especially important considering those final four sets come against Auburn, Florida, Arkansas and Tennessee, four teams that will also make the NCAA Tournament.

In the meantime, OU can only win the ones in front of it and the Sooners did so with ease Saturday.

Missouri managed just two hits in the game, both singles, and Oklahoma pitchers didn't give them much in the way of free passes, either, allowing just three walks. Cameron Johnson earned the victory with 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and giving up the two hits and one of the base-on-balls.

His offense did enough, even if it wasn't spectacular. Oklahoma scored in three straight innings - the second, third and fourth - to take early control.

Deitan LaChance started things with a solo home run. Brendan Brock hit an RBI single and Camden Johnson plated a run on a sacrifice fly in the third inning. And Jaxon Willits doubled home a run in the fourth to provide the Sooners with everything they'd need.

LaChance and Willits were the only two Oklahoma players with more than a single hit, though only one of the nine starters failed to provide any statistics. Everyone but Alec Blair either picked up a knock, a walk or a sacrifice.

The series finale between the two former Big 12 rivals is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. Oklahoma will follow that game with a one-off game against Oral Roberts at home on Tuesday before traveling to Auburn back in SEC play next weekend.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma baseball beats Missouri to take series

UFC Winnipeg ‘Burns vs. Malott’ play-by-play, results & round scoring

Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Mike Malott (171)Charles Jourdain (136) vs. Kyler Phillips (135)Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs. Karine Silva (125.5)Live NOW! Thiago Moises (156) vs. Gauge Young (155.5)Marcio Barbosa (145) vs. Dennis Buzukja (145.5)Julien Leblanc (185.5) vs. Robert Valentin (186)Tanner Boser (244.5) vs. Gokhan Saricam (244.5)Melissa Croden (135.5) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (136)J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)John Castaneda (139) vs. Mark Vologdin (138.5)Jamie Siraj (136) vs. John Yannis (136) Sherdog's live UFC Winnipeg coverage will begin Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. The event is also known as UFC Fight Night 273.

Jamie Siraj (136) vs. John Yannis (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Siraj (-250); Yannis (+200)

Round 1

It’s Canada against the world in this rough UFC Fight Night card that may yet deliver in terms of action but is sorely lacking in the rankings-relevance department. Nevertheless, we persist, as there are 43 fight cards to punch through this year and a fight fan does not dine on caviar alone. The ground turkey of a fight card provides 12 matches, with nine of those featuring a Canadian athlete against a foreign adversary. The first fight of the night is one of those bouts when newcomers collide, as Siraj (14-3, 0-0 UFC) reps his home country against Texas-based Yannis (9-4, 0-1 UFC) at 135 pounds. Drawing the first assignment of the evening is referee Chris Desautels. The combatants touch ‘em up to seal the cage around them, and it’s time for some action.

Yannis, keeping his hands relatively low, positions himself early in the center of the cage. Siraj switches stances back and forth to introduce early difficulties to his foe, with the Canadian primed and ready to fire off heavy counters. He steps in, lands a low kick and hops back to evade one coming back at him. They pump-fake at one another until Siraj spurs into action with a right hand and a pair of front kicks. Yannis sits on a left hand to get Siraj’s attention, but he is similarly caught in an exchange. Yannis drills his opponent with a three-punch combo square on the jaw, knocking Siraj down to the mat. Rather than playing around in the guard, Yannis stands back up and allows Siraj to follow him, clipping him with another right on the way up. Siraj appears to have shaken the cobwebs out quickly, but he ducks down for a level change and has his bell rung again. Yannis staggers and erects himself upright again, but it is taking the right hand flush again and again.

Yannis opens up with a knee and another power right hook, shaking the Canadian up. Siraj collapses to his back in a bad way, and Yannis mounts his adversary and punishes him with ferocious elbows. Siraj might have been knocked out from the bombardment of elbows, and as he sits up, his eyes looking every direction but his opponent’s, Desautels waves the fight off as he must have seen something he did not like. Yannis climbs off his fallen foe to celebrate, while the defeated Canadian breaks down in tears. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one scene.

The Official Result

John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj R1 2:43 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)

John Castaneda (139) vs. Mark Vologdin (138.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Castaneda (-120); Vologdin (+100)

Round 1

While initially booked as a bantamweight fight, someone in the Castaneda (21-8, 4-4 UFC) vs. Vologdin (12-4-1, 0-0 UFC) matchup appeared to be struggling to get down to 136 pounds and requested it be set for 139 pounds. The catchweight contest will have gold-standard referee Jason Herzog watching over the fighters, and they are glad to still be competing and show it with a shared clap of hands.

Castaneda says hello with his leg, firing off kicks high and low to make Vologdin nod at him in appreciation of his game. Castaneda even goes for an axe kick when Vologdin crowds him, and Vologdin settles to kick his foe back a few times. Castaneda bounces out of the way when the shorter Russian lunges at him, and he watches Vologdin miss on a body shot to stick him with a left cross and two low kicks. Vologdin returns fire with a kick that appears to frustrate his opponent, resulting in a clinch as the fans immediately start booing. It’s going to be one of those nights. “Sexi Mexi” breaks out of the tie-up and steps back to evade a knee, and the two have their legs entangled when throwing them at the same time. Castaneda bounces back up, and he is gifted a high-five when standing up. He lets fly a low kick to counter a jab that bangs square into the bottom of Vologdin’s cup, who stumbles around the cage in serious pain as Herzog calls time. Vologdin drops to his knees as he tries to shake out some of the discomfort, and he steels himself and is good to go after about 50 seconds of break. They both let fly kicks, and Castaneda follows one with a sharp right hand on the temple.

Vologdin has to blink out the impact of the blow and gets right back into the melee, flashing his jab to find his range. When Vologdin commits to big hooks, Castaneda slips them, counters and shoves his foe back. Vologdin bounces forward and has a low kick checked, and he stands in the pocket to trade but cannot pin “Sexi Mexi” down, even with a spinning wheel kick try. The jabs of Vologdin have bloodied up Castaneda’s nose, who pitches out a kick and shoots in for a level change. There is no takedown to be found from this, so Castaneda backs off and picks and pokes with body kick and long punches. Vologdin tries to pay him back with crisp pocket boxing, but he finds that he is beaten to the punch and kick by the speedster from Minnesota. Vologdin keeps marching forward to force Castaneda to fight off the back foot, but this plays at least partially into the game plan of Castaneda, who is potshotting him at range. Vologdin just misses with a rolling thunder kick, and the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda

Round 2

A fist bump opens the round, and Castaneda gets right going peppering with kicks. Vologdin throws three back in rapid succession to think about, but the volume is in favor of the American for now. Vologdin drives through a one-two, and Castaneda stands firm and jabs him in the nose to back him off. Vologdin loops two right hand that bang into the guard, but his left to the ribs does score. Castenada goes low to the body, and he sticks around and gets popped by three punches from the debuting fighter. Castaneda bounces in and out behind his jab, just dodging the worst flying his way in time but still eating some shots when engaging. Vologdin jabs and shoots in for a single-leg takedown, and Castaneda bounces off his knee and hops back to the cage wall to set up a guillotine choke. Vologdin elevates and dumps him, breaking out of the choke, but he does not have Castaneda down.

Castaneda is able to break out of the attempt and release his own submission grip to reset, where he stands in front of Vologdin and strings together quick combos. Vologdin winds up with a power left hand, and Castaneda shoulder-rolls it to take the sting out of it and gives back a heavy right up top. Castaneda leads off an exchange with a low kick that bangs into the groin, and he follows it with heavy punches as Vologdin turns away to recover from the foul. Herzog has to peel Castaneda away, as Castaneda claims he did not land the low strike, and Vologdin eats a few more before Herzog is in place. Vologdin sits down to get his wind back, and Herzog deducts one point from Castaneda for his second groin kick. After 75 seconds, the round resumes, and thank goodness rules are being enforced around here. They proceed to go right after one another, with Castaneda leading the dance with power and volume. Vologdin is comfortable to sit on his right hand and launch it when it feels right, and he gets caught in a clinch and takes a spinning back elbow on the noggin before separating. Castaneda slips and ducks his way in, constantly changing his target with weapons like a knee up the middle, two left hands and a right to the ribs. Vologdin is largely headhunting, and Castaneda is giving him a lot to think about as the second round concludes.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 9-9
Brian Knapp scores the round: 9-9
Tyler Treese scores the round: 9-9

Round 3

They are off to the races in the final round, sharing a fist bump before throwing hands and feet en masse. Castaneda puts it on Vologdin, who fires back and opens a cut on the forehead. Castaneda keeps pouring it on the Russian, who is reeling from taking shots but still ready to swing for the bleachers. Castaneda stays just out of boxing range from his opponent to measure his blows appropriately, and he punches his way into a clinch and is boxed out of it. Vologdin’s nose starts to leak from the oncoming fire, as Castaneda is turning on the jets while Vologdin appears to be fading. The reactions from Vologdin taking damage are starting to get more exaggerated, as he shoots in for a double-leg takedown that is easily sprawled. Castaneda lets his foe back up so he can put hands on him, and he lets rip low kick and high punches as Vologdin is now leaking from a cut on the bridge of his nose.

Castaneda lets rip a big flurry of punches, knocking Vologdin back and knocking him down. Vologdin muscles his way back upright, and Castaneda starts working the body to shut him down. Vologdin grits his teeth and throws everything he has back, but Castaneda sees it coming and tees off on him. Castaneda goes after a big right hand and a left high kick, and he slips back when Vologdin tries another rolling thunder kick. Vologdin holds his hand up awkwardly as if he were asking a question in class—he does have the youthful type of face where he looks like he was plucked from study hall—and Castaneda backs off. Castaneda motions to the center of the Octagon to initiate a brawl, and unlike many others who have offered this and bailed on it, they proceed to bust one another up. Castaneda gets the better of the exchanges but only by a small margin, and he stings Vologdin and gets taken down. The fun slugfest ends with Vologdin on top, and it may all come down to the scoring of the first round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Castaneda (29-27 Castaneda)

The Official Result

John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin is Ruled a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Horth (-180); Aldrich (+150)

Round 1

Her sights set on a few women’s flyweight records including most appearances, Aldrich (14-7, 10-6 UFC) officially enters into her 13th match at the weight class—trailing co-leads Valentina Shevchenko, Katlyn Cerminara and Andrea Lee all by one apiece. She will be coming to blows with Canada’s own Horth (9-2, 4-2 UFC) as the prelims press on, where they will be joined by referee Herb Dean in the cage. There is no glove touch to start things off, as they want to get right after it.

Horth presses the action early, boxing her way into range. Aldrich counters with a quick left hand and resets to plant a one-two on the chin. After a lull while they try to find one another’s range, Aldrich breaks it with a couple more one-twos as Horth’s nose starts shining red. Aldrich sits down on a low kick and catches an advancing Horth with a right hand. The Canadian parries a combo of punches and uses her own leg to block one flying at her from Aldrich. Horth scores a high body kick and leans back to watch a one-two buzz past her. Aldrich doubles up on her jab and catches a body kick, and she spins with a wheel kick. Horth pushes through it and dings her up with a few blows before backing off.

Aldrich pecks out with her jab, staying to her preferred range while even Horth’s low kicks largely come up short. Aldrich shoots in during a quiet moment in pursuit of a single, backing the Canadian up to the wall but not grounding her outright. Aldrich stays tight to Horth, working a knee or two on the inside but largely holding pat. Horth twists and shakes out of it, and she has a high kick harmlessly bounce off the raised guard. Aldrich lunges with a one-two, and when she tries again, she is met with a body kick. Horth clips Aldrich with two hooks in likely the heaviest blows of the round, and she takes a low kick to fire off three more to get Aldrich’s attention. The sparring match of a round comes to a close.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth

Round 2

To start out the round, Aldrich peeks around her guard with her jab. Horth swings much heavier when pressing forward, but most of her early blows are either blocked or out of range. Aldrich backs her up with a solid right hand on the schnoz, and she tries to follow it with a head kick only to bang it off the gloves. Horth pays her back with a straight right hand down the pipe, and her long kicks are still largely unable to get through. They take turns engaging with one another, with Aldrich turning her hips into a low kick and dancing away from the anticipated counters. Aldrich steps in with an elbow that is inches off the mark, and she hops back from a head kick as well. Aldrich shadowboxes for a while, not landing anything of merit. Horth’s responses are almost all kicks, and they almost all miss completely.

Aldrich stands in the pocket to fire off a left hand, and she gets it through and lances out a right hand to preemptively counter a body kick. Aldrich goes after a one-two to force Horth to adjust or check her nose that is not leaking at this point. Aldrich leaves a body kick out too long, resulting in Horth catching her cleanly with her firsts upstairs. Aldrich drives her back with a right hand, and she steps through to put two more on the chin. Aldrich’s jab allows her to stay largely defensively sound, protecting her from head kicks but not when Horth gets in close. They crash together and trade strikes briefly, and they back off to get back to inaccurate, low-power kickboxing. Aldrich swarms forward with two punches, and then bails on her advancing effort when a knee is put up in her way. Horth threatens with a step-in knee, and the horn sounds to end the slow round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Aldrich
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth

Round 3

The women rush at one another, and then resume their strategy of tit-for-tat strikes. Aldrich catches her foe at the end of a right hand, but it is one and done as Horth prods out with her foot. Aldrich breaks some silence with a one-two, and Horth drives her back with a body kick. Aldrich jabs through the guard and tries to follow with two sweeping left hooks. This brings Horth into the fight again, as the Canadian throws fire in her fists but peels back before fully committing. Head kicks from both lady appear feet away from their intended targets, and Aldrich tries to surprise her foe with a leaping right hook. Aldrich ducks a jab to shoot for a takedown, and the Canadian tosses her to the side with ease. Horth offers out a low kick and is jabbed back.

Blows from both sides largely bound off their respective raised guards, including a spinning back fist from the American. Accuracy rates for these two are likely quite low, as are the significant strike tallies. Horth slowly meanders forward behind her long foot, and she is knocked back several steps by Aldrich’s left hands. Aldrich kicks out the front leg and sways back as Horth tries to boot her in the face, still moving when Horth’s hands soar past her as well. Aldrich bounces her shin off the shoulder of her opponent, sticking her with a jab but nothing else. Aldrich catches a kick and fires back, but she too does not extend fully as if she was waiting for something or concerned to let go. Horth spams kicks from way out of the way, and she drills Aldrich with long punches as the two decide to start fighting with seconds left. They duke it out in a surprisingly powerful back-and-forth that only concludes when time expires, and they hug it out after 15 minutes of mostly sparring.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Horth (29-28 Horth)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Horth (30-27 Horth)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Horth (30-27 Horth)

The Official Result

J.J. Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Melissa Croden (135.5) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Croden (-160); Zheleznyakova (+130)

Round 1

With a 100% finish rate still in her pocket, Alberta native Croden (7-3, 1-1 UFC)—quick note to all those who watched the Shillan & Duffy preview show for this one and thought this fight card was going down in the province of Alberta: tonight’s action is in southern Manitoba, just north of the shared border of North Dakota and Minnesota, two provinces to the right of Alberta. Croden will still be the favored athlete in the building of the two, as she faces off Russian striker Zheleznyakova (10-2, 2-1 UFC). The two bantamweights come to blows with referee Jerin Valel calling the shots, and they touch ‘em up before engaging.

It is all about the jab in the early going for the two bantamweights, with the two standing relatively the same size and presenting a similar fist-first style. Jabs lead to follow-ups, which leads to an unexpected trading of leather in the first 30 seconds. Croden thinks twice about throwing caution to the wind to just brawl and resets to work her way forward at her own pace. Zheleznyakova chops at her foe’s leg with a hefty kick and circles away from the power from the Canadian, dodging a head kick and stepping in to strike. Croden drives her away with a quick one-two, and Zheleznyakova still manages to get in her face with a single fist. They crash together and end up clinched, trading knees until they decide against doing this any further. It is not a mirror match, but it is fairly close to that. One after the other, they slug one another in the chops. Croden throws a hard right hand, takes one right back, and is amped up and tries to force “Iron Lady” into a brawl. Zheleznyakova does not oblige her, instead strafing to either side.

Zheleznyakova kicks low to swing high, and she moves all the way around the cage to time her way in with a short flurry. Zheleznyakova gets a front kick through the guard, and when she engages further, Croden ties her up to grapple. Croden bullies the Russian to the fencing, looking perhaps for a body lock. Zheleznyakova keeps circling away to her right, away from Croden’s power, and this includes breaking out of a clinch. Zheleznyakova checks a kick to sling a one-two, and she lets a head kick fly past her harmlessly. Zheleznyakova steps forward to bloody Croden’s nose with a one-two, and her movement is flustering the Canadian. Zheleznyakova tries to engage again in a quick blitz, and Croden stonewalls her and shoves her back. The deliberately paced round ends.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Zheleznyakova

Round 2

Zheleznyakova races out of her corner to engage as the second round kicks off, and she does so right into the fists of her waiting adversary. Croden welcomes this so she can score effectively, forcing Zheleznyakova to retreat very soon after she starts trading. Croden whiffs on four fast punches because Zheleznyakova is already out of range, and she is stuck chasing while blood leaks from her nose. Zheleznyakova keeps moving, racking up plenty of steps while avoiding the worst of what flies her way time and again. Croden walks into the occasional jab from the Russian, who is largely playing an avoidance-first game that may not be the most aesthetically pleasing from a “just bleed” perspective. Nearly a minute goes by without a significant strike landing, and then they crash together and drill one another in the face with a heavy punch. Zheleznyakova tries to put three after it, and Croden has no answers while her face is starting to transform because of the impact of the shots she is absorbing.

Croden runs after the Russian, chasing her around the cage to try to punch her. She does not let Zheleznyakova off the hook, busting her nose open in the midst of her punch salvos. Zheleznyakova turns tail and runs away, forcing Croden to eventually slow Zheleznyakova down by tying her up. Croden looks for a body lock and a trip takedown, but Zheleznyakova is able to stay on her feet. Zheleznyakova breaks free, and she beans the Canadian with a right hand flush on the temple. Both beaks are leaking, and Croden pays it no mind as she rushes forward to attack. Croden nails her foe with two elbows, and Zheleznyakova tries to run away but is trapped. The Russian grabs the fence to prevent a takedown, with Valel screaming at her to knock that off. On her second effort, Croden throws her down and knees her in the face and thigh on the way back up. Croden leans on her opponent, sneaking in elbows. Zheleznyakova pushes her back with her fists, so Croden slaps her in the face with the instep of her foot as the round wraps.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Croden
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Croden
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Croden

Round 3

Croden greets her opponent with raised arms to hug her, and then the last round begins. Zheleznyakova pumps out a one-two that shakes Croden up and instantly re-bloodies her nose again, and she sits in the pocket to jack her in the jaw with a left before circling away. Zheleznyakova bounces her way forward behind her jab, slipping back to dodge every counter. Croden lumbers ahead slinging a left hook, and she shells up to block a one-two but is nailed with three more punches when she tries to clinch. Zheleznyakova breaks off and turns to run and reset on her own terms, but Croden catches up with her and clinches her. Croden stays tight until Zheleznyakova shoves her away and pins her down with a one-two. Zheleznyakova swipes out with subsequent hooks when Croden follows her recklessly, but it is a trap for the Canadian. Croden ducks down to surprise Zheleznyakova with a tackling takedown, and Zheleznyakova grabs the fence to improve her position and stand back up while Croden’s team bellows about the uncalled foul.

In the meantime, Croden starts to hook up a standing arm-triangle choke, and Zheleznyakova tugs with both hands on the fencing to take some of the leverage out of it. Croden topples over with the choke to put Zheleznyakova flat on her back, and she releases the sub to start beating the Russian down with left hands and a questionable knee while Zheleznyakova was standing. Valel calls for a replay due to the strike, and Croden continues pressuring the increasingly bloodied Zheleznyakova in a vicious clinch exchange. Croden frames off with elbows and occasionally slashes them out to damage her opponent, and Zheleznyakova breaks off. Croden runs towards her and tackles her to the floor, climbing directly in mount so she can bash Zheleznyakova with elbows. Zheleznyakova sits up to try to turn things around but only gives her back up. Croden unloads with a final barrage of elbows and fists, but time runs out before she can secure the stoppage she was seeking.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Croden (29-28 Croden)

The Official Result

Melissa Croden def. Darya Zheleznyakova via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tanner Boser (244.5) vs. Gokhan Saricam (244.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saricam (-160); Boser (+130)

Round 1

About as Canadian as it gets, majestically mulleted Boser (22-10-1, 5-5 UFC) is back on the roster after beating up Vinicius Moreira over in UAE Warriors last year. The Albertan—remember what we said above involving Croden—is aiming to reach a .500 record in the Octagon when he stands across the cage from Bellator expat Saricam (11-2, 0-0 UFC). The heavyweights 34 and 35, respectively, they come in as relative youngsters to a division that is begging for hot commodities. Referee Herb Dean stands firm, ready to take care of the big men no matter where the action leads them. Fists are nearly bumped before they are traded, with the two offering at different times that did not line up.

There is little from the two big men in the early seconds, and as if he heard something that angered him, Boser springs into action and busts Saricam in the face with a fast flurry. He tags Saricam again, and the Turkish athlete counters with a takedown shot. Boser shoves his man back, who trips and falls to his seat. Saricam bounces back up, and they proceed to pitch kicks at one another. Boser swings for the bleachers, and Saricam dips and pops him with a short right hand. Saricam shoots for a double way out of range, and Boser stops it but is backed to the fencing. Boser is warned for grabbing shorts while Saricam grabs the fence, offsetting penalties should result in a repeat first down but nothing ends up happening. They separate, and Boser scores but is dinged with fast counters.

Boser winds up and hurls two big right hands, backing off when a spinning back kick is aimed at his torso. Saricam comes up short winging punches, but his calf kick impacts on Boser’s lead leg coming in. Saricam kicks the same spot, and he blocks a head kick with his elbow. Saricam loops a right hand around the guard after doubling up on a jab, and Boser is quick to get his hands up to defend anything that comes after like a head kick. Saricam boots him in the face with another kick, and the Canadian does not flinch. Boser cracks Saricam, and Saricam fires right back and proceeds to bash the Canadian and knock him to the wall. Boser bounces back and nails Saricam, but Saricam keeps on him and stifles him. Boser turns him about before long, authoring knees to the thigh until he has to fight off a throw effort. Boser separates with seconds to spare, going for two elbows and a spinning back fist as the round concludes.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Saricam
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Saricam

Round 2

The heavyweights try to find their range early, with Boser getting it first as he slings four punches in rapid succession. Saricam fires off a big right hand to keep Boser honest, allowing Boser to kick him in the lead leg so he can launch two right back. Boser zips a right hand down the middle, and Saricam answers him immediately and effectively. Boser kicks the front leg and looks to initiate his power jab, looping a right hand and getting pushed off his feet when they smash chests together. Boser scrambles to get back to his feet with what was not a knockdown but was a disadvantageous position, and he is able to do so no worse for wear. They tie up in the center of the cage, with Boser staying busy with short elbows on the forehead. The Canadian stomps on his foe’s toes as he keeps things old school.

Boser clings on the Turkish fighter to take some of the steam out of his fists, and he frames off to catch Saricam with two punches before letting go. Saricam slowly works his way forward, ready and willing to bounce back when Boser hurls things at him. Boser keeps going forward with two more big punches, and he appears to hurt Saricam up close with short, strong elbows. Saricam has to blink out the attack and gather a head of steam to fire off three quick punches that force Boser to reevaluate his strategy. Boser throws so far, he nearly topples over, but he recovers and watches Saricam almost do the same. Saricam clips the Canadian behind the ear, sucking wind and advancing to set something big up. Saricam counters a low kick to release a tremendous right hand that smashes square into the Canadian’s jaw, sending the mulleted man crashing down to the canvas once and for all. To finish the job, Saricam rains down punishment with his fists until Dean has seen enough. Boser may have been knocked out in the exchange, as he cannot stand up on his own power after the stoppage. Dean and medical staff tend to the Canadian, who is ushered to his stool where he sits to learn what just happened. It is now official: Gokhan Saricam has as many wins (one) in the UFC as legendary kickboxer Gokhan Saki. Let that sink in.

The Official Result

Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser R2 4:43 via TKO (Punches)

Julien Leblanc (185.5) vs. Robert Valentin (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Valentin (-130); Leblanc (+110)

Round 1

At the tender age of 34, Canada’s Leblanc (10-2, 0-0 UFC) is getting a callup to the UFC. The newly signed middleweight will be greeted by Valentin (10-6, 1 NC; 0-3 UFC), who cannot seem to even buy a win in the Octagon thus far. Referee Chris Desautels will take care of the particulars, standing back as the two opt against touching gloves.

Valentin leads off with a chopping low kick, and he watches as a head kick buzzes the tower. Valentin sinks in a body kick, and Leblanc fires one back just as hard. Valentin beats down the front leg with three hard leg kicks, and he rocks the Canadian with an overhand right. Valentin bowls the local athlete over and climbs into full mount with ease, and he allows Leblanc to turn over so he can take his back and get his hooks in. Leblanc hand-fights to defend his neck, so Valentin smacks him with his right hand and a number of questionable elbows to open a choke up. Valentin grips hold of a face crank submission, crushing the newcomer’s jaw without even bothering to slide it under the chin. As Valentin squeezes, his forearm slowly works its way beneath the chin after all, and it is now a windpipe-destroying, carotid-crushing rear-naked choke. Leblanc knows he has nothing more to offer today and quickly surrenders, with the choke so tight that he might have otherwise gone out before long. It is a much-needed win for Valentin, who earns his first victory with the promotion in his fourth attempt. It is also a hugely emotional moment for Valentin, who celebrates with tears in his eyes as he embraces his team and vanquished opponent.

The Official Result

Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc R1 2:22 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Marcio Barbosa (145) vs. Dennis Buzukja (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barbosa (-450); Buzukja (+350)

Round 1

The prelims wrap up with a featherweight affair pitting a struggling New Yorker in Buzukja (12-5, 1-3 UFC) against brick-fisted Brazilian Barbosa (17-2, 0-0 UFC) getting his sea legs on the largest stage possible. Before the fists fly, the featherweights are checked in by referee Herb Dean. There is a quick fist bump that precedes the action.

Buzukja moves directly to the center of the cage to apply light pressure, pawing out with a front kick and a jab. Buzukja smacks the front leg with a kick as he pushes forward, rifling off a one-two after it. Barbosa responds when taking a hard body kick with an overhand right. Buzukja no-sells it and jabs the head and body back. Buzukja chips at the front leg when it is available to him, doubling up on his jab to keep Barbosa on the back foot. As if Barbosa was just charging up the entire time without telling us, he walks forward confidently. Buzukja slings two punches at him, and he slips them and unloads with a consciousness-destroying left hand. Buzukja is out before his head clatters lifelessly off the canvas, and Barbosa walks off raising his arms in the air knowing his work here is done. Dean races in just in case Buzukja needs to be protected, but Barbosa is not about to do any unnecessary damage. Bukuja eventually comes to, and he has to be told what happened because his short-term memory and parts of his third-grade education have just been forcefully ejected from his skull. With 15 career knockouts to his credit, “Ticoto” has authored all 15 of them in the first round. He may only know one speed, but it is borderline ludicrous.

The Official Result

Marcio Barbosa def. Dennis Buzukja R1 1:20 via KO (Punch)

Thiago Moises (156) vs. Gauge Young (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Young (-130); Moises (+110)

Round 1

Once a hot commodity off of the sole Brazilian season of Dana White’s Contender Series, Moises (19-9, 8-7 UFC) has regressed to the mean and is one defeat away from falling to .500 in the promotion. Young (10-3, 1-1 UFC) has gone one up and one down thus far, so he is looking to break out of that pattern and into greater heights. They will battle it out under the auspices of referee Jason Herzog, who will be keeping tabs on the 155ers for as long as they keep fighting.

There is no touch of gloves. Moises pressure immediately forward, backing Young to the fence and shooting in on his hips within 10 seconds. Young places his back against the wall to keep himself afloat, and as Moises keeps clinging to his man, the crowd grows quite restless. Moises ignores the boos and irritation from the audience and keeps tight to him. Young flips Moises over him, and Moises recovers quickly enough so both men stand up. Young tosses out a high kick to keep Moises honest, and he ducks a looping punch but cannot evade a front kick aimed at his jaw. Young probes with a jab and low kick, and Moises catches him in transition with a left hook. They jab at the same time, and Young just misses a looping punch as Moises kicks the lead calf. Young stays behind his jab.

Moises loads up on power, and Young sees it coming and also knows a takedown is soon to test him. Young stops the first effort, but the Brazilian redoubles his attempt and succeeds in putting Young down. Young wall-walks to stand up, and he gives his back up in the process. Moises hops onto his back and wraps his legs around the waist while flirting with a choke attempt. Moises wraps his forearm across the face and tries to squeeze it, but the American is able to fight it off and kick off the fencing to drop to his knees. Moises welcomes this as he is leaned against the cage, and he smacks Young in the face with an undercut sneakily beneath Young’s armpit. Young sells out all the way to turn about, and Moises does not entirely give up the position and has Young trapped in an awkward side-turned position that contorts his spine but is not about to force him to tap. Young breaks out and finds himself in armbar danger, and he stacks the Brazilian up and lands a few punches to conclude the round.

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Moises
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Moises
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Moises

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs. Karine Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jasudavicius (-300); Silva (+250)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nallo (-180); Herbert (+150)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
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Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result


Charles Jourdain (136) vs. Kyler Phillips (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-140); Phillips (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result


Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Mike Malott (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-375); Burns (+275)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 4

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 5

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result



UFC Winnipeg ‘Burns vs. Malott’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Mike Malott (171)Charles Jourdain (136) vs. Kyler Phillips (135)Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs. Karine Silva (125.5)Thiago Moises (156) vs. Gauge Young (155.5)Marcio Barbosa (145) vs. Dennis Buzukja (145.5)Julien Leblanc (185.5) vs. Robert Valentin (186)Tanner Boser (244.5) vs. Gokhan Saricam (244.5)Melissa Croden (135.5) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (136)J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)John Castaneda (139) vs. Mark Vologdin (138.5)Jamie Siraj (136) vs. John Yannis (136) Sherdog's live UFC Winnipeg coverage will begin Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. The event is also known as UFC Fight Night 273.

Jamie Siraj (136) vs. John Yannis (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Siraj (-250); Yannis (+200)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


John Castaneda (139) vs. Mark Vologdin (138.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Castaneda (-120); Vologdin (+100)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


J.J. Aldrich (125.5) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Horth (-180); Aldrich (+150)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Melissa Croden (135.5) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (136)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Croden (-160); Zheleznyakova (+130)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Tanner Boser (244.5) vs. Gokhan Saricam (244.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Saricam (-160); Boser (+130)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Julien Leblanc (185.5) vs. Robert Valentin (186)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Valentin (-130); Leblanc (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Marcio Barbosa (145) vs. Dennis Buzukja (145.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Barbosa (-450); Buzukja (+350)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Thiago Moises (156) vs. Gauge Young (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Young (-130); Moises (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result


Jasmine Jasudavicius (125) vs. Karine Silva (125.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jasudavicius (-300); Silva (+250)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result


Jai Herbert (155.5) vs. Mandel Nallo (155.5)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nallo (-180); Herbert (+150)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result


Charles Jourdain (136) vs. Kyler Phillips (135)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jourdain (-140); Phillips (+110)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

The Official Result


Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Mike Malott (171)

BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-375); Burns (+275)

Round 1

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 2

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
Brian Knapp scores the round:
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Round 3

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Round 4

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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Tyler Treese scores the round:

Round 5

Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:
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The Official Result



UFC Winnipeg prelims: Marcio Barbosa obliterates Dennis Buzukja in spectacular debut

Marcio Barbosa swings a mighty sledgehammer, even at 5-foot-6, 145 pounds.

The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate shined in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, as he zapped Dennis Buzukja for a sensational one-punch knockout in the first round of their featured UFC Fight Night 273 prelim on Saturday at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Barbosa (18-2, 1-0 UFC) drew the curtain 1:20 into Round 1.

Buzukja (12-6, 1-4 UFC) tested the water with a one-two and a front kick to the body, then allowed himself to be lured into a close-quarters exchange. Barboza found the off switch with a clean left hook. Buzukja collapsed to the canvas, his eyes open, the thousand-yard stare in full effect. No follow-up shots were required.

Meanwhile, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 32 finalist Robert Valentin turned away Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their middleweight scrap. Leblanc (10-3, 0-1 UFC), who climbed into the cage on a run of five consecutive victories, bowed out 2:22 into Round 1.

Related » UFC Winnipeg round-by-round scoring


Valentin (11-6, 1-3 UFC) hammered the Canadian’s inner lead leg with kicks, followed them into a takedown and transitioned immediately to full mount. He then scrambled to the back, secured position with a body triangle and weaved his arms around Leblanc’s neck. What started as a face crank soon turned into an inescapable rear-naked choke that produced the tapout.

The win was Valentin’s first since Dec. 9, 2023.

Further down the undercard, MMA Vlaardingen product Gokhan Saricam dispatched Tanner Boser with punches in the second round of their heavyweight confrontation. Boser (22-11-1, 5-6 UFC) packed his bags 4:43 into Round 2, losing for the first time in more than three years.

The 35-year-old Saricam (12-2, 1-0 UFC) had the Shaved Bears Fight Team export in trouble late in the first round, then seemed to meander due to fatigue early in the second. Boser pushed a frenetic pace, punched in combination and zeroed in on his opponent’s lower extremities with kicks. Those efforts proved ineffective. Saricam rallied, sat down the Canadian with a one-two on the counter and swarmed with follow-up punches, resulting in the finish.

Saricam has rattled off four straight victories.

Finally, former Fury Fighting Championship titleholder John Yannis disposed of Jamie Siraj with a violent volley of elbows in the first round of their bantamweight affair. Siraj (14-4, 0-1 UFC), who entered his promotional debut on the strength of back-to-back victories, succumbed to blows 2:43 into Round 1.

Yannis (10-4, 1-1 UFC) trapped the Canadian grappler on the feet and unleashed his hands. He decked Siraj with a right hook, reset, staggered him a second time with the same punch and forced the ex-Battlefield Fight League champion into a defensive shell. Yannis ultimately denied an attempted takedown, powered into top position and connected with a series of elbows that prompted the stoppage.

The 31-year-old Yannis has won four of his past five bouts.

In other action, Melissa Croden (8-3, 2-1 UFC) took a unanimous decision—29-28, 29-28, 29-28—from Darya Zheleznyakova (10-3, 2-2 UFC) in their three-round women’s bantamweight pairing; J.J. Aldrich (15-7, 11-6 UFC) laid claim to a unanimous decision over Jamey-Lyn Horth (9-3, 4-3 UFC) in their three-round women’s flyweight tilt, as she swept the scorecards with 29-28 marks from all three judges; and John Castaneda (21-8-1, 4-4-1 UFC) lost a point due to low blows and settled for a majority draw—29-27, 28-28, 28-28—with Mark Vologdin (12-4-2, 0-0-1 UFC) in their three-round catchweight clash at 139 pounds.

UFC Winnipeg prelims: Marcio Barbosa obliterates Dennis Buzujka in spectacular debut

Marcio Barbosa swings a mighty sledgehammer, even at 5-foot-6, 145 pounds.

The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate shined in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, as he zapped Dennis Buzukja for a sensational one-punch knockout in the first round of their featured UFC Fight Night 273 prelim on Saturday at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Barbosa (18-2, 1-0 UFC) drew the curtain 1:20 into Round 1.

Buzukja (12-6, 1-4 UFC) tested the water with a one-two and a front kick to the body, then allowed himself to be lured into a close-quarters exchange. Barboza found the off switch with a clean left hook. Buzukja collapsed to the canvas, his eyes open, the thousand-yard stare in full effect. No follow-up shots were required.

Meanwhile, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 32 finalist Robert Valentin turned away Julien Leblanc with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their middleweight scrap. Leblanc (10-3, 0-1 UFC), who climbed into the cage on a run of five consecutive victories, bowed out 2:22 into Round 1.

Related » UFC Winnipeg round-by-round scoring


Valentin (11-6, 1-3 UFC) hammered the Canadian’s inner lead leg with kicks, followed them into a takedown and transitioned immediately to full mount. He then scrambled to the back, secured position with a body triangle and weaved his arms around Leblanc’s neck. What started as a face crank soon turned into an inescapable rear-naked choke that produced the tapout.

The win was Valentin’s first since Dec. 9, 2023.

Further down the undercard, MMA Vlaardingen product Gokhan Saricam dispatched Tanner Boser with punches in the second round of their heavyweight confrontation. Boser (22-11-1, 5-6 UFC) packed his bags 4:43 into Round 2, losing for the first time in more than three years.

The 35-year-old Saricam (12-2, 1-0 UFC) had the Shaved Bears Fight Team export in trouble late in the first round, then seemed to meander due to fatigue early in the second. Boser pushed a frenetic pace, punched in combination and zeroed in on his opponent’s lower extremities with kicks. Those efforts proved ineffective. Saricam rallied, sat down the Canadian with a one-two on the counter and swarmed with follow-up punches, resulting in the finish.

Saricam has rattled off four straight victories.

Finally, former Fury Fighting Championship titleholder John Yannis disposed of Jamie Siraj with a violent volley of elbows in the first round of their bantamweight affair. Siraj (14-4, 0-1 UFC), who entered his promotional debut on the strength of back-to-back victories, succumbed to blows 2:43 into Round 1.

Yannis (10-4, 1-1 UFC) trapped the Canadian grappler on the feet and unleashed his hands. He decked Siraj with a right hook, reset, staggered him a second time with the same punch and forced the ex-Battlefield Fight League champion into a defensive shell. Yannis ultimately denied an attempted takedown, powered into top position and connected with a series of elbows that prompted the stoppage.

The 31-year-old Yannis has won four of his past five bouts.

In other action, Melissa Croden (8-3, 2-1 UFC) took a unanimous decision—29-28, 29-28, 29-28—from Darya Zheleznyakova (10-3, 2-2 UFC) in their three-round women’s bantamweight pairing; J.J. Aldrich (15-7, 11-6 UFC) laid claim to a unanimous decision over Jamey-Lyn Horth (9-3, 4-3 UFC) in their three-round women’s flyweight tilt, as she swept the scorecards with 29-28 marks from all three judges; and John Castaneda (21-8-1, 4-4-1 UFC) lost a point due to low blows and settled for a majority draw—29-27, 28-28, 28-28—with Mark Vologdin (12-4-2, 0-0-1 UFC) in their three-round catchweight clash at 139 pounds.

Playoff Notes: Lyon, Ostlund Practice Prior To Start Of Sabres - Bruins Series

The Buffalo Sabres practiced at KeyBank Center on Saturday in preparation for their first playoff series since 2011, and had nearly a full complement of players.  Sabres Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon took to the ice for the first time in over a week and according to head coach Lindy Ruff, he would be available for the start of the series against the Boston Bruins on Sunday night. 

Lyon suffered a lower-body injury at practice in New York prior to their win over the Rangers on April 8 and third-stringer Colten Ellis stepped in for two starts in the final week of the regular season. Ellis also suffered an unspecified injury at the end of the season, but Ruff indicated that both netminders were ready to go.

Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was in the home goal during the morning workout, giving a preliminary indication that the big Finn will be the Sabres starter in Game 1. 

Ostlund last played in the 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins on March 25 and missed the final three weeks of the season with an upper-body injury, but Ruff was optimistic about the rookie’s chances of returning to the lineup in the near future. 

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"It's his first day back with us. We're going to get him involved in a little bit of physical contact and see where he's at. He has been skating. We've just been trying to get him to that next level (and) today was that next level," Ruff said.  "We'll see how he feels after taking faceoffs and being involved in practice and (he's) definitely a possibility, I don't know for game one, but he is right there knocking on the door now."

 Ruff also reacted to the comments of Bruins head coach Marco Sturm, that his club is bigger, stronger, and more physical and that Boston’s game plan is to go after the Sabres.  

"That's his take on his team. I have a lot of respect for what our team has done and how we play and the speed we play the game," Ruff said.  "They've got a good team. They know who they are, and we know who we are."

The Bruins have been a physical team all season, and will likely be targeting their forechecking on Buffalo’s key players: centers Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, and winger Alex Tuch up front, and Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram on the back end. Boston will likely look to match up veteran Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm against the Sabres top two lines centered by Thompson and Norris, while relying on their heavy forecheck and hard-hitting blueliners Charlie McAvoy to lay the body on Buffalo forwards. The series may come down what playoff series always come down to; special teams and which goaltender will perform better under pressure. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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ReubenAI – Close better deals with AI research, diligence, and governance


ReubenAI is an intelligent investment platform for venture, private equity, and corporate deal teams. It unifies deal pipeline management, AI-powered market and company research, deep founder analysis, and continuous KYC/AML to help you vet opportunities quickly with defensible evidence. Define your thesis once and auto-score every deal, run IC workflows and memos with a full audit trail, and keep governance tight. Track portfolio performance, generate LP reports, and integrate with tools like Salesforce and HubSpot to streamline the entire investment lifecycle.

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Japan’s Tourism Boom Despite Drop in Chinese Visitors, Here’s How the Country is Thriving!

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/japans-tourism-boom-despite-drop-in-chinese-visitors-heres-how-the-country-is-thriving/

Japan’s Tourism Boom Despite Drop in Chinese Visitors, Here’s How the Country is Thriving!Japan’s tourism industry hits $15 billion in...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has pro-grade "Audio Zoom” and “Spatial Audio" - here is how it works

In case you missed it, DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4 now has Spatial Audio and Audio Zoom, bringing iPhone-like immersive sound to content creators. However, despite the audio upgrades and the 4K/240fps-capable 37MP 1-inch sensor, the Pocket 4 faces looming competition from DJI's own Pocket 4P (Pro) and the upcoming Insta360 Luna Ultra.

Cristiano Ronaldo receives respectful admission from Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Pablo Mari amid title warning to Al-Nassr

The tension at the top of Saudi soccer is beginning to feel personal. With Cristiano Ronaldo driving one charge and Karim Benzema leading the response, even voices from inside the latter’s dressing room, like Pablo Mari, are adding new layers to a title race that refuses to settle.

The tension at the top of Saudi soccer is beginning to feel personal. With Cristiano Ronaldo driving one charge and Karim Benzema leading the response, even voices from inside the latter’s dressing room, like Pablo Mari, are adding new layers to a title race that refuses to settle.

For both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the stakes stretch beyond silverware, with pride and legacy now tightly intertwined. The conversation around the title has intensified in recent days, with a particular admission surfacing from within Benzema’s camp.

Al-Nassr currently sits at the summit with 76 points from 29 matches, holding what appears to be a commanding advantage. Its record of 25 wins, one draw, and just three defeats highlights a campaign built on consistency and attacking firepower.

Ronaldo remains central to that success, contributing heavily with goals and leadership even deep into his career. The team’s 79 goals scored underline a ruthless edge, one that has often turned tight contests into decisive victories.

Saudi Pro League standings after Matchday 29
Saudi Pro League standings after Matchday 29

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal continues to apply pressure in a very different way. The Blue Waves remain unbeaten after 28 matches, with 20 wins and eight draws, showcasing resilience rather than dominance.

What did Pablo Mari say?

On paper, the gap between the two sides stands at eight points, but the reality is more nuanced. Al-Hilal has a game in hand, meaning the difference could shrink to just five points, keeping the title race alive heading into the final stretch.

It is in this context that Pablo Mari’s comments begin to resonate more deeply. The Al-Hilal defender offered a candid perspective on both the rivalry and the figure at its center. “We will fight to win the league,” he stated in a recent interview shared on social media; a clear message that Al-Hilal has not conceded anything yet.

pablo mari al-hilal
Pablo Mari of team Al-Hilal FC

His words reflect a squad still convinced that the gap can be closed. But perhaps more striking was his admiration for the opponent. “I would love to play with Cristiano Ronaldo,” he admitted, highlighting the respect the forward commands even from direct rivals.

Respect for elite players often crosses rivalry lines, and the Spaniard’s words reflected that reality. In a season filled with tension, it was a reminder of Ronaldo’s standing across world soccer.

Pressure builds as the finish line nears

As the season moves into its decisive phase, both sides understand the margins are shrinking. Al-Nassr needs to maintain its relentless pace, knowing a single slip could reopen the race.

For Al-Hilal, the equation is equally clear. Turning draws into victories is essential, especially with the opportunity to reduce the gap still within reach. The psychological aspect is beginning to matter just as much as the tactical one.

Karim Benzema (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Pablo Mari (right)

Cristiano Ronaldo faces fresh worry after Joao Felix misses group training ahead of Al-Nassr’s crucial AFC Champions League clash vs Al-Wasl, reason revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix are central to Al-Nassr’s latest continental challenge, but fresh uncertainty has emerged just before the decisive AFC Champions League Two clash with Al-Wasl. The Portuguese pair headline a star-filled squad, yet Felix’s absence from group training has raised concern ahead of one of the club’s most important matches of the season.

The stage is set at Zabeel Stadium, where a one-leg quarter-final will decide who advances to the semi-finals. For Al-Nassr, the match represents another step toward a long-awaited continental title, one that has so far eluded the club. It topped its group with a perfect 18 points and navigated the round of 16 with back-to-back 1-0 wins, showing both consistency and control.

What’s more, the Riyadh outfit enters the match in formidable form. A remarkable winning streak, stretching beyond 17 matches across competitions, has turned Jorge Jesus’ side into one of Asia’s most feared sides.

A star-studded attack has been the driving force behind that run. Between Ronaldo, Felix, Sadio Mane, and others, the team has produced a staggering number of goal contributions, underlining their depth and firepower.

Al-Nassr’s attacking quartet so far this season:

🇵🇹 João Felix — 36 goal contributions
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo — 29 goal contributions
🇫🇷 Kingsley Coman — 22 goal contributions
🇸🇳 Sadio Mané — 19 goal contributions pic.twitter.com/MUsuSoinEb

— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 15, 2026

Al-Wasl, meanwhile, arrives with a different kind of urgency. With domestic hopes fading, this competition stands as its final opportunity for silverware, adding extra intensity to the encounter.

The reason why Joao Felix missed training

Joao Felix has been one of Al-Nassr’s most productive players this season. Since arriving permanently in 2025, the forward has delivered 21 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances across competitions, making him a crucial figure in the attack.

His versatility, movement, and technical quality have helped complement Cristiano Ronaldo and the wider frontline. That is why his missing group session created immediate concern around availability and readiness.

Reports from Al Youm and Arriyadiyah later clarified the situation. The technical staff preferred to rest him due to fatigue, rather than any serious injury issue. “Joao Felix skipped group training… and instead completed individual gym exercises,” the reports stated.

Joao Felix of Al-Nassr
Joao Felix of Al-Nassr

The decision was precautionary, aimed at ensuring he remains available for selection rather than risking a setback. The Portuguese winger still trained individually, signaling that his involvement in the match remains possible.

Jorge Jesus faces a key decision: Will Joao Felix play?

The biggest question now is whether Felix starts, appears from the bench, or is protected further. It appears that Jorge Jesus will make the final decision in a pre-match meeting, balancing immediate need with player condition.

ronaldo felix
Joao Felix celebrates scoring their third goal with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr

If Felix is unavailable from the opening whistle, alternatives such as Sadio Mane or Kingsley Coman can shoulder more responsibility. Few teams in Asia can match Al-Nassr’s attacking depth. Another option is that Jorge Jesus could be forced to change formations with Ronaldo and another centre-forward ahead.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (R) and Joao Felix of Al-Nassr (L

Antonio Conte nears Italy head coach role as Napoli’s De Laurentiis reportedly considers sacking him

Despite being under contract with SSC Napoli, Antonio Conte is moving closer to the Italy as a potential leader of the sporting project, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly considering dismissing the veteran coach. As a result, he could edge closer to taking over the national team.

Antonio Conte has managed to impress with his performances at SSC Napoli, winning the 2025–26 Serie A and the 2025–26 Italian Super Cup. Following his impact, he has emerged as the favourite candidate to coach Italy amid their rebuilt. Despite having a contract until 2027, he is moving closer to the national team role, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly considering dismissing him at the end of the season.

According to Paolo Bargiggia, via AreaNapoli, the future of Antonio Conte at SSC Napoli is not entirely secure, as president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not fully convinced by his performance this season. As a result, he is reportedly open to facilitating the coach’s departure to the Italy national team, as it would represent an ideal solution by avoiding the need to pay a costly dismissal.

Following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) is planning a significant overhaul of their project. In the search for a leader, Conte has emerged as a strong option, having previously managed the Azzurri and possessing extensive knowledge of Serie A. Additionally, Napoli would reportedly be willing to ease his exit—something that would not be the case with Massimiliano Allegri, who remains a key figure at AC Milan.

While Napoli have remained one of the top teams in Serie A, they have failed to get involved in the race for the league title. Trailing AC Milan by 12 points, they have yet to find their best form, highlighting the decline of Antonio Conte and his project. Furthermore, the Italian side is coming off a tough loss to Lazio, which exposed the team’s major problems and leaves Conte on the brink of leaving at the end of the season—either to another Italian club or out of a job.

Antonio Conte coach of Napoli reacts during the Serie A match.

Conte may be an immediate solution, but not an ideal one for Italy

After missing three consecutive World Cup editions, the Italy do not need continuity—they need a full reset. This means committing to younger players and driving a necessary generational overhaul to rebuild the national team. With that in mind, Antonio Conte may not be the ideal fit, as he represents more of a short-term solution for a project that requires a long-term vision and sustainable development.

Antonio Conte is one of Italy’s most successful coaches and a global figure in the sport. However, he is not typically known for investing in young players or long-term projects, having had short tenures at every team he has managed. As a result, players like Francesco Camarda, Pietro Comuzzo, Michael Kyode, Samuele Inacio, and others could be left out, cutting short their development, as he tends to rely on veteran, proven players.

In pursuit of a full rebuild, FIGC may need a more attack-minded coach who is willing to trust young players, making Pep Guardiola one of the most ideal candidates. Turning again to profiles like Roberto Mancini, Massimiliano Allegri, or Antonio Conte would mean continuing a sporting project that has not delivered results and clearly requires renewal—potentially representing a step backward rather than forward.

Napoli's coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match.

Video: Lionel Messi brace leads Inter Miami’s victory vs Colorado Rapids in MLS clash

Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami CF face off in a competitive Major League Soccer matchday, both aiming to climb the standings. Just minutes into the game, Lionel Messi lead the victory with a key brace in the MLS clash.

Following the disappointing start of the 2026 MLS season, Javier Mascherano stepped down from Inter Miami, leaving head coach Guillermo Hoyos in charge of the team. Shortly after his departure, they now face Colorado Rapids, seeking a victory to end their negative run. While they have been dominated, Messi has already put them ahead, scoring a key penalty to open the scoring in the first minutes of the game.

After a foul on Yannick Bright, the Herons strongly appealed for a penalty, prompting the referee to consult VAR. Following the review, the foul was awarded inside the box, with Joshua Atencio shown a yellow card. Taking responsibility from the spot, Messi struck a well-placed shot to score the opening goal and give his side the early advantage, beating Colorado Rapids‘ Zack Steffen.

Never in doubt for Leo Messi.

The perfect start for @InterMiamiCF at Mile High!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/J7xz7x8aQd pic.twitter.com/oZkSw5Q1Xv

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026

Despite trailing, Colorado Rapids have shown an impressive attacking presence, emerging as the more proactive side in possession and consistently posing a forward threat. They have applied a high press and demonstrated a well-developed connection. As a result, Inter Miami continue to struggle against an opponent that appears capable of finding an equalizer and exposing the team’s ongoing issues.

After conceding two goals to the Colorado Rapids in the second half, the Herons managed to turn the game around, thanks once again to Lionel Messi. Following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul from midfield, the veteran received the ball on the right wing, dribbled past three defenders, and fired a powerful shot past Zack Steffen once again.

MESSI MAGIC AT MILE HIGH! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/cJaO56dDhI

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 18, 2026

Germán Berterame struggles to adapt with Messi at Inter Miami

At the start of 2026, Inter Miami CF pursued the signing of Germán Berterame, aiming for him to replace Luis Suárez in the short term. After paying €12.6M to CF Monterrey from Liga MX, the Mexican forward arrived in MLS with high expectations. While he managed to score an important header against Colorado Rapids, he has yet to fully adapt to playing alongside Lionel Messi, exposing a clear lack of understanding on the pitch.

Alongside Luis Suárez, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi has developed strong on-field chemistry, showing fluidity and consistently creating space for one another. However, Germán Berterame has managed just two goals and one assist in 10 matches for Inter Miami CF, lacking a clear connection with the Argentine. As a result, he has struggled to find space and contribute to the team’s collective play.

Far from there being any issue between them, Lionel Messi has shown himself to be highly supportive of Germán Berterame, meaning their on-field connection could improve over time. After investing a significant fee in the Mexican, head coach Guillermo Hoyos now faces the key task of developing that chemistry and establishing them as the new attacking partnership, as Luis Suárez under contract only until December 2026 and expected to move on.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring vs Colorado Rapids.

How to watch Club America vs Toluca in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2026 Liga MX Clausura Tournament

Club America host Toluca in a Matchday 15 showdown of the Liga MX Clausura 2026. Get all the essential information for this clash, with kickoff times and complete broadcast coverage across TV and streaming platforms in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Toluca on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO Club America vs Toluca
WHAT Liga MX
WHEN 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT • Saturday, April 18, 2026
WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream,CBS Sports Network, Univision, TUDN and ViX
STREAM WATCH NOW

Match Overview

With the regular season winding down in Liga MX, the stakes couldn’t be more different as Toluca and Club America square off in a matchup loaded with urgency. Toluca enter the contest sitting on 27 points, chasing Chivas by four and running out of runway, making every remaining fixture critical if they hope to close the gap at the top.

On the other sideline, America are coming off a derby stalemate against Cruz Azul that kept them inside the playoff picture—for now—but with their top-eight position far from secure, anything less than three points here could put their postseason hopes in real danger.

More details on how to watch

With Fubo, you can watch Club America vs Toluca and tons more Liga MX games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

More resources

World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Ramon Juarez of America

Manny Pacquiao reflects on reason behind the loss that sent him into retirement

has recalled the pre-fight routine which, in his view, contributed to him retiring from the sport. At the start of the decade, the Filipino was coming off a pair of points victories over Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner, successfully defending his WBA world title on both occasions. In doing so, he was widely regarded as […]

The post Manny Pacquiao reflects on reason behind the loss that sent him into retirement appeared first on Boxing News.

James Toney predicts Jaron Ennis vs Xander Zayas: “He’s about to get ruined”

James Toney has predicted a devastating outcome for one half of vs , questioning what the result would mean for his future in the sport. The pair will collide for Zayas’ WBO and WBA world super-welterweight titles on June 27, headlining a card at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn. Despite him being a unified champion, many […]

The post James Toney predicts Jaron Ennis vs Xander Zayas: “He’s about to get ruined” appeared first on Boxing News.

“Real Sosyedad” İspaniya Kubokunun qalibi oldu

San Sebastyanın “Real Sosyedad” komandası futbol üzrə İspaniya Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün qalibi olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda finalda Madrid “Atletiko”su ilə üz-üzə gəlib.

“Estadio de La Kartuxa”da qarşılaşmış komandaların həlledici görüşündə əsas vaxt 2:2 hesabıyla yekunlaşıb. Əlavə vaxtda hesab dəyişməz qaldığı üçün penaltilər seriyasına ehtiyac duyulub. 11 metrlik zərbələri daha dəqiq yerinə yetirmiş basklar kubokun qalibi olublar.

Qeyd edək ki, San Sebastyan təmsilçisi tarixində 3-cü dəfə İspaniya Kubokunun qalibi olur. Sözügedən komanda daha öncə 1986/1987 və 1999/2000-ci illər mövsümlərində də oxşar uğura imza atmışdı.

İspaniya Kubokunda ən çox (32) titul qazanmış komanda isə “Barselona”dır. Kataloniya təmsilçisini “Atletik” (24) və “Real” (20) izləyirlər.

İspaniya Kuboku
Final
18 aprel

Atletiko – Real Sosyedad 2:2 (penaltilər 3:4)
Qollar: Ademola Lukman, 18. Xulian Alvares, 83 – Ander Barreneçea, 1. Mikel Oyarsabal, 45+1-pen.

İspaniya Kubokunun qalibi bilindi

İspaniya Kubokunun qalibi məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici görüşdə “Real Sosyedad” və “Atletiko” komandaları üz-üzə gəlib. Əsas və əlavə vaxtı bərabərliklə başa çatan görüşün qalibi penaltilər seriyasından sonra müəyyənləşib.

Son zərbələrdə dəqiq olan “Real Sosyedad” kuboku qazanıb.

İspaniya Kuboku
Final

18 aprel

Atletiko – Real Sosyedad 2:2 (penaltilər 3:4)
Qollar: A.Lukman, 19, Y.Alvares, 83 – A.Barreneça, 1, M.Oyarsabal, 45 (pen.)

Gasperini: ‘Roma extraordinary experience for me, we’ll discuss at end of season’

Gian Piero Gasperini gave a very open-ended reply when asked about his Roma future. ‘This has been an extraordinary experience for me, we’ll discuss it at the end of the season.’

The Giallorossi went behind to Atalanta at the first opportunity on home turf, as Nikola Krstovic blasted in from the edge of the area, with Mario Hermoso’s volley drawing level on the stroke of half-time.

Although the hosts had the best chances to win it, forcing saves from Serie A Man of the Match Marco Carnesecchi and clipping the crossbar, they were unable to get more than a 1-1 draw.

Gasperini won’t commit future to Roma

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Carnesecchi made several great saves, Svilar too on one occasion, but we certainly tried to win it more than Atalanta,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“The first half was very entertaining, after the break a bit of fatigue set in, so there were a few more errors, but we always tried to get the full result to the final whistle.”

This had been a big chance to leapfrog Como into fifth place after Cesc Fabregas and his team lost to Sassuolo yesterday, but instead they only catch the Lariani on 58 points, and risk falling further behind Juventus in fourth.

Roma’s dismal record in the big matches continues, scraping only seven points in matches against the other teams in the top seven.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma shoots during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma shoots during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Sometimes like against Juventus and Napoli, we were in the lead, we did well against Milan, then at Como were down to 10 men, but the only one we lost in the second half of the season was against Inter, who are a step above. More often than not, we were closest to the victory.”

Matias Soulé and Gianluca Mancini were still visibly not at 100 per cent, while Devyne Rensch went off with a muscular problem.

“Until mid-December, we had a consistency in our line-up that allowed us to defend very well. When Malen arrived in January, we vastly improved our attack, but at the same time got weaker in defence. It was a remarkable defensive record at the start that we would’ve struggled to maintain for long,” insisted Gasperini.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

It has been a difficult few days for Roma, as Gasperini and director Claudio Ranieri engaged in a very public war of words, prompting many fans to take sides and assume they cannot work together next season.

There was also some tension at the final whistle with some jeers from the crowd. He was asked outright, will the club have to choose between the coach and Ranieri?

“I was dragged into this thing, people have talked about nothing else for a week. I never replied, I will continue to not reply, as I don’t think it is a very pleasant thing for all the people in the stadium,” replied Gasperini.

“There are five games to go, we are still challenging for some important targets, and if we are four points clear of an Atalanta side who were third last season, that shows we’ve done something right. We are close to Como and Juve, we saw today Napoli lost, so I am concentrated on this situation.

“We need to end the season well, because this has been an extraordinary experience for me, having arrived here with a lot of scepticism around me, and a little rivalry.

“There is a team that continues to follow me, I am grateful to them and always will be, just as I am to the fans for what they have given me so far. As for what happens after that, these are things we will discuss at the end of the season.”

Mikel Arteta’s three-word “final message” to Arsenal players ahead of Man City game

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a simple three-word message to his players ahead of Sunday’s huge game away to Manchester City.

When asked in his pre-match press conference if he had a “final message” for his players, Arteta stated simply that he wants them to “go for it” at the Etihad Stadium.

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“Go for it, let’s be ourselves and go for it,” Arteta said. “Put everything we have on that pitch.

“Huge belief, huge conviction, and go for it, because we are more than capable of doing it.”

MORE: Manchester City vs Arsenal match preview and team news

? What's your final message to your players?

Mikel Arteta: "Go for it!" ?? pic.twitter.com/xEHTi8Hkw0

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 18, 2026

He added: “This is exactly where we want to be. This brings a lot of positive things, and I don’t see anything that has to hold you, because this is where you want to be … playing against an opponent that requires the best of you.”

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Can Arsenal players find their belief in potential title-decider vs Man City?

As much as Arteta talks a good game, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal’s players really play like they believe in themselves on Sunday.

There have been times this season when the Gunners have had the opportunity to run away with the league, and they’ve failed to really capitalise.

This has allowed City back into the title race, and many Arsenal fans will feel it’s closer than it should have been.

This game will be a huge opportunity for Arteta’s side as they surely have to use this six-pointer as the moment to stamp their authority on this title race.

The post Mikel Arteta’s three-word “final message” to Arsenal players ahead of Man City game appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Cavaliers' Mitchell extends NBA-record streak of 30-point games to 9 in series openers

CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell has more support on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster going into this year's postseason run.

But even with the deeper roster, Mitchell still has the mentality of delivering the statement in the first game of a series.

The All-Star guard did that again Saturday afternoon with a game-high 32 points in the Cavaliers' 126-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

It is an NBA-record nine straight games in which Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in a series opener.

“It’s not something like I’m searching for,” said Mitchell of trying to put up at least 30 to start a series. “It’s just something that I’m playing my game. Just trying to set a tone of aggression by getting downhill, taking the open shots, taking what’s given to me and obviously making the defense have to react.”

Mitchell’s streak began with the Utah Jazz during the 2020 playoffs — held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, during the COVID-19 pandemic — when he scored 57 points against the Denver Nuggets. That remains a Jazz playoff record and the third-highest-scoring performance in NBA postseason history.

Mitchell is 5-4 during this run in series openers, including 3-3 with Cleveland since coming over in a trade from Utah in September 2022.

James Harden, who was acquired from the LA Clippers in a trade-deadline shocker, helped settle the Cavaliers during a close first half, but it was Mitchell and Max Strus who helped deliver the knockout blows to the Raptors in the second half.

Mitchell had 13 points in the first half to Harden's 15 as the Cavaliers were up 61-54 at halftime. Mitchell scored 11 and Strus added eight as Cleveland dominated the third quarter and were up by 21 going into the final 12 minutes.

“That’s his job. That’s what he gets paid the big bucks for being aggressive, taking shots and doing his thing. We understand that, so our job is to just go out there and fulfill the roles and do other things to impact the game,” Harden said. “I think for me, it's trying to get more assists and trying to get into the paint. We've got shooting, we've got bigs who are versatile and athletic. My job is to get them the ball.”

Harden finished with 22 points and 10 assists that led to 23 points. Six of the assists went to center Jarrett Allen and forward Evan Mobley.

Mitchell's 30th point came on a driving layup with 9:28 remaining to extend Cleveland's lead to 106-84. The nine-year veteran shot 7 of 13 from inside the paint, which is something that pleased coach Kenny Atkinson.

“I said that before the game, how we’ve changed our mindset where we’ve become more rim- and paint-oriented. Don, he can try to do those pirouette 3s, but I think he was locked in on getting to the rim and made some really good decisions," Atkinson said.

Mitchell is averaging 33.1 points in series openers, second-highest in NBA history for a player who has taken part in at least 10 postseason series. His playoff average of 28.4 points is tied with LeBron James for sixth-best among players with at least 50 games.

“I thought we handled the environment and the crowd pretty well. They had a lot of guys scoring at a high rate and they got a lot of easy shots, getting to the rim and dunks," said Toronto's Scottie Barnes, who scored 21 points.

___

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

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers face off for Game 1 of first round of playoffs

This article originally appeared on PGHHockeyNOW.com.

A pair of underdogs, supposed to be in the throes of rebuilding, surprised everyone and finished second and third in the Metro Division.

The Pittsburgh Penguins claimed second place and their first playoff appearance since 2022, while the Philadelphia Flyers surged to third place and their first playoff appearance since 2020.

The Penguins are 3-4 all-time in a postseason series against the Flyers, but the Penguins have advanced to at least the second round of the playoffs eight times in the 16 playoff runs they’ve had with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the lineup. In five of the 16 runs, the Penguins have gone to at least the Conference Final.

The Penguins have four players who will make their Stanley Cup Playoffs debut: Egor Chinakhov, Ben Kindel, Elmer Soderblom, and Ryan Shea.

The Penguins scored seven power-play goals on 18 opportunities (38.9%) during the regular season against the Flyers.

Click here to read more from PGHHockeyNOW.com.

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Oklahoma women's gymnastics team rallies to win 4th NCAA title in 5 years

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Oklahoma senior Faith Torrez drilled the final routine of her career, delivering a steely and near-perfect performance on floor exercise as the last competitor on the final rotation to help the Sooners win the NCAA women's gymnastics championships Saturday.

Torrez, who won the NCAA all-around title Thursday, scored a 9.950 to give the Sooners a team total of 198.1625, just ahead of LSU at 198.0750. Florida was third while Minnesota closed the best season in program history by finishing fourth.

“It means everything, I'm so proud of this team,” Torrez said. “To do it with them, I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else.”

Oklahoma's second straight title, fourth in five years, and eighth since 2014 did not come easy. LSU surged to the front through three rotations thanks in part to a perfect 10 on vault by Kailin Chio, the first perfect score awarded at the national championships since 2023.

The Tigers finished on the balance beam while the Sooners went to floor exercise. At NCAA competitions, six gymnasts compete on each event, with the lowest score being dropped and the top five scores added together to produce the team total.

LSU's slim 0.0750 lead left them little margin for error. A fall by Lexi Zeiss on the beam — one that came after Zeiss was forced to endure a prolonged wait as the judges worked on teammate Kylie Coen's score — opened the door just enough for the Sooners to push through.

The Tigers rebounded behind Konnor McClain — the 2022 US Gymnastics national champion — and Chio.

The meet came down to the final two competitors, Torrez on floor and Chio on beam.

Torrez — who battled injuries all season and didn't even compete in the all-around until nationals — put together a dynamic 90-second performance, forcing Chio to be perfect for the Tigers to win.

Chio, who had 13 perfect 10s during the season, was dazzling, but her score of 9.900 was not quite enough to derail Oklahoma's dynasty.

___

AP Sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

Mets' losing streak reaches 10 games after top starter Freddy Peralta falters vs. Cubs

The second-most expensive roster in MLB isn’t paying off so far this season.

With a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, the New York Mets’ losing streak reached 10 games and lowed their record to 7-14, tied for the worst mark in all of baseball. It is their first double-digit losing streak since 2004.

New York had some reason for hope entering the game, with top starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, acquired at significant expense via trade over the winter, taking the mound at Wrigley Field. They took a 1-0 lead in the second inning off a Mark Vientos solo homer and then, well, the usual stuff happened.

Cubs outfielder Ian Happ tied the game in the bottom of the frame with a homer off Peralta, then Cubs catcher Carson Kelly continued a hot start to the season with a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the sixth off Brooks Raley, who had inherited two baserunners from Peralta.

ONE PITCH. ONE SWING. CARSON KELLY. pic.twitter.com/UhpewazRPH

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 18, 2026

Peralta’s final line: 5 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. Which isn’t horrific, but also not enough to overcome a day in which the Mets offense went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

The current state of the Mets offense is offensive underperformance across the board outside of catcher Francisco Alvarez. Francisco Lindor is slashing .214/.305/.321. High-priced addition Bo Bichette is slashing .227/.266/.295. Trade acquisition Marcus Semien is slashing .216/.280/.297. And Juan Soto has been out since April 4 with a calf strain.

Bichette said he didn’t have many answers while speaking with reporters after the game, via SNY:

"I don’t really wrap my mind around it. It’s tough right now," Bo Bichette said of the team's losing streak after the game. "If we knew the answer, we’d do it. But we’ll keep working to try and figure it out."

Overall, the Mets are tied for dead last in runs scored through Saturday, with the worst on-base percentage in baseball. By comparison, their pitching has been merely mediocre, but nothing has been what you would want from a team with an estimated $370 million payroll this season.

Since July 28 of last year, New York is 28-49, which works out to a full-season pace of 59-103. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, whose seat is getting plenty hot right now, said he understood their fans’ emotions these days:

"I understand how they're feeling. I'd be pissed too if I'm a fan. I'm pissed. They're pissed."

The good news for the Mets is that as much as their talent has so far underperformed, it’s still talent. They are just in the unenviable position of needing a complete reset after a month of play. They are also staring down the barrel of the club’s worst losing streak since 1980, when they lost 13 in a row. Their record for consecutive losses remains 17 in 1962, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

New York has one game remaining against the Cubs on Sunday, with David Peterson and Javier Assad expected to pitch, before returning home for a series against the Minnesota Twins next week.

Casemiro: Michael Carrick makes bold claim about Man United star

Casemiro: Michael Carrick makes bold claim about Man United star
Casemiro: Michael Carrick makes bold claim about Man United star

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick paid tribute to Casemiro ahead of the 1-0 win over Chelsea. The Brazilian is in the final months of his contract and will leave Old Trafford at the end of this season as a free agent.

Casemiro became a household name during his time at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League trophies along with a host of other silverware. Alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, the Brazilian formed one of the greatest midfield trios in the modern game.

The Red Devils managed a coup by convincing the player to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2022 and move to the Theatre of Dreams. Casemiro helped United win the EFL Cup in his debut campaign, before things went south in his second campaign.

The veteran midfielder, though, fought his way back and has been in spectacular form this season. Not only has the Brazilian managed to snuff out danger, but he has also been prolific in the final third and is enjoying the best goalscoring form of his career.

Casemiro’s 2025/26 Season

Throughout his career, Casemiro made a name for himself as a destroyer, but he did contribute in front of goal as well. His previous best return in a season was seven goals, a tally he achieved twice with Real Madrid and also managed to touch in 51 games in his debut campaign with United.

This season, however, the 34 year old has already found the back of the net eight times from 32 games in all competitions, all but two of which have been starts.

Casemiro Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

His superb form, especially under Carrick, initially sparked talk of a possible extension at Old Trafford. However, the player was quick to curb those rumours, and recent reports suggest that he could team up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami this summer.

Nevertheless, Casemiro’s impressive goalscoring numbers have now earned him special praise from United’s caretaker manager.

Carrick hails Casemiro’s sixth sense

Speaking to MUTV, Carrick said that Casemiro has a sixth sense that has worked to United’s benefit this season. He said: “He’s certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box. He’s got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can’t necessarily coach or you can’t necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.”

“You’ve got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure. I think he’s certainly done that this season.”

Casemiro also scored United’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United earlier this weekend. While the Brazilian’s goalscoring form has made headlines of late, Carrick pointed out that the player has been scoring important goals for United since arriving at Old Trafford. He said: “He’s always scored important goals.”

“He’s always found himself there at certain times. He’s scored good goals for us, important goals, [just] this season alone. Unfortunately, that one [against Leeds] just wasn’t quite enough for us to get back in the game.”

Final Thoughts

While United’s decision not to extend Casemiro’s stay is understandable, fans will be sad to see the player leave this summer. The Brazilian will also be eager to leave a lasting impression, and few would bet against him adding to his tally in the final five games of the season.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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

Saints’ 3-game winning streak comes to an end

Four home runs — including one from a rehabbing Royce Lewis — were not enough to save St. Paul from losing to Lehigh Valley on a blustery Saturday afternoon at CHS Field. The Saints’ three-game winning streak came to a close in a 10-6 loss to the IronPigs.

After the visitors took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, Lewis leveled the score with a two-run blast that also plated Walter Jenkins.

The Saints took their only lead of the game at 3-2 on a solo homer by Tanner Schobel in the fourth, however the IronPigs retaliated promptly by hanging a 4-spot on the board in the top of the fifth.

Three more solo home runs over their final five turns at the plate — coming off the bats of Emmanuel Rodriguez, Orlando Arcia and Aaron Sabato — were not enough to overcome Lehigh Valley, which scored a run in the eighth before putting the game out of reach with three more in the ninth to claim the four-run victory.

Raul Brito, who came on in relief of starter Andrew Bash, took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings.

The Saints and IronPigs close out their series at 2:07 p.m. Sunday, with John Klein (1-0, 7.94 ERA, 13 K) getting the start for St. Paul.

Related Articles

Michigan spring game: Young players get their turn in spotlight

Ann Arbor — The starters were never going to be impactful in the Michigan spring game because they either weren’t going to play or they’d be limited, so this was a time for younger players to shine. And with that in mind, these are the names to keep in mind heading into the fall: freshmen Savion Hiter, Salesi Moa and Tommy Carr.

Starting quarterback Bryce Underwood only played the first quarter, the “thud” period, on Saturday at Michigan Stadium and he was 3-of-9 for 22 yards in an uneven showing.

Blue team freshman RB Savion Hiter runs the ball during the Maize vs. Blue Spring Game.

 “He progressed all through spring,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said of Underwood. “There are some things that may not be noticeable to the general (public), but his footwork, his pocket presence, he’s improved in all areas. He still has work to do. He knows that. We know that.”

But the spring game was never meant to be the table setter for the upcoming season under Whittingham in the sense that what you saw Saturday would be the exact product on the field this fall. Of course not, because teams don't want opponents to see many of their cards. Whittingham and his mostly new staff spent spring practice installing a new offense and defense, and he had said the game would really be about the second- and third-string players getting extended reps.

With 17 seconds left, running back Tomas O’Meara scored to lift the Maize team to a 7-6 victory over the Blue. Whittingham said on the Big Ten Network coverage that the winning team would get a Texas de Brazil dinner, and the losing team received nothing.

“The main thing is you get a look at everybody and as game-like a situation as we can manufacture, especially the twos and threes that haven't had much game experience, if at all,” Whittingham said after the game. “Offensive production today wasn't real good, obviously. Only found the end zone one time, but there was a lot of positives. I thought we did a good job taking care of the football. There were no turnovers, but again, when you're playing yourselves, your defense didn't create any takeaways, so it's give and take.”

Whittingham, who spent the last 21 seasons as Utah head coach, was hired by Michigan last December. He is still getting to know the team and the program.

“We felt like we got accomplished this spring exactly what we needed to,” Whittingham said. “Football team got better fundamentally, technique-wise. Got complete schemes installed on both sides of the ball. We had a lot of work to do this spring. I think we made a lot of progress.”

Carr, the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and All-American defensive back Tom Curtis, completed 21-of-30 passes for 143 yards and he rushed for 51 on six carries. While Jordan Marshall is the lead returning back, Hiter is expected to see significant playing time this fall. Hiter finished with 44 yards on 10 carries. Moa had four catches for 26 yards, including a spectacular one-handed catch.

“Bryce is our starter right now, and that’s not any different after today, but Tommy has really made strides,” Whittingham said of the early enrollee freshman. “He has a great pocket presence and escapeability and can extend plays, keeps his eyes downfield. All the things you look for in a big-time quarterback I believe Tommy possesses. It’s still early in his career, but what he’s doing out there relative to his experience level is really impressive.”

Whittingham said Carr has the “It” factor at quarterback.

“That confidence, that field-general mentality, the way he carries himself,” Whittingham said. “He’s a football junkie. I’m in the facility at 10 at night and I walk by the quarterback room, and there’s Tommy Carr watching film all by himself. That’s what you want to see in your quarterback.”

Carr said he wants to add weight in the offseason and continue to improve his game. He originally was committed to Miami (Ohio) but had a strong senior season at Saline High and Michigan came calling. His older brother, C.J. is the starting quarterback at Notre Dame.

“All through high school I was pretty underrecruited,” Carr said. “I didn’t really understand why, but I can’t control that. I definitely have a chip on my shoulder just trying to prove everyone wrong.”

For Hiter, the adjustment to college football has gone like this — first, dealing with the weather, then focusing on pass protection and getting up to speed on the pace of the college game. Still, he looked more like a veteran out there and is physical and tough to bring down.

“Very physical,” Hiter said, when asked to describe how he plays. “I feel like nobody can tackle me on the field.”

Marshall, Michigan’s leading rusher last season, was one of four spring football captains this season, and will have a major role in the offense this fall. Hiter, a five-star recruit, will, too.

“I thought Savion Hiter really showed that he's an explosive back,” Whittingham said. “He'll get loose out in the open, but he's a powerful back that's going to be a big factor for us this fall.”

While the big names on the team didn’t get much run in the spring game, they’re pretty much a given heading into the fall. The spring game was about giving the younger players a chance, and they made themselves names to remember.

“If you say who's been the most pleasant surprise, it's probably going to be (Carr) and Savion,” Whittingham said. “Although I wouldn't say they're surprises, but guys that are really looking like they have some bright futures.”

angelique.chengelis@detroitnews.com

@chengelis

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan spring game: Young players get their turn in spotlight

Cymru Premier: Flint stay up, Bala relegated

Flint celebrate staying in the Cymru Premier
[FAW]

Flint Town United survived the Cymru Premier relegation battle as Bala Town's 17-year stint in the top flight ended in a dramatic finale to the campaign.

The Lakesiders were in 11th spot and two points adrift ahead of their final game against Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Their hopes of survival looked promising when Jacob Tarasenko gave them the lead while Flint had been reduced to nine men at Cardiff Met.

But Briton Ferry struck back with two late goals to win 2-1 and condemn Bala to join Llanelli in the relegation zone.

That result meant Flint's 2-2 draw was irrelevant as they Flint shook off their Welsh Cup Final disappointment to remain in the top flight.

Briton Ferry's win was also not enough to claim seventh place - the final play-off spot - as Haverfordwest thrashed bottom side Llanelli 6-0 which included a hat-trick by Dan Hawkins.

It was a miserable end for Llanelli who have confirmed Terry Boyle as their permanent manager.

Cymru Premier round-up

Saturday, 18 April

Championship Conference

Barry Town United 0-1 The New Saints: Barry Town finished third despite defeat by champions TNS to secure a home play-off semi-final against seventh-place Haverfordwest. Saints ended the season 22 points clear of second place Nomads having already wrapped up their 18th title with Ryan Brobbel scoring their first-half winner in south Wales.

Caernarfon Town 2-0 Penybont: Caernarfon went into the game having secured Europa Conference League qualification last weekend following their JD Welsh Cup final win. Penybont were looking to repeat their phase one result when they won 2-1 away to Caernarfon. But the hosts took the spoils with Adriian Cieslewicz and Rio Owen finding the target in the opening quarter.

Connah's Quay Nomads 1-1 Colwyn Bay: Nomads had already secured their European place next season with a second place finish, but but both teams had to settle for a draw with Callum West hitting the opener for the hosts from the penalty spot and Jamie Cumming doing likewise in response. Bay ended the season fifth.

WrestleMania 42 results: IShowSpeed smashes Logan Paul through a table after LA Knight, Usos get the win

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: IShowSpeed looks on during Monday Night RAW at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)
IShowSpeed had his WrestleMania moment.
WWE via Getty Images

IShowSpeed shined bright to start WrestleMania 42, Night 1 in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, despite losing his debut match with The Vision — Logan Paul and Austin Theory — to The Usos and LA Knight. In what was mostly a quick tone-setter for the weekend, Speed was the expected focus of the match.

The Usos superkicked The Vision out of the ring as soon as the match started, leaving Speed and Knight to start the action. This was an immediate showcase of the celebrity inclusion, and Speed displayed his natural athleticism with a backflip off the top rope before eating a clothesline. Speed followed it up with a scoop slam on Knight, which the "Megastar" no-sold. Paul and Theory quickly got back into the action and overwhelmed the opponents to get Speed back involved — only to take a suplex from Jimmy Uso and tag back out.

Jey Uso eventually found his moments to shine, hitting a big Spear on Theory before Paul broke up the pin. Speed got back into the mix afterward, as the match began feeling more and more focused on him. Knight sought a BFT on the rookie, but Speed fought it off to knock Paul off the apron. That exchange got Theory heated with Speed, which distracted him enough for Knight to crash them into each other and plant Theory with a BFT for the win. Easy does it for the face squad.

Paul snapped on Speed after the match, punching him for "costing me my 'Mania". Speed was tossed out of the ring, and Paul wanted to make a moment, cleaning off the announce table for a Paul From Grace. Instead, the winning team returned to the ring to take out Paul with a 1D and help out Speed.

To start off the weekend, Paul was hit with a role reversal, as Knight positioned him for a dive from Speed. He went to the top ring post and destroyed Speed with a huge Frog Splash.

Check out the highlights below.

.@RealLAKnight and @WWEUsos pick up the WIN at #WrestleMania! 😤#WrestleMania is streaming LIVE on the @espn App with the first hour streaming LIVE on ESPN2!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/bzPPhC4byt

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

IShowSpeed went FLYING off the turnbuckle through the table on Logan Paul!

INSANE! #WrestleManiapic.twitter.com/yK3Ff0kddQ

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 18, 2026

📋 Cruzeiro and Grêmio named for Brasileirão clash

📋 Cruzeiro and Grêmio named for Brasileirão clash

It’s a Brasileirão night at Mineirão. 

Cruzeiro and Grêmio face off starting at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Saturday (18). 

The match is valid for the 12th round of the competition. 

Raphael Claus (FIFA-SP) will referee the match. 

Premiere, Record and CazéTV will broadcast it. 



Cruzeiro 🦊

Raposa starts the round in 17th place with ten points.

They were coming off a win over Red Bull Bragantino in the league, but the defeat to Católica put pressure back on the squad. 

Arthur Jorge starts Fagner, Jonathan Jesus and Arroyo among the 11 again.

The big return is Kaio Jorge, who has recovered from pain in the pubic area.

Matheus Cunha keeps his place. 

William is not even on the bench. 

The medical department has Cássio and Marquinhos. 


Grêmio 🇪🇪

Tricolor responded in the Copa Sudamericana, but is looking to bounce back in the Brasileirão.

It has been four games without a win. They started the round in 12th place with 13 points.

Viery is suspended and Wagner Leonardo returns to the starting lineup.

Kannemann, who would have been an option, is injured. 

Tetê has lost his starting spot. 

Willian, Villasanti, João Pedro and Marlon are recovering. 


Photo: Reprodução/Cruzeiro 

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

Stankoven, Hall, Andersen help Carolina Hurricanes top the Ottawa Senators 2-0 to open NHL playoffs

Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall scored and Frederik Andersen came through with a big third-period performance in net to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2-0 on Saturday to open their first-round playoff series.

Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour had gone with Andersen's veteran experience as the starter over Brandon Bussi for this one, and it paid off for the Eastern Conference's top seed.

Andersen finished with 22 saves, including back-to-back stops on a third-period power play that had Ottawa buzzing with quality chances. One of those was initially ruled a goal, only for a replay review to overturn the call in showing Andersen had gloved a loose puck as it bounced off his skate near the post.

By the end of the game, Andersen was holding up against Ottawa spending most of the last 2 1/2 minutes with a 6-on-4 advantage after pulling Linus Ullmark from the net with the Senators on the power play.

It was a physical game with hard hits and chippiness throughout, starting with captains Brady Tkachuk of Ottawa and Jordan Staal of Carolina locking up in an immediate fight on the opening faceoff and heading to the box just 3 seconds into the game.

Game 2 is Monday night in Raleigh.

The Hurricanes are in the playoffs for the eighth straight year, reaching the Eastern Conference Final in two of the past three years and thrice overall in this current run that began in 2019.

The Senators are in the playoffs for the second straight year after a seven-year postseason drought since a seven-game loss in the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.

Ullmark finished with 27 saves for Ottawa, which had surged since late January to secure the second wild-card spot in the East.

Lakers Could Get Luka Doncic Back During Rockets Series: Report

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will be watching the team’s series against the Houston Rockets from the sidelines to start off with.

However, Lakers insider Jovan Buha has revealed that he may return before the end of the Rockets series.

“So the Lakers are preparing to not have either one of them in their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Right now, Austin Reaves had a four-to-six-week timetable,” Buha said on CNN.

“This was as of April 2nd, so we’re a couple weeks into that. So if he returns, it would be the end of the first round, if not potentially into the second round, if the Lakers are able to advance.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) hops to the side of the court during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) hops to the side of the court during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Doncic’s hamstring injury, which he picked up during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ruled him out for the rest of the regular season, and, timeline-wise, he would miss the start of the Rockets series.

While getting him back sooner would be ideal for the team and Doncic, Buha warned that the Lakers will be careful with their franchise player, especially since hamstrings are complicated.

“With Luka, they’ve not given an official timetable. They just said he was out for the regular season, then he went overseas to Spain to get some treatment that maybe isn’t given in the US,” Buha explained.

“Not legal here in the United States. We’ll say. And then, so he just came back to LA today, rejoined the team, and will be there tomorrow for game one. So with him, typically, a grade two hamstring is about three to six weeks. So there’s a chance, maybe he comes back in the middle of the series, but also with hamstring strains, you’ve got to be careful.”

The Lakers are also missing Austin Reaves due to an oblique injury, meaning LeBron James is left as the sole star on the team. If possible, they will need Doncic, Reaves, or both as soon as possible.

The post Lakers Could Get Luka Doncic Back During Rockets Series: Report appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Tyler Reddick keeps his momentum going with the pole for the NASCAR Cup race at Kansas Speedway

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Tyler Reddick will start from a NASCAR Cup Series pole on Sunday for the fourth time this season, and try to reach victory lane for the fifth time, after the 23XI Racing driver turned the fastest lap in qualifying at Kansas Speedway.

Reddick's lap of 185.300 mph on a cold, blustery Saturday edged his team owner Denny Hamlin, who will start alongside him in an all-Toyota front row. It's the second pole at Kansas for Reddick as he tries to become only the fourth driver in NASCAR history to win five of the first nine races in a season, and the first since Dale Earnhardt in 1987.

“We came here a year ago and really struggled all weekend long. That was a tough pill to swallow, for sure. We had felt like this had kind of been our playground for a number of years," Reddick said. “We came back here last fall, it was a huge emphasis for us. We just wanted to come back here with something better, and we didn't lead a lot of laps with the car we had, but it was much more the direction we needed to be. We kind of used that as our starting point coming back here.”

Turned out to be quite the starting point. It’s the fifth pole in the last six Kansas races for Toyota, and the second there for Reddick, whose 5.5 average finish through eight races is the best in a season since 2021, when Hamlin had seven top-5s — but no victories.

As for Hamlin, he has long considered Kansas Speedway one of his best tracks. He has four wins at the mile-and-a-half oval, one more than Kyle Larson and Joey Logano, and his runner-up finish last fall was his fourth second-place run.

“We were all kind of wide open there, the last few guys,” Hamlin said of his qualifying effort. “The track got good for us.”

Ty Gibbs will start third after picking up his first career win last week at Bristol. Larson will be alongside him in Row 2, while Chase Briscoe and Carson Hocevar — who set the early quick time — will make up the third row.

All of them will be chasing Reddick, though, just like they have so often this season.

“It's one week at a time. I think that really helps. If you get too far ahead of yourself (you) let one bad moment snowball into a series of bad moments,” Reddick said. “The start we've had is great. I feel like we're in a really great spot to — hopefully with performances like today translating to tomorrow — continue growing the points lead.”

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

San Diego has winning streak snapped, still in good position

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: Matt Waldron #61 of the San Diego Padres delivers a pitch to the plate during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 17, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres saw their win streak finally come to an end against Los Angeles Angels’ ace José Soriano last night. It was an unfortunate end to the winning streak, but not entirely unexpected.

With the best pitcher in baseball so far this season on the mound for Los Angeles versus knuckleballer Matt Waldron, it wasn’t much of a pitching duel from the get-go. That became increasingly clear as the Friars were shutout for the first time this season.

It’s easy to be worried, but it’s not an indictment of the San Diego offense. It’s merely a showcase of the absolute ace that Soriano is becoming for the Halos. The real verdict will come if San Diego can’t put up enough runs tonight.

Taking the mound

Yusei Kikuchi (LAA) v. Germán Márquez (SD)

The reason for that verdict is due to Kikuchi being a downright awful pitcher. If he was on just about any other team, he’d be sent to the minors. But he’s on the Angels, and they need the pitching.

What Kikuchi lacks in stuff he makes up for in mostly – serviceable innings. He pitched a career-high 33 starts with Los Angeles last year and was their “ace” (though that’s not a word I would use to describe him).

If the Friars can’t get to Kikuchi, it’s a bad omen of a serious departure from the recent slugfest that has been San Diego. Their only problem will be scoring enough to make up for Márquez.

Here’s the thing, Márquez hasn’t been as bad as some worried. But he also hasn’t been good enough to justify a spot in the rotation if not for injuries on the Padres’ roster.

Márquez seemed to turn around his early slump with a scoreless five innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. But he shortly followed that up with a rough five innings against the Colorado Rockies in which he gave up four runs. He earned his first win with San Diego in that outing because their offense outpaced Colorado’s, but it’s still disheartening.

That being said, if Márquez can turn it around against anybody, it’s the Angels. Despite the fact that they’re top 10 in MLB in on-base (.338) and slugging percentage (.414), they’re 20th in batting average (.231). And the only reason that they’re high in OBP is because they’ve been issued an MLB-leading 98 walks.

Márquez has limited his free passes well this year, giving up only five across four starts. So long as he can limit hard contact, he should have a decent outing.

Batter up!

Leadoff man Ramón Laureano was out of the lineup yesterday as part of manager Craig Stammen’s constant rest philosophy. It’s boded well so far for San Diego, and Laureano’s presence in the lineup likely wouldn’t have changed much in the Friars’ 8-0 loss.

That being said, Laureano will be back in the top spot tonight. Not only is he the obvious option, he has a career batting average of .308 against Kikuchi (26 at-bats). In fact, the Padres have a combined .337 average against the left-hander.

That means the lineup will likely be business as usual. Except for a few things: Jackson Merrill has played a lot lately, and Miguel Andujar has been raking (and does so especially against lefties). The latter will probably slot into the lineup, while the former sits the bench for a rest day:

  1. Ramón Laureano, LF
  2. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  5. Gavin Sheets, 1B
  6. Miguel Andujar, DH
  7. Bryce Johnson, CF
  8. Luis Campusano, C
  9. Jake Cronenwroth, 2B

Cronenworth took the leadoff spot in last night’s game and has continued to disappoint. He lowered his batting average to an unfortunate .138 mark.

Campusano will likely continue his stretch as the lone backstop with Freddy Fermin still being dealt with cautiously after his concussion scare.

Relief corps

With Waldron only managing to pitch 3 2/3 innings, the ‘pen was relied on heavily. David Morgan gave up his first runs of the year on a two-run shot. Wandy Peralta, Bradgley Rodriguez and Kyle Hart pitched a clean 3 2/3 to finish out the game.

After some trouble lately, Rodriguez looked especially sharp, striking out all three batters faced. He lowered his ERA to 0.84 to start the year and has been on a tear lately. If not for a guy named Mason Miller, he might be viewed as the best reliever in this group.

Speaking of, the dominant closer will hopefully emerge from the bullpen for the bottom of the ninth tomorrow. He’ll be available after getting plenty of rest yesterday. Also available out of the ‘pen are Jason Adam, Ron Marinaccio and Adrian Morejon.

All four represent high-leverage options for Stammen to pick from, though he’ll likely tab Marinaccio if the Padres have a sizable lead when Márquez exits.

Oklahoma edges out LSU to earn 8th NCAA gymnastics title

Once again, Oklahoma has won the 2026 NCAA women’s gymnastics championship, lifting the trophy for the fourth time in the past five years. The Sooners finished Saturday’s final with a score of 198.1625, surpassing runner-up LSU by 0.0875 after a tense final rotation.

Saturday’s competition, which featured finalists No. 1 Oklahoma, No.2 LSU, No. 3 Florida and No. 13 Minnesota, came down to the wire. After the Sooners led through the first two rotations, the Tigers took the lead after the third following some struggles from Oklahoma on beam.

LSU’s chances to hold their narrow one-tenth lead quickly narrowed after a fall from sophomore Lexi Zeiss, who finished with 9.2375 on beam despite the mistake. That raised the pressure for the rest of the Tigers: With six gymnasts per school competing in each rotation, the top five scores are counted — meaning that the rest of the LSU gymnasts had to put up strong routines in order to keep the team’s championship hopes alive.

But on the other side of the meet, Oklahoma put up one stellar performance after another on floor, ending with senior Faith Torrez — who won the All-Around competition on Thursday — in the anchor spot.

GOATED 🐐

Faith Torrez anchors for a 9.9500 on the floor!#NCAAGYM x 🎥 ABC / @OU_WGymnasticspic.twitter.com/lnuNqML6rW

— NCAA Women’s Gymnastics (@NCAA_Gymnastics) April 18, 2026

LSU chances all came down to star Kailin Chio, who anchored the Tigers on beam. Chio had already picked up a perfect 10 earlier in the day on vault — her 13th 10 of the season.

KAILIN. CH1O.

THE VAULT QUEEN GETS ANOTHER 10.0 🙌 pic.twitter.com/k1Y6Xa8c4h

— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2026

With Torrez earning a meet-high 9.9500 on floor, Chio needed a near-perfect score to give LSU the lead. Instead, she earned a 9.9000 — respectable, but not enough to dethrone the Sooners, who become back-to-back champions.

THE SOONERS GO BACK-TO-BACK 🔥

Oklahoma Gymnastics is the national champ AGAIN 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9zvPUYI16K

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2026

The win continues Oklahoma’s reign over women’s gymnastics, marking their eighth title in school history, with all eight championships coming since 2014. Sooner head coach K.J. Kindler, who took over the program in 2006 and built it into a dynasty, has taken the team to the finals 14 times in her tenure.

WrestleMania Night 1 live grades, results for every match

The biggest WWE event of the year is underway in Las Vegas, and as host John Cena alluded to in his intro on Saturday night, it's now time for WWE's biggest stars to shift the attention from the "polarizing buildup" to eyeball-popping performances in Allegiant Stadium.

We'll be updating you with results, recap, and grades for every match.

Match 1: IShowSpeed, Austin Theory and Logan Paul vs. Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and LA Knight

Following an entrance by WrestleMania host John Cena, the first match of the night is the six-man tag. An interesting choice by WWE, after WrestleMania 41 kicked off each night with a championship bout.

For IShowSpeed's effective ring debut, the influencer-turned wrestler did an adequate job, showing off his acrobatic ability with a few entertaining spots. He's no Bad Bunny - or even Logan Paul - but in the annals of celebrity wrestling, it was better than expected.

.@RealLAKnight and @WWEUsos pick up the WIN at #WrestleMania! 😤#WrestleMania is streaming LIVE on the @espn App with the first hour streaming LIVE on ESPN2!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/bzPPhC4byt

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

After LA Knight scored the victory, Paul attacked Speed in the ring, accusing him of ruining his WrestleMania. Paul set up Speed on the announce table outside the ring, but before he could launch from the turnbuckle, the Usos and Knight returned to the ring and hit him with a 1D. Paul was set up on the announce table, and Speed hit a massive "IShowSplash" from the ring post, putting Paul through the table.

ISHOWSPLASH!!!! 🔝@ishowspeedsuipic.twitter.com/Wjh04T1PGJ

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

A quick match that won't go down as a WrestleMania classic, but the after-the-bell chaos made for a high-energy WrestleMania opener.

Winners: LA Knight and the Usos

Grade: 3/5 stars.

Matches left on the Night 1 WrestleMania card:

  • Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre in an unsanctioned match.
  • Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship
  • AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
  • Nia Jax and Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs. The Bella Twins in a fatal four-way for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
  • Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton (with Pat McAfee) for the Undisputed WWE Championship

How to watch WrestleMania Night 1:

The first hour of WrestleMania 42 – the first two matches – will air on ESPN2 and ESPN's streaming service.

Afterward, WrestleMania 42 will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.

ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:

This article originally appeared on For The Win: WrestleMania match grades: Reviewing Night 1

Nuggets take Game 1 over Wolves behind Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic’s performances

Alex Wilcox: Nuggets take Game 1, 116-105 over Minnesota. Jamal Murray leads the way with 30 pts, including 16-16 from the line Nikola Jokic notches another triple double - 25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nuggets take Game 1 over Wolves behind Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic’s performances

WWE WrestleMania 42 Results For Matches On ESPN 2

drew mcintyre jacob fatu

Jacob Fatu vs. Jacob Fatu Aired on ESPN 2

WWE

WWE WrestleMania 42 On ESPN 2 (April 18, 2026) Key Points

  • WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 aired two matches for free on ESPN 2.
  • LA Knight pinned Austin Theory in the opening match. After Logan Paul turned on IShowSpeed, the babyfaces came to his aid as he hit a frog splash on Paul through the table.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Results On ESPN 2 (April 18, 2026)

  • The Usos and LA Knight def. The Vision and IShowSpeed
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre | Unsanctioned Match

WWE WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales On April 18, 2026

  • WWE WrestleMania 42 Venue: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nev.)
  • WWE WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales: 50,386

WWE WrestleMania 42 On ESPN | Results, Winners And Highlights

John Cena Kicks Off WrestleMania 42

  • Fans went wild for John Cena, who wore a suit and casually walked to the ring as opposed to a sprint. Cena introduced himself as a longtime wrestler and a first-time host.
  • Cena said the road to WrestleMania has been “chaotic” and “polarizing.” He said this is the moment he loves the most because “the time to talk is up. The time to deliver is now.”
  • Cena formally welcomed Las Vegas to WrestleMania as the Usos made their entrance through the crowd.

The Usos And LA Knight Vs. The Vision And IShowSpeed

  • IShowSpeed wore a red, latex Superman cape to the ring and donned full gear with long tights an kickpads. The match started with the Usos superkicking Logan Paul and Austin Theory, leaving IShow Speed to contend for himself. Speed locked in a headlock on LA Knight, who picked him up with no hands Speed hit a moonsault and landed on his feet, much to the chagrin of out-of-touch reporter Dave Meltzer.
  • Speed hit an impressive body slam on LA Knight before tagging LA Knight. The babyfaces worked over Paul, including 10-count Yeet punches. It was all Usos and Knight to begin ESPN’s first WrestleMania match.
  • Theory tagged in and too control as he grounded-and-pounded Jimmy Uso. Speed tagged in. He tried a suplex on Jimmy before it was quickly reversed. Logan Paul tagged in and retook control for the heels, but Jimmy came back with a Whisper in the Wind to a standing Logan Paul.
  • Jey made the hot tag and rand wild. He hit a Spear on Austin for the nearfall. Suddenly, Speed found himself alone with Jimmy Uso, but Speed hit an impressive tilt-a-whirl on Jimmy to a big pop for the pseudo-heel. Speed accidentally bumped into Theory, who ran into a BFT as LA Knight scored the winning pinfall.
  • The Usos and LA Knight celebrated as Logan Paul berated IShowSpeed. Paul knocked out Speed as fans booed vociferously and chanted “Logan sucks!” Paul dumped speed out of the ring and cleared the Spanish announce table. Paul attempted a flying elbow, but the babyfaces made the save.
  • The Usos hit an off-target 1D on Paul as Knight saved Speed. The Usos put Paul on the table and gassed up Speed to hit an elbow drop of his own through the table. Fans were with it, chanting “Speed!” Speed did Ronaldo’s “sui!" celebration and hit a frog splash as fans chanted “holy s—t!”

Match Grade: B-

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Ratings: Atlético stunned in Copa final shootout loss to Real Sociedad

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Players of Atletico de Madrid watch on during the penalty shoot out in the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the first time in 13 years, Atletico de Madrid lined up in a Copa del Rey final. In front of 72,000 fans in Sevilla, the Rojiblancos battled against a potent Real Sociedad, but fell short and lost in a penalty shootout.

The match started with the fastest Copa del Rey final goal ever, as Ander Barrenetxea bounced a header past Juan Musso after just 14 seconds. Ademola Lookman was able to pull the game back to level in the 19th minute, but Real Sociedad regained the advantage with a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty in first-half stoppage time. Late in the second half, a miracle strike from Julián Alvarez sent the game into extra time, and then into penalties. Misses from Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth were the final nail in the coffin, and Atleti’s domestic trophy drought has extended to five years.

Our starting XI 💪⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cP7cdRguOm

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 18, 2026

After a soul-crushing final, let’s take a look at the ratings:

Starting XI:

Musso

The goalkeeper couldn’t have asked for a worse start to the final as his outstretched dive was unable to prevent Barrenetxea’s bouncing header from going in. Things went from bad to worse after Musso collided into the Portuguese talisman Gonçalo Guedes and gave away a penalty. From the spot, Oyarzabal scored easily. In the shootout, Musso made a save against Orri Óskarsson, but it wasn’t enough to come away with the trophy. A tough game for a keeper who has been so strong this season. 3

Ruggeri

A poor outing for the Italian, who had done so well earlier in the week against Lamine Yamal and FC Barcelona. Ruggeri lost his aerial battle against Barrenetxea which led to Real’s opening goal and he lost the ball far too easily on multiple occasions as the match went on, gifting attacks for the opposing side. 3

Le Normand

Put in more than one careless foul, including a yellow for an attempt to stop a Barrenetxea drive through the middle. But he did do well to help sweep up potential chances for Real Sociedad with his clearances and willingness to put pressure on the ball. 4.5

Pubill

The 22-year-old consistently thwarted the opposition’s attacks through the center and floated wide to help Nahuel Molina whenever Guedes got the best of him. His four interceptions and five clearances were certainly needed. 5.5

Molina

Had trouble against the in-form Guedes, who hugged the end line and utilized his dribbling to get the better of the Argentinian fullback. Offensively, Molina did his best to supply crosses into the area, but he struggled to connect down the sideline with Antoine Griezmann and Giuliano Simeone. 4.5

Lookman

Lookman often provided the only spark in an otherwise-quiet Atlético attack. His goal from Griezmann’s pass in the 19th minute, an arrowed left-footed strike into the bottom corner, brought the game level. The Nigerian’s efforts were admirable and he continues to show just how important he is to the team. 7

Koke

Even with some passes that were out of tune, Koke played the role of the orchestrator in a grueling 120 minutes that will particularly irk him given the final result. He did well to receive the ball in open play and keep possession with quick passes to teammates. As the only player to have been in the team in its last Copa del Rey final in 2013, his experience was evident whenever the camera panned to the veteran midfielder. He always looked to be urging for others to stay calm, hoping to instill some poise into the team. 6

Llorente

Looked as eager as ever to make an impact, using his stamina to drop back on defense throughout the match and getting the occasional breakthrough out wide to swing a dangerous ball into the final third. 6

G. Simeone

Misjudged the bouncing ball that led to the opponent’s opening goal. Was otherwise nonexistent on the right as the match went on. 3

Alvarez

La Araña brought the game to 2-2 in the 83rd minute after a quality back-heel flick and then a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net. The striker did enough to claw Atleti into extra time, but failed to convert on his attempt in penalties. 6.5

Griezmann

Picked up an assist after he supplied Lookman for the forward’s 19th-minute equalizer. Had moments of excellence with quick touches on the ball or passes out wide. Was taken off for Almada in the second half. 5.5

Substitutes:

Nico Gonzalez

Brought on as a pure left-back in a revamp to the left side after Lookman was subbed off. His crosses into the box didn’t directly result in a goal, but they did force Real Sociedad to push defenders out wide to deal with them. In penalties, Nico looked calm as he slotted his shot into the back of the net. 5

Sørloth

Hoping to use his large stature to get on the end of a cross, Sørloth actively worked to cause havoc for Duje Ćaleta-Car and Jon Martín. His efforts were admirable, but not enough to get his name on the scoresheet. Was the first player up to take his shot in the shootout but Marrero kept out his tame effort. 4.5

Baena

Skied his look in front of net after a cross in from Llorente and struggled to make his mark in the squad’s buildup play. In penalties, Baena at least was able to put his attempt away. 4

Almada

Assisted Alvarez late in the second half to push the game into extra time. Never made a similar impact after that, though he did convert his penalty. 5

Cardoso

Came on for Molina in the 78th minute and found himself through on goal after a pass from Alvarez late in the second half. That miss will go down as one of the game’s biggest “what if?” moments. 4

Lenglet

Replaced Llorente in the 99th minute. Made no serious mistakes. 5

Renger van der Zande and Meyer Shank Racing win Long Beach IMSA race

Motorsport photo

Renger van der Zande held steady through multiple late restarts to give Acura Meyer Shank Racing the home race victory in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. 

The Dutchman, driving the #93 Acura ARX-06, was undeterred despite Frederick Vesti (#31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R) applying consistent pressure on the restarts, taking the checkered flag by 0.818s on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit. It marks the first win for Acura at Long Beach since 2009 under the American Le Mans Series banner. Additionally, it is van der Zande’s third IMSA win at the iconic street circuit, having won it previously in 2022 and 2024 with Cadillac.

Porsche Penske Motorsport’s #6 Porsche 963 of Laurens Vanthoor finished third, ahead of teammate Felipe Nasr in the #7 sistercar. BMW M Team WRT’s Sheldon van der Linde ended up fifth.

The GTD class was won by Vasser Sullivan’s #12 Lexus RC F GT3 of Aaron Telitz and Benjamin Pedersen, ahead of Turner Motorsport’s Robby Foley and Patrick Gallegher in second, with Conquest Racing’s Albert Costa and Manny Franco in the final podium spot in third.

The Race

Nick Yelloly leads the field from pole in a split start for GTP and GTD, which was led by Robert Wickens (DXDT Racing).

A few moments later, however, the yellow flagged waved for debris following a spin by the #81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Henrik Hedman (DragonSpeed) into the Turn 6 tire barriers. 

The restart came with roughly 1h33m remaining, with Yelloly leading but the first bit of strategy coming into play as JDC-Miller MotorSports, already at the rear of GTP, elected to come in and do a driver change, swapping Tijmen van der Helm for Porsche factory specialist Lauren Heinrich in the #5 Porsche 963.

There was a change for second, though, as Jack Aitken (Cadillac Whelen) took over the spot from Marco Wittman (BMW M Team WRT. Additionally, there was a change for second in the GTD class as Russell Ward (Winward Racing) got by Danny Formal (Wayne Taylor Racing) on the front straightaway just 14m into the race. Formal dove to pit lane shortly after.

Aitken began applying the pressure on Yelloly, as the pair were up by 3s on third-place Wittman. As the pair began catching GTD traffic, Aitken got by Yelloly, who was held up by the 13 Autosport Corvette, for the race lead with 1h23m left. Aitken was able to stretch out to a 3.5s lead over the next three minutes. 

Despite starting last after their pole time was disallowed for ground clearance in qualifying, the #89 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3, with Jack Hawksworth at the helm, was already up to sixth in a GTD class of 17 entrants just 20m into the race. 

With 1h8m left, Ward was black flagged by Race Control for failure to adhere to tire operational requirements, leading him to come into the pits for repairs but unable to make a driver change during the stop.

Kevin Estre brought Porsche Penske Motorsport’s #6 Porsche 963, which had slight left front damage, to pit lane for energy and a driver change to Laurens Vanthoor. The team did not elect to change tires. The stop, which came with 1h7m remaining, started a run of stops for GTD as Aiken and others came down pit lane, with Frederick Vesti now in the #31 Whelen Cadillac. Yelloly stayed out and assumed the race lead. 

Wickens pitted from the lead with 1h3m left, with a driver change also taking place as Mason Filippi took over. 

As Yelloly dove to pit lane with 1h1m left, with van der Zande taking over, Heinrich and Phillip Eng appeared to make slight contact and Eng’s #25 BMW into the Turn 8 tire barrier. Eng was able to get back to pit lane, but the incident left his challenger damaged and debris littered across the track and brought out the yellow. 

The #40 Cadillac of Louis Deletraz took over the lead, but had not pitted yet and was caught out by the caution. Hawksworth also took over the top spot in GTD, with Filippi in second. When the pits opened up, the likes of Deletraz, Heinrich and Tom Blomqvist (Acura Meyer Shank Racing), among others, pitted, which elevated van der Zande to the overall lead, with Vesti in second and Vanthoor in third. 

The race started with 47m remaining, with van der Zande jumping off to a good gap over Vesti. The push into Turn 1 saw contact as the #24 BMW of Sheldon van der Linde made a late dive under Roman De Angelis (Aston Martin THOR Team), which stuffed the latter into the tire barriers and returned the yellow flag. 

A restart with 42m left saw a similar jump by van der Zande. Vesti continued to stalk the race leader, hanging 0.5s behind. 

Hawksworth was up against his maximum drive time and forced to pit from the lead with under 39m remaining, with Frankie Montecalvo, who qualified the car, taking over. The stop put teammate Telitz, in the #12 sister car for Vasser Sullivan, to the race lead, with Filippi in second. 

After a lengthy review, Race Control determined the #25 BMW of Eng was in the wrong for his part in the incident with Heinrich, handing him a stop plus 60 penalty. 

The fight for second in GTD heated up, with Robby Foley getting his Turner Motorsport machine past Filippi with a tight pass that led to the latter’s left side getting into the wall before getting in the back of the former and ripping part of the bumper of the #96 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Filippi eventually fell down the running order to sixth in class. 

With 27m to go, Telitz built up a 7s lead over Foley. 

The fight for second overall was on as Vanthoor was on the rear wing of Vesti, with both more than 3.7s behind van der Zande. 

A full course caution came out with just under 25m left as the #10 Cadillac V-Series.R of Ricky Taylor (Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing) found the tire barrier in Turn 6 after clipping the inside curbing. 

Another restart with just over 17m left saw van der Zande continue the theme of jumping out front, with the rest of the field remaining straightforward. 

Vesti stayed right on the rear wing of van der Zande, remaining in his shadow with 10m left. The gap closed and widened like an accordion between the corners and straights between the two. 

Despite the close racing, another full course yellow came out with just under nine minutes to go as the #66 of Corey Lewis (Gradient Racing) was hit with heavy damage coming out of the final corner hairpin, ripping off the nose of his Ford Mustang GT3 and dragging debris down the front straightaway.

Courtesy of a quick cleanup by the safety crew, the race restarted just three minutes later and saw van der Zande holding steady out front once more. In GTD, Telitz remained out front over Foley. 

Vesti began to close on van der Zande, who was catching traffic, with over three minutes to go. 

Despite the pressure, van der Zande remained out front over Vesti to take the win. Telitz carried off the GTD class victory for Vasser Sullivan. 

Cla Drivers #   Chassis Laps Time Interval Pits Points
193 Acura ARX-0670

1:40'50.272

 1 
231 Cadillac V-Series.R70

+0.818

1:40'51.090

0.8181 
36 Porsche 96370

+2.429

1:40'52.701

1.6111 
47 Porsche 96370

+3.272

1:40'53.544

0.8431 
524 BMW M Hybrid V870

+3.671

1:40'53.943

0.3991 
65 Porsche 96370

+4.494

1:40'54.766

0.8232 
760 Acura ARX-0670

+5.103

1:40'55.375

0.6092 
840 Cadillac V-Series.R70

+6.022

1:40'56.294

0.9191 
923 Aston Martin Valkyrie69

+1 Lap

1:40'59.787

1 Lap1 
1012 Lexus RC F GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'46.320

1 Lap1 
1196 BMW M4 GT3 EVO68

+2 Laps

1:41'51.375

5.0551 
1234 Ferrari 296 GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'52.005

0.6301 
1370 Ferrari 296 GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'52.444

0.4391 
1489 Lexus RC F GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'56.557

4.1131 
1536 Corvette Z06 GT3.R68

+2 Laps

1:41'56.887

0.3301 
1616 Ford Mustang GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'58.142

1.2551 
1719 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo68

+2 Laps

1:41'59.087

0.9451 
1857 Mercedes-AMG GT368

+2 Laps

1:41'59.269

0.1822 
1927 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo68

+2 Laps

1:42'03.308

4.0392 
2081 Corvette Z06 GT3.R68

+2 Laps

1:42'04.096

0.7881 
2113 Corvette Z06 GT3.R68

+2 Laps

1:42'05.096

1.0001 
22 AO Racing 177 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)68

+2 Laps

1:42'10.851

5.7551 
2310 Cadillac V-Series.R67

+3 Laps

1:41'02.595

1 Lap4 
2425 BMW M Hybrid V867

+3 Laps

1:41'03.240

0.6454 
25 Pfaff Motorsports 46 Lamborghini Temerario GT367

+3 Laps

1:41'18.759

15.5192 
26120 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992)67

+3 Laps

1:42'02.415

43.6561 
dnf66 Ford Mustang GT360

+10 Laps

1:30'55.614

7 Laps1 
dnf45 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO211

+59 Laps

18'26.075

49 Laps2

 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Blue Jays' John Schneider pushes back on Eric Lauer 'hate' of opener role

Blue Jays' John Schneider pushes back on Eric Lauer 'hate' of opener role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There was a bit of conflict out of Toronto after Friday's game -- Eric Lauer acknowledged that he has "hate" for the bulk role he was used in during his loss following an opener.

It was quite the bold comment from Lauer, really, and so Blue Jays manager John Schneider was asked about it on Saturday.

For a refresher, Lauer said: 

“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it... Hopefully it’s not something that we will continue doing, but that’s above my pay grade."

Schneider said this to reporters, via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson:

“I respect everyone’s opinion. I know the end of his quote was ‘It’s above my pay grade’, and it’s definitely above his pay grade how we use him. We’re trying to win.”

Schneider added this:

“He’s aware of that and he knows that. Anyone who’s bounced around a little bit, he wants to start. He’s on board with us trying to win. Go out and execute until we take the ball from you, big fella.”

MORE: This Blue Jays prospect is related to an NBA Hall of Famer

Lauer wasn't expected to be in the starting rotation this year, but injuries have given him this chance.

It makes sense that after a so-so outing, he wasn't feeling great.

It's also fair for Schneider not to want Lauer saying quite as blunt of things going forward.

We'll have to see if the Blue Jays use an opener in front of Lauer again his next time out.

More MLB news:

Craig Counsell juggling hitter development with winning

Craig Counsell juggling hitter development with winning
David Banks-Imagn Images

To pinch hit for Moisés Ballesteros, or not to pinch hit for him? That’s increasingly a more difficult question for Cubs manager Craig Counsell to answer.

On one hand, the 22-year-old Ballesteros is proving to be every bit the hitting machine that he was projected to be throughout his fast rise through the Cubs’ farm system. In 42 at-bats so far this season, Ballesteros has a 1.032 OPS while spraying the ball to all fields.

His baseball acumen is already winning praise from Counsell, who said Ballesteros is one of the more instinctual young players he’s ever worked with. Counsell said Ballesteros, despite his age and level of major league experience, will offer insights in advance meetings.

“This is a tough group,” Counsell said. “If I was a young player, this is a group that’s a pretty high baseball IQ group, and he’s able to add to that conversation. And that’s impressive.”

And yet, when a left-handed reliever comes into the game, Counsell is more often than not going to pinch hit for Ballesteros. There’s a balance to be struck when it comes to Ballesteros and his personal development as a hitter, and that’s at some point going to have to involve facing lefties on a regular basis.

But at the same time, Counsell has to consider the team as a whole. The ultimate goal is to win, and that is going to mean Ballesteros takes his bat to the dugout when a southpaw comes in.

“This is a team. We’re going to put the players […] in positions to have success,” Counsell said. “And that trumps the other thing. Now, at some point, if the team doesn’t provide a better option, then maybe we do something different.”

Counsell has the luxury this season of having a bench that’s deep with quality hitters. Case in point, in Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Mets, Ballesteros’ spot in the lineup came up with the sixth inning with the game locked in a 1-1 tie. With two outs and runners on first and second, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza pulled starter Freddy Peralta for left-handed reliever Brooks Raley. Counsell countered with pinch-hitter Carson Kelly for Ballesteros.

It took one pitch for Kelly to illustrate Counsell’s point about finding the right spots for his players to be successful.

ONE PITCH. ONE SWING. CARSON KELLY. pic.twitter.com/UhpewazRPH

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 18, 2026

With his two at-bats on Saturday, Ballesteros has 40 against right-handed pitchers versus just two against lefties this season. He’s doing plenty of damage against the right-handers he’s facing, but the balance that Counsell has to strike is when to let Ballesteros get looks against lefties for the sake of his development as a hitter and when to let the game dictate that it’s time to go to his bench for a right-handed bat.

For his part, Ballesteros said he feels equally comfortable facing left-handed pitchers and no matter the situation he’s always just trying to drive the ball up the middle. As the season progresses, Counsell will be presented with situations where he’s going to leave Ballesteros in to face a lefty.

In moments like the sixth inning of Saturday’s game, Counsell’s focus is on getting runs on the board and winning a ballgame. That is going to mean pinch-hitting for guys like Ballesteros later in games. A part of a team’s long-term success comes from every guy understanding his role and being willing to put the group above the self.

“I’m here for a winner,” Ballesteros told CHGO. “I’m not here for my numbers. I’m not here for anything [for myself]. I’m here for winners, and I’m here for a good team, and [being] a good teammate.”

Apr 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Cubs catcher Moisés Ballesteros (25) high fives Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, right, after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

A situation like Saturday’s — when Kelly pinch-hits and crushes the first pitch he sees for a three run homer that gives the Cubs a lead — makes it easy on a guy in Counsell’s position. Like so many other decisions he makes during a game, Counsell is a genius when they work.

“A pinch-hit, three run homer, that’s a good day for the manager,” Ian Happ quipped.

The time will eventually come, the Cubs hope, when Ballesteros is a less obvious choice to get removed for a pinch-hitter, but he’s still very early in his career. And for the team as a whole, the National League Central is off to a very tight start, so each win seems to carry a little more weight. It’s still very early, but going into Saturday’s game, every team in the division was above .500, and the Cubs were in last place with just 1.5 games separating them from the top of the Central.

It’s expected that teams like the Cardinals will probably start fading as the season goes on, and the Reds’ negative run differential suggests that they won’t continue winning at their current pace. But that still leaves the Brewers and Pirates, and both teams are looking like legit contenders a month into the season. That’s expected from Milwaukee, given how they’ve done the past half dozen years, but the Pirates might be a sleeper in the division.

To some extent, a player’s development is his responsibility. He has the offseason and spring training to work on things, but once opening day comes, it’s time to produce. A manager still has some opportunity to lean into development opportunities that arise during the season, of course, but his main job is winning games.

Now in his third season in charge of the Cubs, Counsell has taken the group forward. They won 83 games and missed the playoffs in his first year, but in 2025 they improved by nine wins and advanced to within a game of the National League Championship Series. Most fans would agree that Counsell’s primary job is to get the Cubs back to the top of the division, a place they haven’t been in a full season since 2017, and to go even deeper in the playoffs than last year.

But right now it’s just April. And Ballesteros is one of Counsell’s hottest bats. He’s done an effective job of communicating the mission to his team, enough so that Ballesteros understands being pinch-hit for and doesn’t need the reasoning spelled out for him every time. Especially in a game like Saturday’s.

“He’s been doing a great job. It’s been working,” Ballesteros said of Counsell. “We’ve been winning and getting good results.”

Mets not dwelling on 10th straight loss; remain focused on salvaging series finale with Cubs

Saturday's loss to the Cubs had the same result as every other game the Mets have played over the last week and change, but the journey was different.

Yes, the Mets' 4-2 loss in Chicago had their losing streak reach 10 games, a feat the franchise hasn't seen in over 20 years, but it's the way they lost that has shades of the Twilight Zone.

The Mets have lost in a myriad of ways during this stretch. They've been shut out, they've lost slugfests, the bullpen has imploded, and defensive errors and miscues have cost them games. But Saturday showed something new. This time, a pinch-hitter took one swing and delivered the winning blow. 

"Just haven’t been able to play a complete game," manager Carlos Mendoza said after the loss. "It’s either the offense… starting pitching. Not making a pitch, not making a play. Not getting the big hit. Just having a hard time playing a complete game right now." 

The Mets have been outscored 60-18 during the 10-game losing streak. And while the offense is not the only reason for this stretch, it's the biggest. Mendoza and the players have said multiple times that there are always discussions among them and that no meeting or player needs to stand up in front of the team to get the ship righted, but the message among them continues to be to move on to the next day and get the win then.

"It’s frustrating to lose baseball games. Any time you lose, no matter how long the streak is, it compounds," Marcus Semien said after the game. "This is a big boy league. There’s no time to dwell on tonight; tomorrow is a new day."

Semien is part of a group of newcomers to the Mets acquired this offseason. He, along with Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco, was brought in to give the offense more consistency with their contact-first approach. So far, it hasn't worked, although the lineup has picked it up a bit over the last few games -- outhitting or tying in hits three of their last four games.

"Every game has been different. Obviously, we want to win as an offense. We’ve lost a lot of different ways. There’s no pointing the finger," he said. "Just coming out with a win. If it takes a 12-10 victory, a 1-0 victory, we have to do something to get the win to come."

And for Semien, who has played in the league for 13 seasons, he's been a part of a lot of streaks, both winning and losing. In his experience, the only cure for these trying times is to find that one win that can steer them in the right direction. 

The veteran infielder was asked question after question regarding the losing streak and how they can turn it around. He often chuckled, almost defiantly, when answering what the answer to breaking the streak is or how challenging it is for the team.

"It’s not. It’s not [challenging]. It’s as simple as showing up tomorrow with a good attitude," Semien said. "That’s how I’m going to approach it as a veteran on this team. Hopefully, other guys see the smile on my face when I show up. I understand the game does not owe you a thing. The game does not owe you any wins. We have to go out and get it.

Semien added, "Just winning the game. It's hard to win a big league game. It always has been. Right now, it hasn't gone our way. If we had a magical way to win every single game, we would definitely be doing it. I think that at the end of the day, everybody in here has enough talent to get a win tomorrow and that's how we're going to approach tomorrow."

"We haven't been playing good baseball. That's the bottom line," Mendoza said. "When you look at it, you've got five-and-a-half months ahead of you. You have an opportunity to write our own story. We're putting ourselves in a big hole right now, but there's only one way to do it - come back tomorrow ready to go."

The Mets will hope to salvage a win Sunday when they take on the Cubs before heading back home.

Report: Celtic keen on making Roberto Martinez new Hoops manager

Report: Celtic keen on making Roberto Martinez new Hoops manager
Report: Celtic keen on making Roberto Martinez new Hoops manager

Celtic are reportedly keen on making Roberto Martinez their next manager. It is expected that Martinez will leave his post as Portugal manager after this summer’s World Cup, leaving the path clear for Celtic to make him their next manager.

The Spaniard will be fully focused on taking Portugal to the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico; however, it has been reported that Celtic want the ex-Everton manager to become the club’s next permanent manager.

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are interested in Martinez, a move that would make sense given his connection to influential Hoops figure Shaun Maloney.

“Obviously, I think right now all his focus is with Portugal ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

“But after that, if he wants to make a return to club management, I’m sure if there’s any chance that Celtic could get him, it’s something they would definitely look into.

“If Martinez is interested in a move to Celtic, they really have to do everything they can to try and convince him to make that move.”

Maloney was Martinez’s Assistant Head Coach with Belgium, with the winger playing under Martinez at Wigan Athletic. Maloney is currently playing a prominent role behind the scenes at Celtic Park, meaning that he could have significant sway in the decision to bring the next manager in.

Martinez first gained notice at Swansea City, guiding them to the 2008 League One title with a possession-based approach rare in the lower leagues. He followed that by keeping Wigan Athletic in the Premier League and famously winning the 2013 FA Cup, defeating Manchester City—though relegation came days later.

At Everton, Martínez delivered a 72-point season in 2013–14, the club’s highest Premier League tally, but defensive frailties saw a decline and eventual dismissal. After leaving Goodison, Martinez transitioned into international management with Belgium. The Belgians reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, finishing third—the nation’s best-ever result but there has always been a feeling that they underachieved with a number of players in their primes.

A move to Celtic has been suggested before, with Martinez heavily linked after Gordon Strachan’s departure in 2009. Martinez is believed to have turned down an approach after interviewing for the Hoops job. The move isn’t unrealistic as Martinez’s wife is from North Lanarkshire, with the pair meeting during his Motherwell days.

Celtic need a manager to hit the ground running and oversee a sizeable rebuild. Wilfried Nancy’s appointment was a huge gamble by the Celtic Board, which resulted in an awful run of form that Martin O’Neill, Maloney and Fozzy have had to try rectify. Hopefully MON can close off this season with some silverware.

RB Leipzig rising star Yan Diomande (19) jokes about mastering “German Punctuality”

RB Leipzig rising star Yan Diomande (19) jokes about mastering “German Punctuality”
RB Leipzig rising star Yan Diomande (19) jokes about mastering “German Punctuality”

RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande has once again left Bundesliga audiences scrapping their jaws of the floor. In Saturday evening’s 1-3 away win over Eintracht Frankfurt, the 19-year-old opened up the scoring with a scintillating solo run and finish. Diomande’s literally dusted off three direct Eintracht markers en route to his 12th goal of the season.

Leipzig head coach Ole Werner – reviewing a scene on a monitor while conducting an interview with Sky Germany – noted that he felt Diomande slalomed past up to seven players on his way toward goal. The Ivorian remains one of the most celebrated players in the Bundesliga. Incredibly, the teenage talent wasn’t even playing top flight football until this year.

Diomande’s atypical professional journey took him to many different locales. Last season, the now nine-times-capped Cote d’Ivoire international was playing for CD Leganes in the Spanish Segunda. Early on in his Bundesliga career, Diomande’s lack of punctuality when reporting to training and matches was something that Ole Werner had to directly address.

Ole Werner’s current thoughts on Diomande

He’s spectacular, sharp, and basically unstoppable,” Werner remarked in his Sky Germany interview. “What’s really special about him is that he doesn’t really need fancy moves. He just relies on his timing, ball control, and speed. At 19, he has a good understanding of the game and knows where spaces open up..He can go far if he keeps working just as hard as he has been and doesn’t get too big for hisboots.

Will Diomande be sold this summer?

Where will Diomande play next season? It stands to reason that the now €75m-valued winger (assuming he remains fit) will be off to greener pastures this summer. Leipzig paid €20m to acquire Diomande from the Spanish Segunda outfit this past summer despite the fact that transfermarkt.de assessed the youngster to be valued only €1.5m at the time. 

German journalists scouting Leipzig’s summer training camp quickly got the idea. Transfermarkt quickly raised his estimated market value up to €20m by October. Some reports suggest the German Red Bulls hope to command up to €100m for him this summer. Several Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that amount or more.

Werner speaks on transfer rumors

That’s not a big issue right now,” Werner answered when asked by Sky about where Diomande will be headed. “It’s an issue that affects every club in Germany except perhaps Bayern Munich. All other clubs have to make transfers time and again. It’s also part of our DNA to develop young players and perhaps prepare them for even bigger clubs. As ”But that doesn’t really concern him much at the moment:

We’ve managed to replace other players quite well this season,” Werner said with obvious reference to the summer exodus of players like Xavi Simons or Loïs Openda. “People don’t talk much anymore about the players who’ve left. We’ve done a good job with scouting there. As a result we’re quite happy with where we stand and are on course for the Champions League.

Yan Diomande jokes about his lateness

It was different in Spain,” the player himself said in the mixed zone. “This is a different culture. Now they call me ‘the German’.

GGFN | Peter Weis

Has Pep Guardiola subtly put pressure on Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s huge match?

Has Pep Guardiola subtly put pressure on Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s huge match?
Has Pep Guardiola subtly put pressure on Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s huge match?

Manchester City take on Arsenal on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. The match is a huge fixture that sees the Premier League leaders in Arsenal take on their closest title rivals in City. City sit six points behind Arsenal on the Premier League table, with a game in hand, and it seems like this season’s title race could hinge on Sunday’s result. Ahead of Sunday’s huge match, Pep Guardiola has pointed out a situation that Arsenal are contending with in the title race that City aren’t facing. It does seem that subtly, Pep Guardiola has placed pressure onto Arsenal heading into Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

Pep Guardiola has made a point of singling out how long it has been since Arsenal have won the Premier League.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s huge Premier League fixture against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola pointed out that Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League in 22 years. The Manchester City manager said that this is an element of this season’s title race that his team cannot contend with. He explained: “I enjoy watching them (Arsenal), I learn a lot for many things and what people want is to win. We fight an aspect that is really important that we cannot fight against – that is 22 years without winning the Premier League. We cannot fight that aspect, they have something that is unique.

There is pressure on both teams entering Sunday’s match, but the weight of history is on Arsenal’s shoulders.

The ramifications in Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal are huge for both teams. A win for Arsenal or a draw will see Mikel Arteta’s side maintain control of their destiny in this season’s Premier League title race. If City can beat Arsenal, they’ll move within three points of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table, with a game in hand on Arsenal and with real momentum behind their title charge. Both teams know what is at stake at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

However, as Pep Guardiola has pointed out, Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League since the 2003/04 season. Mikel Arteta’s side has also finished second in the league in the past three seasons. It has also seemed that Arsenal are feeling the weight of pressure on their shoulders recently. Their performance in their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend was that of a side who seem to be struggling with the weight of closing the deal in a title race and fatigue after a long season. Pep Guardiola seems to have subtly reminded Arsenal of the weight of history that they are looking to change. Whether or not Mikel Arteta’s side can deal with that pressure remains to be seen, but Guardiola hasn’t missed an opportunity to remind Arsenal of the situation they are facing.

Final thoughts.

Pep Guardiola has reminded Arsenal of how long it has been since they won the Premier League title. Whether or not he meant to, it does seem that the Manchester City manager has seemingly ramped up the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of Sunday’s match and in the title race. Whether or not Arsenal can handle the pressure in the title race and Sunday’s match is another interesting subplot heading into a massive match and a pivotal stage of the season.

Wild celebrations to verge of tears - time running out for Spurs

From ecstasy to agony in under 20 minutes.

The emotional rollercoaster experienced by Tottenham Hotspur fans in the closing stages of Saturday's draw with Brighton likely hinted at what is yet to come.

Xavi Simons had led his team-mates in joyous celebration, the Spurs supporters joining in a collective release of pent-up emotion, after the 22-year-old's wonderful strike put Roberto de Zerbi's side on course for a first Premier League win since 28 December.

But those scenes proved premature when, in the fifth minute of eight added for stoppage time, Brighton's Georginio Rutter delivered a devastating sucker-punch.

It left Spurs still one point adrift of safety with just five games remaining - a situation which could worsen with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham yet to play - increasing their fears of a first top-flight relegation since 1977.

"It's like a defeat because we conceded a goal in extra time, but we played a great game," Tottenham head coach De Zerbi told BBC Sport.

"It's tough to accept. We have to be stronger than this moment we are going through. We have to move on and prepare for the next game."

Former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand told Sky Sports: "If that was the 90th minute I could understand it, but there was a lot of football still to be played.

"The reaction should be to keep it tight, instead they jumped into the crowd."

But ex-Premier League defender Ashley Williams told BBC Sport he had "no issue" with Spurs' celebrations.

"The goal was so important at that point in time. I know there were still minutes to be played, but with the reaction and the emotion you could see what it meant to the players," Williams said.

Despite the overwhelming sense of disappointment at full-time, De Zerbi has seen enough to believe his players can escape their perilous situation.

"This team is able to win five games in a row," the Italian told the media.

On the surface, that faith would appear entirely unfounded.

Spurs' winless run in the league now stands at 15 matches, just one short of the club's worst-ever winless league run set 91 years ago.

It is bottom club Wolves - who will be relegated if West Ham earn at least a point against Crystal Palace on Monday - against whom Spurs will seek to avoid equalling that streak endured between 1934 and 1935.

"I believe in my players and they have to believe in me. We can't think in the past. We have enough time, we have enough quality," De Zerbi said.

"I don't like people who cry or think too negatively."

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro told BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.

"I think the team today was very good. The most important thing now is staying positive."

Only the Championship's rock-bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points (four) than Spurs (six) across English football's top four tiers in 2026.

De Zerbi has been clear that his immediate attention is on restoring confidence in a group of players who have now failed to win each of their last five Premier League games in which they have led.

There were signs of encouragement for the former Seagulls boss in that regard, as his players demonstrated the fight they must show over their remaining games in going toe-to-toe with the league's form team.

There was cause for optimism on the team sheet, too, as long-term absentees Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison were fit enough to start and make the bench respectively.

De Zerbi also praised the fans, whom he will hope can recreate the same atmosphere in the club's final home fixtures against Leeds and Everton.

"We have to say thanks to our fans. They were fantastic, they helped the players a lot before, during and at the end of the game," said De Zerbi.

"The players have to feel lucky because it's not normal that a stadium is like this if you are fighting relegation."

And while De Zerbi has put emphasis on being a "father-figure" to his players at this time, rather than overloading them with tactical information, there are already signs that the team is beginning to mould to his style.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Joe Hart said: "The way Spurs pressed was really impressive and it's not something we've seen from them this season.

"It was a relentless press. The whole stadium was rocking as well. Two goals from high turnovers today - and only four overall this season."

Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "They have to take the positives. This will feel like a loss, it was a chance to turn their fortunes around.

"That is something they will have to deal with. I saw the hunger, desire and commitment. De Zerbi was passionate on the touchline.

"I saw something in that game - it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block."

Tottenham's players react after conceding a late equaliser against Brighton
Tottenham are the only top-flight club without a win in 2026 [Getty Images]

Spurs travel to Wolves next weekend, then face difficult trips to European hopefuls Aston Villa and Chelsea in search of crucial points.

The task for De Zerbi now is lifting his players after coming within only a few minutes of achieving a momentous victory, the devastation evident on his players' faces at the full-time whistle.

On what he said to his players after the game, De Zerbi told Sky Sports: "I said to be strong, to follow me again because I want to help them.

"They can change the mentality, that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negatively, but we have to be focused and work to find the condition to win again.

"Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet.

"Today I saw signs. I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

Spurs' challenge could yet become greater before they next kick a ball, however, with Nottingham Forest hosting Burnley and West Ham taking on Crystal Palace over the next two days.

"Now they have to sit nervously and watch Nottingham Forest and West Ham play," former Premier League midfielder Andy Reid told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"If both of those teams get wins, this point turns out to be not so great. It is an anxious couple of days ahead."

Mets 10-game losing streak shows they almost have no chance to make the playoffs

Juan Soto

Mets 10-game losing streak shows they almost have no chance to make the playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, April 18th. That loss was a close 4-2 defeat, and dropped the Mets to a 7-14 record.

It's only 21 games into the regular season, and the Mets are in desperation mode. But, even worse than this record already indicates is how the Mets got here. This Cubs loss was their 10th in a row.

As ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted following the Mets' loss, teams that lose 10 games in a row in MLB history typically do not make the playoffs. If history repeats itself, as it often does, the Mets are going to miss the postseason for the second year in a row.

Mets' 10-game losing streak is horrible news for postseason odds

"Four teams in MLB history have lost 10 or more games in a row and made the playoffs," Passan shared. "The last was the Guardians in 2025. Only one of those teams had a skid in April and still made the postseason: the 1951 Giants, who lost 11 consecutive.. The New York Mets have lost 10 straight."

The Mets are in the middle of a major losing streak, dropping 10 straight games, only 21 games into the regular season. A few weeks ago, they were 7-4; now they're 7-14 and in danger of missing the playoffs already.

Of course, it's still incredibly early. And just last year, the Cleveland Guardians proved that losing 10 in a row isn't the end of the Mets' chances to make the postseason. But it's a huge hurdle to clear, especially with how bad the offense looks.

Things could turn around once Juan Soto comes back. But, even then, the Mets need Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, and plenty of others to start turning things around this season.

MoreMets didnt want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didnt want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade

The Mets of 2026 Opening Day feel long gone. From chasing Paul Skenes out of the game in less than an inning, to a 10-game losing streak by mid-April. This has been a strange and brutal start to the season for the Mets.

There's one more game against the Cubs on Sunday, where Chicago will send David Peterson to face Javier Assad. If the Mets cannot win, they will go back to New York with a very real chance to turn things around, as they face the Minnesota Twins.

But if the Mets continue to lose, dropping a game or two to the Twins, things might need drastic changing before the Mets even make it to May.

Even if they start winning again, history is not on their side after this brutal 10-game losing streak. MLB history is very long, and the Mets would be just the fifth team ever to make the postseason after losing 10 straight if they climb back this year.

More MLB news:

All 10 Raiders picks in NFL media's 7-round mock draft

We are now inside of a week until the 2026 NFL Draft. That means the last mock drafts are coming out, some of which are the seven-round variety. Which means all 257 picks. The latest is Chad Reuter at NFL.com.

The Raiders have ten picks currently in this year's draft. Here are the picks Reuter has the Raiders taking with those picks in his seven-round mock.

  • Round 1, pick 1 -- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
  • Round 2, pick 36 -- Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
  • Round 3, pick 67 -- Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
  • Round 4, pick 102 -- Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
  • Round 4, pick 117 -- Devin Moore, CB, Florida
  • Round 4, pick 134 -- Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
  • Round 5, pick 175 -- Markel Bell, OT, Miami
  • Round 6, pick 185 -- Drew Stevens, K, Iowa
  • Round 6, pick 208 -- Eric Gentry, LB, USC
  • Round 7, pick 219 -- Beau Stevens, G, Iowa

Reuter does well to cover all the Raiders needs with these picks. The one small thing that seems to stand out to me is the seeming unlikelihood that many of these players will still be on the board when the Raiders pick.

Woods is arguably the top three-tech DT in this draft, which would figure to have him come off the board in the first round. Chris Bell is viewed as a second round pick. Otherwise, his picks seem as possible as any mock drafts I've seen. And even then, Reuter thinks those players will still be there at which point they'd be pretty good value picks, right?

I will be coming out with my seven-round mock draft on Monday, and then by next Saturday we will all get to see just how close we all were in predicting who the Raiders take this year.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: All 10 Raiders picks in NFL media's 7-round mock draft

Heading into their 1st-ever playoff series, here’s what the Utah Mammoth are focusing on

Utah Mammoth defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) pokes the puck away from Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) during the first period of an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
Utah Mammoth defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) pokes the puck away from Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) during the first period of an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Since hiring John Tortorella as head coach with eight games left in the regular season, the Vegas Golden Knights have gone undefeated in regulation.

As the first-round playoff opponent of the Golden Knights, the Utah Mammoth have their work cut out for them, but ahead of his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut as a head coach, the Mammoth’s André Tourigny feels ready for the challenge.

“We are where we were expecting to be, where we wanted to be, and now it’s time for us to meet the expectation we have of ourselves,” he said.

Facing a team with a brand new coach presents an extra challenge for the Mammoth. A new coach brings new ways of doing things, and there isn’t necessarily loads of video revealing them.

That said, having come in so late in the season, Tortorella opted to keep the main systems the same, tweaking things as he saw fit. For that reason, Tourigny and his staff feel they can rely on the book they already had on the Golden Knights while also paying attention to the eight games since Tortorella’s arrival.

“The difference is really the mindset,” Tourigny said. “They want to be more aggressive in certain situations. We saw it a few of them. We’ll figure it out after the puck drops.”

While the Golden Knights played their best hockey of the season down the stretch, the Mammoth have shown some minor struggles, losing three of their final four games and dealing with the league’s seventh-worst goaltending in that stretch, as defined by save percentage.

But you don’t get to the postseason without elite capabilities, and the Mammoth are focusing on the things that got them to this position.

“We have speed, we have depth, we have pace in our game, we have aggression, we’re good defensively, we’re a possession team offensively and so on and so forth,” Tourigny said.

He also talked about the importance of veteran players who have been through all types of situations before. One of those guys is 2025 Stanley Cup champion Nate Schmidt, who offered his advice.

“You’re not gonna go 16-0 (in the playoffs). That’s not going to happen. I don’t think it’s ever happened. I’m not an NHL historian, but I’m pretty positive it’s never happened, so you’re going to lose games. You’re gonna make mistakes,” he said.

“And once you kind of go into the game knowing that that’s going to happen, that you’re gonna make a mistake, ... you realize it’s a game that you’ve played your whole life and you should be able to have some fun with it.”

No "Wild Bill" William Karlsson for Vegas to start the playoffs.

He's been out since early November. https://t.co/TJqW9sFZUR

— Brogan Houston (@houston_brogan) April 17, 2026

On the flip side, the Mammoth have 10 players who have yet to dress for a Stanley Cup Playoff game and three more whose only experience came in the COVID-19 bubble with no fans in the stands.

“I’m sure there’s going to be some learning moments, but at the end of the day, it’s a battle,” said Logan Cooley, who is set to make his playoff debut on Sunday.

“The playoffs are a different breed and you can expect it to be real physical, fast tempo, not a lot of room out there, so you’ve got to find ways to still create offense and make sure we’re doing it right on the defensive side, too.”

Cooley has had great individual success against the Golden Knights this season — namely a four-goal, five-point game in November.

The first game of the series is on Sunday, beginning at 8 p.m. MT. It will be aired on SEG+, Utah 16 and ESPN.

1124mammoth.spt_RG_00042_1.JPG
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (92) celebrates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of an NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Kentucky transfer G Jasper Johnson commits to Oregon

Dana Altman might not have been able to secure commits from two talented guards who recently visited, but he did pick up a former top prospect.

Kentucky transfer guard Jasper Johnson announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. Johnson was the No. 25 prospect in the 2025 class, per Rivals Industry Ranking, and is another combo guard the Ducks can work with. 247Sports’ Travis Branham first reported Johnson’s commitment. He was the highest-rated recruit under Kentucky head coach Mark Pope.

Johnson averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 35 games off the bench for the Wildcats, but his minutes were inconsistent. In a new role with the Ducks, possibly as a valuable scorer off the bench, he could flourish into a dependable piece.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 180 pounds, Johnson has enough size and power to be a weapon no matter how Altman chooses to deploy him. The Ducks are still looking for a primary point guard after Preston Edmead chose to go to NC State instead of Oregon, but Altman is still trying to stack as many scorers as possible, it seems.

The southpaw shooter dropped 22 points against NCCU in December and showcases some impressive catch-and-shoot ability from 3-point range down the stretch of the season. Due to injuries in the backcourt for Kentucky, Johnson was pushed into a backup point guard role that didn't fully fit his strengths. In Eugene, the Ducks could really open the floor for him.

Johnson is able to create his own shot when he needs to and shoot across the floor. It makes sense for Altman and the Ducks to take a swing at the former elite prospect, especially given the uncertainty around the current roster. Johnson won’t have as many restrictions offensively as he did at Kentucky, and the Ducks could find a way to make him a dominant ball-handler if they wind up short on point guards.

Oregon is going to have to continue to be creative with who they bring aboard, but Johnson is a very minimal risk with potentially huge upside and is in line for a breakout campaign in Eugene.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon lands former top prospect in transfer portal from Kentucky

Calvary defeats Bishop Walsh, 4-3; Baker scores hat trick

CUMBERLAND — It was a war of attrition at Rowan Field on Friday, and Calvary, with just nine players, won out over Bishop Walsh.

Dana Baker delivered a hat trick, and Millie Buckingham provided the go-ahead goal to power Calvary to a 4-3 victory over Bishop Walsh in Mason-Dixon Christian Conference action at Brother Stephen F. Paul Spartan Stadium.

“It’s a big win for us because we were playing with nine,” Calvary head coach Scott Weeks said. “Really proud of the girls. That should be impossible to win, but we did. We pulled it off.

“We were down early, and we came back, tried to encourage the girls to fight hard. It’s tough when you only have three up front and a lot of the green field in between.”

Calvary (4-3) trailed 1-0 at the half, with a goal by Bishop Walsh’s Aerianna Jackson with 7:33 remaining the lone tally on the scoreboard.

Baker broke free in transition for an equalizer 1:08 into the second half, and she gave the Eagles their first lead with a similar strike — this time a putback after an initial save by Cara Daniel — in the 50th minute.

Jackson leveled the margin again with 22:51 to play, taking advantage of an open goal after Calvary keeper Selah Livengood was knocked down in the box during the buildup of play.

That opened the door for Buckingham to play the role of hero. The eighth-grader chipped a shot from the edge of the box into the corner to give Calvary a 3-2 edge with 6:19 remaining.

“Millie is a very humble girl, very quiet girl,” Weeks said. “And she’s an eighth-grader, so that’s very special. This is her second goal of the season. She’s very reserved and quiet. Just a sweet girl, so that was really special for us.”

Baker found her hat trick in the 78th minute, and it came in handy when Bishop Walsh’s Hannah Wharton brought the Spartans to within one in the final minute.

That’s as close as the Spartans would get before the final whistle.

“Hats off to Calvary,” Bishop Walsh head coach James DeCarlo said. “From our experience from when we last had a fall season, we often played with nine or 10. Their goalkeeper was absolutely outstanding.”

Bishop Walsh rosters 10 freshmen and sophomores, and the Spartans were without three girls, leaving them with no bench.

Calvary was down to nine due to an injury to defender Elena Turley and another absence via a player on vacation.

The result was a contest that tested the clubs’ conditioning with the sun beating down on a warm evening and minimal wind, a rare occurrence atop Haystack Mountain.

“This was our fourth game of the week, so we are tired out,” Weeks said. “We played a couple of those down a player, so they’re coming into this game already tired. And I told them that the girls who were most in shape were going to win this game.”

Calvary finished with a 15-12 edge in shots and both teams had nine shots on goal. The Spartans had more corner kicks, 5-4.

Livengood made six stops in goal for Calvary, and Daniel had five.

“Hats off to our goalkeeper Cara,” DeCarlo said. “She played in the second half a little bit yesterday. It’s her first time playing goal. We’re fortunate that she’s a gamer.”

Calvary is at Heritage on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Bishop Walsh heads to Grace on Monday at 5:15 p.m.

Northern's lack of command costs Huskies in 15-1 loss to East Fairmont

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Northern’s pitching staff struggled with command, walking 11 batters in Friday’s 15-1 loss to East Fairmont at the McDonald’s Classic.

“I thought we had very good discipline at the plate today,” East Fairmont manager Joe Price said. “We put some good swings on the ball. When we had that opportunity, our guys ran the bases extremely well.”

The top of the second was the difference, as the Bees (10-6) scored five runs off five free passes and two hits.

“It was sloppy for us,” Northern skipper Phil Carr said. “We walked 11 guys and you can’t do that. We were throwing some guys that haven’t thrown. We didn’t get a good start out of (Jake) Wampler, which we had the last two times.”

Wampler was charged with six runs (all earned) on three hits and five walks across 1 2/3 innings for Northern.

East Fairmont earned three consecutive free trips to load the bases.

After a fielder’s choice and wild pitch scored two runs, Jackson Waskis (West Liberty commit) sent a 3-0 pitch to right for an RBI knock.

Three batters later, Carter McKnight drove in a pair on a base hit to center.

In the top of the third, East Fairmont added six to its lead.

Case Linn, Brody Bledsoe and River McClain drove in runs off singles while Waskis scored one on a double.

“Depending on what team shows up, that’s the team we like to see that’s aggressive in the box,” Price said. “That attacks those fastballs. Their pitches got behind a little bit too, and that’s tough on them because now they’re straight fastballs, our guy’s are sitting dead red. You can’t defend a walk, I’ve been on the other side of it.”

Linn finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs.

A groundout and wild pitch concluded the scoring in the frame.

“Sometimes when you’re not throwing strikes, your defense kinda relaxes a little bit,” Carr said. “We didn’t have a ton of errors, but we had some mental errors where we didn’t throw the ball to the right base.”

The Huskies (7-3) broke up the shutout in the bottom half on an opposite field knock from Blake Spiker.

East Fairmont added one in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by McClain and two in the fifth off walks from Linn and Waskis.

“It seemed like our guys were selectively aggressive,” Price said. “That’s kinda contradictory, but they were. When they got their pitches, they put them in play. They hit the ball hard, hit them where they weren’t.”

The Bees opened the scoring in the first on a double from McKnight.

Waskis got the win, allowing one run on five hits and a walk with five punchouts.

“He kept our defense in the game,” Price said. “He works quick, changes speeds and locates. So he kept that defense in the game and hats off to Brody Bledsoe at third base. He played lights out. He knocked so many doubles down on the line.”

Landon Yoder, Hunter Livengood, Elliott Meyers-Shirer, Caleb Hinebaugh and Spiker recorded the five Husky hits.

“We had some good at-bats against him,” Carr said of facing Waskis. We hit some balls right at him. When you’re facing a kid like that, you can’t give up very many runs.”

The Huskies lost 7-4 to Fairmont Senior Friday evening to conclude its stay at the McDonald’s Classic.

10 schools represented on 2025-26 All-Area boys basketball team

It was a balanced area hoops season, which was exemplified by the 10 schools occupying the 13 spots on the 2025-26 All-Area boys basketball team.

Fort Hill, Frankfort and Southern led the way with two selections each, and Allegany, East Hardy, Keyser, Mountain Ridge, Northern, Petersburg and Union had one apiece.

Coaches were asked to submit nominations from their teams for consideration, and the All-Area team was decided at a coaches meeting last week. Fourteen coaches submitted nominations and seven attended the meeting.

The first team was highlighted by Allegany’s Chris Manherz, the Area Player of the Year, whose season is detailed in a separate story in Saturday’s Times-News.

He’s joined on the first unit by a pair of Frostburg State commits in Jeremy Phillips of Frankfort and Cameron Breighner of Mountain Ridge, along with fellow seniors Jacob Brown (Southern) and Liam Hamilton (Fort Hill).

A pair of Potomac Valley Conference juniors, Union’s Braylon Ward and East Hardy’s Gideon Good, round out the top team.

Landing on the second team were seniors Jayden McNally (Northern), Kaleb Kuhn (Petersburg) and Braylon McGreevy (Keyser), juniors Kycin Waites (Frankfort) and Jameson Powell-Morris (Fort Hill), and sophomore Graham Harvey (Southern).

There were also 14 honorable mentions named. That list is at the bottom of this story.

First Team Jeremy Phillips, Frankfort, Sr.

Phillips will go down as one of the best, if not the best, scorers in Frankfort basketball history.

The 6-foot guard finished his career with a school-record 1,448 points, and he led the area this winter in points (594), 3s (78) and 3-pointers per game (3.12), and he was third in scoring average (23.8 points per game).

He made 102 of 141 free throws for a 72.3% clip, good for a tie for 12th locally.

Phillips, a Frostburg State commit, was a repeat member of the All-Area first team and has won back-to-back Potomac Valley Conference Division 1 Player of the Year honors.

He also appeared on the West Virginia Class AA All-State first team, a first at Frankfort since 2001 and the second time it’s occurred in school history.

The senior helped guide Frankfort to the Class AA state tournament, ending the Falcons’ 16-year drought.

“It was a great season for Jeremy,” Frankfort head coach Scott Slider said. “He’s quite an offensive player. He’s really, really highly skilled, shoots the ball extremely well. Hit a lot of key buckets for us in some of our wins this year.

“He shoots the ball from 3 very well. He can create space even with guys face-guarding him. Many nights he saw that. ... Other times he could draw a guy to him and be able to get around him and get to the bucket, pull up, hitting some mid-range shots, as well as getting to the basket and finishing with a layup.”

Jacob Brown, Southern, Sr.

Brown had big shoes to fill with the graduation of Player of the Year Jared Haskiell and second-teamer Brayden Upole, and the senior did so admirably.

The 6-foot guard finished tied for 11th in the area averaging 15.3 points and ninth in assists at 3.4 a night, and his 73 3-pointers were third locally and 3.04 3s per game were second.

Brown also continued the tradition of Southern’s foul shooting excellence, making 76 of 91 free throws to lead the area at 83.5%.

An All-Western Maryland Athletic Conference first-team performer, Brown was nearly unstoppable when he heated up front deep. The senior made at least four 3-pointers in nine games.

Brown has offers to continue his career at Waynesburg and Juniata.

“Jacob was our team leader,” Southern head coach Hunter Broadwater said. “He put a lot of work in during the offseason to become our point guard since he has been a guard off the ball the past two seasons. He worked hard to increase his scoring ability. We are excited to see him continue his career at the next level.”

Braylon Ward, Union, Jr.

It’s hard to imagine a player who meant more to their team than Ward did to Union, a school with fewer than 100 high school-aged kids.

Ward, a 6-foot-1 guard, finished in the top 10 locally in every statistical category, posting averages of 24.8 points (second), 3.9 assists (tied for fifth), 7.6 rebounds (10th), 2.1 steals (10th) and 1.87 3-pointers (10th) per game.

His 570 points ranked third, his 147 for 179 effort at the foul line, good for 82.1%, was second, and his 34.7% 3-point shooting percentage was fourth.

Ward, who was honorable mention All-Area last year, appeared on the Class A All-State first team and All-PVC Division 3 squad.

“He is the type of player who makes every player around him better,” Union head coach Walt Ward said. “He can see the floor, has great court vision. He’s got a nasty mid-range shot. He improved his 3-point shooting from last year to this year, and he’s continuing to work on that.

“He’s also one of the hardest-working kids that I’ve ever been around. We’ll have a two-hour practice, and then he sticks around for an hour shooting on the machine, or we may leave, and two hours later, we’re back in the gym. He’s putting up shots, constantly working on his ball handling.”

Liam Hamilton, Fort Hill, Sr.

Above all else, Hamilton will be remembered at Fort Hill as a winner.

The 6-foot-4 forward won two region titles, made a Final Four berth and went 49-22 in three seasons in the Fort Hill starting lineup.

A point forward, Hamilton was second in assists locally at 4.3 per game and added 13.9 points (17th in area), 7.1 rebounds (tied for 11th) and 2.0 steals (tied for 13th) a night.

The senior also established a reputation for being one of the area’s top defenders.

Hamilton is a repeat member of the All-Area and All-WestMAC first teams, and he is a back-to-back All-City performer.

“Liam had a great career at Fort Hill. If you look at how much we won the last three years, it speaks highly about his involvement and his impact on the game,” Fort Hill head coach Thad Burner said.

“His size and his athleticism, his speed. Liam’s really good at getting downhill. He could beat his man one-on-one a lot. But I think Liam is a much better passer than he gets credit for.

“He’s the best defensive player in the area, and I don’t think it’s really close.”

Gideon Good, East Hardy, Jr.

The 6-foot-7 big man was a model of consistency for East Hardy, which advanced to its third straight Class A state semifinal with Good in the lineup.

Good posted 22 double-figure games in 26 outings and 16 double-doubles, including a 21-point, 11-rebound, 11-block triple-double against Tucker County on Jan. 31.

Good averaged a double-double at 17 points and 11.7 boards a night, figures that ranked 10th and third, respectively. His 5 blocks per game were an area-high.

An honorable mention All-Area player last year, Good was selected Class A first-team All-State and All-PVC Division 3.

“Gideon had a tremendous year,” East Hardy head coach Chris Hahn said. “He got so much bigger and stronger. When I say bigger, he played bigger. He just got really skilled off the ball.

“His ability to stretch defenses was really helpful this year. We were able to get him kind of moving at the basket rather than just playing with his back to the basket. He did a really good job of staying on the court this year, not getting in foul trouble.

“He was dominant all season and definitely drew everybody’s best defenders every night. We rarely saw a night where he got to play straight up against somebody one-on-one.”

Cam Breighner, Mtn. Ridge, Sr.

A skilled forward who was a matchup nightmare with a perimeter game at 6-foot-7, the future Frostburg State Bobcat made the All-Area first team for a second consecutive campaign.

Breighner averaged 14.8 points (14th locally) and 5.7 rebounds (tied for 22nd) and shot 62.5% from the charity stripe.

The senior also finished his high school career with a pair of All-WestMAC first-team appearances.

“Cam was a strong player for us. He was kind of the foundation for us,” Mountain Ridge head coach Tim Nightengale said. “He used his height well. He could play inside or out. He worked on his game continuously, and he was a great leader for us.

“He worked on his outside game, worked on his mid-range game. Really developed into a player who could really attack the rim from the outside, could take smaller guys into the paint and score in paint and score well around the basket.”

Second Team Jayden McNally, Northern, Sr.

The do-it-all McNally was in the top 10 in the area in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and 3-point shooting.

McNally, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, was fourth in 3s per game (2.45), fifth in 3-point percentage (34.5%), fifth in scoring average (21.1 points per game), sixth in stealing average (2.7 spg), seventh in rebounding average (8.3 rpg) and 10th in assists average (3.2 apg).

McNally was also voted to the All-WestMAC first team.

“Jayden really tried to transform his game this season,” Northern head coach Jeremy Johnson said. “For so long he was needed to be the sole scorer. We wanted him to use all his tools, and he really did that. Started to pass the ball more, focused on getting rebounds, playing harder defense. Proud of him for trying to develop into a more rounded player.”

Kaleb Kuhn, Petersburg, Sr.

When Kuhn caught fire, there was little opponents could do to stop him.

The 6-foot senior guard poured in an area-best 49 points in one game against Pendleton County on March 2, and he finished his career with 1,255 points.

Kuhn was fifth locally in points (504) and averaged 21 points (sixth), 6.5 rebounds (16th), 3 steals (second), 2.7 assists (tied for 14th) and 2 3-pointers (eighth) per game. He made 74 of 104 free throws, and his 71.2% ranks 15th.

Kuhn was also an All-Area second-teamer as a sophomore, and he made the All-PVC Division 2 squad.

“Kaleb’s been a kid throughout his career that always wants to take the last shot,” Petersburg head coach Stacey Berg said. “He’s a competitor. His court awareness, understanding the situation of the game, knowing what’s going on (is what sets him apart).

“Kaleb was the kind of kid that if he saw one go in, look out, there could be five go in real quick. And one of the things that we worked through his career was understanding that when it’s not going in, we’ve got to take a step back and try and get something simple.”

Kycin Waites, Frankfort, Jr.

Waites took a significant step from his sophomore season, becoming one of the area’s top players on both ends of the floor as an upperclassman.

The 6-foot-2 junior guard was seventh in points (430) and eighth in points per game (17.2). He added 6.5 rebounds (16th), 2.0 assists (tied for 28th) and 1.64 3-pointers (13th) per game.

Waites made 87 of 124 foul shots, and his 70.2% was 18th locally.

Waites was also selected to the All-PVC Division 1 squad.

“Excited for him because we still have another year for him to improve and get even better,” Slider said. “His game has improved tremendously, gets to the basket extremely well, could go against bigger defenders and get to the basket, as well as even shoot the ball pretty well from the perimeter.

“He could break the defense down, get around them, get to the bucket. Not only was he strong offensively, but defensively, he could step up and guard the other team’s No. 1 or No. 2 offensive player any given night.”

Jameson Powell-Morris, Fort Hill, Jr.

Powell-Morris was a steadying force on a Fort Hill squad that struggled offensively for stretches this year, scoring double figures in 20 of 22 games.

A 6-foot-2 guard, Powell-Morris averaged 15 points (13th locally), 5.7 rebounds (tied for 22nd), 2.2 assists (tied for 24th) and 1.27 3s (19th) locally.

The junior was also All-City and All-WestMAC first team.

“Jameson showed a lot of maturity this year,” Burner said. “He had some really, really good games. His ability to attack the basket has greatly improved. His shot greatly improved. He made some big shots for us this year throughout the season.

“I thought his mid-range game got a lot better. And a lot of times he might have been drawing the team’s best defender. ... I think we’re in store for some more improvement again next year. We’re excited about the things that Jameson did, and we’re really excited about ... how much more he can grow.”

Graham Harvey, Southern, So.

The sky is the limit for the lone underclassman voted to the All-Area squad.

The 6-foot-6 sophomore guard/forward showcased his skill around the perimeter and athleticism throwing down dunks, and his passing acumen allowed him to finish seventh locally at 3.8 per game.

Harvey posted averages of 14.6 points (15th), 6.3 rebounds (tied for 19th), 1.6 blocks (tied for fifth) and 1.58 3-pointers (15th). His 71.3% free-throw shooting mark (82-115) ranked 14th.

Harvey, who was also voted to the All-WestMAC first team, was an All-Area honorable mention last year.

“He was great for us this year,” Broadwater said of Harvey. “He led us in every category except for points. We are excited for his future with us. He worked hard last offseason to increase his offensive production, becoming a better shooter from 3 and from the free-throw line.”

Braylon McGreevy, Keyser, Sr.

McGreevy established himself firmly in the conversation for the area’s premier forward.

He was a consistent scorer, garnering 18 double-figure games, and his 15.3 ppg tied for 11th locally, 8.0 rpg tied for eighth and 1.9 blocks were good for fourth.

The 6-foot-5 senior, who was All-Area honorable mention last year, was named to the All-PVC Division 1 unit.

“Braylon is the type of player that coaches dream of,” Keyser head coach Scott Furey said. “He loves and studies the game. His size is an obvious benefit, but our style requires him to run the floor like no other big has to. He and we both benefit from his willingness to just outwork his competition. He will be sorely missed.”

Honorable Mention

Landon Holliday (Allegany), Evan Hamilton (East Hardy), Matt Medina (Hampshire), Trey Dawson (Keyser), Taylor Carder (Paw Paw), Payton Metheny, Caden Ours (Petersburg), Braden Lucas (Southern), Corbin Streets (Union).

All-City boys basketball squad revealed

CUMBERLAND — Allegany and Fort Hill placed three on the seven-player All-City boys basketball squad.

While there was no Cumberland City League because Fort Hill and Bishop Walsh did not play, All-City spots were were determined by head-to-head city results.

Because Fort Hill and Allegany split during the regular season, the Sentinels and Campers were both rewarded with three selections, and Bishop Walsh, 0-2 against Alco, nabbed the other.

Chris Manherz, Landon Holliday and Owen Rice made the team from Allegany, Liam Hamilton, Jameson Powell-Morris and Neek Taylor did so from Fort Hill, and Carson Hamelin was given the nod from Bishop Walsh.

Golden Knights and Mammoth surge into 1st-round meeting as the NHL playoffs reset the stakes

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vegas and Utah head into their first-round meeting playing well at just the right time, and while some elements could carry over, the way games play out in the NHL playoffs are far different from the regular season.

Matchups often become much more important than whatever supposed momentum a club takes into the postseason.

The Pacific Division champion Golden Knights, (minus)-190 favorites according to oddsdmakers, host the Western Conference No. 1 wild-card Mammoth in Game 1 on Sunday night in their best-of-seven series.

Vegas closed the season by going 7-0-1 under coach John Tortorella after he replaced Bruce Cassidy on March 29.

“I'm not really a big believer in momentum,” Golden Knights center Jack Eichel said. “I think every game and shift has a life history of its own. I think you can take some things away from the way we've been playing for sure and what's made us successful. But that's the beautiful thing about the playoffs. Everyone's slate is completely clean, and every night you have to prove yourself.”

Utah went 6-2 before ending the regular season with a 5-3 loss to St. Louis, a game played after the Mammoth's playoff seeding and matchup were decided.

“We’re a very confident team right now," Mammoth wing Clayton Keller said. "I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, lots of excitement, and great for our group to get into the playoffs and feel that.”

Andersson's comfort level grows

Rasmus Andersson spent his first nine-plus seasons in Calgary, so he had to get used to a lot of change when the Golden Knights traded for him in January.

And it showed.

He scored one goal in his first 17 games.

Andersson then began to show why the Golden Knights made the move. He ended the regular season with six goals in 16 games.

“That's what happens with time, right?” Andersson said. “It gets better and better. You get to learn your teammates more. You feel more and more comfortable with each day.”

Reuniting with his former defensive partner, Noah Hanifin, eased the transition. They were often paired together in their six seasons as Flames teammates, and have been matched up next to each 23 times with the Golden Knights, according to SinBin.vegas.

“He was probably the first guy to call after the trade,” Andersson said. “Just the familiarity is there. It obviously took us a few games to kind of get to know each other again, and he was used to something different here. The last 10 or 15 games, I think we've played well with one another.”

Schmidt excited in return to Vegas

Mammoth defenseman Nate Schmidt is used to be in this position, having helped Florida win its second straight Stanley Cup last season.

The gregarious veteran also was a fan favorite in Vegas as a member of the Golden Knights' first three teams that included the inaugural one in the 2017-18 season that made the Stanley Cup Final.

Schmidt laughed when saying there is no preparing for the kind of atmosphere that is expected to greet the Mammoth in Las Vegas, but noted he and his teammates “deserve to be here.”

“I played there in the playoffs,” Schmidt said. "I played for that team in the playoffs. It's a rowdy atmosphere. It's fun. It's exciting. I look at it like a positive. It's so much fun to be a part of. You want that. You'd much rather it be deafeningly loud than be quiet. It's going to be a fun Game 1.

"The guys are going to be looking around and the bench is going to be rumbling. The music will be playing in warmups and all the stuff they've got going on. It's a show. They do a great job."

Golden Knights could go with big-name top line

Tortorella has practiced this week a No. 1 line that includes Eichel, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone — the Golden Knights' three leading points producers. Eichel has centered a top line with Stone and Ivan Barbashev much of the season, with Marner often playing center or wing on the second line.

“I'm not sure if it works,” Tortorella said. “I'm not sure if I stay with it. I'd like to see it work. Do we start with it tomorrow? I don't know. Very intelligent players. Sometimes when you put big-point guys together, they forget about the other side of the puck. I don’t have to worry about that for a second with these guys.”

Keller making teammates better

Keller has registered an assist in his final 10 games of the regular season to join Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin with such a streak

Keller’s 16 assists over that 10-game span are the most in the NHL, giving him a career-high 62 this season.

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AP freelance writer John Coon in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Northern's outfield miscues cost Huskies in 7-4 loss to Fairmont Senior

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Northern's pitchers cut down on walks compared to its opener at the McDonald's Classic, but three costly errors bit the Huskies in a 7-4 loss to Fairmont Senior on Friday evening.

The Huskies (7-4) walked 11 in the opener, a 15-1 loss to East Fairmont.

"Not much of a bounceback for us," Northern manager Phil Carr said. "We couldn't hold onto a lead. We got a lead early and gave it up and got it back. Didn't have too many timely hits today."

Northern reduced the base on balls to five, but went from one error to three.

Two of the three led to runs scoring.

"We rebounded pretty big after the first game," Fairmont Senior head coach Bubby Caputo said of a 9-1 loss to Herbert Hoover earlier on Friday. "Our guys didn't have a lot of energy in that game. We were down, and just being able to bounce back like that in a grind out game like that is huge for us."

Trailing 2-1 midway through the fourth inning, the Huskies took a 4-2 lead with three runs in the bottom half.

A sacrifice fly from Caleb Hinebaugh, a Gavin Maust single up the middle and a dropped third strike scored Maust from third.

Maust led the Huskies going 3 for 4 with three singles, but was the only hitter with more than one of Northern's eight hits.

"Their soft left-handed kids kept us off balance pretty good today," Carr said. "I thought we did a better job offensively in the first game against the kid that's going to college than the couple young lefties they threw."

Carr referenced East Fairmont's Jackson Waskis, a West Liberty commit who allowed one run on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts in the earlier game.

The Polar Bears (2-11) answered with a three-run top of the fifth to take the lead for good.

After a strikeout to open the frame, Fairmont Senior's next five batters reached base.

Cole Sammons drove in a run on a double deep to center, then Xavier Marino-Garcia and Markus Izdepski worked walks to load the bases.

Evan Robbins hit a fly ball over the center fielder on what was ruled a two-run error that put the Polar Bears ahead 5-4.

"Their outfielders made plays, and our outfielders didn't," Carr said. "I think the name of this game is our outfielders didn't catch three balls that cost us runs. I know it cost us at least three runs, if not four runs, of the seven. They weren't balls that we dropped, we just misplayed them."

Fairmont Senior added a pair of insurance runs in the seventh on an error at second and a Noah Pethtel sacrifice fly.

The Huskies' Jacob Chambers opened the scoring with a sac fly in the bottom of the first.

Sammons singled in the third to even the score before Savion Huggins put the Polar Bears ahead 2-1 on a double in the fourth.

Sammons, Izdepski, Huggins and Braxton Painter each had two hits for Fairmont Senior.

"They weren't swinging at things outside of the zone like we were in the first few innings," Caputo said. "I think that kind of hurt us. We try to preach ground balls or line drives. A lot of those were lazy swings just popping out. We just turned around, started hitting line drives and it opened up some holes."

Braeden Sharps got the win in 3 1/3 shutout innings of relief, allowing two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts.

"He's our only senior," Caputo said. "He got to pitch some for us last year, not a lot. But for him to come in and do that, it's huge for him."

Hunter Beitzel was charged with five runs (two earned) across 4 1/3 frames, allowing five hits and three walks with a pair of punch outs.

The Polar Bears are a year removed from falling to Frankfort at last year's Class AAA semifinals, but lost seven seniors and head coach David Ricer, who retired after 11 seasons.

Caputo said Pethtel and Sammons started as freshmen last season and are the two returning starters.

"Our first two games got cancelled, and they would've been easier opponents," Caputo said. "Then we just ran into some really good pitching. We saw two of the best pitchers in the state our third and fourth games, and it just put us in a slump."

Northern begins a stretch of five games in seven days at home on Monday at 4:30 p.m. against Meyersdale (8-3).

"Just not a good day for Northern baseball," Carr said. "Just not what we're used to seeing."

Why Rory McIlroy's friend Shane Lowry missed his celebration for 2026 Masters

Shane Lowry Rory McIlroy 041826

Why Rory McIlroy's friend Shane Lowry missed his celebration for 2026 Masters originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Rory McIlroy won his second Masters over the weekend, but his best friend Shane Lowry was not in the mood to celebrate his win.

Lowry, who also competed in the Masters tournament April 6–12, 2026, and finished in a tie for 30th place, revealed that his own performance in the tournament weighed in his decision. 

“I was feeling a bit down and dejected a little bit, so I just stayed at home with my crew, but I’ll see him in a couple of weeks in Florida,” Lowry told Golf Monthly in a story published Friday, April 17. “I texted him on Sunday night, and I said, ‘Honestly, I’m so happy for you, but I don’t have it in me tonight to go over and celebrate.’”

Although Lowry ended up in 30th place, he started the tournament off strong and, even on the last day, was only two strokes behind McIlroy. 

While the Masters didn't end in Lowry's favor, McIlroy's path to his second Green Jacket was not easy. McIlroy had to fight off Scottie Scheffler, who finished in second and was 11-under. 

McIlroy is the fourth-ever pro golfer to win a Masters back-to-back since Tiger Woods in 2003. He shared how proud of himself he was and that he kept believing in himself. 

"This feels incredible. It’s my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time," he told the PGA. "I think the last 10 years of coming here with the burden of the Grand Slam on my shoulders, it weighed on me, and I'm sort of wondering what we're going to talk about going into next year's Masters! I'm absolutely honored and thrilled, and so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."

More lifestyle news:

Marquette Shreds Butler

Marquette’s Tess Osburn moves with the ball in a 2026 road game against Denver.

I guess Marquette wasn’t really bothered by having two weeks off between games.

On Saturday, Marquette women’s lacrosse wrapped up their home portion of the Big East schedule with a 20-6 win over Butler. Sure, it’s Butler, which is now 3-12 on the year and 0-5 in the Big East. Odds are Marquette was going to win anyway, but there was very little doubt as to what was going to happen here.

It was 4-0 Marquette before the clock hit the midway mark of the first quarter, and the Golden Eagles had scored on their first, fourth, five, and sixth shots of the game. The fourth goal was probably the mean one, as Tess Osburn tallied just 18 seconds after Eileen Dooley had made it 3-0.

Q1 | MU 4, Butler 0

Tess earns her second goal with a SPIN MOVE!!!! #WeAreMarquette | #MarquetteWLAXpic.twitter.com/3RV1FFui5H

— Marquette Women’s Lacrosse (@MarquetteWLax) April 18, 2026

Between the pass from Dani Serrano and the spin move, yeah, pretty mean.

Butler scored the next two goals of the game, and for a moment here, you could almost start to see BU having a chance. 4-2, six minutes left in the first quarter, Bulldogs scored on their second and third shots, both of them free position attempts, if MU keeps doing them favors with fouls…. hmmmmm…. but Hanna Bodner and Tess Osburn scored before 90 seconds went by, 6-2 Marquette.

It was 6-3 at the start of the second quarter, and Ella Mautz’s goal at the 10:38 mark was the start of the end for Butler. As it turns out, the Mautz goal was technically the game winner, since it was MU’s seventh goal of the game. It was also the first of six unanswered in the second quarter, and with Osburn’s goal to start the scoring in the third period, the first of seven straight for Marquette. 12-3 at halftime, 13-3 and the running clock rolling along just 50 seconds into the second half.

Q2 | MU 7, Butler 3

Mautz first goal of the game from Burns!!!#WeAreMarquette | #MarquetteWLAXpic.twitter.com/glp9IHNGnl

— Marquette Women’s Lacrosse (@MarquetteWLax) April 18, 2026

Butler got a couple of goals to turn the running clock off, but that was just prolonging the inevitable. Osburn’s fifth and final goal of the day got the clock running again at 15-5, and goals by Bodner and Julia Evens kept it there.

Tess Osburn’s five goals led Marquette in that department, and Hanna Bodner was the only other Golden Eagle with a hat trick, which kinda means that they spread 20 goals out pretty well. However, both women do not get high point honors for the day, as that goes to Dani Serrano. The freshman finished with two goals and a whopping seven assists, giving her nine points. That’s more than Butler had as a team!! It is, however, only tied for the fourth best game in Marquette history, as there have been three double digit outings in the past.

Jillian Howell gets the win after departing at halftime, although she only made two saves while allowing three goals. Then again, Butler only took eight shots in the first half, and two of the goals allowed were on free position attempts anyway. Mikayla Yang played all of the third quarter and about half of the fourth, allowing three goals on five shots on frame, and Zoey Gottlieb got in for the final eight minutes and handed Butler one last stop.

Up Next: One last regular season contest, and I think it still matters for the Big East tournament. At 3-2 in the league, the Golden Eagles control their own destiny as they head to visit UConn. First draw against the 2-3 Huskies on Saturday, April 25, is set for 10:30am Central time. A Marquette loss combined with a Villanova win over Butler next week would move MU, VU, and UConn into a three-way tie at 3-3, and with everyone going 1-1 against the other two (I misspoke in the preview, sorry), it’s hard to say who would come out ahead of the tiebreaker with everyone also going 0-2 against Denver and Georgetown and 2-0 against Xavier and Butler. So, y’know, just beat UConn, just to be safe.


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Allegany's Chris Manherz voted area boys basketball Player of the Year

CUMBERLAND — It will be some time before a player like Chris Manherz graces the area again.

The senior overcame his size standing at 5-foot-8 to average more than 23 points per game and eclipse 1,000 for his career, all in pursuit of a region championship — something Allegany achieved for the first time since 2017.

The lightning-quick Manherz was rewarded for his efforts by being voted area boys basketball Player of the Year in a landslide.

“First I want to thank God for putting me in this position,” Manherz said. “I’m really grateful for my coaches and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and pushing me all season.

“My teammates mean a lot to me too. They trusted me and we all worked for each other every night. I also want to thank my family and friends for always supporting me. Not just this year but over the years.”

The award was decided at a meeting of the area’s head coaches last week. Seven voted and Manherz received five nods.

East Hardy’s Gideon Good, Fort Hill’s Liam Hamilton, Frankfort’s Jeremy Phillips, Northern’s Jayden McNally, Petersburg’s Kaleb Kuhn and Union’s Braylon Ward were also finalists.

Manherz, who was also voted Western Maryland Athletic Conference Player of the Year by the league’s coaches, was fourth in the area in points (540) and points per game (23.5).

He was more than a scorer, however, and his 4.6 assists a night were an area-best mark.

“It’s very well deserved,” Allegany head coach Brandon Reed said. “For him to do what he was able to do in terms of being high up there with the leaders in the area in scoring, and then also leading the area in assists. It speaks to what type of player he is.

“We asked him to kind of go outside of his comfort zone and be a scorer for us when he’d probably rather be a facilitator. He’s just the ultimate competitor. He wants to do whatever it takes to win.”

Manherz rarely left the floor. The Allegany offense ran through him, and he was tasked with scrambling around on defense when the Campers pressed.

In Allegany’s 59-35 upset of Southern on the road in the Class 1A West Region I semifinals, Manherz moved to the top of the Campers’ zone, sacrificing his legs on offense to slow the favored Rams.

“He’s an incredible soccer player,” Reed said of Manherz, who is a multi-time first-team All-Area performer on the pitch. “He came in with what (Allegany soccer) coach (Blake) Geatz requires of them, and we’re very fortunate to have Sean Rhodes with us this year, who’s a personal trainer.

“Chris was big on making sure we were in shape to play the style we wanted to play and make sure we bring it on the defensive end each and every time.”

Manherz — who was first-team All-WestMAC last year and All-City the past two seasons — was also third locally averaging 2.9 steals per night.

The senior finished his career with 1,036 points. He had five 30-point games this year, scored 29 three other times and eclipsed 20 in 16 games.

Manherz’s 2.39 3-pointers per game were fifth-best locally, and he ranked 13th in 3-point percentage at 30.4%. He made 99 of 136 foul shots for 72.3%, tied for the 12th-best mark in the area.

More important than the numbers, however, was Allegany’s region championship, something that looked unlikely when the fourth-seeded Campers entered the postseason losers in five of seven games.

Three playoff wins later, Allegany cut down the nets on its home floor following a 57-46 victory against Mountain Ridge for the region title.

“This is a season I’ll never forget,” Manherz said. “There are a lot of moments that will stick with me, winning our (Bill Bowers) Christmas tournament, getting our first win at our crosstown rival (Fort Hill) under coach Reed, winning in a tough playoff environment at Southern, and being able to cut down the nets at home with our fans there supporting us.

“Then the community send-off meant a lot. Really just thankful for everything and everyone who was part of it.

Manherz is the record 14th Allegany boys basketball player to record the honor and the first since 2018.

He joins the ranks of Justin Copman (2018, shared with Southern’s Tyler Rodeheaver), Rhodes (2017), Jason Copman (2016), Darquel Jessie (2015), Trenton Eirich (2014), Casey Roberts (2009-10), Donavin Vinson (2005-06), Ian Grady (2004), Michael Fields (1996) and D.J. Jessie (1993-94) as Alco winners.

“He went out there every day and played like he was bigger than he is,” Reed said. “He never shied away. He was so impressive on the defensive end this year for us, and that was a big reason for our success.

“He wanted to guard every team’s best player, and he was giving up in some cases a foot. He does some stuff that makes you just kind of ooh and ahh.

“I’m not so sure we’ll see too many more players like him in terms of that talent and that size.”

Duke Basketball receives good news in transfer portal battle for top-5 player

Jon Scheyer

Duke Basketball receives good news in transfer portal battle for top-5 player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Duke Blue Devils haven't made a lot of noise in the transfer portal during this cycle. But there have been clear targets for Jon Scheyer and his staff over the greater part of the past two weeks. One of them is Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell.

One of the top-five players available in the portal has reportedly been between Illinois and Duke, with UCLA still in the mix. There's a clear reason why the Fighting Illini were firmly in the conversation for Blackwell this time around. His father, Glynn Blackwell, played for Illinois in the 1980s, and the recent success of the program has put them in contention for top talent.

However, Blackwell won't be a legacy recruit. "It sounds like Illinois is likely now out of the race for Blackwell, with Andrej Stojakovic announcing his return to the program," according to On3's Joe Tipton. "Currently, sources believe Duke and UCLA have the best chances of landing him."

This is great news for Scheyer and the Blue Devils, as UCLA doesn't have near the resources or family ties for Blackwell. The location of southern California might be attractive, but Mick Cronin and the Bruins aren't put together like what's happening in Durham.

More: Cayden Boozer's return to Duke heats up transfer portal recruiting

Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season at Wisconsin. The soon-to-be senior would fill a gap for Duke and bring leadership to the table. This is a rare quality coming out of the portal with many underclassmen looking for a restart. 

More Duke basketball news:

Real Sociedad secure Copa del Rey penalty triumph over Atletico

Pablo Marin blasted home the winning penalty for Real Sociedad against Atletico Madrid in Seville (Thomas COEX)

Real Sociedad edged Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties to win the Copa del Rey for a fourth time in the club's history after a 2-2 draw in a gripping final on Saturday in Seville.

After Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez missed from the spot for Diego Simeone's Atletico, Pablo Marin smashed home his kick to claim victory for the Basque side.

Ander Barrenetxea had headed Real Sociedad ahead after just 14 seconds, with Ademola Lookman levelling for Atletico.

Mikel Oyarzabal put the Basque side ahead from the penalty spot before the break but Alvarez rescued Atletico and forced extra time and ultimately penalties with a superb strike.

La Real's season seemed set to be one of struggle until American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was appointed in December, and he resuscitated their campaign.

"It's a moment to enjoy, to dream and to believe... the kid who dreamed of this... has done it," said Real Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who saved two penalties.

Champions League semi-finalists Atletico, 10-time winners of the cup, were left to lick their wounds and rue mistakes.

"We did everything we could, we had to row against the current from the start," said Atletico captain Koke. 

"We had some chances before the end of the 90 minutes that if we had scored would have changed the story.

"We have to congratulate La Real, that's life. It hurts but we have to continue."

At La Cartuja stadium it was a battle between two teams that often attack fast and direct, and Real Sociedad certainly did that, netting the quickest ever goal scored in a Copa del Rey final.

Goncalo Guedes scampered away down the left on to a long ball, crossing for Barrenetxea to head beyond Juan Musso before the Rojiblancos had even touched the ball.

Simeone's side, who last won the competition back in 2013 near the start of his 14-year reign, wrestled their way back level through Lookman.

Antoine Griezmann laid off the ball to him on the edge of the box and without much on, the Nigeria international spied a route to goal and drilled into the bottom corner.

Lookman almost created a goal for Griezmann but Real Sociedad scrambled to block the 35-year-old French forward, who is leaving Atletico at the end of the season for MLS side Orlando City.

Atletico goalkeeper Musso, chosen ahead of the fit-again Jan Oblak after he impressed during the Slovenian's recent injury absence, handed La Real the lead again just before the break.

Musso clumsily clattered Guedes fists first as the Portuguese leapt for a header and the Basque side were awarded a penalty.

Oyarzabal, who scored from the spot when they won the 2020 edition, without their fans present because of the global pandemic, sent Musso the wrong way.

After a first half in which they struggled, Atletico began to build some pressure after the interval.

Griezmann lashed over and Lookman whipped a shot high and wide as La Real tried to stave off the Rojiblancos, who dominated the ball.

Simeone called for his battering ram, sending on Norwegian target man Sorloth to try and force a way through.

Eventually the goal they craved came from the guile of former Manchester City striker Alvarez instead.

The Argentina forward took a neat touch to spin on the edge of the box and then another to plant the ball in the top corner for his 19th goal of the season.

- Blown chances -

With La Real caving Johnny Cardoso should have won it for Atletico in stoppage time. The American fired a golden opening wide of the far post with just goalkeeper Unai Marrero to beat.

Musso made a fine save to thwart Icelandic striker Orri Oskarsson as he tried to turn home a rebound in extra time.

At the other end Alvarez crashed a shot off the crossbar from long range, with both teams creating enough opportunities to win it before penalties.

Marrero denied both Sorloth and Alvarez on Atletico's first two penalties, with Musso stopping one from Oskarsson to give Atletico a chance.

However Marin made no mistake with Real Sociedad's fifth penalty to spark wild celebrations.

Atletico's last realistic chance of silverware this season, and something for Griezmann to celebrate on his departure, is in Europe where they face Arsenal.

"We have a beautiful challenge -- we want the Champions League, we will do everything we can to win it, but this is a sad night," added Koke.

rbs/mw

NBA playoffs: Timberwolves’ offense dries up in Game 1 loss at Denver

DENVER — The defensive end was largely effective for the Timberwolves in Game 1 of their Western Conference opener on Saturday afteroon.

The Nuggets, for a change, couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat, the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team good on only 28% of its shots from beyond the arc. In addition, the Wolves forced 14 turnovers that led to 17 points the other way.

But the end of the floor the Timberwolves weren’t concerned about going into this series was a struggle. The Timberwolves’ offense ran dry in the second half, and the Nuggets took a 1-0 series lead with a 116-105 victory at Ball Arena.

Game 2 is Monday at 9:30 p.m. CT in Denver.

The Wolves came out hot, racing to an early 12-point lead. But Denver repeatedly got to the free-throw line over the first two quarters to stem the tide and went to the break tied 62-62.

That’s when Minnesota’s offense unraveled. The Wolves made just 2 of their first 16 shots in the third quarter as Denver built a 15-point advantage.

Largely thanks to their defense, the Wolves forged their way back into the contest in the fourth, getting back to within two on an Ayo Dosunmu bucket. But Minnesota went scoreless for another two minutes from there.

Jamal Murray finished with 30 points, going 16 for 16 from the free-throw line on an otherwise poor shooting day.

Rudy Gobert finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

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Oklahoma Holds Off LSU To Win 8th NCAA Gymnastics Title

NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championship

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Members of the University of Oklahoma celebrate during the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena on April 16, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Alicia Malnati/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Oklahoma Sooners are NCAA Gymnastics National Champions – again. For the eighth time in 11 years and fourth title in five, K.J. Kindler’s unbreakable squad cemented its status as the best gymnastics team in the land.

With back-to-back titles and unmistakable dominance over the last decade, the Sooners didn’t just win another title – they cemented a dynasty. With the win, Kindler is now the most efficient coach in NCAA Gymnastics history, averaging more than one title every three seasons.

The Sooners fought off a formidable late-meet push from the LSU Tigers, who surged into the lead after a stellar bars rotation. The Tigers finish second for the third time in program history, falling just short of the program’s second title.

Though the Florida Gators came in as the hottest team in the nation, the stacked lineup struggled to find its rhythm all day, falling into third place and continuing the program’s 11-year title drought.

The Cinderella team, Minnesota, finished fourth after another strong effort. Though the Gophers entered the final rotation ahead of the No. 3 Gators, a subpar vault rotation dropped Minnesota to fourth. Nonetheless, the team’s fourth-place finish is historic, passing their previous sixth-place finish from 2022.

Final Results

  1. Oklahoma Sooners: 198.1625
  2. LSU Tigers: 198.075
  3. Florida Gators: 197.6875
  4. Minnesota Golden Gophers: 197.375

Fort Worth Play-by-Play

Rotation One: Oklahoma Rocks the House on Vault

The Sooners started their title push on vault, the event where they posted a staggering 49.750 in the semifinal round. Though the Sooners only found two stuck landings today – instead of four – they posted the highest rotation of the field to start. Sophomore Lily Pederson nabbed a career high 9.9875 to lead the Sooners.

Like Oklahoma, Florida followed the same rotation order as Thursday’s semifinals, starting on the balance beam. The Gators also started on beam in their victorious SEC Championship effort, and hoped the same outcome would translate here. Though Florida saw strong hits from Selena Harris-Miranda and Skye Blakely, the scores could not match the near-perfect results from OU. After a fall in the anchor spot, the Gators had to count a sub-par 9.8 score for a below-average beam total.

Over on floor, the LSU Tigers looked for an emphatic start on their best event. Though the scores began modestly, the Tigers saw key 9.9+ efforts from the star-studded backend of their lineup. Amari Drayton and Kaliya Lincoln delivered back-to-back 9.9375 marks to keep the Tigers just behind the Sooners.

Starting on bars – the event where they finished in Thursday’s semifinal – the Golden Gophers were less precise than their semifinal effort. However, the team saw a clutch 9.900 routine from freshman Arianna Ostrum.

After One: Oklahoma: 49.600, LSU: 49.5125, Florida: 49.3875, Minnesota: 49.2625

MORE FROM FORBESJordan Chiles’ Collegiate Career Ends In Elite Eight With NCAA Floor TitleBy Caroline Price

Rotation Two: Kailin Chio Brings Her Best

In the second rotation, an all-out battle unfolded. The Sooners struggled to find their bars dismounts in the semifinal round, and that same struggle carried into half of their lineup on Saturday. Freshmen stars Ella Murphy, Mackenzie Estep, and Caitlin Smith redeemed the effort, nabbing three scores of 9.9+.

The Gators needed to move past their shaky beam rotation with power and finesse on floor. Though the Gators looked confident and precise in their routines, scores remained tight through the end of the rotation. All-around bronze medalist eMjae Frazier hit a stellar floor routine, but scored nearly .050 below a similar effort from Thursday. Nonetheless, the Gators finished the rotation with a strong hit from Selena Harris-Miranda.

After a tentative start on vault with no sticks, sophomore star Kailin Chio brought the arena to its feet in the anchor spot. Chio stuck her 14th vault of the season, making a 87.5% stick-rate on the year. The judges awarded Chio with an outright perfect 10.0, her 13th of the season. With the score, the Tigers stayed close behind the Sooners.

On beam, Minnesota needed a huge effort on their best event: the balance beam. Despite a fluke mishap in the penultimate routine, the Gophers delivered once more, posting a huge 49.450. Newly-crowned NCAA Beam Champion Brooklyn Rowray and junior Jordyn Lyden both earned key scores of 9.9+.

After Two: Oklahoma: 99.0625, LSU: 98.9875, Florida: 98.8000, Minnesota: 98.7125

Rotation Three: LSU Sticks, Florida Sinks

Heading into the second half of the meet, the Sooners maintained their lead, but it was tight. They now headed to the balance beam, one of the team’s strongest events. However, the tide turned for the Sooners.

After the injured Addison Fatta scored just a 9.7375 in the leadoff, Keira Wells fell off the beam in the second spot and the pressure was on for K.J. Kindler’s team. Freshman Ella Murphy responded without hesitation, nailing a spectacular 9.9375 in the next spot. The Sooners continued to respond, closing the rotation with a massive 9.95 from all-around champion Faith Torrez. Though they gave up the lead, the Sooners powered through to salvage another hit rotation.

Entering the rotation in third, Florida faced its biggest weakness: vault. That reality continued on Saturday in Fort Worth, with the lineup producing zero stuck landings across six vaults. Though they entered the third rotation in contention, Jenny Rowland’s team may have vaulted themselves out of the national title.

Now on the floor, Minnesota rebounded from a sub-9.8 in the leadoff spot to surge onto the podium over Florida. Jenny Hansen’s team recorded a strong 49.3875 behind a trio of 9.9+ scores from the backend of the lineup. While Florida struggled on vault, the Gophers climbed into the third-place spot with one rotation to go.

After recording their lowest bars score all season on Thursday, the LSU Tigers needed to dial in on bars, and the Tigers delivered. Lexi Zeiss was spectacular in the leadoff, opening the rotation with a huge 9.925. The big scores and stuck dismounts kept coming, with junior Konnor McClain closing the rotation with a huge 9.95. Just like that, the Tigers took the lead.

After Three: LSU: 148.600, Oklahoma: 148.525, Minnesota: 148.100, Florida: 148.0875.

Rotation Four: Tigers vs. Sooners for the Title

With Minnesota and Florida over a half-point behind, the meet turned into a two-team race between the LSU Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners went to the floor while the Tigers went to the beam, and only the smallest of margins separated the two programs.

Kylie Coen led off the Tigers with a spectacular hit, shifting the momentum towards LSU. However, that momentum quickly changed after a minutes-long judges conference iced out sophomore Lexi Zeiss. Zeiss fell off the beam in the second spot, putting the Tigers at a significant disadvantage.

While the Tigers worked to avoid counting a fall, the Sooners powered forward to five scores of 9.90 or higher. All-around champion Faith Torrez closed the rotation with another 9.95, closing the door on Jay Clark’s Tigers.

After Four: Oklahoma: 198.1625, LSU: 198.075, Florida: 197.6875, Minnesota: 197.375

MORE FROM FORBESFaith Torrez Defies Odds To Capture All-Around National ChampionshipBy Caroline Price

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Ottawa Scores Two Jailbreak Goals In Win Over New York And Moves Closer To Securing A Playoff Berth

A mere two points separated Ottawa and New York when the puck was dropped on this afternoon's matchup, but it was the Charge who, following their 6-2 loss in their last meeting on March 8, flipped the script and scored five unanswered to win 5-1 and move five points up on the Sirens and Toronto Sceptres for the final playoff spot with two games left to go on the season.

"This is huge. It's almost like you're in the playoffs," Jocelyne Larocque said. "So we see that as a playoff win. That's how important it is. These points are important, and it was a huge team win."

It wasn't that the Charge "found a way to win" this game, or that they were merely beneficiaries of puck luck. Quite the contrary, in fact. They created every chance on their own, dictated the play at both ends of the ice from puck drop to the final buzzer, and were physical throughout, playing "Charge" hockey along the way.

"Tonight's game, Ottawa deserves a lot of credit for how they played and how they handled us," New York head coach Greg Fargo said. "We had a harder time establishing our game in the offensive zone, and they deserve a lot of credit for that, too. Ottawa wanted this one too, and they deserve the credit."

The Charge find themselves playing their best hockey when it matters the most. Sure, there were chances at both ends of the ice throughout this game, making this feel every bit like a playoff game. But the chances Ottawa generated, the way they exited their zone, the way defenders helped break up plays on the back check, and the way they boxed New York out in front of Gwyneth Philips felt different in this game. Philips, who made 23 saves in this game, eclipsed the 700 save total on the season.

"We have some great veteran leadership in our room," interim head coach Haley Irwin said. "For those who have been here in past seasons, we understand the importance of this time of year. It's about composure, being able to push, and managing times in the game."

Jocelyne Larocque, her niece, and Peyton Hemp speak with the media

Ottawa, which has struggled at times this season with special teams, used it to their advantage in this one. Larocque and Peyton Hemp would each score second-period jailbreak goals, while Brianne Jenner capped off the game with a third-period power-play goal. 

"I don't even know what I was thinking," Hemp said of her goal. "It's been drilled into our heads to drive the net every day at practice, so I feel that was all I was trying to do, just get to the back post. I didn't know if I was going to beat them, but I was skating as hard as I could."

The Charge will have to wait until Wednesday for their next game and a matchup against the Boston Fleet. That game falls after both New York and Toronto play, and with the regular season dwindling, one could expect that, much like fans, the players may be keeping an eye on the score clock with two games left.

Upgrading Your Wireless Network With The Latest Wi-Fi 7 Router Won’t Be Expensive Thanks To TP-Link’s Archer BE230, Now Available For $87 On Amazon

TP-Link's Archer BE230 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router is available for only $87 on Amazon

No other competitor on the market makes affordable Wi-Fi 7 routers like TP-Link, making it a suitable choice to upgrade your home’s or work’s wireless networks with some affordable access points, granting incredible speed, range, and reliability, all in a single package. The Archer BE230 is one such offering that you can get immediately without worrying about the bill, because, at $87 on Amazon, it is an excellent gateway to help you experience the new wireless standard. With its dual-band support, the Archer BE230 can reach cumulative speeds of 3.6Gbps, not to mention covering up to 2,000 square feet of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tp-link-archer-be230-dual-band-wi-fi-7-router-incredibly-affordable-at-87-on-amazon/

Apple’s MacBook Neo Launch Was A Master Plan In Hiding, As The Company Will Enforce A Genius Tactic To Force You To Upgrade

Apple's MacBook Neo is going to surge in popularity after the company makes a major announcement later this year

The launch of the MacBook Neo couldn’t have materialized at a better time, because it’s not just the attractive $599 starting price that’s going to encourage buyers to upgrade, but it’s also a key decision that Apple will make later this year, with its intentions made clear from before. During the Platforms State of the Union segment at WWDC 2025, the Cupertino firm revealed that macOS 26 is going to be the latest major operating system supported by Intel-powered Macs. You know what this means for macOS 27? With macOS 27 only compatible with the MacBook Neo or an M-series Mac, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-has-a-master-plan-to-force-old-mac-owners-to-upgrade-to-macbook-neo/

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Barcelona Travel Update 2026: Beach Club Music Openings in Ibiza Kick Off May With Day‑to‑Night Party Vibrance

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/barcelona-travel-update-2026-beach-club-music-openings-in-ibiza-kick-off-may-with-day-to-night-party-vibrance/

Barcelona Travel Update 2026: Beach Club Music Openings in Ibiza Kick Off May With Day‑to‑Night Party VibranceIbiza beach club music...

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OnePlus Buds Ace 3 key specs and images surface online

OnePlus is expected to launch its budget-friendly TWS buds called Buds Ace 3 sometime this month, succeeding the Buds Ace 2 that debuted in late 2024. So in a sense, the Buds Ace 3 are a bit overdue. OnePlus Buds Ace 3 Ahead of the near release, OnePlus teased the headphones on Weibo, revealing key details and a press render. The headphones are also up on the Chinese Oppo online store, confirming the imminent launch. It looks like the Ace 3 brings the most upgrades in two departments - battery life and noise cancellation capabilities. The new buds are rated at up to 55 dB of...

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano possible rift rumors addressed as real reason for Inter Miami’s exit comes to light

The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down.

At Inter Miami, the spotlight once again falls on Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano after a sudden managerial departure that few saw coming. The club, still riding the momentum of recent success, now faces renewed scrutiny as speculation swirls around what truly led to the Argentine coach stepping down.

The Argentine coach’s resignation came shortly after a turbulent period for the club, which included inconsistent results and growing pressure on the squad. While early reports pointed to “personal reasons,” the timing and context have led to deeper scrutiny of what actually unfolded inside the dressing room.

The Herons confirmed Javier Mascherano’s resignation through an official statement, where he said: “I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF.” He also added, “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star.”

The coach left with an impressive 1.93 points-per-game average, the highest in club history, and just months after leading the club to its first MLS Cup title. Despite that success, the team’s recent form, including elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, created a more unstable atmosphere.

The real reason behind the exit amid tensions talk

While official messaging pointed to a clean departure, reports later suggested a more complex situation. A locker room argument after the 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls is believed to have been the final trigger behind Mascherano’s exit, according to sources briefed on the situation.

The Athletic earlier reported that tensions had been building for weeks, particularly after the club’s Concacaf Champions Cup elimination. The frustration reportedly grew internally, creating an increasingly difficult environment.

However, despite speculation, a Daily Mail insider dismissed the idea of a Messi-related fallout. “When they come, it’s ‘because he is Messi’s friend’. When they leave, it’s ‘because he is not Messi’s friend’,” the source said, pushing back on the narrative.

Lionel Messi chats with Javier Mascherano, Head Coach of Inter Miami.

The Messi and Mascherano dynamic

Messi and Mascherano share a long history together, having played for both Argentina and Barcelona. That relationship carried into Miami, where both were seen as central figures in the club’s identity and leadership structure.

Mascherano publicly described his exit as personal, but the lack of detail quickly sparked speculation. The same phrasing had been used in previous managerial changes at the club, which only added to doubts about the official explanation.

The Daily Mail added that Mascherano had privately felt that his cycle at the club had naturally reached its end after winning major silverware, rather than being forced out abruptly. This version of events suggests a gradual decision rather than a sudden fallout.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami talks with Javier Mascherano as he leaves the field.

Christian Pulisic’s status for Milan’s crucial Serie A clash against Verona revealed as USMNT ace looks to end frustrating 2026 goal drought

At Milan, the spotlight has once again shifted toward Christian Pulisic, with uncertainty surrounding his situation ahead of a crucial clash against Hellas Verona.

At Milan, the spotlight has once again shifted toward Christian Pulisic, with uncertainty surrounding his situation ahead of a crucial clash against Hellas Verona. The Serie A club finds itself in a delicate moment, where form, confidence, and attacking output are all under scrutiny.

Its attacking unit, once considered a strength, has instead become a growing concern. With key figures, including Pulisic and Rafael Leao, struggling simultaneously, the sense around the Rossoneri is that something deeper than simple poor form is affecting performances. The numbers paint a troubling picture for Milan’s frontline in 2026. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the team’s attackers have managed just eight goals since the turn of the year despite producing 93 total shots and 34 on target. This decline has had a direct impact on results, as goals have become increasingly difficult to come by. Compared to rivals like Inter, which requires far fewer chances to score, Massimiliano Allegri’s players’ struggles stand out even more.

Much of the focus has naturally fallen on Pulisic, whose season has followed a dramatic split. After recording eight goals and two assists in the first half of the campaign, he has failed to score in 2026, adding just one assist to his tally.

His last goal came in late December, coincidentally against Verona, a moment that now feels distant. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have disrupted his rhythm, leaving the forward searching for answers in front of the goal.

Pulisic’s status for the crucial Verona test emerges

Despite the concerns, multiple outlets such as Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Pulisic is still expected to start against Verona, a decision that underlines the trust placed in him by Massimiliano Allegri. The coach appears willing to rely on his experienced attackers rather than turn to alternatives during this difficult phase.

The American winger has previously delivered strong performances at the Bentegodi, including a goal in a 3-1 win during the 2023-24 season. That history is seen as a potential spark for a player searching for rhythm.

Tactical reset offers a familiar solution

Massimiliano Allegri has repeatedly altered Milan’s attacking structure in search of a solution. Experiments with different forward combinations, including a front three, have failed to deliver stability or goals.

pulisic leao
Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic

After the disappointing system change against Udinese, Allegri is expected to revert to a 3-5-2 formation with Pulisic and Leao leading the line together. The coach believes familiarity between the two attackers could restore some balance in the final third.

Despite recent struggles, Allegri is still backing both players to start against Verona, hoping the matchup can trigger a turnaround in form. The partnership between Pulisic and Leao has produced mixed outcomes this season. When the two started together, the Rossoneri scored just eight goals, averaging less than one per game.

Confidence also appears to be a factor, with both players struggling mentally as well as physically. The pressure of expectation, combined with recent poor results, has created a tense atmosphere within the squad.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts

1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit slams Kylian Mbappé: ‘His arrival has filled the Real Madrid locker room with selfishness’

After Real Madrid’s disappointing season, Kylian Mbappé has received heavy criticism for failing to lead the team to success. Adding to this, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit delivered a strong critique of the Frenchman, making clear the underlying issue within the dressing room.

Kylian Mbappé has enjoyed an outstanding individual season, scoring 40 goals and playing a key role in the attack. Despite this, Real Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and sitting second in LaLiga. In response, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has delivered a strong critique of the 27-year-old striker, highlighting what he sees as a growing problem within the dressing room.

It’s not only Kylian Mbappé’s fault, but his arrival has filled the Real Madrid locker room with selfishness. It’s a fiasco, and time is running out for him,” Emmanuel Petit said, via RMC Sport. Moreover, he strongly criticizes Eduardo Camavinga, defending the French striker: “If someone has to be blamed, it’s him. His entrance was catastrophic. At that moment in the match, that red card is very harsh, but the referee is simply applying the rules.”

Far from blaming the lack of specific profiles in the squad, Emmanuel Petit made it clear that Real Madrid’s issues do not necessarily stem from the sporting side. Alongside these remarks, concerns over Vinícius Jr.’s contract renewal have also emerged, as he is reportedly seeking a salary equal to that of Kylian Mbappé. With this, and the reported dressing room tensions involving Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos seem to be facing a significant internal problem.

Despite these reported ego issues, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. have made it clear on multiple occasions that there are no problems between them, even stating that they share a close relationship. However, Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances this season have raised serious concerns, with fans expressing worries that there is no collective identity, but rather a focus on individual priorities.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match.

Mbappé joined a Real Madrid team led by Vinícius Jr.

Real Madrid have managed to remain one of the best teams in the world, with Vinícius Jr. standing out as a difference-maker. The Brazilian has not only delivered in terms of goals, but has also been key in two UEFA Champions League titles. As a result, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival significantly shook up the squad, as the scoring responsibility and spotlight are now shared, forcing both players to adjust their roles on the pitch—something that has yet to fully click.

While Kylian Mbappé has thrived in his best goalscoring form, Vinícius Jr. has struggled to fully adapt, drawing criticism after managing just 17 goals—well below his peak level. Neither Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa have been able to properly integrate both players on the pitch, as when one shines, the other tends to fade into the background. Feeling that the system no longer benefits him, the Brazilian has already hinted that he is not entirely comfortable.

Real Madrid’s current problems may stem from the midfield

While many point to ego clashes and similar issues, Real Madrid could address their problems by reinforcing one key area: The midfield. Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Los Blancos have lost structure in their play, leaving Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at times looking disconnected on the pitch. As a result, they reportedly have a clear priority: Signing a controlling midfielder.

According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Nico Paz will make a comeback to los Blancos, paying €9 million to Como 1907. While the Argentinean plays in a more offensive role, he could be a key to organize the game. To achieve that, los Blancos are reportedly open to sell Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos. For that reason, they could still chase another organizative reinforcement.

With a player capable of dictating the tempo, Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé could benefit significantly, as they would receive better service and more scoring opportunities. This would give Real Madrid a more structured style of play, helping them build a stronger on-field connection. A similar dynamic was seen with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who thrived with a solid midfield supporting them.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is seen during the UEFA Champions League.

Volkan Demirel: Hedefim bu takımı ligde tutmak

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında Galatasaray'a 2-1 yenilen Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'nin teknik direktörü Volkan Demirel, 32 puanın ligde kalmaya yeteceğini tahmin ettiğini ve bunu başaracaklarına inandığını söyledi.

Eryaman Stadı'nda oynanan karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında konuşan Demirel, "Çok basit goller yediğimizi düşünüyorum. Sonrasında tabii ki zor oldu. Galatasaray bu ligin lideri. İlk 60 dakikayı gol yemeden, skoru uzatabilseydik zaten Galatasaray'ın 60'tan sonra bu şekilde bize pozisyon vereceği belliydi. Zaten ikinci yarıda da oyunun hakimi bizdik. İkinci yediğimiz golle üçüncü ofsayttan yediğimiz gol hemen hemen birbirinin kopyası ki bu sene bu tarz golleri çok yedik. Sadece ben buradayken değil, önceki zamanlarda da bu vardı. Bugün bir puan alabilsek, galip gelsek çok iyi olabilirdi. Şimdi önümüzde kupa maçı var, sonrasında ligde olan 4 maç bizim durumumuzu belirleyecek." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Takımına ilk günden beri inandığını vurgulayan Demirel, "Tabii inanmakla sahadaki oyunun birbirini tutması lazım. Mesela ikinci yarıdaki reaksiyon da benim aslında takıma olan güvenimi daha da yükseltiyor. Ligin liderine karşı 2-0 iken maç 3 olabilir, 4 olabilir ama takımım reaksiyon gösterdi. Ben takımımdan memnunum. Herhangi bir sıkıntımız yok ama dediğim gibi puan alamadığımız için biraz endişe, kaygı başlıyor. İnşallah önümüzdeki 4 haftada ligde kalacak puanı toplayacağımızı düşünüyorum." ifadelerini kullandı.

25 puanı bulunan başkent ekibinin ligde kalmak için ne kadar puan toplaması gerektiği sorulan Demirel, "Ben 32 demiştim zaten. Bunu 4-5 hafta önce söylemiştim. Bence 32 puan bizi ligde tutacaktır." dedi.

Demirel, ligde 7 maç sonra gol attıklarının hatırlatılması üzerine "Ben geldiğimden beri 5 hafta, benden önce de 2 hafta vardı. 7 haftadır gol atamıyor takım. Bugün gol atması güzel oldu. Evet mücadeleden memnunum ama ben daha fazlasını istiyorum. O da beni üzüyor. Tabii ki kendi içimde fazla da yansıtmamaya çalışıyorum ama bu takımın buralarda olmaması lazım. Yani bizim takımımız aslında kötü bir takım değil. 10-12'nci sıradan aşağıya baktığım zaman bizim takımımız aslında bireysel olarak da çok iyi bir takım. Ama geçen dönemden bu dönem arasında tabii oyunculara da hak veriyorum; birçok şey değişti burada. O yüzden onların da tekrardan konsantre olması, tekrardan bir şeye adapte olması kolay değil ama oyuncu grubuna çok inanıyorum, güveniyorum. İnşallah ligde kalacağız." yorumunu yaptı.

- "İvedilikle sonuç almamız gerekiyor"

Son 2 haftadır erken goller yemelerinin konsantrasyon bozukluğuna bağlı olup olmadığı sorulan Demirel, "Konsantrasyon bozukluğu da diyebilirsin. Yani dediğim gibi aslında hiç gol yememek benim için en doğrusu ama tabii ki bunun karşılığını sahada bir şekilde alıyorsunuz ya da alamıyorsunuz. Hem geçen haftaki Başakşehir maçı ki Başakşehir maçında da bence ilk yarı yediğimiz gol haricinde ikinci golü yiyene kadar oyunun ve topun hakimi bizdik. Ama işte ne çok pas yapana puan veriyorlar ne de topun yüzdesi sende kalmış ona puan veriyorlar. Önemli olan sonuç. Bizim de şu an bir an önce, ivedilikle sonuç almamız gerekiyor. Ben şu an ne desem ne anlatsam hem sizi kandırırım hem burada boş muhabbet etmiş olurum. Benim derdim bu takımı ligde tutmak. Ligde tutabilirsem gerçekten çok mutlu olacağım ve ondan sonra seneye daha akıllı, daha planlı, daha organize bir Gençlerbirliği yaratmaya çalışacağım." yanıtını verdi.

Göztepe'ye 2-0 yenilmelerinden 2 hafta sonra maçlarını bir kez daha yöneten hakem Batuhan Kolak hakkında, "Batuhan hoca skora etki etti desem yanlış olur. Ama Göztepe maçında etti." diye konuşan Demirel, Pereira'nın sakatlığı ve Zuzic'in cezalı duruma düşmesine ilişkin ise şunları kaydetti:

"Pedro evet aslında kanaması vardı. Herhangi bir yırtığı yok, fasyada bir kanaması var. Oynatırsak daha kötü olacağını bildiğimiz için çünkü hedef maçlarımız hep söylüyorum 4 maç. O maçlarda eksik kalmaması adına biz onu koruduk. Zan bizim için çok değerli. Hem defansta hem bazen 6 numarada kullandık. Gerçekten hani bana bu sezonun puanlamasını yapsanız Zan'ı birinci sıraya koyarım. Çünkü gerçekten özveriyle çok iyi mücadele ediyor, ne desek yapmaya çalışıyor. Onun eksikliğini görebiliriz ama Pedro benim tahminim Kocaeli maçında oynayacak."

Stanimir Stoilov: Bizim oyun tarzımız kesinlikle bu değil

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Kocaelispor ile 1-1 berabere kalan Göztepe'nin teknik direktörü Stanimir Stoilov, "Oyunun geneline baktığımda bugünkü oyun şeklimizden memnun değilim. Çünkü bizim oyun tarzımız kesinlikle bu değil." dedi.

Stoilov, maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, kendileri adına zor bir rakibe karşı oynadıklarını söyledi.

Maçın sonlarında kazanmaya çok yaklaştıklarını belirten Stoilov, "Oyunun geneline baktığımda bugünkü oyun şeklimizden memnun değilim. Çünkü bizim oyun tarzımız kesinlikle bu değil. Organizasyon, öz güven, hırs... Tüm bunlarda çok daha iyi olmamız gerekiyordu." ifadelerini kullandı.

Stoilov, buldukları erken gol sebebiyle maçın ilerleyen dakikalarında skoru koruma içgüdüsüyle hareket etmiş olabileceklerine değinerek, "Maçın ikinci yarısında yakaladığımız 1 gol pozisyonu var. Bizim oyun tarzımız bu değil. Kocaeli daha sonra baskılı oynadı ve maçın sonunda beraberliği yakaladı. Aslında daha önce oynadığımız maçlara baktığımızda çok daha iyi seviyeler gördük, iyi şeyler sergiledik ve başarılı oyunlarla galibiyetler aldık. O yüzden bir an önce bu seviyeye geri dönmemiz gerekiyor. Yensek de yenilsek de bir oyun tarzımız var ve bunu sahada sergilemeliyiz." diye konuştu.

Bir basın mensubunun penaltı kararlarıyla ilgili ne düşündüğünü sorması üzerine Stoilov, hakem kararlarının kulüplerin geleceğini belirlediğini kaydetti.

Stoilov, bu tarz konularla ilgili konuşması gereken kişilerin değerlendirmede bulunması gerektiğine dikkati çekerek, şu görüşleri paylaştı:

"Bu kesinlikle benim işim değil. Ama biz orada bu kararın verilmesinde belki de bir bahane, neden sunmuş olduk. Hakemlerin, verdikleri her kararın, kulüpler adına, kulüplerin gelecekleri adına ne kadar belirleyici ve önemli olduğunu bilmeleri ve kararlarını verirken de yüzde 100 emin olmaları gerektiğini düşünüyorum."

Selçuk İnan: Galibiyeti hak eden taraftık

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında sahasında Göztepe ile 1-1 berabere kalan Kocaelispor'un teknik direktörü Selçuk İnan, oyuncularının performansından memnun olduğunu söyledi.

Maçın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında konuşan İnan, son üç haftada zorlu karşılaşmalar oynadıklarını belirterek, oyuncularını mücadelelerinden dolayı tebrik etti.

Bu süreçte oynanan Başakşehir, Galatasaray ve Göztepe maçlarında iyi performans ortaya koyduklarını ifade eden İnan, şöyle konuştu:

"Bir yerde çok mutluyum, futbolcularımın göstermiş olduğu performans ve gelecek adına bize fazlasıyla umut vermelerinden dolayı. Bunlar tabii çok önemli şeyler. Çok mutluyum onların adına, bir yanda da biraz üzgünüm. Çünkü üç tane maçı da kazanmaya yakın taraftık. Kazanmayı da hak ettik diyebilirim. Olmadı. Bugünün özelinde Göztepe, ligin en dirençli, en güçlü takımlarından biri. Bunu biliyoruz. Teknik olarak sahada top rakipteyken ve top bizdeyken ne çalıştıysak sahaya hepsini yansıttı oyuncularımız. Galibiyeti hak eden taraftık diye düşünüyorum. Son dakikada da olsa bir puanını aldığımız için 'kötünün iyisi' diye mutlu olduk. Ama futbol böyle güzel."

İnan, bir gazetecinin taktiksel değişikliklerine yönelik yorum yapması üzerine, oyuncuların farklı pozisyonlarda değerlendirilmesinin planlı bir tercih olduğunu, bu kararın risk değil, maç öncesi analizlere dayalı bir uygulama olduğunu kaydetti.

Penaltı pozisyonuna ilişkin değerlendirmede bulunmak istemediğini dile getiren İnan, pozisyonu henüz izlemediğini söyledi.

Metin Öztürk: Rotamız şampiyonluk!

Galatasaray Kulübü İkinci Başkanı Metin Öztürk, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-1 yendikleri için mutlu olduklarını belirterek, "Bu ekonomik koşullarda ve yüksek bilet fiyatlarına rağmen takımını yalnız bırakmayan taraftarımıza büyük bir şükran borçluyuz. Deplasmanda değil, adeta kendi sahamızda oynadık. Yağmurda, karda, her şartta yanımızdalar." dedi.

Karşılaşmanın ardından gazetecilere açıklamada bulunan Öztürk, şampiyonluk yolunda önemli bir engeli daha aştıklarını aktardı.

Sarı-kırmızılı taraftarlara teşekkür eden Öztürk, "Ligde 4 maçımız kaldı, 12 puan. Bir rakibimizle aramızda 4 puan fark var. Diğerlerinin durumuna bakmıyoruz. Önümüzdeki maçları kazanarak yolumuza devam edeceğiz." ifadelerini kullandı.

Şampiyonluk hedeflerine inandıklarını vurgulayan Öztürk, "Başkanımız Dursun Özbek’in liderliğinde, teknik direktörümüz ve futbolcularımızla birlikte bu sezon da şampiyon olacağımıza inanıyoruz." diye konuştu.

Hakem kararlarına da tepki gösteren Öztürk, bazı pozisyonların kendilerini üzdüğünü dile getirerek, şunları kaydetti:

"Takımımızın önemli oyuncularından birine faul olmayan pozisyonda sarı kart gösterildi. Bu kararın oyunun düzenini etkilediğini düşünüyoruz. Ayrıca attığımız üçüncü golün ofsayt gerekçesiyle iptal edilmesini anlamakta zorlanıyoruz. VAR incelemesine rağmen net bir çizim göremedik. Benzer pozisyonlarda farklı kararlar verilmesi soru işaretleri oluşturuyor."

Öztürk, federasyona da çağrıda bulunarak, ofsayt uygulamalarındaki tartışmaların giderilmesi gerektiğini belirtti.

Ligde kalan maçlara odaklandıklarını ifade eden Öztürk, "Kimin ikinci ya da üçüncü olacağıyla ilgilenmiyoruz. Biz sadece kendi maçlarımızı kazanarak şampiyonluğa ulaşmak istiyoruz." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.

Liqa 1: Marsel “Olimpik”i “Loryan”a da uduzdu

Bu gün futbol üzrə Fransa çempionatında (Liqa 1) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Lill” – “Nitsa” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. İki qolun qeydə alındığı “Anje” – “Havr” görüşündə də qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Loryan” isə Marsel “Olimpik”i ilə ev oyunundan inamlı qələbə ilə ayrılıb.

Qeyd edək ki, 30-cu turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.

Fransa, Liqa 1
30-cu tur
17 aprel

Lans – Tuluza 3:2
Qollar: S.Abdulhamid, 61. Tomasson, 67. Qaniu, 90+1 – Kasseres, 6. Kumbassa, 13.

18 aprel

Loryan – Olimpik (Marsel) 2:0
Qollar: Katseris, 28. Dienq, 58.

Anje – Havr 1:1
Qollar: Peter, 28 – Bufal, 13.

Lill – Nitsa 0:0

19 aprel

17:00. Monako – Oser
19:15. Mets – Paris
19:15. Nant – Brest
19:15. Strasburq – Renn
22:45. PSJ – Olimpik (Lion)

Premyer Liqa: “Tottenhem” xal itirdi, MY “Çelsi”yə qalib gəldi

Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 33-cü turuna start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə beş qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı “Tottenhem” – “Brayton” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Brentford” – “Fulhem” görüşü də qolsuz yekunlaşıb.

“Lids” “Vulverhempton”u darmadağınla yola salıbsa, “Nyukasl” doğma meydanda “Bornmut”a, “Çelsi” “Mançester Yunayted”ə məğlub olub.

Turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 19-da və 20-də keçiriləcək.

İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa
33-cü tur
18 aprel

Brentford – Fulhem 0:0

Tottenhem – Brayton 2:2
Qollar: Porro, 39. X.Simons, 77 – Mitoma, 45+3. Rutter, 90+5.

Lids – Vulverhempton 3:0
Qollar: Castin, 18. Okafor, 20. Kalvert-Lyuin, 90+5-pen.

Nyukasl – Bornmut 1:2
Qollar: Osula, 68 – Tavernye, 32. Truffert, 85.

Çelsi – Mançester Yunayted 0:1
Qol: Kunya, 43.

19 aprel

17:00. Aston Villa – Sanderlend
17:00. Everton – Liverpul
17:00. Nottingem Forest – Börnli
19:30. Mançester Siti – Arsenal

20 aprel

23:00. Kristal Pelas – Vest Hem

A Seriyası: “Napoli” evdə uduzdu, “Roma” xal itirdi

Bu gün futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionatında (A Seriyası) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 33-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Udineze” doğma meydanda “Parma”ya, “Napoli” isə “Latsio”ya məğlub olub. İki qolun qeydə alındığı “Roma” – “Atalanta” matçında da qalib müəyyənləşməyib.

Qeyd edək ki, 33-cü turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 19-da və 20-də keçiriləcək.

İtaliya, A Seriyası
33-cü tur
17 aprel

Sassuolo – Komo 2:1
Qollar: Volpato, 42. Nzola, 44 – N.Pas, 45+2.

İnter – Kalyari 3:0
Qollar: Türam, 52. Barella, 56. Zelinski, 90+2.

18 aprel

Udineze – Parma 0:1
Qol: Elfeqe, 51.

Napoli – Latsio 0:2
Qollar: Kanselyeri, 6. Basiç, 57.

Roma – Atalanta 1:1
Qollar: Hermoso, 45 – Krstoviç, 12.

19 aprel

14:30. Kremoneze – Torino
17:00. Verona – Milan
20:00. Piza – Cenoa
22:45. Yuventus – Bolonya

20 aprel

22:45. Leççe – Fiorentina

Futzal: Azərbaycan Kubokunda finalçılar bəlli oldu

Bu gün futzal üzrə Azərbaycan Kubokunda 2025/2026 mövsümünün yarımfinal mərhələsinin oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, hər iki oyun eyni günə təsadüf edib.

Əvvəlcə, mövsümü qızıl dublla başa vurmağı hədəfləmiş “Neftçi” Birinci Liqanın iddialılarından olan “Baku Fire-2” ilə gücünü sınayıb. Yüksək Liqa təmsilçisi istəyinə darmadağınla nail olub.

Növbəti görüşdə isə ötən ilin finalçıları üz-üzə gəliblər. Belə ki, PFL “Araz-Naxçıvan” ilə münasibətlərinə aydınlıq gətirib. Son ölkə çempionu da darmadağına imza ataraq finala yüksələn tərəf olub.

Qeyd edək ki, hər iki qarşılaşma “Olimpik Star”da təşkil edilib.

Beləliklə həlledici matçda “Neftçi” İK və “Araz-Naxçıvan” qarşılaşacaqlar. Oyun mayın 21-də keçiriləcək.

Futzal, Azərbaycan Kuboku
Yarımfinal
18 aprel

Baku Fire-2 – Neftçi İK 1:9
Hakimlər: Hikmət Qafarlı, Hidayət Feyzullayev, Vüsal Balaşov.
Hakim-inspektor: Azad Hüseynov.
Bakı. “Olimpik Star”. Saat 17:00.

PFL – Araz-Naxçıvan 3:20
Hakimlər: Əli Cəbrayılov, İmran Məhərrəmov, Kənan Məlikov.
Hakim-inspektor: Murad Məmmədov.
Bakı. “Olimpik Star”. Saat 19:00.

Bundesliqa: “Borussiya” xalsız qaldı

Almaniya Bundesliqasında XXX turun oyunları keçirilir.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, açılış oyununda “Köln” səfərdə “Sankt-Pauli” ilə heç-heçə edib.

“Bayer” evdə “Auqsburq”a, “Yunion” “Volfsburq”a, “Ayntraxt” “Leypsiq”ə uduzub. Dortmund “Borussiya”sı isə “Hoffenhaym”la matçdan xalsız ayrılıb.

Almaniya Bundesliqası
XXX tur

17 aprel

Sankt Pauli – Köln 1:1
Qollar:
Mets, 69 – Valdşmidt, 86-pen.

18 aprel

Bayer – Auqsburq 1:2
Qollar:
P.Şik, 12 – Rieder, 15; 90+7-pen.

Hoffenhaym – Borussiya (Dortmund) 2:1
Qollar
: Kramariç, 42-pen; 90+8-pen – Girassi, 87.

Union Berlin – Volfsburq 1:2
Qollar:
Burke, 85 – Vimmer, 11. Peyçinoviç, 46.

Verder – Hamburq 3:1
Qollar:
Staqe, 37; 57. Puertas, 90+1 – Qlatsel, 41.

Ayntraxt – Leypsiq 1:3
Qollar:
Larsson, 34 – Diomande, 27. Nusa, 70. Harder, 81.

19 aprel

17:30. Frayburq – Haydenhaym
19:30. Bayern – Ştutqart
17:30. Borussiya (Münhenqladbax) – Maynts

Super Liqa: “Qalatasaray” səfərdə qazandı

Türkiyə Super Liqasında XXX turun oyunları keçirilir.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk gündə iki matç baş tutub. “Konyaspor” səfərdə “Antalyaspor”a qalib gəlib. “Fənərbağça” azarkeşləri önündə son dəqiqədə buraxdığı qolla qələbəni əldən verib.

Lider “Qalatasaray” autsayder “Gənclərbirliyi” ilə matçdan qalib ayrılıb.

Türkiyə Super Liqası
XXX tur

17 aprel

Antalyaspor – Konyaspor 0:2
Qollar:
D.Qonsalves, 56. M.İbrahimoğlu, 90+6.

Fənərbağça – Rizəspor 2:2
Qollar:
Taliska, 80-pen. K.Aktürkoğlu, 86 – Soue, 47. Saqnan, 90+8.

18 aprel

Karagümrük – Eyüpspor 1:2
Qollar:
Serjinyo, 16 – Kranevitter, 39-öz qapısına. Leqovski, 44.

Kocaelispor – Göztəpə 1:1
Qollar:
S.Dursun, 90+8-pen – Janderson, 3.

Gənclərbirliyi – Qalatasaray 1:2
Qollar:
Nyanq, 66 – İkardi, 2. Y.Akgün, 35.

19 aprel

15:30. Kasımpaşa – Alanyaspor
18:00. Samsunspor – Beşiktaş
21:00. Trabzonspor – Başakşəhər

20 aprel

21:00. Qaziantep – Kayserispor

Palladino: ‘I enjoyed Roma 1-1 Atalanta, Coppa Italia most important match’

Raffaele Palladino ‘enjoyed myself’ watching Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with Roma, feeling either team could win it, but the Coppa Italia semi-final is ‘the most important match of the season.’

La Dea knew that this was their last real chance to challenge for a Champions League spot, and they had taken the lead at the Stadio Olimpico with the first Nikola Krstovic effort on goal.

However, Mario Hermoso’s acrobatic volley cancelled it out on the stroke of half-time, and the defender almost got a second when his header bounced off the crossbar.

Marco Carnesecchi made several big saves and was named Lega Serie A Man of the Match, but this point was not the birthday present Palladino had hoped for.

Palladino relishing Atalanta performances

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta is challenged by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta is challenged by Evan Ndicka of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“It was a good game of football played between two teams who wanted to win, playing with intensity, courage and quality. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed myself tonight,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We took on a team that was eager to beat us, especially as we beat them earlier this season. Coming here into this atmosphere with such spirit was not easy, so I congratulated my players.

“It was an open match and frankly either side could’ve won it, as we had the chances to go 2-0 up, and then they had opportunities in the second half. We take this point and feel it is probably the right result.”

This result means Atalanta remain in seventh place and four points adrift of Roma in sixth, so it will be a struggle to make up that ground now.

Winning the Coppa Italia could therefore be their best chance of qualifying for the Europa League, and they host Lazio in Wednesday’s semi-final, after the first leg ended 2-2.

“I won’t say this was a wasted opportunity, as we closed one point from Como and stayed at the same distance from Roma. We won’t give up to the last game, I think against Juventus and Roma they were two really good performances, showing we’ll fight it out with anyone,” noted Palladino.

“Now the semi-final of the Coppa Italia is probably our most important match of the season so far, we really want to get into the Final.”

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Atalanta made three changes at half-time, two of them in defence, so what was behind that decision?

“Giorgio Scalvini had a knock to the hip and was struggling to keep up the pace of the game, while Kolasinac had a slight muscular twinge and we will need to evaluate it over the next few days. With an eye on Wednesday, I didn’t want to take any risks.

“Charles De Ketelaere wasn’t sharp today, as he had flu earlier this week and didn’t have his usual energy. We had trouble with our defenders in the first half, but they were largely physical issues.”

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gianluca Scamacca was expected to start this evening, but Krstovic got the nod and scored the opening goal. Could they play together?

“I have faith in both strikers, they will prove themselves when given the chance. I needed players with different characteristics today, as Nikola can attack the space more, whereas Gianluca tends to connect with the midfield. Whether they can play together next season, I don’t know, we’ve got time to think about that.”

De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi’s wait for a first victory as Tottenham head coach goes on after a maddening 2-2 draw with Brighton at a packed stadium, a result that felt like a defeat given the manner in which the points were conceded, with goals for the visitors arriving in the final moments of both halves to deny Spurs what would have been a crucial win in their battle against relegation.

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Despite the frustration, De Zerbi refused to allow negativity to take hold, delivering a characteristically passionate and defiant assessment of where his side stand with five games remaining.

“I’m very proud because the players gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood, the right character,” he said, with quotes via Football.London.

“I’m disappointed only for the result, for my players and for the fans, because the atmosphere was incredible. In a very tough situation, the stadium was amazing.”

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

De Zerbi: ‘Spurs can win five games in a row’

On Danso’s error that led to Brighton’s late equaliser, De Zerbi was protective of his player.

“I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality or courage,” he said. “Now we need courage. To win games we have to be positive and play football.”

His ambition for what remains of the season may have raised eyebrows, but it was delivered with total conviction.

“This team is able to win five games in a row,” he said. “Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you analyse the level of these players, we have the quality to fight and win games consecutively.”

His message to any player tempted to feel sorry for themselves was equally direct.

“They have to come to the training ground on Monday with a smile, otherwise they go home. I have no time for negative people or sad players. We are lucky to be working at a big club in the Premier League. Be positive. Stop.”

Serie A | Roma 1-1 Atalanta: Share of the points has nobody satisfied

Roma and Atalanta were both left frustrated with a point apiece in this showdown for European places, as Mario Hermoso cancelled out the Nikola Krstovic opener.

This was a pure head-to-head for European ambitions, but also an emotional reunion for Gian Piero Gasperini with his former club, and protégé Raffaele Palladino. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson were still out of action, with Nicolò Pisilli and Gianluca Mancini not at 100 per cent either.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: The teams and match officials line up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: The teams and match officials line up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

La Dea had to prepare for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio, though Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana were injured, so Giacomo Raspadori started against the club he turned down in January.

Atalanta had a remarkable recent record against the Giallorossi, unbeaten since March 2022 with six wins and a draw going into this game.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The visitors scored with the first chance of the game, as Marten de Roon robbed Mario Hermoso in midfield and sent Nikola Krstovic through the middle, the striker’s ferocious right-foot finish beating Mile Svilar.

Matias Soulé cut inside for a curler from the edge of the area that was deflected over by Berat Djimsiti, then in a similar position forced the low one-handed Marco Carnesecchi save.

Carnesecchi did even better when rushing off his line for a desperate block on Donyell Malen’s tap-in from seven yards, when Stephan El Shaarawy had rolled across.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is put under pressure by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is put under pressure by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Malen also tested the Atalanta goalkeeper at the near post on the counter-attack, while Mile Svilar denied Ederson one-on-one moments later after the midfielder had left El Aynaoui in his wake.

Roma equalised on the stroke of half-time, as Devyne Rensch nodded down the Zeki Celik cross for an acrobatic Hermoso left-foot volley from eight yards into the roof of the net.

Atalanta made a triple change at half-time, including ex-Roma youth product Nicola Zalewski, who immediately blasted wide from distance.

El Shaarawy stung Carnesecchi’s gloves at the near post with a volley from a tricky angle, as did Malen from a very similar position, while the goalkeeper was ready for a Hermoso header.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta is challenged by Bryan Cristante of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Lorenzo Venturino’s strike was deflected over, but on the resulting corner a Hermoso looping header bounced off the top of the crossbar.

Devyne Rensch hobbled off with a muscular problem, while Robinio Vaz couldn’t take advantage of Carnesecchi fumbling a Venturino cross.

Roma 1-1 Atalanta

Krstovic 12 (A), Hermoso 45 (R)

18-04-2026 19:45
MatchDay 33

Player statistic

1st half
    12' Nikola Krstovic
(Assist: Marten de Roon)
Mario Hermoso
(Assist: Devyne Rensch)
Goal 45'    
2nd half
    65' Éderson
Niccolò Pisilli 75'    
    90+1' Yellow card Berat Djimsiti

Match statistic

53
Possession %
47
19
Total shots
8
9
Shots on target
2
4
Shots off target
3
6
Blocked shots
3
7
Corners
6
1
Offsides
3
4
Fouls
14
Roma
Atalanta

Starting lineups

99
Goalkeeper
2
Defender
78'
5
Defender
23
Defender
60'
22
Defender
19
Defender
4
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
60'
14
Attacker
18
Attacker
71'
92
60'
29
Goalkeeper
19
Defender
77
42
Defender
46'
16
Defender
23
Defender
46'
13
Midfielder
80'
15
Midfielder
17
46'
18
90
Attacker

Substitutes

3
Defender
95
Goalkeeper
24
Defender
97
Attacker
70
Goalkeeper
61
Midfielder
60'
87
Defender
60'
20
60'
78
Attacker
71'
12
78'
10
Midfielder
57
Goalkeeper
9
5
Defender
7
Midfielder
6
Midfielder
59
Midfielder
46'
3
Defender
46'
69
Defender
46'
8
Midfielder
80'

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Stats & numbers paint picture of Biancocelesti’s Maradona fortune

The numbers tell a remarkable story. With Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic finding the net on Saturday evening, Lazio completed a fourth consecutive away victory at the Maradona, making them the first team in Serie A history to achieve that feat against Napoli.

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It is also the best run of consecutive victories Lazio have ever recorded at the ground.

The sequence began with Matias Vecino’s solitary goal on 3 March 2023, continued with a 2-1 win in September of that year courtesy of Luis Alberto and Daichi Kamada, was extended by Gustav Isaksen’s winner in December 2024 and has now reached its most historic chapter.

To find a comparable period of Lazio dominance at the ground you must go back generations, a nine-game unbeaten run between 1939 and 1951 and another of six between 1998 and 2009, though neither produced four consecutive victories.

Napoli home unbeaten run grinds to a halt against Lazio

Perhaps equally striking is the wider context for Napoli.

Saturday’s defeat ended a run of 495 days unbeaten at home in Serie A, their last domestic defeat at the Maradona had been, fittingly, a 1-0 loss to this same Lazio side back in December 2024.

Beyond the statistics, the result has effectively ended Napoli’s Scudetto aspirations with five games to play.

Antonio Conte has been characteristically pragmatic, noting that second, third and fourth place all deliver the same reward, Champions League football, but the manner of the defeat will sting.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Without sufficient motivational fuel, Napoli looked flat, slow and predictable, their performance raising broader questions about whether this squad, even at full strength, retains the hunger and intensity that defined Conte’s first season at the club.

The returns of De Bruyne and Anguissa have added quality but not yet restored the collective grit that made Napoli so formidable. With 66 points and a comfortable cushion above fifth place, their Champions League berth looks secure, but in a season that promised so much more, almost is a deeply unsatisfying place to finish.

Chelsea fans will be furious at Mason Mount gesture during Man United win at Stamford Bridge

Mason Mount was not exactly Mr Popular as he returned to his former club Chelsea with Manchester United in Saturday evening’s Premier League clash.

The England international was once a real fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge, but he has clearly soured his relationship with Blues supporters since leaving to join Man Utd back in 2023.

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Mount did not get a friendly reception upon his return to Chelsea tonight, and it seems the player himself couldn’t resist a little dig back at the home crowd.

See below as Fabrizio Romano shared an image of the moment Mount decided to shush the Chelsea fans as the game neared full time…

Mason Mount at Stamford Bridge. ? pic.twitter.com/uRSDAozSWb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 18, 2026

Mount will likely have enjoyed that, with the 27-year-old also on the winning side today in what could end up being a crucial result in this season’s race for Champions League qualification.

Manchester United dent Chelsea’s Champions League hopes

United won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a first half goal from Matheus Cunha, and it’s a result that surely secures their place at Europe’s top table next season.

The Red Devils are now ten points clear of Chelsea, who sit just outside the top five after an awful run of form that will likely now see them have to settle for Europa League football next term.

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United really needed a big improvement and they’ve got it under interim manager Michael Carrick this season, with the club looking in much better shape since sacking previous manager Ruben Amorim.

Chelsea, by contrast, only seem to have got even worse since replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior, with this youthful squad once again struggling for consistency.

The post Chelsea fans will be furious at Mason Mount gesture during Man United win at Stamford Bridge appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Liverpool remain keen on 21 G/A star who’s not signing new contract with current club

Liverpool are understood to still be keen on a potential transfer deal for Bradley Barcola this summer, with the French winger stalling on signing a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds urgently need to strengthen in attack this summer after a difficult season, with Mohamed Salah recently confirming he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season.

We recently reported that Liverpool are looking at Michael Olise and Yan Diomande as potential Salah replacements, but Barcola is another option under consideration.

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Olise and Diomande, like Salah, are primarily right-sided players who favour their left foot, so would be more direct replacements for the legendary Egyptian.

Barcola, however, could also be targeted to give LFC that extra goal threat and spark from the left flank, as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.

Bradley Barcola surely set for transfer away from PSG

Barcola has an impressive total of 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions for club and country this season, but he hasn’t always established himself as a regular starter for PSG.

The 23-year-old is clearly a fine talent who deserves more playing time, and there’ll be plenty of clubs ready to give him that.

Bradley Barcola TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee **
Performance ****
Achievements ****
Career phase *****
Squad need ****

Bradley Barcola to Liverpool Transfer Fit rating – find out how these are calculated here!

That would likely explain why Barcola is yet to move any closer towards an agreement over a new PSG contract, as sources confirmed to us this evening.

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“No progress for PSG on Barcola’s contract,” our source said. “Nothing advanced with any club, but he could leave. Liverpool have liked him for some time, and this development could lead to concrete talks soon.”

It remains to be seen if LFC will definitely make Barcola a priority, but with others like Olise and Diomande perhaps less realistic and more expensive, it could be a sensible option for the Reds to explore.

There is not yet any indication of PSG being ready to let the player go, so it’s hard to know what kind of price could tempt them, but this is something that could develop and gather pace in the weeks ahead.

The post Sources: Liverpool remain keen on 21 G/A star who’s not signing new contract with current club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City vs Arsenal: Six things to watch in winner-takes-all title race showdown

This is the big one – it’s Manchester City vs Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday in what increasingly feels like winner-takes-all in this season’s Premier League title race.

The Gunners go into the game top of the table, albeit only with a slender lead that Man City can cut into, while Pep Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand over their rivals.

Bukayo Saka will miss out, Martin Odegaard’s fitness is not yet certain, while Erling Haaland’s form will be one key detail to watch.

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They met in the Carabao Cup final just a few weeks ago but this game arguably feels even bigger, as it’s almost a cup final for the Premier League title itself, whilst potentially also giving Arsenal a springboard to compete for the Champions League.

Read on as we identify the six main things to watch out for in this Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash…

Arsenal may have to play for a draw, but is it enough?

While there’s in some way more pressure on Arsenal going into this game due to the fact that they’re chasing a first title in 22 years, it’s worth remembering that City actually arguably need the win more or their title hopes would likely be over.

In which case, we may see Arsenal play for a draw, as it might suit them to rely more on their strong defensive record, particularly while they have so many key attacking players like Bukayo Saka, and potentially also Martin Odegaard, out injured for this game.

And yet, it feels like the one thing Arsenal have lacked in recent title challenges is that statement victory away from home. They’ve drawn their last two visits to the Etihad, which is some progress since that highly damaging 4-1 loss in 2022/23, but a bit more ambition in that 0-0 draw late on the following season would have seen the title go to north London instead of Manchester.

? "If somebody offered you a draw today, would you take it?"

Mikel Arteta's answer…? pic.twitter.com/VpHgnwTFgD

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 17, 2026

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It’s important not to let emotions get the better of Arsenal, though, and Mikel Arteta will surely know that a point keeps City a decent distance behind, with the destination of the trophy out of their hands.

How will the Carabao Cup final will impact the psychology of the game?

We know these two met very recently in another big game, and on that occasion it was City who came out on top, lifting the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley.

In many ways, it’s the perfect test for Arsenal’s players, who stayed and watched City lifting the cup and celebrating in front of them – can you respond? Can you learn from the mistakes of that day? Or will that defeat only inhibit your performance?

City are the far more experienced side in terms of getting over the line and winning major trophies, so one imagines that will only boost their confidence for this match. Winning tends to beget more winning, though of course this hasn’t exactly been a vintage City side this season, so could some complacency also kick in?

2025/26 league stats Arsenal Manchester City
Wins 21 19
Draws 7 7
Losses 4 5
Goals for 62 63
Goals against 24 28
Goal difference +38 +35

What to make of Arsenal’s big-game record?

Until defeats against Liverpool and Manchester United this season, Arsenal were on a lengthy unbeaten run against the so-called ‘big six’ sides in league matches.

Arteta tends to know how to get something extra from his players in these important games, but the catch is that City, particularly away from home, have been a bit of an exception to that rule.

Arsenal have drawn their last two games at the Etihad, and were only a matter of seconds away from winning with just ten men last season, but it’s undoubtedly a difficult ground for them, with the north Londoners failing to win there since all the way back in 2015.

Given that Arsenal aren’t in great form right now, while City have picked up, this is probably not the fixture they’d ideally pick if they could, but it’s also true that they don’t have to be perfect – a draw there for a third season in a row would not be a bad result by any means.

How will injuries impact things?

Another worry for Arsenal is the sheer number of injuries they’ve had, with Bukayo Saka confirmed as missing this game, while it’s not yet clear if Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori will return. Even if they do, they’re unlikely to be at peak fitness or form.

City mainly have a clean bill of health, though, with Pep Guardiola confirming that Nico O’Reilly will be back, though Ruben Dias is still out and that’s a pretty big loss, while Josko Gvardiol also remains a long-term absentee.

The issue for Arsenal is that their main injuries are in attack, which is already the main area of weakness in their current squad. Noni Madueke is really no substitute for a fully fit and in-form Saka, and even if Eberechi Eze being back is a big boost, there’s no one else who offers quite the same ability to dictate a game as Odegaard does.

Eze was missed in the Carabao Cup final, so he can provide a bit of spark in the final third for Arsenal, but for the most part this current situation probably only adds to the north Londoners’ need to set up quite defensively.

Can Erling Haaland return to form?

"I don't know if there's any friction…" ? pic.twitter.com/2Ka6XYxJuT

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 17, 2026

Strangely, it’s gone a little unnoticed, but Erling Haaland really hasn’t been in great form for a while now.

The Norway international has a good record against the Gunners, scoring home and away against them last season, as well as in their encounter at the Emirates earlier on in this campaign.

In total, Haaland has 33 goals in 45 games this season, but in his last 13 league games he has just three goals, two of which came from the penalty spot.

Of course, it would be unwise to ignore the fact that he recently scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win against Liverpool. It’s possible that we’re about to see him get back to his best form, though at the moment he doesn’t look like someone who’s going to have a lot of joy against William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Can Arsenal respond to bottler tag?

We’ve all seen it by now, so surely the Arsenal players have as well.

We’re talking, of course, about this viral clip from last weekend when City won 3-0 way to Chelsea just a day after Arsenal’s slip-up in the 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.

?? pic.twitter.com/jdd2tGily4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026

This kind of thing surely has to fire Arsenal up to prove their critics wrong. This a club that has been mocked and ridiculed as bottlers for far too long. They may never get a better chance to finally change people’s perspectives.

How do you see this game going, and who do you ultimately expect to go on and win the league? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments!

The post Manchester City vs Arsenal: Six things to watch in winner-takes-all title race showdown appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Reds earn successful smash and grab at Stamford Bridge

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18:Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United earn three massive points at Stamford Bridge thanks to a 44th minute combination from Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes, completing the league double over Chelsea.

The match also marked the first clean sheet for the Reds in nearly two months.

Manchester United spent the second half of the match under siege by Chelsea as the hosts dominated possession, shots, corners, and touches in the opposition area.

Twice, Chelsea were denied by the woodwork, first in the 56th minute and again in the 67th minute. Both attempts were similar as a whipped-in ball from the right side would find the the waiting heads of Liam Delap and Wesley Fofana, respectively.

Meanwhile, United did not offer much in the attacking end, seemingly satisfied to just defend.

On the counter in the 52nd minute, Cunha played a clever backheel to Fernandes who ran onto the ball before hitting a curling shot outside of the penalty area. The Chelsea keeper dived for it, but the ball would go wide of the far post.

United nearly doubled their advantage with the help of friendly fire from Chelsea. A forced a turnover in the 65th minute saw Fernandes with the ball at the top of the box. He played a pass in the direction of Cunha that was deflected by a Chelsea defender toward goal. The ball hung precariously in the air with spin, forcing an unexpected save by the Chelsea keeper.

The Reds entered the first half with the advantage thanks to Bruno Fernandes setting up Matheus Cunha for the opening strike. The goal marked Fernandes’ 18th assist of the season and Cunha’s 10th goal involvement of the season.

After Fofana had to come off the field temporarily to receive treatment, United pressed the opportunity in the 44th minute. Bryan Mbeumo flicked a ball to Fernandes up the right wing, and the midfielder carried the ball to the touchline. Fernandes ripped a cross back into the box that Cunha ran onto.

Unlike a similar opportunity in the 25th minute that saw Cunha take a heavy touch and upend a goal-scoring opportunity, Cunha one-timed a laser of a shot to break the stalemate.

Matheus Cunha with a STRIKE to open the scoring for Man United right before the half. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LwDmOzBvyE

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 18, 2026

Chelsea had the lion’s share of the ball in the first half with 57 percent possession, and they had their moments to make the match uncomfortable for United.

In the 10th minute, Cole Palmer got to the ball first at the top of United’s penalty area as Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw both made contact with the attacker. VAR took a look but it was ruled that no foul occurred in the penalty area.

United were lucky not to be down a goal in the 33rd minute after Enzo Fernandez was able to keep possession in the box following a challenge. He had enough space to quickly curl a shot that beat Senne Lammens but mercifully went just wide of the far post.

Fernandez had another opportunity five minutes later, taking a shot from outside of the box that was saved by Lammens but deflected off the keeper’s hands. Palmer collected the ball and squared it to Liam Delap who tapped the ball into the net. However, the sideline referee negated the score as Palmer was ruled offside when Fernandez took the initial shot.

United return home on Monday, April 27, to host seventh-place Brentford, who are on an interesting run of form with five straight draws. The match will be pivotal for both squads as they vie for their places in European competitions next season.

'It's always at the back of the mind': David Miller's honest admission on GT loss after last-over finish vs RCB

David Miller hit two sixes in the final over as Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in their IPL match on Saturday, completing a turnaround after his recent failure in a similar situation.

Chasing 176, DC needed 15 runs from the last over. Miller kept his composure and struck Romario Shepherd for two sixes to take the team home with one ball to spare. The result came days after he faced criticism for not finishing a chase against Gujarat Titans when DC needed two runs off two balls.



Miller said he was relieved to finish the job this time. "Feels really good. After that game the other night, was a disappointing game, but to get it done today feels good. It's always going to be at the back of the mind till you win another game," he said after the match.

"Mentally just trying to stay in the moment and do what I can. They bowled six yorkers to me and I couldn't really get going but chuffed it came off in the last six overs.”

He also spoke about his partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who remained not out on 60. "We wanted to try and finish it in the second-to-last over always, but with as many runs needed, we knew we needed one or two sixes. So we just tried to limit the dot balls and take the boundary balls," he said.

"There were lot of breaks in the game so our minds were a bit all over the place. When I walked out, Stubbo said to me to keep the intensity really high and that helped. Always good finishing off games with Stubbo… for him being there was massive for us."

Stubbs, who came in with DC at 18 for three, said he focused on keeping things simple. "I wasn't quite ready in the changing room. I just thought of watching the ball and going from there. Came in really early and last two overs of the powerplay I thought I could have a go,” he said.

"KL ended up having most of the strike and played great shots and kept up our momentum. I thought he's going well so I was just giving him the strike.”

He said he believed the chase was possible, especially with Miller at the other end. "Kept thinking three sixes and we're straight back in it. I always thought the worst case, in the last over we can get whatever we need. But I didn't want to take it into the last over.

"I knew we were going to do it, I didn't know how. But thankfully Miller was at the other end. It's his bread and butter," he added.

Another quarterback joins the ranks: Browns NFL Draft Big Board: Vote for spots 41-45

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 Cleveland Browns’ DBN Big Board finished its voting for the next round. The 36-40 slots for the Browns’ DBN Big Board are as follows:

36. CB Brandon Cisse – 132 total points
37. QB Ty Simpson – 113 total points
38. WR Germie Bernard – 105 total points
39. CB Chris Johnson – 102 total points
40. EDGE Zion Young – 92 total points

We’re going to try building our big board into the Top 50 this year, so that means two more rounds of voting. Therefore, I added a couple new players in this round of voting, to help offer some more positional consideration. As for the round of voting that just completed, Ty Simpson finally entered the conversation as a quarterback to consider if he’s still around when the Browns are on the clock in the second round. Also on the board now are CB Brandon Cisse, WR Germie Bernard, CB Chris Johnson, and EDGE Zion Young.

Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.


Cumulative Browns Big Board So Far

  1. WR Carnell Tate
  2. QB Fernando Mendoza
  3. S Caleb Downs
  4. LB Arvell Reese
  5. OT Monroe Freeling
  6. OT Francis Mauigoa
  7. LB Sonny Styles
  8. EDGE David Bailey
  9. OT Spencer Fano
  10. RB Jeremiyah Love
  11. WR Jordyn Tyson
  12. WR Makai Lemon
  13. OT Caleb Lomu
  14. EDGE Rueben Bain
  15. OT Kadyn Proctor
  16. OG Vega Ioane
  17. CB Mansoor Delane
  18. WR Denzel Boston
  19. TE Kenyon Sadiq
  20. WR Omar Cooper
  21. S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
  22. S Dillon Thieneman
  23. WR KC Concepcion
  24. OT Blake Miller
  25. OT Max Iheanachor
  26. EDGE Akheem Mesidor
  27. WR Chris Bell
  28. OG Chase Bisontis
  29. CB D’Angelo Ponds
  30. CB Jermod McCoy
  31. CB Avieon Terrell
  32. DT Kayden McDonald
  33. CB Colton Hood
  34. LB Jacob Rodriguez
  35. EDGE Keldric Faulk
  36. CB Brandon Cisse
  37. QB Ty Simpson
  38. WR Germie Bernard
  39. CB Chris Johnson
  40. EDGE Zion Young

Compiling the Big Board: 41-45 Slots

Now it’s time to vote for the players who will be in the 41-45 slots on the Browns’ DBN Big Board. Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.

If there are any players you wanted to vote for but who were missing from the list, please let us know in the comments section so we can include them in the next round. Please vote only once, and let us know in the comments below what you picked as your next 5 players, in order.

Celtics Reveal Injury Status Ahead Of Game One Vs. 76ers

Boston Celtics

Celtics Reveal Injury Status Ahead Of Game One Vs. 76ers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics are set to kick off their playoff journey on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. As everyone gears up for the game, the big question has been about player availability, and now the answer is finally clear.

Boston announced its injury report on Saturday afternoon, and there were no players listed as injured. The report indicated that everything was clear.

The Celtics have faced several injuries this season, the most significant being Jayson Tatum missing a large part of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Fortunately, he returned in early March. Tatum wasn't the only one dealing with injury issues; Jaylen Brown also missed a few games due to Achilles tendinitis, and center Nikola Vučević also missed about a month with a hand injury.

Boston will now have a chance to field its full squad, and it will be interesting to see how the Celtics perform at full strength.

If the Celtics can stay healthy throughout the playoffs, they should be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. However, it's more important to take one series at a time, starting with eliminating the 76ers.

More NBA: Doc Rivers Drops Bombshell Announcement About Uncertain NBA Future

Alex Wilkins commits to Kentucky Wildcats Basketball

Alex Wilkins
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Alex Wilkins #10 of the Furman Paladins dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mark Pope is working overtime to piece together a Kentucky Basketball roster that currently looks alarmingly bare.

With only Zoom Diallo, Reece Potter, Kam Williams, and Trent Noah officially locked in for next season, and Malachi Moreno exploring the draft while Braydon Hawthorne’s status remains unofficial (he told the Herald-Leader he’d be back a month ago, but no announcement from the school), the Wildcats desperately needed a jolt of offensive firepower.

They just got it. Furman standout Alex Wilkins has officially committed to Kentucky, bringing a high-upside scoring punch to a roster that needed it. On3’s Joe Tipton broke the news first.

One of the top mid-major players in college basketball, Wilkins will now likely become part of Kentucky’s revamped starting backcourt next season alongside Diallo.

Alex Wilkins had a national arrival

If you didn’t know the name Alex Wilkins during the regular season, you probably learned it in March. The 6-5 freshman guard put the country on notice by dropping 21 points in Furman’s thrilling upset bid against the UConn Huskies.

While the Paladins ultimately fell short, Wilkins displayed a natural, unteachable scoring ability that immediately made him a high-priority target for power conference programs.

Wilkins is far more than just a volume shooter, though. At 6-foot-5, he has fantastic positional size for a primary ball-handler, and he uses it to generate offense for his teammates. He finished his freshman campaign averaging an impressive 17.8 points and 4.7 assists across 35 games.

In Mark Pope’s system, having a tall guard who can read the floor and facilitate is a big bonus that Kentucky didn’t have last year. Aberdeen led the team in assists, and he was under 4 a game.

The freshman red flags

While the potential to be a star is obvious, there are two glaring holes in Wilkins’ game that need immediate development:

  • The Shooting: He shot 82.4% from the free-throw line, but struggled from deep, hitting just 32.8% of his three-point attempts. In a system built on spacing, that number has to climb, especially with a lot of other Kentucky targets shooting under 35%.
  • The Turnovers: This is the scary part. Wilkins averaged a concerning 3.8 turnovers per game. While that is somewhat expected for a high-usage freshman guard, that has to be at least halved. That is a huge jump, but it has to happen.

Landing Wilkins is a massive step in the right direction for a staff that needed to stack wins. He possesses the unteachable offensive ceiling that Kentucky desperately lacked when the offense bogged down last year. Yes, the turnovers are scary, and yes, the jumper needs work.

But if Mark Pope can harness that raw talent and help him mature into a reliable decision-maker, Wilkins has the potential to be an absolute star in Lexington. This is exactly the kind of gamble a rebuilding roster has to take.

NEWS: Furman transfer guard Alex Wilkins has committed to Kentucky, he told @On3.

The 6-5 freshman averaged 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game this season. Was All-SoCon Second Team. https://t.co/85OcGlV879https://t.co/g4lMyqW6RWpic.twitter.com/vnX0PfhiiI

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 18, 2026

Be sure to go add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google for more Kentucky Wildcats news and views! And Go CATS!!

Preparation complete! Under-17s have final training before Ecuador clash

Preparation complete! Under-17s have final training before Ecuador clash
Preparation complete! Under-17s have final training before Ecuador clash

Training session held this Saturday (18)Credits: Nelson Terme / CBF

Brazil’s U-17 National Team wrapped up its preparations for the match against Ecuador this Saturday (18) with a training session at Carfem, in Ypané, Paraguay.

First, the players watched a video featuring highlights of their opponent. Afterwards, the group took part in a ball activation drill.

In the final part of the session, Carlos Eduardo Patetuci outlined the starting lineup and led a tactical training session. The players also practiced penalty kicks.

Brazil and Ecuador face off on Sunday (19) at 5 p.m. at Ameliano Villeta Stadium, in Villeta, Paraguay, in the third-place playoff of the South American U-17 Championship.

Training took place at Carfem, in Ypané, ParaguayCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF

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

Liverpool and Man United enter transfer-tug-of-war for 'magic' attacker

Liverpool and Man United enter transfer-tug-of-war for 'magic' attacker
Liverpool and Man United enter transfer-tug-of-war for 'magic' attacker

Now that Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, it's clear that Arne Slot is going to have a completely new-look team next season.

The Reds' performances this season have been awful with the club currently fighting to stay in the top five of the Premier League.

Indeed, finishing in fifth place would still earn them a Champions League spot but, after winning the top flight title last season, it's a massive fall from grace.

This has resulted in many players being linked with Anfield switches ahead of the summer transfer window and now, it looks like the Reds could be going toe-to-toe with Manchester United for yet another signing.

Liverpool and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche

Liverpool's attack is in dire need of reinforcement this summer.

Not only is Salah exiting but Hugo Ekitike is also going to be out of action for the next nine to 12 months.

Each of these problems, coupled with the fact that Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have failed to live up to the standards expected of them, have made it almost impossible for fans to be even be excited about any sort of attack that Arne Slot lines up with.

This is why several players such as Anthony Gordon, Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Toure have all been linked with an Anfield switch.

And, despite Liverpool's interest in the aforementioned trio, yet another player has emerged as a potential target.

That is, according to a report from Sports Boom who state that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United all sent scouts to watch AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

Man United view the Frenchman as a 'strategic target' ahead of the summer transfer window whereas Liverpool see him as a potential replacement for Salah.

The fee to prise the right-winger away from Monaco would be around £43.5 million, which, for a player who has contributed to 15 goals across all competitions seems like a decent deal.

Liverpool need to figure out who their best options to revamp their attack are

Over the last few years, Liverpool's attacking line has always been a sight to behold.

The era of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could arguably be some fans' best memories of football.

And, even though the Egyptian King was in top form last term, it's clear that his time as a world-class Premier League player has reached its natural end.

This is exactly why Slot and Richard Hughes are exploring young attacking options so that they can build for the future.

And, the fact that Akliouche has been described as a "magic" player this season means that the Reds certainly have a lot to think about.

PLAYER RATINGS | Lille 0-0 OGC Nice: Les Aiglons take valuable point in relegation battle

PLAYER RATINGS | Lille 0-0 OGC Nice: Les Aiglons take valuable point in relegation battle
PLAYER RATINGS | Lille 0-0 OGC Nice: Les Aiglons take valuable point in relegation battle

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Match 30, 18/04/2026

Lille OSC were held to a goalless draw at home to OGC Nice. The hosts had been hoping to open a four-point buffer between themselves and Olympique de Marseille in fourth, while the visitors were looking to avoid defeat as they looked to go five points clear of AJ Auxerre and the relegation playoff spot. 

The Match

There was little surprise that Lille dominated the ball, while Nice looked to shut down their hosts with a low block and then hit them in transition. There was not too much quality in front of goal for either side in the first half. 

Romain Perraud’s strike from distance forced Yehvan Diouf into a spectacular fingertip save when his shot took a wicked deflection off Antoine Mendy. The goalkeeper wasn’t kept busy, but his interventions were vital, as he later denied Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s whipped shot at the near post. 

Nice managed to put the ball in the back of the net when Elye Wahi was released into space by Mohamed Ali Cho’s surging run. However, the striker mistimed his run by a fraction of a second, and the goal was ruled out as offside by VAR. 

The game threatened to burst into life early in the second half when Wahi was threaded through on goal by Melvin Bard. Aïssa Mandi went to ground early with a sliding challenge, but his mistake wasn’t capitalised on as Wahi slowed his run with a series of step overs that allowed the centre-back to recover and pick his pocket. 

A minute later, and Chancel Mbemba should have scored down the other end when he headed Thomas Meunier’s cross onto the post. The rebound was picked up by Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, but he poked his shot wide. 

Lille believed that they had finally unlocked the Nice defence when Perraud was bundled over in the box by Mendy, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee overturned his decision, with the centre-back making contact with the ball before taking down the Lille man. 

The hosts were missing a moment of quality to break their guests down. Bruno Génésio threw on Olivier Giroud, Ethan Mbappé, Osame Sahraoui, and Gaëtan Perrin, but to no avail as Nice held on to a valuable point in their fight to avoid relegation. 

Lille Player Ratings

Berke Özer, 5

Romain Perraud, 5

Spent much of the game as high as possible. He provided an attacking threat from deep, but often his positioning left acres of space for Jonathan Clauss to run into… he was somewhat fortunate the wing-back couldn’t capitalise. 

Aïssa Mandi, 6

So often impressive for Lille. He’s been head and shoulders their best defender across the season. Tonight was no different, making interventions when necessary, even if he wasn’t tested too often. 

Chancel Mbemba, 5

Thomas Meunier, 6

Benjamin André, 5

Ayyoub Bouaddi, 5

Fortunate that Elye Wahi’s goal was overturned, he was left for dead by Mohamed Ali Cho’s bursting run in the build-up. He was fine on the ball, doing well in the build-up, but struggled to do much in advanced areas. 

Félix Correia, 4

Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, 4

Ngal’ayel Mukau, 3

Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 4

OGC Nice Player Ratings

Yehvann Diouf, 7

Kojo Peprah Oppong, 6

Juma Bah, 6

Antoine Mendy, 5

Melvin Bard, 5

Salis Abdul Samed, 6

Tanguy Ndombélé, 6

Only his third start in the league, which was brought about by the selection crisis in midfield for Claude Puel. He did well, only leaving the pitch in the 84th minute, after putting in a shift in the centre. He was a rare creative outlet in the first half, but spent much more of the game working hard out of possession. 

Jonathan Clauss, 5

A frustrating one for the wing-back. He often found plenty of space to run into down the right of the pitch, but he embodied the disconnect in Nice’s rare forays forward. The club did everything right, but find the final ball. 

Sofiane Diop, 3

Elye Wahi, 4

A really promising first half was met with a poor second. The striker was the lone attacking outlet and seemed to always make the wrong decision at the exact wrong time. 

Mohamed Ali Cho, 4

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Roundtable: Who our experts think will win in Celtics vs. 76ers first-round series

For the third time in five years, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are set to battle in the NBA Playoffs. The two Atlantic Division rivals have the most playoff meetings in league history, so it's safe to say that these two franchises are familiar with each other.

The second-seeded Celtics shocked the world by going 56-26 during the regular season despite missing star forward Jayson Tatum for a little over games. The 45-37 Sixers had to fight their way into the playoff picture via the Play-In Tournament, but the speed and star power of point guard Tyrese Maxey should prevent the C's from underestimating them.

The Celtics will officially face the 76ers in the playoffs for the third time in the last five years.

The last time they met was in 2023, which most Celtics fans will remember well... pic.twitter.com/ACwHE1UCzP

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 16, 2026

During the 2025-26 campaign, the Celtics and Sixers split the season series 2-2. Boston is still the favorite thanks to Tatum's triumphant return, the growth of star guard Jaylen Brown, and a strong bench that turned out to be deeper than many expected.

But before Game 1 tips off on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, let's see what our NBA Wires writers think about this storied series and dive into their predictions.

Justin Quinn - Celtics Wire

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics goes to the basket against Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers as four Philadelphia 76ers defenders look on during the first half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Like death and Taxes, it can feel all but inevitable for these two Atlantic Division foes to collide in the first round. And given the health of Joel Embiid heading into this series contrasted with Boston looking like all cylinders are clicking at exactly the right time, I can't give Philly more than a single game, and that only out of respect for the human blur that is Tyrese Maxey.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Robert Marvi - LeBron Wire

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

I fully expect the Celtics to take this series versus the 76ers. They still have some of the core that won them the 2024 NBA Championship, and the 76ers haven't been to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001. However, the 76ers could give Boston a scare, especially if Joel Embiid returns from his appendectomy soon enough. When healthy, Philly has one of the league's most talented rosters, and Embiid gives it a major matchup advantage. I'd also be concerned about Boston's ability to slow down Tyrese Maxey without Jrue Holiday, who was such a huge key for it two years ago.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

Ky Carlin - Sixers Wire

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics battles for a rebound with Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

The Sixers are riding the momentum of a play-in tournament win over the Orlando Magic, but the Celtics are probably the worst matchup for them. Boston does everything well that Philadelphia struggles with, and with Embiid likely out for this whole series, it doesn't bode well for the Sixers. The play of the supporting cast combined with what Jaylen Brown and Tatum can do when they get going on the offensive end is not great. The play of Maxey and Edgecombe will keep the Sixers in games, but it won't be enough.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Clemente Almanza, Thunder Wire

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics drives the lane between Tyrese Maxey #0 and Dominick Barlow #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

This series has a lot of history behind it. The Celtics are the better team, so they should win it. But I think the Sixers could put a scare in them first. As usual, it all depends on Joel Embiid's status after he had an emergency appendectomy. Philadelphia has shown enough flashes over the season to at least make Boston feel a little nervous. Especially given this will be Jayson Tatum's return to playoff basketball since he tore his Achilles tendon.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Who our experts think will win in Celtics vs. 76ers first-round series

Top 5 plays from Michigan Football’s 2026 Spring Game

Apr 18, 2026; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) runs the ball during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images | Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

Michigan’s 2026 spring game is in the books, and it gave us the first chance to see what this year’s team could look like under its new leadership. While the game might have been a bit more laid back than what we’ll expect to see in the fall, there were still a handful of nice plays from both teams that remind us that football is right around the corner.

Here’s a look at the top five plays from this year’s iteration of the Michigan Football spring game.

Bryce Underwood 16-yard completion to Eli Owens

We didn’t see much from Bryce Underwood in this game, as he only played one series for each team in the first quarter. His best play of the day though was the first pass he attempted, threading the ball through a tight window over the middle of the field to pick up 16 yards on third down, giving the Maize team a first down near midfield.

On the receiving end of that pass was second-year tight end Eli Owens, who will be continuing his work in the summer to crack the tight end rotation this season.

Bryce Underwood’s first throw is a DOT pic.twitter.com/eQvSeZUrAj

— Barstool UofM (National Champs) (@BarstoolUofM) April 18, 2026

Tommy Carr 14-yard run on third-and-long

Surprisingly, Tommy Carr was probably the best of the Michigan quarterbacks on Saturday afternoon. We’d heard some great things about the freshman quarterback throughout the spring, and saw it come to fruition on Saturday. He made his best play on his first series leading the Blue team. On 3rd-and-12, he perfectly executed a zone read and kept the ball himself, zooming around the left side to pick up 14 yards and a first down.

That was far from the only play where Carr looked impressive in Saturday’s game, as he regularly showed that his pocket awareness is rather polished, especially for a freshman. Barring an injury or something drastic, we won’t be seeing him on the field much this fall, but his development will be something to monitor in the future.

Salesi Moa one-handed catch in the second quarter

Carr was involved in a pretty great passing play as well in the second quarter, only this time it was his wide receiver making the highlight. On first-and-ten in the final seconds of the half, Carr’s pass intended for fellow freshman Salesi Moa was a bit wide. But Moa stuck one hand out at the last second to reel it in for 11 yards and a first down.

Nice catch from the freshman! @salesimoa8

📺 @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/t39bKEHlpm

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 18, 2026

The quarterbacks looked Moa’s way several times throughout the game on Saturday. He nearly reeled in another one-handed grab on the opening drive for what would’ve been about a 40-yard touchdown. Otherwise, he made some nice plays with targets close to the line of scrimmage as well, as his speed and shiftiness looked the part of someone who can contribute right away. He might not be a starter out of the gates, but he should be seeing the field plenty this fall.

Tommy Carr completion to Kendrick Bell

For all the good Carr did on the ground, he didn’t look too bad throwing the ball either. Granted, he didn’t have that many chances with the wide receivers struggling to get open, but his best throw of the day came un the third quarter with Kendrick Bell on the receiving end.

Bell was running a crossing route over the middle of the field, and Carr feathered the ball into his chest with perfect touch to pick up the first down for the Maize team. It likely wasn’t the most difficult throw he could’ve tried to execute, but it was still extremely impressive for the freshman to know just the amount of touch to put on the ball to make the completion.

Markel Dabney’s goal-line stop on fourth down

We’ve got to show some love to the defense as well, especially the Blue team’s group, which had its biggest play of the day with a big goal-line stop in the fourth quarter.

On fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line and trailing 6-0, the Maize team handed the ball to Tomas O’Meara for a run up the middle, but he was met in the hole by freshman linebacker Markel Dabney, who delivered a major thump to stop him in his tracks and force a turnover on downs. In a room full of young linebackers that will be looking to make an impact this season, a play like that – especially in a big spot can do Dabney some good will.

Blue defense stands tall 💪🔵

📺 @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/51k315Polb

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 18, 2026

Oklahoma run game leads the way in Spring Game performance

The Oklahoma Sooners returned to a traditional spring game on Saturday to the delight of more than 31,000 fans in attendance. The red team, made up of the top of the depth chart on both sides of the ball, dominated the white team by a score of 31-3.

The story of the day was the Oklahoma Sooners running game. Between Lloyd Avant, DeZephen Walker, and Jonathan Hatton, the Sooners ran for more than 150 yards in the game behind an offensive line that was creating big running lanes. The Sooners ran for three touchdowns.

According to Jesse Crittenden of OU Insider, quarterback John Mateer was 13 of 19 for 190 yards and a touchdown to transfer wide receiver Mackenzie Alleyne. Mateer had a big completion to Isaiah Sategna that appeared to go for a touchdown but was called down at the defensive 26-yard line. The Sooners scored a few plays later.

The offensive line created good running lanes and provided protection for Mateer throughout the contest, giving him plenty of time to work from the pocket in the passing game.

From the white team, the standout was true freshman wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers, who had the biggest play of the day for the white team and was targeted frequently by quarterbacks Whitt Newbauer and Bowe Bentley.

The red team defense didn't give the white team offense much room to operate on the day, creating pressure and bottling up the running game. It was a dominant performance for a unit missing guys like Adepoju Adebawore, Jayden Jackson, David Stone, and Owen Heinecke on the field on Saturday.

Heinecke was there, being introduced in pregame warmups to the sounds of 50 Cent's "Many Men" ringing through Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

All in all, it was a good day for the Sooners on Owen Field, setting the stage for what should be another fun and successful season in 2026.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners get strong rushing performance in Spring Game

Miettinen dies in seven-car crash during Nurburgring race

Nurburgring race track
The collision occurred three laps into today's qualifier race in Germany [Getty Images]

Racing driver Juha Miettinen has died after a seven-car crash during the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifiers in Germany on Saturday.

The race was initially halted by a red flag before it was eventually suspended an hour later once the severity of the the multi-car collision became apparent.

Organisers said the race, which had earned extra attention due to the participation of Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, would not resume on Saturday evening.

"Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations," the race organiser said in a statement.

"Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved after he had been extracted from the vehicle. The driver died at the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful."

The statement added that six other drivers were taken to hospital for examination but none of the injured were in a life-threatening condition.

Four-time Formula 1 champion Verstappen, who is due to participate in the 24-hour endurance race, sent his condolences on social media.

"Shocked by what's happened today," Verstappen wrote on social media.

"Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be.

"Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."

A minute's silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday's race.

Saint Mary's transfer Andrew McKeever commits to Iowa basketball

IOWA CITY — Saint Mary's transfer Andrew McKeever has committed to Iowa basketball, according to Joe Tipton.

McKeever, listed at 7-foot-3 and 285 pounds, averaged 8.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in roughly 23 minutes per game as a redshirt sophomore last season.

He comes to the Hawkeyes with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

McKeever is the second player to commit to Iowa this transfer portal cycle, joining 6-foot-2 guard Ty'Reek Coleman. The Illinois State transfer averaged 10 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in about 23 minutes per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from deep as a true freshman.

McKeever's role was limited as a redshirt freshman, playing only about six minutes per game in 20 appearances. But his production increased significantly last season.

McKeever made 33 appearances for the Gaels as a redshirt sophomore, including 10 starts. He had a monster performance against San Francisco, racking up 10 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block.

After playing with an undersized frontcourt last season, it was clear that the Hawkeyes needed to add size ahead of head coach Ben McCollum's second campaign. McKeever clearly gives Iowa the height it lacked last season.

McKeever, a prolific rebounder, can give the Hawkeyes a much-needed boost on the glass. He had 12 games last season in which he grabbed at least 10 rebounds. McKeever's rebounds per 40 minutes last season were an impressive 15.7. McKeever's rebounding can also help Iowa on the offensive end with second-chance opportunities. He averaged 3.8 offensive rebounds per game last season.

McKeever's 1.8 assists per game last season show he possesses passing ability. But with an average assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.8-to-1.7 as a redshirt sophomore, it would be good to see him cut down the turnovers.

McKeever can have value as a screener for the Hawkeyes. Considering how important ball screens are in Iowa's offense, the Hawkeyes can benefit from having someone of McKeever's frame to fill that role.

Quick glimpse of McKeever’s impact with the Gaels this season: pic.twitter.com/Iqc9BYFGbv

— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) March 30, 2026

For as tall as he is, McKeever is not an ultra-efficient scorer. He shot 50% from the field last season. That is not bad, but considering all 210 of his field goal attempts last season came from inside the arc, there is room for improvement.

McKeever only averaged 0.8 blocks per game last season, which is not an incredibly high figure. His stature indicates he is capable of more. But as long as McKeever can alter shots with his length for the Hawkeyes, his actual blocks per game don't mean as much. From a defensive standpoint, it will be interesting to see how well he can handle staying in front of faster, more athletic guards, should he have to switch onto them.

He shot a dreadful 30.8% from the free-throw line as a redshirt freshman. But he showed growth as a redshirt sophomore, improving his percentage to 62.8%.

To get a sense for how McKeever fared against notable competition last season, he had 11 points and 11 rebounds against Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference Tournament. He accumulated six points, seven rebounds and three assists against Vanderbilt. He had 14 points and eight rebounds against Virginia Tech. In two games against Gonzaga, McKeever averaged only two points but also grabbed eight rebounds per contest. In one of those games against the Bulldogs, all eight of the rebounds came on the offensive end.

Virginia Tech is the only one of those aforementioned teams that did not make the NCAA Tournament last season.

Saint Mary's earned a 7-seed in the Big Dance. The Gaels lost to Texas A&M in the round of 64. McKeever was held scoreless for the first time all season, but contributed eight rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal.

McKeever's scoring output against some of those better teams leaves much to be desired. That will be put to the test against Big Ten competition. But even when he wasn't scoring at a high clip, he still impacted the game, notably with his rebounding.

Simply put, McKeever gives Iowa the type of mountainous presence that it didn't have last season, making it more equipped to survive in the Big Ten.

With Alvaro Folgueiras entering the transfer portal and Tavion Banks' future unclear, McKeever joins Cam Manyawu and Trevin Jirak as bigs on the Hawkeyes' 2026-27 roster.

McKeever will have to prove that his production can translate to the Big Ten level. But he brings compelling physical tools to the table. It's also a plus that he comes to the Hawkeyes with more than one season of eligibility remaining.

Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Saint Mary's transfer Andrew McKeever commits to Iowa men's basketball

UMBC men’s lacrosse eyes postseason amid coach upheaval: ‘They’ve fought back’

Earning a berth in the America East Conference men’s lacrosse tournament might normally be cause for celebration. For UMBC interim coach Craig Chick, it was business as usual.

“The job’s not done just yet,” he said after the Retrievers polished off a 16-11 victory over visiting NJIT on Saturday afternoon at UMBC Stadium in Catonsville. “We’ve got more to do, and our goal is to fight and compete for the America East championship. So we’ll keep on battling.”

Junior attackman Ryan Demato scored UMBC’s first three goals and finished with five goals and one assist to spark the team to its fourth consecutive win. At 5-6 overall and 4-2 in the conference, the Retrievers will play in the four-team postseason hosted by two-time defending champion UAlbany on April 30-May 2. Seeding is still to be determined.

The Retrievers’ success is even more remarkable considering what they have had to endure. Since Sept. 24, they have played without coach Ryan Moran, who was placed on administrative leave by athletic director Tiffany D. Tucker after a player lodged hazing and “sexual misconduct” allegations against a teammate, according to lawyers for the accuser.

On April 2, Moran said he had completed the terms for reinstatement. A week later, he said he was told by Tucker to resign or be fired. He refused to resign, and Tucker fired him that same day.

“I love this program, the staff, the players, the parents and all the alumni,” Moran said Saturday in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. “All I want, and have worked hard the last decade for, is for this program to be successful and have young men grow and have a great experience.”

Chick, who did not make players available to talk, declined to delve into what transpired with Moran. He did acknowledge how difficult the campaign has been.

“You just face adversity head on,” he said. “That’s all we’ve been preaching, and that’s all we’ve been trying to do.”

The team’s emergence delighted parents and former players who watched Saturday’s victory.

“At 1-6, it would have been very easy — especially under the circumstances — to write the season off,” said Scott Steers, father of senior faceoff specialist Alex, a Westminster native and graduate who won 18 of 23 draws, collected a game-best 11 ground balls, and scored a goal. “But these kids aren’t like that. They’ve fought back.”

Ryan Frawley, who played for the Retrievers from 2017 to 2021, said that the current group reminds him of the 2019 squad that also opened 1-6 but won six of its last eight games, captured the America East Tournament, and advanced to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2009.

“We really relied on each other,” Frawley said. “We had our backs against the wall, but what got us through were our teammates.”

Parents and former players took the time to credit Moran for setting the program’s foundation. Gunnar Schimoler, who played at UMBC from 2015 to 2019, said experiencing Saturday’s joy without Moran was bittersweet.

“He built a lot of this,” said Schimoler, an Edgewater native and South River graduate. “The culture, the camaraderie, this has helped us through life. He didn’t deserve this.”

The upheaval surrounding UMBC, which also dismissed softball coaches Angela and Richard Nicholson and canceled the rest of its season last month, is beginning to reverberate throughout the University System of Maryland. Michael Sandler, vice chancellor for communications and marketing, said via email on Monday in a response to an inquiry by The Sun that the Board of Regents has taken notice.

“The board is aware of the coaching issues at UMBC,” he wrote. “It’s practice is to let the university presidents deal with the issues on their campuses, including issues with athletics. If the board has concerns about its handling, the chancellor [Jay A. Perman] will address those concerns directly with President [Valerie] Shears Ashby.”

Perman and Ashby, via a school spokesperson, did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Related Articles

At least 17 lacrosse players asked UMBC to forward their applications to the NCAA to regain a year of eligibility, according to a parent of one of the players. On Tuesday, Gabriel Adler, UMBC’s assistant director of compliance, initially said that the requests did not meet NCAA criteria, according to a copy of the email. But on Wednesday, Adler verbally informed the players that the school would forward their petitions to the NCAA after the season concluded, three parents said.

A group of former lacrosse players who make up the True Grit Foundation is scheduled to meet Tucker on Wednesday to discuss the program’s status and push for Chick’s candidacy as the school’s fourth head coach. Chick declined to address that subject and instead focused on the team’s feat.

“The season is just a testament to improvement over time,” he said. “We would love to have more wins and losses, but we’re here. We got enough done that we need to get done, and now we get to play more lacrosse.”

Have a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun.

No. 7 Maryland men’s lacrosse falls short in 9-8 loss to No. 13 Johns Hopkins

John Tillman and No. 7 Maryland men’s lacrosse could not have pictured a more disastrous second quarter.

After leveling the score in the waning moments of the first period on Saturday, it quickly went awry for the Terps. No. 13 Johns Hopkins buried a trio of goals within a four-minute span early in the second quarter, and Maryland simply didn’t have an answer.

Eight first-half turnovers didn’t help either. Silly mistakes — players losing their footing and dropped passes — hindered the Terps’ second-quarter offense. That sloppiness resulted in Maryland’s second scoreless period of the season.

While the Terps showed life in the second half, a three-goal halftime deficit was too much to overcome. Maryland suffered a 9-8 defeat to Johns Hopkins, ending its bid to claim an outright Big Ten regular season title.

Despite trailing 5-2 at the break, Maryland never wavered. After Leo Johnson’s third goal of the game, the Terps had a couple chances to force overtime following Henry Dodge’s faceoff win. 

Maryland fired three shots in the final 40 seconds, the first two never troubling the cage. But the Terps had one golden opportunity late. Chris Lyons was left open with nine seconds left in the game, but his shot bounced off the post and into the corner of the field, sealing Maryland’s heartbreaking loss. 

The result set up a four-way tie atop the Big Ten standings; tiebreakers dropped the Terps to third in the conference. Maryland will now have to play in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. 

The atmosphere inside Homewood Field was electric heading into the 120th edition of “The Rivalry. Blue and red decked the bleachers as fans awaited the most highly-anticipated conference matchup of the year.

But it became quickly clear that goals were going to be hard to come by — a scoreless opening nine minutes evidenced that.

Instead, the goalkeepers showed out early on. Brian Ruppel snatched the first four shots sent in his direction, three of which occurred in a five-minute period. The senior netminder weathered the early onslaught to help keep Johns Hopkins off the board.

Maryland’s offense didn’t fare any better. Despite the ball quickly swinging around the perimeter, the Terps couldn’t break through the Blue Jays’ stout defense. Even when Maryland got inside, relentless stick pressure continuously jarred the ball loose.

But once Johns Hopkins netted the opening goal, the scoring quickly picked up. Blue Jays midfielders Jameson Smith and Jimmy Ayers beat Ruppel on consecutive possessions to open up a 2-0 lead within 41 seconds.

Then, Braden Erksa willed the Terps back into the game. After a multi-assist outing against Rutgers, the senior attacker fueled Maryland’s early offensive success.

Erksa caught Johns Hopkins’ defense napping with a quick inbounds pass to Zach Whittier. He didn’t miss the point-blank look. With 48 seconds left in the first quarter, Erksa swung a crossfield pass to Leo Johnson on the doorstep to level the score at two.

That would be the Terps’ last goal for 17 minutes, though. 

Johns Hopkins peppered Ruppel with a flurry of chances in the second quarter. He couldn’t do anything about it. Miscommunication left Blue Jays’ attackers unmarked just outside the crease, leaving Ruppel in a precarious situation. Johns Hopkins poured in three goals in five minutes in the second quarter.

Michael Alexander and AJ Larkin linked up just 82 seconds into the third quarter. Still, the Terps couldn’t draw within two goals until early in the fourth quarter.

With only two fourth-quarter turnovers and six faceoff wins, Maryland had numerous late chances to get the game-tying goal. The Terps fired 17 shots in the fourth quarter and netted four goals. It wasn’t enough to pull off Maryland’s first comeback win this season.

Three things to know

1. Turnovers take their toll. While Maryland has limited the severity of its mistakes in recent games, untimely giveaways haunted it on Saturday. Riley Reese losing his stick on a failed clear attempt just over a minute into the game and Elijah Stobaugh’s inability to scoop up a loose ball were part of the Terps’ 12 turnovers.

2. Maryland’s stars held silent. Johnson and Eric Spanos have been the catalyst behind the Terps’ recent offensive resurgence. But the duo was limited on Saturday. Johnson failed to register an assist for the second time this season. Spanos netted just one of his five shots, cutting off his ability to maneuver through the traffic.

3. Faceoff success overshadowed. The battle at the X was arguably Maryland’s biggest advantage heading into Saturday. While Henry Dodge and Jonah Carrier combined to corral 13 of the 21 faceoffs, the Terps couldn’t parlay that into goals. Oran Gelinas’ 14-save performance outdid Maryland’s faceoff unit.

2026 NFL Draft: 1 wide receiver in every round for the Chargers

We're less than a week out from the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chargers still hold five of their picks, but recent comments from general manager Joe Hortiz seem to suggest that LA will try to move around the board to add a few more bites at the apple.

With that in mind, let's examine one prospect for every round of the draft at wide receiver.

Round 1: Denzel Boston, Washington

Hortiz was adamant earlier this week that the Chargers have not and are not exploring trading wide receiver Quentin Johnston, but it still seems unlikely that Johnston's fifth-year option will be picked up for the 2027 season. That would make the 2022 first-rounder a pending free agent and could lead the Chargers to look for a long-term replacement. Boston can win outside or inside and is one of the best contested catch receivers in this year's class and could step into the X role as a sophomore if Johnston departs in free agency.

Round 2: De'Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi

Stribling, who spent his elementary school years in San Diego, has been a late riser in this year's pre-draft process. Widely mocked as a Day 3 prospect until recently, the former Washington State and Oklahoma State receiver is the No. 67 player on The Athletic's big board compiled by Dane Brugler. Another big-bodied catcher with strong ball skills, he profiles as more of a secondary or tertiary option long-term, which would mesh well with Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris already entrenched on the depth chart.

Round 3: Deion Burks, Oklahoma

Burks hasn't been a returner since 2022, but his size and quickness (4.30 40-yard dash) profile as someone who could push Derius Davis both as a special teams and offensive player after Davis' struggles with injury and performance in 2025. Burks is lethal after the catch and crisp on double moves, which gives him a three-level value on offense that Davis has yet to develop. He'd be a worthy pivot if Zachariah Branch (Georgia) or Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State) go off the board earlier in the draft.

Round 4: Kendrick Law, Kentucky

One of only four FBS receivers with an average depth of target under 3.5 yards, Law's tape shows a pure gadget player who will need to develop his route-running acumen to stick in the NFL. His 4.45 speed and short-area quickness suggest that he could develop into more of a deep threat in addition to his success on underneath routes. He's played gunner and returned kicks and punts, so he could also push Davis if he lands in LA.

Round 5: Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati

A one-year high school football player due to a growth spurt from 5'8" to 6'5" between junior and senior year of high school, Caldwell spent three seasons at Lindenwood before transferring up to Cincinnati for his senior year. He ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at that size - a ridiculous combination of size and speed - but is still developing his ability. His production at Cincinnati was cut in half after a 1,000-yard season at Lindenwood, and he struggles to make contested catches despite his frame. Even so, his physical traits are undeniable, and LA has the depth to accommodate a developmental flier of his caliber.

Round 6: Kaden Wetjen, Iowa

Wetjen has barely played wide receiver in college - he has 23 career receptions for 197 yards in six seasons between Iowa Western Community College and Iowa. But he's the first back-to-back winner of the Jet Award, given to the nation's best return specialist, and was the only FBS player to record both a kick and punt return touchdown in 2025. His week at the East-West Shrine Bowl - where the Chargers had a hefty scouting presence - shows that he has untapped ability as a pure receiver.

Round 7: Chase Roberts, BYU

A two-time team captain and known grinder through injuries, Roberts has to win more with craftiness than with athleticism. A 4.56 40-yard dash won't pop off the page, but the 25-year-old Roberts led BYU in receiving in 2023 and 2024 and was a third-team all-conference selection in 2025. He profiles as a possession target who will need to grind out reps on special teams to stick around, but his 6'3", 204 lb frame will likely be enough to get him in the building.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 1 wide receiver in every round for the Chargers

Furman transfer Alex Wilkins commits to Kentucky

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) reacts against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Former Furman guard Alex Wilkins has committed to Kentucky, On3’s Joe Tipton reports. The transfer guard will have three years of eligibility remaining after a breakout freshman campaign.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 35 starts for Furman during the 2025-26 season. He did so while shooting 46-percent from the field and just under 33-percent from the 3-point line.

Alex Wilkins went unranked out of high school, arriving at Furman from Brooks School in Massachusetts. It did not take long for everyone to realize he was a real difference-maker in college basketball.

This offseason, he ranked No. 30 in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings and No. 9 among shooting guards. He becomes Kentucky’s highest-ranked transfer addition so far this cycle.

Wilkins becomes the second major backcourt addition for Mark Pope and the Wildcats, following point guard Zoom Diallo. The duo will now test themselves in the SEC, as Kentucky looks to build out the rest of the roster around a strong duo.

More on Kentucky basketball

Kentucky has plenty more left to do as it builds the 2026-27 roster, with rotation pieces Trent Noah and Kam Williams set to return, along with reserve center Reece Potter. Malachi Moreno, meanwhile, will test the NBA Draft waters before making his decision official. Redshirt freshman Braydon Hawthorne remains a projected returner but has not made an official announcement on his future.

The only incoming freshman currently committed to the Wildcats is Mason Williams, the son of new assistant coach Mo Williams. He ranks as a three-star prospect in the Rivals Industry Rankings for 2026.

Mark Pope’s team is coming off a 22-14 overall record, including a 10-8 mark against the SEC. The Wildcats’ season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to Iowa State after beating Santa Clara in the Round of 64.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Boston Marathon 2026 preview: Will a U.S. runner return to a major podium?

In Monday's Boston Marathon, American runners seek to end the nation's longest major international marathon podium drought (combined for women and men) since the World Marathon Majors series began in 2006.

The last American female runner to finish in the top three of a major (Boston, New York City, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, Sydney since 2025, the Olympics or World Championships) was Emily Sisson, who placed second at the 2022 Chicago Marathon.

The last American male runner to do so was Galen Rupp, who was third in Chicago in 2021.

Both Sisson and Rupp are entered in Monday's race.

As are fellow Olympians seeking their first major international podiums such as Fiona O'Keeffe (2024 Olympic Trials winner, fourth in New York City last November) and Clayton Young (2024 Olympic Trials runner-up, plus finished between seventh and ninth in his last five major international marathons).

At Boston, the world's oldest annual marathon dating to 1897, the last American runners to finish in the top three were Jordan Hasay (third in 2019) and Stanley Biwott (third in 2018).

For the U.S. men, it's the longest Boston podium drought since 1985 to 2006. For the U.S. women, if none finish in the top three on Monday, it'll be the longest drought since 1993 to 2009.

U.S. runners’ podium finishes in major marathons

Emily SissonChicago 20222nd Place
Galen RuppChicago 20212nd Place
Emma BatesChicago 20212nd Place
Sara HallChicago 20213rd Place
Molly SeidelTokyo Olympics3rd Place
Sara HallLondon 20202nd Place

*Since 2020

Chances may be better Monday for the U.S. women given the overall Boston fields.

Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, who won Boston last year in the fastest women's time in course history (2:17:22), is back.

Most of the other top stars signed up for the London Marathon next Sunday — Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya — plus Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya, who both withdrew from London due to injuries.

That further opens the door in Boston for an already surging Fiona O’Keeffe.

O'Keeffe, who won the 2024 Olympic Trials in her marathon debut, was fourth in her most recent marathon in New York City last November in the fastest time ever by an American on that course (2:22:49).

"I think a great day (in Boston) would be podium," she told LetsRun.com.

Sisson, like O'Keeffe, is making her Boston debut. Sisson ran an American record 2:18:29 when she became the most recent U.S. runner to make a major podium at the 2022 Chicago Marathon.

In her last marathon, she was the third-fastest American in New York City in November (eighth overall).

"I don't want to go into a race thinking I just want to be the top American," Sisson told LetsRun. "For so many years, I'm like, I want to medal. I want to be on a podium. And I'm still working my way to come back to that fitness."

The Boston men's field features Kenyan John Korir, who last April posted the second-fastest men’s winning time in race history (2:04:45). In his most recent marathon in December, Korir won Valencia in 2:02:24, making him the eighth-fastest marathoner in history.

Korir's top challenger going into Boston is countryman Benson Kipruto, the only male runner to win all three U.S. major marathons -- Boston (2021), Chicago (2022) and New York City (2025).

The U.S. contingent was headlined by American record holder Conner Mantz, but he withdrew three weeks ago, citing a lack of fitness.

Rupp, a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist who turns 40 on May 8, placed 16th in his last two marathons (2024 Olympic Trials, 2025 Chicago) while undergoing hip surgery in between.

Young, who has trained with Mantz the last several years in Utah, said his workouts have been "up and down" since December after an ankle injury sidelined him for 18 weeks.

Last year in Boston, he ran a personal best 2:07:04 for seventh place.

"The last two or three weeks have kind of shown, oh, wow, I might have a chance to actually compete better than last year, which is really exciting," he said. "So I'm kind of approaching this a little bit with curiosity with a short build with only eight to 10 weeks and a lot of gratitude to be out here, to be healthy."

Then there's Zouhair Talbi, who was 35th in the Paris Olympic marathon for Morocco.

In 2025, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, gained U.S. citizenship and was granted a nationality switch for competition to the U.S., going into effect in August 2027 (in time for the March 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials).

Talbi won the Houston Marathon in January in 2:05:45, a time bettered by only three Americans in history (Mantz and the retired Khalid Khannouchi and Ryan Hall).

Talbi believes posting that time, along with Mantz running an American record 2:04:43 in Chicago last October, will help raise U.S. men's marathoning as a whole.

"I need to dream big and try to run fast," Talbi told Flotrack. "That will elevate just the mindset from other people to start taking it."

Gold Star family will announce New York Giants' first-round pick

The New York Giants have partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to allow the family of fallen Army Major Paul C. Voelke to announce the team's fifth overall pick at the 2026 NFL draft on April 23.

This honor recognizes Major Voelke, a lifelong Giants fan and New York native who died in Afghanistan in 2012.

Major Voelke shared his passion for the team with his family. His widow, Traci Voelke, and sons, Second Lieutenant Andrew Voelke and Benjamin Voelke, will take the stage to reveal the selection as part of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative.

TAPS, a national nonprofit supporting military survivors, has partnered with the league for a decade.

"Our dad was a Giants super fan his whole life and passed down that fandom to our family," Benjamin Voelke said in a statement. "It is a privilege to honor our father and represent the New York Giants at the NFL draft this year."

Traci Voelke recalled her husband's dedication.

"Paul was a huge fan his whole life," she said. "When he was in Afghanistan, Paul had a rug made with the NY Giants logo.

"He deployed for the last time in January 2012; the Giants won the Super Bowl that year. While we were sad we couldn't watch it together, we were so happy the Giants won, and Paul got to see it. He died just a few months later."

A West Point graduate, Major Voelke served 14 years as an infantry officer with five deployments in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The family has engaged with TAPS since 2012, with Traci serving as a peer mentor and advocate for Gold Star spouses.

"The NFL draft is about possibility," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS president and founder. "It is also about something deeper, because behind every name called tonight is a story of sacrifice."

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Gold Star family will announce New York Giants' first-round pick

Washington Senior LB Manu Inked Up, Ready to Leave it All on the Field

To say Washington Huskies linebacker Jacob Manu wears his emotions on his sleeves would be an understatement.

The 5-foot-9, 222-pound senior instead lets the ink on his arms and legs, which feature the Flag of Tonga on his left arm and a multitude of intertwined tattoos on his right arm, to tell one part of his story while he delivers hits on the football field that explain why he lets tattoos do most of the talking.

Manu, a native of Santa Ana, California, transferred to UW last January, but played in just four regular-season games to preserve his redshirt year of eligibility, a plan both head coach Jedd Fisch, the standout linebacker, and his family agreed to before he ever suited up in purple and gold.

When he was on the field in 2025, Manu showed why the Huskies coaching staff—both originally at Arizona and then again under new defensive coordinator Ryan Walters and first-year inside linebackers coach Brian Odom—was so enamored with his ability, even coming off a season-ending ACL injury.

”It was hard,” Manu said after practice early in spring camp when asked what it was like watching from the sideline for the majority of last season.

Manu played five games in 2025, including four starts against Ohio State, Maryland, Michigan, and UCLA, along with the Bucked Up L.A. Bowl against Boise State. In those nearly half dozen appearances, the ex-Arizona captain made 24 total tackles with a tackle for loss and a pass defended, but the minimal statistical production doesn't do justice to what the Huskies expect to get from the veteran linebacker this season.

"He's been a blessing to be around," Odom said before the start of spring camp on the veteran. "In the meeting room, he's awesome. He does some things as good as anybody I've ever been around. But in terms of being able to have him healthy for the full season, I think that was important for him. To have an offseason that he got a full offseason leading into his last year. I anticipate him taking full advantage of it."

So far, more than halfway through spring camp, Manu has made his presence felt during multiple 11-on-11 scrimmage periods in practice, including preventing a goal-line touchdown pass from junior quarterback Demond Williams Jr. on Thursday.

Around his coaches and teammates, Manu is the positive veteran always smiling despite being the shortest defender on the Huskies' roster. Although it was frustrating to have to jog out of the tunnel without his helmet and pads for most of last season, waiting for his story to be told is something he's actually rather familiar with.

His tribal tattoo, a three-quarter bicep sleeve, took 14 hours over two sessions.

In a way, his first tattoo was symbolic of his Husky career to date, which still leaves a lot left to be told over the last 12 or so games this fall.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies LB Jacob Manu Inked, Geared Up For 2026 Season

WWE WrestleMania 42 live results, match grades, highlights for night one of pro wrestling event

Cody Rhodes - Randy Orton - WWE

WWE WrestleMania 42 live results, match grades, highlights for night one of pro wrestling event originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Some of the best wrestlers face off in Las Vegas for night one of WrestleMania 42, while several titles are on the line on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium.

The main event will see a WWE vs. TKO fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship when Cody Rhodes defends the belt against Randy Orton.  

Orton and Rhodes’ story goes back to their days in The Legacy. The history the two share, including Orton attacking Dusty Rhodes years ago, came ahead when Orton won the Elimination Chamber.

Orton's willing to do anything win his 15th world title, including teaming with Pat McAfee. The rivalry has gone from the ring to McAfee’s podcast studio. Will the student or the teacher hold gold by the end of the night?

Liv Morgan won the women’s Royal Rumble match and will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship. Both have verbally and physically assaulted one another for weeks. Who walks out of Las Vegas with bragging rights and their limbs intact?

AJ Lee defends the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch. Lee, who has teamed with husband CM Punk against Lynch and Seth Rollins, will now compete in her first WrestleMania since 2015.

Speaking of Rollins, he takes on Gunther, who is coming off of retiring John Cena and AJ Styles. Can Rollins stop Gunther’s momentum, or will the latter put Rollins to sleep?

Meanwhile, Nia Jax and Lash Legend defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, while Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre face off in an Unsanctioned match.

The Sporting News will provide results, analysis, and match grades for night one of WrestleMania 42.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 results, highlights

Welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of night one of WrestleMania 42.

5:55 p.m. ET: With five minutes to showtime, Allegiant Stadium looks packed. 

5:57 p.m. ET: The Las Vegas Mass Choir sings God Bless America. 

6 p.m. ET: WrestleMania 42 has begun!

6:05 p.m. ET: John Cena kicked things off. In a suit. I know we saw him on Total Divas wearing one many times, but seeing Cena wear a suit to the ring looks odd. Corporate Cena. "Long time fan, long time performer, first time host." 

Cena admitted the road to WrestleMania was chaotic, vocal, and polarizing. "The time to talk is up, the time to deliver is now... Who will step up and deliver?" He welcomed everyone to WrestleMania. 

The HOST of #WrestleMania 42 @JohnCena! 👋#WrestleMania is streaming LIVE on the @espn App with the first hour streaming LIVE on ESPN2!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/qOJ1mTNk3x

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

The opening match will see Jey Uso, his brother Jimmy, and LA Knight vs. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed.

The Usos and LA Knight open WrestleMania by beating Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed

Looks like IShowSpeed stole Danhausen's gear. Usos with superkicks to Paul and Theory. Knight and Speed started things off. Speed with a headlock but Knight carried him around like a baby. Speed tried a moonsault, but Knight toyed with him, hitting hard shots. 

Powerslam by Speed. Paul now in the match. He played the heel in peril. Theory now in the match to try and give his team some momentum. Paul continued to give his team the edge. Corkscrew moonsault by Jimmy. Spear from Jey to Theory. Superkicks all over the place. 

Speed with a headscissors. Speed sent Knight into Paul, his partner. Theory tried demanding Speed to do a move. BFT to Theory for the win as Speed watched. 

.@ishowspeedsui is SHOWING OUT at #WrestleMania! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bf6kIFoCrp

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Expected more from Speed and Paul in this match. Though Speed is probably one of the best "celebrities" to enter the ring. The faces won. 

Grade: C+ 

Paul attacked Speed after the match. He tried to do a move through the table, but the Usos landed the 1D on him. Knight woke up Speed. Speed then hit a HIGH frog splash to the outside to a down Paul, through the announce table. That would have given the match a better grade if it happened then. 

ISHOWSPLASH!!!! 🔝@ishowspeedsuipic.twitter.com/Wjh04T1PGJ

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Jacob Fatu shines in Unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre

Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match is next. WWE is not liable for any damage or injuries. Can either one use McIntyre's sword? 

Fatu started by attacking McIntyre right away. He put him over the barricade and took out multiple tables. A toolbox was brought into play. McIntyre slammed Fatu head on the steel under the ring. McIntyre did the selfie phone bit and posted on social media. 

I love this game. pic.twitter.com/kqNqqEgHlz

— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) April 18, 2026

Fatu took over the match in the ring. Fatu honored Umaga. He failed to land a move on the ropes and McIntyre took over. McIntyre with a swanton off the top rope to the outside. He missed a Claymore and Fatu put him through a chair. He hit a moonsault for two.  

McIntyre with a wrench to the head of Fatu. McIntyre sent Fatu through two chairs. He was going to use a belt, but Fatu threw chairs at McIntyre. Fatu used the belt. Claymore to Fatu. They traded shots in the ring. Fatu set up a table. He tried to put McIntyre through it, but the latter hit him with a chair. McIntyre sent Fatu through a table on the outside. 

Fatu got back up and hit superkicks. He hit McIntyre with a toolbox and a moonsault through the table for the win. 

McIntyre vs. Fatu should have opened WrestleMania. What a great car crash. Fatu gets put over in a big way. 

Grade: A

Paige returns to WWE, wins tag team gold with Brie Bella

The women's tag team championship match is next. Will Nikki be in the match after it was announced she was injured? Nia Jax and Lash Legend honored Demolition's Ax And Smash. 

Nikki Bella is indeed injured. Replacing her in the match? The returning Paige! AJ Lee and Paige are on the same WrestleMania card again. Paige retired after WrestleMania 34. She was unable to compete at the show. She's back and wrestling at WrestleMania 42 following a run with AEW. Great story.

PAIGE IS BACK!!!!! 💜

WHAT A WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT!! pic.twitter.com/3ey0qK3G4o

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

The match structure was a bit confusing, with only a select number of women allowed in the ring and the women only being allowed to tag your partner. Brie with Yes Kicks after Flair initially took over. Jax threw Brie out of the ring. Flair and Legend exchanged boots. Bayley with a flying elbow to Bliss. The crowd wanted Paige. 

Legend forced several women down to the mat. What a force. Paige got tagged in to a loud reaction. She took everyone down. "This is my house!" Paige Turner to Valkyria but only for two. Brie and Valkyria took Jax out of the ring. Lash Extension to Valkyria. 

Flair and Paige took down Legend and the former NXT stars reunited. They exchanged shots. She tried a Figure Eight. Natural Selection to Paige, but Nikki hit Charlotte with a crutch. Twisted Bliss blocked by Paige. Rampage to Bliss and Paige and Brie won. 

Two rEVOLUTIONary Women in WWE!! 🫡

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/qzeWHw2seq

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

So the Bellas were going to win all along, huh? Great moment for a returning Paige. All the women gave it their all. 

Grade: B-

Right after Paige returned, AJ Lee returns to WrestleMania for the first time since 2015 to defend the Intercontinental Title against Becky Lynch. The Wonder Years' lead singer is wearing a Cactus Jack shirt as the band played Lynch to the ring. 

Torch Passed: Becky Lynch beats AJ Lee to become Intercontinental Champion once again

Jessika Carr was the referee, someone Lynch has had issues with. Lynch took over to start. Lee tried to land a move from the top rope to the outside, but Lynch caught her. Lynch with a leg drop off the top rope. Lynch took the pad off the top rope. Lee with a few rough shots to Lynch.

Lee took Lynch off her feet and landed a missile dropkick as the match slowed way down. Lee tried to go for the Shining Wizard but Lynch with a powerbomb. Lee tried going for the Black Widow, but Lynch slammed her head down and hit a Manhandle Slam for two. Lynch got into Carr's face several times. Carr pushed Lynch after she got pushed. 

She tried attacking Carr but the latter ducked and Lee hit a Manhandle Slam of her own. Black Widow submission attempt by Lee. Lynch got to the ropes after holding onto Lee's hair. The top turnbuckle fell and Lee got hit into it. Lynch with the Manhandle Slam for the win. 

OH MY GOD 😲@BeckyLynchWWE is the NEW Women's Intercontinental Champion! pic.twitter.com/2x7OyBVkKy

— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026

Lee had ring rust which was obvious in this match. Still, she tried to give it her all. Lynch made the most of it. She's once again Intercontinental Champion.

Grade: C+

A random match that is expected to steal the show is next, as Gunther faces Seth Rollins. 

Gunther puts Seth Rollins to sleep, Bron Breakker sends a message in return

Gunther dropkicked Rollins right away. He landed a powerbomb. Rollins with thumbs to the eyes. He attacked Gunther on the outside. They threw fan chairs at one another. Back in the ring, they exchanged shots. Gunther with hard chops. Big boots by both. Gunther with the sleeper attempt. 

Gunther chopped Rollins' chest and tried tearing him down limb by limb. On the top rope, Rollins got down and landed a Buckle Bomb. He tried the Stomp, but Gunther landed a release German Suplex. Rollins landed one of his own and a clothesline. They exchanged shots on the floor.

Rollins encouraged the chops. He landed a few of his own. Gunther with a powerbomb. He hit a hard clothesline. Rollins tried for the Pedigree. He landed a hard knee. A Pedigree attempt was reversed into a bridge pin. Pedigree hit and then a Stomp, but only for two. 

Rollins tried the top rope Stomp. Sleeper by Gunther. Rollins with a discuss punch. And another. Gunther with a clothesline. He tried for a top rope splash, but Rollins hit a superplex and a Falcon Arrow. Rollins with a sleeper but Gunther got to the rope. 

Rollins with a dive on the outside. He landed another one. A third attempt and Gunther hit two powerbombs, one on the apron and the other on the announce table. Rollins hit a Pedigree on the announce table. Rollins with Stomp on the table. 

Bron Breakker with a massive spear to Rollins. Sleeper to Rollins. Gunther wins. 

BRON BREAKKER IS BACK!!!! @bronbreakkerwwe

WHAT A SPEAR!!! pic.twitter.com/xSMkp2FDB6

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

After the mess that was the Jey Uso loss, Gunther redeemed himself by beating Seth Rollins. What an incredible match. Even with Breakker interfering, it didn't affect it. 

Grade: A+

After the match, Breakker speared Rollins again. "You should have put me down when you had the chance."

The members of the 2026 Hall of Fame came out: Nick Hogan and Robin Roussimoff for Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, the family of Bad News Brown, Dennis Rodman, Ax and Smash, the family of Sid Vicious, AJ Styles, and Stephanie McMahon. 

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship is next. These women have decimated one another for weeks. Morgan was in concussion protocol at one point. Can it lead to a good match?

Liv Morgan back on top, wins Women's World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer

Liv Morgan has a new theme song. That and the music video-like performance is... something. Morgan still has a MASSIVE bump on her head. Ouch. 

Vaquer took down Morgan right away. They exchanged shots on the floor. It was not pretty to start, in a good way. Knees to the face of Morgan. Vaquer tried going up top, but Morgan landed a powerbomb instead. Three Amigos by Morgan. Big kick to Vaquer's head. 

Morgan tried for a Frog Splash but Vaquer countered. She hit the Devil's Kiss. Elevated knees to the jaw of Morgan. Backstabber by Morgan. She slapped Vaquer and tried for her own Devil's Kiss. Codebreaker by Morgan. Oblivion by Vaquer. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez distracted Vaquer, Oblivion by Morgan, but Vaquer kicked out.  

Vaquer took out Perez and Rodriguez. Morgan accidentally went into Rodriguez. Vaquer with a crossbody to Perez and Rodriguez. Morgan drove Vaquer through the steps. Codebreaker and Oblivion. New champ! 

Short match, but Morgan and Vaquer did plenty with the time given. Morgan goes from injured to Royal Rumble winner to world champion at WrestleMania. 

Grade: B+ 

John Cena announced that Night 1 of WrestleMania had over 50,816 people at Allegiant Stadium. 

Bianca Belair is back! Following a long injury, she returned at WrestleMania! She thanked the fans for supporting her. She talked about surprises. She's in gear. Oh, she's pregnant. 

THE EST IS HAVING A BABY 🙌 @BiancaBelairWWEpic.twitter.com/nXr8s5P7vF

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

Alright, the main event is up next. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship. A match with several years of stories that could be told, only for Pat McAfee to be inserted. Will he or Jelly Roll have an impact in the match? 

McAfee is here. Michael Cole has turned on him. Orton has arrived. Rhodes shows all the gear he's worn and the gimmicks he's had through the years. Stardust! All three entrances combined were longer than any match tonight. 

McAfee assaulted Rhodes with a microphone. Rhodes with a Cross Rhodes to McAfee. Jelly Roll has arrived. He put McAfee through the table. McAfee got rolled out on a stretcher. It took several minutes. Orton may have a back injury. 

ELBOW THROUGH THE TABLE 💪@JellyRoll615 takes out @PatMcAfeeShow!

Stream #WrestleMania LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN app!

➡️ https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxtpic.twitter.com/mdXA7P9qF0

— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026

The match is now on. Right hand by Orton missed, and Rhodes with a powerslam early on. Cody Cutter attempt turned into a backbreaker by Orton. Neckbreaker by Orton. Orton was selling the back. Half Boston Crab by Rhodes. 

Rhodes attacked the back. The match slowed down. Suplex by Rhodes as Orton's back continued to hurt. Orton finally got an edge and hit a superplex off the top rope. Draping DDT by Orton. 

Rhodes tried attacking Orton out of the ring, but Orton hit a back body drop onto the announce table. 

Where to watch WrestleMania 42 Night 1

Wrestling fans looking for the WrestleMania 42 Night 1​​​​​​​ live stream can watch the event on the ESPN app, which carries WrestleMania and every WWE Premium Live Event (PLE).

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on the ESPN App, including access through the official WWE streaming hub for fans with an ESPN Unlimited plan.

The new ESPN app also gives fans a way to watch ESPN without cable, with live access to the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, and ESPN studio shows like SportsCenter and First Take — all in one place, anytime and anywhere.

Start time for WrestleMania 42 Night 1

  • Date: Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 6 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. PT 
  • LocationAllegiant Stadium - Las Vegas, Nevada

Night one of WrestleMania 42 begins on April 18 at 6 p.m. ET. It is in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The home of the Las Vegas Raiders can hold up to 65,000 people. 

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 results

  • Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
  • Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship
  • Gunther def. Seth Rollins
  • Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee (c) for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
  • Brie Bella and Paige def. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) (c), Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
  • Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match
  • The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) and LA Knight def. The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and IShowSpeed

De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton

De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton
De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi’s wait for a first victory as Tottenham head coach goes on after a maddening 2-2 draw with Brighton at a packed stadium, a result that felt like a defeat given the manner in which the points were conceded, with goals for the visitors arriving in the final moments of both halves to deny Spurs what would have been a crucial win in their battle against relegation.

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Despite the frustration, De Zerbi refused to allow negativity to take hold, delivering a characteristically passionate and defiant assessment of where his side stand with five games remaining.

“I’m very proud because the players gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood, the right character,” he said, with quotes via Football.London.

“I’m disappointed only for the result, for my players and for the fans, because the atmosphere was incredible. In a very tough situation, the stadium was amazing.”

MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

De Zerbi: ‘Spurs can win five games in a row’

On Danso’s error that led to Brighton’s late equaliser, De Zerbi was protective of his player.

“I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality or courage,” he said. “Now we need courage. To win games we have to be positive and play football.”

His ambition for what remains of the season may have raised eyebrows, but it was delivered with total conviction.

“This team is able to win five games in a row,” he said. “Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you analyse the level of these players, we have the quality to fight and win games consecutively.”

His message to any player tempted to feel sorry for themselves was equally direct.

“They have to come to the training ground on Monday with a smile, otherwise they go home. I have no time for negative people or sad players. We are lucky to be working at a big club in the Premier League. Be positive. Stop.”

How to live stream Hawks vs Knicks: NBA Playoffs, TV channel

Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks face off against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in a compelling 3-vs-6 first-round playoff matchup, with Game 1 set for Friday night.

Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) passes the ball past Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

How to Watch Hawks vs Knicks

  • When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: Prime Video
  • Live Stream: Prime (try for free)

The Knicks enter the series as the East’s No. 3 seed at 53–29, powered by a balanced, defense-first identity and the steady leadership of Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game during the regular season.

Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the interior with 11.9 rebounds per game, giving New York a clear advantage in size. The Knicks also took the regular-season series 2–1, including a 128–125 win in December, in which Towns scored 36 and Brunson added 34, highlighting their ability to execute late in tight games.

– Live Stream Hawks vs Knicks with Prime –

Atlanta, the No. 6 seed at 46–36, comes in as one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 18 of its final 20 games to close the season.

Jalen Johnson has emerged as the centerpiece, leading the team with 22.5 points and 7.9 assists per game, while contributors like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum have fueled a high-powered offense averaging nearly 118.5 points per game. The Hawks’ pace and perimeter scoring present a real challenge, but questions remain about their frontcourt depth against New York’s physicality, setting up a series that will hinge on whether Atlanta’s offense can overcome the Knicks’ elite defense.

This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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Why Arsenal has a huge advantage in the race for Anthony Gordon

Why Arsenal has a huge advantage in the race for Anthony Gordon
Why Arsenal has a huge advantage in the race for Anthony Gordon

Arsenal are interested in signing Anthony Gordon, with several top European clubs also monitoring the winger ahead of a potential move at the end of the season. The Gunners continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level and are targeting players who can strengthen their attacking options.

However, Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also understood to be interested in the Newcastle United attacker, who has been in strong form over recent seasons and has developed into one of the most effective wide players in the Premier League.

Strong Interest Across Europe

Gordon’s performances for Newcastle have not gone unnoticed, and his consistent contributions have attracted attention from clubs with significant ambition. While Newcastle are publicly firm in stating that he is not for sale, the reality of modern football means that every player has a valuation if a suitable offer arrives.

Newcastle’s situation could also influence any transfer discussions. Missing out on Champions League qualification may increase pressure on their squad planning, even if the club remain determined to keep their best players.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern are all expected to remain attentive to developments, although competition for his signature is likely to be intense if he becomes available.

Arsenal’s Potential Advantage

According to The Sun, Arsenal may hold a slight advantage in the race due to Gordon’s preference to move to London. The report suggests that this personal factor could play a significant role in his decision-making should multiple offers materialise.

Arsenal’s location, combined with their recent progress and stability under Mikel Arteta, could make them an appealing destination. The club have also demonstrated an ability to develop attacking players and compete at the top end of the Premier League.

Liverpool’s involvement would add further complexity, given their own history and sporting project, while Bayern Munich could offer a different challenge in the Bundesliga with regular European competition.

Ultimately, Gordon’s future is likely to depend on a combination of club negotiations, ambition and personal preference. If Newcastle are forced into a decision, the level of interest could drive a competitive transfer battle.

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Gamethread 4/18: Braves at Phillies

Apr 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (42) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

Saturday night at The Bank#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/G4mr5V8bk5

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 18, 2026

For the Braves:

Sale day ⛵️#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/YybQXiq8e2

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 18, 2026

Let’s talk about it.

The 4 players considered the ‘long-term pillars’ of Real Madrid’s midfield

The 4 players considered the ‘long-term pillars’ of Real Madrid’s midfield
The 4 players considered the ‘long-term pillars’ of Real Madrid’s midfield

The brass at La Liga giants Real Madrid have identified a quartet of players as the long-term future of the club’s midfield.

This of course comes amid a fresh wave of chatter surrounding the personnel situation in Spain’s capital at present.

Real Madrid were sent packing from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich in midweek, facing up to a 2nd successive trophyless season as a result.

Eduardo Camavinga’s central role in as much gave rise to immediate calls for the Frenchman to be moved on, amid mounting pressure on his young shoulders.

And if the latest word stemming from the Spanish media is anything to go by, then the Bernabéu hierarchy appear to harbour the same doubts regarding ‘Cama’ as the club’s fanbase.

As per a report from Blancos insider Guillermo Rai of The Athletic:

‘Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham are considered long-term pillars in Real Madrid’s midfield.’

This means that uncertainty remains surrounding the futures of the likes of Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Thiago Pitarch and even Franco Mastantuono.

Conor Laird – GSFN

WATCH: Stunning Julian Alvarez strike sends Copa del Rey final to extra time

WATCH: Stunning Julian Alvarez strike sends Copa del Rey final to extra time
WATCH: Stunning Julian Alvarez strike sends Copa del Rey final to extra time

Atletico Madrid have responded well to twice going behind in the Copa del Rey final, and they have levelled late on against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja.

It was the start of dreams for La Real, as Ander Barrenetxea headed them in front after 15 seconds, which was the fastest goal in Copa del Rey final history. It was a fine cross from Goncalo Guedes, and the winger’s effort was just out of the reach of Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso.

Ademola Lookman fired home Atleti’s first equaliser of the night on 19 minutes, although they trailed once again when Musso’s foul on Guedes allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to score from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.

Alvarez brings Atleti back level on 83 minutes

The second half has been completely dominated by Atleti, but it has taken until the 83rd minute for La Real’s defence to be breached for the second time. It’s been done so in fine style by Julian Alvarez, who found the top corner after being set up by compatriot Thiago Almada.

There were no more goals in the remaining minutes of regulation time, meaning that a third straight Copa del Rey final will see extra time. Who will come out on top: Atletico Madrid or Real Sociedad?

How Dallas performs against the consensus draft board in Round 1

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with the Dallas Cowboys 12th pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With just a few days before the 2026 NFL draft, the picture is coming clearer of the Dallas Cowboys draft plans if you trust the pundits. Now more than ever, analysts are projecting the Cowboys to move up into the top ten to land one of the better defensive prospects in the draft. But if they stick and pick, who could be an option?

The first round has not been kind to the Cowboys in recent drafts. Tyler Booker was a nice breath of fresh air in 2025, proving to be a quality rookie starter in year one, but both Tyler Guyton and Mazi Smith struggled to make positive impacts in the first few years of their rookie deals in Dallas. Guyton still has hope, Smith is long gone.

When reviewing the last few draft classes for the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith stick out as home runs. While Smith was not considered a “must take” at the time, Lamb certainly was. Taking a look at an NFL Draft Consensus Board over the last few years, Lamb is one of the few that stand out.

In 2025, Tyler Booker was ranked 31st on the consensus board but was taken with the 12th pick. So far the Cowboys look to be right on that one. In 2024, Tyler Guyton was ranked 30th on the consensus board and was taken at 29.

In 2023, Mazi Smith was ranked 49th on the consensus board, the Cowboys selected him at pick number 26. In 2022, Tyler Smith was ranked 47th on the consensus board but was drafted 24th.

In 2021, Micah Parsons was ranked 11th on the consensus board and the Cowboys got him at 12. In 2020, CeeDee Lamb was ranked ninth on the consensus board and was picked at 17.

The book is still out on Tyler Booker, but he and Tyler Smith look like the two major wins for the Cowboys versus the consensus. Tyler Guyton is an incomplete grade so far, but could go down as a miss by the Cowboys and the consensus.

Mazi Smith was a cautionary tale about straying too far from the consensus and letting need take over.

Both Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb were major hits, with Parsons about level with the consensus, and Lamb representing a sliding player the Cowboys had to grab.

If the Cowboys want to get as close to sure-things as they can, they would be wise to not go against the consensus. While it feels like a forgone conclusion the Cowboys will be drafting defensive players with their two first-round picks, given the numerous needs on that side of the ball, they really need to hit on both picks.

Do you think Dallas will stick with the consensus on their picks, or will they take a chance on some players if the big-time defender prospects are already gone?

LIVE! UFC Winnipeg Results: Burns vs. Malott

Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott at UFC Winnipeg
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - APRIL 17: (L-R) Opponents Gilbert Burns of Brazil and Mike Malott face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Canada Life Centre on April 17, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

MMA Fighting has UFC Winnipeg results for the Burns vs. Malott fight card, a live blog of the main event, and more from Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In the main event, Gilbert Burns squares off against Mike Malott in a welterweight contest. Burns has lost his past four fights, while Malott has won nine of his past 10 contests.

Kyler Phillips and Charles Jourdain compete in a bantamweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out UFC Winnipeg results below.

Main Card (Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET)

Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott

Kyler Phillips vs. Charles Jourdain

Mandel Nallo vs. Jai Herbert

Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva

Thiago Moises vs. Gauge Young

Preliminary Card (Paramount+ LIVE now)

Dennis Buzukja vs. Marcio Barbosa

Julien Leblanc vs. Robert Valentin

Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam

Melissa Croden vs. Daria Zhelezniakova

JJ Aldrich vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin

Mancini suffers another muscle strain Atalanta draw

Mancini suffers another muscle strain Atalanta draw
Mancini suffers another muscle strain Atalanta draw

Roma and Atalanta played a tight match.

The first half ended 1-1 with goals from Krstović (12th) and Hermoso in the 45th minute.

Gianluca Mancini, who has recovered for this match after a muscle injury, played the game with a visible bandage on his thigh to avoid any potential problems.

The Giallorossi number 23, however, was forced to retire early without finishing the match.

A few minutes into the second half, the Roma defender drew the attention of Gasperini, who promptly replaced him with Ghilardi.

Gianluca Mancini’s match lasted 60 minutes. The Giallorossi defender was forced off with a muscle strain. His condition will be assessed in the coming hours, considering he was recovering from a muscle injury.

The hope is that the player has recovered before a relapse, which would be detrimental to the end of the season. Mancini, once on the bench, applied ice. Ghilardi came on in his place.

Pundit insists that Locatelli deserved his new contract –

Pundit insists that Locatelli deserved his new contract –
Pundit insists that Locatelli deserved his new contract –

Manuel Locatelli has signed a new contract at Juventus after being rewarded for his strong performances over the last few months. The midfielder has become an increasingly important figure for the Bianconeri, and the extension reflects the club’s confidence in his value.

He has stepped up in recent times and shown that he can be trusted to lead as one of Juventus’ most significant players. Through consistency, commitment and leadership, Locatelli has strengthened his standing within the squad.

Juventus Reward Reliability

Locatelli continues to prove himself as one of the most dependable members of the first team. His ability to perform regularly and maintain standards has made him a trusted option for the coaching staff.

With that in mind, Juventus have handed him a new agreement running until 2030. The deal signals both reward for recent form and belief that he can remain central to the club’s long-term plans.

Securing influential players is often a priority for clubs seeking stability, particularly when wider squad changes may still be required. In Locatelli’s case, Juventus have moved to protect an asset they clearly value.

Gambelli Backs Renewal

Riccardo Gambelli believes the decision is fully justified. He said via Tuttojuve, “It’s right. For this Juventus team, it’s right that he gets a renewal. It’s a great contract, until 2030, which is a lot of money and shows the club’s great faith in him. He’s improved a lot, but Juventus needs to intervene in the transfer market and buy him some top-quality players: the midfield is the area that needs strengthening the most.”

The midfield is often the foundation of any successful side, and strengthening that department could help maximise Locatelli’s own qualities. Better support around him may allow the team to become more balanced and effective.

Locatelli is expected to continue playing a major role at the Allianz Stadium, so Juventus will feel they have made the correct decision by securing his future. Rewarding players who perform consistently also sends a positive message throughout the dressing room.

Kelly homers as the Cubs hand the Mets their 10th straight loss with a 4-2 victory

CHICAGO (AP) — Pinch-hitter Carson Kelly connected for a tiebreaking three-run homer in the sixth inning, and the Chicago Cubs handed the New York Mets their 10th consecutive loss with a 4-2 victory on Saturday.

Ian Happ also homered for Chicago in its fourth consecutive win. Jameson Taillon (1-1) pitched six crisp innings.

It's the longest losing streak for New York since it dropped 11 in a row from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 in 2004. It has been outscored 60-18 during the slide.

The game was tied at 1 when Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta (1-2) issued two consecutive walks with two down in the sixth. Peralta then was replaced by left-hander Brooks Raley, and Kelly was sent up to hit for Moisés Ballesteros, a rookie who bats from the left side.

Kelly drove Raley's first pitch into the bleachers in left-center for his second homer of the season, sending a charge through the crowd of 36,189. It was Kelly's second career pinch-hit drive.

It also was the first homer allowed by Raley since Aug. 13, 2023, stopping a streak of 53 2/3 innings.

Mark Vientos homered for New York. Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert Jr. each had two hits.

The Mets scored an unearned run on second baseman Nico Hoerner's throwing error in the eighth, but Ben Brown escaped the jam when Vientos grounded out.

Caleb Thielbar handled the ninth for his first save of the season. Daniel Palencia, Chicago's usual closer, was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a left oblique strain.

New York jumped in front on Vientos' 434-foot drive to left-center in the second. He went 1 for 25 with eight strikeouts and no walks in his previous eight games.

Happ responded with a leadoff shot in the bottom half, a 431-foot drive to center. Happ also went deep during Chicago's 12-4 victory in the series opener.

Up next

Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 6.41 ERA) starts the series finale for New York, and right-hander Javier Assad (1-1, 8.10 ERA) pitches for Chicago on Sunday.

___

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

How Hampton's heroics bailed out Lionesses in win against Iceland

Hannah Hampton playing in goal for England
Hannah Hampton made four saves for England in the second half against Iceland [Getty Images]

When you have a goalkeeper who can bail you out, winning is easier.

England were in total control at half-time of their 1-0 victory over Iceland on Saturday but a nervy second-half display almost cost them.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton needed to step up, pulling off three crucial saves late on as Iceland pushed for an equaliser.

Her heroics, after striker Alessia Russo had scored what proved to be the winner in the first half, helped England maintain their 100% record in Women's World Cup qualifying.

It means they sit top of their group with four wins from four and automatic qualification for next year's World Cup remains in their hands.

"It's my job isn't it really? We are in it as a team. I can't be the one scoring goals but I can stop them," Hampton told ITV afterwards.

"We win as a team and that is what we pride ourselves on. We are a pack. [Russo] got a great finish at one end so I had to do my job at the other."

Hampton 'showed up' when needed

Hampton's performance was not a clean one as she fumbled several crosses and was not convincing on set-pieces.

She almost dropped the ball into the path of Sveindis Jonsdottir late on too, but rescued it just in time to spare her blushes.

Hampton's has been patchy of late for Chelsea, but like all world-class players she delivers when it really matters.

She did it against Spain on Tuesday, as England held on to a significant 1-0 win in part thanks to her acrobatic save, denying Edna Imade late on.

At Wembley, her predecessor Mary Earps was being celebrated for her Lionesses career before kick-off, but Hampton has taken her gloves seamlessly, shining at Euro 2025 and now impressing as England look to seal their spot in next year's World Cup.

Despite the spotlight, Hampton was humble at full-time in Iceland, joking about the simplicity of the game and her role within it.

"Alessia [Russo] puts the ball in one end and I stop it going in at the other. It's a simple game when you break it down," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I am just glad I get to be involved. It means I don't freeze to death! I'm always willing to put my body on the line."

But there was no downplaying by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who said Hampton's saves against Iceland were "crucial" to securing the victory.

"It is always a team effort and a team performance but it's really nice to have a goalkeeper that stops the ball going in - especially when it's really hard for the team and they are struggling," added Wiegman.

"That's called teamwork. She showed again that she is a world-class goalkeeper."

Arsenal striker Russo added: "She was amazing. Big moments kept us in it and she showed up three or four times to get us the three points.

"Sometimes you need someone to step up like that."

'A goalkeeper who loves a challenge'

Hannah Hampton playing for England against Iceland
Hannah Hampton was named goalkeeper of the tournament at Euro 2025 [Getty Images]

Hampton made four saves against Iceland - all in the second half - as England were clinging on.

It was not only the Chelsea goalkeeper who came to England's rescue as Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze also scrambled goalbound efforts off the line.

Late in the game, Sandra Jessen's touch took her around Hampton but she could not squeeze the ball past Bronze, after the keeper had blocked Alexandra Johannsdottir's effort.

That came after Hampton had scrambled across goal to stop Dilja Zomers' shot bouncing in off the far post and leap to deny Jessen at close range.

"If anyone thought Hampton was just good at the Euros - she has been consistently brilliant ever since," former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

"She won it for England on Tuesday, and she's kept the game in England's advantage today. Brilliant concentration from her."

If England are to maintain their position at the top of the table, they will need a result in Spain on 5 June - and Hampton could be busy.

The world champions knocked five goals past Ukraine before England battled with Iceland on Saturday night.

But ex-England defender Anita Asante said Hampton's ability gives the team "confidence" in these big World Cup qualifiers.

"That's what goalkeepers are there for, to bail out the defence when they get exploited," she told ITV.

"Hampton makes pivotal and vital saves in vital moments. She's a goalkeeper that loves a challenge and loves being there. She's alert and makes massive saves.

"The mentality to focus on her job and execute actions in vital moments gives the rest of the team the confidence they can manage the momentum swings."

England sit top of group A3, three points ahead of Spain with two games remaining, and there is just one automatic qualification spot up for grabs.

Head here to get involved

UNC guard finds new home in transfer portal

With graduations and outgoing transfers, the UNC men's basketball team needs to reshape its backcourt for the 2026-27 season.

North Carolina received some good news earlier Saturday, with freshman guard Isaiah Denis withdrawing himself from the transfer portal. The Tar Heels are also awaiting decisions from a few key targets, most notably Terrence Brown and Juke Harris.

On Saturday, UNC also lost one of its initial 2025-26 starters to a Big 10 team, as point guard Kyan Evans committed to Minnesota.

With Derek Dixon committing to Arizona earlier in April, Evans had a strong chance for increased minutes next season. Now, Evans will instead play for his former head coach at Colorado State.

Evans came to Chapel Hill with plenty of promise, helping anchor the Rams' 2025, First Round NCAA Tournament upset of Memphis. Averaging 10.6 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds during that sophomore campaign, Evans proved himself as a do-it-all point guard.

North Carolina transfer guard Kyan Evans has committed to Minnesota, he announced.

The 6-2 junior reunites with his former coach Niko Medved.https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iqpic.twitter.com/JqoOuP5aGK

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 18, 2026

Evans began his North Carolina career with promise, thanks to three double-digit point totals in his first six starts. Dixon began to emerge during non-conference play, most notably in a road upset of Kentucky, which started cutting into Evans' playing time.

Heading into his senior campaign, Evans is tasked with leading Minnesota to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019. With Denis withdrawing from the portal, Evans likely had a tough path to starting minutes next season in Chapel Hill.

Hopefully for Evans, he can re-discover his mojo with the Golden Gophers. Will the Tar Heels land another guard in the portal?

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC point guard Kyan Evans commits to Minnesota in transfer portal

St. Mary’s transfer center Andrew McKeever commits to Iowa

© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Former St. Mary’s center Andrew McKeever has committed to Iowa via the NCAA Transfer Portal. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

McKeever made 33 appearances and 10 starts for St. Mary’s this past season. The 7-foot-2 center averaged 8.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 23.2 minutes per game. McKeever shot 50% from the field.

As a redshirt freshman in the 2024-25 season, McKeever averaged 2.4 points in 5.8 minutes per outing. McKeever didn’t see any action during his true freshman season and ultimately redshirted.

Andrew McKeever played high school basketball at Granada (CA), where he was an unranked prospect, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. At the time of his commitment to Iowa, McKeever was the No. 14 center in On3’s 2026 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

McKeever chose Iowa over numerous other suitors in the portal, including Michigan, Arizona StateOle MissPurdue and UConn. McKeever will help plug the gaps left by outgoing Iowa transfers Alvaro Folgueiras and Tavion Banks.

Iowa finished the 2025-26 season with a 24-13 overall record and a 10-10 mark in conference play. This season was Ben McCollum‘s debut campaign as the Hawkeyes’ head coach.

He led Iowa on an impressive run to the Elite Eight before falling to 3-seed Illinois. After the game, McCollum reflected on his first season at the helm of Iowa.

“This group’s done a lot for the University of Iowa,” McCollum said. “It’s always hard right afterwards because, as a coach, you think about what you could have done better because it’s just the nature of your mind.

“… But again, I think if you ask these guys, they would like a second chance at this to be able to win that game because they probably still feel like they could have. But they did set a foundation for the University of Iowa and hopefully for the future.”

The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on April 7 and closes on April 21. The new 15-day window was enacted following a recommendation by the men’s basketball oversight committee. Athletes don’t have to commit to a new school by the April 21 deadline.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Falcons pre-draft starting lineup projection with player grades

The Atlanta Falcons ended the Ruke Orhorhoro experiment on Friday, trading the former second-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith. With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a week away, we thought it would be a good time for some pre-draft starting lineup projections.

Smith was not a starter for the Jaguars and had largely fallen out of the rotation by the end of the season, however, a fresh start and new role could help the former LSU standout turn his career around in Atlanta.

The Falcons had a need at nose tackle, and while we still expect them to target a DT in the draft, this trade makes it so they won't have to reach for one. Georgia's Christen Miller has been a popular projection for Atlanta in mock drafts, but who knows if he will still be available at pick No. 48.

With that said, here's a look at the Falcons' pre-draft starting lineup projections on offense, defense and special teams, including PFF player grades for each starter.

Falcons starting offense with PFF grades

  • QB Michael Penix Jr.: 59.3
  • RB Bijan Robinson: 86.6
  • WR Drake London: 88.0
  • WR Jahan Dotson: 54.1
  • WR Olamide Zaccheaus: 54.8
  • TE Kyle Pitts: 73.6
  • LT Jake Matthews: 69.7
  • LG Matthew Bergeron: 70.8
  • C Ryan Neuzil: 77.4
  • RG Chris Lindstrom: 88.4
  • RT Jawaan Taylor: 53.3

Jawaan Taylor replaced Kaleb McGary in the starting lineup following the former first-round pick's surprise retirement last week. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has replaced Darnell Mooney and Olamide Zaccheaus is currently the team's starting slot receiver.

Falcons starting defense with PFF grades

  • DL Zach Harrison: 63.8
  • DT Maason Smith: 49.1
  • DL Brandon Dorlus: 63.4
  • EDGE Jalon Walker: 71.6
  • LB Divine Deablo: 77.7
  • LB Christian Harris: 54.8
  • EDGE Samson Ebukam: 64.1
  • CB A.J. Terrell: 57.7
  • CB Mike Hughes: 58.6
  • NB Billy Bowman Jr: 49.8
  • S Jessie Bates III: 64.5
  • S Xavier Watts: 72.4

Defensively, the Falcons have several new faces, including edge rusher Samson Ebukam and linebacker Christian Harris. The team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith. While Smith struggled last season, we currently have him slated as the starting nose tackle.

Falcons special teams with PFF grades

  • K Nick Folk: 91.3
  • P JakeBailey: 75.1
  • LSLiam McCullough: 68.3

These lineups are just projections based upon the team's recent free-agent signings, however, the 2026 NFL Draft could change things. The Falcons have five total selections, starting in Round 2 (pick No. 48 overall).

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons starting lineups: Maason Smith to start at DT

Struggling Phillies place closer Jhoan Durán on 15-day IL with left oblique strain

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into Saturday night’s home game against the Atlanta Braves as losers of seven of their last nine games. The Phillies’ pitching staff has been struggling, and the team revealed hours before first pitch that it won’t have its closer for a while longer.

The Phillies announced that Jhoan Durán has been placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactively to April 15, with a left oblique strain. He hasn’t pitched since April 11, when he recorded a save in a 4-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Durán, whom Philadelphia acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline last year, has made seven appearances for the 8-11 Phillies this season, notching a save in each of his five save opportunities.

The flame throwing righty’s posted a 1-1 record so far with a 1.35 ERA, piling up eight strikeouts without issuing a walk in the 6 2/3 innings he’s pitched.

Prior to tonight’s game against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies announced the following roster moves:

Infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes had his contract selected from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will wear No. 29

Right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson was recalled from Triple-A…

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 18, 2026

Durán’s spot on the roster will be taken by right-handed reliever Seth Johnson. The Phillies recalled him from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Johnson has made one relief appearance for Philadelphia this season, and that was on Monday in a 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs.

When the 27-year-old entered the game, the Phillies were ahead 12-2. He made it through the seventh inning unscathed before allowing five runs — three earned — in the eighth.

Johnson logged 10 appearances for the club last season, clocking out with a 4.26 ERA.

The Phillies’ bullpen has been nipped by the injury bug so far this spring. Jonathan Bowlan and Zach Pop have also spent time on the IL.

Durán won’t be eligible to come off the IL until April 30. With him out, it’s possible Philadelphia looks to another right-hander in closing situations, Brad Keller. The Phillies signed Keller to a two-year deal in free agency this past offseason. He served as the Cubs’ closer late last season, collecting a trio of saves.

Keller has a 4.70 ERA through 7 2/3 innings of work this time around.

Regardless whom the Phillies pick to fill Durán’s void, their bats will have to come to life in his absence. Philadelphia’s offense, which has been shut out three times in this forgettable nine-game stretch, has also been lacking the juice it was expected to bring in 2026.

Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels have …

Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels have been together for six seasons, an eternity in the turnstile NBA. They have played 382 regular-season games together since uniting in 2020, 113 more than the next closest active trio: Boston’s Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White (269 games), according to Elias Sports Bureau. They’ve reached two straight Western Conference finals, unprecedented success for a franchise that has spent most of its existence toiling in dysfunction and self-pity. “It’s pretty cool. It’s like going to high school freshman year with your friends and just sticking together the whole way, building each year,” McDaniels said. “Each year we’ve been together, we’ve gotten better and went further (as players) than we have the previous season.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels have …

“Jaden is super quiet. Naz is quiet, but he is …

The more time they spent around one another, the more the Wolves benefited. It is not just that their games fit together. Their personalities complement one another in a way that makes it hard to envision the partnership fracturing under the normal stressors of fame and fortune. “Jaden is super quiet. Naz is quiet, but he is outgoing around the right people,” Edwards said. “Me, I just don’t care who I’m around. I’m going to be myself no matter what. And I think we all just click.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Jaden is super quiet. Naz is quiet, but he is …

“There are obstacles we all have had to go against in …

When they take the floor Saturday in Denver for Game 1 of the conference quarterfinals against the Nuggets, they do so knowing that they are largely responsible for a new era in Minnesota. “There are obstacles we all have had to go against in our careers,” Reid said. “It worked out in a better way. We were able to help each other through that and prove we are who we are and that we’ve been that way all along. I think all the questions and stuff are pretty much out the window now.”

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “There are obstacles we all have had to go against in …

Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram attempting only 9 …

Josh Lewenberg: Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram attempting only 9 shots, including just 1 in the 2nd half: “I’m not satisfied with that at all. We’ve gotta do a better job of executing, freeing him up and playing to our standards of ball movement… Some of that is on me, but we as a group have to do better”

bsky.app

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darko Rajakovic on Brandon Ingram attempting only 9 …

Liam Rosenior reaction -- What did Chelsea manager say after tight loss to Manchester United?

By all accounts, Liam Rosenior's Chelsea did many things right in Saturday's loss to Manchester United.

What they didn't do was score, and that allowed a single moment of United magic to give the Red Devils three points at the home of the Blues on Saturday.

MORE — Chelsea v Man United recap, video highlights

Stamford Bridge was not amused, as Chelsea's poor-performing forwards were again kept off the score sheet and there was further bad news with an injury to one of the lone bright spots in teenager Estevao Willian.

Chelsea's UEFA Champions League hopes take a huge hit with the loss. How will Rosenior see it?

Liam Rosenior reaction -- What did Chelsea manager say after tight loss to Manchester United?

We'll share all of Rosenior's words as soon as he speaks from Stamford Bridge.

Michael Carrick reaction -- What did Manchester United boss see in win at Chelsea?

Manchester United collected another win on Saturday, as manager Michael Carrick rode a first half goal from Matheus Cunha — produced by more Bruno Fernandes magic — to collect three huge points and put one foot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

Man United rode its luck and the bad form of Chelsea's forwards to get the three points, but the table is looking anything but poor after the final whistle.

MORE — Chelsea v Man United recap, video highlights

The Red Devils move third with 58 points, three ahead of Aston Villa before Unai Emery's men play later this weekend, and 10 clear of sixth-place Chelsea in the race for a top-five spot. Everton and Sunderland could still close the gap by the end of the matchweek, but Carrick's team is looking good for the UCL.

Oddly enough, they aren't really looking that good on the pitch but a win is a win especially at a tricky Chelsea. How did Carrick see it?

Michael Carrick reaction -- What did Manchester United boss see in win at Chelsea?

We'll share all of Michael Carrick's words as soon as he speaks from Stamford Bridge.

2026 European Darts Grand Prix: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained

James Wade

2026 European Darts Grand Prix: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Euro Tour heads to Germany, with the European Darts Grand Prix marking the fifth ET event of 2026.

As usual, 48 qualifiers will battle it out, starting on Friday, in hopes of advancing to the final on Sunday night.

What to know about the European Darts Grand Prix

Let's take a look at some of the specifics of the tournament.

MORE: 2026 European Darts Grand Prix qualifiers

2026 European Darts Grand Prix draw & schedule

Day 1 - first round (afternoon session)

MatchDateTime (local)
Valters Melderis vs. Karel SedlacekFri., Apr. 171:00 p.m.
Wessel Nijman vs. Ian WhiteFri., Apr. 171:30 p.m.
Niels Zonneveld vs. Keane BarryFri., Apr. 172:00 p.m.
Krzysztof Ratajski vs. Michael HurtzFri., Apr. 172:30 p.m.
Kevin Doets vs. Jurjen Van der VeldeFri., Apr. 173:00 p.m.
Andrew Gilding vs. Paul KrohneFri., Apr. 173:30 p.m.
Mickey Mansell vs. Rob CrossFri., Apr. 174:00 p.m.
Dave Chisnall vs. Petr KrivkaFri., Apr. 174:30 p.m.

Day 1 - first round (evening session)

MatchDateTime (local)
Michael Unterbuchner vs. William O'ConnorFri., Apr. 177:00 p.m.
Joe Cullen vs. Maik KuivenhovenFri., Apr. 177:30 p.m.
Jeffrey de Zwaan vs. Peter WrightFri., Apr. 178:00 p.m.
Cameron Menzies vs. Raymond van BarneveldFri., Apr. 178:30 p.m.
Damon Heta vs. Madars RazmaFri., Apr. 179:00 p.m.
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Kim HuybrechtsFri., Apr. 179:30 p.m.
Daryl Gurney vs. Oskar LukasiakFri., Apr. 1710:00 p.m.
Niko Springer vs. Robin MasinoFri., Apr. 1710:30 p.m.

Day 2 - second round (afternoon session)

MatchDateTime (local)
Mike De Decker vs. Krzysztof RatajskiSat., Apr. 181:00 p.m.
Jermaine Wattimena vs. Kevin DoetsSat., Apr. 181:30 p.m.
Ryan Searle vs. Wessel NijmanSat., Apr. 182:00 p.m.
Danny Noppert vs. Oskar LukasiakSat., Apr. 182:30 p.m.
Chris Dobey​​​​​​vs. Andrew GildingSat., Apr. 183:00 p.m.
Gary Anderson vs. Niko SpringerSat., Apr. 183:30 p.m.
Stephen Bunting vs. Mickey MansellSat., Apr. 184:00 p.m.
Josh Rock vs. Keane BarrySat., Apr. 184:30 p.m.

Day 2 - second round (evening session)

MatchDateTime (local)
Ross Smith vs. Cameron MenziesSat., Apr. 187:00 p.m.
Gerwyn Price vs. Dave ChisnallSat., Apr. 187:30 p.m.
Nathan Aspinall vs. Jeffrey de ZwaanSat., Apr. 188:00 p.m.
James Wade vs. Kim HuybrechtsSat., Apr. 188:30 p.m.
Gian van Veen vs. Joe CullenSat., Apr. 189:00 p.m.
Michael van Gerwen vs. Michael Unterbuchner Sat., Apr. 189:30 p.m.
Martin Schindler vs. Damon HetaSat., Apr. 1810:00 p.m.
Jonny Clayton vs. Valters MelderisSat., Apr. 1810:30 p.m.

Tournament bracket

Second round

Gian van Veen vs. Joe Cullen
Mike De Decker vs. Krzysztof Ratajski
Danny Noppert vs. Oskar Lukasiak
Gary Anderson vs. Niko Springer
James Wade vs. Kim Huybrechts
Nathan Aspinall vs. Jeffrey de Zwaan
Josh Rock vs. Keane Barry
Ross Smith vs. Cameron Menzies
Michael van Gerwen vs. Michael Unterbuchner
Jermaine Wattimena vs. Kevin Doets
Stephen Bunting vs. Mickey Mansell
Ryan Searle vs. Wessel Nijman
Jonny Clayton vs. Valters Melderis
Martin Schindler vs. Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price vs. Dave Chisnall
Chris Dobey vs. Andrew Gilding

Third round

Joe Cullen vs. Krysztof Ratajski
Danny Noppert vs. Martin Schindler
James Wade vs. Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock vs. Ross Smith
Michael van Gerwen vs. Jermaine Wattimena
Stephen Bunting vs. Wessel Nijman
Jonny Clayton vs. Martin Schindler
Gerwyn Price vs. Chris Dobey

Prize Money

*Data via Wikipedia

Stage (num. of players)Prize money
Winner(1)£35,000
Runner-up(1)£15,000
Semi-finalists(2)£10,000
Quarter-finalists(4)£8,000
Third round losers(8)£5,000
Second round losers(16)£3,500*
First round losers(16)£2,000*
Total£230,000

Format

48 players will be in action this weekend, with 16 seeded players receiving automatic byes into the second round action on Saturday.

Each seeded player will play the winner of one of Friday's games, leaving 32 players left after Friday.

Saturday will feature only round two games, determining which 16 players will advance to action on Sunday.

The afternoon session on Sunday will consist of the round of 16 games.

The evening session will consist of the quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds.

The first round, second round, round of 16 and quarterfinal round will all be played in a best-of-11-leg format.

The semifinal round will be best-of-13 legs, and the final will be best-of-15 legs.

More Darts Articles:

ConfettiSaaS – Discover SaaS and apps that love confetti


ConfettiSaaS is a curated directory for discovering SaaS startups that use confetti. Browse by category, explore the latest submissions, and follow links to learn more.

Founders can submit listings, choose pricing tiers, and gain visibility with sponsoring placements, while readers use categories and the blog to find tools and inspiration. Only listings that use confetti get accepted.

View startup

PresentButler – Get thoughtful, personalized gift ideas with an AI butler


PresentButler is a digital butler that helps you find thoughtful, personal gifts. Its AI, Edwin, listens to who you’re shopping for, their interests, personality, and the feeling you want to express, then maps those nuances to gifts that fit. Behind the scenes, it blends modern AI with gifting-specific patterns to avoid generic picks and refine results as you share more, making gifting elegant, intuitive, and stress-free.

View startup

China Set to Become World’s #1 Tourism Economy: The Shift in Global Travel

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/china-set-to-become-worlds-1-tourism-economy-the-shift-in-global-travel/

China Set to Become World’s #1 Tourism Economy: The Shift in Global TravelChina is on track to overtake the US...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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Original Source: Travel And Tour World
Unauthorized copying or republishing is prohibited.

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Global Airlines Like easyJet, TUI, Ryanair, and British Airways Tighten Rules on Electronics Across Europe, Asia, America and Beyond: Everything You Need to Know

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/global-airlines-like-easyjet-tui-ryanair-and-british-airways-tighten-rules-on-electronics-across-europe-asia-america-and-beyond-everything-you-need-to-know/

Global Airlines Like easyJet, TUI, Ryanair, and British Airways Tighten Rules on Electronics Across Europe, Asia, America and Beyond: Everything...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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Original Source: Travel And Tour World
Unauthorized copying or republishing is prohibited.

TTW-1638265-20260417021003

Report: Mario Gila edging toward AC Milan switch; Ousmane Diomande on shortlist

Amid significant defensive issues, AC Milan are reportedly closing in on an agreement for Mario Gila from SS Lazio. However, they have also added Ousmane Diomandé to their list of priorities for the summer of 2026.

Following a season marked by inconsistency, AC Milan are looking to reinforce their squad to improve competitiveness. In that context, Mario Gila has emerged as a strong market opportunity, as he approaches the final year of his contract. The Spanish defender is now reportedly edging closer to the Rossoneri. However, Ousmane Diomandé has also been added to the list of priorities for the summer of 2026.

According to Daniele Longo, via Calciomercato, Igli Tare, sporting director of AC Milan, has reached a turning point in negotiations with SS Lazio for Mario Gila. After several months of talks, the Rossoneri have reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish defender, finalizing his salary and contract terms. While this brings his arrival closer, they still need to agree on a transfer fee with Lazio—something far from straightforward.

After impressing in Serie A, Gila has established as one of the league’s standout defenders, noted for his solidity and ability to build from the back. With a contract running until 2027, he could push for a move to AC Milan by refusing to renew and forcing a sale in the summer of 2026. As a result, he could join the Rossoneri for a fee in the €20–25M range, a relatively accessible price given his potential.

In their search for greater defensive consistency, the Rossoneri are not only targeting Mario Gila, but are also monitoring Ousmane Diomandé, according to Nicolò Schira. With a release clause of €80M, the Ivorian could be at the center of a major transfer, having emerged as one of the best young center-backs in the world. However, AC Milan would face strong competition from Arsenal FC, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.

SS Lazio's Mario Gila
Mario Gila of SS Lazio player of the match after the Serie A match.

AC Milan have yet to finalize Tomori’s contract extension

Since the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have managed to establish defensive consistency, relying on Fikayo Tomori as the experienced leader of the backline. As a result, the potential arrivals of Mario Gila or Ousmane Diomandé do not threaten the Englishman’s continuity. On the contrary, AC Milan must accelerate talks over a contract renewal for the 28-year-old defender, aiming to avoid his departure.

With a contract running until 2027, renewing Fikayo Tomori has become a priority for AC Milan, with the defender set to earn around €4M per season on a new deal until 2030. Although both parties reportedly reached an agreement months ago, it has yet to be officially announced, raising doubts among fans. As an undisputed starter under Massimiliano Allegri, his continuity is essential, given his role as the leader of the defense.

Mario Gila of SS Lazio and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo left waiting as Alejandro Garnacho snubbed another chance to play alongside his idol before Chelsea move, reason revealed

What looked like a dream partnership between Ronaldo and Garnacho never materialized again, and the real reason has only become clearer later.

Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly close to welcoming Alejandro Garnacho at Al-Nassr before the young winger chose a different path. Instead of accepting the opportunity to reunite with his idol, Garnacho moved to Chelsea, creating one of last year’s more intriguing transfer stories. What looked like a dream partnership between Ronaldo and Garnacho never materialized again, and the real reason has only become clearer later.

The Argentine talent had long admired Ronaldo, having spent time around him earlier in his career at Manchester United. That made the possibility of joining Al-Nassr especially significant, as it would have placed him alongside one of soccer’s greatest figures at a crucial stage of his own development.

Garnacho’s departure from Manchester United followed a difficult spell at Old Trafford. Reports indicated that his relationship with then-manager Ruben Amorim had deteriorated after frustration over reduced playing time and being left out of key matches.

The tension reportedly increased after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, where the young forward was unhappy about starting on the bench. He was later left out of the squad entirely for the Premier League season finale against Aston Villa, making an exit increasingly likely.

Garnacho at Manchester United

Al-Nassr saw major opportunity, but why did Garnacho say no?

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr moved quickly once the player’s future became uncertain. According to Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail, the club turned its attention to him after missing out on Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

The attraction of the move was obvious. Garnacho would have joined a growing project, received a lucrative contract, and, most notably, played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he had idolized since childhood. Despite the glamour and financial rewards on offer, the 21-year-old chose another route.

The forward wanted to stay in Europe to continue developing his career, believing regular competition at the highest level would better serve his long-term ambitions. That decision explains why Chelsea eventually became his preferred destination. Remaining in European soccer meant access to stronger weekly competition, greater visibility, and a chance to continue maturing in a demanding environment.

ronaldo garnacho
Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra of Manchester United look on

A year at Chelsea hasn’t helped Garnacho’s future prospects

The switch to Chelsea brought a fresh start, but not complete stability. The club underwent managerial changes, replacing Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior, adding another layer of uncertainty to Garnacho’s situation.

Despite his arrival, questions remain about his long-term role. The Daily Express suggests that the Blues are already considering whether to cash in on him, just a year after signing the winger.

garnacho wrexham vs chelsea
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea celebrates

Looking back, the decision stands as a defining moment. Garnacho turned down the chance to play alongside Ronaldo, a move that would have carried both emotional and professional significance. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, it represents a missed opportunity to add a young, dynamic talent to their ranks.

Alejandro Garnacho and Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema’s rivalry to continue as Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal seal AFC Champions League Elite spots, all thanks to Saudi Pro League

Their presence at rival clubs has pushed Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal into AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots, reinforcing how far the league has come in global relevance.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are once again at the center of Asian soccer’s shifting power balance, with both stars influencing a Saudi Pro League that has reshaped continental qualification. Their presence at rival clubs has pushed Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal into AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots, reinforcing how far the league has come in global relevance.

The Saudi Pro League’s transformation has placed clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at the heart of Asia’s soccer hierarchy. With global names such as Ronaldo and Benzema leading the charge, expectations have risen sharply both domestically and internationally.

Yet continental qualification remains unforgiving, and even the strongest squads are not guaranteed a place in the top-tier AFC competition without consistent league results.

Al-Nassr last featured in the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite during the 2024-25 campaign. However, its domestic finish told a different story the following year. A third-place finish in the league pushed Ronaldo’s side into the AFC Champions League Two, a secondary competition that reflects how unforgiving qualification rules have become.

ronaldo al nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun

This shift was not about a lack of quality. Instead, it highlighted the growing competitiveness within Saudi soccer, where even star-studded squads must deliver consistently to remain at the highest level. Still, its campaign in the AFC Champions League Two has been strong, with the club progressing into the knockout rounds and positioning itself as one of the favorites for the title.

Al-Hilal’s high-stakes continental battle ended early

While Al-Nassr’s situation reflects qualification margins, Al-Hilal’s journey shows the competitive intensity at the top level. The club recently endured a dramatic Round of 16 clash against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite, producing a match filled with goals, momentum swings, and a penalty shootout finish.

Despite strong performances from players such as Karim Benzema’s attacking contributions and the squad’s overall depth, the Blue Waves were pushed to the limit before eventually falling in a chaotic shootout decided by fine margins.

What comes next for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal

Recent developments confirm that both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal have now secured qualification for the next AFC Champions League Elite season based on their current Saudi Pro League standings. According to Sportksanet’s report, “Al-Nassr currently leads the table with a clear margin over Al-Hilal in second, with both sides mathematically out of reach of the chasing pack.”

This guarantees their return to Asia’s top-tier competition, reinforcing the league’s rising dominance in continental soccer. Looking ahead, the return to the Asian top competition represents more than qualification. It is a statement of intent from both clubs as they aim to dominate not only domestically but across the continent.

For Al-Nassr, it offers a chance to re-establish itself among the best after a brief setback. For Al-Hilal, it provides another opportunity to convert strong performances into silverware.

Karim Benzema (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)

Okan Buruk: İyi oynayan oyuncumu çıkarmak zorunda kaldım

Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile karşı karşıya geldi. Cimbom mücadeleden 2-1'lik skorla galip ayrılırken maç sonu teknik direktör Okan Buruk dikkat çeken açıklamalarda bulundu.

Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında deplasmanda Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile karşı karşıya geldi. Cimbom mücadeleden 2-1'lik skorla galip ayrılmayı başardı. Maç sonu teknik direktör Okan Buruk'tan ise hakem yönetimi hakkında dikkat çeken eleştiriler geldi.

İŞTE OKAN BURUK'UN SÖZLERİ:

Gözlemci Halis hocayı gördüm. Sizi özledik dedim. Gerçekten iyi hakemleri özledik. Bunu her hafta farklı hocalar farklı başkanlar farklı oyuncular söylüyor. İyi hakem performanslarını çok özledik."

Okan Buruk: "Bitmiş maçı yeniden başlattılar ama 2-1 kazanmasını bildik. İlk yarı çok iyiydik. İkinci yarı çok erken bitmiş bir maç olacaktı. Sallai'ye gösterilen kartı ben kulübeden görüyorum, omuz omuza mücadeleyi onun görmeme şansı yok.

Faul olmayan pozisyondan sarı kart. İyi oynayan oyuncumu çıkarmak zorunda kalıyorum. İkinci sarıyı gösterip atacak. Sezince çıkarıyorum. Oyuncular sadece oyuna odaklansın. Anlayamıyorum bu kadar!

Hakem eğitmenleri var, hakemlere devamlı şans geliyor, genç hakemlere şans geliyor. Yanlış atama doğru atama çok tartışılır. Geçen sezona, bu sezona bakınca çok fazla yanlış atama var. Genç hakemlere destek olalım diyoruz, hata yapılabilir. Ben de yaptım çok fazla ama hata başka bir şey, yetenek başka bir şey. Maç sonunda kazandığımıza sevinmedim.

Uğurcan'ın gördüğü kart... Adam yanlış baraj yaptırıyor. Uğurcan gösterince bunu sarı kart gösteriyor. Bu 3. golümüz iptal edilen. Boey'in attığı gol, adamı düşürüyorlar diyorlar ki adam ofsaytta. Düşürüyorlarsa penaltı. Kimse bunu konuşmuyor. Ofsayt mı değil mi bugün belli değil. Enteresan şeyler oluyor.

Yine derbi var. Bundan önceki performanslar mutsuz etti. Kimse kimseyi istemiyor. Herkes hakemle ilgili bir şey olmasın ama herkes canının yanmamasını istiyor. Geçen sene Vincic geldi, çok kötü maç yönetti. Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde kötü maç yönetti. Real Madrid'e gösterdiği kırmızı kart... Oradan gelen de iyi değil. Gördüklerini çalsınlar. Herkes bunu istiyor. 'Hocam 3 senedir sen şampiyonsun, sen şikayet ediyorsun' diyorlar ama herkesin aleyhine hata yapıyorlar. Kazanıp kazanmama üzerinden yorumlamamak lazım. Aleyhime çok fazla hata var ama buna rağmen şampiyon oluyorum.

Bile bile hata, hata olmuyor. Hakemlere güvenelim, destek olalım ama konsantre olsun onlar da... Çok mutsuzum hakem performansından. Kafamda soru işaretleri var gelecek hafta. Dün Rizespor da şikayet etti hakemden. Zor dönem. Maçın kalitesini artırmaya çalışacağız. 4 puan farktan mutluyuz.

İkinci yarıda daha çok pozisyona girmeliydik. Kazanmamız gereken maçı kazandık. Böyle kazandık. 4 puan fark. Şampiyon olmak için 4 maç kaldı. Hafta içi oynamayanları kullanacağız. İlkay ve Lemina hastaydı. Dün kısa çalıştılar bizle. Lemina'yı oyunun devamında kullandık. Sakatlıklara hastalıklara göre bir kadro yapacağız. 4 gün var, diğer maça da 4 gün var. Türkiye Kupası'nı da kazanmak istiyoruz.

Bu turu geçince son maç son hafta öncesinde. Oraya kadar da bir dinlenme şansımız var. Fenerbahçe maçı bu sezonun en önemli maçı, Eminim Fenerbahçe için de aynı şekilde. Herkesin konuşacağı bir maç. Kendi sahamızda kazanmak isteyeceğiz. Puan farkını koruyalım diye düşünmeyeceğiz. Kazanmak için elimizden geleni yapacağız. İnşallah tam kadro oluruz. Osimhen'i de hazırlamaya çalışacağız.

Türk Telekom - Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket: 91-82 (MAÇ SONUCU)

Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nin 27. haftasında Türk Telekom, sahasında Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket'i 91-82 yendi.

Salon: Ankara

Hakemler: Can Mavisu, Orhan Çağrı Hekimoğlu, Batuhan Söylemezoğlu

Türk Telekom: Doğuş Özdemiroğlu 13, Devoe 13, Trifunovic 11, Bankston 12, Allman 7, Berkan Durmaz 5, Emircan Koşut 2, Usher 20, Smith 4, Simonovic 4, Atakan Biçer

Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket: Griffin 22, Zoriks 13, Miles 10, Badzim 19, Mahir Ağva 7, Emre Tanışan 3, Mustafa Sami Yılmaz, Ömer Can İlyasoğlu, Cazalon 4, Omic, Egemen Güven 4

1. Periyot: 12-16

Devre: 41-44

3. Periyot: 64-60

Beş faulle oyundan çıkan: 31.42 Miles (Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket)

Trabzonspor'dan Başakşehir maçı öncesi yeni karar

Trabzonspor Kulübü, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında yarın sahasında oynayacağı RAMS Başakşehir karşılaşması öncesinde planlanan tüm görsel şovlar, müzik yayınları ve eğlence odaklı etkinliklerin iptal edildiğini duyurdu.

Bordo-mavili kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, "Ülkemizde yaşanan elim olayların ve Şanlıurfa ile Kahramanmaraş'ta meydana gelen acı hadiselerin derin üzüntüsü içerisindeyiz. Ayrıca kulübümüzün eski başkanlarından, eski kaptanlarımızdan Atay Aktuğ'un vefat haberini de büyük bir teessürle öğrenmiş bulunmaktayız. Yaşanan acı olaylarda hayatını kaybeden vatandaşlara ve Atay Aktuğ'a Allah'tan rahmet, yaralılarımıza acil şifalar, başta aileleri olmak üzere milletimize ve camiamıza sabır ve başsağlığı diliyoruz. Milletçe ve camia olarak bu hassas süreç nedeniyle, RAMS Başakşehir ile oynayacağımız karşılaşma öncesinde stadyumumuzda planlanan tüm müzik yayınları ve eğlence odaklı tüm etkinlikler iptal edilmiştir." ifadeleri yer aldı.

Volkan Demirel'e istifa çağrısı

Gençlerbirliği taraftarı, teknik direktörleri Volkan Demirel'i istifaya çağırdı.

Süper Lig'de kümede kalma savaşı veren Gençlerbirliği, ilk yarıda Galatasaray'a karşı kalesinde iki gol görmesinin ardından tribünlerden protesto sesleri yükseldi.

Gençlerbirliği taraftarları, teknik direktör Volkan Demirel'e maç devam ederken tepki gösterdi.

Fenerbahçe Beko'nun play-Off rotası çizildi

Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde Fenerbahçe Beko ile Litvanya temsilcisi Zalgiris arasında oynanacak play-off serisinin müsabaka programı belli oldu.

Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nin son şampiyonu Fenerbahçe Beko, 24 galibiyet ve 14 yenilgi sonucunda averajla 4. sırada yer aldı. Play-off'ta ev sahibi avantajını eline geçiren sarı-lacivertli ekip, 5. basamaktaki Zalgiris ile eşleşti.

Üç galibiyete ulaşan takımın dörtlü final bileti alacağı serinin ilk 2 mücadelesi, 28 Nisan Salı ve 30 Nisan Perşembe günü Ülker Spor ve Etkinlik Salonu'nda oynanacak. Maçlar saat 20.45'te başlayacak.

Serinin üçüncü maçı 5 veya 6 Mayıs'ta, gerekmesi durumunda dördüncü müsabaka 7 veya 8 Mayıs'ta Litvanya'da yapılacak. Gerekmesi durumunda 5. maç ise 12 veya 13 Mayıs'ta İstanbul'da oynanacak.

Berke Özer kapışması! Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş karşı karşıya

"Uğurcan Çakır'dan iyi..." diyerek istediği Berke Özer için Fenerbahçe'nin devreye girmesi Sergen Yalçın'ı çıldırttı. Beşiktaş teknik direktörü, milli kalecinin ezeli rakibe kaptırılmaması için masada olan 15 milyon euro'luk teklife zamla 20 milyon Euro istedi.

Fenerbahçe, Ederson'dan muzdarip… yılda 12 milyon Euro kazanan Brezilyalı kalecinin şampiyonluk yolunda en az 6 puana kan doğradığı konuşuluyor. Şampiyon olunsa dahi yüksek maliyeti yüzünden ayrılacak olan Ederson'un yerine Fenerbahçe'nin Berke Özer için devreye girmesi ise Beşiktaş teknik direktörü Sergen Yalçın'ın kabusu oldu.

LILE PARASINA BAKIYOR! ZAM YAPTI

Çünkü Sergen Yalçın'ın, "Uğurcan Çakır'dan çok daha iyi" dediği Berke Özer için ilk hamle Beşiktaş'tan gelmişti. "Premier Lig'e gitmeden aldık, aldık...yoksa zor alırız" dediği Berke için Sergen'in de isteğiyle, siyah-beyazlılar Lille'e 15 milyon euro önermişti. ilk etapta işler iyi gidecek gibi duruyordu. Lille 5 milyon Euro'ya aldığı Berke'yi 3 katına satmaya hazırdı.

ORKUN KÖKÇÜ ETKİSİ YARATABİLİR

Ancak Fenerbahçe'nin de devreye girmesi üzerine Sergen Yalçın, Başkan Serdal Adalı ile bir görüşme yaptı. Berke Özer için şartların zorlanmasını istedi. Geçen sezon alınan Orkun Kökçü'nün takımın lideri olduğunu hatırlatan Yalçın, Berke'nin de benzer bir çıkış yapacağından emin olduğunu söyledi. Takımdaki yerli oyuncuların şampiyonluğun anahtarı olduğunu anlattı.

FENERBAHÇE'DE BEKLENTİLERİ KARŞILAYAMADI

Başkan Serdal Adalı, Berke için rakam güncellemesi yapmayı düşünüyor. Yönetim kurulu toplantısında rakamı 20 milyon Euro'ya kadar çıkarma planlarından bahsedecek. Tek korku ise Berke'nin Süper Lig kariyerinde bir türlü beklenen seviyeye çıkamaması. Fenerbahçe'de yaşadığı süreçte bir kez bile birinci kaleci olabileceğini gösterememesi.

Kozmik odanın kapısı açıldı! Fatih Tekke'nin transfer listesine ulaşıldı

Trabzonspor'un scout ekibi dünyanın her yerini taradı. Fatih Tekke'nin önüne "yıldız" değil "yıldız olma potansiyeli" olan isimlerden oluşan bir liste verdi. Tekke'nin ismini yönetime "alınsın" diye verdiği ilk 10 isim için herkesin "keşke olsun" diyeceği isimlerin olduğu gelen bilgiler arasında.

Trabzonspor’da gelecek sezonun kadro planlaması için düğmeye basıldı. Fatih Tekke'nin scout ekibinden aldığı raporlar sonrasında hazırladığı listeyi yönetime teslim etti. Bordo-mavililer "yıldız" değil, yıldız adayı olma potansiyelli" oyuncular için operasyonu resmen başlattı.

İLK 10'DA ÖYLE İSİMLER VAR Kİ

Tekke’nin sunduğu listenin ilk 10 sırası ortaya çıktıkça herkesin "keşke olsa" diyeceği kalitedeki oyuncular olduğu ortaya çıktı. Takımın çehresini değiştirecek bu oyuncular için yönetim, mali şartları zorlamaya hazır.

EKİP ÇALIŞIYOR

Bu arada Trabzonspor scout ekibi, geniş çaplı bir oyuncu taraması yürütüyor. Scout ekipleri Fransa’da çok sayıda maç izledi ve bu bölge ana hedef noktalarından biri olmaya devam edecek.

KIŞ TRANSFERİNDE GELMEYENLER!

Brezilya, Uruguay ve Arjantin’de yerinde izlemeler yapıldı. Fatih Tekke de, scout ekibinin önerdiği isimleri Wyscout üzerinden bizzat takip ederek teknik analizlerini gerçekleştiriyor. Kış transfer döneminde görüşülen ancak çeşitli sebeplerle alınamayan oyuncular için de yeniden harekete geçildi.

SADECE FORMLARI TAKİP EDİLMİYOR

Transfer süreci statik değil, aksine oldukça dinamik ilerleyecek gibi duruyor. Oyuncuların sadece form durumları değil psikolojik değerleri üzerinden hazırlanan raporlar da her hafta revize ediliyor. Fatih Tekke ve yönetime sunuluyor. İzleme süreci imza aşamasına kadar kesintisiz devam edecek.

Aslan zirveyi bırakmıyor! İşte Süper Lig puan durumu

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında şampiyonluk mücadelesi veren Galatasaray, Ankara deplasmanında Gençlerbirliği'ni 2-1 mağlup ederek altın değerinde 3 puanı hanesine yazdı. En yakın takipçisi Fenerbahçe'nin puan kaybettiği haftada gelen bu galibiyet, sarı-kırmızılılara şampiyonluk yolunda dev bir adım attırdı.

Galatasaray, Gençlerbirliği karşısında aldığı bu kritik galibiyetle puanını 71’e yükseltti. En yakın takipçisi Fenerbahçe'yle arasındaki puan farkını 4'e çıkarttı.

İŞTE SÜPER LİG GÜNCEL PUAN DURUMU

1- GALATASARAY: 71

2- FENERBAHÇE: 67

3- TRABZONSPOR: 64

4- BEŞİKTAŞ: 55

5- GÖZTEPE: 48

6- RAMS BAŞAKŞEHİR: 47

7- SAMSUNSPOR: 39

8- ÇAYKUR RİZESPOR: 37

9- TÜMOSAN KONYASPOR: 37

10- KOCAELİSPOR: 36

11- GAZİANTEP FK: 34

12- CORENDON ALANYASPOR: 33

13- KASIMPAŞA: 28

14- HESAP.COM ANTALYASPOR: 28

15- NATURA DÜNYASI GENÇLERBİRLİĞİ: 25

16- İKAS EYÜPSPOR: 25

17- ZECORNER KAYSERİSPOR: 23

18- MISIRLI.COM.TR FATİH KARAGÜMRÜK: 20

Gözler 31. Haftada: Dev Derbi Kapıda!

Galatasaray, bu galibiyetin moraliyle 26 Nisan Pazar günü kendi sahasında en yakın rakibi Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek. Eğer sarı-kırmızılılar derbiden de galibiyetle ayrılırsa, ligin bitimine 3 hafta kala puan farkını 7'ye çıkararak şampiyonluğunu ilan etme noktasına çok yaklaşacak.

Gençlerbirliği Ateş Hattından Çıkamadı

Sahasında lideri devirerek nefes almak isteyen Gençlerbirliği ise bu mağlubiyetle 25 puanda kaldı. Küme düşme hattında büyük bir baskı hisseden başkent temsilcisi, önümüzdeki haftalarda ligde kalma mücadelesi için kritik virajlara girecek.

Eski hakem Deniz Ateş Bitnel: Skandal bir gol iptali!

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Galatasaray Eryaman Stadı'nda karşılaştı. Leroy Sane ile 3. golü bulan Galatasaray'ın golü ofsayt gerekçesiyle iptal oldu. Eski Fifa hakemi, spor ve hakem yorumcusu Deniz Ateş Bitnel, pozisyonu değerlendirdi.

Deniz Ateş Bitnel:Galatasaray Gençlerbirliği maçında Galatasaray'ın iptal edilen üçüncü golü gerçekten şaka gibi. Futbolun ruhuna aykırı. Ön direkte ofsayt olup olmadığı belli olmayan bir futbolcu için ofsayt kararı verildi.

galatasaray_leroy_sane

- VAR inceleme tavsiyesinde bulundu. VAR ne için var? Açık ve bariz hatalar için var. Burada açık bariz bir hata var mı? Hayır yok. Ön direkte olan oyuncu rakibin topa vurma ya da vurabilme, müdahale etme ya da edebilme şansını engellemiyor. Dolayısıyla ofsayt kararı verilmesi gerçekten skandal ve yanlış.

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Onuachu'da son karar! ‘Kaybetmek istemiyorum‘

Trabzonspor'un Alanyaspor maçında yokluğu hissedilen 2.01'lik dev golcü Paul Onuachu, sakatlığını atlatarak takıma döndü. Gol krallığında zirvede yer alan yıldız golcü için son kararı teknik direktör Fatih Tekke verecek. Başakşehir maçında kadroda olacak, risk alınmayacak.

Trabzonspor’un dev kralı Paul Onuachu’nun sakatlık sürecinde sıcak bir gelişme yaşandı. Alanyaspor deplasmanında yokluğu hissedilen Nijeryalı bugün oynanacak Başakşehir maçı öncesi sahalara dönüş sinyali verdi. 2.01’lik dev, sağlık ekibinin 5 günlük yoğun mesaisinin ardından takımla çalışmalara dahil oldu.

TEKKE KAYBETMEK İSTEMİYOR

Ligin son 4 haftalık kritik virajına girilirken teknik direktör Fatih Tekke, yıldız oyuncusunu tamamen kaybetmemek adına temkinli davranıyor.

Alanyaspor karşısında hücum hattında yaşanan kısırlığı gidermek isteyen teknik heyet, Onuachu’yu riskli bir şekilde 11’de başlatmak yerine "hamle oyuncusu" olarak kullanmayı hedefliyor.

KADRODA OLUR 11'DE BAŞLAMAZ

Onuachu’nun Başakşehir maçının kadrosunda yer almasına kesin gözüyle bakılsa da, ilk 11 kararı henüz netleşmedi.

Nijeryalı golcünün fiziksel direnci ve maç temposuna hazır olup olmadığı, maçtan önceki son antrenmanda yapılacak testlerin ardından karara bağlanacak.

Sergen Yalçın iki parça! Bedeni Samsun'da aklı İstanbul'da

Sergen Yalçın bu akşam Samsun'da takımının başında sahada olacak. Beşiktaş teknik direktörünün aklı ise Çarşamba oynanacak Alanyaspor maçında olacak. Gelecek sezon Avrupa Kupaları'nda yer almanın en kolay yolu olan Türkiye Kupası'nı kazanmak isteyen Beşiktaş'ta Sergen Yalçın'ın Samsunspor karşısında sürpriz isimleri sahaya sürmesi bekleniyor.

Beşiktaş bu akşam Samsunspor'la oynayacak... ancak Sergen Yalçın'ın aklı da gönlü de Çarşamba günü oynanacak Alanyaspor maçında olacak.

Samsun deplasmanında Yalçın; Emirhan, Kartal Kayra ve Ndidi'den yararlanamayacak. Stoperde Agbadou'nun yanına Djalo, Uduokhai ya da Yasin'i koyabilecek olan hocanın elinde ise orta sahada Orkun'una yanına koyabileceği sadece 3 isim (Salih Uçan, Olaitan ve Asllani) kaldı.

ASLLANI "GİTİ" BİLE DENEBİLİR

Yalçın son maçta Olaitan'ı öne atıp Orkun'un yanına Kartal'ı koymuş, Asllani'yi yedeğe bırakmıştı. Bu da hafta içi Arnavut oyuncunun sezon sonunda bonservisinin alınmayacağı haberinin artmasına neden oldu.

Yalçın bu akşam Samsun karşısında Asllani'yi yine kenarda bırakıp Salih Uçan'la başlarsa Arnavut oyuncu için "gitti" haberleri artar.

BU AKŞAM ÇOK FAZLA SÜRPRİZİ VAR

Ancak Kartal Kayra'nın sakatlığının ciddi olduğu ortamda Yalçın'ın Alanyaspor maçını da düşünerek orta sahada bir sürpriz yapması şaşırtmaz.

Çünkü Yalçın son Antalyaspor maçında hem Agbadou'yu hem de Cerny'yi yedek bırakarak sürpriz yapmıştı. Yalçın'ın bu akşam da Alanyaspor'u düşünerek sürprizler yapması gündemde.

Ersin

Rıdvan, Djalo, Uduokhai, Rıdvan

Asllani, Orkun, Olaitan

El-Bilal, Oh, Cengiz

Eski hakem Deniz Ateş Bitnel: Icardi'nin yerde kaldığı pozisyon penaltı mı?

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Galatasaray Eryaman Stadı'nda karşılaştı. Mauro Icardi'nin ceza sahası içinde yerde kaldığı pozisyonu eski Fifa hakemi, spor ve hakem yorumcusu Deniz Ateş Bitnel değerlendirdi.

Deniz Ateş Bitnel:Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile Galatasaray karşılaşmasının 42. dakikasında Mauro Icardi yerde kaldı ve penaltı beklentileri oluştu.

galatasarat_mauro_icardi

- Burada defans oyuncusunun herhangi bir ihlali yok. Ayağı yerde ve Icardi şut atacakken rakibin ayağına vuruyor. Burada her iki oyuncunun da biribirne ihlali söz konusu değil devam kararı doğrudur.

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Fenerbahçe'ye kadın başkan adayı: Ronaldo ve Messi'li çıkış

Sadece Fenerbahçe değil dünya futbol tarihine geçen kadın ve çocukların izleyebildiği unutulmaz maçın organizatörü Yasemin Merçil'in Fenerbahçe'nin olası başkan adayları arasına girdiği iddia edildi. Camiada çok büyük saygınlığı olan Merçil'in belki de şampiyonluğun gittiği gecenin sabahında "Messi ve Ronaldo" diyerek briç sporundan bahsetmesi hiç tepki almadı.

Fenerbahçe'nin hayallerini yıkan 3 Temmuz Kumpasının kadın liderlerinden Yasemin Merçil dün yapılan Yüksek Divan Kurulu'nda sarı-lacivertli kulüpte düzenlenecek briç etkinliğiyle ilgili bilgilendirme yaptı.

Takımın şampiyonluğa hemen hemen havlu attığı bir gecenin hemen ardından "briç" diye başka birisi o konuşmayı yapsa ortalık yıkılır, tepki üstüne tepki gelirdi.

EFSANE MANİSA MAÇININ ORGANİZATÖRÜ

Ancak Meçil 3 Temmuz sürecinde Fenerbahçe'nin cezası nedeniyle sadece kadın ve çocukların alındığı (20 Eylül 2011) tarihi Manisaspor maçının organizatörüydü.

Kulüp içindeki kadın kongre üyelerinin aktifleşmesi ve kadın kollarının çalışmalarında moderatörlük görevlerini üstlenen Merçil'in olağanüstü ya da olağan bir seçimde sürpriz bir şekilde başkan adayı bile olabileceği konuşuluyor.

BRİÇİN MESSI VE RONALDO'SU KİMLER?

Merçil'im bahsettiği, "Camiada çok iyi briççilerimiz var Fenerbahçeli. Yani şöyle düşünün, kadın bricinin Messi'si, Ronaldo'su orada olacak. Onlarla oturup sohbet edeceksiniz, sonra bir tanıtım turnuvası yapacağız..." sözleri gözleri bu spora çevirdi.

Türkiye kadın briç milli takımı, uluslararası arenada oldukça güçlü. Düzenli olarak ilk 5-10 ülke arasında yer alıyor. Bu sporun Messi ve Ronaldo'su ise Pierre Zimmermann ile Michal Klukowski..

Briç, hem strateji hem de ekip çalışmasına dayanan dünyanın en prestijli iskambil oyunlarından biridir. Standart 52'lik bir deste ile 4 kişi ile 2 takım tarafından oynanır.

Bundesliqa: “Borussiya” da uduzdu, “Bayer” də

Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə beş qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Bayer” doğma meydanda “Auqsburq”a, “Union Berlin” “Volfsburq”a, “Ayntraxt” isə “Leypsiq”ə məğlub olub. “Hoffenhaym” Dortmund “Borussiya”sını, “Verder” də “Hamburq”u xalsız yola salıb.

Qeyd edək ki, 30-cu turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.

Almaniya, Bundesliqa
30-cu tur
17 aprel

Sankt Pauli – Köln 1:1
Qollar: Mets, 69 – Valdşmidt, 86-pen.

18 aprel

Bayer – Auqsburq 1:2
Qollar: P.Şik, 12 – Rieder, 15; 90+7-pen.

Hoffenhaym – Borussiya (Dortmund) 2:1
Qollar: Kramariç, 42-pen; 90+8-pen – Girassi, 87.

Union Berlin – Volfsburq 1:2
Qollar: Burke, 85 – Vimmer, 11. Peyçinoviç, 46.

Verder – Hamburq 3:1
Qollar: Staqe, 37; 57. Puertas, 90+1 – Qlatsel, 41.

Ayntraxt – Leypsiq 1:3
Qollar: Larsson, 34 – Diomande, 27. Nusa, 70. Harder, 81.

19 aprel

17:30. Frayburq – Haydenhaym
19:30. Bayern – Ştutqart
17:30. Borussiya (Mönhenqladbax) – Maynts

Super Liqa: “Qalatasaray” “Gənclərbirliyi”nə qalib gəldi

Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

İki qolun qeydə alındığı “Kocaelispor” – “Göztəpə” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Karagümrük” doğma meydanda “Eyüpspor”a, “Gənclərbirliyi” isə “Qalatasaray”a məğlub olub.

30-cu turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 19-da və 20-də keçiriləcək.

Türkiyə, Super Liqa
30-cu tur
17 aprel

Antalyaspor – Konyaspor 0:2
Qollar: D.Qonsalves, 56. M.İbrahimoğlu, 90+6.

Fənərbağça – Rizəspor 2:2
Qollar: Taliska, 80-pen. K.Aktürkoğlu, 86 – Soue, 47. Saqnan, 90+8.

18 aprel

Karagümrük – Eyüpspor 1:2
Qollar: Serjinyo, 16 – Kranevitter, 39-öz qapısına. Leqovski, 44.

Kocaelispor – Göztəpə 1:1
Qollar: S.Dursun, 90+8-pen – Janderson, 3.

Gənclərbirliyi – Qalatasaray 1:2
Qollar: Nyanq, 66 – İkardi, 2. Y.Akgün, 35.

19 aprel

15:30. Kasımpaşa – Alanyaspor
18:00. Samsunspor – Beşiktaş
21:00. Trabzonspor – Başakşəhər

20 aprel

21:00. Qaziantep – Kayserispor

Qurban Qurbanov: “Buna göz yuma bilmərik”

“Qarabağ”ın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov Premyer Liqanın 28-ci turu çərçivəsində “Sabah”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionunda baş tutmuş görüşü Ağdam təmsilçisinin 0:1 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb.

Qurban Qurbanov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Sabah”ı təbrik edirəm. Onlara uğurlar arzulayıram. Hər iki komandanın azarkeşlərinə təşəkkür edirəm. Yaxşı futbol atmosferi var idi. Əvvəlki oyunlar daha bolqollu olmuşdu. Bu gün də yaxşı mübarizə oldu, sonluqlar çatmadı. Daha yaxşı oynamalıydıq, daha yaxşı oynaya bilərdik. Əfsuslar olsun ki, bunu bacarmadıq. “Sabah” qalibiyyəti haqq etdi. Qarşıda sıx qrafikimiz var. Pozitiv notlarla irəliyə baxmalıyıq. Komandanın əvvəlki istəyini, oyun intizamını geri qaytarmalııq.

Bəzi oyunçuların performansında çatışmazlıqlar var idi. Məşqlər pis getmir. Bəli, bir az çatışmazlıqlar, gərginliklər var. Bunu səbəb olaraq demək istəmirəm. Çempionlar Liqasında yaxşı nəticələr oldu. Yenidən çempionata köklənə, öz tempimizi geri qaytara bilmədik. Burada bəzi səbəblər var. Sanki daha çox bir yerdə məşq etməyimizə ehtiyac var idi. Amma neçə ay idi 3-4 gündən bir oyuna çıxırdıq. Oyun keyfiyyətimiz əvvəlki kimi deyildi. Bu, səbəb deyil, sadəcə, bizə mane olan məqamlardan biridir. İllər boyu bu cür oynamışıq. “Sabah” hazırda daha aktivdir, kompleks olaraq daha hazırlıqlıdırlar. Çempionatda get-gedə hamı bir-birini tanıyır. Bir komandaya qarşı bir neçə oyun keçirdikdə, ona qarşı daha inamlı olursan. Biz çempionata istədiyimiz kimi hazır ola bilmədik. Sanki bütün fikir ÇL-ə yönəlmişdi. Hər iki cəbhədə öz oyunmuzu qoruyub-saxlaya bilmədik. Görünən odur ki, mən yox, kollektivdə psixoloji olaraq yorğunluq var. Normal haldır. Dünya təcrübəsində də var. Önə pozitiv baxmalı, çatışmazlıqları aradan qaldırmalıyıq”.

“Bəlkə də oyunçularımı daha çox incələməliyəm…”

Qurban Qurbanov Sami Mmaedən sonra Abbas Hüseynov və Elvin Cəfərquliyevin də əvəzedici heyətə göndərilməsinə belə aydınlıq gətirib:

“Bu günə kimi bağışlaya-bağışlaya kimi gəlmişik. Özümüz də bu yolu keçmişik, özümüz də futbolçu kimi səhv etmişik, cərimələnmişik. Bundan nəticə çıxarmışıq. Oyunçular ayrı-arılıqda bu cür rəqiblərə qarşı, bu cür yükün altına girməyi düşünmürlər ki, bizi qarşıda hansı vacib oyunlar gözləyir. Məğlubiyyətdən sonra sənin yaşam tərzin necədir? Çox detallar var. İlk hal deyil, bəzi oyunçuları cərimələmişik. Qarşıdakı gedişata baxacağıq. Çox futbolçunu bu günə qədər bağışlamışıq. Mən istənilən futbolçunun arxasındayam. Bu günə qədər olmayıb ki, hansısa futbolçunun inkişafını, yaşam tərzini, gələcəyini düşünməyim. Ən zəif oynayan futbolçunun belə, gələcəyini düşünmüşəm, söhbətləşmişəm. Səbəb olaraq bunu ortaya atmıram. İnsanların müəyyən yaş vaxtı olur, onda futbolçu daha möhkəm, xarakterli olmalıdır. Elvin üçün orada oturma, burada otur, o çağrsın-bu çağırsın… ÇL-də turun oyunçusu oldu. Futbolçulara hər zaman deyirəm, bir oyunda yüksək performans o demək deyil ki, missiyan tamamlandı. Bu, “Qarabağ”dır. Bir-iki oyun udursan, bir itirilmiş xal sənə mane olur. O demək deyil ki, ÇL-də 3 oyun yaxşı oynamışam, vacib matçda intizamsızlıq edim. Bağışlanmağa gəldikdə, proses davam edir. Digər klublar məni düzgün başa düşsün, bəlkə hansısa klubda nəyəsə göz yummaq olar. Amma klubun adı “Qarabağ”dırsa, buna göz yuma bilmərik. Cəzalar klubdaxili bir şeydir. Futbol elə oyundur ki, burada stabil olmaq lazımdır. Futbolçularımın əziyyətini yerə vura bilmərəm. Daim özlərinə də bu haqda danışmışam, iclaslarda bildirmişəm. Narahat olduğum nədir? ÇL-dəki uğurları düşünərək, çempionatı belə yola verməli deyilik. Bu gün mən oyundan razı qalmadım. Uduzduğumuz əvvəlki matçdan razı qalmışdım. Bu oyundan öncə 4-5 məşq etmişdik. Bəlkə də oyunçularımı daha çox incələməliyəm…”

Qurban Qurbanov Sami Mmaenin artıq Zaqreb “Dinamo”suna geri qayıtdığı barədə xəbərlərə də aydınlıq gətirib:

“Onu əvəzedici heyətə göndərmişdik. Klubu ilə razılığa gəliblər. Zaqrebə hələ qayıda bilməz. Razılığa gəldik ki, bizim əvəzedici heyətdə məşq etməyə də bilər. Qarşılıqlı imza atılıb ki, bir-birimizə etirazımız yoxdur”.

“Qarabağ” – “Sabah” 0:1 – Video

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 28-ci turunun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” matçı meydan sahiblərinin 0:1 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə başa çatdı.

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

Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası
28-ci tur
18 aprel

“Qarabağ” – “Sabah” 0:1
Qol: Abdulla Xaybullayev, 45.
Qolla nəticələnməyən penalti: Coy Lens Mikels, 13.
Sarı vərəqələr: Mateus Silva, 11 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti). Kamilo Duran, 90+5 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti) – Stiv Solvet, 20 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti). Velko Simiç, 29 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti), Akim Zedadka, 52 (hakimin qərarına etiraz). Stas Pokatilov, 82 (oyunun bərpasının ləngidilməsi).
Rəsmi şəxslərə göstərilən sarı vərəqələr: Valdas Dambrauskas, 57 (hakimin qərarına etiraz). Eddi Volter Kardoso, 57 (hakimin qərarına etiraz).
Qırmızı vərəqə: Abdulla Xaybullayev, 47 (ciddi qayda pozuntusu).
Artırılan vaxt: Birinci hissədə – 1 dəqiqə, ikinci hissədə – 5 dəqiqə.
Saat 19:30. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu, 17338 tamaşaçı.

Baş hakim: Elçin Məsiyev.
Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov.
Dördüncü hakim: İnqilab Məmmədov.
VAR: Tural Qurbanov.
AVAR: Cəmil Quliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Azər Əsgərov.

Qarabağ: 99. Mateus Koxalski, 27. Toral Bayramov (8. Marko Yankoviç, 69), 10. Abdullah Zubir (k) (11. Emmanuel Addai, 82), 81. Kevin Medina, 20. Kadi Borges (22. Musa Qurbanlı, 69), 2. Mateus Silva, 9. Xoni Montiel, 18. Dani Bolt (55. Bədavi Hüseynov, 80), 15. Leandro Andrade, 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 17. Kamilo Duran.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 97. Fabian Buntiç, 89. Amin Ramazanov, 77. Ramil Şeydayev, 21. Aleksey Kaşuk, 24. Jeremi Qnali.
Baş məşqçi: Qurban Qurbanov.

Sabah: 92. Stas Pokatilov (k), 6. Abdulla Xaybullayev, 20. Coy Lens Mikels (9. Xəyal Əliyev, 90+1), 21. Velko Simiç, 40. İqor Noqeyra, 80. Akim Zedadka, 3. Stiv Solvet, 27. Timoteuş Puxaç, 13. İvan Lepiniça, 11. Kahim Parris (22. Zinedin Uld Xaled, 55), 19. Aaron Maluda (5. Rəhman Daşdəmirov, 55).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 55. Nicat Mehbalıyev, 94. Rəvan Mirzəmmədov, 17. Tellur Mütəllimov, 10. Aleksey İsayev, 2. Amin Seydiyev, 70. Jesse Sekidika, 99. Patrik Mbina, 53. Andrey Santos, 83. Stefan Ende.
Baş məşqçi: Valdas Dambrauskas.

Dambrauskas: “Hesabda öndə olmağa layiq idik”

“Sabah”ın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas Premyer Liqanın 28-ci turunda “Qarabağ”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionunda baş tutmuş görüşü “Sabah”ın 1:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Valdas Dambrauskas qarşılaşmadan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:

“Komandamı təbrik edirəm. Xüsusilə də oyunçularımı. Çox güclü rəqibin meydançasında, avrokuboklarda qrup mərhələsində çıxış etmiş komandaya səfərdə qalib gəlmək çox çətin idi. Öz oyunçularıma böyük hörmətlə yanaşıram. Bilirdik ki, bizim üçün ağır oyun olacaq. Birinci hissədə daha çox istəkli olan, istədiklərini həyata keçirən tərəf biz idik. İkinci hissədə komandamın verdiyi reaksiya xoşuma gəldi. Hesabda öndə olmağa layiq tərəf biz idik. Oyunçularım boşluqları bağladılar, rəqib heç nə ilə yadda qalmadı. İkinci hissədəki oyun nümunəvi idi. Hansısa akademiyalarda, hansısa məşqçi kurslarında göstəriləcək oyundur. Sabahdan etibarən bərpa məşqlərimizə başlayacağıq. Kubokun yarımfinalında da eyni rəqiblə qarşılaşacağıq. Hər iki komandanın böyük istəyi var. Final təcrübəsi yaşamağı çox istəyirik.

Bu futbolçuları məşq etdirməkdən məmnunam. 26-27 oyundur ki, uduzmuruq. Sizi bizim məşqlərə dəvət etsəm, məşqlərdəki intensivliyin, mübarizliyin bəzən oyunlardakından da çox olduğunu görərsiniz. Bu davranış belə qələbələrdə açardır. Hamısı mənim oyunçularımın əməyidir.

Hazırda avrokuboklar barədə düşünmürük. Avropada necə olacaq, məsuliyyətimiz necə olacaq, hazırda mənim üçün önəmli deyil. Heç bilmirik ki, hansı komandalarla düşəcəyik. Daha çox öz oyunlarımıza köklənirəm. Səhvlərimizi axtarıram. Biz çərşənbə günü çox yaxşı çıxış edib, finala çıxmaq istəyirik”.

Qurbanov: “Buna göz yuma bilmərik”

Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVIII turunun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunundan (0:1) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bildirib:

– Hər iki komandanın azarkeşlərinə təşəkkür edirəm. Yaxşı futbol atmosferi var idi. Əvvəlki oyunlar daha bolqollu olmuşdu. Bu gün də yaxşı mübarizə oldu, amma sonluqlarda çatışmazlıq yaşandı. Daha yaxşı oynaya bilərdik, əfsuslar olsun ki, bunu bacarmadıq. “Sabah” qalibiyyəti haqq etdi. Qarşıda sıx qrafikimiz var. Pozitiv notlarla irəliyə baxmalıyıq. Komandanın əvvəlki istəyini,oyun intizamını geri qaytarmalııq. Bəzi oyunçuların performansında çatışmazlıqlar var idi.

– Bəzi futbolçular meydanda sürüşürdü. Bu, nə ilə bağlı idi?

– Deməmişdim sürüşəsiniz (gülür). Bəlkə onlar olan yer sürüşkən idi. Daha möhkəm dayanmaq lazımdır.

– Elvin, Abbas, Sami, bu futbolçular ikinci komandaya göndərilib. Növbəti oyun üçün rəqibləri analiz edirsiniz. Bu qədər yüklənmənin fonunda bezdiyiniz, yorulduğunuz an olur? Özünüzü necə hiss edirsiniz?

– Məşqçi olaraq yorulmağı düşünməli deyiləm. Bəli, bir az çatışmazlıqlar, gərginliklər var. ÇL-də yaxşı nəticələr oldu. Yenidən çempionata köklənə bilmədik, öz tempimizi də geri qaytara bilmədik. Burada bəzi səbəblər var. Sıx qrafik… Sanki daha çox bir yerdə məşq etməyimizə ehtiyac var idi. Amma artıq neçə ay idi 3-4 gündən bir oyuna çıxırdıq. Oyun keyfiyyətimiz əvvəlki kimi deyildi. Lakin bunlar nəticələrə bəhanə ola bilməz, sadəcə təsir edən amillərdir. İllər boyu bu cür oynamışıq. “Sabah” daha aktivdir, kompleks baxımından daha yaxşı hazırlanıb. Çempionatda isə zaman keçdikcə hamı bir-birini tanıyır. Eyni rəqiblə bir neçə dəfə qarşılaşdıqda, ona qarşı daha inamlı olursan. Çempionatda komandalar öz qabiliyyətlərini daim təkmilləşdirirlər. Açığı, çempionata istədiyimiz kimi hazır ola bilmədik. Sanki fikir ÇL-ə köklənmişdi. Hər iki cəbhədə öz oyunmuzu qoruyub-saxlaya bilmədik. Görünən odur ki, təkcə mən yox, kollektivdə də psixoloji yorğunluq var. Bu, normal haldır. Dünya təcrübəsində də belə hallar olur. Bir məşqçi olaraq, gələcəyə pozitiv  baxmalıyıq. Çatışmazlıqları isə aradan qaldırmalıyıq.

– Elvin Cəfərquliyevi bağışlamaq olar?

– Hələ ki bilmirəm. Bu günə qədər bağışlaya-bağışlaya gəlmişik. Özümüz də bu yolu keçmişik, futbolçu kimi səhvlər etmişik, cərimələnmişik və bundan nəticə çıxarmışıq. Oyunçular ayrı-arılıqda bu cür rəqiblərə qarşı və bu cür yükün altına girərkən qarşıda onları hansı vacib oyunların gözlədiyini bəzən nəzərə almırlar. Məğlubiyyətdən sonra sənin yaşam tərzin necədir? Çox detallar var. Bu, ilk hal deyil, bəzi oyunçular cərimələnib. Qarşıdakı gedişata baxacağıq. Bu günə qədər bir çox futbolçunu bağışlamışıq.

– Elvinə demişdiniz ki, düzəlməsən, səni komandadan göndərəcəm. İndi də əvəzedici heyətə göndərəcəksiniz. Onun problemi nədir? 

– Sevindirici tərəfi odur ki, nə var onu danışıb, onu deyib. Söhbətimiz olub və s.  İstənilən futbolçunun arxasındayam. Bu günə qədər elə hal olmayıb ki, hansısa futbolçunun inkişafını, yaşam tərzini, gələcəyini düşünməyim. Ən zəif oynayan futbolçunun belə, gələcəyini düşünmüşəm, söhbətləşmişəm. Səbəb olaraq bunu ortaya atmıram. İnsanların müəyyən yaş dövrü olur ki, həmin vaxt futbolçu daha möhkəm və xarakterli olmalıdır. O, ÇL-də turun oyunçusu da seçilib.

Futbolçulara hər zaman deyirəm, bir oyunla missiya tamamlanmır. Bu, “Qarabağ” klubudur. Bir-iki oyun qalib gəlməklə deyil, bəzən bir xal belə sənə mane ola bilər. O demək deyil ki, ÇL-də 3 oyun yaxşı oynamışam, vacib matçda intizamsızlıq edim. Bağışlanma məsələsinə gəldikdə isə, proses davam edir.

Digər klublar məni düzgün başa düşsün, bəlkə hansısa klubda nəyəsə göz yummaq olar. Amma klubun adı “Qarabağ”dırsa, buna göz yuma bilmərik. Cəzalar klubdaxili bir şeydir. Futbol elə oyundur ki, burada stabil olmaq lazımdır. Futbolçularımın əziyyətini yerə vura bilmərəm. Daim özlərinə də bu haqda danışmışam, iclaslarda bildirmişəm. Narahat olduğum nədir? ÇL-dəki uğurları düşünərək, çempionatı belə yola verməli deyilik. Bu gün oyundan razı qalmadım. Məğlub olduğumuz əvvəlki matçdan razı qalmışdım. Bugünkü oyun üçün 4-5 məşq birlikdə keçirmişdik.  Bəlkə oyunçularımı daha dərindən analiz etməliyəm – həm yaşam tərzini, həm də hərtərəfli hazırlığını.

– Sami Mmae “Dinamo”ya geri qayıdıb?

– Onu əvəzedici heyətə göndərmişdik. Klubu ilə razılıq əldə olunub. Zaqrebə hələ qayıda bilməz. Razılığa gəldik ki, bizim əvəzedici heyətlə də məşq etməyə bilər. Qarşılıqlı imza atılıb, bir-birimizə qarşı heç bir etirazımız yoxdur.

– “Qarabağ”ın “Sabah”la kubok oyunundan nə gözləyirsiniz? Heyətdə dəyişikliklər olacaq? 

– Böyük ehtimalla olacaq. Çox hazırlıqlı komandaya qarşı oynayacağıq. Nələrisə dəyişəcəyik. Sona qədər mübarizə aparacağıq.

– “Qarabağ”ın çempionluğu əldən verməsi azarkeşlərin etirazına səbəb olub. Əsasən də sosial şəbəkələrdə…

– Sosial şəbəkələrdə kimlər yazır, bilinmir. Bizim azarkeşlərimiz xeyli saydadır, stadiona gələn də olur, gəlməyən də. Daim yanımızda olan azarkeşlərimiz var. Mənə neqativ bir şey gəlib çatmayıb. Azarkeşlərimiz böyük təcrübəyə sahibdirlər, onların baxış bucağı da fərqlidir. Bilirlər ki, 3-4 il uğur varsa, sonra hansısa dəyişiklik ola bilər. Etiraz varsa, bu da normaldır. Əlavə fikir bildirmək niyyətində deyiləm. Hamısı özümüzünküdür.

– Bir neçə gün əvvəl doğum gününüz oldu. Özünüzə nə arzu etdiniz?

– Doğum günüm üçün özümə xüsusi bir arzu etmirəm. Allahıma şükür edirəm ki, dünyaya gəlmişəm və yaşayıram. Həmişə yalnız sağlamlıq arzulayıram.

Şahin Cəfərov 

Dambrauskas: “Qələbəyə layiq idik”

Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVIII turunun “Qarabağ” – “Sabah” oyunundan (0:1) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bildirib:

– Komandamı, oyunçuları təbrik edirəm. Çox güclü rəqibin meydançasında, avrokuboklarda qrup mərhələsində çıxış etmiş komandaya səfərdə qalib gəlmək olduqca çətin idi. Oyunçularım böyük hörmətə layiqdir. Bilirdik ki, bizim üçün ağır oyun olacaq. Birinci hissədə daha çox istəkli olan və planını həyata keçirən tərəf biz idik. Penalti qazandıq, lakin yararlana bilmədik. Buna baxmayaraq, ruhdan düşmədik. İkinci hissədə 50 dəqiqə azlıqda oynadıq və rəqibə ciddi epizod vermədik. Demək olar, nə iləsə yadda qalmadılar. Komandam bu qələbəyə layiqdir. Sabahdan etibarən bərpa məşqlərimizə başlayacağıq. Yarımfinalda eyni rəqiblə qarşılaşacağıq. Hər iki komandanın böyük istəyi var. Final təcrübəsi yaşamağı çox istəyirik.

– “Qarabağ” həm avrokuboklarda, həm çempionatda rəqib qapısı qarşısında rahat epizod yarada bilir. Bu gün onların qarşısını necə aldınız? Hansısa xüsusi detal var idi?

– Detallar barədə danışsaq, çərşənbəyə qədər danışaram. Bu detalları icra etmək üçün mənə görə iki ən önəmli prinsip var. Bunlardan biri ürəyini meydanda qoymaqdır. Taktiki çox şey danışa bilərsən. Amma oyunçular qaçmayacaq, fokuslanmayacaqsa, oyuna köklənməyəcəklərsə, xeyri olmayacaq. Onların motivasiyası çox önəmlidir. İkincisi, formalarındakı adlarıdır. Bunun üçün oynamalıdırlar. Elə etməlidirlər ki, ailələri, övladları, hər kəs onlarla qürur duysun. Bu qrup futbolçuları məşq etdirməkdən məmnunam. 26-27 oyundur ki, məğlub olmuruq. Sizi bizim məşqlərə dəvət etsəm, görərsiniz ki, bəzən məşqlərdəki intensivlik, mübarizlik oyunlardakından da çox olur. Bu davranış belə qələbələrdə açardır. Hamısı mənim oyunçularımın əməyidir.

– “Sabah”ın Çempionlar Liqasında üzərinə böyük məsuliyyət düşəcək. Sizcə, komanda bunun öhdəsindən gələ biləcək?

– İndi bu barədə düşünmürük. Avropada necə çıxış edəcəyimiz, məsuliyyətimizin nə olacağı indi mənim üçün önəmli deyil. Heç bilmirik ki, hansı komandalarla düşəcəyik. Daha çox öz oyunlarımıza köklənirəm, səhvlərimizi axtarıram. Çərşənbə günü yaxşı çıxış edib yenidən finala yüksəlməliyik.

– Mikelsin durumu necədir?

– Tibbi heyətlə bu barədə danışmalıyam. Ciddi zədəyə oxşayır. Xəstəxanaya aparırlar indi. Sonra nələrsə bilmək olar.

– Dediniz ki, məşqlərimizə gəlsəniz, futbolçularımızın döyüşkənliyini görərsiniz. Təklif edirəm ki, “Qarabağ”la oyundan əvvəl media və azarkeşlər üçün açıq məşq keçirəsiniz..

– Hazırda bizdə intensiv məşqlər olmayacaq, çünki iki bərpa məşqi keçəcəyik. Məndən asılı deyil, rəhbərliklə danışmaq olar. Niyə də olmasın? “Qarabağ”la oyundan əvvəl söz verə bilmərəm, amma digər oyunlardan qabaq bunu danışmaq mümkündür.

– Xaybulayev həm qol vurdu, həm qırmızı vərəqə aldı. Sizcə, Xaybulayev qəhrəmandır, yoxsa antiqəhrəman?

– Bunu həmişə paltardəyişmə otağında da demişəm, o, bizim üçün çox önəmli oyunçudur. Abdulla məşqdə təkcə ürəyini yox, bədənin bütün hüceyrələrini verir. Çox yaxşı oynayır, çox səbirli futbolçudur. Ona ehtiyacımız olduğu anda meydanda 100 yox, 110 faizini verəcək biridir.

Hamıya deyirəm ki, hazır olsunlar, yaranan fürsətlərdən istifadə etsinlər. Bilirdik ki, Umarali bu gün oynamayacaq. Abdulla da bu imkandan yaxşı yararlandı. O, bizim üçün nümunəvi oyunçudur. İkinci hissədə isə bir balaca bizə zərər verdi, nəticədə 10 nəfərlə qaldıq. Qırmızı vərəqələr, səhvlər futbolun bir parçasıdır. Amma biz heç vaxt oyunçularımızı günahlandırmırıq; çalışırıq ki, onların səhvlərini düzəldək və onlara düzgün yolu göstərək. Fikrimcə, Abdulla komandamız üçün önəmli oyunçudur.

Şahin Cəfərov 

Gənc türkiyəli Avropa klublarının radarında

Məxsus olduğu “Hoffenhaym” tərəfindən “Holştayn Kil”ə icarəyə verilən 21 yaşlı Umut Tohumcu göstərdiyi oyunla Avropa klublarının radarına düşüb.

Futbolpress.az insayder Rudi Qalettiyə istinadən xəbər verir ki, Almaniyanın bütün aşağı yaş qrupları üzrə milli komandalarında çıxış etmiş Umut Tohumcu ilə İtaliyanın “Torino” klubu ciddi şəkildə maraqlanır.

Turin təmsilçisinin skautları artıq bir neçə həftədir ki, gənc yarımmüdafiəçini yaxından izləyirlər.

Bir müddət adı “Qalatasaray”la da hallanan Umut, yeni klubunda sürətlə uyğunlaşıb, Bundesliqa 2-də çıxdığı 10 matçda 1 qol və 2 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.

​Mütəxəssislər 21 yaşlı futbolçunun mövsüm sonunda daha böyük bir kluba transfer olunacağını ehtimal edirlər.

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Sarri: ‘Fiorentina our only mistake in last 6 weeks, Taylor reminds me of Hamsik’

Maurizio Sarri was in buoyant mood after Lazio’s impressive victory at the Maradona, reflecting on a remarkable six-week run of form and paying an extraordinary compliment to midfielder Kenneth Taylor by comparing him to one of his most beloved former players.

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The Lazio head coach has overseen a significant upturn in results since a difficult period earlier in the season, and Saturday’s win underlined just how far his side have come.

“In the last month and a half this squad has made only one mistake, the game at Fiorentina,” Sarri told DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

He also singled out victories against Milan twice, Juventus and now Napoli as evidence of a group that is capable of raising their level against the division’s biggest clubs.

“There are signs of improvement both from individuals and from the team,” he added.

On the tactical approach that produced such a dominant display at the Maradona, Sarri was characteristically analytical. “We have adapted to the characteristics of our players,” he said.

“We do not have playmakers in the traditional sense, but many players who have bursts of pace and play a faster style of football.”

FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri waves during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri waves during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Lazio coach Sarri: ‘See shades of Hamsik in Taylor’

That directness was evident throughout, with Lazio punishing Napoli on the counter-attack with a ruthlessness that belied their league position.

The most evocative moment of the press conference came when Sarri was asked about Kenneth Taylor, whose energetic box-to-box display was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

The question prompted an immediate and warm response.

“You bring back pleasant memories,” Sarri said. “When I came off the pitch I saw Hamsik, and Hamsik was everything I ever wanted from a midfielder. Taylor is an intelligent boy who has had a significant impact on Italian football. He is playing in one of the most intense leagues in the world and he is doing well.”

Sarri also praised Matteo Cancellieri, whose physical attributes he felt made him ideally suited to the specific demands of this fixture.

“The three forwards we selected seemed the most suited to this type of match,” he said. “Cancellieri has immense physical qualities, technically he can still improve in his decision-making, but he was the right choice today.”

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Conte: ‘De Laurentiis can say what he wants, today was a kick to the teeth’

Antonio Conte delivered one of his more revealing post-match addresses after Napoli’s chastening home defeat to Lazio, accepting responsibility for failing to read his squad’s deteriorating condition while firing a pointed but carefully measured response at president Aurelio De Laurentiis over public comments about his future.

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The Napoli head coach was candid about the performance, acknowledging that the hangover from the Parma draw had clearly spread deeper than he realised.

“This was not a good match from us, we put very little quality in midfield,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Lazio waited for us and hit on the counter. We had 70% possession and did not manage a single shot on target. We had studied the match but we were not good enough. When this team lacks energy, quality drops. Perhaps I was not good enough at sensing the malaise that developed after Parma.”

It was a rare and notable admission of self-criticism from a manager not given to public introspection.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli coach Conte: ‘We took a kick to the teeth today’

Despite the heaviness of the moment, Conte was keen to frame the defeat as a lesson rather than a crisis. “We have taken a kick to the teeth today,” he said.

“Tomorrow we rest, and on Monday we must make the most of this experience. If we don’t, it would be serious. We need to understand why and put things right.”

He was equally clear that Champions League qualification remains very much within reach and that the work is not done.

The most pointed exchange of the evening, however, came when Conte was asked about comments made publicly by De Laurentiis regarding his future.

The coach’s response was composed but unmistakably firm.

“That is the president’s business, he can say whatever he wants, in the most absolute terms,” Conte said. “I do not respond to the president publicly. If I do, I do it in private. Because in the end, the public and the media see nothing else.”

He also pushed back against what he described as the misrepresentation of his own words in recent weeks.

“I know my name is useful for selling newspapers and filling television programmes. Sometimes phrases get taken out of context and twisted. The more we stay quiet until the season ends, the better.”

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Politano apologises for ‘horrible match’, Spinazzola: ‘We’re exhausted’

Two of Napoli’s most experienced players fronted up after a dismal afternoon at the Maradona, with Matteo Politano offering a public apology to supporters and Leonardo Spinazzola delivering a brutally honest assessment of a squad running on empty at the worst possible moment.

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The defeat to Lazio, coming after a frustrating draw at Parma, has effectively extinguished Napoli’s already slim title hopes, and both players were acutely aware of the significance of what had just unfolded.

Politano was unsparing in his verdict at the post-match press conference.

“On Sunday at Parma we stumbled and that has influenced our path, today we apologise for a horrible match in every sense,” he said, with quotes via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

He was equally firm in pushing back against any suggestion the squad had mentally switched off ahead of securing Champions League qualification. “We don’t feel we’re already in the Champions League, there are five matches left. We are not where we need to be yet.”

He also identified the root cause of the performance with painful candour.

“Lazio closed the spaces and we were not in the best condition to create, we were predictable, and without the legs you struggle against everyone. The motivations must never be missing. Today we simply were not there from the start.”

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli celebrates after stopping a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli celebrates after stopping a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli 0-2 Lazio – Spinazzola: ‘We were truly drained’

Spinazzola, speaking to DAZN, offered an equally raw assessment.

“Today we were truly drained,” he said, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“It is the head that moves the legs, this was not physical fatigue. I saw a team that was completely flat. We have been pushing and chasing all year and there was a small flame still burning. On Sunday against Parma it went out. When you are a squad like ours, you cannot have matches like today.”

The former Roma wing-back was also candid about the psychological blow of the Parma draw coinciding with Inter’s victory.

“We believed a misstep from them could reopen everything,” he said.

“With the Parma draw and Inter’s win, the flame went out completely. It was a difficult dream to cling to but mentally each of us kept hoping. From Monday we must think only about winning next Sunday and securing our Champions League place.”

Roma chief Massara: ‘No problem between Gasperini and Ranieri’

Roma director Ricky Massara insists ‘there is absolutely no problem’ between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, as they are ‘fully concentrated’ on beating Atalanta.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

This has become an absolutely crucial clash for European places, especially in the wake of Como’s defeat to Sassuolo, as a win here would let Roma leapfrog Cesc Fabregas into fifth.

At the same time, Atalanta could close to within a point of the Giallorossi if they get the victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

Massara keeps Roma focused on the field

Frederic Massara with new Roma buy Wesley (asroma.com)
Frederic Massara with new Roma buy Wesley (asroma.com)

“Every element of the club is concentrated, eager to end the season on a high,” assured Massara on Sky Sport Italia.

“There is a big objective potentially up for grabs, we have a tough game this evening, but we hope to put in a solid performance. The team has always shown it is fully concentrated on the field.”

There are four players whose contracts will expire on June 30, namely Stephan El Shaarawy, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik, so will any of them remain at Roma?

“There is an open dialogue with all four players and their agents. We will evaluate if there are the conditions to reach a mutual agreement.”

LECCE, ITALY - JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Stephan El Shaarawy of AS Roma during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The main problem with Roma’s season is they have struggled against the other clubs in the top seven, picking up just six points in those head-to-head clashes.

“It’s true that we didn’t manage to beat the big clubs, other than beating Como, but we always had good performances. Tonight is an opportunity to prove that we have grown, and the fact we are in the running still for the top four despite this statistic means we have done some good things,” replied Massara.

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

This has been a strange few days for Roma, because coach Gasperini was irritated at the public complaints from director Claudio Ranieri, then left his press conference on the verge of tears when talking about his rapport with Atalanta President Antonio Percassi.

It all makes it unlikely that both Gasperini and Ranieri will continue working together next season.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Inter and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Dialogue exists in all clubs and even when there are discussions, those are focused entirely on improving this squad, so we are all focused on that. There is absolutely no problem.”

Massara also spoke to DAZN Italia and gave a further comment on where the Friedkin family stand on this issue.

“The owners speak with action, they are making big investments and developing the club to reach the top level. We are all working to build something big here and it is a privilege to work with these owners.”

"If they do this in public I don't want to know what's going on behind the scenes!" 😬@_poppymiller, Nigel Reo-Coker, @TMeola1 and @IFTVMarco discuss the public fallout between Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/F7tQxWQJtX

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 18, 2026

Palladino expects ‘open and attacking game’ as Atalanta visit Roma

Raffaele Palladino expects ‘an open and attacking game’ between his Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, assuring they ‘welcome pressure, motivation and responsibility.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 18: Lorenzo Bernasconi of Atalanta acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Lorenzo Bernasconi of Atalanta acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

This is an important few days for La Dea, as after this showdown for European places in Serie A, they will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday evening.

The first leg ended 2-2, so it is all to be decided at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.

Palladino hoping for Atalanta birthday gift

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 10: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Today is the birthday of the Atalanta coach, who is hoping for a gift from his former mentor Gian Piero Gasperini.

“We are fully concentrated on tonight’s game, because it is very important and we can blow the race for Europe wide open,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“This journey started with me five months ago, and every time we slip up, people act as if the world is falling down around us, but we do not lose hope. We climbed up the table, this is a big opportunity for us, and we are certainly not thinking about the Coppa Italia this evening.”

Gasperini was with Atalanta for nine years, winning the Europa League, reaching two Coppa Italia Finals, and turning them from relegation strugglers to regulars in the Champions League.

BERGAMO, ITALY - JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“This job is made of pressure, motivation and responsibility. We welcome all of that, because these are the games you want to play, so we have ambition and motivation against a strong team in their own stadium,” continued Palladino.

“It will be an open and attacking game, so whoever wins the most individual duels will then win the game. We prepared well.”

Giacomo Raspadori starts this evening, having turned down a move to Roma in January because he preferred the Atalanta project, while Nikola Krstovic is preferred to Gianluca Scamacca.

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The club deserves credit for building a great squad that has so many quality options, I can choose from at least two in every role, and rotation is natural when I need certain characteristics. I wanted someone to attack the space today, and Gianluca has different characteristics to Krstovic and Raspadori.”

Report: PSG chief holds transfer talks with surprise Arsenal star’s representatives

Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos has reportedly held surprise talks with the representatives of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazil international has been an inconsistent performer for the Gunners, though he showed a lot of potential when he first broke through as a youngster at the Emirates Stadium.

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Still, it’s perhaps a bit of a surprise to see PSG eyeing Martinelli, though that’s what’s being reported by L’Equipe, as cited and translated by Get French Football News.

The report also suggests PSG have held talks over RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who would perhaps make more sense as the Ligue 1 giants’ priority target in that position.

Martinelli could make sense as an alternative for PSG to keep in mind, especially as it may well be that the 24-year-old would perform better in a more attack-minded side, and in a slightly less competitive league.

Should Arsenal sell Gabriel Martinelli?

Arsenal surely need to offload Martinelli this summer if the money is right, as they could do a lot better on that left-hand side of their attack.

With just one Premier League goal all season (though he’s done better in the Champions League, Martinelli really seems to have gone backwards, and it’s meant Mikel Arteta’s side just haven’t looked quite good enough in the final third.

Of course, others have also under-performed, but bringing in a truly elite forward on that side could also help the rest of the attack up its game.

Would PSG really sign Martinelli?

Martinelli seems like a bit of a gamble for PSG, especially as he probably wouldn’t come very cheap.

See below for our Transfer Fit rating for this deal, which we gave a very low 9/25 – find out more about how we score these here

Gabriel Martinelli TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee **
Performance *
Achievements **
Career phase ***
Squad need *

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PSG already have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola as options on that left-hand side, and all look a lot better than Martinelli.

Quite simply, this rumour doesn’t make much sense at all, but it’s coming from a respectable source, so perhaps it’s going to be one to keep an eye on.

Clubs look at a lot of players and will have Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D targets behind their favoured options.

The post Report: PSG chief holds transfer talks with surprise Arsenal star’s representatives appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Final decision tomorrow” – Arsenal star given hope of returning vs Manchester City

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could reportedly have a chance of playing against Manchester City tomorrow as he’s been included in the travelling squad for the game.

The Norway international has been struggling with an injury in the last couple of games, having been taken off in that 1-0 win away to Sporting Lisbon in the recent Champions League quarter-final.

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It seems Odegaard may now have a chance of playing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, though, with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account posting on X that he’s travelling to Manchester.

See below for details as a final decision on Odegaard is expected tomorrow…

? Martin Ødegaard has been included in the travelling Arsenal squad for tomorrow. Final decision tomorrow on his inclusion in the official matchday squad. pic.twitter.com/cum57qCqgU

— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) April 18, 2026

It perhaps sounds like it’s a bit too much of a close call for Odegaard to realistically have a chance of starting the game, but perhaps it points towards the 27-year-old being on the bench.

That would be better than nothing, with Arsenal perhaps able to call on him as a substitute if required in what will likely be a close game in this title race six pointer.

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Arsenal facing injury crisis ahead of Man City trip

Mikel Arteta has already confirmed that Bukayo Saka is definitely out of this game, while there look likely to be other absences.

It looks touch and go for Odegaard, while Arteta also could not confirm if the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, or Noni Madueke could make it back in time.

This has been a common theme for Arsenal all season, with others like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes also missing chunks of the campaign.

City also have injuries, with Ruben Dias out tomorrow while others like Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are also long-term absentees.

The post “Final decision tomorrow” – Arsenal star given hope of returning vs Manchester City appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Tottenham defensive howler gifts Brighton stoppage time equaliser & keeps Spurs in bottom 3

Tottenham were so close to a vital three points against Brighton this afternoon before a late equaliser by Georginio Rutter.

It wasn’t great defending by Spurs as they held onto a 2-1 lead late on, with Kevin Danso losing the ball in his own penalty area, allowing the ball to be squared to Rutter, who made no mistake with a clinical finish.

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It looked like Xavi Simons had won it for Tottenham as he fired in a superb goal late on in the second half, but they couldn’t hold on and are now stuck in the relegation zone, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest above them also still having games in hand.

Watch below for the critical moment as Danso’s mistake was immediately punished…

Georginio Rutter scores in STOPPAGE TIME! ? pic.twitter.com/9ulysSFg3w

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 18, 2026

Perhaps it’s being a bit harsh on Tottenham as it was a good Brighton move and a really well-taken finish, but at such an important stage of the game, and such an important period of the season, they surely needed to do better.

Can Tottenham escape relegation?

Tottenham will have hired new manager Roberto De Zerbi to get them out of trouble, but so far it’s proving a tough job for the Italian tactician.

The north Londoners lost his first game in charge, 1-0 away to Sunderland, and could only manage a point at home to Brighton today.

Tottenham now just have five games left, and there are some tricky-looking fixtures in there…

Tottenham remaining PL games
Wolves (A)
Aston Villa (A)
Leeds (H)
Chelsea (A)
Everton (H)

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How many points do you see Spurs getting from these remaining games? Drop us your predictions in the comments!

The post Video: Tottenham defensive howler gifts Brighton stoppage time equaliser & keeps Spurs in bottom 3 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Bet Builder Tips – 12/1 Champions League Special, Analysis & Predictions

In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the blue half of Manchester this weekend, Man City will welcome Arsenal to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. While Pep Guardiola’s side might still have a real job on their hands in the race to recapture their Premier League crown, all the momentum is certainly […]

The post Manchester City vs Arsenal Bet Builder Tips – 12/1 Champions League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Manchester City vs Arsenal Bet Builder Tips – 12/1 Champions League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

Mets DH Jorge Polanco goes to injured list with right wrist contusion

Amid a nine-game losing streak, the New York Mets have placed designated hitter Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist contusion, the team announced on Saturday.

Polanco, 32, sustained the injury during Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He batted 0-for-4 in the game with two strikeouts.

“It’s a wrist contusion, like a bone bruise,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters before Saturday’s game with the Chicago Cubs.

The Mets don't have a timetable for when Jorge Polanco will return from the 10-day IL pic.twitter.com/Af3qnr5vZQ

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 18, 2026

"When doctors first took a look at him, it looked like he got hit by a pitch when he didn't,” Mendoza continued. “In talking to him, it was just a couple of swings that he took [Tuesday] night… It just got worse the following day.”

Polanco has also been dealing with bursitis in his left Achilles tendon, but that condition was improving, according to Mendoza. That injury has contributed to the veteran’s slow start to the 2026 season after signing a two-year, $40 million deal with the Mets. He’s played in 14 of the team’s 20 games.

In 61 plate appearances, Polanco has a .179/.246/.286 slash line with three doubles, one home run and two RBI. Though it’s early in the season, that production is far below the 26 homers, 30 doubles and 78 RBI he compiled last year for the Seattle Mariners, batting .265/.326/.495 in 524 PAs.

To take Polanco’s spot on the major-league roster, catcher Hayden Senger was called up from Triple-A Syracuse. In 12 games this season, he has five home runs and 11 RBI to go with a .257/.316/.714 slash line. Mendoza told reporters he wanted Senger as another right-handed catcher that can allow him to use Luis Torrens as a pinch-hitter or put Francisco Alvarez at DH.

The Mets have lost nine consecutive games going into Saturday’s matinee, the team’s longest losing streak since 11 straight defeats in 2004. At 7-13, the Mets are currently last in the National League East, 1.5 games behind the fourth-place Philadelphia Phillies.

Driver dies in 7-car crash ahead of Nürburgring race featuring Max Verstappen

NÜRBURG, Germany (AP) — A driver has died following a crash in an endurance sportscar race on Saturday at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was also preparing to race.

Organizers of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers said that Juha Miettinen died after a crash involving seven cars. He was 66.

“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” they said in a statement.

“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”

Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations and that none were in a life-threatening condition.

A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday’s race.

Verstappen is using this weekend’s races as part of his preparations for his first 24-hour sportscar race at the historic circuit on May 16-17.

Running nearly 13 miles (20.8 kilometers) through wooded German hills, with more than 150 corners and barriers often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring is known for high-risk thrills. F1 hasn’t used it since 1976, when then-reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Tottenham 2-2 Brighton: What De Zerbi and Porro said

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to Sky Sports: "I am sorry for the result, for the players, because they are suffering too much. Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn't concede that goal from Rutter."

On whether there were positives for him to take: "I am positive, but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare for the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again."

On what he said to players after the game: "I said to be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them. They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them."

On his first home game as Spurs boss: "I know we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. A very difficult moment. But we are lucky, every one of us, to work in this club with these fans because it was an incredible atmosphere today. You would think we are fighting for the Champions League, not relegation. Until the end, we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet."

On whether he saw positives: "Today I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

On what needs to be worked on still: "We have to improve a lot of things. The crucial part is to keep this mentality and I told the players to come on Monday afternoon with the same behaviour they showed today. I don't want to work with sad people, with negative people. They have to believe in myself. If I am here, it's because I am positive to stay in the Premier League next season."

Tottenham's Pedro Porro, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my teammates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.

"I think the team today was very good. I think first half was very good for us. The team pressed very well. I think the most important thing now is staying positive."

On Kevin Danso's error: "I think Kevin had a great game today. This is the point now, we don't have time for mistakes. This is football, it happens. For me today, Kevin was instrumental on the pitch."

Did you know?

  • Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win each of their last 15 Premier League matches (D6 L9), extending their longest ever winless run in the competition.
  • Roberto De Zerbi has won just one of his last 12 matches in the Premier League (D3 L8), while he has failed to win either of his opening two games in both of his spells in charge of Premier League sides (D1 L1, also with Brighton in October 2022).

'Proper Irish performance' - Ward on Poland win

Carla Ward celebrates win
Ward's side have beaten Poland twice in a week to move into the driving seat to finish third [Getty Images]

Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward said her side produced a "proper Irish performance" as they ground out a crucial 1-0 win over Poland in World Cup qualifying.

Marissa Sheva scored the only goal of the game in the first half at the Aviva Stadium to hand Ward's side a second win in a week over the Poles.

It leaves the Irish in pole position to finish third in Group A2 and, in theory, be rewarded with a friendlier play-off route to next year's tournament in Brazil.

"I'm incredibly proud of this group in this camp. I spoke to them this morning because it's always difficult to play the same opponent twice," she told RTE.

"This group, they are an absolute joy to work with and that was a proper Irish performance.

"The last 20 minutes, we've been conceding opportunities and we wanted to make sure that didn't happen.

"There's so much to come from them and this performance is absolutely huge."

'This group has something special' - O'Sullivan

Denise O'Sullivan celebrates win
O'Sullivan won her 131st cap for Republic of Ireland in their win over Poland in Dublin [Getty Images]

Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan, who went close to a spectacular second in the second half when she rattled the crossbar with a volley, also expressed her pride in a gritty display.

Republic of Ireland kept Barcelona and Poland captain Ewa Pajor quiet again in Dublin and after also running the Netherlands and France close, O'Sullivan believes the Irish are picking up real momentum after a difficult start to Ward's reign.

"We knew Poland would come out with something different and they were a bit more aggressive with their full-backs and were a bit more tight in midfield, their winger came in and marked me but all round, amazing performance," she told RTE.

"If you look, everyone turned up at the Aviva and stuck together. That is what we are about and I think this group has something special.

"We have a lot more to give, this team has really improved. We are improving every camp and we'll look for points against Netherlands and France."

Chelsea vs. Man United score, stats, highlights as Cunha goal seals top four Premier League place for Red Devils

มาเธอุส คุนญา ในสีเสื้อของ แมนเชสเตอร์ ยูไนเต็ด

Chelsea vs. Man United score, stats, highlights as Cunha goal seals top four Premier League place for Red Devils originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

JUMP TO:


Michael Carrick and Manchester United have all but locked up a spot in the Champions League next season as they went to Stamford Bridge and defeated Chelsea 1-0 on a goal from Matheus Cunha right before halftime.

For Chelsea, their chase for a Champions League place is on life support as they suffer their fourth straight league defeat, all without scoring a single goal, remaining four points back of fifth-placed Liverpool who have yet to play this weekend.

The decisive goal came in the 43rd minute as Cunha finished off a long cutback from Bruno Fernandes who logged his 18th assist of the Premier League campaign, putting him two off the league's all-time record.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were on the front foot for most of the game, but lacked venom in front of net. They hit the woodwork three times in the game, but never felt like they forced United goalkeeper Senne Lammens into real action despite out-shooting United 21-4 throughout the match.

The Blues have now gone 386 minutes without scoring a goal in Premier League play, more than six hours of game action. They have also not kept a clean sheet for 11 straight league games, dating all the way back to a 2-0 victory over Brentford in mid-January.

The Sporting News followed the Chelsea vs. Man United match live, providing score updates, commentary, and analysis.

Chelsea vs. Man United final score

Location: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
Referee: Michael Oliver

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

Starting lineups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Sanchez (GK) — 27. Gusto (Acheampong, 81'), 29. Fofana (Chalobah, 81'), 21. Hato, 5. Cucurella — 25. Caicedo, E. Fernandez (Lavia, 88') — 7. Neto, 10. Palmer, 41. Estevao (Garnacho, 16') — 9. Delap.

Man United (4-2-3-1, right to left): 31. Lammens (GK) — 23. Shaw, 26. Heaven, 3. Mazraoui, 2. Dalot — 18. Casemiro, 37. Mainoo — 19. Mbeumo (Zirkzee, 88'), 8. Fernandes, 10. Cunha (Mount, 81') — 30. Sesko.

MORE:An up-to-date list of the Premier League top goal scorers for the 2025/26 season

Chelsea vs. Man United stats

ChelseaStatMan United
21Shots4
3Shots on target1
1.55Expected goals0.29
60%Possession40%
537Accurate passes350
7Corners1
12Fouls13
1Yellow cards3

Chelsea vs. Man United key moments

FULLTIME: Chelsea 0-1 Man United

As the final whistle goes, Man United effectively secure a Champions League spot, while the Blues fall to a fourth straight league defeat!

It was a strong display from the home side in the way of attacking pressure, but they severely lacked finishing product in the absence of injured Joao Pedro.

There are opposite fortunes at the end of this match, with United seeming to lock down a spot in next season's top UEFA competition, while Chelsea are now in a difficult spot, and Liverpool can drop them out of the race with a victory tomorrow at Everton.

67th min: Chance, Chelsea! THE BLUES HIT THE WOODWORK AGAIN! Wesley Fofana is the one who is denied by the crossbar, after great work from Pedro Neto who is having a great game.

56th min: Chance, Chelsea! Liam Delap's header hits the crossbar! Chelsea come so close to breaking their goalless streak, but can't capitalise as they fall short of punishing Man United's momentary lapse!

HALFTIME: Chelsea 0-1 Man United

The halftime break has arrived with United leading by a goal thanks to Cunha's finish from a Fernandes cross.

While the United goal is the headline, Chelsea's inability to capitalise on their 25 minutes of good pressure is also a big storyline today. They have now gone 341 minutes of Premier League football without a goal, which is over 5-1/2 hours of top flight play.

Can Liam Rosenior turn around this scoreline, or will Chelsea fall further back in the race for Champions League places, while Man United all but lock in their spot?

43rd min: GOAL! MAN UNITED! MATHEUS CUNHA STRIKES BEFORE HALFTIME!

Chelsea are reduced to 10 men momentarily as Wesley Fofana picks up an injury and has to come off the pitch, and on the restart, Bruno Fernandes races to the byline out wide and sends a bobbling cross to the penalty spot, and Matheus Cunha finishes the chance beyond a charging Robert Sanchez!

It's extremely poor from Chelsea not to stop that cross, which did not have particularly strong pace or precision yet somehow squirted through the entire Chelsea defensive ssetup.

It's an 18th assist of the season for Fernandes, who is two away from equaling the Premier League record!

Watch Man United goal in USA:

Matheus Cunha with a STRIKE to open the scoring for Man United right before the half. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LwDmOzBvyE

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 18, 2026

38th min: Chance, Chelsea! Liam Delap has put the ball in the net from close range, but the offside flag is up! It's a letoff for Senne Lammens, who made a complete mess of that possession as he parried Enzo Fernandez's slow-roller of a shot which saw Cole Palmer collect the rebound and send it across to Delap free on the doorstep.

Chelsea have continued to have the better attacking play of the first half, routinely getting forward and testing the Man United back line. So far, it has not resulted in anything on the score sheet, however.

13th min: Chelsea have started as by far the better side, but the Blues have a big problem now as Estevao seems to have hurt himself having over-stretched to meet a through-ball and pulling a muscle. Alejandro Garnacho, a former Manchester United player, is warming up on the touchline and may have to come on, which would be a worry for Chelsea because the young Brazilian has been good to start the game.

Indeed, Garnacho will come on to replace the injured winger...once he's finished putting on his boots.

Kickoff: They're under way at Stamford Bridge! One of the most important matches in the race for Champions League qualification in the Premier League standings.

Lineups: The starting XI is in for both sides, and there are already some fascinating twists to this match.

Most notably, Chelsea are without Joao Pedro in the matchday squad, with Ben Jacobs reporting that the Brazilian has a "minor issue with his thigh." Liam Delap starts up front, with Marc Guiu on the bench.

For Man United, who are in the midst of a centre-back injury crisis, Noussair Mazraoui has had to start in the middle of the back line, with no Lenny Yoro in the squad. Kobbie Mainoo passes fit, a bonus to the midfield, while Amad Diallo starts on the bench as Benjamin Sesko gets the nod up front.

Prematch: Chelsea made the switch from Enzo Maresca to Liam Rosenior in early January, believing it was time to bring on the Strasbourg boss they groomed to be Chelsea's long-term boss.

Yet 21 games into his Blues tenure, he has won just 11 games, or 52 percent of his matches, while losing eight ofthem and drawing two. It's a mediocre record at best that has left many Chelsea supporters unconvinced of his credentials to lead the club moving forward.

Can he prove he is the man for the job by beating a team above them in the table while chasing a late-season charge into the Champions League places? They can ill-afford to see the five-point gap widen even further!

Chelsea vs. Man United talking points, analysis

Liam Rosenior hasn't been the savior Chelsea thought he would be

Chelsea haven't kept a Premier League clean sheet in 11 games, and haven't scored in over 6 hours.

That's not exactly the record you want as a head coach. Sure, the Blues dominated the match from a statistical standpoint, but they lacked the quality to put the ball in the back of the net or prevent it from ending up in their own. Chelsea are on a miserable stretch of poor results right now, even if they are able to put together decent performances.

In a results-driven game, Liam Rosenior hasn't been able to put up the scores required to earn Champions League football. After the club surprisingly sacked Enzo Maresca, Rosenior was plucked from Chelsea's pipeline and meant to be an improvement for the long-term. Instead, he's been nothing short of mediocre, even if Chelsea's performances have been better than the results.

The question of Michael Carrick's long-term candidacy for Man United remains open

A few weeks ago, The Sporting News took a look at whether Michael Carrick should be hired as permanent Man United boss after leading the Red Devils to the precipice of Champions League qualification.

Now, after the club effectively locked up a spot in next year's European competition, many of those questions still remain, which is good for Carrick's candidacy.

Under Carrick's watch, so many good things have happened. The defensive shape has improved immensely, and United are hard to break down. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro have both returned to peak form. Benjamin Sesko has found his shooting boots. Matheus Cunha has improved. Ayden Heaven continues to shine despite his young age. And through it all, Bruno Fernandes has continued to play at a world-class, arguably Ballon d'Or level, meaning all the changes Carrick made did not sacrifice Man United's best performer.

There are questions about the sustainability of this level of play, as well as questions about whether all this improvement rests entirely at the feet of Carrick, but as of now, he has continued to lead with effectiveness.

Chelsea vs. Man United reaction

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior on the defeat:

"Tonight was a really difficult result to take. They had one shot on goal and scored. We hit the woodwork four or five times. We can't get into a cycle where we feel sorry for ourselves. We have to turn this around. I saw a team that were dominant from the first minute to the last."

Rosenior on the losing streak:

"Very frustrating. The goal today, they had one shot on target in the game. You can say the same about Newcastle a few weeks ago. We know what needs to improve at this club."

Rosenior on qualifying for the Champions League:

"It gives us a mountain to climb. We have to go into Brighton knowing we need to win the game."

Man United boss Michael Carrick on Kobbie Mainoo's performance:

"I thought that was the best Kobbie's played since I've been here, so many sides to his game, defended well. It's not easy when you have so many players around you. It was a good battle between him and Cole Palmer. He showed good composure."

Carrick on winning this match:

"These are the moments we live for. Supporters feel it, there's a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that. It was an important win in different ways: suspensions, injuries, Leny pulling out quite late, coaches putting together a plan and adapting. We can play better but that's a game for a result."

Chelsea vs. Man United team news

Chelsea team news

MORE:An in-depth rundown of all the latest Chelsea team news and injuries

  • Reece James has returned to training and could make his first appearance back from a hamstring injury, but it feels more likely that he will be back as a substitute off the bench rather than a start. The same is true for Jamie Gittens who has been out for quite some time.
  • Trevoh Chalobah is likely out until the start of May after picking up an ankle injury in the Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, while Enzo Fernandez will return from his disciplinary absence in this game.
  • Levi Colwill appears close to returning from his preseason ACL injury, but there isn't much time left in the season to get him going again.

Man United team news

MORE:An in-depth rundown of all the latest Man United team news and injuries

  • Kobbie Mainoo has picked up a knock in training camp last week and could be a doubt for this match, with Michael Carrick indicating he will be a game-time decision.
  • There is still some time needed for Patrick Dorgu to recover from his hamstring injury, likely not back until the next match against Brentford.
  • Both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspended for this match, with the former hit with an improper conduct charge, while the latter was sent off against Leeds and will serve a three-match ban.

Chelsea, Man United upcoming schedules

Chelsea upcoming fixtures

DateCompetitionMatchLocation
Tue, Apr. 21Premier LeagueBrighton vs. ChelseaAmex Stadium (Brighton, England)
Sun, Apr. 26FA CupChelsea vs. LeedsStamford Bridge (London, England)
Mon, May 4Premier LeagueChelsea vs. Nottingham ForestStamford Bridge (London, England)

Man United upcoming fixtures

DateCompetitionMatchLocation
Mon, Apr. 27Premier LeagueMan United vs. BrentfordOld Trafford (Manchester, England)
Sun, May 3Premier LeagueMan United vs. LiverpoolOld Trafford (Manchester, England)
Sat, May 9Premier LeagueSunderland vs. Man UnitedStadium of Light (Sunderland, England)

Should Rams trade a guard before the draft?

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Matthew Stafford #9 , Kevin Dotson #69 and Steve Avila #73 of the Los Angeles Rams take the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Going into the week of the 2026 NFL Draft, a lot of good teams have a bad need at guard, which is why so many of them could be drafting offensive line help on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, one of several problems with drafting a guard to start in 2026 is that many of these prospects are not even guards yet.

Some of the top prospects, like Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor for example, will need to be moved and taught and start their careers all over again, in a way.

Conversely, the Rams are in the rare position of not only having two starting guards that they like but also in the difficult position of deciding whether or not they can pay both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson before they become free agents in 2027. This is why L.A. could consider a guard like Vega Ioane with the 13th overall pick, if not trading down or trading up from the second round to secure a different interior offensive lineman like Chase Bisontis or Keylan Rutledge.

Their situation at guard, combined with the weakness of other teams, begs for us to ask the question:

Could the Rams just not reset the clock at guard now by trading either Avila or Dotson for picks that help Les Snead secure his replacement now, not later? If the Rams do not intend to extend both guards, maybe they should trade one.

How good of a haul could they get now?

Teams that need guards in 2026

Guard is cited as the biggest need for the Ravens by many, including USA Today:

The free agent loss of center Tyler Linderbaum has a ripple effect across Baltimore’s offensive line, especially in the interior. The Ravens signed veteran center Danny Pinter and guard John Simpson in free agency. However, work still needs to be done to solidify the interior of their offensive line. Cornerback depth is another area the Ravens could look to address after they finished at the bottom of the AFC in pass defense.

The most common mock draft pick in the universe, besides Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders, is Ioane to the Ravens at pick 14.

But what if instead Baltimore took a different player who they need—like say a wide receiver or Kenyon Sadiq—and traded a day two pick for Steve Avila?

The Ravens hold picks 45 and 80 on day two. It is out of line to suggest trading Avila for pick 80 or maybe L.A. could swap pick 61 for pick 45 and Baltimore throws in a fourth round pick? Then maybe the Rams could get Rutledge in round 2.

USA Today also mentioned the Chargers:

The Chargers had the worst offensive line in football last year by multiple metrics. As a result, LA’s set to have three new starters along the interior of its O-line. New additions Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange are penciled in at center and right guard, respectively. There’s a vacancy at left guard that could be filled in the draft.

The L.A. Chargers hold pick 55 and 86. Would you trade Avila or Dotson for picks 86 and 123?

The Rams save cap space and in the same move reload the middle of their draft class. If the Rams drafted Vega in the first round, they could have an immediate upgrade at the position and get younger/cheaper.

ESPN cited the Giants as having a hole at right guard;

The remaining glaring need on offense is at right guard, where Daniel Faalele was just signed as another John Harbaugh follower — but ask Ravens fans how it feels to have Faalele start 17 games. The Giants have fine-to-strong starters at all other positions along the line and shouldn’t faff around with the fifth pick here accordingly. They draft too early in the first round, but No. 37 is a great spot for guards in this draft, including Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M).

It looks like everyone expects the Giants to be active during the draft. The problem is that the Giants don’t have a third round pick.

I’m not sure how much they would value Kevin Dotson, but a guy like John Harbaugh does know the value of a great offensive line and New York is desperate to get better in a hurry around quarterback Jaxson Dart. Is Dotson a better move for the Giants than Bisontis, Proctor, Rutledge, or Emmanuel Pregnon? The Giants supposedly want to draft Jeremiyah Love, what’s it worth to them to have an offensive line for Love?

Would they overpay for that offensive line help?

Surprisingly, ESPN also listed the Eagles as already having a need for an interior line help again despite so much investment in recent years:

The driving force behind the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win was their offensive line, and that unit is suddenly in jeopardy. Left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens are both returning from injury-hampered seasons; right guard Tyler Steen is in a contract year; right tackle Lane Johnson is coming off an ankle injury and was reportedly mulling retirement. The Eagles need to invest in multiple offensive linemen to start in 2027 or earlier.

Imagine if some of these great offensive lines had traded any of their offensive linemen before their value hit the tank!

Could be so crazy that it’s genius.

The Eagles have two third round picks at 68 (from the Jets) and 98 (comp pick) so maybe 68 for Avila is a fair price. It would allow the Rams to have a lot more flexibility on day two.

And the Eagles aren’t the only team that once had a great offensive line but now needs a guard. Put the Lions on the list too:

Then the Lions still need to use another pick on the interior offensive line. Christian Mahogany is not a guaranteed starter at left guard and has missed time in both of his pro seasons. Cade Mays was a solid bargain signing in free agency but was a backup for most of his career in Carolina; the Panthers released him in 2024. Neither has a stranglehold on his position, and the Lions should hedge their bets with a middle-rounds pick accordingly.

Not only that, but we know how good the relationship is between Snead and Lions general manager Brad Holmes. Does Holmes want to make another trade with his old team?

Unfortunately, the Lions don’t have a lot of day 2 draft capital. I doubt they’d trade pick 50 for a guard who will be a free agent next year, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Let’s not forget that the Lions expectations for next season are sky high and they can’t afford to miss the playoffs again. They can’t just hope that their rookies are ready to play at a high level.

ESPN also mentioned the Jets:

I think receivers are always easier to find in the middle rounds than other positions, so the Jets should look hard at guard (if Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane makes it to them) or corner (neither Brandon Stephens nor Nahshon Wright have locked up starting roles).

The Jets hold three of the first 33 and four of the first 44 picks. Maybe they’d be open to trading back from 44 to acquire Avila, a versatile option for new offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

And ESPN called out the Browns:

I’d also like to see a contender at right guard over Teven Jenkins, for which No. 39 might be the call. That’s the range for Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M) and Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech).

Finally, the Browns must also continue to rebuild a once-great offensive line. Is pick 70 in the third round a worthy price to pay for Avila? Cleveland head coach Todd Monken needs to get his offense in order immediately and hope to give the quarterback, whoever that is, a chance to drop back and pass next year.

Or the running backs a chance to run.

Should the Rams trade a guard?

I believe so.

Strike while the iron is such a red hot need for so many teams. I didn’t mention the 49ers or Cardinals but they also have a great need at guard. The Cardinals might even be willing to deal in the division because Mike LaFleur is the new head coach so he’s familiar with the game of these two guards.

Will any trade happen? Almost certainly not.

But as the Rams plan for the now and the future, there’s a fighting chance that not only could they avoid losing a guard next offseason, they could draft his replacement now with the pick they get in return. If the Rams take Vega, then a trade is almost certainly on the table in the hours following.

And Vega’s a really good guard prospect who could be better than Avila immediately … or at least younger than Dotson if that’s what happens.

I would make a trade if I could. But the Rams may not find it so easy.

Out of step: How Roland Garros’ reluctance could leave it behind

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

French Open chief accuses players of ‘refusing’ to help the tournament improve

The French Open is now only a month away, and while it might be hard to top last year’s excitement, there’s still plenty to look forward to.

Many fans will remember what a thrilling final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard saved three match points before fighting back to win in five sets, giving him his fifth Grand Slam title.

The 2025 women’s final was just as exciting, with Coco Gauff coming from behind to beat Aryna Sabalenka, winning her second major at just 21 years old.

Trying to match the quality of those finals will be tough this year. Even so, the tournament can still improve in other areas – though not everyone seems on board with how things are going.

Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Amelie Mauresmo raises concerns over Roland Garros direction

Amelie Mauresmo has shared her opinion on why she believes the future of Roland Garros should lean more towards tradition than innovation. The 2026 season began with a unique new concept at the Australian Open called The One Point Slam.

The event, held at Rod Laver Arena just before the main draw, featured both pros and amateurs competing in a knockout tournament where each match was decided by a single point. The winner walked away with A$1 million.

What started out as something that looked like a gimmick turned into an interesting event, with Sydney amateur Jordan Smith defeating Sinner and Amanda Anisimova on his way to winning the title and the prize money.

The idea seemed to click with fans on social media, generating plenty of buzz. When asked whether Roland Garros would consider adopting a similar event, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo was quick to rule it out.

“I believe our DNA, our ambitions are not necessarily to follow what others are doing, for one thing,” she said. “It’s also not about chasing buzz at all costs. We’re more about authenticity; we’re rooted in our traditions.”

Mauresmo’s comments split opinion in tennis circles. Some praised her commitment to maintaining tradition, while others pointed out that this mindset is exactly what has been holding tennis back from evolving.

Tennis hasn’t always been quick to embrace new ideas compared to other sports. Innovations like the Laver Cup or now the One Point Slam often meet resistance from those worried about changing what they see as sacred traditions.

Although Grand Slams have introduced changes such as electronic line calling and courtside coaching pods in recent years, critics argue that these steps aren’t enough.

While Roland Garros isn’t under any pressure to replicate the One Point Slam immediately, dismissing it entirely as simply chasing hype may be too shortsighted for some people who want more innovation in tennis.

Read more:

Kobe Franklin's first career goal helps Toronto pull out 3-3 draw with Austin

TORONTO (AP) — Defender Kobe Franklin scored his first career goal in the 88th minute to rally Toronto FC to a 3-3 draw with Austin FC on Saturday.

Toronto (3-2-3) upped its unbeaten run to six on the season and 12 at home dating to last year. The club is 2-0-3 in five home matches and 4-0-8 during the streak.

Defender Jon Bell used a nifty spin move in front of the net to score unassisted in traffic in the 29th minute and give Austin a 1-0 lead. Two of Bell's five career goals have come this year in his first season with Austin (1-3-4).

Dániel Sallói continued his hot start in his first season with Toronto, scoring off a deflection in the 52nd minute to tie it 1-1. Sallói has three goals this season after totaling 54 in nine campaigns with Sporting Kansas City.

Defender Richie Laryea gave Toronto a 2-1 lead with an unassisted goal in the 67th minute. His first netter of the season was his 14th in 165 career appearances.

Facundo Torres used assists from Robert Taylor and Myrto Uzuni to score the equalizer in the 78th minute and Christian Ramírez found the net four minutes later to give Austin a 3-2 lead.

Torres scored his first goal in his first season with Austin after notching 37 in 95 appearances with Orlando City. Ramírez has two goals in his first season with the club, giving him 57 in 192 career matches.

Franklin pulled Toronto even in the 88th minute, redirecting a ricochet off the right post in his 69th appearance.

Luka Gavran totaled three saves for Toronto in his eighth start this season and the 24th of his career.

Brad Stuver saved eight shots for Austin, including six in the first half.

Up next

Austin: Visits the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday.

Toronto: Hosts the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.

___

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

Lightning must go through franchise great Martin St. Louis and the Canadiens in opening round

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning have to beat one of the franchise’s greatest players to get where they want to go.

Hall of Fame forward Martin St. Louis, whose No. 26 hangs in the rafters at Benchmark International Arena, leads the Montreal Canadiens against the Lightning in a first-round series that begins Sunday.

St. Louis took over as Montreal’s head coach in 2022 so he’s returned to Tampa Bay already as a visitor. But there’s more at stake now.

The Canadiens are seeking their first Stanley Cup since 1993 and haven’t won a playoff series since the Lightning beat them in the Cup Final in 2021.

Tampa Bay has been eliminated in the first round three consecutive seasons since falling two wins shy of a three-peat.

“I was fortunate enough to coach Marty not for a long time but I know his hockey sense, his hockey mind, his acumen,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “He knows the game. He knows exactly and he sees it in advance. That’s probably why somebody of his size was in the league so long because he’s super competitive, super talented, but he had a drive about him and he’s got the same thing in coaching. ... He’s a sponge so am I surprised at his success? Not an ounce because Marty is gonna be successful in anything he does.

“If you’re comparing myself to Marty, I’m not a Hall of Famer. He’s in the Hall of Fame. I’m not. So, I’d never put us on the same level.”

St. Louis played 13 seasons for the Lightning and led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup title in 2004 when he won the Hart Trophy. He was the first player to have his number retired by the organization in 2017.

“I’m so far removed from that,” St. Louis said of his time in Tampa Bay. “It’s my fourth year now, gone to the building plenty of times. I think the first time I went, yeah, it was a little weird. I don’t have any emotion attached to the Lightning right now. Zero.”

Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points. The Lightning earned the home-ice advantage in the series with 50 wins to Montreal’s 48.

The Canadiens won two of the four regular-season meetings in regulation, including the last two by a combined score of 6-1.

Not ready for Cancun

The playoff-tested Lightning are tired of early summer vacations. Championships are the standard in Tampa Bay and the Lightning haven’t come close three straight years.

They are tied with Colorado for longest current playoff streak in the NHL at nine seasons but all that matters is finishing it off.

“Long summers aren’t that fun,” left wing Brandon Hagel said. “Everyone wants to play. Everyone dreams of this moment. We have a good team that we’re up against and it’s going to be a good test for us.”

Offensive power

Forward Nikita Kucherov led Tampa Bay with 130 points (44 goals, 86 assists), finishing second to Connor McDavid for most in the NHL this season and the second-highest point total in his 12-year career.

Forward Jake Guentzel had 88 points (38 goals, 50 assists) for the Lightning and Hagel added 74 points (36 goals, 38 assists). Defenseman Darren Raddysh had a career-high 70 points (22 goals, 48 assists).

Center Nick Suzuki led Montreal with a career-high 101 points (29 goals, 72 assists), becoming only the fifth player in franchise history to reach 100 points in a season.

Forward Cole Caufield led the team with a career-best 51 goals, finishing behind Nathan MacKinnon’s 53 for most in the NHL. Defenseman Lane Hutson had 78 points (12 goals, 66 assists), and left wing Juraj Slafkovsky finished with 73 (30 goals, 43 assists).

Between the pipes

Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who won the Vezina Trophy in 2018-19 and finished in the top three four other times, is 39-15-4 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.

Vasilevskiy was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner when the Lightning won their third Stanley Cup and second of back-to-back titles in 2020-21.

Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes was 29-10-4 in his first full season with 2.78 GAA and .901 save percentage. Dobes was 1-2 in three playoff games last year when Montreal lost to Washington in five games in the first round.

Captain comeback

Lightning captain Victor Hedman has rejoined the team following a leave of absence since March. Hedman isn’t available for the start of the playoffs and it’s unknown when he’ll return to the ice.

For now, the Lightning will have their captain in the locker room and with the team.

Hedman was limited to just 33 games because of injuries, including elbow surgery, before taking a leave for personal reasons.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Patriots Predicted To Draft Big 12 Tackle To Possibly Replace Morgan Moses

Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor

Patriots Predicted To Draft Big 12 Tackle To Possibly Replace Morgan Moses originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The first round of the NFL draft is on Thursday, and the Patriots may consider a variety of areas to address with the 31st overall pick.

New England needs to assess whether it wants to add a first-round player who can help it win this season, such as a pass rusher or receiver, or prefers to draft a player who can sit out the season, like an offensive tackle.

CBS Sports' Carter Bahns published a mock draft on Saturday in which he had the Patriots select Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor with the 31st pick.

"Drafting a first-round tackle for the second consecutive year gives the Patriots some Will Campbell insurance and a potential successor to 35-year-old Morgan Moses," Bahns wrote.

"The former is an obvious question mark after he struggled mightily at times as a rookie, and the latter is likely to be out the door when his contract expires at the end of the 2027 season. It would not be surprising to see the reigning AFC champions take an edge rusher here, either, but we'll go with Max Iheanachor."

If the Patriots do add Iheanachor, he likely won’t play this season while sitting behind Moses. However, he could emerge as the starting right tackle by 2027, and New England could end up with two young tackles in Campbell and Iheanachor for the future.

More NFL: Patriots Predicted To Reach For SEC Standout On Night One Of NFL Draft

England midfielder is coming to Liverpool in club record deal

England midfielder is coming to Liverpool in club record deal
England midfielder is coming to Liverpool in club record deal

Liverpool’s season is fizzling out.

Much was expected from the 2025/26 campaign - especially after winning the Premier League title last season. But the Reds haven’t been good enough - slumping to embarrassing exits from the Champions League as well as the two domestic cup competitions.

The Anfield side are struggling to re-qualify for the Champions League via their league position and need to be fully focused for the rest of their top-flight campaign.

Then it will be time to consider a shakeup of the squad - with several players reportedly at risk of being sold. Two midfielders - Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister - could be making way as Richard Hughes and Arne Slot plan upgrades.

And now one name is emerging above all others for a summer arrival.

Liverpool identify Adam Wharton as ideal arrival

Adam Wharton, 22, has been at Crystal Palace since February 2024. He forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans for England’s Euro 2024 campaign and has gone from strength to strength for the Selhurst Park side.

Wharton - a former Blackburn Rovers player - is understood to be willing to move back to the North West according to a report in TEAMtalk. The same report also claims that Liverpool have carried out significant background checks on the midfielder.

And now it looks like Wharton fits the bill to lead a midfield summer rebuild - with Palace holding out for a club record fee for the Three Lions’ international.

£70m Wharton ticks all Liverpool's boxes

A fee of £70m would eclipse what Arsenal paid for Eberechi Eze last summer - a necessary requirement with midfield in need of major investment at Anfield.

“The club’s recruitment team view Wharton as a player capable of dictating tempo, progressing play under pressure and anchoring their midfield for years to come,” the report reads.

£450m worth of spending hasn’t paid off this season at Anfield - with the champions regressing significantly.

Some of the blame can be apportioned to an underperforming midfield sector - but it looks like the first steps are being taken to fix those problems with the recruitment of Adam Wharton.

Barcelona draw up 4-man Marcus Rashford replacement shortlist

Barcelona draw up 4-man Marcus Rashford replacement shortlist
Barcelona draw up 4-man Marcus Rashford replacement shortlist

La Liga giants Barcelona are considering a quarter of players as potential replacements for Marcus Rashford in the club’s first-team ranks next season.

This comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Englishman’s long-term future in Catalunya’s capital.

Frontman Rashford has of course spent the season to date plying his trade on loan with Hansi Flick’s squad.

And though the overall level of his performances have at times been questioned, the 28-year-old’s numbers, in a rotational role, have been more than solid.

All told, Rashford has racked up 25 direct goal contributions across 43 appearances.

Such production, though, has not yet proven sufficient to guarantee the Manchester United man’s continuity for next season.

Whilst the Camp Nou brass have not yet ruled out making a permanent move for Rashford, they are also considering a number of alternative options.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, this shortlist of winger targets includes all of the following:

Jan Virgili (Mallorca), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), and Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica).

In the case of the latter, Deco and co. have already gone as far as to make contact over the terms of a potential deal.

Conor Laird – GSFN

Sixers coach Nick Nurse talks game planning for Celtics' Jayson Tatum

CAMDEN, N.J. -- As the Philadelphia 76ers head into the playoffs against the Boston Celtics, they will need to account for a number of different aspects in this series. Boston is a dangerous team that can get hot in a hurry and can hit teams with an avalanche on the offensive end of the floor.

One of those aspects for the Sixers is Celtics star Jayson Tatum who was unavailable for the four matchups between the teams in the regular season as he was recovering from his torn Achilles in the 2025 playoffs. The superstar forward has made a remarkable recovery and has looked good in the 16 games he played in his return, averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

For Sixers coach Nick Nurse, prepping for Tatum is nothing new. He has, obviously, seen him plenty of times. He and his staff just need to get it right.

"I mean, listen, we've certainly played against him a lot in the past, and he's a great player, right?" Nurse said at practice on Friday. "I mean, you've had to work really hard to scheme for him. I mean, just again, the things that he can do, especially with the perimeter shooting he brings from range, and just, I think, the footwork, the skill work, the hits and turnarounds, and there's a lot to guard there. So again, we've been through it a lot with them."

Tatum can do it all on the floor. Although his efficiency hasn't been great since he's returned--41.1% from the floor and 32.9% from deep which are both below his career norms--he is still a handful. There will be a lot that Nurse and the staff will have to game plan for ahead of Game 1 on Sunday afternoon.

"We've dug pretty deeply on this, on him, and feel like we got a good game plan going in," Nurse added. "We'll see. I think you think here's what you're going to do, and here's your matchups, and then you kind of got to see as the game unfolds for us, for sure, and then as the series unfolds, what may or may not be the case."

It also helps Nurse that he will have Paul George ready to go for this contest. The 9-time All-Star was unable to play in any of the four matchups for Philadelphia and he will play a big role against both Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the perimeter.

"Well, I think first of all, certainly you got their two great wing players in Tatum and Brown," Nurse said on George. "I think first, that's where it probably starts, is him being able to help us defensively on those two guys."

Game 1 is set for 1 p.m. EDT from TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers coach Nick Nurse talks game planning for Celtics' Jayson Tatum

Buffalo Sabres coach fires back after Bruins’ ‘bigger, stronger’ claim

Tension is building ahead of the NHL playoff clash between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins after comments from Bruins coach Marco Sturm.

Sturm claimed his team is “bigger, stronger, and more physical,” adding they plan to go after Buffalo in the series.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has now responded calmly to that message. He said Sturm’s comments reflect Boston’s identity, but Buffalo remains confident in its own style.

“You know, that’s his take on his team,” Ruff said. “I have a lot of respect for what our team has done and how we play, and the speed we play the game, and they’ve got a good team. They know who they are, and we know who we are.”

MORE: Buffalo Sabres’ turnaround ends NHL’s longest playoff drought

Players inside the Sabres locker room echoed that mindset. Forward Alex Tuch said physicality matters in the playoffs but insisted Buffalo will stay focused on its own game.

“Yeah, I mean, that’s his analysis of it,” Tuch said. “When it comes to playoffs, everyone’s gotta play big and strong to be able to win. So I think we have a lot of guys in here that are gonna up the physicality and, yeah, we’re just focused on us and trying to play our game, and not listen to any outside noise.”

Rookie Josh Doan also downplayed the remarks, admitting they are everywhere, but said the group trusts its system.

“Yeah, I think it’s, obviously, we’ve all seen it,” Doan said. “It is everywhere right now, but at the end of the day, I think our group trusts what we’re doing here, and we’ll just let that play out throughout the series, and we’re gonna stick to our game plan.

“So it’s one of those things that you see, but at the end of the day, there’s no real response from us in this room.”

Buffalo Sabres’ performance against the Bruins

The Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres players get into a scrum at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Buffalo enters the playoffs in strong form after finishing first in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres posted a 50-23-9 record and carried momentum into the postseason. Their balanced attack, led by Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, has been crucial to their rise.

The Bruins, however, hold an edge from the regular-season series. Boston won three of four matchups, many decided by narrow margins. That history adds an interesting backdrop to an already intense rivalry.

Game 1 is set for April 19 in Buffalo. With contrasting styles and rising tension, this series promises a hard-fought battle from the opening puck drop.

Detroit Pistons 'locked in and focused' entering playoff series vs. Magic

Detroit — The Detroit Pistons' playoff experience this season is a complete turnaround from last year's. As the No. 6 seed, they entered the playoffs knowing exactly who they were up against — the No. 3-seeded New York Knicks. It enabled coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his players to begin their postseason practice by focusing on one team's strengths and playing style.

One year later, the Pistons secured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs after concluding the regular season with a 60-22 record. They held their first of four postseason practices at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center on Wednesday. Bickerstaff shared that he used each practice day to address some of the team’s mistakes observed during the final 15 games of the regular season.

After each staff member and player left the practice facility, however, their playoff preparation continued. They took advantage of the extra time to study every Eastern Conference team in the NBA's Play-In Tournament, knowing that one would be their first-round opponent on Sunday.

"Typically, you will take these five or six days to focus and hone in on one opponent, and that made preparation different," Bickerstaff said. "(This year), it is a little bit different, but it gives us a lot of time to work on what we do. We believe that if we do what we need to do at the highest level, we will have the opportunity for the right outcome. We are trying to take advantage of this time the best way that we can."

More: Detroit Pistons' playoffs X-factor Daniss Jenkins 'grateful' ahead of postseason debut

On Saturday morning, however, the Pistons finally had the opportunity to walk into their practice facility knowing their opponent. They will face the No. 8-seeded Orlando Magic in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The seven-game series begins on Sunday, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

"This series is going to come down to a war of nutrition. Which team is mentally tough enough to do what is needed for 48 minutes and possibly seven times in a row," Bickerstaff said. "It's their ability to attack the painted area and their ability to get to the free-throw line. The individual guys they have who can create offense. The physicality that they play with on the defensive end of the floor. All of the things we have to be prepared for."

Paolo Banchero scored 25 points as the Magic clinched the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference with a 121-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets during the last game of the NBA Play-In Tournament Friday night.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half.

The Magic's effort against the Hornets showcased their potential threat as a lower seed. Their grit and physical style of play led Orlando to beat Charlotte in nearly every statistical category, which also showcased how the Magic split their four-game regular-season series with the Pistons 2-2.

"We are locked in and focused. We know what we have to do and are ready for the challenge," Tobias Harris said. "We have to stick to our focus. Lock up on the defensive end. Stay assertive and aggressive, not changing the way that we play. On the offensive end, take what the game is giving us."

Orlando's most recent victory over the Pistons came on April 6, with a 123-107 victory at Kia Center. Although the Pistons were short-handed, the game provided Bickerstaff with insights into areas for improvement as they head into the playoffs.

Being more disciplined on the defensive end was one of Bickerstaff's biggest takeaways against a team that led the league in free-throw shooting with an average of 27.5.

"Avoid the silly ones (fouls) if we are playing our style of basketball. We are putting our chest on people. We are using our bodies. The fouls that get you are the ones that you start using with your hands, but we cannot change who we are," Bickerstaff said. "In that fourth quarter, you could see some things that we were capable of to get us back into the game, when we cut the lead down to four. We studied that game and have paid attention to all the details."

The Magic had to play two competitive games to secure their postseason position. Orlando will enter Detroit already in playoff mode, but the same applies to the Pistons.

While waiting for their first-round opponent, the Pistons had competitive, intense practices, some of which required them to ease off the gas to avoid hurting teammates. The Pistons spent the last five days eager to join the postseason excitement and are now looking to secure their first home playoff victory since 2008, which also coincides with the franchise's last playoff series win.

"We were in here playing hard against each other more than anyone else would assume, but we are locked in on what we want to accomplish," Harris said. "We are ready to go. Ready to play. Ready to hoop. We are excited to get these playoffs started."

Magic at Pistons Game 1

▶ Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

▶ TV/radio: NBC/Peacock

▶ Outlook: The Pistons are set to open Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Magic on Sunday. Paolo Banchero has proven to be a challenging matchup for the Pistons, averaging 22.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 12 career games against Detroit. While appearing in three of four games against the Pistons this season, he averaged 26.3 points on 52.4% shooting from the field, to go along with 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

coty.davis@detroitnews.com

@cotydavis_24

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons 'locked in and focused' entering playoffs series vs. Magic

NHL games on TV today: Full schedule, times, TV channels, live streams to watch 2026 hockey playoffs

NHL games on TV today

NHL games on TV today: Full schedule, times, TV channels, live streams to watch 2026 hockey playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The two-month journey to a Stanley Cup has begun, with the NHL's best teams trying to work their way through the brackets to the best trophy in sports. 

Only one thing is certain about what's to come in the postseason: The league will have a new champion in 2026.  The Florida Panthers missed the playoffs after lifting the Cup the last two years and making the Final the year before that, guaranteeing a changing of the guard this June. 

The Avalanche were the class of the league during the regular season, taking the Presidents' Trophy by eight points over the Hurricanes, and have to be considered the favorites. Contenders abound, though, from the 'Canes to the Stars to the Sabres, back in the playoffs after a 14-year absence. 

However it shakes out, there will be playoff hockey to watch daily for weeks to come, and it doesn't get much better than that.

Here's everything you need to know about when and where to watch today's games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

NHL games on TV today

Saturday, April 18

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Hurricanes vs. Senators Game 13 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV,fubo, ESPN app
Stars vs. Wild Game 15:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 18 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

See the upcoming daily schedule below. 

Where to watch NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2026

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be broadcast across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with six different channels being destinations for games. The Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively on ABC.

Fans can live stream every game from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on DIRECTV. Games appearing on ESPN networks, including ABC, can also be streamed live on fubo and the ESPN app.

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

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

NHL Playoffs daily schedule 2026

Sunday, April 19

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Avalanche vs. Kings Game 13 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 15:45 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Sabres vs. Bruins Game 17:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 110 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

Monday, April 20

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 27 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Hurricanes vs. Senators Game 27:30 p.m.ESPN2, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Stars vs. Wild Game 29:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Oilers vs. Ducks Game 110 p.m.ESPN2, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

Tuesday, April 21

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 27 p.m.ESPN2, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Sabres vs. Bruins Game 27:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 29:30 p.m.ESPN2, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Avalanche vs. Kings Game 210 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

Wednesday, April 22

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Flyers vs. Penguins Game 37 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Wild vs. Stars Game 39:30 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Oilers vs. Ducks Game 210 p.m.TBS, DIRECTV

Thursday, April 23

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 37 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 37:30 p.m.TBS, DIRECTV
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 310 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV

Friday, April 24

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Canadiens vs. Lightning Game 37 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 39:30 p.m.TBS, DIRECTV
Ducks vs. Oilers Game 310 p.m.TNT, truTV

Saturday, April 25

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 43 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTV
Wild vs. Stars Game 45:30 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTV
Flyers vs. Penguins Game 48 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTV

Sunday, April 26

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 42 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 44:30 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTV
Canadiens vs. Lightning Game 47 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
Ducks vs. Oilers Game 49:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

Monday, April 27

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Hurricanes vs. Senators Game 5*TBDTBD
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 5*TBDTBD
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 4TBDESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app

* If necessary

Tuesday, April 28

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Sabres vs. Bruins Game 5*TBDTBD
Stars vs. Wild Game 5*TBDTBD
Oilers vs. Ducks Game 5*TBDTBD

* If necessary

Wednesday, April 29

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 5*TBDTBD
Flyers vs. Penguins Game 6*TBDTBD
Avalanche vs. Kings Game 5*TBDTBD
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 5*TBDTBD

* If necessary

Thursday, April 30

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 6*TBDTBD
Wild vs. Stars Game 6*TBDTBD
Ducks vs. Oilers Game 6*TBDTBD

* If necessary

Friday, May 1

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 6*TBDTBD
Canadiens vs. Lightning Game 6*TBDTBD
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 6*TBDTBD
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 6*TBDTBD

* If necessary

Saturday, May 2

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Hurricanes vs. Senators Game 7*TBDTBD
Penguins vs. Flyers Game 7*TBDTBD
Stars vs. Wild Game 7*TBDTBD
Oilers vs. Ducks Game 7*TBDTBD

* If necessary

Sunday, May 3

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Sabres vs. Bruins Game 7*TBDTBD
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 7*TBDTBD
Avalanche vs. Kings Game 7*TBDTBD
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 7*TBDTBD

* If necessary

NHL playoffs bracket 2026

Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.

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UFC Winnipeg live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage

UFC Fight Night 273 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT).

UFC Fight Night 273 takes place at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The entire event streams on Paramount+.

In the headliner, former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) takes on rising Canadian standout Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC). In addition, Canada's Charles Jourdain (17-8-1 MMA, 8-7-1 UFC) takes on Kyler Phillips (12-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in the bantamweight co-feature.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET for the prelims and 8 p.m. ET for the main card, all on the UFC’s new Paramount+ streaming platform. 

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC Winnipeg lineup

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott
  • Charles Jourdain vs. Kyler Phillips
  • Jai Herbert vs. Mandel Nallo
  • Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva
  • Thiago Moises vs. Gauge Young

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)

  • Marcio Barbosa vs. Dennis Buzukja
  • Julien Leblanc vs. Robert Valentin
  • Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam
  • Melissa Croden vs. Daria Zhelezniakova
  • JJ Aldrich vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth
  • John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin
  • Jamie Siraj vs. John Yannis

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott live updates, results of every fight

Draymond Green gets brutally honest regarding retirement, future with Warriors

Draymond Green recalls the 'magic' of Magic Johnson

Draymond Green gets brutally honest regarding retirement, future with Warriors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green discussed his future following Golden State's 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament.

With the loss, the Warriors were eliminated from postseason contention for the second time in three years. 

Draymond Green is not ready to retire, hopes to continue career with Warriors

Green doesn't know exactly what the future will hold for him, but he made one thing abundantly clear: He's not ready to retire. 

"I'm not retiring from basketball," Green said. "I still love to play. I think I'm still pretty decent." 

Green also made it clear that he would love to continue his career with the Warriors in Golden State and expressed hope that he still brings enough to the table for the organization to want to keep him around. 

"I hope I've done enough to still be here. Because at the end of the day, if I ain't done enough, I don't want to be here," Green said.

"I don't ever want [the Warriors] to just keep me around because of what I've done before. ... Any by the way, that's not just playing, right? That's leadership, that's helping bring the young guys along, that's helping to move the organization forward. So, hopefully I've done enough to still be here. But if not, we'll see what it looks like. It's been a hell of a run." 

This story will be updated. 

More NBA news

PREVIEW | Crystal Palace vs West Ham: team news, lineups, predictions (Premier League 20/04)

PREVIEW | Crystal Palace vs West Ham: team news, lineups, predictions (Premier League 20/04)
PREVIEW | Crystal Palace vs West Ham: team news, lineups, predictions (Premier League 20/04)

Crystal Palace and West Ham go head-to-head at Selhurst Park this Monday in the Premier League. The match will be broadcast live at 20:00 on Sky Sports Main Event.

Crystal Palace currently have 42 points and lie in 13th position. In their last game, Oliver Glasner's team lost 2-1 against Fiorentina (UEFA Conference League 2025/26).

West Ham have picked up 32 points and currently lie in 17th position. In their last game, Nuno Espírito Santo's team won 4-0 against Wolverhampton (Premier League 2025/26).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Crystal Palace winning 2-1.

Unavailable

Crystal Palace

  • Eddie Nketiah - Injury

West Ham

  • Lukasz Fabianski - Back Injury

Last starting XIs

Crystal Palace ( vs Fiorentina 2026-04-16): Dean Henderson, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot, Daniel Muñoz, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Yéremy Pino

West Ham ( vs Wolverhampton 2026-04-10): Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters, Kostas Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, El Hadji Diouf, Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen, Tomás Soucek, Crys Summerville, Pablo Felipe, Taty Castellanos

Did you know...by playmaker stats

MANAGERS

  • Oliver Glasner has faced Nuno Espírito Santo on four occasions, recording three draws and one defeat.
  • Nuno Espírito Santo has faced Crystal Palace on 12 occasions, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats.
  • Oliver Glasner has faced West Ham on six occasions, recording five wins and one defeat.

TEAMS

  • West Ham currently have one defeat in their last six matches.
  • West Ham are coming off two consecutive matches unbeaten.
  • At home, Crystal Palace currently have one defeat in their last seven matches.
  • At home, Crystal Palace are coming off six consecutive matches unbeaten.
  • At home, Crystal Palace are coming off two consecutive wins.
  • Crystal Palace currently have one defeat in their last seven matches.
  • Crystal Palace are coming off four consecutive matches scoring goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

  • Crystal Palace and West Ham have already faced each other 53 times, with West Ham holding the advantage: 21 wins, compared with 14 Crystal Palace victories.
  • At Selhurst Park, West Ham hold the edge in their meetings with Crystal Palace: 11 wins in 26 matches. Crystal Palace have seven victories.
  • In the English League, the two teams have played 39 matches, with 12 Crystal Palace wins, 12 draws and 15 West Ham victories.

4/18 Gamethread: Giants @ Nationals

Side view of Adrian Houser throwing a pitch.
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 12: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

After a nice win in the opener on Friday, the San Francisco Giants will try to win their series against the Washington Nationals today, and set themselves up for a sweep tomorrow. A series win sure would be nice. Haven’t had one of those in a while.

Taking the mound for the Giants is right-hander Adrian Houser, who makes his fourth start of the season. The 33-year old veteran is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA, a 3.67 FIP, and 10 strikeouts against five walks in 16 innings in his first season with the Giants. In his last start, Houser gave up four runs in 4.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles.

For the Nationals, it’s right-hander Cade Cavalli, a 27-year old who is making his fifth start. Cavalli is 0-1 on the year, with a 4.60 ERA, a 4.38 FIP, and 13 strikeouts against 12 walks in 15.2 innings. He got rocked his last time out, giving up four runs in just 1.1 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Enjoy the game, everyone. Go Giants!

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Game #21

Who: San Francisco Giants (8-12) vs. Washington Nationals (9-11)

Where: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

When: 1:05 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants Game Thread

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 17: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals tries to catch a double hit by Daniel Susac #6 of the San Francisco Giants (not pictured) in the fifth inning at Nationals Park on April 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a disappointing loss last night, the Nats are now 1-6 at home. They need to improve that mark and will have a chance to do that this afternoon. Cade Cavalli also has a chance to bounce back after one of the worst starts of his career last time out.

The biggest news of this lineup is that Jose Tena is hitting third. Tena had three hits last night, so his manager Blake Butera decided to reward him. Jacob Young is also back in the lineup after missing one game after being hit in the wrist. Jorbit Vivas and Drew Millas are also back in the lineup today. That means Brady House will get the day off. Cade Cavalli lost the zone and could not get out of the second inning in his last start, so he will look to bounce back.

🔜⚾️

https://t.co/iUBDqlACVspic.twitter.com/3ryZw9SsDj

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 18, 2026

The Giants only made one change to their lineup. It is behind the plate, with Patrick Bailey replacing Daniel Susac. Bailey is one of the best defenders in the league, but really struggles with the bat. Otherwise, Tony Vitello is rolling with the same group that scored 10 last night. Veteran Adrian Houser will get the ball for the Giants today.

Giants 4/18

W. Adames SS
L. Arraez 2B
M. Chapman 3B
R. Devers 1B
C. Schmitt DH
J. Lee RF
H. Ramos LF
D. Gilbert CF
P. Bailey C

A. Houser SP

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) April 18, 2026

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Game Info:

Stadium: Nationals Park

Time: 4:05 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats have had a decent start, but the home fans have not seen the good parts of it. Hopefully that can change today. Cade Cavalli needs to step up and show his frontline stuff today with a gassed bullpen. Follow along down below and let’s go Nats!

Alberto Mendoza uses Georgia Tech's spring practice to establish himself as favorite to start at QB

ATLANTA (AP) — Alberto Mendoza has used spring practice to establish himself as the favorite to start at quarterback for Georgia Tech following his transfer from Indiana.

When asked Saturday about the Yellow Jackets' quarterback room, coach Brent Key said, “Alberto is the guy.”

Mendoza was named the offensive captain for Georgia Tech's spring game on Saturday, another indication he is viewed as the leading candidate to start.

“Obviously, he still has to compete and still has to win the job, but he's done nothing to disappoint me and think that's not going to be the case," Key said on Georgia Tech's radio network during the spring game.

Mendoza announced his decision to transfer less than 24 hours after winning a national championship at Indiana. He and running back Justice Haynes are among Georgia Tech's class of 19 players added through the transfer portal.

At Indiana, Mendoza was the backup for his older brother, Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in next week’s NFL draft.

Alberto Mendoza completed 12 of 16 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown in the spring game.

Grady Adamson, also competing to replace dual-threat star Haynes King, completed 8 of 11 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown and also ran for a score.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Browns drafting defense in Round 1 is a 'real possibility' according to ESPN

Browns drafting defense in Round 1 is a 'real possibility' according to ESPN originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns are looking to make some major headway in their roster construction during the 2026 NFL Draft. They own three highly valuable picks and could make multiple splash additions this year.

While the 37th pick in Round 2 is a valuable selection, their No. 6 and No. 24 picks are a whole lot more valuable. They could select multiple key starters, with wide receiver and offensive line two of the top priorities for Cleveland this year.

However, ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi notes that there is a "real possibility" that general manager Andrew Berry makes the surprising decision to draft a defensive player in Round 1.

Browns have 'real possibility' to draft defense in Round 1

"However, Berry has preached a best player available philosophy," Oyefusi writes, "so Cleveland taking a defensive player is a real possibility."

If the Browns do wind up taking a defensive player in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the most likely spot would not be at No. 6, but rather the 24th pick.

While someone like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Ruben Bain Jr., or even one of Arvell Reese or David Bailey would be a fun addition to the defense, they're much more likely to go OL or WR at their early draft pick.

But, if they're picking at No. 24 and a good defender is still on the board at either cornerback, safety, or defensive line, they might not hesitate to pull the trigger on a defender in Round 1.

MoreTodd Monken reveals QB plan for Browns thats good news for Shedeur Sanders

Dillon Thieneman, the Oregon safety, could be a name to watch at the 24th pick if he falls that far. One of the Tennessee cornerbacks, Colton Hood or Jermod McCoy, would also be in play at 24th overall.

Defense at the 24th pick is very much in play, especially if the Browns don't have a good option for wide receiver or offensive line at this pick.

If they go one or the other early in the draft, and their second first-rounder comes on the clock and the other position they need isn't available, defense would be a realistic pivot.

With a solid wide receiver class, the Browns could wait until 37th overall and still pick up a solid option for Shedeur Sanders or whoever the quarterback is.

Berry and the Browns going defense in Round 1 is a "real possibility," so fans should keep in mind during the draft which defenders are falling, as Myles Garrett might be getting some extra help around him early in this year's draft.

More Browns news:

Latest 2026 Mock Draft predicts Mavericks land back-to-back No. 1 picks, pair Cooper Flagg with 6'9" 25.5 PPG March Madness hero

Cooper Flagg IMAGN 03242026

Latest 2026 Mock Draft predicts Mavericks land back-to-back No. 1 picks, pair Cooper Flagg with 6'9" 25.5 PPG March Madness hero originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Mavericks finished another tanking season, parting ways with Anthony Davis, and ending with a record of 26-56. With that, they’ll have a top pick in the draft, giving them someone they can pair with their young star, Cooper Flagg.

In Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft, the Mavericks once again defy the odds, and land the No. 1 overall pick. They then use that pick to draft BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa.

MORE: Cavaliers receive huge free agency update regarding superstar James Harden ahead of 2026 NBA Playoffs

“A second consecutive No. 1 pick for the Mavericks? Let the conspiracy theories fly, folks. Seriously, though, how incredible would this be for the franchise? Look, that Luka Dončić will always be remembered as a disaster, but Cooper Flagg has already shown cornerstone potential, and Dybantsa has all of the qualities needed to do the same…Between Flagg's versatility and Dybantsa's forever coveted archetype, Dallas could rebuild this roster however it wants. Or maybe the Mavs mess around and become a force in the Western Conference already next season if Dybantsa hits the ground sprinting and Kyrie Irving shows no ill effects from the ACL tear he suffered in March 2025,” Buckley wrote. 

This past season with the Cougars, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes per game. Combine that with Flagg’s talents, and the Mavs could have the best back-to-back draft duos since the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

MORE: Clippers predicted to cut ties with $11 million three-time All-Star after his failure to help Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles this season

Pairing these two would set Dallas up to have a superstar duo as their core for years to come. They would have two stars to build around, and create a contender that can match the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and all the other perennial playoff teams.

Hopefully, this mock draft comes true, and the Mavs have a future to look forward to.

MORE NBA CONTENT

Cavaliers superstar James Harden predicted to opt-out of current deal, receive $65 million contract update

Lakers predicted to upgrade from Deandre Ayton, sign $200 million All-Star center if current team doesn't extend him after breakout season

Proposed blockbuster Knicks trade sees New York pair Jalen Brunson with $175 million two-time MVP, lose Karl Anthony-Towns in the process

First NFL update on Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini controversy

Mike Vrabel is reportedly not under review after photos emerged of the New England Patriots coach at a luxury resort with Dianna Russini, a former reporter at The Athletic.

Russini resigned from her job at The Athletic in the aftermath of the photos going public. One image appeared to show Russini and Vrabel holding hands, while another appeared to show the two embracing in a hug. It has turned into a public relations nightmare that has some wondering if the NFL would consider potential disciplinary action toward Vrabel.

However, ESPN's Ben Strauss' latest update revealed that the league currently isn't reviewing Vrabel's behavior as part of the personal conduct policy.

Strauss wrote:

"NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is not reviewing Vrabel's behavior as part of the league's personal conduct policy, which states players, coaches and executives are required to avoid 'conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.'"

Per Page Six, Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, claimed they were with friends, but those individuals weren't visible in the photos. That explanation hasn't quelled the speculation that continues to swirl around the situation.

Vrabel didn't speak at the recent pre-draft press conference held by Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, but that was always supposed to be the case. For the Patriots, it has been business as usual ahead of one of the biggest weeks of the season with the 2026 NFL Draft set to start on April 23, according to Wolf.

"Very involved," Wolf said, via Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller. "Business as usual. He’s been in there with us probably ... this round of meetings, probably a little more than last year."

“He’s been in there, he’s been contributing, he’s watched a ton of the players. I think he tries to watch every player that - like we give each position coach - he watches that whole coaches list," Wolf added. "He has an opinion on these guys and its helpful. Sometimes there’s players that the scouts like, me included, and he’ll be like, ‘this is the reason why maybe this guy isn’t the best fit for us’ so again, we continue to compile all the information together."

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: First NFL update on Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini controversy

See Jacob Misiorowski's custom Pokémon glove as MLB trend grows

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is the latest MLB player to customize a baseball glove with a Pokémon card.

Misiorowski has a purple glove with a Gengar Pokémon card enshrined on the back of it. Just like Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Will Klein, Misiorowski is embracing the "gotta catch 'em all" mentality with this custom glove.

Perhaps this is a new trend in baseball? Custom Pokémon card gloves? Who will be next to jump in on this trend?

You never know where these fads come from, but we doubt Misiorowski will be last to adapt this to his baseball gear.

Jacob Misiorowski has a custom Gengar glove with a Pokémon card in the web pic.twitter.com/NHxPbr9Ohg

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 18, 2026

Which Pokémon will be featured next? How about a Psyduck glove??

This article originally appeared on For The Win: See Jacob Misiorowski's custom Pokémon glove as MLB trend grows

MSU Spartans in the NBA Playoffs

Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The NBA season has wrapped up and the playoffs have begun. As someone who also writes for Detroit Bad Boys, I highly encourage you to watch the #1 seed Detroit Pistons who look to have some postseason success for the first time in 15+ years.

Or, if you’re looking for some more postseason basketball now that March Madness is over, you can keep an eye out on a few MSU alums. There are seven total Michigan State Spartans currently in the NBA, but only one will see playoff minutes. You could argue it could be four Spartans if you include Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Xavier Tillman the after the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets lost their play-in games for the #8 seed last night.

Draymond has been with the Warriors since he was drafted in 2012. Miles has been with Charlotte since 2018 and Xavier teamed-up with him for the first time since they were teammates during Tillman’s freshman year.

Your sole Spartan in the playoffs is none other than Jase Richardson of the #8 seed Orlando Magic, who just happen to be matched up with the #1 Detroit Pistons. While Jase may not be a part of Magic’s postseason rotation, he’s still earning valuable experience as he finishes his rookie year.

Here are the final three Spartans in the NBA:

  • Max Christie – Dallas Mavericks
  • Gary Harris – Milwaukee Bucks
  • Jaren Jackson Jr – Utah Jazz

He’s not a player, but I’ll at least give one last shoutout to Mat Isbhia, former MSU guard and current owner of the #8 seed Phoenix Suns.

Enjoy your playoff basketball!

Go Green.

Jorge Mateo and Eli White start against the lefty, Sanchez

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 12: Jorge Mateo #2 of the Atlanta Braves scores during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Braves have a chance to lock in another series victory to start this 2026 season, and taking home a series W in Philly would be a really nice thing to bank. They’ll have two chances to secure the series win, but today we have a massive pitching matchup between the top two lefties in the National League in Chris Sale and Cristopher Sanchez.

The Braves don’t have amazing platoon options to start against lefties outside of their core group, but they’re doing what they can, starting Jorge Mateo, Eli White, and Jonah Heim, moving the likes of Mike Yastrzemski, Dominic Smith, and Michael Harris to the bench against the tough lefty. This may be a low-scoring affair, but Atlanta could really use some more hot hitting from Austin Riley to continue from last night, as well as strong nights from Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies to bring some runs around from the right side of the plate against Sanchez.

Sale day ⛵️#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/YybQXiq8e2

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 18, 2026

Meanwhile Philly opts for more or less their normal lineup, shuffling a couple of their outfielders at the back of their lineup, adding Brandon Marsh and prospect Felix Reyes. Philadelphia’s top two hitters being lefty does help a bit, so hopefully Sale can silence Harper and Schwarber.

Saturday night at The Bank#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/G4mr5V8bk5

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 18, 2026

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 7:15 p.m. EDT

Location: Citizens Bank Ballpark, Philadelphia, PA

TV: FOX

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

Ancelotti alert: Estêvão hooked after 12 minutes at Chelsea ⚠️

Ancelotti alert: Estêvão hooked after 12 minutes at Chelsea ⚠️
Ancelotti alert: Estêvão hooked after 12 minutes at Chelsea ⚠️

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has picked up yet ANOTHER concern with an eye on the World Cup.

Forward Estêvão got injured in the 12th minute of this Saturday’s (18) Chelsea vs Manchester United match and had to be substituted.

Estêvão felt pain while trying to make a run forward — his shot was weak. The youngster received treatment and walked off the pitch.

📸 GLYN KIRK - AFP or licensors

Garnacho came on in Estêvão’s place.

The Matchday 33 Premier League game is underway. Check the main live updates in the card below:


Estêvão joins a long list of concerns for Ancelotti.

Names such as Alisson (Liverpool), Wesley (Roma), Vanderson (Monaco) and Raphinha (Barcelona) are also recovering.

None of them has a serious injury and, for now, all are expected to be available for the World Cup.

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

IPL 2026, SRH vs CSK: Still no MS Dhoni in playing XI; Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain stay

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to field against Sunrisers Hyderabad in match 27 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with conditions strongly favouring a high-scoring contest.

According to pitch experts Simon Katich and Dale Steyn, the Hyderabad surface is expected to produce plenty of runs.

With short square boundaries, 63 metres on one side and 67 metres on the other, and a straight boundary of 77 metres, batters are likely to enjoy the conditions. The pitch, described as hard with no grass and an average first-innings score of 205, is expected to assist stroke play, though there is enough bounce for pacers who hit the deck hard.




Katich and Steyn also suggested that teams will need to stay aggressive in both batting and bowling during the powerplay, noting that early wickets remain a possibility if bowlers attack the right areas. However, they believe chasing could be the preferred strategy on this surface.

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ishan Kishan admitted he would have preferred to bat first but remained confident.

He emphasised the importance of playing for the team and adapting to early movement with the new ball. The hosts made one change, bringing in Dilshan Madushanka for Harsh Dubey to add swing up front.

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed confidence in his side’s improving form, highlighting better execution across departments in recent games. He stressed consistency and sticking to basics as key, while also praising contributions from bowlers like Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj.

SRH will rely on their explosive top order featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, while CSK field a balanced XI with Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis adding firepower.

With a batting-friendly pitch and both teams opting for aggressive cricket, a high-scoring encounter is firmly on the cards in Hyderabad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora(w), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivang Kumar, Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Eshan Malinga

Sunrisers Hyderabad Impact Subs: Smaran Ravichandran, Harsh Dubey, Liam Livingstone, Dilshan Madushanka, Harshal Patel

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Matthew Short, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh

Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Matt Henry

Dodd hat-trick for Dragons sinks Warrington

Betfred Super League

Catalans (10) 38

Tries: Makinson 2, Darrelatour, Dodd 3, Lipowicz Goals: Aispuro-Bichet 5

Warrington (10) 22

Tries: Jake Thewlis, Williams, Josh Thewlis, Wood Goals: Sneyd 3

Lewis Dodd's first hat-trick of his career helped Catalans Dragons come from behind to dash Warrington Wolves' hopes of reclaiming top spot in Super League.

The ex-St Helens man capped a brilliant team performance from the French side, who move into the top six after securing their first win over Wire in five attempts.

In a tight, physical contest featuring high-quality rugby from both teams, Wolves twice led as tries from the Thewlis brothers, Jake and Josh, bracketed a brilliant solo effort from captain George Williams.

But Tommy Makinson scored two tries and Leo Darellatour also crossed to ensure a breathless game was neck-and-neck after 50 minutes.

The Dragons, in their first game since coach Joel Tomkins left the club in midweek, stepped up the tempo with Dodd scoring his treble in the space of 18 minutes and Zac Lipowicz set the seal on the win before Max Wood's late consolation try for Wolves.

The Dragons looked fired up in the wake of Tomkins' departure, and penned Wire back in the opening phase, but the sin-binning of Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet for preventing Matty Ashton from a quick re-start gave the away side the chance they wanted.

Moving the ball wide quickly, 20-year-old Josh Thewlis, making his first Wolves appearance of the season after a loan spell at Castleford Tigers, acrobatically finished in the corner, before Williams marked his 350th career appearance by weaving over from halfway to make it 10-0.

Makinson was then denied by Jake Thewlis' brilliant cover tackle before his threat caused Matty Ashton to take him out without the ball and receive a yellow card.

Just as Warrington had done, Dragons took full advantage, Makinson being the spare man to score before Leo Darrelatour finished a superb team move to make it all square at the break.

Wire produced a marvellous try of their own as Kelepi Tanginoa made the break and Josh Thewlis raced clear to score under the posts and restore their lead.

From that moment, Dragons, and their Australian centre Solomona Faataape in particular, were unstoppable.

Makinson added his second from Aispuro-Bichet's offload to square the score again, before classy offloads from Faataape and Toby Sexton sent Dodd stepping past the last Wire defender to put the home side ahead for the first time.

Warrington had bounced back well from their only defeat of the season to Leeds, but Faataape cut them open again to send Dodd away for his second and shocked Wire then sloppily tossed the ball into space and the ex-St Helens half-back reacted first to grab his third try.

Dodd then created one, his awkward bouncing kick flipping neatly into the arms of Lipowicz to set the seal on victory before prop Wood marked his first Super League appearance of the season with a consolation score.

Catalans: Staines, Makinson, Aispuro-Bichet, Faataape, Darrelatour, Sexton, Dodd, Fa'asuamaleaui, Leeming, Navarette, Garcia, Lipowicz, Bousquet.

Interchanges: Satae, Condon, Wilson, Lis

Warrington: Josh Thewlis, Ashton, King, Hopoate, Jake Thewlis, Williams, Sneyd, Harrison, Walker, Byrne, Tanginoa, Stone, Currie

Interchanges: Powell, Sipley, Philbin, Wood

Referee: Marcus Griffiths.

Estevao Willian injury news: Chelsea, Brazil starlet limps off match versus Manchester United

Chelsea right winger Estevao Willian's Saturday versus Manchester United lasted just 16 minutes and now the Blues and Brazil will be awaiting news on the teenage star.

Estevao, 18 for another week or so, had a bright start to the game but appeared to suffer a leg injury while trying to finish a half chance early in the game.

MORE — Chelsea v Manchester United updates, highlights

He required trainers on the pitch but Alejandro Garnacho was quickly readied to take Estevao's place.

The Brazilian has started 12 of his 22 Premier League matches for Chelsea this season, scoring twice with a pair of assists in 845 minutes. Estevao's added a further six goals and two assists in around 450 minutes in the Champions League and domestic cup competions.

All-in-all, it's been an impressive first season at Chelsea for the teenager who has five goals in 11 caps for Brazil with the World Cup on tap for this summer.

Estevao injury news: Chelsea, Brazil starlet limps off match versus Manchester United

We'll share any updates from Liam Rosenior after the game.

How Dodgers are Impacted by Padres Ownership Sale

Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates after he hit an RBI double as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) looks on during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers had their biggest division rival, the San Diego Padres, sell for $3.9 billion — a record sale price for an MLB franchise.

The Padres have been shopped around for quite some time before they were sold, but the team eventually found a buyer in private-equity billionaire José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones, according to various reports.

San Diego had been owned by the Seidler family since 2012, but the death of longtime owner Peter Seidler sparked a family fight for control of the franchise, and eventually, they announced they were exploring a sale.

After a long process, Feliciano and Jones are set to become the owners, surpassing the previous record for an MLB franchise sale, $2.4 billion in 2020, set by Mets owner Steve Cohen.

Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates after he hit an RBI double as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) looks on during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates after he hit an RBI double as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) looks on during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

While the Dodgers are owned by the financial powerhouse Guggenheim and operate at an elite level as an ownership group, the Padres’ sale does have downstream effects that will alter the picture for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers’ value goes up

Whenever a record price is broken in sports, the value of every other team in the league rises as a new benchmark is set.

The increases in value vary by franchise, depending on market size, location, fan loyalty, and team status.

The Dodgers are the top of baseball in all of those factors, offering the history and present-day success that make them such a valuable team.

Guggenheim bought the Dodgers for $2 billion, which included the team and stadium, back in 2012.

Now, only back in March, Sportico valued the Dodgers at $9 billion, while the Padres were valued at $3.1 billion.

Considering that the Padres sold for $800,000 more than the estimate, the Dodgers should be worth more than $10 billion, especially since they have an ever-growing sponsorship profile.

The Padres could push the Dodgers in terms of spending

San Diego rose from a bottom-feeder team to a consistent threat to win the National League West, really falling victim only to the Dodgers over the past 10 years, aside from a few exceptions.

Through aggressive moves and a growing payroll, the Padres have grown into a contender in the National League West.

However, Peter Seigel’s death limited their spending capacity, but under a new owner, they could open the wallet again to really push for high-caliber talent in free agency.

If the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement were still in place long-term, this could be quite feasible for the new owners, but there is widespread speculation that a salary cap and floor could be implemented, limiting the new owners’ ability to really challenge the Dodgers’ spending.

Even if spending limitations are put in place in MLB, the Padres’ new owners will be looking to shed the “little brother” status and aim to be on par with the Dodgers, but there is a massive gap for them to bridge.

Arsenal Are Eyeing A Move For This Bundesliga Midfielder: One For The Future?

Arsenal Are Eyeing A Move For This Bundesliga Midfielder: One For The Future?
Arsenal Are Eyeing A Move For This Bundesliga Midfielder: One For The Future?

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Arsenal are eyeing a move for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. It has been stated that the Gunners are eager to get a deal done for the Swiss youngster this summer.

Manzambi’s Impressive Form In German Football

Manzambi has caught the eye at times with his performances at the heart of Freiburg’s midfield during this campaign. The 20-year-old has scored five goals and earned seven assists in 39 matches for the German club this season across all fronts.

The talented prospect is currently among the best young midfielders in the Bundesliga. Hence, Arsenal would do well to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this off-season.

His current contract at the German club will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it difficult for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap in the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY – MARCH 15: Johan Manzambi of SC Freiburg (L) and Wooyeong Jeong of 1. FC Union Berlin (R) battle for the ball (duel) during the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and 1. FC Union Berlin at Europa-Park Stadion on March 15, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Arsenal Are Eyeing A Move For Manzambi: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Manzambi is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and is a tidy passer as well.

The Swiss talent can chip in by scoring and creating a few important goals for his team. Manzambi is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.

We can expect Manzambi to bring more quality and depth to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s midfield in the long run. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming seasons.

At 20, Manzambi has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each year. All in all, Manzambi is a prospect to watch out for in the future, so Arsenal would be wise to step up their efforts to land him this summer.

Liverpool In Race For £80m Premier League Midfielder

Liverpool In Race For £80m Premier League Midfielder
Liverpool In Race For £80m Premier League Midfielder

Liverpool Eye Adam Wharton as Midfield Plans Take Shape

Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to gather pace, with fresh reporting from GiveMeSport revealing that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has emerged as a serious point of interest at Anfield.

Wharton Profile Fits Liverpool’s Evolving Needs

At 22, Wharton represents a very specific kind of modern midfielder, one capable of dictating tempo while remaining tactically disciplined. His rise at Crystal Palace has been swift, and his appeal lies not only in his technical quality but in his composure under pressure.

“Wharton is not agitating for a move but there is an acceptance within Crystal Palace he may look for options this summer should the club not qualify for European football.”

That detail feels crucial. Liverpool are not chasing unrest or disruption, they are targeting a player whose ambition aligns neatly with their own trajectory. Champions League football remains a powerful currency, and Wharton’s desire to operate at that level positions Liverpool as a natural destination.

Transfer Value Reflects Growing Reputation

Crystal Palace’s stance is firm, at least publicly.

“GMS understands Palace’s starting valuation is £80m, even though multiple sources familiar with Wharton’s thinking are of the belief a lower number might prove a starting point for talks.”

That £80m figure speaks less to immediate expectation and more to leverage. With a contract running until 2029, Palace hold control. Yet the suggestion of flexibility hints at a deal that could evolve as the window develops.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, for their part, are preparing for a significant reshaping. The uncertainty around Alexis Mac Allister and the potential departure of Curtis Jones leaves space for a new midfield axis. Add in the long term need to replace Mohamed Salah and the club’s recruitment strategy begins to look expansive rather than reactive.

Rival Interest Complicates Pursuit

Liverpool are far from alone in their admiration. Manchester United are monitoring the situation, even if other targets currently take precedence.

“Manchester United are also considering Adam Wharton, but there are other targets currently ahead of the ‘elite’ England international, including Elliot Anderson.”

This wider interest only reinforces Wharton’s standing. Clubs across Europe are circling, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, each weighing their own midfield futures.

In that context, Liverpool’s early enquiry feels deliberate. It is a signal of intent, a move designed to establish position before the market accelerates.

Strategic Direction Under Arne Slot

For Arne Slot, this is about more than adding depth. It is about shaping identity. Wharton’s profile suggests a shift towards greater control in possession, a recalibration after periods of inconsistency.

There is also a broader sense of timing. Liverpool are not rebuilding from collapse, they are refining a squad that has shown flashes without sustaining dominance. Players like Wharton represent continuity with ambition, not wholesale change.


Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this move makes sense, but it also raises questions about priority. Wharton is clearly talented, composed, intelligent in possession, but is he the transformative midfielder this side needs right now?

There is already a pattern under Slot where Liverpool control games without truly threatening. Bringing in a player who excels in tempo management could reinforce that issue unless paired with more dynamic, progressive options. Fans will rightly ask whether this is evolution or simply refinement of an already cautious approach.

At the same time, the age profile is attractive. Wharton could anchor the midfield for years, particularly if Mac Allister departs. His ability to recycle possession and dictate rhythm would suit a side aiming to dominate territory.

The £80m valuation feels steep, especially given other squad needs. Liverpool still require attacking reinforcements, particularly with Salah’s leaving and injuries impacting depth. Spending heavily in midfield must deliver clear tactical improvement, not just stability.

Supporters will be watching closely. This is the kind of signing that signals direction. If Liverpool follow through, it suggests a commitment to control and structure. Whether that translates into goals, and ultimately trophies, remains the real test.

Analysis: Seagulls continue push for Europe

Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates
[Getty Images]

In contrast to Spurs, Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton sat top of the form table after winning five of their past six league games in their late surge towards the European places.

Naming an unchanged side after the Seagulls maintained their momentum at Burnley, Hurzeler was again forced to watch from the stands as he served the second of his two-match touchline ban.

Brighton were forced to remain patient for their opportunities but eventually found their rhythm during a frantic end to the first half.

Danny Welbeck twice went close to a breakthrough, but was unable to add a finishing touch when Micky Van de Ven deflected Jack Hinshelwood's header against his own post, before having a glancing header saved by Antonin Kinsky.

With a chance to go sixth set to pass them by, Ferdi Kadioglu appeared to have missed the chance to rescue a late point for the visitors when he shot into the side-netting.

But Georginio Rutter would make no mistake after Jan Paul van Hecke robbed Kevin Danso of possession inside the Spurs penalty area, the point keeping them within reach of sixth-placed Chelsea, who they face next on Tuesday night.

Analyzing Bengals' showing in new 7-round NFL mock draft

The Cincinnati Bengals could attack the NFL draft in a number of different ways. 

Seven-round mock drafts illustrate that point nicely. 

Some mock drafts have the Bengals going with a secondary defender early, which would push needs like edge rusher, linebacker and others down the board. Others go different routes, especially depending on how the board falls in the top 10, while a few even throw trades into the mix. 

A new effort from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has the Bengals getting risky in Round 1 and pulling off a small trade later over the course of his latest seven-round effort. 

Round 1, No. 10: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee 

The Bengals get risky with McCoy in this mock, with Reuter writing the following: 

“McCoy looked healthy and fast during his pro-day workout, likely locking up an early draft slot. Don't forget that Cincinnati took a shot on Ja'Marr Chase after the receiver did not play in his final college season. They might not blink at selecting McCoy, even though he missed the entire 2025 campaign after suffering an ACL tear in January of that year.”

There is a red flag around McCoy that could impact the Bengals thanks to the mentioned injury. Whether the Bengals would remove McCoy from their board over the injury, though, is tough to say. 

Either way, cornerback is a need. They don’t have a starting nickel corner and the fourth corner depth overall is problematic. Dax Hill and DJ Turner look like long-term boundary starters, but McCoy would be a welcome addition. 

NFL mock draft Rounds 2-7 Bengals

  • Round 2, No. 41: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
  • Round 3, No 72: Jake Golday, LB Cincinnati
  • Round 4, No. 110: Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
  • Round 6, No. 189: Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
  • Round 6, No. 199: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
  • Round 7, No. 221: Enrique Cruz Jr., OL, Kansas
  • Round 7, No. 226: Kendrick Law, WR Kentucky

The Bengals make a small trade in this mock that lets them add more picks to the back end.

Rounds 2 and 3 are really fun. McNeil-Warren is a solid safety who could develop while playing in a rotation. They added Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger, but depth is still shaky and there’s no guarantee Jordan Battle pans out or gets extended. 

Getting local product Jake Golday would be a fun win for the team and fans. He’d provide insurance if their major gamble on Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter doesn’t work out. 

The rest of the order is solid depth. They need long-term interior developmental-types behind the likes of Ted Karras. They need a deeper pass-rushing rotation. And tight end has some shaky depth of its own after Erick All’s injury woes. There could be a competition at third wideout after Andrei Iosivas’ so-so outing last year, too. 

Overall, this one would register as a slightly controversial outing for the Bengals at the draft, mostly because of the injury risk in Round 1 and perhaps because of the lack of an interior defender. But there are some quality depth upgrades and nice upside, too. 

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Analyzing Bengals' showing in new 7-round NFL mock draft

Copa del Rey final: Atletico Madrid cancel out Real Sociedad's early opener

  • Atletico Madrid face Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey final
  • Lookman cancels out early Atletico opener
  • Match being played at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla - home of Real Betis
  • Atletico have won competition 10 times, but not since 2013
  • Sociedad are two-time winners, last lifting the trophy in 2020

Copa del Rey final: Atletico Madrid cancel out Real Sociedad's early opener

Bayern to be without Gnabry for 'an extended period'

Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry attends a training session at the training facility on Saebener Strasse ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Quarter-final Second Leg soocer match against Real Madrid. Sven Hoppe/dpa
Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry attends a training session at the training facility on Saebener Strasse ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Quarter-final Second Leg soocer match against Real Madrid. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Bayern Munich will be without winger Serge Gnabry for "an extended period," the Bundesliga club said in a statement on Saturday.

Gnabry suffered a torn adductor in his right thigh, the club said. He had just made his comeback to the team in the Champions League win against Real Madrid on Wednesday after recovering from a knee injury.

It's unclear exactly for how long Gnabry will be sidelined and if he will miss the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain on April 28 and May 6.

Bayern welcome VfB Stuttgart on Sunday and need only a draw to clinch the Bundesliga title.

Analysis: Signs of encouragement but Spurs running out of time

 Pedro Porro reacts
[Getty Images]

With each winless game that passes, a once unthinkable fate for Tottenham becomes increasingly likely.

The facts are that Spurs now stand five games away from a first season in the second tier for almost 50 years, and one match from equalling the club's worst-ever winless league run, set in 1935.

Yet, while it may not feel it in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's cruel setback, there were signs of encouragement for Roberto De Zerbi, who has insisted first and foremost on restoring confidence in his players to aid their survival bid.

A team sheet featuring midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, making his first start since undergoing hamstring surgery in January, and James Maddison, returning to the squad after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season, already provided a pre-match lift.

The Spurs fans waved flags bearing the club's crest before kick-off and roared as the stadium announcer read out the player's names as they sought to create an atmosphere in which their confidence-stricken team could thrive.

The hosts carried the greater early threat but failed to hit the target despite registering the first four attempts of the game - while they also had a penalty claim dismissed when Destiny Udogie went down after getting past Yankuba Minteh.

They went close to a quick-fire second when the excellent Xavi Simons' low shot hit the post, and Bart Verbruggen was equal to Pedro Porro's follow-up.

There were uncomfortable moments as Brighton began to threaten, but Spurs showed great resolve to force the opener, and again as the stadium became increasingly nervous in the second half.

Ultimately, De Zerbi's men could not withstand Brighton's late pressure - but the Italian will hope this performance can inspire his side with time quickly running out.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion: Rutter strikes late to dent Spurs’ survival push

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion: Rutter strikes late to dent Spurs’ survival push
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion: Rutter strikes late to dent Spurs’ survival push

Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Spurs appealed for a penalty in the ninth minute after Destiny Udogie went down in the area under the challenge of Yankuba Minteh, but after a VAR check nothing was given.

Moments later, Xavi Simons came close to opening the scoring after he met a corner on the volley, but his deflected strike flew wide of the far post before Randal Kolo Muani blasted over the resulting corner.

Just past the half-hour mark, Micky Van de Ven almost turned the ball into his own net, stabbing the ball against his own post under pressure from Minteh’s delivery, with it rolling agonisingly across the goal line before being cleared.

Minutes later, Danny Welbeck could’ve given the visitors the lead after he met Pascal Gross’ free kick, but his header was kept out by Antonín Kinsky.

In the 39th minute, Pedro Porto gave Spurs the lead after he met Simons’ chipped pass to finish past Bart Verbruggen.

Two minutes later, Simons almost doubled the host’s lead after he teed up with Dominic Solanke, but his strike struck the post before Verbruggen denied Porro on the rebound.

In the third minute of added time, Kaoru Mitoma equalised for the Seagulls, connecting with Gross’ cross at the far post with a sharp volley.

Brighton began the second half on the front foot, but Verbruggen nearly handed the Lilywhites the lead when his clearance struck a stretching Connor Gallagher and spun just wide.

Spurs continued searching for the winner and almost got it in the 69th minute after Simons saw his effort blocked before Joao Palhinha’s follow-up was saved by the legs of Verbruggen.

In the 77th minute, the hosts retook the lead via Simons, who found the top corner with a stunning strike.

On the stroke of full time, Kadioglu almost restored parity for the visitors after he met Kostoulas’ pass on the volley, but his effort flashed just wide.

Deep into stoppage time, Georginio Rutter drew the Seagulls level after Jan Paul Van Hecke dispossessed Kevin Danso to find the Frenchman who finished past Kinsky.

The draw sees Tottenham Hotspur remain in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League standings with only six games to go.

Medhi Benatia calls for Marseille lockdown after Lorient collapse

Medhi Benatia calls for Marseille lockdown after Lorient collapse
Medhi Benatia calls for Marseille lockdown after Lorient collapse

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has called for a collective lockdown at Olympique de Marseille following their defeat to Lorient, urging his squad to refocus during a decisive stretch of the season. The defeat comes after spending a week in Marbella in a training camp.

Speaking after the match to media in the mixed zone, Benatia revealed that players have been asked to clear their schedules in order to spend extended time together at La Commanderie, as Marseille look to respond to another damaging performance.

“I asked the players not to plan anything for four weeks,” he said. “We’re going to spend a lot of time together, morning and afternoon, to work.”“We organise training camps to build connections and to work — that costs the club money — and yet nothing changes on the pitch,” Benatia suggested, pointing to a lack of visible return from those efforts so far this season.

“There are people who work from 7am to 7pm for much less than us,” Benatia said. “So if we need to push ourselves and be together more, we will.”

Despite the setback, Marseille remain in the race for a place in the UEFA Champions League, with Benatia insisting the squad must continue to push forward. “We have to stay alive every day,” he said. “But we cannot accept performances like this.”GFFN | George Boxall

Official | Serge Gnabry’s World Cup campaign in jeopardy after Bayern Munich confirm injury

Official | Serge Gnabry’s World Cup campaign in jeopardy after Bayern Munich confirm injury
Official | Serge Gnabry’s World Cup campaign in jeopardy after Bayern Munich confirm injury

Resurgent Bayern Munich attacker Serge Gnabry’s World Cup campaign is in jeopardy due to an adductor injury in his thigh. Gnabry’s Bundesliga outfit themselves confirmed the news on Saturday evening. Per Bayern, the 30-year-old will be out for an “extended period”. The unfortunate news comes near the end of Gnabry’s excellent year for both club and country.

Serge Gnabry’s Renaissance

An injury to Jamal Musiala last summer led to Gnabry earning a more regular role as a No. 10 under Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany at the beginning of the Bundesliga campaign. The Stuttgart-native repaid Kompany’s trust immediately, scoring four goals and adding four assists in his first nine Bundesliga fixtures of the 2025/26 season. 

Gnabry’s role in Bayern’s record-breaking Bundesliga campaign has been immense. He’s also rejoined the German national team and assumed a leadership role. Get German Football News unreservedly selected Gnabry as among the “winners” serving Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany during the recent international break.

Gnabry’s overall performance this year led to Bayern signing him to a contract extension that few anticipated he would receive at the beginning of the season. Overall, Gnabry has scored ten goals and added 11 assists in 37 appearances for Bayern across all competitions this season. He’s also added his 26th goal for Germany and collected his 59th cap. 

Will Gnabry miss the World Cup?

Bayern certainly have no reason to risk playing Gnabry during the final month of current league campaign. In principle, Gnabry can return in time to join DFB camp in time to receive some training reps. The fact that Musiala is regaining fitness and young German phenom Lennart Karl now making an impact at senior level nevertheless render it, at the very least, unlikely that Gnabry can count on being a starter.

GGFN | Peter Weis

'Disappointing end to dream start' - Hodgson

Bristol City manager Roy Hodgson said he was disappointed with the way his "dream" start at the club came to an end, after his side were beaten by Norwich.

The 78-year-old had been unbeaten in three previous games since taking charge on an interim basis.

But a second-half hat-trick from striker Mohamed Toure completed the comeback for the visitors, after Sam Morsy gave the Robins a 1-0 lead inside two minutes.

"I thought we were decent value in the first half, but then Norwich stepped up their game," Hodgson told BBC Radio Bristol.

He said his side had been "unlucky" in conceding two of the goals, one which was rolled into an empty net, and the other a deflection off a player's back.

"At 4-1 you're just hoping it's not going to be a further disaster," Hodgson added.

"At the end of the day, it's disappointing because we've had this dream after the three games.

"But today we came across a team who have been beating everybody, especially away from home, and so I have to accept it was our turn."

Jordyn Tyson's rising stock could take him out of Rams' reach

Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson held his own pro day on Friday, and it's safe to say that he just made himself a lot of money. A potential target for the Los Angeles Rams, Tyson might now be out of reach for Les Snead at No. 13 overall.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that Tyson has put on a show, and several teams that are slated to pick ahead of the Rams are seemingly interested.

"Per a source at Jordan Tyson’s workout: 'He showed the twitch, explosiveness and leaping ability we all saw in the fall. He showed he’s healthy and still explosive, which is all he needed to do.' The contingents from Miami and NY Giants included the GMs," reported Thamel. "Giants pick at 5 and Miami at 11."

According to Blaine Grisak of On SI, the Rams were one of the teams in attendance for Tyson's workout, a sign that they're eyeing him in the first round.

With Carnell Tate already expected to be a top-10 pick, the possibility of Tyson being the second receiver off the board has increased, especially as this report comes along with another recent report that any concerns about Tyson's toughness are unfounded. Safe to say his stock is sky high.

If the Rams want Tyson, they may have to make a move for him. With others like Omar Cooper Jr., Makai Lemon, and KC Concepcion likely available at 13, the Rams could wait for a wideout, as well.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft: Jordyn Tyson's rising stock could cause Rams to miss him

Why Brady Tkachuk fought Jordan Staal off opening faceoff of Senators-Hurricanes playoff game

Why Brady Tkachuk fought Jordan Staal off opening faceoff of Senators-Hurricanes playoff game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The tone has been set.

Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal didn't waste any time. They started the Ottawa Senators-Carolina Hurricanes playoff series with a fight.

Right off the opening faceoff, they squared up and went at it:

TKACHUK VS STAAL OFF THE OPENING FACEOFF TO START THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!!! 🥊

BEST PLAYOFFS IN SPORTS!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ljDY1bNXpf

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 18, 2026

This definitely doesn't happen in any other sports.

MORE: Sabres' playoff ticket costs are mind-blowing

Why did Brady Tkachuk fight Jordan Staal?

This was simply about raising the energy right from the start.

Tkachuk and Staal appeared to discuss this ahead of time. Why not?

Tkachuk/Staal right off the draw...great camera work catching them discussing it

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 18, 2026

There are discussions that could be had about whether this is the most logical way to start a series.

But this isn't about logic. This is about energy and vibes.

And Tkachuk is certainly a guy who doesn't hold back. Staal joined him in the fun.

The intensity won't be lacking for this series, that's for sure.

More NHL news:

ESPN reveals winner of Travis Hunter trade between Browns and Jaguars

ESPN reveals winner of Travis Hunter trade between Browns and Jaguars originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars swung a blockbuster trade during the 2025 NFL Draft. At the second-overall pick, the Jaguars got aggressive and traded up for Travis Hunter.

With the hope of Hunter becoming an ultra-rare two-way player in the NFL, acting as both a cornerback and wide receiver, the Jaguars sent a huge package to the Browns to make this trade happen.

But, a year later, who is the winner? According to ESPN's Seth Walder, there is a clear winner, and it's obvious following Hunter's injury-shortened season and his likely transition to CB in a more full-time capacity.

ESPN reveals winner of Travis Hunter trade

"As of now, who won the trade? The Browns," Walder writes. "Any time a team deals a first-round pick to move up in the draft for a non-quarterback, the deck is stacked against it in terms of its odds of winning the trade."

Before Hunter even stepped onto the field, the Browns were already the front-runners to win this trade. It's nothing against Hunter; it's just that to make up for the lost value, he'd need to be a Pro Bowl caliber player at both WR and CB.

The Browns traded the No. 2 pick along with the 104th and 200th picks to the Browns for the No. 5 pick, along with the 36th and 126th selections in the 2025 NFL Draft to go with the 2026 first-rounder, which is 24th overall.

While the 2026 first-rounder has yet to be used, the Browns have already gotten incredible production from the players they got in the trade from last year's draft.

MoreTodd Monken reveals QB plan for Browns thats good news for Shedeur Sanders

Mason Graham looks to be a solid defensive tackle, while Quinshon Judkins looked like a star running back last year for the Browns. Add in Dylan Sampson in the fourth round at 126th overall, and the Browns got three good players in return from this deal already.

If they can land a good player with the 24th pick, whether it's a wide receiver, cornerback, offensive lineman, or some other position, this trade will be all the more lopsided in their favor.

ESPN already has the Browns as winners of this trade, and depending on how the 24th pick is used, they could look like even greater winners of the 2025 trade-up for Travis Hunter.

More Browns news:

3 Rams thoughts I have before the draft

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: quarterback Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts before the game during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Draft week is finally here. The action gets underway on Thursday evening, and the Los Angeles Rams unusually hold a top 15 selection. It’s their earliest pick since they took Jared Goff first overall in 2016. Since LA rarely picks in the first round and often trades their selections for veteran players, like they did earlier this offseason in exchange for Kansas Ctiy Chiefs corner Trent McDuffie.

There are a few thoughts I can’t shake just days before the draft. This is what is on my mind.

First round picks are five-year investments, not one

A lot of those in the Rams community are saying that the 13th pick should follow suit in LA’s offseason plan to go “all in”. That whoever the team takes in the first round must be able to contribute in year one and help Los Angeles Rams the Super Bowl.

But draft picks are five-year investments. It’s simply not wise to distill a player’s capabilities down to how ready they are to produce in their first season.

This is the Rams’ earliest pick since 2016. They are in position to come away with a franchise building block for the foreseeable future, even if they already have plenty of promising, young talent on the roster.

What if the top two or three receivers are on the board, meaning the team won’t be able to fill one of the biggest remaining needs? What if the best option is someone like Spencer Fano who probably projects as a backup in 2026 with potential to be a high level starting guard or tackle thereafter? Simply put, most fans would be disappointing if the Rams do indeed select Fano.

That doesn’t make sense. LA is in a position to come away with a good player. Asking them to boom or bust as a rookie is ill-advised. We need to move off this thought process.

Is this the year LA takes a quarterback?

I still wonder about the Rams’ intention behind hiring former head coach Kliff Kingsbury as an offensive assistant. Kingsbury has a track record of working with quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Jayden Daniels.

Can we read the tea leaves and conclude that LA brought in Kingsbury—probably on a short-term basis until he gets his next coordinator or head coaching role—to groom a young quarterback like Ty Simpson or Drew Allar?

Backup quarterbacks do not receive much attention or repetitions during the season. While McVay and the offensive staff are focused on Matthew Stafford and the starting offense, Kingsbury could split off and give most of his attention to the usually neglected. This could prime the young player to take over as soon as 2027.

Rams’ words on special teams must be backed with action

The Rams say the want to get better on special teams after the third phase acting as their Achilles heel in 2025. The team must backup these words with action and invest in talent to improve the overall ecosystem on special teams.

This weekend I posted a list of potential candidates who could contribute right away.

We know that LA could reasonably improve at returner over Xavier Smith and Ronnie Rivers. Teams across the NFL are creative in how they are approaching kick returns, and the Rams are leaving a lot of meat on the bone if they continue to neglect returns under the modern rules.

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Dominica HikeFest 2026: A Month‑Long Eco‑Adventure with Hiking, Nature, and Culture for Every Traveler

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/dominica-hikefest-2026-a-month-long-eco-adventure-with-hiking-nature-and-culture-for-every-traveler/

Dominica HikeFest 2026: A Month‑Long Eco‑Adventure with Hiking, Nature, and Culture for Every TravelerDominica HikeFest 2026 invites adventurers to explore...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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AirDrop to Samsung isn’t perfect: PDF with certain names fail to show up

AirDrop to Samsung via Quick Share is a significant move, but the sharing system has one more issue, this time with PDF files with certain names.

The headline feature, cross-platform file sharing with AirDrop compatibility, is functional on paper. In practice, the current One UI 8.5 Beta exposes gaps in how Samsung is handling file systems and metadata during the handshake protocol.

The most immediate issue is with PDFs.

When a file is sent from an iPad using AirDrop, certain filenames break the transfer entirely. Specifically, filenames containing characters like “/” fail to land on Galaxy devices.

Android’s directory structure treats “/” as a reserved separator. The result is a silent failure: no error prompt, no fallback rename, just a dropped transfer. For a feature that aims to simplify sharing, that lack of feedback stands out.

Then comes the deeper problem, metadata loss. Files that do make it across are often stripped of their EXIF data. That includes GPS location tags, lens information, and camera hardware identifiers.

For anyone relying on file integrity, photographers, journalists, or even social media creators, this is a serious regression. The data is present on the source device but disappears during the Quick Share to AirDrop transfer.

Samsung moderators responded to users’ complaints, but mentioned that the team was not able to reproduce the issue in their testing. The user was asked to reshare the PDF file after removing the special character from the file name.

Quick Share engineering team is reportedly working on fixes, with a patch expected in the next Beta update cycle. For now, One UI 8.5 Beta users get a preview of the future, but also a reminder that polish still matters.

The post AirDrop to Samsung isn’t perfect: PDF with certain names fail to show up appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Galaxy S25, S24, S23 get final push before One UI 8.5 rollout

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 seems to have entered the final phase for Stable rollout. Beta Program is underway, and the last update could be coming next week. Meanwhile, Samsung shifted its focus to Stable builds over the past few days.

Back in December, Samsung opened One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy S25 series. The activity has arrived in six countries, while users in others are still stuck to the One UI 8.0, based on Android 16 operating system.

Samsung rolled out 9 Beta updates to Galaxy S25 series throughout the Beta Program. The last, 10th, Beta update could be pushed on April 20. Final rollout of the One UI 8.5 firmware is said to kickstart on April 30 in South Korea.

Latest Stable One UI 8.5 builds for Galaxy S phones

The Korean tech giant this week uploaded new Stable builds to its server. The latest builds belong to Galaxy S series smartphones. The Galaxy S22 series has yet to grab any attention in terms of a major software update.

The appearance of new Stable builds isn’t sudden, but strategic. With Samsung nearing the official rollout timeline, preparations are seeing notable progress. Pre-rollout testing is necessary to ensure reliable update distribution.

  • Galaxy S23 series – FZD7
  • Galaxy S24 series – DZD9
  • Galaxy S25 series – CZDB
  • Galaxy S23 FE – GZD7
  • Galaxy S24 FE – DZD7

Samsung revealed nothing about the One UI 8.5 rollout timeline. What we know from rumors is April 30 as the Korean rollout date and May 4 as Global. Like Beta releases, the Stable distribution roadmap may also be accurate.

If you’re waiting for the One UI 8.5 update, the next two weeks are important. Once the rollout begins for the Galaxy S25 series, the company won’t waste much time expanding the availability of the Stable update for older models.

The post Galaxy S25, S24, S23 get final push before One UI 8.5 rollout appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Devs reveal Russia-Ukraine war impacted Metro 2039: “Everything we planned changed”

4A Games says Metro 2039, due in winter 2026, has been fundamentally reshaped by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with the studio developing under wartime conditions and reorienting the story toward the consequences of conflict, tyranny, silence, and freedom. Set in 2039 after Metro Exodus, the game returns to Moscow’s tunnels under the Novoreich and a new Führer, Spartan Ranger Hunter, while players follow a new protagonist, “The Stranger,” amid propaganda and fear.

Jürgen Klopp may get far from Real Madrid as Germany head coach role is reportedly a top priority

Amid a difficult season, Real Madrid are reportedly planning a managerial change, with Jürgen Klopp identified as a primary target. However, he appears to be moving away from Los Blancos, as he is reportedly prioritizing a move to Germany head coach spot in a potential post-2026 World Cup scenario.

Following their elimination from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to part ways with Álvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season. As a result, they have identified Jürgen Klopp as a leading candidate to take over. However, the veteran coach appears to be moving away from the Spanish side, as he is reportedly targeting the head coach role of the Germany in a potential post-2026 World Cup move.

As Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, Jürgen Klopp has reportedly been enjoying the pace of his current role, which allows him more time for his private life. Despite this, the German remains a target for Real Madrid to take over as head coach for the 2026–27 season. However, they are said to want him to make the first move by offering himself to the club, which could ultimately distance him from the Spanish side and bring him closer to Germany.

According to José Félix Díaz, via Diario AS, Klopp is still considering a return to the dugout. While he remains on Real Madrid’s radar, his focus appears to be on Germany, with the ambition of eventually managing the national team as the ultimate goal of his career. Although Julian Nagelsmann currently holds that position, the outcome of the 2026 World Cup could shape his future and potentially open the door for Jürgen.

Following the victory in the 2014 edition, Germany have failed to get past the group stage in the next two World Cups, marking a historic disappointment. As a result, Julian Nagelsmann is under significant pressure, needing a strong World Cup performance or risk being dismissed. In that context, the option of Jürgen Klopp could gain traction, as he is already an established figure in the soccer history and could help steer the sporting project back on track.

Global Head of Soccer Jürgen Klopp looks on during his presentation.
Global Head of Soccer Jürgen Klopp looks on during his presentation.

Real Madrid reportedly consider alternatives to Klopp

Far from being a simple decision, Real Madrid face a difficult dilemma, as the players reportedly support the continuity of Álvaro Arbeloa. However, Mario Cortegana reports in The Athletic that only a miracle would keep him in the role, as the front office believes the squad has not been maximized. While Klopp is a top priority, bringing him on board doesn’t seem like an easy task. For this reason, they appear to already be looking for reliable alternatives.

According to El Mundo, Los Blancos already have a clear shortlist of candidates to take over the head coach role, built around a key premise: Experience and strong man-management skills. In that context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a leading candidate, with his contract set to expire in December 2026. However, he is not the only option, as they are also considering Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, and José Mourinho.

Jürgen Klopp attends the presentation of the MagentaTV team.

Aziz Yıldırım iş başı yaptı! İşte Fenerbahçe'deki yeni görevi

Fenerbahçe'de olaylı geçmesi beklenen ancak sessiz sedasız Aziz Yıldırım'ın "one man şovu"na dönüşen Yüksek Divan Kurulu toplantısında ilginç bir görev tanımı ortaya çıktı. Sadettin saran yönetiminin harcadığı rakamları sorgularken kullandığı "anlatın" ve "her hamlenizi takip ediyorum" ifadeleri kendisini başkanların üzerinde "ombudsman" olarak gördüğünün kanıtı oldu.

Fenerbahçe'nin Yüksek Divan Kurulu beklendiği kadar "ateşli" geçmedi. Ancak efsane Başkan Aziz Yıldırım bir kez daha "one man show" yaparak Sadettin Saran yönetimine "diş" gösterdi.

Saran yönetimin "para" işlerine bakan ismi Murat Salar "büyük iş" yaptıklarını şu sözlerle iddia etti:

- 21 Eylül'den 18 Nisan'a kadar 340 milyon euro sporcu, bonservis, kredi, cari ödeme yapmıştır.

AZİZ YILDIRIM İKNA OLMADI

Bu sözler efsane başkan Aziz Yıldırım'ı inandıramadı:

- Hiçbir şey anlatmıyorsunuz. Borcu ne ile ödeyeceksiniz? Bunu anlatın. 340 milyon para ödediğinizi söylüyorsunuz, bu para nereden geldi?

BU PARALAR NASIL ÖDENDİ?

Yıldırım’a göre "340 milyon euro ödedik" demek bir başarı... ancak Saran yönetimi bu paranın kaynağını (kredi, hibe, mal varlığı satışı, sponsorluk) açıklanmadığı sürece finansal bir şeffaflıktan söz edilemeyeceğini savundu.

Camiada genel kanıya göre Yıldırım aslında rakamlarla ilgili değil; muhalefetin diri olduğunu ve nefesinin yönetimin ensesinde olduğunu bir kez daha gösterdiği politik bir konuşma yaptı.

YENİ GÖREVİNİ KENDİ BULDU

Yıldırım son dönemde defalarca "bir daha asla" diyerek adaylığa kapıları kapattı. Ancak "başkanlığımdan daha fazla Fenerbahçe ile ilgileneceğim" dedi. Yani kendini başkanların da üzerine bir "Ombudsman" gibi görüyor.

Rakamları sorgularken kullandığı "okur yazarım, anlatın" demesi ve "sıradan bir üyeyle karıştırmayın, her hamlenizi takip ediyorum" ifadeleri aslında kendisini gördüğü yeri tüm YDK üyelerinin kafalarına yerleştirdi.

Tedesco: Sörloth'u istemiyorum! Şampiyonluk bu yüzden kaçtı

Devre arasında Fenerbahçe, Youssef En-Nesyri ve Jhon Duran'ı gönderdi. Yerine son dakika Sidiki Cherif'i aldı. Camianın iddiasına göre şampiyonluk devre arasında forvet alınmaması yüzünden "kaf dağının arkasına" düştü. İddia ise Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın Sörloth için hazırlık yaptığı dönemde Tedesco'nun, Leipzig'ten eski öğrencisi Nkunku için Norveçliyi aldırmadığı oldu.

Fenerbahçe teknik direktörü Tedesco 2 puan bırakılan Rizespor beraberliği sonrasında sorulan "istifa" sorusuna "umarım bu soru bir şakadır" cevabını vermesi "şaka olarak" karşılandı. Kasımpaşa beraberliği sonrasında, "ilk puan kaybında gidersin" denilerek ültimatomla görevine devam eden bir teknik direktöre sorulacak en doğru soruyu bile "şaka" olarak gören Tedesco'nun devre arasındaki bir tercihi yeniden gündeme geldi.

SÖRLOTH'U DEĞİL NKUNKU'YU İSTEDİ

O iddiaya göre Başkan Sadettin Saran, Alexander Sörloth ile anlaşma aşamasındaydı... ancak o dönemde Alman teknik direktör başkana, Leipzig'de beraber çalıştığı şu anda AC Milan'da oynayan Nkunku'yu tercih ettiğini söyledi. Eğer bahsedildiği gibi 30 milyon Euro'lar harcanacaksa Norveçliyi değil de Leipzig'e kendisiyle yıldız olan Nkunku'yu tercih ettiğini söyledi.

DURAN'IN KALACAĞINI DÜŞÜNÜYORDU

Nkunku'nun olmamasının ardından Fenerbahçe'nin gündemine Devin Özek'in önerisiyle Sidiki Cherif gelirken, Tedesco'nun verdiği raporda, "Jhon Duran'la iyi bir ikili olabilirler" raporu olduğu da zaten biliniyor.

Bu arada Tedesco'nun başı zora girdiğinde Fotospor, Tedesco ve Devin Özek'in hazırladığı raporları haberleştirmişti.

İşte Devin Özek ve Tedesco'nun raporları! Fenerbahçe'de Saran operasyonu başladı

SEZON BAŞINDA KURTARAN RAPOR

Özek raporuna, "yapılan transferlerin çoğu (Kerem, Ederson, Asensio, Semedo…) yönetim tarafından benim bilgim dışında yapılan transferlerdir" yazdı.

Tedesco ise, 3'lü değil de 4'lü oynayan bir takım tercih edeceği için, "ben olsaydım bazı oyuncuların (Brown, Nene, Duran) transferlerine izin vermezdim" ifadelerini raporuna ekledi.

Fenerbahçe ne günlere kaldı: Başkan adaylarına bak!

Fenerbahçe'nin başkan adaylarından Barış Göktürk, 25 yıllık üye olmadığı için YDK'ya katılamıyor. Yarın öbür gün aday olsa ve seçilse YDK başkanı "gelemezsin" derse başkan olmasına rağmen bile belki de YDK'ya giremeyecek. Diğer başkan adayı ise yasak olduğunu ya bilerek ya da bilmeyerek iki refakatçisini YDK'ya soktu. Hakkında tutanak tutuldu. Belki de aday yapılmayacak.

Fenerbahçe'de gidişat nereden bakılırsa bakılsın tutanın elinde kalıyor. Dün yapılan Yüksek Divan Kurulu'nda da şok gelişmeler yaşandı.

Başkan adaylarından (Barış Göktürk) bugün yapılan Yüksek Divan Kurulu'na bile katılamadı. Diğer başkan adayı aleyhine ise "tutanak" tutuldu.

BARIŞ GÖKTÜRK'E BÜYÜK ŞOK

Kulüp üyeliğinde kesintisiz 25 yılı doldurmadığı için YDK üyesi olamayan Göktürk, toplantıya katılmak ve konuşma yapmak istediğini yazılı olarak belirtmesine rağmen reddedildi. Divan Kurulu'na refakatçi olarak gelmesine bile izin çıkmadı.

1 AYDAN 3 YILA KADAR CEZA

Diğer başkan adayı hakkında da refakatindeki iki üyeyi görevli kartıyla YDK'ya soktuğu için tutanak tutuldu. Tutanak tutulduktan sonra olay Sadettin Saran yönetimi tarafından Disiplin Kurulu’na sevk edilecek. Savunma istenecek. Başkan adayının kulübü zor durumda bıraktığı kabul edilirse hakları 1 aydan 3 yıla kadar askıya alınabilir. Bu da başkan adaylığının önün geçer.

BAŞKAN SEÇİLİRSE NE OLACAK

Bir başkan adayı (Göktürk) YDK'ya katılamıyor... seçilirse YDK kendisine "başkan olsan da şartları karşılamıyorsun" diye YDK'ya katılımına engel olabilir. Diğer başkan adayı ise belki bilmeden belki de bilerek YDK kurallarını çiğneyebiliyor.

Ederson'u apar topar kaçırdılar! Fenerbahçe soyunma odasında neler oldu?

Rizespor maçında yaptığı hatayla kaybedilen 2 puanın sorumlusu olan 12 milyon Euro maaşlı Ederson, Fenerbahçe'nin toplamda 6'ncı puanına neden oldu. Saha içinde Kerem Aktürkoğlu, "ne yapıyorsun" diye bağırdı. Çağlar Söyüncü, "nereye çıkıyorsun" diye fırça attı. Soyunma odasında daha büyük tepki oldu. Ederson apar topar soyunma odasından çıkarıldı.

Ederson çok değil geçen hafta kazanılan Kayserispor maçından sonra, "Hata yapmamamız gereken, ligin son dönemindeyiz. Hata lüksümüz yok. Benim her zaman motivasyonum yüksek" sözlerinin hemen sonrasında önceki akşam bitime 20 saniye kala yediği golle Fenerbahçe'nin 2025-26 sezonundaki şampiyonluk hayallerini belki de elleriyle çöpe attı.

SOYUNMA ODASI KARIŞTI

Yediği gol sonrasında Kerem Aktürkoğlu, "ne yapıyorsun" diye çıldırdı. Kendisini yere attı. Pozisyonda kafayı vurduran Çağlar da, Brezilyalı kaleciye "neden çıktı" diye isyan etti. Soyunma odasında ise daha fazlası yaşandı. Başta Kerem ve Çağlar dışında İsmail Yüksek olmak üzere özellikle yerli oyuncular, Ederson'un üzerine yürüdü. Olaylar büyümesin diye sambacı soyunma odadından çıkarıldı.

TEK BAŞINA 6 PUANA KAN DOĞRADI

Maç sonunda watsapp grubuna, "hata benim" diyerek günah çıkaran Ederson'un bu sezon Fenerbahçe'nin şampiyonluk yarışının dışında kalmasına sebep olan hataları:

- Rizespor maçının son 20 saniyesinde çıkayım mı çıkmayayım mı diye düşünürken Fenerbahçe 2 puan bıraktı.

- 2-2 biten Antalyaspor maçında "sıfırdan gol yiyorsun" hatası yapıldı.

- 1-1 biten Göztepe maçında yaptığı yan top hatası yüzünden Fenerbahçe golü yedi.

Gençlerbirliği, Samsunspor ve Alanyaspor maçlarında da hataları oldu... ancak o maçları Fenerbahçe kazandığı için Brezilyalı kaleci görülmedi.

BEŞİKTAŞ MAÇINDA NOEL'E GİTTİ

Ederson ayrıca Beşiktaş'a Kadıköy'de 2-1 kaybedilen Türkiye Kupası maçında izin alarak ülkesine gittiği için çok eleştirildi. 2-0 kaybedilen Karagümrük maçından ise cezalı olduğu için oynamadı. Eşi ve taraftarlar arasındaki tartışma o zaman başladı. Taraftar "gidin" dedi. Eşi polemiğe girdi.

Brezilya'nın Fransa'ya 2-1 yenildiği hazırlık maçında yediği goller sonrasında da Ederson'a ülkesinden büyük tepki geldi.

TFF Başkanı Orhan Gencebay gibi: Bence sen de haklısın

TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, Arabesk'in kralı Orhan Gencebay gibi takılıyor. Riva'ya gelen herkese "bence sen de haklısın" diyor. Gittikten sonra da kendi bildiğini okumaya devam ediyor. Türk futbolu bir sezonu daha tamamlamaya hazırlanırken hakemler yine her şeyin önüne çıkmış durumda.

TFF Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu kimseyi kırmıyor. Riva'ya gelen her kulüple görüşüyor. Kendilerini çok iyi şekilde ağırlıyor. Yediriyor içiriyor. Hepsine sundukları tezlerde haklı olduklarını söylüyor. Günün sonunda kendi bildiğini okuyor.

HER BAŞKANA AYNI ŞEYİ SÖYLÜYOR

Son olarak Fenerbahçeli yöneticiler, Rizespor maçından önce Riva'ya çıkarma yaptı. Uğradıkları (kendilerine göre) haksızlıklarla ilgili dosyayı Hacıosmanoğlu'na sundu. TFF Başkanı Serdal Adalı'ya, Dursun Özbek'e ye da Ertuğrul Doğan'a söylediğini söyledi. Orhan Gencebay'ın şarkısındaki cevabı verdi: Bence sen de haklısın.

GÜNDOĞDU BİR YERE GİTMİYOR

Gencebay şarkısında "Nerden bileceksin ki, sen çekmedin çileyi" diyordu... belki de TFF'yi ziyaret eden kulüp başkanları da Hacıosmanoğlu'na "Bence sen de haklısın" şarkısının bu dizesini tekrarlıyordur. İşin şaka kısmı bir yana kulüpler isyan ediyor. Hacıosmanoğlu "haklısınız" diyor.

Ancak ne MHK'nin başındaki Ferhat Gündoğdu'dan vazgeçiyor. Ne de hakemlerden...Hem VAR'da hem de sahada hakemler aynı. Yabancı VAR yok. Yabancı hakem yok. Her şey aynı şekilde devam ediyor.

PARADOKS HALİNİ ALDI

Seçim öncesi "statükoyu yıkacağız" diyen Hacıosmaoğlu, MHK yapısında ve hakem havuzunda radikal bir değişikliğe gitmedi/gidemedi. Bu da devasa bir paradoks yarattı. Eğer herkes haklıysa, haksız olan kim? Eğer herkes haklıysa, neden sistem hala şikayet edilen o eski rayında ilerliyor?

Premyer Liqa: “Qarabağ” “Sabah”a yenə uduzdu

Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun gününün sonuncu qarşılaşması son çempion “Qarabağ”la lider “Sabah” arasında baş tutub.

Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionunda keçirilmiş turun mərkəzi oyununu Elçin Məsiyev idarə edib. Oyunun taleyini bir qol həll edib. Paytaxt təmsilçisi əsas rəqibini bu oyunda da məğlub etməklə çempionluğa daha da yaxınlaşıb. 10 nəfərlə qalmış rəqibi ilə bacarmayan son çempion isə qızıl medalları “Sabah”a “hədiyyə edib”.

Daha öncə “Araz-Naxçıvan” “Turan Tovuz”a uduzub (0:3), “Zirə” – “Neftçi” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib (1:1), “Karvan” isə “Şamaxı”nı məğlub edib – 1:0. “Kəpəz” – “İmişli” və “Sumqayıt” – “Qəbələ” oyunları sabah keçiriləcək.

Premyer Liqa
28-ci tur
18 aprel

“Qarabağ” – “Sabah”
Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov, İnqilab Məmmədov
VAR: Tural Qurbanov.
AVAR: Cəmil Quliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Azər Əsgərov.
Bakı. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu, 19:30.

Qarabağ: 99. Mateus Koxalski, 27. Toral Bayramov, 10. Abdullah Zubir (k), 81. Kevin Medina, 20. Kadi Borges, 2. Mateus Silva, 9. Xoni Montiel, 18. Dani Bolt, 15. Leandro Andrade, 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 17. Kamilo Duran.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 97. Fabian Buntiç, 89. Amin Ramazanov, 55. Bədavi Hüseynov, 77. Ramil Şeydayev, 22. Musa Qurbanlı, 8. Marko Yankoviç, 21. Aleksey Kaşuk, 11. Emmanuel Addai, 24. Jeremi Qnali.
Baş məşqçi: Qurban Qurbanov.

Sabah: 92. Stas Pokatilov (k), 6. Abdulla Xaybullayev, 20. Coy Lens Mikels, 21. Velko Simiç, 40. İqor Noqeyra, 80. Akim Zedadka, 3. Stiv Solvet, 27. Timoteuş Puxaç, 13. İvan Lepinitsa, 11. Kahim Parris, 19. Aaron Maluda.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 55. Nicat Mehbalıyev, 94. Rəvan Mirzəmmədov, 17. Tellur Mütəllimov, 10. Aleksey İsayev, 2. Amin Seydıyev, 5. Rəhman Daşdəmirov, 9. Xəyal Əliyev, 70. Jesse Sekidika, 22. Zinedin Uld Xaled, 99. Patrik Mbina, 53. Andrey Santos, 83. Stefan Ende.
Baş məşqçi: Valdas Dambrauskas.

Manuel Lokatelli “Yuventus”la yeni müqavilə imzaladı

Futbol üzrə İtaliya millisinin və “Yuventus”un yarımmüdafiəçisi Manuel Lokatelli Turin klubu ilə yeni müqaviləyə imza atıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Turin təmsilçisinin rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.

İtaliya millisinin üzvü ilə 2030-cu ilin yayına kimi nəzərdə tutulmuş yeni sözləşmə imzalanıb. Tərəflər arasındakı əvvəlki müqavilənin müddəti 2028-ci ilin 30 iyununda bitəcəkdi.

Xatırladaq ki, “Yuventus” Lokatellini 2023-cü ilin iyulunda 36,4 milyon avro qarşılığında “Sassuolo”dan transfer edib.

Cari mövsümdə Lokatelli “Yuventus”un heyətində 41 oyuna çıxıb, 3 qol və 2 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib. Lokatellinin “qoca sinyoranın” heyətində ümumi statistikası isə belərdir: 224 oyun, 9 qol, 17 məhsudlar ötürmə.

Lokatelli daha öncə “Sassuolo”dan başqa yetirməsi olduğu “Milan”ın da formasını geyinib.

Manuel Lokatelli 2020-ci ilin sentyabrında debüt etdiyi İtaliya yığmasının heyətində 36 oyuna 3 qol, 2 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib. Manuel “skuadra adzurra” ilə 2021-ci ildə keçirilmiş Avropa çempionatının (AÇ-2020) qalibi olub.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 28 yaşlı Manuel Lokatellini 25 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

“Bizə olan ümidləri doğrultmağa çalışdıq”

Qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan milli komandasının məşqçisi Rövşən Qasımov dünya çempionatının seçmə mərhələsi çərçivəsində Andorra yığması ilə evdə keçirilən oyundan (2:0) sonra mətbuat konfransında fikirlərini bildirib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis qələbəni belə şərh edib:

“Çox gözəl atmosfer var idi. Bizə olan ümidləri doğrultmağa çalışdıq. İnanıram ki, azarkeşlər oyundan zövq aldılar. Komandadan razı qaldıq, qızlar bütün tapşırıqları yerinə yetirdilər. Qarşıda bizi çox vacib matçlar gözləyir. İyunda Macarıstan və Şimali Makedoniya yığmaları ilə qarşılaşacağıq. Bundan sonra tam olaraq həmin görüşlərə köklənəcəyik”.

How Inter can confirm Scudetto champion status as early as next weekend

Inter Milan are on the verge of securing their 21st Scudetto, after Napoli’s home defeat to Lazio extended the Nerazzurri’s lead at the top of Serie A.

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Next Friday, Napoli host Cremonese at the Maradona and if Antonio Conte’s side do not pick up the three points, Inter can lift the trophy with a victory at Torino on Sunday.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nicolo Barella of celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter wrapping up formalities in Scudetto race

Despite all the mathematics, the title has never really looked outside of Inter’s reach.

Cristian Chivu’s side have led the division for most of the season and look as though they will be deserved winners.

Napoli and Milan have both threatened at times but neither has had the same consistency as the league leaders.

Antonio Conte’s Partenopei were largely expected to beat Lazio on Saturday evening but goals from Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic stunned the hosts.

Relive all the action from the game, as well as the match between Roma and Atalanta, on our Live Blog.

Serie A | Napoli 0-2 Lazio: Sarri puts final nail in Scudetto dream

Napoli really have abandoned Scudetto dreams after their first Serie A home defeat of the season, as despite a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic penalty save, Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic gave Lazio victory.

The Partenopei were still smarting after the draw at Parma practically ended their Scudetto ambitions. Amir Rrahmani returned to the bench, with Sam Beukema preferred to Juan Jesus, but Romelu Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres and Antonio Vergara were still out of action. Lazio weren’t in much better shape, as Adam Marusic, Ivan Provedel, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto didn’t make the trip, with Daniel Maldini back in the squad. Maurizio Sarri faced his old club and also kept an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Atalanta.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

It was an aggressive start from Lazio and they opened the scoring early on when Kenneth Taylor pulled back from the left by-line for Matteo Cancellieri to sweep into the far bottom corner first-time from eight yards.

Toma Basic and Matteo Politano tested the goalkeepers, but Mario Gila did just enough to stop Scott McTominay nodding in from six yards on a Politano cross.

Alessio Romagnoli made a decisive sliding tackle on Rasmus Hojlund when sent through by Kevin De Bruyne, but Lazio earned a penalty when Noslin took advantage of a lucky ricochet off Alessandro Buongiorno to go on the counter, shrugged off Beukema, and was bundled over from behind by Stanislav Lobotka.

However, Zaccagni became the latest victim of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who parried his third penalty of the season, and then the Lazio captain slipped to fire the rebound over the bar.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli stops a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli stops a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Milinkovic-Savic was decisive again with a tricky save as Cancellieri’s strike went through a defender’s legs, and Noslin couldn’t keep the rebound down.

Nuno Tavares forced another Milinkovic-Savic save with an angled drive when sent sprinting down the left, and Kenneth Taylor drilled just wide straight after the restart.

Lazio did double their lead when Nuno Tavares sprinted down the left and Cancellieri stumbled on what should’ve been a tap-in, but the ricochet fell kindly for teammate Toma Basic to sweep in from 10 yards.

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 18: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Matteo Politano of SSC Napol during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Matteo Politano of SSC Napol during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Substitute Alisson Santos threatened to pull one back moments later, but his powerful angled drive thumped the outside of the near post.

Nuno Tavares failed to turn in the Noslin roll across from six yards under pressure from Miguel Gutierrez, and McTominay’s scorcher was deflected over, as Napoli remarkably suffered their fourth consecutive home defeat to Lazio. It was also their first home loss of the Serie A season.

Napoli 0-2 Lazio

Cancellieri 6 (L), Basic 57 (L)

Saved penalty: Zaccagni 31 (L)

18-04-2026 17:00
MatchDay 33

Player statistic

1st half
    6' Matteo Cancellieri
(Assist: Kenneth Taylor)
Stanislav Lobotka 29'    
    31' Missed penalty Mattia Zaccagni
    33' Danilo Cataldi
2nd half
    57' Goal Toma Basic
(Assist: Matteo Cancellieri)
    60' Kenneth Taylor
    90+1' Yellow card Boulaye Dia

Match statistic

67
Possession %
33
12
Total shots
14
Shots on target
7
8
Shots off target
6
4
Blocked shots
1
12
Corners
2
Offsides
11
Fouls
9
Napoli
Lazio

Starting lineups

32
37
63'
17
Defender
31
Defender
99
Midfielder
46'
11
Midfielder
46'
8
Midfielder
68
Midfielder
63'
21
Attacker
72'
19
Attacker
40
Goalkeeper
13
29
Defender
82'
34
Defender
61'
17
Defender
32
Midfielder
61'
24
Midfielder
26
Midfielder
71'
22
10
Attacker
61'
14
Attacker

Substitutes

5
Defender
1
Goalkeeper
13
Defender
14
Goalkeeper
6
Midfielder
23
20
Midfielder
46'
27
Attacker
46'
3
63'
23
Attacker
63'
30
72'
9
Attacker
27
Midfielder
3
Defender
18
Attacker
21
Midfielder
20
Attacker
28
Attacker
72
Goalkeeper
4
Defender
61'
19
Attacker
61'
25
61'
7
Midfielder
71'
23
Defender
82'

Serie A official line-ups: Roma vs. Atalanta

Roma and Atalanta go head-to-head for European ambitions, as emotional Gian Piero Gasperini faces his past with Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé, while Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori start.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

BERGAMO, ITALY - JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Como’s defeat to Sassuolo has made this a particularly crucial fixture for chasing down the top four, as Champions League qualification is still up for grabs.

This is a special night for Gasperini, as confirmed by his tears in the press conference when discussing the departure after nine years with Atalanta.

His time at Roma has been mixed, and overshadowed by the recent very public disagreement with director Claudio Ranieri.

Injuries haven’t helped, as Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are all out of action.

Nicolò Pisilli and Gianluca Mancini are not at 100 per cent either, so Neil El Aynaoui and Devyne Rensch start in midfield.

Stephan El Shaarawy steps in with Soulé to support Malen, who is fresh off a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Pisa.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Atalanta had been marching up the standings until last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Juventus, which could yet prove a pivotal moment in this season’s hunt for European places.

Isak Hien has joined Kamaldeen Sulemana on the treatment table, while coach Raffaele Palladino has to keep an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio.

Scamacca is available again, but only on the bench, and Raspadori is pushing to find full fitness after his injury, so they start with Charles De Ketelaere.

There is bound to be tension here too, because Roma tried to sign Raspadori from Atletico Madrid in January, but he preferred La Dea.

It allows ex-Roma man Nicola Zalewski to rest, as Lorenzo Bernasconi steps in too.

MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta have an extraordinary record against Roma, unbeaten since a 1-0 result here in March 2022, followed by six wins and a draw.

Palladino, who was Gasperini’s protégé, beat him 1-0 in Bergamo back in January thanks to a Giorgio Scalvini goal.

BERGAMO, ITALY - JANUARY 03: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta scores his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Roma vs. Atalanta line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic

18-04-2026 19:45
MatchDay 33

Player statistic

1st half
    12' Nikola Krstovic
(Assist: Marten de Roon)
Mario Hermoso
(Assist: Devyne Rensch)
Goal 45'    
2nd half
    65' Éderson
Niccolò Pisilli 75'    
    90+1' Yellow card Berat Djimsiti

Match statistic

53
Possession %
47
19
Total shots
8
9
Shots on target
2
4
Shots off target
3
6
Blocked shots
3
7
Corners
6
1
Offsides
3
4
Fouls
14
Roma
Atalanta

Starting lineups

99
Goalkeeper
2
Defender
78'
5
Defender
23
Defender
60'
22
Defender
19
Defender
4
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
60'
14
Attacker
18
Attacker
71'
92
60'
29
Goalkeeper
19
Defender
77
42
Defender
46'
16
Defender
23
Defender
46'
13
Midfielder
80'
15
Midfielder
17
46'
18
90
Attacker

Substitutes

3
Defender
95
Goalkeeper
24
Defender
97
Attacker
70
Goalkeeper
61
Midfielder
60'
87
Defender
60'
20
60'
78
Attacker
71'
12
78'
10
Midfielder
57
Goalkeeper
9
5
Defender
7
Midfielder
6
Midfielder
59
Midfielder
46'
3
Defender
46'
69
Defender
46'
8
Midfielder
80'

Cremonese’s Jamie Vardy to miss Torino clash, not included in Giampaolo’s squad

Jamie Vardy will play no part in Cremonese’s Serie A home clash with Torino on Sunday, with Marco Giampaolo leaving the veteran English striker out of his 23-man squad as the club continues to manage his fitness carefully.

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Vardy has been working on an individual programme throughout the past week and Giampaolo has decided against risking any setback by rushing him back into contention, via PazziDiFanta.

Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby is in a similar situation, having also trained separately from the main group, and he too has been left out of the squad.

With both players absent, Giampaolo will rely on Milan Djuric, David Okereke, Federico Bonazzoli and Antonio Sanabria as his attacking options for a fixture that carries significant weight in the relegation battle.

PARMA, ITALY - MARCH 21: Youssef Maleh of Cremonese celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Cremonese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 21, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
PARMA, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssef Maleh of Cremonese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Cremonese at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 21, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Cremonese squad vs Torino as Vardy misses out

Goalkeepers: Audero, Silvestri, Nava
Defenders: Luperto, Baschirotto, Bianchetti, Ceccherini, Terracciano, Faye, Folino
Midfielders: Pezzella, Barbieri, Zerbin, Lottici Tessadri, Floriani Mussolini, Vandeputte, Payero, Grassi, Bondo
Forwards: Djuric, Okereke, Bonazzoli, Sanabria

Man City lead Arsenal in race to sign “fantastic” star who’s been compared to Gareth Bale

Manchester City reportedly lead Arsenal in the race for the transfer of Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento.

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The 23-year-old has shone at St James’ Park and could now be someone the Magpies struggle to keep hold of, though it seems Arsenal might struggle to afford him.

That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Man City currently look more likely to be able to make the right kind of financial commitment to sign Livramento this summer.

The report suggests Livramento is one of City’s top targets, but that Arsenal also have a strong interest in the England international.

Tino Livramento looks ready for a big move

Livramento has looked like an elite talent for some time now, having first really caught the eye at former club Southampton.

Ex-Gunner Theo Walcott was full of praise for Livramento at the time, telling talkSPORT that he had been “fantastic” for them and that he even reminded him of Gareth Bale.

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“It just shows that there’s a future star there but again we need to be careful as we always do but its why we love football isn’t it? I can’t complain, he’s been absolutely fantastic,” Walcott said of Livramento back in 2021.

“Do you know what, he reminds me a little bit of Gareth (Bale) when he came through as a full-back.

“That’s a big statement of course to compare him to someone like that but just feel like his presence and the way he drives and the pace and the power and it’s no surprises that you know what he’s going to do.

“He’s so strong with the ball and very clever and technically he is fantastic.”

Newcastle could lose star names this summer

TEAMtalk also mention Newcastle facing interest in Italian midfield maestro Sandro Tonali this summer.

IT could be a difficult transfer window again for NUFC after they lost Alexander Isak last year, with Tonali and Livramento’s futures now looking uncertain.

On top of that, the Telegraph have reported on Anthony Gordon wanting to leave, and the England international wasn’t in Eddie Howe’s squad for the Bournemouth game today.

The post Man City lead Arsenal in race to sign “fantastic” star who’s been compared to Gareth Bale appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle emerging as favourites for Arsenal transfer target

Newcastle United are reportedly pushing the strongest for the potential transfer of Hertha Berlin wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn.

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are also credited with an interest in the highly-rated 16-year-old, who is fast becoming one of the most sought-after teenage talents in world football.

However, it seems there are early signs of Newcastle making the most significant progress on a potential deal for Eichhorn, according to TEAMtalk.

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The Magpies are said to be stepping up their interest in the German youth international, though it’s also not a deal that would be entirely straightforward to get done.

Kennet Eichhorn transfer could face complications due to regulations

The report from TEAMtalk explains that there are some regulations that might impact Newcastle’s chances of signing Eichhorn for the time being.

Kennet Eichhorn
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)

Bundesliga clubs would supposedly hold the advantage in the race for Eichhorn as he cannot move to England until he turns 18.

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Newcastle fans will hope there’s some way around this, but it looks like an ambitious deal for their club to get done with so much competition.

It may be that NUFC can agree a deal now that sees the player move once he turns 18, but it remains to be seen if he’d really be keen on that option.

TEAMtalk also name the likes of Bayern, Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund as suitors for Eichhorn, and that could work well for him at this early stage of his career.

Newcastle are a big club but it would be quite a gamble to move abroad so early, so continuing his development in German football would probably be the best thing for his career progression.

The post Newcastle emerging as favourites for Arsenal transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal linked with shock €50m transfer raid on PL rivals for star midfielder

Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs in the mix for a surprise potential transfer swoop for Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons this summer.

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The Netherlands international only joined Spurs from RB Leipzig less than a year ago, but has struggled in what has been a hugely challenging season for everyone associated with the club.

It may well be that Simons and Spurs are soon relegated to the Championship, in which case it’s hard to imagine him sticking around for very long.

See below as journalist Ekrem Konur now claims that Simons is already being eyed up by Tottenham’s rivals Arsenal, as well as by Bayern Munich and his former club Paris Saint-Germain…

? #Tottenham ??
Xavi Simons, Dutch midfielder at Tottenham, attracting Europe’s giants.

? Interest ? Bayern Munich, Arsenal and PSG.

? Transfer packages ? Over €50M require board approval. pic.twitter.com/yyn0kNIelK

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) April 18, 2026

The report states that Simons is likely to cost around €50m, but it’s also hard to imagine THFC wouldn’t charge a lot more than that if Arsenal came calling.

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Do Arsenal need Xavi Simons?

Arsenal could do with adding someone with a bit of spark and creativity to their squad for next season, with Mikel Arteta’s side sometimes criticised for lacking enough flair and quality in the final third.

It could be that Simons would be a decent option for AFC, but he only has four goals and five assists in all competitions this season.

At the same time, though, the 22-year-old has been in a struggling Spurs side and might improve with better players around him.

It might also be that Simons will fare better after a year spent developing and gaining experience in English football.

Still, as already mentioned, the issue will surely be if Tottenham are prepared to sell to their bitter rivals, as these two clubs rarely do business together.

The post Arsenal linked with shock €50m transfer raid on PL rivals for star midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

€100m bid prepared: Man United ready to beat Liverpool & Arsenal to attacker transfer

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to bid as much as €100m for the potential transfer of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.

The Red Devils are the latest club to be linked strongly with the England international, with Fichajes claiming they’re ready to make a big offer for him.

This comes amid a lot of speculation over Gordon’s future, with the Telegraph reporting earlier this week that the 25-year-old is open to leaving St James’ Park this summer.

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That report mentioned interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, but not from Man Utd, so it remains to be seen how concrete this latest update is.

While it’s easy to imagine United might also have an interest in Gordon, one imagines the Telegraph’s information is probably more accurate than that of Fichajes.

That doesn’t necessarily mean MUFC aren’t going to end up being in the mix, but it probably suggests that Fichajes’ claims of a big bid being prepared probably need to be taken with a pinch of salt, or are premature at best.

Where next for Anthony Gordon?

Gordon has shone at Newcastle, having also previously looked like an exciting young talent during his time at former club Everton.

Capable of playing a variety of attacking roles, Gordon has 17 goals and four assists in all competitions for Newcastle this season, and could surely be an upgrade on some of the current attacking players at the Emirates Stadium, Anfield, and Old Trafford.

United invested a lot in attacking players last summer, though, so may well look at other positions as more of a priority for the time being, even if Gordon would undoubtedly be an exciting player to be able to bring in, perhaps as a superior option to Matheus Cunha.

Arsenal, meanwhile, surely need someone better than Gabriel Martinelli, who has just one league goal all season, while Leandro Trossard has also lost form lately and is not getting any younger.

Liverpool have endured a frustrating season so could do with making some changes, and Gordon makes sense as an upgrade on the inconsistent Cody Gakpo.

Where do you see Gordon ending up? Let us know in the comments!

The post €100m bid prepared: Man United ready to beat Liverpool & Arsenal to attacker transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Serie A | Napoli 0-2 Lazio: Sarri puts final nail in Scudetto dream

Serie A | Napoli 0-2 Lazio: Sarri puts final nail in Scudetto dream
Serie A | Napoli 0-2 Lazio: Sarri puts final nail in Scudetto dream

Napoli really have abandoned Scudetto dreams after their first Serie A home defeat of the season, as despite a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic penalty save, Matteo Cancellieri and Toma Basic gave Lazio victory.

The Partenopei were still smarting after the draw at Parma practically ended their Scudetto ambitions. Amir Rrahmani returned to the bench, with Sam Beukema preferred to Juan Jesus, but Romelu Lukaku, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres and Antonio Vergara were still out of action. Lazio weren’t in much better shape, as Adam Marusic, Ivan Provedel, Nicolò Rovella, Samuel Gigot and Alessio Furlanetto didn’t make the trip, with Daniel Maldini back in the squad. Maurizio Sarri faced his old club and also kept an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Atalanta.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

It was an aggressive start from Lazio and they opened the scoring early on when Kenneth Taylor pulled back from the left by-line for Matteo Cancellieri to sweep into the far bottom corner first-time from eight yards.

Toma Basic and Matteo Politano tested the goalkeepers, but Mario Gila did just enough to stop Scott McTominay nodding in from six yards on a Politano cross.

Alessio Romagnoli made a decisive sliding tackle on Rasmus Hojlund when sent through by Kevin De Bruyne, but Lazio earned a penalty when Noslin took advantage of a lucky ricochet off Alessandro Buongiorno to go on the counter, shrugged off Beukema, and was bundled over from behind by Stanislav Lobotka.

However, Zaccagni became the latest victim of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who parried his third penalty of the season, and then the Lazio captain slipped to fire the rebound over the bar.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli stops a penalty from Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Milinkovic-Savic was decisive again with a tricky save as Cancellieri’s strike went through a defender’s legs, and Noslin couldn’t keep the rebound down.

Nuno Tavares forced another Milinkovic-Savic save with an angled drive when sent sprinting down the left, and Kenneth Taylor drilled just wide straight after the restart.

Lazio did double their lead when Nuno Tavares sprinted down the left and Cancellieri stumbled on what should’ve been a tap-in, but the ricochet fell kindly for teammate Toma Basic to sweep in from 10 yards.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Matteo Politano of SSC Napol during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Substitute Alisson Santos threatened to pull one back moments later, but his powerful angled drive thumped the outside of the near post.

Nuno Tavares failed to turn in the Noslin roll across from six yards under pressure from Miguel Gutierrez, and McTominay’s scorcher was deflected over, as Napoli remarkably suffered their fourth consecutive home defeat to Lazio. It was also their first home loss of the Serie A season.

Napoli 0-2 Lazio

Cancellieri 6 (L), Basic 57 (L)

Saved penalty: Zaccagni 31 (L)

Confirmed Man United XI vs Chelsea: Sesko starts, Kobbie Mainoo returns

Confirmed Man United XI vs Chelsea: Sesko starts, Kobbie Mainoo returns
Confirmed Man United XI vs Chelsea: Sesko starts, Kobbie Mainoo returns

Kobbie Mainoo has been passed fit and takes his place in the Manchester United starting XI to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Defence

Senne Lammens is in goal.

The back four comprises Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspended, while Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are injured.

Midfield and Attack

Mainoo takes his place alongside Casemiro in central midfield. Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is in the number 10 role.

Matheus Cunha is on the left wing, Bryan Mbeumo on the right and Ben Sesko retains his place up front.

Substitutes

Altay Bayindir is the substitute keeper. He is joined on the bench by Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Manuel Ugarte, Amad, Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 8.00pm. A win will put clear daylight between United and sixth place, with the top five set to qualify for the Champions League.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’ in pursuit of Manchester City captain – report

Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’ in pursuit of Manchester City captain – report
Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’ in pursuit of Manchester City captain – report

Bernardo Silva has officially confirmed this week that he will leave Manchester City when his contract expires on 30 June.

The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been one of FC Barcelona’s most consistent transfer targets in recent seasons, but financial constraints made the deal unfeasible at the time.

But now that he is set to become a free agent, Silva’s name has once again been linked with the Blaugrana. At the same time, Italian giants Juventus are also keen on the versatile midfielder.

Juventus see Barcelona as a ‘major threat’

Now, according to Tuttosport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), there is a belief at Juventus that Barcelona still represent “a major threat” to the completion of the deal to sign Silva.

As such, securing fourth place in Serie A, and therefore qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, is seen as fundamental to neutralising the threat that the Blaugrana pose.

Bernardo Silva will be a free agent this summer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Juventus, preparing for an active summer in the transfer market with the aim of returning to contention for major titles, initiated contact with the Portuguese international already.

Silva has taken a couple more weeks to decide on the next step in his career, taking into account Juventus’ strong interest.

However, in Turin, there is a sense that there is a real threat to the progress the Bianconeri have already made in the form of Barcelona.

Barcelona have held a magnetic attraction for Silva since he was a child, and according to reports in Spain, he still dreams of donning the Blaugrana shirt and is prepared to wait and see if an approach is made.

So, it remains to be seen whether Barça opt to make a move or if Silva ends up making progress in his talks with Juventus.

Other possibilities remain on the market for the Manchester City captain, including Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, both financially attractive options

Serie A official line-ups: Roma vs. Atalanta

Serie A official line-ups: Roma vs. Atalanta
Serie A official line-ups: Roma vs. Atalanta

Roma and Atalanta go head-to-head for European ambitions, as emotional Gian Piero Gasperini faces his past with Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé, while Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori start

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

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

BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma greet each other during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Como’s defeat to Sassuolo has made this a particularly crucial fixture for chasing down the top four, as Champions League qualification is still up for grabs.

This is a special night for Gasperini, as confirmed by his tears in the press conference when discussing the departure after nine years with Atalanta.

His time at Roma has been mixed, and overshadowed by the recent very public disagreement with director Claudio Ranieri.

Injuries haven’t helped, as Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Wesley, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are all out of action.

Nicolò Pisilli and Gianluca Mancini are not at 100 per cent either, so Neil El Aynaoui and Devyne Rensch start in midfield.

Stephan El Shaarawy steps in with Soulé to support Malen, who is fresh off a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Pisa.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Atalanta had been marching up the standings until last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Juventus, which could yet prove a pivotal moment in this season’s hunt for European places.

Isak Hien has joined Kamaldeen Sulemana on the treatment table, while coach Raffaele Palladino has to keep an eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio.

Scamacca is available again, but only on the bench, and Raspadori is pushing to find full fitness after his injury, so they start with Charles De Ketelaere.

There is bound to be tension here too, because Roma tried to sign Raspadori from Atletico Madrid in January, but he preferred La Dea.

It allows ex-Roma man Nicola Zalewski to rest, as Lorenzo Bernasconi steps in too.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nikola Krstovic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta have an extraordinary record against Roma, unbeaten since a 1-0 result here in March 2022, followed by six wins and a draw.

Palladino, who was Gasperini’s protégé, beat him 1-0 in Bergamo back in January thanks to a Giorgio Scalvini goal.

BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Roma vs. Atalanta line-ups

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic

Köln committed to pulling star Polish attacker Jakub Kaminski’s €5.5m purchase option

Köln committed to pulling star Polish attacker Jakub Kaminski’s €5.5m purchase option
Köln committed to pulling star Polish attacker Jakub Kaminski’s €5.5m purchase option

FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler has now confirmed to two major German footballing media sources his Bundesliga outfit’s first summer transfer. Polish attacker Jakub Kaminski will join Köln on a permanent basis. Kaminski has done an amazing job of reviving his career since arriving on loan from Wolfsburg this summer.

Kaminski’s loan deal was known to be complex. Sport Bild now claims that the 23-year-old’s initially reported on €7m purchase clause is actually closer to €5.5m. The 29-times-capped Polish international thus counts as an affordable investment for the cathedral city club irrespective of whether they play in the Bundesliga or 2. Bundesliga next season. 

Jakub Kamiński is regarded as one of the best Bundesliga transfers this season

After making history early this season with a late goal against his Bundesliga parent club, Kaminski kept up a strong run of form through most of the first half of the season. Get German Football News specifically singled out Kaminski as one of the best performers among the summer transfer class during the winter break.

Kaminski nevertheless struggled along with the rest of the team as the 2026 calendar year got underway, going 15 matchdays without recording a Bundesliga goal between November 2025 and March 2026. Lately, however, the Pollack has more than made up for it. 

Kaminski has gotten his name on the scoresheet in four consecutive Bundesliga fixtures, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.

Kaminski was always one of previous head coach Lukas Kwasniok’s favorite players, but has really sprung back to life under new head coach René Wagner. 

After the attacker helped Köln draw relegation rivals St. Pauli 1-1 with a late equalizer last night, Kessler spoke about the matter with Sky Germany.

Köln preparing to retain Kaminski

It can be assumed that we’ll sign him, irrespective of what league we’re in,” Kessler told Sky. “He demonstrated once again just how important he is for us today.

GGFN | Peter Weis

Durham teen battling lymphoma celebrated at WrestleMania during World Wish Month

As World Wish Month continues, the Make-A-Wish community is coming together nationwide to bring moments of joy to children facing critical illnesses, including a 14-year-old from Durham who is battling lymphoma.

Jimmie is one of 26 children from across the country whose wishes brought them to Las Vegas this weekend for WrestleMania, one of the biggest events in professional wrestling.

As part of the experience, each child received a private shopping event at the WWE World Superstore, where they could choose memorabilia, clothing and keepsakes tied to their favorite wrestlers. But the surprises didn't stop there.

Each "wish kid" enjoyed their own superstar-style entrance, complete with a personal announcement by WWE stars.

World Wish Month marks the anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish and highlights the importance of community support in granting life-changing wishes. Since its creation, the organization has helped fulfill hundreds of thousands of wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world.

Lahore thrash Rawalpindiz to extend winless run

Fakhar Zaman batting for Lahore Qalandars
[Getty Images]

Rawalpindiz remain winless in the Pakistan Super League after they suffered a 32-run defeat by Lahore Qalandars.

Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 84 from 54 balls in Lahore's 210-4, having added 121 for the first wicket with Mohammad Farooq, who hit five sixes in his 63.

Mohammad Amir was the pick of the bowlers with a spell of 2-25.

Rawalpindiz were immediately pegged back as Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi removed both openers inside the first three overs, before Yasir Khan counter-attacked with 58 from 29 balls.

Saad Masood also made a half-century but lacked support from the rest of the middle order as Lahore's bowlers chipped away with regular wickets, including Sam Billings for seven.

Rawalpindiz finished on 178-9, and remain at the bottom of the table after seven games, while Lahore are one place above them with three wins.

Franchise Cricket banner
[BBC]

Roma vs. Atalanta: Lineups & Game Thread

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 10: AS Roma player Stephan El Shaarawy arrives at the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images) | AS Roma via Getty Images

Roma’s on-again, off-again Champions League pursuit has found new life over the past week. Thanks to consecutive losses by our friends in Como, Roma enters today’s Round 33 fixture against Atalanta with a chance to move past Como in the standings and into fifth place. And, if Juventus falls to Bologna on Sunday, the Giallorossi could be tied with the Old Lady in fourth place with five matches remaining.

Of course, since this is Roma we’re discussing, the club isn’t entering this match free from distraction—far from it. While the club is dealing with its usual injury woes, the growing divide between manager Gian Piero Gasperini and senior adviser Claudio Ranieri continued to dominate the headlines, punctuated by an emotional pre-match press conference in which Gapserini left the podium abruptly.

And we haven’t even discussed today’s opponents, 7th-place Atalanta, a club that has defeated Roma in five of their past six meetings. While Atalanta’s Champions League hopes are more dire than Roma’s, they are only seven points behind Juventus and need these three points as badly as the Giallorossi do.

Lineups

Roma

La nostra formazione per #RomaAtalanta 🐺#ASRomapic.twitter.com/he2jdEwU5l

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) April 18, 2026

Atalanta: TBA

✅ Roma-Atalanta | Official, verdict on Soulé, Scamacca, Raspadori, Pisilli

✅ Roma-Atalanta | Official, verdict on Soulé, Scamacca, Raspadori, Pisilli
✅ Roma-Atalanta | Official, verdict on Soulé, Scamacca, Raspadori, Pisilli

A huge showdown at the Olimpico in the 20:45 kick-off that rounds off Saturday in Serie A. Gasperini’s Roma take on Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta in a crucial match for the Giallorossi to stay on the Champions League train, overtake Como, and keep Juventus from pulling away.

La Dea, against former boss Gasperini, would close the gap on the Giallorossi with a win, setting up a thrilling end to the season. 


Click on the match card to stay updated minute by minute.


✅ Official line-ups

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N’Dicka; Hermoso; Celik, El Aynaoui, Cristante, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen.

ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Raspadori; Krstovic.

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

🚨Squad confirmed: Úbeda's picks for the Superclásico

🚨Squad confirmed: Úbeda's picks for the Superclásico

Just hours before a new edition of the Superclásico at Estadio Monumental, Boca Juniors coach Claudio Úbeda has shaken things up with the squad list. For this key Torneo Apertura clash, the manager has made drastic decisions that signal a change of direction in the handling of the first team.

The big absences by technical decision

The most shocking news is the exclusion of three big names: Kevin Zenón, Lucas Janson, and Agustín Martegani. Unlike other teammates who are dealing with physical issues, these three players are fully fit, so their absence is exclusively the result of a tactical decision by Úbeda. The coach seems to be looking for a different level of commitment or different qualities to face River Plate at their home ground.


The "Xeneize" warms up

With the rest of the traveling squad confirmed, Boca is getting ready for a match that could shape the team’s mood in the tournament. Úbeda’s decision to leave out players who had been getting regular minutes adds an extra layer of pressure and expectation around the starting eleven that will take the field tomorrow.

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

'Pressure' affected Torquay in Hemel loss - Ball

Jimmy Ball
Jimmy Ball lost for the second time since taking over as Torquay United manager last month [Shutterstock]

Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball says his side did not cope with the pressure as they lost 2-1 to play-off rivals Hemel Hempstead Town.

The defeat sees Hemel leapfrog Torquay into fourth place in National League South.

Fifth-placed Torquay must win at Tonbridge Angels in their final game of the season next week to guarantee a play-off place.

Three points separate second-placed Hornchurch from seventh-placed Weston-super-Mare, with Maidenhead United one point behind.

"Pressure and nerves change people, and it changed us today," Ball told BBC Radio Devon.

"I didn't recognise us today and I can't put my finger on it.

"It's not the way I asked them to play, but it's not a me and them, it's us, so we're going to have to address it and figure out why.

"Maybe we give credit to the opponents - they stopped us playing.

"They rattled us, ruffled us, took their counter-attack goal very well, which is everything we worked on, which is their style, which is good, and outrun us and outfought us."

Remaye Campbell gave Hemel an ninth-minute lead before Dean Moore equalised 10 minutes before half time.

But Mauro Vilhete got what proved to be then winner when he fired into the top corner from distance to secure three vital points.

"Up until the goal, there was nothing in it, but just really poor decision-making all around the goal.

"We looked nervy, we looked edgy, there was no reason to be, this was a just go and play today at home in front of nearly 5,000 people, just go and play, and the opposite happened.

"I need to watch it back before I make too many remarks, but we just didn't cope very well."

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PLAYER RATINGS I Lorient 2-0 Marseille: A lacklustre Marseille slump to defeat at Le Moustoir

PLAYER RATINGS I Lorient 2-0 Marseille: A lacklustre Marseille slump to defeat at Le Moustoir
PLAYER RATINGS I Lorient 2-0 Marseille: A lacklustre Marseille slump to defeat at Le Moustoir

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 30, 18/04/2026

Having secured their place in the league but on a run of three consecutive games without a win, FC Lorient hosted Olympique de Marseille on Saturday, with the visitors looking for a success that would have allowed them to temporarily reclaim third place in the Ligue 1 table.

The Match

Fresh from a training camp in Spain, the afternoon seemed to be going well for Habib Beye’s men. After 20 minutes, despite a certain lack of creativity in the final third, their dominance of possession suggested that the work done over the past few days would soon bear fruit. But in Brittany, where Marseille have struggled this season, the tide turned against them once again.

Perfectly found in depth, Bamba Dieng held his ground against Leonardo Barlerdi and Benjamin Pavard, whose failed clearance fell to Panos Katseris, who wasted no time in beating the helpless Gerónimo Rulli. Trailing and plunged back into doubt, Marseille loosened their grip, leaving themselves increasingly exposed to Lorient’s counter-attacks, whilst Les Merlus happily exploited the vast spaces left in midfield by their opponents.

Having scored in the first half from a ball won by Dieng, Katseris thought he’d return the favour to his striker straight after the break, but this time saw Rulli make a superb save to deny the Senegalese. And what could have been a turning point in the match ultimately served only to delay the inevitable. Imprecise, toothless and as unbalanced as ever, Marseille were punished once again on the hour mark by Dieng, who went on to score his 15th goal of the season.

Stunned and unable to respond despite Beye’s attempts to make tactical adjustments, Marseille gradually faded away, watching their hopes of a top-three finish vanish under the sun at Le Moustoir. Fourth before kick-off in this 30th round of the French Ligue 1 championship, Marseille could finish it in a much more uncomfortable position, provided their rivals manage to come out on top in a thrilling race for Champions League qualification.

Marseille player ratings:

Gerónimo Rulli – 6

Although he could do nothing to prevent the two goals he conceded at Lorient this afternoon, the Argentine nevertheless shone on several occasions, delaying the inevitable.

Benjamin Pavard – 2

Once again involved in both of Lorient’s goals, the Frenchman had a nightmare afternoon. So much so that his attacking contributions were more noteworthy than his defensive ones.

Leonardo Balerdi – 3

Emerson –  4

Hamed Junior Traoré – 4

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 3

Himad Abdelli – 3

Starting alongside Højbjerg to make up for Quinten Timber’s last-minute withdrawal, the Algerian international certainly did nothing to change his critics’ minds. Lacklustre on the ball, he appeared to be overwhelmed by the physical challenge posed by the opposition’s midfielders.

Igor Paixão – 4

Mason Greenwood – 3

Amine Gouiri – 3

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 4

Although he was largely invisible for the first 45 minutes, Aubameyang looked more threatening in the second half, though he failed to hit the target against Lorient despite several attempts.

Selected Lorient player ratings:

Bamba Dieng – 8

Playing a key role in his team’s opening goal and scoring the second to make it 2-0, Dieng made life a living hell for his former teammates. With his back to goal, he dominated the Marseille defence.

Yvon Mvogo – 5

Arthur Avom – 7

With an impressive display, the Lorient number 62 gave his opponents in midfield a hard time. An accomplished performance, highlighted by his involvement in the Merlus’ first goal.

GFFN | Léo Aschi

Confirmed 2. Bundesliga Lineups: Hannover 96 vs. SC Paderborn

Confirmed 2. Bundesliga Lineups: Hannover 96 vs. SC Paderborn
Confirmed 2. Bundesliga Lineups: Hannover 96 vs. SC Paderborn

Promotion hopefuls Hannover 96 and Paderborn lock horns on matchday 30 Topspiel in 2. Bundesliga. The hosts are currently four points behind second-placed Paderborn in the standings after their impressive run of results in 2026.

Finnish striker Benjamin Källman comes in place of the injured Benedict Pichler for Hannover. Meanwhile, Mattes Hansen is suspended for the visitors after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign last week.

Here are the lineups for the big game in the 2. Bundesliga promotion race.

Confirmed Lineups

Hannover: Noll; Allgeier, Ghita, Okon; Aseko-Nkili, Leopold ©, Thordarson, Neubauer; Yokota, Taibi; Källman

Paderborn: Seimen; Scheller, Götze ©, Brackelmann; Curda, Baur, Castaneda, Obermair; Müller, Marino, Bilbija

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 match card, full list of fights

The road to WrestleMania 42 officially hits its first major stop tonight as Night 1 takes center stage in Las Vegas this evening.

After months of build-up and anticipation, the spotlight now shifts to the grandest stage where legacies are tested and moments are immortalized.

From rising stars looking to seize their breakthrough opportunity to established icons aiming to cement their place in history, Night 1 is stacked with multiple high-stakes matches.

With championships on the line and pride at stake, the opening night of WrestleMania is sure to captivate audiences around the world and set the tone for Night 2 on Sunday.

MORE: Roman Reigns adds bold stipulation to CM Punk WrestleMania match

Saturday Full Match Card:

  • The Usos & LA Knight vs. Austin Theory, Logan Paul, IShowSpeed (Six-Man Tag Team)
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
  • (C) Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. The Bella Twins (Women’s Tag Team Championships)
  • (C) AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
  • (C) Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan (WWE Women’s World Championship)
  • (C) Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

Giannis Antetokounmpo Just Ended Rumors About LA Lakers Trade This Summer

Giannis Antetokounmpo Just Ended Rumors About LA Lakers Trade This Summer
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

It looks like Los Angeles Lakers fans can ignore previous and future rumors about the team making a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A few weeks ago, the Lakers were looking like a dark-horse team in the Western Conference bracket of the NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately, significant injuries to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have completely dashed their hopes of making a run in this year’s postseason.

While they will hope LeBron James can lead them to a quarterfinals upset of the Houston Rockets, the Lakers’ front office must begin their pivot to more tinkering with the roster they are building around Doncic. There have been rumblings that the team could engage in trade talks about Milwaukee Bucks legend Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Although they were not involved in trade talks before the deadline in February, they are expected to have more intriguing draft assets available to offer the Bucks. Yet, there may be a key problem. The 10-time All-Star isn’t a fan of Los Angeles.

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls Los Angeles superficial

Giannis says he prefers Miami over LA

Dragic: “Vacation, LA or Miami?”

Giannis: “Miami. Miami, Miami. I think LA superficial. I don’t like LA”

(Via Gogis Garage YT, h/t @HeatCulture13) pic.twitter.com/supYbMGjWm

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 18, 2026

The Bucks great was the guest on the debut episode of the podcast hosted by 15-year NBA veteran Goran Dragic. During the chat, Dragic asked Antetokounmpo where he would rather go on vacation, Miami or Los Angeles. And the two-time NBA MVP had a surprising opinion of Lala Land.

“I think LA is superficial. I don’t like LA,” Antetokounmpo said.

Many believe the nine-time All-NBA honoree will be able to choose where he goes in a potential trade, and that is why the New York Knicks have been seen as a favorite. Since he is on record with his appreciation for the city. If he is not a fan of Los Angeles, it wouldn’t make any sense for him to okay a trade to the Lakers.

Meaning, the dreams of some fans of a potential combo of Doncic and Antetokounmpo are not going to happen this summer, and probably ever.

Related Headlines

How D.J. Wagner used transfer portal from Kentucky to Arkansas to Maryland

How D.J. Wagner used transfer portal from Kentucky to Arkansas to Maryland originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

D.J. Wagner wasn't even supposed to still be in college right now.

The former five-star recruit was meant to spend one season with the Kentucky Wildcats and then go to the NBA.

Instead, he's on his third college basketball team now. He committed to transfer to Maryland on Saturday.

D.J. Wagner timeline

Wagner was one of the best recruits in the country when he headed to Kentucky to try and be a Wildcats star.

He put up 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game as a college freshman, and he chose to stick around the NCAA ranks.

When head coach John Calipari left the Wildcats for Arkansas, Wagner followed.

This season with the Razorbacks, Wagner had to contend with two high-end guards besides him. He averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 assists per game.

Wagner is an immense talent, but he also hasn't quite found his way, and that's what brings him to Maryland.

The season at Maryland will be the last one Wagner plays in college.

If he can lead the Terrapins to strong heights, maybe he can still rekindle the NBA interest that once existed in him -- at least a little bit.

More college basketball news:

Flyers vs Penguins Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Playoffs Game 1

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The Battle of Pennsylvania is on for the first time since the 2018 postseason, with the Philadelphia Flyers visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena tonight.

My top Flyers vs. Penguins predictions are calling for Philly to continue its late-season surge with a low-scoring road upset in Game 1.

Read more in my NHL picks for Saturday, April 18.

Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN and Sportsnet.

Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 prediction

Who will win Flyers vs Penguins Game 1?

Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers put it all together down the stretch with an NHL-best 15-5- 1 run, including going 9-2 on the road while allowing just 2.63 goals per game.

As a result, I like Philly pulling off the road upset in Game 1, especially considering Pittsburgh closed out with a middling 10-8-3 record.

Flyers vs Penguins best bet: Under 6.5 (-130)

The Philadelphia Flyers were dominant defensively at five-on-five down the stretch with the fewest goals against and second-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes during their NHL-best 15-5-1 run after the March 6 trade deadline. 

Excellent defense will be critical against the Pittsburgh Penguins because the Pens paced the league in goals per 60 minutes and team shooting percentage at 5-on-5 during the same result.

I’m anticipating the solid Philly defense to help kick-start statistical correction to the shooting efficiency from Pittsburgh and pave the way to this total going Under the number in Game 1.

Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 same-game parlay

The Flyers received a huge boost with Porter Martone joining the team down the stretch, and he’s collected 10 points – four goals — across his first nine NHL games, including hitting the scoresheet in each of the past six.

Martone projects to jump the boards with veterans Christian Dvorak and Travis Konecny, and the trio has posted a 57.1% shot share at five-on-five. So, with Konecny dropping to a 1.5 shots total, this is the perfect spot to target him after recording just seven shots across his final six games of the regular season.

Konecny frequently trades at a 2.5 shots total, and he recorded two or more shots in 51 of 77 regular-season games.

Flyers vs Penguins SGP

  • Flyers moneyline
  • Porter Martone Over 0.5 points
  • Travis Konecny Over 1.5 shots

Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 goal scorer pick

Travis Konecny (+270)

Flyers winger Travis Konecny only scored twice across his final 13 games of the regular season despite recording 3.67 individual expected goals and 14 high-danger scoring chances while averaging 18:20 of ice time and jumping the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit.

Konecny's 7.4 shooting percentage during the skid was also way below his 17.7% mark through the first 64 games of the season.

Flyers vs Penguins odds for Game 1

  • Moneyline: Philadelphia +125 | Pittsburgh -150
  • Puck Line: Philadelphia +1.5 (-183) | Pittsburgh -1.5 (+183)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Flyers vs Penguins trend

Philadelphia has won 18 of its last 25 games (+15.20 Units / 56% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Flyers vs. Penguins.

How to watch Flyers vs Penguins Game 1

LocationPPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
DateSaturday, April 18, 2026
Puck drop8:00 p.m. ET
TVESPN, Sportsnet

Flyers vs Penguins latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Yankees held to 'C-' grade so far thanks to Jazz Chisholm and Cody Bellinger

Jazz Chisholm Jr. 122725

Yankees held to 'C-' grade so far thanks to Jazz Chisholm and Cody Bellinger originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees are 11-9 on the season, and have played 20 games of the 162-game 2026 MLB season. It's still early, but there's been enough games played to get an idea of where the Yankees stand.

Sitting just 0.5 game back of the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East, the Yankees are in fairly good shape to win the division and have a great season.

But, for Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, this opening stretch of the season has the Yankees receiving a "C-" grade for two reasons: Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger.

Yankees get 'C-' grade thanks to Chisholm and Bellinger

"On the whole, though, the Yankees have been just OK," Miller writes. "... They need the likes of Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Cody Bellinger to start hitting soon."

While the starting rotation looks like one of the best in baseball, even before Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return, the offense leaves a bit to be desired.

Aaron Judge is as great as ever, but the Yankees need a lot more production out of Bellinger, who just signed a big extension, and Chisholm, who's seeking a big contract after the 2026 MLB Season.

MoreShohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece

Bellinger has a .246 batting average with a .689 OPS on the season. It's not terrible by any means, but for the price, over $160 million, the Yankees need more production out of him.

Chisholm is having a bit more struggles this season. He's hitting .174 with a .515 OPS. For someone seeking a massive deal this offseason, this is not the start he was looking for.

While the Yankees might not be dominating the league so far, nor are they in dire straits, the "C-" grade is for how this roster should be playing a bit better than they have been.

This Yankees team is a World Series-caliber unit, and this mediocre start, while not bad, isn't exactly what the Yankees were hoping for to begin the year.

More MLB news:

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (4/19)

With home court advantage in their corner through at least the first three rounds of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Boston Celtics will play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at their home arena of TD Garden for Game 1 of the first-round series between these two Atlantic Division foes.

In that game, the Celtics will have an advantage in terms of player health, with the Sixers looking to be without one of their best big men. But this team has also gotten used to playing without him given several other injuries they'd previously suffered this season, so that may matter less than it normally would. We expect a Celtics win for this contest, but in the postseason, all teams are still playing for a reason.

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics come into this series with the No. 2 seed, and the Sixers the No. 7 after winning the right to face Boston in the 2026 East play-in tournament.

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) shoots during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

As this is Game 1, the series is currently tied 0-0.

What happened in the last game for each team?

Boston beat the Orlando Magic 113-108 at home.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics combine to knock the ball away from Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at TD Garden on March 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Philly also beat the Magic at home, 109-107.

Injuries

For Boston, no report was available at time of writing, but in their last game, Derrick White (knee), Neemias Queta (toe), Payton Pritchard (foot), Sam Hauser (back), Nikola Vucevic (finger), and Hugo Gonzalez (foot) were out (all are likely to play).

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The same situation with Philly, in their last game, Joel Embiid (appendicitis) was out.

Probable starting lineups - Celtics

  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Sam Hauser
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Luka Garza

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Probable starting lineups - Sixers

  • Paul George
  • Adem Bona
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.
  • Tyrese Maxey
  • VJ Edgecombe

What time is tipoff, and on what channels?

Here's when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: 4/19
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics vs. 76ers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (4/19)

Derry power past Antrim to reach last four

Lachlan Murray celebrates scoring a goal
Lachlan Murray found the net for Derry in the first half [Getty Images]

Derry powered through to an Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final with a 2-23 to 1-13 victory over Antrim at a sun-kissed Celtic Park.

Heavy favourites prior to throw-in, Ciaran Meenagh's side handled their business with minimal fuss, taking a firm grip as the opening period moved forward and saw out the second half to book a meeting with either Monaghan or Cavan on 2 May.

Derry had 10 different scorers on the day with Shane McGuigan leading the charge with nine points including a pair of two-pointers, while Lachlan Murray and Paul Cassidy grabbed the goals in either half.

Antrim battled throughout and while they didn't really threaten to upset the odds following a positive start, they could take much from the performances of Niall Burns, Peter Healy and goalkeeper John McNabb who pulled off a string of saves.

That McNabb was one of the stars on show told its own story as while Derry had gears to go through, they still had 13 points to spare.

More to follow

'Rusty' to 'relentless' - Red Roses deliver statement win

Just before England's Women's Six Nations match against Scotland kicked off on Saturday, Red Roses head coach John Mitchell was asked if this spell was the biggest test of his team's strength in depth since he took charge.

"No doubt," he replied. "But you have to adapt and respond to it."

In front of 30,498 people at Murrayfield - a record crowd for a standalone women's sporting event in Scotland - the world champions did that and more, winning 84-7.

England were not quite at their best in the 33-12 home victory against Ireland seven days earlier, which in hindsight was probably to have been expected given the turnover in their squad since they lifted the World Cup on that magical day at Allianz Stadium in September.

Four players, including captain Zoe Stratford, are unavailable because of pregnancy. Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow have both since retired.

Earlier this week, injured quartet Natasha Hunt, Morwenna Talling, Hannah Botterman and May Campbell were ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. The same fate had befallen Tatyana Heard before it had even started, while Alex Matthews' shoulder problem prevented her from being involved in Edinburgh.

But a much-changed line-up delivered a statement victory that demonstrated once more why the Red Roses are the benchmark to which all other nations aspire in women's rugby union.

Mitchell described it as a "special performance", while captain Meg Jones, who scored one of England's 12 tries, said the Red Roses were "relentless" in registering a 35th consecutive victory.

She added: "We want to keep building on every performance we have. This game gives us tremendous feedback and we can just keep getting better and better."

'They dominated from minute one to minute 80'

The absences of Stratford, Talling and Abbie Ward mean England are light on options at lock at the moment.

Lilli Ives Campion, winning her seventh cap, was the senior partner in the second row alongside Abi Burton, who is usually a back row.

Demelza Short, 19, made her debut in the back row alongside the outstanding Sadia Kabeya and player of the match Maddie Feaunati.

Prop Maud Muir marked her 50th cap with a series of powerful carries in the 51 minutes she was on the field, before her replacement, Sarah Bern, scored two tries for the second successive match.

Katy Daley-Mclean, who captained England to World Cup success in 2014, said on BBC Two: "I don't think I've ever seen them as accomplished as that performance was.

"They dominated from minute one to minute 80. It didn't matter whether it was their starters or their bench, whether it was players who had one cap or 113 - everybody came in and did their jobs.

"We've sometimes seen England do it in bits, but never as polished as that. They were outstanding."

Maggie Alphonsi, another member of England's 2014 world champions, added: "It was an impressive display. After the way they played against Ireland, you could say they were very rusty and left opportunities behind.

"Today, they capitalised on every chance they got when they went into the opposition's 22.

"All the forwards really stepped up. Last weekend against Ireland, you didn't really see the forwards get into the game, win the collisions or go forward. Today, they owned it. This England team have got a really good power game."

Kildunne reaches 50 international tries

There were changes among England's back division for the trip to Murrayfield, too.

In at fly-half for Holly Aitchison, Zoe Harrison had a magnificent day with the boot, converting all 12 tries.

England's lightning-quick ruck speed was a feature of their play, causing Scotland problems throughout.

Emma Sing capped a fine display at full-back with a first-half score, while Ellie Kildunne - who had been switched to the wing after starting at 15 against Ireland - scored twice to bring up a half-century of international tries.

Daley-Mclean said Kildunne had played "like a woman on a mission" while summarising England's first-half performance.

"Everybody around her has gone well today," she continued. "Ellie's tries have been extremely well-taken but a lot of it is the work done by other people around her. The ball from Jones [for Kildunne's second try] is sublime.

Alphonsi added: "People were questioning whether Kildunne could do it on the wing and she's putting on a show."

How Mitchell uses Sing and Kildunne moving forward is his "biggest challenge", according to Daley-Mclean.

"What we've seen today is the difference in them," the former England fly-half said in commentary.

"Ellie's top-end pace is like that of a winger and her strength. What Emma brings is really good aerial threat and she's got a really good kicking game.

"Using them is probably John Mitchell's biggest challenge. If Ellie wasn't there, Emma would be England's starting full-back and potentially would start for other nations in the Six Nations.

"She's probably unlucky that she's behind someone like Ellie, but for England it's how you use them to suit what the team needs to do."

On this evidence, England will take some stopping if any team is going to prevent them from clinching an eighth successive Women's Six Nations title and a fifth straight Grand Slam.

Winless Wales are next up in Bristol on 25 April, followed by a trip to Italy (9 May) and a potential Grand Slam decider in France eight days later.

Is Flying Million-Dollar Racehorses Around the World Insanity or Investment?

Young adult with Kandura, the emirates traditional clothes, riding his horse in the desert
Young adult with Kandura, the emirates traditional clothes, riding his horse in the desert© oneinchpunch/Shutterstock.com

The post Is Flying Million-Dollar Racehorses Around the World Insanity or Investment? appeared first on A-Z Animals.

“An oil-rich ruler pampers his horses so much, he flies them around in a specially built plane.”

It’s the kind of eye-rolling information that regular folks scoff at; simply another example of rich people using money in ridiculous and impractical ways. But for some, it’s a legitimate and shrewd business strategy. In fact, if you were on the board of a company managing elite racehorses, you’d likely vote in favor of it as well.

Godolphin’s Global Empire

For Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and founder of the global Godolphin racing operation, flying horses is part of a long‑term strategy to win top races across four continents. It also protects bloodlines worth vastly more than the ticket price for flying them around the world on a specially fitted plane.

Godolphin is a worldwide thoroughbred racing and breeding operation based in Dubai, with major training centers in Newmarket (England) and Australia, as well as teams in the United States and Europe. Godolphin’s stable has around 1,000 horses and has won hundreds of Group 1 races, including many of the most valuable events in the world.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai and founder of Godolphin.

©IMF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – Original / License

Because big races are spread across countries and seasons, the operation runs like a moving chessboard. Horses shift between Dubai’s winter carnival at Meydan Racecourse, Europe’s summer season, and major Australian races in their spring and fall. To keep that machine running, air travel is not an occasional luxury; it is the backbone of the business model. Check out this video to see exactly what the travel process looks like for the horses.

Why Ship a Million-Dollar Thoroughbred by Air?

Elite thoroughbred racehorses, especially those with stallion potential, can be worth millions in purchase price and future breeding income. Major races like the Dubai World Cup offer purses in the tens of millions, so a single win can offset multiple long-haul flights. Because Dubai’s summers are unendurably hot, horses are moved to Europe for cooler training, racing, and breeding, while Australia’s reversed seasons help keep them in peak condition year-round. If bad weather or disease disrupts racing in one region, horses based elsewhere can continue earning, and different jurisdictions provide varied distances, surfaces, and prize structures to suit each horse.

This global rotation also reflects Dubai’s broader strategy of spreading investments worldwide as a hedge against instability in the Persian Gulf — a wise consideration, as it turns out, considering the current state of war in the region.

Auto trailer for transportation of horses .

Flying can be less stressful to horses than traveling for days by truck or ship.

©yaalan/Shutterstock.com

Flying also makes sense for the wellbeing of the horses. Compared with traveling for days by truck or ship, a 10‑ to 15‑hour flight exposes a horse to less vibration and less time in a confined space. It also offers more controlled temperature and ventilation, which lowers the risk of shipping fever and weight loss.

Inside an Equine “Sky Suite”

On dedicated horse flights, animals travel in modular stalls, often called “air stables” or “jet stalls.” These containers lock into the floor of wide‑body freighters like Boeing 747 or 777 cargo jets. Each stall usually holds two or three horses, separated by partitions so they can balance and lean, with padded walls, hay nets, and water buckets that grooms refill regularly. The cargo hold is pressurized and climate‑controlled to stay within a narrow temperature range. Specialized staff monitor horses’ breathing, sweating, and behavior through the whole journey. Airlines and shipping companies that work with Godolphin and other top stables build schedules around the animals, timing flights to avoid extreme heat and leaving time so the animals can be loaded calmly rather than in a rush.

Shipping Fever and Other Travel Risks

Despite the careful setup, long flights carry real medical risks for horses, especially a respiratory disease known as shipping fever. Studies of air transport show that horses on journeys longer than eight hours may develop fever, coughing, weight loss, dehydration, and limb swelling, especially if ventilation is poor or they cannot lower their heads to clear their airways. Horses can lose dozens of pounds on a single international trip because they drink less, sweat from stress, and shift their weight constantly to stay balanced. Godolphin’s veterinarians watch for early signs of trouble, treat horses promptly on arrival, and often allow several days of recovery before a horse returns to serious training.

Climate, Seasons, and the Dubai–Newmarket Shuttle

horse in the desert portrait. brown Arabian horse against the background of the desert

The desert heat of Dubai is too much for horses in summer, so Godolphin ships some of its herd to England for the European season.

©Serhii Yushkov/Shutterstock.com

Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse hosts the Dubai Racing Carnival from November through March, culminating in the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest race days on the planet. While winters in the United Arab Emirates are mild and suitable for racing, summer temperatures soar well above what is healthy for horses in full training, so Godolphin moves many of its top runners to Newmarket, England for the European season. Newmarket offers cooler summers, long grass gallops, and historic training yards that allow horses to maintain fitness without extreme heat stress. By rotating horses between Dubai’s winter program and Europe’s summer schedule, the stable keeps them running on good ground for more of the year. It also helps them avoid the worst climates at each location.

Chasing Opposite Seasons in Australia

Australia runs its major flat races during the Southern Hemisphere spring and fall, which fall opposite to European and Middle Eastern seasons. Godolphin maintains stables in Sydney and Melbourne so that its horses can compete in major events there when European racing winds down.

Horse Veterinarian checking Equine Herpesvirus, Vet doctor check monitor horse health at horse stable farm using AI modern technology

Australia has tight biosecurity rules and requires quarantine of horses brought into the country.

©Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock.com

Moving horses from Dubai or England to Australia involves particularly strict biosecurity rules, including a 2-week pre‑export quarantine and another 2-week post‑arrival quarantine. This delay allows vets to monitor the animals to prevent introducing diseases like equine influenza into a country that has historically remained free of infections. For a valuable thoroughbred with a chance to win a top Australian race or improve its future stud value, the combination of quarantine time and airfare is accepted as part of the investment.

From Racetrack to Stud Farm

When a top thoroughbred finishes its racing career, it may join a stallion roster at one of Godolphin’s stud farms in places like Ireland, England, or Australia. Stallions travel between hemispheres to cover mares in both Northern and Southern Hemisphere breeding seasons, maximizing the number of foals (and potential future champions) they can sire each year. Because a single successful stallion can earn many times more in stud fees than it did in prize money, protecting its health during flights becomes even more critical. Specialized quarantine and transport arrangements for retired stallions may be even more cautious than those for active racehorses. The long‑term financial stakes are higher, so owners are willing to pay for extra safety measures.

Smart Risk or Sky-High Folly?

When you understand the industry, blue-blooded Godolphin horses walking calmly into expensive freighter aircraft look less like extravagance and more like smart business planning. For Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s global team, putting million‑dollar horses on planes is not insanity. It is a long‑term investment in athletic performance, genetic legacy, and a sport that now spans the entire planet.

The post Is Flying Million-Dollar Racehorses Around the World Insanity or Investment? appeared first on A-Z Animals.

IPL 2026: Tim David denies single, falls next ball as costly blunder triggers RCB slide

A split-second decision from Tim David turned into a defining moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost their grip against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.

The turning point came in the 15.1 over when Tim David, facing Delhi skipper Axar Patel, heaved one towards deep mid-wicket. A single was available, but he turned it down, leaving Jitesh Sharma stranded at the non-striker’s end.

What followed proved costly. On the very next ball, Axar took pace off and pushed it wider. David had to stretch for it and never looked in control, managing only a leading edge that lobbed towards short third man, where T Natarajan completed a simple catch.



David walked back for 26 off 17 balls, and the momentum shifted instantly. His dismissal, coming right after turning down a run, summed up RCB’s stuttering finish.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 175 for 8. Opting to bowl first, Axar led from the front with two wickets, supported well by Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, who also picked up two each.

RCB’s innings was built around Phil Salt, who scored a fluent 63 off 38 balls. He added 52 runs with Virat Kohli for the opening stand and later stitched a 47-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal. Despite finishing the Powerplay strongly at 59 for 1, the hosts failed to maintain momentum.

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From 99 for 2 at the halfway mark, RCB managed only 76 runs in the final 10 overs. The middle order faltered, with Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma unable to accelerate, leaving the total well below par on a slightly slow surface.

Christian Gray tries to adapt after Notre Dame bumps him inside

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame football will be without sophomore nickelback Dallas Golden for the rest of spring practice, coach Marcus Freeman said Saturday, April 18, after Golden missed the jersey scrimmage.

Freeman described Golden’s issue as a “lower back kind of sprain/strain/stress that we want to get calmed down.”

After playing 310 defensive snaps as a freshman, with 85% of those lined up in slot coverage or something similar, Golden is vying with senior Christian Gray and Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders for playing time as the fifth defensive back.

Golden, a Tampa Berkeley High School product, participated off and on for about three weeks of Irish spring drills before being shut down. He will miss the final three practices of the spring, including the April 25 Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium.

“We said, let’s put him on the shelf for a little bit to let his back calm down,” Freeman said. “We think that’s going to make him better.”

After pairing with shutdown cornerback Leonard Moore the past two seasons, Gray has willingly shifted inside with Colorado grad transfer DJ McKinney due to arrive in June.

Sophomore Mark Zackery IV handled field corner duties with the first team on Saturday and struggled to keep Jordan Faison under control.

Gray was flagged for pass interference against Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham on CJ Carr’s first full series, but Gray also broke up quick out from Carr to Jordan Faison on a third-and-goal play from the 1.

“We thought he would be a natural nickel,” Freeman said of Gray. “We thought this would be a good move for him. He’s really worked at it. Like anytime you’re trying to improve, you’ll go through some of the failures that he went through early in the spring, and he’ll continue to go through failures, but those make you better.”

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Gray’s forte is man-to-man coverage, typically in an “off” approach, but the 6-foot, 196-pounder is making the adjustment to the high-traffic nature of life in the slot. Freeman lauded Gray’s toughness in zone coverage this spring as well as his improvement in the “press situation” against slippery slot receivers.

"The greatest challenge is really learning the zones,” Gray said recently. “I’m learning about the playbook more now because it’s very different from corner. Everything is a lot faster.”

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame has Christian Gray at nickel with Dallas Golden ailing

Amazon broadcast details: Prime Vision, Rapid Recap, more features on platform's first NBA playoffs coverage

Amazon broadcast details: Prime Vision, Rapid Recap, more features on platform's first NBA playoffs coverage originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Watching the NBA in 2025-26 has been a significant change for fans.

A new media rights deal kicked in for the NBA this season, meaning that while games are no longer on TNT, they have been on some new or returning platforms, including NBC and Amazon Prime Video.

For Amazon, the 2026 playoffs will be its first as an NBA partner for the next decade. The entire Play-In Tournament aired on Prime, while additional playoff games are also set to be on the streaming service.

Here's what to know about Amazon's NBA broadcasts for the 2026 playoffs, from its technological features to its announcers.

SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Amazon Prime NBA broadcast features

According to Amazon, its NBA on Prime broadcasts feature some of the following customizable options and other aspects:

  • Personalized bet tracking when FanDuel account is linked (bets cannot be placed directly through Prime Video)
  • Multi-view for Prime Video and NBA League Pass subscribers
  • "Key moments," curating important plays with descriptions for recaps
  • "Rapid recap," which curates a highlight reel to bring fans up-to-speed for a game 
  • Box score stats + AWS advanced stats in-game
  • 1080p High Dynamic Range (HDR) video with 5.1 surround sound

Another aspect that has been a feature of "Thursday Night Football" previously is "Prime Vision," which debuted for the NBA on Prime in December and "provides distinctive viewpoints from an above-the-rim primary camera angle alongside AI-powered innovations, on-screen graphic overlays, advanced stats, and more," per Amazon. 

"Prime Vision" can provide real-time, advanced stats throughout a game, but one of its more prominent features comes on the court itself. Amazon's AI model can determine offensive player vs. defensive player mismatches — using size and skillsets — while in a game, then show viewers those mismatches by projecting a blue circle around the offensive player.

Prime Advantage can show us mismatches LIVE in game.

Look out for the blue circle 🔵 @Kristina_Pinkpic.twitter.com/GueCOIXysS

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 11, 2026

MORE: Everything to know about the 2026 NBA Playoff announcers 

Why are NBA playoff games on Amazon Prime?

The NBA began a new media rights deal in the 2025-26 season that added both NBC and Amazon Prime Video to its rotation for games.

Prime's first NBA playoffs as an exclusive streaming partner with the NBA began in April, and the streaming service was also recently the home of every Play-In Tournament game.

According to the NBA, here are the games that will air exclusively on Prime Video in the first round of the 2026 playoffs:

  • April 18: Toronto at Cleveland — 1:00 PM ET
  • April 18: Minnesota at Denver — 3:30 PM ET
  • April 18: Atlanta at New York — 6:00 PM ET
  • April 23: New York at Atlanta — 7:00 PM ET
  • April 23: Cleveland at Toronto — 8:00 PM ET
  • April 23: Denver at Minnesota — 9:30 PM ET
  • April 24: Boston at Philadelphia — 7:00 PM ET
  • April 24: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston — 8:00 PM ET
  • April 24: San Antonio at Portland— 10:30 PM ET

Amazon Prime NBA broadcast crew

Amazon Prime's NBA playoff broadcasts feature plenty of announcers, analysts and studio members who are already familiar to NBA fans.

The Prime broadcasts' play-by-play announcers include Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan and Michael Grady. Analysts on Prime feature Brent Barry, Jim Jackson, Candace Parker and Stan Van Gundy, along with  Dwayne Wade and Steve Nash, who will serve as game analysts, with Nash also contributing to studio coverage.

Other members of the studio coverage team include host Taylor Rooks, plus analysts Blake Griffin, Udonis Haslem, Dirk Nowitzki and Kyle Lowry, the current Philadelphia 76ers guard who will appear on "select shows throughout the postseason," per Amazon.

Allie Clifton, JayDee Dyer, and Kristina Pink all rotate on sideline reporter duties.

MORE: When do the NBA playoffs start? Key dates, schedule, more for 2026

Chido Obi: Man United starlet can save INEOS a fortune this summer

Chido Obi: Man United starlet can save INEOS a fortune this summer
Chido Obi: Man United starlet can save INEOS a fortune this summer

Manchester United are finalising plans for a major overhaul of the first-team squad this summer, with a host of incomings and outgoings expected at Old Trafford regardless of who is in the dugout next season.

The focus will be on bolstering a midfield unit that is braced to lose its most important cog, as Casemiro‘s time in M16 is fast approaching an end. Manuel Ugarte has proven incapable of deputising for the Brazil international, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the sole option with a long-term future at the club.

Consequently, two new recruits are planned to fix this stalling engine room, with INEOS’ focus on Premier League-proven operators incurring the dreaded tax when shopping in England. Elliot Anderson is the primary target, while Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba are also high on the radar. All four will cost up to, if not in excess of, £100 million to prise away from their respective clubs.

This one-two punch in midfield will have a knockout blow on United’s war chest this summer, despite a host of other areas of the pitch – goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back and left-wing – also understood to be on the agenda. But an additional centre-forward may be needed, given Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee have combined for just 11 goals in the league.

The 6’5 Slovenian, still in his maiden campaign in English football, has accounted for nine of these, however, leaving the sinking Dutchman as the Hyde to Sesko’s Jekyll. Zirkzee has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A, the league where he first rose to prominence, and came close to signing for AS Roma in January. A host of Italian clubs are expected to come knocking for his services again this summer.

The plethora of needs in the market and a finite budget that can stretch only so far, even with sales, will force hard choices for INEOS. A new striker is simply not as urgent as the needs in midfield or on the left-hand side to justify a big-money outlay on one of the recruitment department’s leading targets, such as Bournemouth starlet Eli Junior Kroupi.

In previous eras, the Red Devils would use the academy as a source of fresh blood for the senior squad – and this is exactly where the club’s hierarchy should turn to solve their goal-shy striker situation.

The Deadly Dane

Captured from Arsenal as one of the first signings of the INEOS era in 2024, Chido Obi arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of the country’s most highly rated academy players. The 6’2 Dane, considered a giant in youth football, was a crown jewel at Hale End, with the Gunners livid at losing him to a rival.

One notable story from his time in north London came in an under-18s match against Norwich City, where he scored seven goals in a 9-0 thrashing of the Canaries. A scarcely believable tale, until you realise it was not even his personal best, having returned 10 goals in a 14-3 demolition of Liverpool u-16s earlier in the season.

While the imposing physical advantages Obi held over his peers at that age were a key factor in this dominance, it takes a potent pairing of predatory instincts and lethal finishing to translate these gifts into goals.

However, there has been a natural learning curve for the Glostrup native since arriving in Manchester, as he has often played in the u-21s against defenders capable of matching his speed, size and strength. His record in a red shirt – 16 goals in 14 games for the u-18s compared to 14 in 35 for the u-21s – tells its own story.

Sophomore Sorrows

In the second half of last season, Obi made his senior debut for the Red Devils after an injury crisis forced Ruben Amorim to name him on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, where he was summoned from with the Lilywhites winning 1-0. Later in the campaign, he became the youngest Premier League starter in United’s history at 17 years and 156 days in the 4-3 loss to Brentford.

But this ascension to the first team has not been replicated this season. The 18-year-old has been named in a matchday squad just once throughout the campaign, with both Amorim and his successor, Michael Carrick, opting for other attacking options.

In December, Amorim drew widespread criticism, both inside and outside the club, for his dismissive comments about Obi, alongside Harry Amass, when trying to justify his decision to ignore academy players. It was a choice of words that ran antithetical to the club’s identity, an early nail in the Portuguese’s eventual coffin.

Earlier this month, The BBC revealed Obi had only “recently started training with the senior squad again” – a far cry from the eight first-team appearances he was racking up at this time last year. However, there was the clearest demonstration of the Dane’s progress since his arrival two years ago last night, far more than in any of his showings with the big boys.

A Top-Class No.9

Under Darren Fletcher’s watch, the u-18s put Crystal Palace to the sword in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup. The 2-1 win, courtesy of two fantastic strikes from Obi and standout sensation JJ Gabriel, sets up a mouth-watering final with local rivals Manchester City on 9 May.

It will be the first time the neighbours have met in the final of the competition since 1986, while both clubs are also neck and neck in the U-18 Premier League table, with the Citizens leading the Red Devils by just three points.

Obi’s hand in both goals, laying the first on a platter before gobbling up the second himself, demonstrated the complete skillset every top No.9 possesses. With his back to goal, he received a pass from Yuel Helafu, controlling the ball immediately before leaving the centre-back dead with an excellent turn and playing an incisive through ball for Gabriel, who finished with aplomb to put United 1-0 up.

Palace equalised after a costly mistake by No.1 Cameron Byrne-Hughes, sending the match into extra time. But with penalties looming, Obi stood tall to produce a match-winning moment in the 117th minute. He made a great run inside the Eagles’ backline to collect James Overy’s pass, before showing ice-cold composure with tired legs to go round the goalkeeper and secure his side’s place in the final.

The Athletic described the goal as the textbook definition of “what being a top striker is all about: delivering the decisive in a big match.” It’s a hard argument to dispute – and one which offers United hope of replication for the senior side next season.

Conclusion – Chido’s Chance

United are understood to be happy with Sesko’s progress as a young striker playing in the Premier League for the first time. He offers a freakish selection of physical attributes on the pitch, and outstanding attitude and application off it. The expectation is for him to kick on even more next season.

Furthermore, his fellow summer recruits – Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – are versatile forwards, capable of playing through the middle if needed. Mbeumo, in particular, was red-hot as a false nine in the early period of Carrick’s caretaker tenure.

This means there is experience and depth up top to support Sesko, even if Zirkzee’s days at the club look numbered. But neither Mbeumo nor Cunha offers the same imposing goal-hungry profile of Sesko, creating a gap in the squad that United cannot afford to fill.

Enter Obi, a tall, powerful No.9 with excellent fox-in-the-box instincts. While the young striker will not be needed to start anytime soon, he can offer the Red Devils a lethal bulldozer from the bench in the way Zirkzee has simply been incapable of doing. And the best part for the INEOS machine at the helm since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover? It will not cost the club a penny.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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