Benfica'da Dodi Lukebakio, oyundan alındıktan sonra yedek kulübesinde tepki gösterip Jose Mourinho ile tartıştı. Deneyimli teknik adam maç sonrası değişikliğin nedenini açıkladı.
TFF 2. Lig'in son maçında Bursaspor'a 5-0 yenilen Alağa FK'da teknik direktör Polat Çetin ile yollar ayrıldı. İzmir ekibinin yeni teknik adamı Çağdaş Çavuş oldu.
Türkiye Para Atletizm Milli Takımı, Fas'taki Grand Prix'nin üçüncü etabında 4 bronz madalya kazanırken, bazı sporcular Türkiye rekorları kırarak organizasyonu tamamladı.
27 aprel–1 may tarixlərində Ümummilli Lider Heydər Əliyevin 103-cü ildönümünə həsr olunacaq avarçəkmə və kanoe üzrə “Prezident Kuboku 2026” beynəlxalq reqatası ərəfəsində Azərbaycan Su İdman Növləri Federasiyasının nümayəndələri Ağdərə sakinləri ilə görüş keçirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Ağdərədə Həsənriz kəndinə köç edən sakinlərlə görüş zamanı bildirilib ki, Cənab Prezident İlham Əliyevin tapşırığı əsasında aprelin 27-də ilk dəfə Sərsəng su anbarında beynəlxalq idman tədbiri təşkil olunacaq. Tədbirin “Prezident Kuboku-2026” beynəlxalq reqatası çərçivəsində keçiriləcəyi diqqətə çatdırılıb.
Qeyd olunub ki, saat 12:00-dan etibarən Sərsəng su anbarında akademik avarçəkmə, kayak, kanoe, draqon qayıqları və yelkənli qayıqlar üzrə idmançıların nümunəvi çıxışları və ilk yarışlar baş tutacaq. İştirakçı ölkələrin bayraqlarını daşıyan skuterlər su üzərində dövrə vuracaqlar.
Tədbir çərçivəsində milli musiqi və rəqs nümunələri də nümayiş etdiriləcək.
Qeyd edək ki, “Prezident Kuboku 2026” beynəlxalq reqatasında Azərbaycan, Çexiya, Gürcüstan, Almaniya, Yunanıstan, Qazaxıstan, Qırğızıstan, Litva, Moldova, Rumıniya, Serbiya, İsveç, Tacikistan, Türkiyə, Ukrayna və Özbəkistandan 100-dən artıq idmançı mübarizə aparacaq. Reqataya mayın 1-də yekun vurulacaq.
“Şamaxı” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIX turunda bu gün “Kəpəz”i qəbul edəcək.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, saat 16:00-da start götürəcək oyuna komandalar aşağıdakı heyətlə çıxacaqlar:
“Şamaxı”: 1. Rikardo Fernandes 5. Arsen Ağcabəyov (k) 2. Abdulla Rzayev 97. Oruc Məmmədov 82. Rüfət Abbasov 9. Karim Rossi 10. Andrey Tirkoveanu 13. Rikardo Apolinario 11. Dioqo Balau 4. Sezar Enrike 44. David Santos
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 62. Abdulla Seydəhmədov 99. Səlim Həşimov 17. Rafael Məhərrəmli 80. Həbib İsmayılov 21. Bilal İsmayılov 27. Emil Süleymanov 7. Edqar Adilxanov 77. Nihat Mehralıyev 14. Ravil Qafarov 88. Rodriqo Fernandeş 19. Abdullahi Şuaybu 8. Alfons Msanqa
Baş məşqçi: Ayxan Abbasov
“Kəpəz”: 33. Yusif İmanov 77. Fərid Nəbiyev 5. Rauf Hüseynli 88. Şakir Seyidov 11. Rəhman Hacıyev 9. Luis Paçu 29. Dioqo Verdaska (k) 24. Olavale Onanuqa 14. Adama Fofana 4. Mate Abuladze 10. Ryonosuke Ohori
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 22. Məmməd Hüseynov 81. Elgün Bayramov 7. Ehtiram Şahverdiyev 99. Əli Səmədov 17. Ümid Səmədov 20. Elcan Əbilov 66. Arzu Atakişiyev 21. Sadiq Şəfiyev 6. Camal Cəfərov 80. Şahnur İsmayılov 57. Amur Yusifov 83. Raul İsaqov
Fiorentina and Sassuolo played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Stadio Franchi in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, which means that the Viola are still not quite mathematically safe from relegation to Serie B.
Fiorentina were without two of their first-choice strikers in Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli, so turned to Albert Gudmundsson at centre-forward with support off the wings from Jack Harrison and Manor Solomon. Sassuolo did not have Domenico Berardi available, so named a front three of Christian Volpato, Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Lauriente.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: General view inside the stadium Artemio Franchi during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
David De Gea was called into action to make the first save of the game when Sassuolo hit Fiorentina on the counter attack 10 minutes in: Ismael Kone and Lauriente played a neat one-two on the left wing and the Spaniard pulled out a trademark stop with his legs to deny the sought-after Neroverdi midfielder.
Gudmundsson registered Fiorentina’s closest attempt of the opening exchanges with a backheel flick from a Dodo cross in off the right flank after 20 minutes, forcing Stefano Turati to tip an awkward effort behind for a corner.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
10 minutes later, it was Harrison who provided the cross in from the Fiorentina right wing: Gudmundsson was being marked and couldn’t steer it in from the middle of the six-yard box, but Solomon should have at least hit the target from close range with the follow-up at the back post.
Fiorentina had their fair share of chances and should have done much better when they found themselves four-on-two in the Sassuolo penalty area after a quick Dodo counter attack, but Solomon managed to nick the ball off the feet of his own teammate, Luca Ranieri, and played it to Gudmundsson, who was unable to finish past Turati.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luca Ranieri of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The game became increasingly open as the second half ticked on. Both side had their opportunities and the closest attempt fell Sassuolo’s way: Pinamonti hitting the post after a fine ball in off the left from Lauriente.
It remained goalless in the end, which means that Fiorentina will have to wait until next week at least to confirm their Serie A status for another season. The Viola are nine points clear of Cremonese in the drop zone heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26.
Sunday’s result keeps Sassuolo in 10th place on 46 points as they look set to record a respectable midtable finish.
Dusan Vlahovic is back in the Juventus squad as Luciano Spalletti reveals his 23-man roster to take on Milan in San Siro in Sunday night’s Serie A headline clash.
Vlahovic’s season has been derailed by injuries in 2025-26. The Serbian missed almost four months of action with an adductor injury between December and March, made an 11-minute appearance off the bench against Sassuolo on March 21, but has since missed the last two games with a new calf issue.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu interact after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Vlahovic is back in the matchday squad to take on Milan on Sunday afternoon, but it remains unlikely that he is thrown straight back into the starting XI. Spaletti is instead expected to turn to Francisco Conceicao, Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David to lead the Bianconeri attack.
Yildiz has also been struggling with a recurring pain in his knee, but is in the squad and is still expected to start on Sunday.
Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are the only two Juventus players unavailable through injury.
Kick-off this evening is due at 19.45 BST.
Confirmed Juventus squad vs. Milan
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation following allegations of sporting fraud, partly due to his selection of referees that ‘favoured’ Inter in 2024-25, but the Nerazzurri are not expected to make any immediate public comment on the matter according to the latest updates.
The latest refereeing scandal in Serie A erupted on Saturday when it was announced that Rocchi is under investigation for sporting fraud.
Reports in Italy suggest that Rocchi worked to remove referee Daniele Doveri from the Serie A match between Bologna and Inter on April 20, 2025 as Doveri was not considered a favourable referee for the Nerazzurri. Andrea Colombo was given the Bologna vs. Inter match instead and Doveri was ‘re-routed’ to the Inter vs. Milan Coppa Italia semi-final second leg a few days later on April 23, 2025.
It has been claimed that Rocchi made the decision to take Doveri off the Bologna vs. Inter Serie A match while he was in San Siro for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on April 2, supposedly agreeing to take Rocchi off matches that were considered the ‘most important’ to Inter.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Referee Andrea Colombo shows a red card to Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Rocchi is also facing allegations that he swayed a VAR decision by banging on the window of the VAR booth and urging Daniele Parerna to recommend an on-field review for a penalty during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025.
How have Inter reacted to Rocchi fraud allegations?
According to Sunday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have been left perplexed by the allegations brought against Rocchi.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri senior management met on Saturday to discuss the allegations and how it impacts the team, but Sunday’s report claims that they decided against releasing a formal statement on the matter. Inter’s directors are not expected to speak to the media on Sunday either, as they do not consider it the ‘right time’ to delve into the issue without a full understanding of the facts.
Internally, Inter are said to be ‘appalled’ by the developing scandal, but at the same time, they are hoping to stay calm and keep their players focused on winning the 2025-26 Scudetto.
The club are said to be annoyed by the fact that Alessandro Bastoni’s name is being dragged through the mud again: His elbow on Hellas Verona’s Ondrej Duda in a match on January 6, 2024, has been cast under the spotlight again.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy looks on prior to the Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Inter are also said to have ‘doubts’ about the allegations brought against Rocchi, especially the suggestion that he made the decision to take Doveri off the team’s matches while he was at the Stadio Meazza on April 2, 2025. The club’s stance is that a packed-out stadium on a matchday would not have been the most ideal location for a ‘top secret’ meeting.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter are also keen to point out that if Doveri was to be taken off the team’s most important matches, then it wouldn’t have made much sense for him to be appointed for the second leg of the cup semi-final at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Additionally, the supposed decision to take Doveri off Inter’s Serie A match against Bologna did not exactly work out in the Nerazzurri’s favour given that they went on to lose 1-0 with a different referee in charge.
Mikel Arteta might be breathing a massive sigh of relief today, but the pundits certainly aren’t letting him off the hook.
Arsenal managed to scrape a gritty 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, securing three absolutely crucial points to bump themselves back to the top of the Premier League table.
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Eberechi Eze was the early hero, curling in a beautiful strike from the edge of the box following a clever short corner routine.
But while the fans were busy celebrating a desperately needed return to winning ways, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was busy analysing a glaring issue in the middle of the park.
Gary Neville is unhappy with the performances of Zubimendi
He pointed out the poor performances of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who joined the club in the summer transfer window.
‘I thought at the start of the season that Zubimendi was a great signing,’ Neville told The Gary Neville Podcast after the game.
‘He’s been a good player for Arsenal, but right now I was expecting that this would be where Zubimendi would be the player.
‘Who’s going to be the difference player? I thought (Viktor) Gyokeres would get the goals for them in these big moments and get to 2-0. His lack of quality at the end was poor on that counter attack. He’s got to do better than that.
‘But you think of what (Andrea) Pirlo is, or (Paul) Scholes or Rodri, Bernardo Silva – the player who can dictate play in a game like this, get Arsenal on the ball, organise and get them with authority and he’s not demonstrating that. He’s struggling in the games and he has done for a few weeks now.’
Neville is spot on with his assessment of the Arsenal star
Neville hit the nail firmly on the head. When Arsenal shelled out £60m for the Spanish maestro, the expectation was that he would be the ultimate anchor to dictate the tempo during these chaotic, high-pressure title run-ins.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
34
5
1
UEFA Champions League
10
0
2
FA Cup
3
0
0
EFL Cup (League Cup)
3
1
0
Total
50
6
3
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Instead, he has looked completely off the pace for weeks, lacking that authoritative spark that Arsenal so desperately crave when the going gets tough.
Getting three points on the board against a stubbornly physical Newcastle side is exactly what Arsenal needed to stop the rot, but the performance raised just as many questions as it answered.
If the Gunners are going to hold off Pep Guardiola’s relentless Manchester City machine and finally conquer Europe, they need their big-money signings to step up and lead from the front.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is being linked with a move away from the club ahead of the summer transfer window.
With the Blues struggling in the Premier League and looking highly unlikely to make it to the Champions League next season, Palmer is being linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge, albeit for a record transfer fee.
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Premier League rivals Manchester United have been linked with a move for the English attacking midfielder.
As per our exclusive, they hold ‘genuine and concrete’ interest in the former Manchester City player.
Cole Palmer linked with surprise Chelsea exit
According to Football Insider, Chelsea could be willing to accept an eye-watering £130 million offer for their talisman if push comes to shove.
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Palmer isn’t just another player for the Blues, he is the absolute heartbeat of their attacking system.
Setting a massive £130 million barrier is widely seen as a strategic move by the Chelsea hierarchy to fiercely protect their most valuable asset and deter rival clubs from even making an approach.
Pulling off a deal of that financial magnitude is incredibly complex.
Football finance experts, like Stefan Borson, have pointed out that realistically, only financial juggernauts like Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain have the sheer spending power to comfortably execute a £130 million transfer without completely shattering UEFA and domestic financial regulations.
Can the Blues afford to lose a player like Palmer?
From Chelsea’s perspective, cashing in on Palmer would be a tough pill to swallow for the fanbase, but it would undeniably represent pure, massive profit on a player they signed for an initial £40 million back in 2023.
This profit would instantly ease any lingering Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns after years of heavy, record-breaking spending under their current ownership model.
For now, Palmer remains Chelsea’s ultimate main man, and the club’s management reportedly has absolutely no intention of letting him walk away easily.
But as we all know, money talks incredibly loudly in the Premier League.
Liverpool are preparing for life without Mohamed Salah and their search has started over who would replace the Egyptian attacker at Anfield.
Salah has been a brilliant servant for the club and his goals have guided them to the biggest honours in football.
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The Merseyside club now face a mountain to climb as they look to replace Salah in the summer upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Bild, representatives of the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande have begun discussions with both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, signaling growing interest from two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The German club reportedly values Diomande at around €100 million, a figure designed not only to reflect his enormous potential but also to discourage premature transfer bids.
Why Diomande is attracting interest from top clubs
Diomande’s rapid rise has caught the attention of scouts across Europe. Although still in his teenage years, he has shown maturity beyond his age, combining pace, technical skill, and attacking instinct in a way that makes him stand out among young forwards.
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His ability to take on defenders one-on-one, create space, and deliver decisive moments in the final third has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite wide players.
More than his performances this season, it is the potential of becoming a world class player in the future that has caught the attention of clubs like Liverpool and PSG.
Liverpool’s involvement is hardly surprising. Over recent seasons, the club has begun planning for the long-term future of its attack, particularly with senior players entering the later stages of their careers.
RB Leipzig remain determined to maintain control over the situation. The Bundesliga club has built a reputation for identifying young players early, developing them carefully, and selling only when the timing and price are right.
Sources in Germany suggest Leipzig are confident they can persuade Diomande to remain in Germany for at least another season, allowing him to continue developing in a familiar environment.
From Leipzig’s perspective, patience makes sense. At 19, Diomande still has time to refine his game, gain experience in European competitions, and increase his market value even further.
Selling too soon could risk losing a player who might become one of the most valuable assets in the club’s history.
Liverpool racked up a third consecutive Premier League victory as they overcame Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday. Alexander Isak and Andrew Robertson were on target in the first half, before Florian Wirtz made sure in second-half injury time after Daniel Munoz had replied for the visitors. Liverpool had seen a penalty awarded to […]
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with Premier League referees, insisting both Manchester City and Newcastle United should have been reduced to 10 men in their recent encounters. The Gunners defeated Newcastle 1-0 on Saturday as Eberechi Eze’s first-half stunner was enough to move the north London side back to top spot in the […]
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are open to selling Rafael Leao this summer, valuing his services at around €60million with two years remaining on his contract. Manchester United and Barcelona are believed to be watching the situation closely. The 26-year-old Portugal international hasn’t been at his best lately. He hasn’t completed a Serie A game […]
History by stealth. It was quick – it had been from the start – but no one had any inkling that one of the greatest ever sporting feats was even a possibility until just a mile of the 2026 London Marathon remained and a predicted finish time flashed up on screen. That the projection began with the number one was sufficient to make hairs stand on end.
We already knew Sabastian Sawe was talented. The Kenyan had won all three of his previous career marathons prior to this – including in London last year – and was the favourite to triumph again on Sunday. But, for so much of this race, victory was not even guaranteed. He had last year’s Ugandan second-placed finisher Jacob Kiplimo attempting to hang onto his super shoes and Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha – in the process of completing the most spectacular debut marathon in history – for company.
So Sawe simply did what was required: he sped up. The further he went, the quicker he ran. Every step over the final few miles faster than the last. By the time he entered The Mall, Kejelcha had finally been dropped and Sawe was sprinting to a feat far beyond mere victory in one race. He was achieving the unthinkable as the first man ever to run a legal marathon in less than two hours. No carefully manicured course, wind-shielding or rotating pacemakers that helped Eliud Kipchoge dip under that mark in an unofficial time trial in 2019. This was legit.
Sabastian Sawe made marathon history when running a sub-two-hour race in London (PA Wire)
One hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds. Put it in capital letters: ONE HOUR, FIFTY-NINE MINUTES AND THIRTY SECONDS. Stick with the bare numerals: 1:59.30. It does not matter what way you look at it, here was the definition of greatness – an athletic achievement to rank alongside Roger Bannister’s first sub-four-minute mile.
Remarkably, there was then more. Just 11 seconds behind him followed Kejelcha, a veteran on the track but a marathon novice, also breaking that mythical two-hour barrier. His finishing time of 1:59.41 is ludicrously destined to be a footnote. So, too, that of Kiplimo, who clocked 2:00.28, which would have been a world record without the extraordinary exploits of the men who finished in front of him.
But the men’s marathon no longer deals in times that begin with the number two. We are in the era of the one.
“They said it could not be done,” said Steve Cram commentating on the BBC over pictures that will be beamed worldwide forevermore. “I’ve never seen anything like that. That, you would say, is unbelievable – but we have just seen it happen. I’m lost for words.”
Sabastian Sawe (centre), Yomif Kejelcha (left) and Jacob Kiplimo (right) all ran under the previous world record (PA Wire)
Let us promptly deal with the two elephants in the room. Sawe hails from Kenya, a country with a diabolical doping record and more than 140 athletes currently suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for a range of offences. His coach, Claudio Berardelli, has trained a number of those banned athletes.
Fully aware of the fingers that will be pointed at him throughout his career, Sawe and his team last year approached the AIU – who head up anti-doping in the sport – and asked them to test him as much as possible.
In the two months before last September’s Berlin Marathon, Sawe was tested 25 times – a mixture of blood and urine samples, sometimes taken multiple times per day. It is, of course, impossible for any athlete to prove a negative. But Sawe is at least attempting to show that he is clean.
The other factor is the shoes, in this case Adidas’ new Pro Evo 3, each of which weighs a mind-boggling 97 grams. The advent of carbon fibre and hyper-responsive foam has forever changed what was deemed feasible. It is no wonder Sawe held one of his shoes in his hand throughout post-race media duties, indebted as he is to be running in the super shoe era.
(AP)
Sawe is not an orator. Before the race, his agent referred to him as a “silent assassin”. Afterwards, the new world record holder simply said it was a “good result”, thanking the London crowd for their support and suggesting his achievement showed “there is a time for everyone”.
This is his. He will forever be the first man to make the impossible possible. And then 11 seconds later another one came along. Truly extraordinary.
The issue, needless to say, is the notice of investigation served on the head of referees’ designations for Serie A and Serie B, Gianluca Rocchi.
Simonelli: "Serie A is regular, let no one doubt it"
"In light of what I have read across all media, I would like to remind everyone that, as in any other situation, these are accusations by investigators and that it is everyone’s duty to treat them as such within the normal framework of democratic debate. Hasty judgments or conclusions of any kind are out of place, pending the necessary completion of the investigations to establish the truth. None of us knows any details of the matter, and upholding the presumption of innocence is our clear duty until the final level of judgment. Otherwise, there is a risk of enormous reputational damage to the Serie A system, and to the entire Italian football movement, through a distorted narrative and a real media pillory.
Moreover, on the merits, it is well known that both the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and the CONI Prosecutor’s Office acted promptly and have already expressed themselves on some points of the investigation. Ordinary justice will take its course, but we cannot ignore the work already carried out at the time by the competent sporting bodies, which have also already taken action in light of new facts that may have disciplinary relevance. We have a duty to ensure that the football system guarantees transparency and equal treatment, while calling on everyone to avoid exploiting the situation in ways that generate only misinformation. Trusting in the work of the competent bodies, a notice of investigation cannot be allowed to call into question the intellectual honesty and work of an entire system. If it should then emerge that someone made mistakes, it will be right for them to pay. But it must never be permitted to cast doubt on the credibility of the system and the integrity of the championship".
The League wants a commissioner
The Football League then officially called for a commissioner in a statement:
"Italian football has never been in such difficulty, amid scandals and a string of sporting failures. While respecting the autonomy of sport and beyond the investigations of recent hours, it is increasingly necessary and essential for the FIGC to be placed under a commissioner so that it can start again from scratch with full renewal and new figures".
This weekend’s NFL Draft was a surprisingly quiet one for USC. Despite the Trojans being projected to have five or six players drafted, just three heard their names called: Makai Lemon to the Philadelphia Eagles, Ja’Kobi Lane to the Baltimore Ravens, and Kamari Ramsey to the Houston Texans.
Following the draft, however, six more Trojans signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents, while three more earned rookie minicamp invitations. Let’s take a look at where USC’s players wound up:
Bishop Fitzgerald
Safety Bishop Fitzgerald signed with the Tennessee Titans. In his lone season at USC, he recorded 51 total tackles, five interceptions, three passes defended, and a sack while earning Consensus All-American honors.
Lake McRee
USC’s top tight end is headed to Pittsburgh on a deal with the Steelers. In five years with the Trojans, he caught 97 passes for 1,153 yards and seven touchdowns.
Keshawn Silver
The Kentucky transfer defensive lineman had ten tackles and one sack for USC in 2025. He signed with the New Orleans Saints.
DeCarlos Nicholson
After starting off at junior college, Nicholson transferred to Mississippi State before spending the past two seasons as a cornerback for the Trojans. Now, he is headed to Cleveland on a deal with the Browns.
Eric Gentry
Gentry is off to the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2025, the veteran linebacker was second on USC’s roster with 76 total tackles while also forcing a remarkable five fumbles.
Anthony Lucas
This past year, Lucas recorded 37 tackles and three sacks for USC. The defensive lineman signed a deal with the Detroit Lions.
Rookie minicamp invites
In addition, three more Trojans earned invitations to NFL rookie minicamps. Wide receiver Jaden Richardson to the Kansas Chiefs, cornerback DJ Harvey to the Atlanta Falcons, and offensive lineman DJ Wingfield to the Denver Broncos.
Arsenal u21 elimination underlines poor academy season
The Arsenal u21s and Arsenal u18s both lost on Saturday, bringing the u21 campaign to an early end and leaving the u18s floundering in the bottom half of the table.
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Whilst the first team were in action against Newcastle United, the Arsenal u21s and u18s also had matches to play on Saturday.
The u18s were up first, hosting West Ham in a league fixture, and they took an early lead through Bowen Phillips just 4 minutes in.
West Ham responded through Lewis Beckford, and though Arsenal reclaimed the lead through Saurap Sampang, Chukwumeka Obi brought the Hammers level again before half-time.
The goals kept coming in the second half, with Andre Dike giving West Ham a 3-2 lead cancelled out by a Louis Zecevic-John penalty. But despite the visitors going down to 10 men, Dike scored his second in the 94th minute to win the match 4-3.
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
The Arsenal u21s kicked off later in the day, playing a Premier League 2 play-off match against Manchester City.
But the second half was all City, and goals from Christian McFarlane, Nypan, and Ryan McAidoo ultimately saw them eliminating the young Gunners 3-1.
Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter
As mentioned, the Arsenal u21s have been eliminated from the Premier League 2 play-offs after finishing 14th in the regular season, and that means an early end to their campaign.
As for the u18s, they sit 11th from 15 teams in the u18 Premier League South. Even an improbable five wins in their final five games would put them outside the top four, and likely no higher than sixth.
There are plenty of questions to be asked about Arsenal’s academy coaching at the moment, with the u19s suffering group stage elimination from the UEFA Youth League, the u21s finishing bottom of their EFL Trophy group, and the u18s going out of the FA Youth Cup in the round-of-32.
It’s been an extremely poor season for the u18s, u19s, and u21s on all fronts, whilst Chelsea and Spurs top the u18 PL South, City and United top the u18 PL North, Chelsea, United, and City finished top three in the Premier League 2, and City and United are set to contest the FA Youth Cup final.
Arsenal’s big-six rivals are leading the way in almost every competition available, whilst the Gunners are struggling badly in those same competitions.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
There can be no excuses for such a significant underperformance, even if the academy is still producing the occasional one-off gem like Max Dowman.
Every other top academy is producing first-team quality players and also decent players who can be sold for millions in the transfer market.
If Arsenal want to bring in any money from their academy this summer, it will have to be through selling the first-team ex-youth players like Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri. There’s no one behind them capable of generating significant interest while their teams perform so poorly.
Standards have been steadily falling with the Arsenal youth teams over the past few seasons, and they’ve reached a real low now. It needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Video from backstage shows Heidenreich in the green room, immediately fighting back tears after the announcement.
“It was heartwarming. You know, you can’t make this stuff up,” Bob Palko said.
His former coach said the moment was years in the making, pointing to Heidenreich’s discipline and character.
“Unbelievable student, but more importantly, an unbelievable person. Just the way he attacked his day,” Palko said. “You know, when it was time for school, it was school. When it was time for sports, it was time for sports.”
Heidenreich said he had a feeling the Steelers were interested heading into the draft.
“I definitely had some sort of inkling coming into the draft that the Steelers were interested and I’d potentially be drafted by them,” Heidenreich said during his first press conference.
At a bar in Mt. Lebanon, community members watched the moment unfold live, many celebrating the hometown connection.
“It’s just crazy, I could cry. I was crying, we’ve known Eli since he was in first grade,” one woman said. “Just to have someone who knows the football environment of Pittsburgh to be on there is just so exciting to us.”
Heidenreich’s journey took him from wide receiver in high school to running back at Navy and now to the NFL.
“I knew all along a few of those kids that could play,” Palko said. “The kid has earned everything he’s gotten.”
Heidenreich was able to pursue a professional career under a policy that allows service academy athletes to delay active duty.
Los Angeles, CA - April 25: Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Bringing a team on the verge of 11 consecutive victories to a screeching halt was the seemingly impossible task for a struggling Roki Sasaki on Saturday. On his first ever bobblehead day, Sasaki did what he could to allow the Dodgers to pounce on Chicago Cubs starter Colin Rea, and it resulted in his first win of the season.
Sasaki managed to pitch into the sixth inning of a 12-4 Dodger victory and while he allowed four runs over that span— including three solo home runs— he tallied a season-high five strikeouts with the biggest improvement being only one walk allowed. The biggest difference compared to his first four starts was an increase in both usage and velocity on his splitter, which he threw 48 times while generating a first pitch strike rate of 90 percent.
There is still more to be desired for the still unfinished project, as noted by Sonja Chen of MLB.com, but Sasaki is hoping to not worry about the length of his starts and instead lean more on the efficacy of what he can do on the mound.
“The first couple games, I couldn’t go deeper. It was kind of frustrating,” Sasaki said through interpreter Kensuke Okubo. “But right now, I’m just focused on what I can do, and then at the end of the season, I just want to be who I want to be.”
Links
In our early season predictions post, I mentioned that I planned on attending Saturday’s game against the Cubs, and it’s always nice to see a Dodger win and get a Roki Sasaki bobblehead. But it was the 50-year anniversary and commemoration of Rick Monday’s iconic American flag rescue that stole the show, and it became even more emblematic when during the seventh inning stretch, “God Bless America” was the prelude to the usual ballpark anthem.
While his two former teams competed, Monday later admitted during the game’s broadcast that he had no idea that the Dodgers would be honoring him and felt “very humbled,” per Beth Harris of the Associated Press.
“I had no idea they were going to be here or present me with an honor. Very humbled,” Monday said later on the radio broadcast of the game.
Shohei Ohtani has been on a recent offensive slump since the Dodgers road series in San Francisco, as he is now 2 for 19 over his last five games, striking out eight times and recording zero extra-base hits. While having the everyday leadoff hitter slumping in this manner is worrisome, Dave Roberts has faith that Ohtani will manage to quickly turn a new page at the plate, per Michael Huntley of the Orange County Register.
“He’s a very smart player,” Roberts said. “He certainly deserves more leash and more opportunity than essentially anyone.”
For the last several years, people have waited for LeBron James to decline due to wear and tear. He's in his record 23rd NBA season, and yet, he has yet to show any real signs of slippage, whether it has come to his ability, production or even his overall athleticism.
Ever since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered injuries on April 2, James has shifted back to being the Los Angeles Lakers' primary scorer and facilitator, and he has done so seamlessly. In the first three games of the team's first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, he's averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists a game, and he's shooting 47.4% from the field and even 43.8% from 3-point range.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who is one of James' biggest defenders in the media, took a shot at the people who keep doubting the NBA's all-time leading scorer during an episode of his "Nightcap" podcast.
“Where’s that crowd that says I can’t do it?” Sharpe said. “All I know is I’m leading a team. I’m averaging 25 points, probably seven rebounds, probably seven, eight assists, and I’m leading my team. So, I’m just trying to figure out where is that crowd now. Y’all saw when Luka and AR went out, and I had to be the lead dog. Think about it. When you have a lead dog, once he can’t lead anymore, they put him in the pen.
“LeBron James is one of the few guys that’s been the lead dog for 22 and a half years because when Luka came he took a backseat to Luka. Now this year, he took a backseat not only to Luka but to AR also. But he said 'Now look, if I really had to do this, y’all don’t think I can lead again.'”
When this series began, the Lakers were thought to have as slim a chance of winning it as a parakeet does of winning a fight with a grizzly bear. But with James leading the way and producing at the level he always has, they now hold a 3-0 series lead.
They will look to sweep the suddenly beleaguered Rockets in Game 4 on Sunday. If the Lakers win this series, especially if they do so in four straight, it will rank as one of the finer moments and accomplishments of James' career.
The Washington Huskies' struggles against ranked teams continued on Saturday afternoon in a 7-2 loss to the No. 7 UCLA Bruins.
The loss marked five straight for coach Heather Tarr's team, which let an early advantage slip away after left fielder Ava Carroll got the Huskies off to a solid start with a run-scoring double in the first inning to give UW an early 1-0 lead, before a home run from designated player Gabi Toney in the second inning tied the game at 2-2.
However, the lead didn't last long because, for the second straight day, the pitching staff was unable to keep the best offense in the Big Ten in the ballpark. The Bruins launched four home runs for the second straight day. Shortstop Aleena Garcia's two-run blast tied the game in the second inning, while left fielder Rylee Slimp, first baseman Jordan Woolery, and right fielder Megan Grant all hit solo shots.
Sophia Ramuno took the loss for the Huskies and fell to 9-4 on the year after she was able to make it through just 2 2/3 innings, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts in the process. She gave way to freshman Allie Thomsen, who allowed a run on 3 hits with 4 walks over the next 3 1/3 innings, before Rylee Rehbein worked a perfect seventh inning with a strikeout.
After starter Brynne Nally let up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks over the first 1 2/3 innings, she was relieved by Natalie Cable, who earned the win and improved to 9-1 on the year. Cable allowed just 2 hits and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts over the next 3 2/3, before Taylor Tinsley closed things out, letting up a hit and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts over the final 1 2/3.
Washington dropped to 34-15 on the year and 15-5 in Big Ten play with the loss and will look to avoid being swept on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen addressed reporters in a press conference for the first time shortly after being selected 176th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He expressed his excitement for his potential role after being drafted and reflected on his experience playing college football games at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Man, I feel like that’s a great spot,” said Allen, “For me, playing special teams and being around a great quarterback like Patrick Mahomes himself, and learning from a great coach like (Head Coach) Andy Reid and winning a lot of games.”
Allen spent only last season at Cincinnati after spending one season at Texas A&M in 2024 and two seasons at Louisiana Tech from 2022 to 2023. He appeared in 44 career games, recording 2,221 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns on 137 receptions. He recalled playing at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in a recent game between Cincinnati and Nebraska.
“It was good to play there (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium). I think I played there one other time or been there one other time, but it was good. I felt like I was in my groove that game,” said Allen, “I made a lot of plays that game, and when it came down to the comedown, I just felt comfortable in that stadium. So, I’m excited to be there.”
During the game, Allen tallied five receptions for 41 yards while also rushing for 18 yards in a 20-17 loss to Nebraska. Allen tied Cincinnati’s single-season receiving touchdown record with 13.
Security forces rushed to evacuate Donald Trump, his wife and vice-president J.D. Vance after an armed man stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday in Washington D.C., causing chaos inside the hotel venue.
The attacker reportedly carried a shotgun, a pistol and knives, appearing to target the 79-year-old president before exchanging gunfire with security. He never came close, but the incident forced the event’s immediate cancellation.
Guests were left shaken as tables overturned and guards flooded the room, yet one figure stood out for a completely different reaction: UFC president Dana White, who appeared unfazed during the ordeal.
Dana White shocks with reaction to White House Correspondents’ Dinner chaos
Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
White later described the incident in startling fashion, offering a perspective that contrasted sharply with the fear felt across the room.
“It started getting noisy. Tables getting flipped, all the guys running in with guns, and they were screaming get down. I didn’t get down. It was f—— awesome. I literally took every minute of it in. And it was a pretty crazy, unique experience,” the 56-year-old stated.
His comments quickly drew attention online given the severity of the situation, as most attendees focused on safety while security forces worked to contain the threat.
One fan wrote on X: “Bro just soaking in an active shooter situation like it’s a spiritual experience.”
“Dana White is a b—… what if somebody died….” another user stated.
UFC Freedom 250 security concerns grow after incident
The episode has intensified scrutiny around security planning for UFC Freedom 250, set to take place at the White House.
The upcoming card is expected to host significantly more attendees than Saturday’s dinner, increasing the complexity of maintaining a secure environment.
That scale presents new challenges for the organisers tasked with preventing any similar breach during the live sporting spectacle.
That explains why the promotion is expected to restrict access strictly to invited guests, removing public ticket sales to better manage crowd control and security logistics.
LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday's UFC Fight Night 274 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $239,500.
The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.
UFC Fight Night 274 took place at Meta APEX. The entire card streamed on Paramount+.
The full UFC Fight Night 274 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:
Francis Marshall: $6,000 def. Lucas Brennan: $4,000
Victor Valenzuela: $4,000 def. Max Griffin: $16,000
Talita Alencar: $4,500 def. Julia Polastri: $4,500
Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program's payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum's multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2741 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.
In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.
Full 2026 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:
"UFC Fight Night 274: Sterling vs. Zalal" – $239,500
The 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans will hand out a trophy and a big payday to not one but two PGA Tour pros on Sunday, as the lone team event on the schedule comes to finish.
Brothers Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are the leaders by four after three rounds thanks to a record-breaking 15-under 57 in Saturday's best-ball format. But Sunday will be played under alternate shot rules, meaning the scores won't be nearly as low, which could leave the door open for one of the chasing teams to put some pressure on the Fitzpatrick brothers.
Follow along with Golfweek for live updates, score, highlights and more from the final round of the Zurich Classic.
2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans leaderboard
Check tee times and keep tabs on every score turned in at TPC Louisiana with the 2026 Zurich Classic live leaderboard. Here's what it looked like at the top heading into Sunday's final round:
Position
Player
Score
1
M. Fitzpatrick / A. Fitzpatrick
-30
T2
A. Eckroat / D. Thompson
-26
T2
A. Smalley / H. Springer
-26
4
D. Ghim / J. Kang
-25
T5
B. Horschel / T. Hoge
-23
T5
M. Meissner / M. McCarty
-23
How to watch the Zurich Classic
Here's a look at Sunday's broadcast schedule for the final round of the Zurich Classic:
How much does each team get at the Zurich Classic?
The total purse for the 2026 Zurich Classic is $9.5 million. The winners of the Zurich Classic each receives $1,372,750 million.
Where is the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans played?
The Zurich is held at the TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, just southwest of the city of New Orleans. The golf course ranks No. 2 on the Golfweek's Best: Top public-access golf courses in Louisiana list. The tournament started in 1938 and has been held at TPC Louisiana since 2005. It became a team event during the 2016-17 PGA Tour season.
There is a moment in every transfer saga that the people writing the stories never see.
It happens at a kitchen table, or during a phone call late at night, or in the silence after someone reads something on their phone and puts it down without saying a word.
It is the moment a footballer's family find out what is being said about the player.
With Marcus Rashford, it has been happening a lot recently.
Stories suggesting Barcelona do not really want him. That he is expendable. That a club that signed him on loan last summer and played him regularly is looking to move him on.
Rashford made a big decision in joining Barca last summer. On Saturday, he scored his 12th goal of the season to edge them closer to the title.
But what does the future hold for him?
The stats that show Rashford's impact
Last summer, Rashford left England after a difficult spell, with the exception of a productive six months with Aston Villa. His relationship with Manchester United seemed irreparable, the noise around him suffocating.
Joining Barcelona looked, to some, like a gamble - the 27-year-old moving to one of the most demanding clubs in the world with no pre-season, making his debut against Mallorca without having trained properly with his team-mates.
Many players may have viewed it as a transitional year. Rashford did not.
From his first weeks, he followed instructions, ran, created and scored. All while adapting to a new language, a new culture, and a dressing room that had - under Hansi Flick - been operating with a particular tactical system for a year at the highest level of European football.
Barcelona have an extraordinary concentration of attacking talent. But when you measure goals and assists per minute across La Liga this season, Rashford ranks among the best forwards at the top three clubs - Barca, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
He produces a direct goal contribution - a goal, assist, or penalty won - approximately every 92 minutes.
His team-mate Raphinha does likewise every 96 minutes - as does Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. For Barca's Lamine Yamal, it's one every 102 minutes, while Real's Vinicius Junior manages one every 143.
By that same metric, Rashford has been the best English player in their debut La Liga season.
In dribbling, in running in behind the defensive line, in finishing actions and direct attacking intent - the metrics that capture the profile Barcelona recruited him to fill - Rashford's numbers are exceptional.
The only players who exceed him are Lamine Yamal in dribbles and Raphinha in attacking movements. Those two - arguably the best in the world at what they do - are the company Rashford is keeping, statistically.
It is worth reflecting on Barcelona's history with strikers in their first season.
Of all the elite forwards to have arrived over the past two decades - including Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski - hardly any have hit the ground running. Luis Suarez is the exception who bettered Rashford.
On almost every measure, the Englishman is up with the best of them. Flick has worked closely with him, the improvement visible.
Of all the attacking players in Barca's squad - they have seven competing for three positions - only Lamine Yamal has played more than 3,600 minutes this season.
Everyone else is clustered around 2,300. Rashford has not had the continuity of a guaranteed starter but instead has had rotation, uncertainty, and competition from elite team-mates.
The story that has taken hold - that he disconnects from games, that his coldness makes him a difficult fit for Latin football culture - contains a grain of truth wrapped in a substantial amount of unfairness.
At Barcelona, something different has happened. He has had to accept not always being first on the teamsheet. He has had to be ready when his moment comes. In the past, it has been hard to take, now not a single moan. Rashford knows the quality of the attacking players he calls team-mates.
The people closest to him point to the Champions League home match against Atletico as the clearest expression of what Rashford can be.
Barcelona lost, but Rashford was their best player. That is the benchmark.
The stories still appear - 'Barcelona want two new strikers', 'Rashford is one who will leave', 'the 30m euros could be better spent elsewhere'.
From inside Rashford's camp, the reaction is hurt and frustration. Not panic - they understand negotiations are a process, that this stage of the season generates noise, that what is said publicly and what is happening privately are rarely the same.
The message to Rashford himself is to be patient. This is normal, it will be resolved. He is fully committed to the project.
Flick values him - that much is clear to those who observe the relationship closely. The decisions being considered are financial, shaped by fair play restrictions and the realities of what Barcelona can and cannot spend.
They are not a verdict on Rashford the person, or the player.
What does it all mean?
Under the terms currently on the table, Rashford would earn less by staying at Barcelona than by returning to Manchester. Be he wants to remain.
Lewandowski is leaving. The club want two strikers. Atletico's Julian Alvarez is the priority, but the cost - more than 120m euros - could be prohibitive.
The second striker they are targeting is a different profile - someone in the mould of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, with more aggression without the ball, more willing to press and link play in tight spaces.
That, by the club's logic, is not Rashford.
Which raises the obvious question: what does that mean for him? The answer, from those closest to him, is nothing is decided. Talks are ongoing.
Their belief is the noise is part of the negotiating landscape. That the manager's view carries genuine weight in the club's decision-making, and Flick's view of Rashford is positive.
Rashford is happier than he has been for a long time.
He plays with more freedom. The emotional distance that was read in England as indifference looks more like someone who has learned - through experience - that the world of football does not always look after you, even when by all measurements you are doing exceptionally well.
Arsenal will move six points clear of Manchester City if they beat Fulham in their home game next week, though City will have two games in hand.
That is because City were playing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and are not back in league action until 4 May, when they play Everton.
Having that buffer of points by the time of City play would be a huge boost for Arteta's side.
According to Opta, Arsenal have a 72.44% chance of lifting the Premier League trophy at the end of the season, with City on 27.56%.
"Arsenal have given absolutely everything on that pitch," former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker Glenn Murray said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "You can't question their fight."
Arsenal are without a major trophy since the FA Cup triumph of 2020, which came in Mikel Arteta's first season in charge.
And captain Martin Odegaard said the effort the players put in is because every member of the team is doing what they can to get over the line.
"It was tough, very intense, very physical," he told Sky Sports. "We did everything we could and we got the win. The most important thing was to bounce back with a win and get over the line with the three points."
For Odegaard, who played the full 90 minutes, and the rest of the squad, attention quickly switches to the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
"This schedule is crazy," Odegaard added. "We just have to keep going. It is the end of the season, just leave everything out that we have inside, fight every single game and we just have to keep going.
"That's where we want to be but it is going to go all the way to the end. We are ready for it and we will fight every single day."
Tottenham had not won in the Premier League since a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on 28 December, and Roberto de Zerbi had underlined the importance of their trip to Molineux.
"I don't want to put pressure but we have to know the situation," he said in the week. "We can't forget the table; we can't forget we need to win.
"What we have done until now is not enough. If we win at Wolves, it's not finished."
It is certainly not finished, but with games running out there was little urgency from Spurs in the first half in Wolverhampton.
Safe passing with little creativity showed their nerves, and eight defeats in 11 in all competitions explained a lack of confidence.
It was something De Zerbi picked up on and he wants to see the victory affect his players' mentality.
"I hope this result can change something in our head," he said. "For the other results, it's already very tough to win a game for us. If we put our heads in the other teams it will be too tough for me.
"The players know what they can do on the pitch, especially this season. We didn't win a game in 2026 but in the Champions League [league phase] they finished fourth.
"They have to be positive and they have to feel full of confidence because they are good and [should not look at] the other results."
It was De Zerbi's first win in his third game as Tottenham boss, having lost to Sunderland and drawn with his former club Brighton.
Tottenham will go to fifth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday, 3 May with De Zerbi confident survival can be achieved.
"I believe we can stay up. If I am here it's because I am positive. The most important thing is the quality of the players and human level of the players," De Zerbi said.
"It was a surprise for me because I didn't know them. When I knew the players better I understood we have the chance to stay up.
"When you watch the game from the TV or the stands you can't understand if they have the right spirit or attitude. I work with them every day and all the players are professional, good guys. They are suffering from the situation.
The Bruins will try to avoid a 3-1 deficit when they face the Sabres in Game 4 of their first-round series on Sunday afternoon.
After stealing Game 2 on the road, Boston fell, 3-1, in its first home game of the 2026 NHL Playoffs. Tanner Jeannot gave the Bruins an early lead in Game 3, but the Sabres scored the next three goals as Alex Lyon stymied Boston the rest of the way.
Can David Pastrnak, Morgan Geekie and the rest of the Bruins secure a win in front of the home crowd, or will the Sabres take a commanding lead back home for Game 5?
Here is everything you need to know about Bruins vs. Sabres, including TV and streaming options for Game 4 of the first-round series.
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 4 will air on TNT and truTV, with Brendan Burke and Darren Pang on the call. Fans can stream the game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
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.
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Bruins vs. Sabres Game 4 start time
Date: Sunday, April 26
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. Game 4 will be played at TD Garden in Boston.
With Formula 1 forced to cancel two rounds shortly after the start of the new season, our reporters attempt to assess how those races might have played out — taking into account the opening rounds, the characteristics of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian circuits, and the developing trends in the pecking order.
What would qualifying and racing look like at the tracks with the new cars?
Jake Boxall-Legge:
After the six days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the paddock had come to the conclusion that the Sakhir circuit was a more "harvest-rich" circuit thanks to the collection of hard braking zones around the course. In that respect, you'd have expected a similar spectacle throughout the weekend as the Chinese Grand Prix, where energy management was less of a topic and the wheel-to-wheel racing might have been viewed as a bit less 'artificial' compared to that seen on the more energy-poor circuits.
What was interesting through the Bahrain tests, however, was the need for drivers to keep the engine revs up to ensure the turbo could continue to spin. In comparing Charles Leclerc's best lap of testing (a 1m31.992s) versus Oscar Piastri's pole time from 2025 (1m29.841s), you could see the methods employed to do so: Piastri ran in second gear through the opening corner, while Leclerc used first gear for an extra 2000-3000rpm at that phase, and the Monegasque also kept about 5% throttle through the slower corners in order to maintain that engine speed. Without the MGU-H, the turbo no longer has the capacity to spool instantaneously; thus, maintaining the engine speeds - and by association, exhaust output - ensures the turbo continues to rotate.
One can thus assume that, despite a few minor differences here and there with the lap-by-lap approach, Bahrain would have presented a familiar racing spectacle, albeit perhaps with a few more side-by-side moments through Turn 11 and 12 as some drivers held off from deploying power and others chose to spend it.
Although Bahrain might have been reassuring to those unconvinced by F1's current era, Jeddah would have likely done the opposite. You have the hard stop at Turn 1, but that's genuinely about it; every other corner is of a high-to-medium speed concoction and probably would have been a disaster waiting to happen. Think about the notoriously troublesome sightlines between the barriers, and the mix of drivers at part-throttle, or super clipping, or deploying. Bernd Maylander might have led more laps than the winner, and the medical centre might resemble Homer Simpson's lawn when he acquires a trampoline (tramapoline! trabampoline!).
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Straight mode would also have been a consideration here. "I think racing with your wings open on the straights at 340 kph, sooner rather than later there's going to be a big crash at very high speeds," Carlos Sainz said in China. "Places like Jeddah, with open wings on this...I don't like it, I don't like having to race flat out at 340 kph, with no downforce in the car and the wings open". On safety grounds, it's probably a net positive that F1 hadn't gone to Jeddah with the regulations still in a nascent stage.
Either that, or everyone would be running around in a low power state with nowhere to charge up...
The most logical answer to this question is ‘yes’. The April break is much needed for some teams, but that certainly does not apply to Mercedes. In fact, for Toto Wolff’s team, two races have been lost where the team could have capitalised on the initial competitive order.
McLaren made a significant step in Japan, mostly in terms of PU understanding, but Mercedes was still the benchmark. When asked by Motorsport.com, George Russell explained that he considers that initial advantage in terms of PU learning to be “only fair” for a works team.
“I think we definitely hit the ground running in the first three races and you actually saw that with all of the PU manufacturers, or at least ourselves and Ferrari, that we as the factory team have a better understanding of the energy management compared to the customer teams,” Russell said.
“And that's only fair because we have hundreds of people working towards that and we've been working on the simulator towards this for three years now.”
George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Those differences will gradually level out, as the current number two in the championship order noted. “Naturally, those major differences we saw in Melbourne, I think have already closed up, and everyone's going to continue to get a greater understanding race by race.”
The break gives rivals more time for that. Russell does not expect ‘drastic’ changes in Miami, and Mercedes still starts that weekend as the clear favourite, but two races have been lost that would very likely have had a Mercedes driver on the top step of the podium. And two races have been lost before changes to the compression ratio measurements come into effect in June.
In Miami, it will be interesting to see what effect the upgrades have. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said McLaren was targeting Miami anyway – regardless of the calendar changes – which in recent years has often led to the introduction of very successful upgrades in the Sunshine State. The question of whether McLaren can repeat that under these regulations may well be one of the aspects to look forward to most, although that only underlines that Mercedes has missed the opportunity to extend its championship lead even further before that, in Bahrain and Jeddah.
How different would the race strategies have been?
Stuart Codling:
So far in 2026, the default strategy has been a one-stop race since the latest generation of Pirelli tyres has proved more robust than expected (and, indeed, hoped). Throughout its time as F1’s sole tyre supplier, Pirelli has been expected to create rubber which offers good grip up to a certain point, and then tails off rapidly, opening up the potential for different strategies.
In practice it’s been difficult to strike a balance between life and grip, resulting in a generation of tyres which have been too sensitive to thermal degradation, forcing drivers to manage those sensitivities rather than pushing hard throughout the race. Ahead of last season, though, Pirelli responded to drivers’ requests for a tyre they could push harder… and the outcome was more one-stop races because the tyres were more resilient to thermal stress.
It was a classic case of being careful what you wish for.
This scenario has carried forward into 2026 despite the tyres being entirely new. All three grands prix so far have been one-stop affairs for the majority of the grid, with very little divergence in terms of starting compounds.
One-stop strategies were the most common across the three events
One-stop strategies were the most common across the three events
In Melbourne nine of the top 10 finishers started on the medium compound (C4 for this event), and only three stopped more than once. Here and in China, the pitstop timing was dictated by appearances of the safety car.
By round three, Japan, all bar one of the drivers who took the start did so on mediums (C2 at Suzuka), and the majority swapped to hards in the same six-lap window (16 to 22).
Are there any reasons to believe the cancelled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds might have played out differently? Perhaps.
Bahrain’s track surface is famously abrasive, a deliberate design choice using specially imported stone in the aggregate mix. In last year’s race every driver stopped at least twice, there was a healthy variety of starting compound (new mediums vs new/used softs), and there was a substantial variation in the timing of the first pitstops.
The top two finishers, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell, ran different strategies (used softs/new mediums/new mediums vs used softs/new mediums/used softs), although Russell fell back with a technical problem late on. For most drivers the final pitstop timing was dictated by a safety car deployment.
For Jeddah last year Pirelli shifted its compounds a step softer, in the hope of promoting greater strategic variety, but this didn’t translate into reality since it was a one-stop race in which eight of the top 10 finishers started on mediums and seven pitted within four laps of one another. That’s because it’s a narrow circuit on which it’s difficult to overtake, so teams guard track position carefully.
Which midfield teams would have performed better?
Ronald Vording:
This question is much harder to answer than the Mercedes one. First of all, Bahrain and Jeddah are two completely different circuits in terms of energy management, which means that the assessment of the midfield is not necessarily the same for both tracks.
If we look back at winter testing, Haas and Alpine left a strong impression in Bahrain. After testing, consensus in the paddock was that these teams would lead the midfield, although it must be said that Audi and Racing Bulls have been able to surprise at various moments since then.
Nevertheless, there is certainly a case to point to Haas and Alpine. The American team made a strong impression in Shanghai – a less harvesting-poor circuit than Melbourne – by beating Red Bull “on merit”, as Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu put it. Part of that strength could also have been utilised in Bahrain. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly managed to stay ahead of Red Bull in Suzuka, meaning that Haas and Alpine have both shown the potential that was already attributed to them in Bahrain.
Haas and Alpine emerged as top midfield teams
Haas and Alpine emerged as top midfield teams
The only caveat we must make here is that Bahrain would have been a very popular venue for upgrades. Whereas McLaren immediately focused on Miami, Bahrain would have been an ideal location for many other teams to introduce new parts – both logistically and due to the data from winter testing. And this development race can change the pecking order in the midfield on a weekly basis.
It will be interesting to follow how Haas performs in that regard. Komatsu rightly noted that his outfit is still “by far” the smallest team on the grid. That already makes it highly impressive how Haas has dealt with this technical turnaround, but also raises the question of how the team will cope in the intense development battle. For Bahrain and Jeddah, however, it would have been a safe bet to point to Haas and Alpine, with Audi and Racing Bulls as the main outsiders for a points finish.
Would overtaking have been easier or harder?
Stuart Codling:
Bahrain is what engineers describe as an “energy rich” circuit in that its balance of corners to straights lends itself to a more conventional way of driving: the straights aren’t so long that the cars run out of energy long before the end.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella pointed that out at the start of the season, when he was asked if the racing style seen in Australia was representative of other circuits.
“I would say that would be a more similar racing to what we were doing before,” he said of Bahrain. “Because you drive the car in a more traditional way. You harvest in braking, you deploy in exit, as you go on power on the accelerator pedal.”
Bahrain could have delivered another overtaking fest
Bahrain could have delivered another overtaking fest
Now, a possible consequence of that would be less of the ‘yo-yo racing’ which defined Australia and, to a lesser extent, Japan, and more of the conventional outbraking into slower corners, as in the Chinese GP. So while there may have been more overtaking than in previous years, many of these moves would not have been of the ‘unearned’ variety caused by differing levels of charge.
It would have been a very different picture in Jeddah, which was expected to be among the three most ‘energy poor’ tracks along with Albert Park and Monza. There are lot of flat-out sections, even though not all of them are straights as such, and very few heavy braking events.
That would have made energy harvesting under braking very limited, forcing drivers to do more lift-and-coast and super clipping. This might have fed into more overtaking than usual in Jeddah, but the majority would have been uncontested passing moves set up by variations in battery charge.
Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) tags out Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Well, that was annoying. The Phillies were who the Braves thought they were, and they let them off the hook. The Braves took a game to extras and lost, but it required:
One single evading Mike Yazstremski for a run scoring triple
Yet another needless pickoff
One double evading Ronald Acuña for a triple
One single evading Eli White for a triple to set up a late tying run
Playing the back half of the game in a rain storm with multiple lighting strikes near the stadium
Placing Jose Suarez in a high leverage situation
When you step away from it, you are encouraged and appalled. The good news is that this stretch resembles their 26-4 run in mid-2023. They had to really do something dumb on the bases, have brutal BABIP, or make a poor bullpen decision to lose a game. The bad news is the losing-side of the bullpen and the back end of the bench are pretty dreadful. We already knew early that parts of the bullpen weren’t great, but injuries make the bench look very thin right now.
The good side of the bullpen is impressive: Raisel Iglesias (when available), Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee and Tyler Kinley. Somewhere in the middle is Aaron Bummer. Outside of that is Carlos Carrasco, Joel Payamps, swingmen Jose Suarez and Martin Perez (perhaps Reynaldo Lopez as well?), and a host of unattractive options at Gwinnett.
The Braves’ left fielders are a combined .206/.294/.299 with a 70 wRC+. That’s ninth worst in MLB, and Mauricio Dubon’s 11 plate appearances are keeping it from being much lower. The Braves can jettison Eli White for his latest brain fart. But that would leave them with three outfielders (glares at Jurickson Profar) and Dubon, and the best of the Gwinnett lot is probably Ben Gamel with his career 1.9 WAR and no starts in CF since 2021. Once Sean Murphy and Ha-seong Kim return, the bench will start to look better, but right now it’s not great.
Things are great. The offense is crushing it and no game feels out of reach. The starting rotation is way better than it deserves to be coming out of Spring Training. So I’m gonna forget about Saturday for now and going to try to ignore the back third of the roster for now.
Toledo and Omaha each had five hits on Saturday, but the Mud Hens were the only team to score in a 2-0 win over the Storm Chasers.
Sawyer Gipson-Long outdueled Mitch Spence in a battle of minor-league veterans. Both went five innings, but Gipson-Long was better, allowing just two hits and no walks while striking out three. The only time Omaha threatened to score off SGL was in the fourth, when Tyler Tolbert got to third base with one out. Gage Workman made a nice play to home to get the tag out and preserve the shutout.
His changeup was his best pitch, drawing four whiffs on five swings, but his fastball played well to contact with just one hard hit and an average exit velocity of 78.1 mph in seven batted ball events.
The Mud Hens scored two off Spence in the third. Luke Ritter led off with a double to right field, Ben Malgeri walked with one out and Workman doubled both in. Workman had the only other hit off Spence, a two-out single in the first.
Toledo threatened in the fifth, loading the bases — Ritter walked, Max Clark reached on an error and Spence intentionally walked Workman to set up the force out — but Corey Julks flied out to strand all three runners.
Enmanuel De Jesus was good (I know, shocking), allowing just two baserunners over two innings in relief of Gipson-Long. He struck out a pair and retired his first four batters before giving up a single and a walk. Grant Holman got the eighth and struggled out of the gate. He worked around a leadoff walk and a single to strand both runners.
Ricky Vanasco gave up a two-out double in the ninth, but he got the final out of the game on three pitches right after.
Clark: 1-4
Workman: 2-3, 2B (9), 2 RBI, BB, K
Gipson-Long(W, 1-2): 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Coming Up Next: The Mud Hens go for win No. 5 in a row on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. ET in Toledo.
Erie SeaWolves — POSTPONED
Today's game in Binghamton has been postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 12 PM
Coming Up Next: Erie and Binghamton will play a straight doubleheader on Sunday, starting at noon ET.
Lake County Captains 3, West Michigan Whitecaps 2 (box)(F/10)
West Michigan and Lake County battled to a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation, but the Captains outscored the Whitecaps in extra innings to win on Saturday, 3-2.
Neither team scored until the seventh inning, when Lake County took a 1-0 lead on a leadoff home run from Jace LaViolette. The 2025 first-round pick out of Texas A&M had two of the Captains’ seven hits, including a leadoff double in the first.
West Michigan’s pitching was sound for the most part. Gabriel Reyes threw 4 1/3 shutout innings, giving up just three hits. Walks were a bit of a problem, but he worked around all four of them — two in the third and two in the fourth. On the brighter side, Reyes drew a game-high 11 swing-and-misses.
Ryan Harvey replaced Reyes in the fifth with one out. It started out rough with a walk and a hit batter, but he retired the next five batters in a row. Logan Berrier took over in the seventh and gave up the homer to LaViolette. He stranded men on the corners after allowing a single, throwing a wild pitch and walking a batter. Berrier went 1-2-3 in the eighth.
Zack Lee retired the side in order in the ninth, holding the game at 1-0. That’s when West Michigan manufactured a run to extend the game.
Cristian Santana singled to open the ninth. He moved to second on a Juan Hernandez groundout and got to third on a wild pitch from Michael Kennedy. Junior Tillien grounded out to short, allowing Santana to cross the plate.
Duque Hebbert relieved Lee in the 10th, but he gave up a two-run homer to Nolan Schubart, which ultimately decided the game thanks to the runner placed on base at the start of the inning. Hebbert gave up a double after the homer, but he retired the side without allowing any more damage.
Bryce Rainer added a run for the Whitecaps in the bottom of the 10th, but that’s all they got. Rainer put together his first multi-hit game at High-A. He had three singles: two infield base hits to third in the third and 10th, and a grounder through the left side in the sixth.
The Flying Tigers scored as many runs as the other three teams in the organization that played on Saturday. The result was a convincing 6-1 win against the Tampa Tarpons to take a 3-2 series lead.
Lakeland took an early 2-1 lead in the second when Edian Espinal singled in Jude Warwick and Carson Rucker. Warwick reached first on a one-out single, and Rucker walked before both were moved into scoring position by Anibal Salas’ groundout to the right side.
Zach MacDonald made it a 5-0 game in the fifth with a three-run homer. MacDonald was a single shy of the cycle today, hitting a ground-rule double in the third and a triple in the seventh. It’s always a little funny when they can’t do the easy one, but what a showing from the 2024 15th-rounder, who has a 1.078 OPS on the year. MacDonald’s home run brought in Jordan Yost (single) and Thayron Liranzo (ground-rule double).
Goodness gracious Zach MacDonald. He blasts a 3-run homer to right center to put Lakeland up 5-1. It’s his 7th home run of the year. Left his bat at 107.1 MPH and went 415 feet. @AaronArnstein calls it. pic.twitter.com/A39nfae0nW
The Flying Tigers’ only other hit on the day was a solo home run for Carson Rucker in the eighth. The game was all but wrapped up by that point, with Tampa trailing 6-1 heading into the ninth.
Carson Rucker yanks a solo homer over the wall in left and Lakeland takes a 6-1 lead. It’s his first home run of the season. @AaronArnstein calls it. pic.twitter.com/0Y8TBekPrM
Left-hander Caleb Leys made his third start of the season, and he was solid through four innings once again. He went four innings, giving up one run on three hits and three walks while striking out two. While effective, those strikeout and walk numbers need to be a little better. Last week he sat down five batters and gave up just one free pass. Still, Leys has a 1.33 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over his last two starts.
He was a bit too in the zone with his slider today, with a 70% zone rate. All three batted balls were hard hit, but he still drew a 46% whiff rate on them. His fastball isn’t fooling anybody, but it’s not drawing hard contact either. The only run Tampa scored came off Leys in the first. Engelth Urena hit a triple with one out and scored on a groundout.
The bullpen was elite for Lakeland today. Luke Hoskins took over in the fifth and gave the Flying Tigers two innings of one-hit ball. Donye Evans worked around a two-out error for a hitless seventh, and Jan Caraballo closed things out without allowing a baserunner.
Caraballo was the most impressive of the bunch, striking out four of the six batters he faced. Six of his 10 sliders thrown were strikes, including four whiffs on five swings.
Yost: 1-4, R, K
Liranzo: 1-3, 2B (1), R, BB
MacDonald: 3-4, 2B (4), 3B (2), HR (7), R, 3 RBI
Leys: 4.0 IP, 3 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Coming Up Next: Lakeland goes for the series win on Sunday at noon ET.
Barcelona defender intends to block summer transfer offers from Liverpool
Barcelona want to make at least two big-money signings this summer, but in order to so, raising funds via sales will be essential. The likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Ferran Torres have already been earmarked as players that could be moved on, and another that has been linked with a move away is Ronald Araujo.
It’s been a difficult season for Araujo, who spent time away from football at the back-end of 2025 due to mental health struggles. Since returning, he’s struggled to command a regular starting spot, and with the expected arrival of a new centre-back in the summer, he is a player that Barcelona could look to cash in on.
Liverpool and Inter have both shown interest in Araujo, but the chances of either signing him are very slim. Not only are Barcelona happy to keep him, the player himself has absolutely no intention of leaving the Spotify Camp Nou, as per Sport.
Araujo has not been discouraged by his lack of prominence this season – rather, he sees it as a challenge to force his way back into the front of Hansi Flick’s thoughts. He is happy to operate as a right-back, where he has exclusively featured in recent weeks, if necessary, such is his commitment to Barcelona.
Barcelona have a conundrum to solve with Araujo
If it is decided that Araujo will operate in a similar role as he has right now in the years to come, it may be wise for Barcelona to cash in, given that his value will only continue to drop. However, they would not be able to do much if the Uruguayan defender makes it clear that he will not consider any possible chance to leave, which appears to be his stance right now.
It will be interesting to see how Araujo’s situation plays out over the next 12-18 months. He may consider an exit if he continues to operate as a squad role solely, but for now, he’s happy with how things are.
Munetaka Murakami brings the power and the presence. And he’s just getting started. | (Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images)
Some players are fun. Then there are the ones who make you drop whatever you’re doing. Munetaka Murakami is that guy. Right now, White Sox fans are getting the rare treat of watching something special, and yes, it’s happening in real time right in front of us.
Murakami didn’t show up to fireworks and a parade. No big-league circus. He wasn’t Shohei Ohtani. But if you paid attention to his work in Japan, you knew exactly what the South Siders were getting. In the NPB, Murakami wasn’t just good; he was a MONSTER. In 2022, he put up a .318/.458/.710 slash line, mashed 56 homers, drove in 134, won the Triple Crown, and set the home run record for a Japanese-born player. The guy was a wrecking ball, and he was only 22 years old.
But the real story isn’t just the numbers. It’s how he plays.
In early 2026, Murakami is already flashing that superstar ceiling. The numbers are catching up to the hype. He’s hitting .242/.381/.589, .970 OPS, 11 bombs (tied for the MLB lead), 1.3 fWAR, and a fat 183 OPS+. He’s also near the top in walks with 22. Same plate discipline, same menace. The results are loud, but the way he gets there is even louder.
The power is legit. Not just fence-clearing, but no-doubt, see-ya-later stuff. His approach? Advanced, disciplined, but never passive. When he connects, you brace for the fireworks. Even when he’s not going deep, he’s making pitchers sweat, working counts, drawing walks, and forcing adjustments.
Forget the stat line for a second. There’s an energy to his game. Confidence. Quiet swagger. And FUN. It’s catching on fast.
He has the kind of presence that flips a lineup on its head, and we’ve been so desperate on the South Side for this kind of player.
The White Sox are busy trying to figure out who they are. Murakami is more than numbers. He’s the bridge from what was to what’s next. He’s the anchor now and the hope for later. Most of all, he’s the guy fans can actually get behind. Every team needs THAT player — the one who turns a sleepy Tuesday into appointment viewing.
So why wait to talk about it?
If the White Sox believe their own eyes, the time to act is right now. Not in the winter. Not after another half-season of ‘let’s wait and see.’ NOW.
Players like Murakami don’t get cheaper. They don’t get easier to sign once the rest of the league wakes up. Every moonshot, every walk, every time he makes pitchers nibble just makes his case stronger. And his price tag bigger.
Locking him up early isn’t just smart baseball. It’s a statement. It says the White Sox know a star when they see one and aren’t afraid to put money where it matters. It tells the clubhouse, the rest of the league, and most importantly, us fans that the Sox are finally serious about building something that lasts.
It’s time to be real. Excitement matters.
Baseball is best when it gives you a reason to dream. Murakami does that. Maybe it’s a ball launched into orbit. Maybe it’s a tense, grind-it-out walk. Either way, he brings the type of buzz you can’t fake.
The South Side has had its share of stars. But every once in a while, someone shows up who just feels different. Not just a contributor, but a guy who changes how you watch the game.
Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex, will head into the final round of the Zurich Classic with a four-shot lead.
It’s fair to say that Matt, the older of the Fitzpatrick brothers, is the far more accomplished player out of the two.
However, Alex Fitzpatrick is a great golfer in his own right. He won last month on the DP World Tour and has shown this week in New Orleans that he has serious game.
However, perhaps a victory at the Zurich Classic would mean even more to him, given the fact that it would see his younger brother earn exempt status on the PGA Tour for two years.
However, considering the way that he and his brother have been playing this week, they should have no problems closing out the win on Sunday.
Matt spoke to reporters after the third round in New Orleans and responded when asked to give his opinion on the current state of his brother’s game.
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
“Yeah, he was brilliant today. He was faultless, truly. He played fantastic, and he played fantastic yesterday as well,“ the 2022 U.S. Open champion said.
“He played brilliant golf both the last two days. His game has really turned a corner these last few months, and I believe in him to continue that trend.
“He’s doing all the right things, and obviously it was nice for him to have such a big impact there on the back nine to continue what the front nine brought.“
Fitzpatrick brothers react to scintillating 57 at the Zurich Classic
The Fitzpatrick brothers posted a faultless round of 57 on day three at TPC Louisiana.
And both of them reacted to that score after their round.
“Yeah, I didn’t really do much the first nine holes,“ Alex said.
“I just kind of just let him do his thing. Yeah, it was pretty cool to watch. You know, playing alongside my brother, who happens also to be one of the best players in the world is pretty fun. When he’s playing well, it’s pretty cool to watch.“
Matt then echoed a similar sentiment.
“Yeah, an amazing day. Amazing day. Probably not kind of sunk in how well we played today, if I’m honest,“ he admitted.
“Yeah, it was just hole after hole. The score, I only just realized we finished with five in a row. You know, you kind of are thinking about the next shot, so you’re not really thinking about that.
“Yeah, a special day.“
If Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick play anything like they did on Saturday during the final round of the Zurich Classic, they will be just fine.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants pours Powerade on Patrick Bailey #14 of the San Francisco Giants after they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on April 22, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball is coming to a close today, which means it’s time for us to share our favorite highlights of the week!
I think this week’s winner is pretty obvious. Patrick Bailey, hitter of walk-off grand slams against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, got the hit of the week this week with a three-run home run in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers. Man was a one-man offense in that game, so we couldn’t NOT give him a weekend shout out!
What were your favorite highlights of the week?
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants wrap up this weekend series against the Miami Marlins this afternoon at 1:05 p.m. PT.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2025 in Sacramento, California. The is Fox's first game back in Sacramento after being traded from the Kings. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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With NBA All-Star credentials and a max contract, De’Aaron Fox could have exerted his status more forcefully in his new environment.
Instead, Fox eagerly joined the San Antonio Spurs in a mid-season trade last season partly because he wanted to experience something that eluded him through eight years with the Sacramento Kings.
He craved front office stability. He valued roster depth and continuity. He hungered for a realistic shot at winning an NBA championship.
Fox may receive his wish. The Spurs earned the No. 2 seed largely because Victor Wembanyama has established himself as a two-way star in just his third season. The Spurs have a 2-1 first-round series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers because their young backcourt (Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper) elevated their play while Wembanyama remains sidelined the past two games with a concussion-related symptoms. Even with Fox no longer operating as the franchise player as he did with the Kings, the Spurs view the 29-year-old Fox as critical in bridging the team’s present potential into future excellence.
“He is the most unsung reason why this has all worked just in terms of his participation and enthusiasm to make it all work,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of Fox. “We have a lot of guys that, whether they’ve been here or young guys with very high expectations for themselves. And it takes a lot of togetherness, collaboration and desire for the greater good of the group for this many young players to continue to put that at the forefront. He probably is the catalyst for that.”
AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 21: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs scores against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at the Moody Center on February 21, 2025 in Austin, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
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That’s because Fox has mostly found a sweet spot with how to handle a potentially dueling role. He has produced enough to warrant his second All-Star appearance as a scorer (18.6 points on 48.6%) and playmaker (6.2 assists). He has still empowered the Spurs’ reigning Rookie of the Year guard (Castle) and this year’s No. 2 draft pick (Harper), even at the expense of his own play.
“I still try to affect the game, obviously. But I don’t have the ball as much as I was used to before that,” Fox said. “I think that helps continue to grow your game and also helps them grow their game. They’re going to have the ball a lot in their career. So I think us learning to play off of each other does nothing but help everybody.”
That’s because Fox, Harper and Castle have all learned how to play off and on the ball. They have figured out when to look for their shot and when to involve others. They have adjusted based off of opposing team defenses and player availability. They have varied when to play at a fast or slow pace.
Three years after winning the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year award with a league-leading 194 points scored in the final five minutes, Fox ranked outside of the top 50 with 81.2 clutch points. In the playoffs, Fox has assumed a greater playmaking role (a team-leading 6.0 assists per game) partly out of deference to Castle (a team-leading 22.7 points per game). Fox carries a greater role as a starter than Harper, but he produced a team-leading 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting in a Game 3 win.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 26: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets in first half of a game at Frost Bank Center on October 26, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
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“He’s kind of the head of the snake and the one that controls the game, but he allows me and Steph to be us,” Harper said of Fox. “He’s done a great job with that. He also knows how to get one of us involved. I think his leadership, how he passes the ball and how he controls and slows the game has been really beneficial for us.”
Perhaps Spurs fans expected Fox to have a bigger role both throughout the regular season and during Wembanyama’s recent absence. After all, the Spurs signed Fox last summer to a four-year, $229 million contract extension through the 2029-30 season. In the playoffs, Fox has averaged a respectable 17.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. But he has shot only a combined 42.6% from the field and 28.6% from deep.
Yet, Fox has avoided pulling rank during Wembanyama’s absence and through most of the regular season.
“We have so many guys in this room that can put the ball in the basket,” Fox said. “For us, it’s about what shot we take. It’s not about the shot that I take or the shot that Steph takes or what Vic takes, or whatever it may be. We’re trying to get the best shot for us.”
No wonder the 20-year-old Harper has affectionally referred to the 28-year-old Fox as “Unc.” Fox didn’t greet Castle and Harper with unsolicited advice and references to his résumé. Instead, Fox greeted them with encouragement.
“He told me from day one to be myself and be aggressive and if I see an opportunity, to go get it,” Harper said. “If you’re going to mess up, make sure that you do it confidently.”
Both Castle and Harper learned how to do that on their own while Fox missed the first eight NBA games with a strained right hamstring. With exception to two other games to heal his adductor and lower back, Fox otherwise remained valuable. He cracked double figures in 65 out of 72 games. During that stretch, Fox scored at least 30 points in three games and at least 20 in 31 others. That did not compromise Fox’s playmaking role, though. He led the Spurs in assists (6.2) and recorded at least 10 assists in eight games.
“They’re both so talented,” Fox said of Castle and Harper. “A lot of what they do is just off instincts. So for me, it’s about giving them the keys to the test.”
Fox said those keys have just entailed offering “tidbits here or there.” Before the playoffs started, Fox stressed the importance in prioritizing every possession. He forewarned that the game will become more physical and that referees won’t call as many fouls. He outlined the need to rely on leg strength and balance to enable strong shooting performances through fatigue. Most importantly, Fox hasn’t shied away from elevating his game so long as it doesn’t disrupt theirs.
“I can’t say enough,” Johnson said of Fox. “Maybe he’s done it all.”
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
John Mara, John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen (far right) with No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese. | Tom Horak-Imagn Images
The New York Giants’ 2026 NFL Draft is complete. That means it is time for me to offer some ‘things I think’ about what the Giants have done over the past few days.
We will begin with a thought on each draft pick.
Making me look like a dummy
I did 10 Giants mock drafts leading up to the draft. Not once did I select Reese at No. 5. I also did not select Reese for the Giants in the SB Nation Writer’s Mock Draft.
All of this because most analysts and teams saw Reese as the next Micah Parsons, a player who would move off off-ball linebacker to full-time edge defender in the NFL. The Giants see something else — an off-ball WILL linebacker who could be turned into a pass-rushing weapon in long-yardage situations.
Reese adds another versatile front-seven weapon to a Giants’ group that could be scary for offenses to line up against on passing downs.
A meek-looking pit bull
Lovers of the breed will be displeased, but I am not a fan of pit bulls. They scare the bejeezus out of me. You might have one and he/she might be the nicest/gentlest dog in the world. What an angry or mistreated pit bull is capable of, though, makes pit bulls a non-starter in the Big Blue View household. We have two Japanese chins.
Anyway, you don’t care about that. Or maybe you do, since you love pit bulls and now you are mad at me.
Regardless, Colton Hood is 5-foot-11, 193 pounds. He doesn’t look like a pit bull. He’s not Ndamukong Suh. All the draft photos you see of Hood show him looking like a happy, gentle dude.
Yet, John Harbaugh said Friday night the second-round pick is a “pit bull” who is “coming in here and trying to win a starting job.”
Maybe the Giants really wanted defensive tackle Kayden McDonald in this spot. Maybe they didn’t. They got Hood, and he should help them.
Hakeem Nicks comparisons, of course
I am not surprised that the Giants selection of wide receiver Malachi Fields after a trade into the third round has quickly drawn comparisons between Fields and former Giant Hakeem Nicks. Both are bigger wide receivers who win at the catch point rather than with speed or quickness, and who help their quarterbacks by making difficult 50-50 catches.
I am, honestly, conflicted in terms of how to feel about this move.
One one hand, I love this type of “throw it up and let him make a play” wide receiver. I think every team needs one. Eli Manning, who was rarely precise — except for a certain Super Bowl throw to Mario Manningham — benefitted greatly from having Nicks to throw to. Jaxson Dart should love Fields, if he is what the Giants traded up for.
On the other hand, I don’t like trading up and giving up assets. That is especially true when it comes to wide receivers.
Over the years I have watched the Giants trade up beyond Round 1 to draft wide receivers Sinorice Moss (2006), Ramses Barden (2009), and Jalin Hyatt (2023). I’m still waiting for one of those deals to work out. Throw in the trades up for DeAndre Baker and Deonte Banks and it’s no wonder Giants fans might have trade up PTSD.
Generally, go up and get a quarterback. Otherwise, just let the board come to you.
Let’s hope Fields doesn’t follow the Moss-Barden-Hyatt path.
Mining for gold in Round 6
I don’t know about you guys, but I joined BBV’s Chris Pflum in being nerdy enough to watch the board once the draft got part way through Round 5 and begin to hope certain players might last until the Giants picks at 186, 192, and 193 in the sixth round.
It was annoying watching players like safety Jalon Kilgore and running back Adam Randall come off the board. No guarantee the Giants would have been interested.
The Giants followed an old George Young Planet Theory philosophy in the sixth round. They drafted nose tackle Bobby Jamison-Travis, offensive tackle J.C. Davis and a linebacker/special teamer in Jack Kelly.
I have no idea if any of those guys will be good NFL players. I do know I love the priority of adding big guys and special teamers.
Other thoughts
‘Kudos’ to Joe Schoen
Not for the reason you might think. Sure, it looks like the Giants came away with a good haul. I have a different reason.
By trading the Giants’ fourth- and fifth-round picks on Saturday, and not foolishly acquiring a seventh-round pick somewhere along the way, the general manager made my weekend a bit easier.
I had to sit by the laptop and wait for hours until the Giants had an opportunity to pick in the sixth round, and that enabled me to get a lot of my Saturday night/Sunday morning work done well ahead of time.
So, thanks for making my weekend just a little bit easier, Joe!
It is easy to be optimistic today
Giants fans should all be optimistic right now. It’s been a terrific offseason with the hiring of a future Hall of Fame head coach, free agency, and now a draft that is being widely lauded.
A note of caution, though. You are supposed to feel good today. I think Giants have had the right to feel good coming out of all five of Schoen’s drafts.
Winning the draft isn’t, though, winning on the field. It’s time for the Giants to begin doing that before they, and the fan base, can really begin to feel good.
Monday will be interesting
The Giants spent time before the draft visiting with several free agents of interest. As of 4 p.m. ET on Monday, veteran free agents who sign with new teams do not count against the compensatory pick formula. Will D.J. Reader or Odell Beckham be Giants by Monday night?
I think I need to thank my staff
We have been on an amazing run at Big Blue View, with interest skyrocketing since the hiring of Harbaugh. The last three days have seen roughly a million page views around here. It is gratifying that so many people love our work, and are trusting us. I have to thank this group — Chris Pflum, Nick Falato, Tony Del Genio, Sam Kirk, James Hickey, David Hartman — for everything they have done to help.
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 12: Cade Povich #37 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 12, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Triple-A: Memphis Red Birds (STL) 8, Norfolk Tides 7
The Tides were leading by two runs going into the eighth inning before the Red Birds put up a five-run eighth inning to take the lead. Norfolk scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth but left the tying run stranded at second when Silas Ardoin struck out looking on a pitch that was challenged by the Red Birds and overturned to become strike three.
Cade Povich started for the Tides and went six innings. He allowed one run in each of the first three innings, two on solo home runs. He got stronger after that, though. Over his final three innings, Povich did not allow a hit.
The offense scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth and then broke the tie with a two-run seventh before falling behind for good in the eighth. Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a single and triple and picked up three RBI. Willy Vasquez had a three hit night, and Ardoin reached base three times with a single and two walks. Jud Fabian singled and walked.
The Baysox managed to win this game despite being no-hit for the first 6.1 innings of the game. They scored one run in the third inning when Griff O’Farrell walked, stole second, and came around to score on two wild pitches. That tied the game at 1-1, a score that held until the 11th inning. It took until the bottom of the 12th, but an RBI single by Maverick Handley secured the walk-off.
It was a big game for Handley, who had two of the team’s four hits. He broke up the no-hitter in the seventh, got the winning hit in the 12th, and also had a walk for good measure. Ethan Anderson had one hit as leadoff batter, while Aron Estrada’s miserable start to the season continued. He went 0-for-4 and his OPS is just .490 through 18 games.
It was a bullpen game for the Baysox. Christian Herberholz started and struck out four in 2.1 innings. Six Baysox pitchers combined to strike out 15.
High-A: Frederick Keys 4, Wilmington Blue Rocks (WAS) 1
The Keys scored all the runs they needed in a two-run first inning, but they added two more in the sixth for good measure. In the first, they loaded the bases on an infield single by Ike Irish and walks from Nate George and Wehiwa Aloy. After a strikeout, Braylin Tavera hit a ground ball to shortstop. Instead of it being an inning-ending double play, the Blue Rocks made a throwing error that resulted in two runs scored. Their third run also scored on an error, but Irish had a proper RBI double to knock in the final run.
Irish was the only batter with two hits. George was hitless but walked twice. Aloy reached just once with the first inning walk.
Hans Crouse was the opener and pitched a scoreless first before Twine Palmer took over in the second. Palmer pitched five innings with two hits and one walk. He struck out six. His only run allowed was unearned and scored when Tavera made an error in center field to put a runner on third. Palmer then threw a wild pitch to bring in the run.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 4, Wilson Warbirds (MIL) 1
The Shorebirds won this game with two two-run home runs. Edwin Amparo went deep in the second inning with Joshua Liranzo on base. In the seventh inning, it was Liranzo’s turn. His homer knocked in Stiven Martinez. Liranzo and Martinez both had two-hit games, while Amparo reached three times with the homer and two walks. DJ Layton singled and walked, while Jordan Sanchez went hitless with three strikeouts.
Four Delmarva pitchers held the Warbirds to just three hits, but they walked a whopping nine. Starter Kailen Hamson didn’t allow a hit in 3.2 innings, however he did walk five.
On Friday evening, following a beautiful day of sunshine on Merseyside, Everton U21s took on Watford in the awkwardly-named Professional Development League Play-off quarter final. This game was part of a mini-competition where teams that finished in the lower half of Premier League 2 (Everton) meet teams from the top of the division below, the Professional Development League (Watford).
The Blues’ team lined up as per the team-sheet below, the feature image being of 16 year old talented winger, Wales Under 19 international, Shea Pita:
A very scrappy start did not bode well for either team as Everton struggled to get to grips with a physically-big Watford side. However, there were some signs of life after some neat combination play by Harvey Foster, Luca Davis, Malik Olayiwola and Shea Pita threatened to open up the Hornets’ defence.
That all changed in the 18th minute as Odin Samuels-Smith, playing as an inverted left back and Olayiwola carried the ball forward from deep and played it in towards Braiden Graham. His first touch to move it onto his left foot upset the balance of the two covering Watford defenders and he rifled it low with his left foot (below), a fine goal, 1-0
That fine goal put the Toffees into the ascendency but the 2nd goal 4 minutes later was as ugly as the first had been beautiful. A Watford defender, under just a little pressure from Graham, hit a back-pass from fully 45 yards not realising his goalkeeper was near the edge of the area, an embarrassing goal, 2-0.
It stayed that way into the second half when an untidy attempt at a clearance by Olaywiola, defending his near post at a corner, allowed an easy tap in for a Watford attacker, 2-1.
In the 50th minute, Watford were right back in it as the Blues struggled to clear their area following an attack down the right. A shot went in at the near post though a crowded area to make it all square at 2-2.
Graham continued to look lively and a snapshot from 40 yards kept the goalkeeper awake but it drifted wide.
The game went into extra time and the Blues pressed against the tiring Hornets and looked most likely to snatch it. The raft of substitutions made by Paul Tait had breathed fresh life into his side.
Graham (twice), Davis and Omari Benjamin all went close before, just as it looked like penalties, the Blues snatched a goal at the very death and what a goal!!
A swift attack saw the ball land at the feet of substitute Kingsford Boakye and his cross was met with a text-book diving header from, who else, Braiden Graham (see below):
That was Braiden Graham’s 20th goal of the season or to put it another way, a third of all Under 21s goals scored this season or ….. to put it another way …. just what has he got to do to convince David Moyes just to give him a small chance, off the bench or whatever? It’s actually Graham’s 24th of the season as he scored 4 in the Youth Cup though that’s an U18 competition really.
Meanwhile, last weekend had seen the younger group, the U18s grab a nice 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Finch Farm. Some relentless pressure paying dividends with Malik Olayiwola scoring the first from left-back Harvey Billington’s fine cutback.
Olayiwola was in the thick of it for the second as his pressure released Ceiran Loney to the left of the penalty area. His cross was met by the inrushing Shea Pita to make it 2-0.
Wolves did pull one back as a shot from the edge of the area was too hot to handle for Blues’ ‘keeper Seve Patrick, 2-1 is how it ended. The goals are below:
One more for the fine goals collection was from a game involving Everton Under 16s in a competition in Greece. Jonathan Nsangou scored right from the halfway-line!
LONG-RANGE STUNNER! 🤯
Everton Academy forward Jonathan Nsangou scored this spectacular halfway-line goal for our Under-16s at the Cup of Rhodes Knights in Greece. 👏 pic.twitter.com/WNshEXzEiX
When Rick Monday woke up 50 years ago yesterday, I’m guessing he would never have expected to become an American hero. Neither had I as my dad sat me down to watch a delayed TV clip when I was 11. I was still trying to figure out what a bicentennial was, why girls aren’t as fun as the guys, and was barely aware why my parents had shielded me from the war that had recently ended. My dad didn’t talk much. He said, “Watch this.” He explained a bit to a young kid what had been going on, then pointed at the TV and said, “That is an American hero.” Looking back, I’m sure he didn’t mean hero in the way death and severe injuries mean Hero. He meant that a regular guy, every one of us, can go out there and act based on what was in his (or her) heart for this country. April 25, 1976 was the day Rick Monday became one of my heroes.
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Tom Albano (Deadspin): Surging Cubs count on bullpen ahead of rematch vs. Dodgers ””Nothing is really long-term (with our bullpen injuries),” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said. “Which we think is a positive in all this. But injuries add up, and we’ve lost a lot of bodies. When that happens, it gets hard to replace them with the same quality. But our guys have done a great job, a heck of a job. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve been able to put together this nice run.
Zachary Davis (ClutchPoints): How Dodgers stunning loss to Cubs ended specific 71-game streak “In the process, the Dodgers suffered not just a stunning loss but also saw a little-known 71-game winning streak come to an end, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Before Friday, Los Angeles had won 71 straight home games when leading by four or more runs in the 7th inning and beyond.
Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): It Turns Out ABS is a Machine That Turns Dansby Swansons into Rob Deers. For several years, now, the league has trended toward filling up the strike zone more. Fastballs are harder and livelier than ever; pitchers have better command of their non-fastballs than ever; and fielders are better-positioned than ever. Now, it’s that the zone itself has gotten smaller. Hitters have noticed, too. Twice as many batters have substantially reduced their swing rate so far this year. Dansby Swanson isn’t just participating in that trend; he’s one of the foremost drivers of it.
Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Nico Hoerner and the Power of the Pulled Line-Drive Approach. “About a week into the season, I followed up with a partial answer, based on some changes Hoerner brought into this campaign: a slightly wider stance and a shorter stride, giving him more early stability and the capacity to hit the ball hard down the lines, rather than toward center field. Now, it’s time to synthesize all that into a firm answer to an increasingly pressing question: Is Hoerner a full-fledged power hitter now?”
Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times) Cubs fans know him as PCA, but Pete Crow-Armstrong was known as ‘Petro’ growing up. ““He was Petro,’’ High-school head coach Jared Halpert said, “because he played like he was on fire and very cool. Yeah, yeah, he was. He was Petro to us for a long time. There was no second gear or slowdown. It was all gas and no brakes and he’s going 100 miles an hour. And it was a beautiful thing to watch somebody just play with that much passion, you know, all the time.’’
Thomas Domol (North Side Baseball): Edward Cabrera’s Cubs Legacy Is Only Getting Started. “A filthy, lockdown starting pitcher changes the fortunes and the perception of a Major League Baseball team. He can make a fringe club competitive and a contender close to unstoppable. Edward Cabrera, with his poised control and nasty arsenal, is the next in this line of game-changing starting pitchers. Lucky for us, he plays on the North Side of Chicago.”
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 25: Justin Joly #7 of the NC State Wolfpack runs a route during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the Denver Broncos having all but one of their draft selections during the final day of the event, I went into this draft grades post expecting the worst. Prognosticators get very hyped by teams who end up with all of the top talent and ignore what those teams had to work with to begin with. Some did that, but surprisingly, many popped in to appreciate what Denver was able to do with the picks that they did have.
Naturally, one would have to include Jaylen Waddle into this equation at some point, but even just looking at what the Broncos were able to do with this class is impressive enough. I see several rookie contributors right out of the gates and a few guys who could develop into starter-caliber players in the NFL. You really can’t ask for more than that having just one pick in the Top 100.
Their draft was pretty much about – and will ultimately be defined – by the acquisition of WR Jaylen Waddle for multiple picks this year, including the 30th overall selection. A reasonable gamble given how close the Broncos got to Super Bowl 60 as well as the defensible opportunity cost of largely bypassing this year’s middling prospects. Third-round DL Tyler Onyedim could soften the loss of John Franklin-Myers in free agency, and fourth-round RB Jonah Coleman should get some touches. Yet maybe the most fascinating aspect of Denver’s draft … was their decision-making into who wound up as “Mr. Irrelevant” given the Broncos made the final two selections in Round 7.
Denver kicked off their draft by taking the 129th ranked player on the industry board, Tyler Onyedim, at 66th overall. That being said, each of their next three selections were at least 20+ picks ahead of consensus, with Jonah Coleman being a RB that I really like and think he can challenge for the starting job in Denver eventually. TE Joly could carve out a prominent role behind Evan Engram, but there isn’t going to be a major impact from this class and feels like the Broncos were just trying to fill holes with mid-to-late picks here.
A large chunk of Denver’s draft was traded away in the Jaylen Waddle deal. As a result, the Broncos primarily added depth, giving RJ Harvey a caddy in Coleman, while getting Casey to play as a swing tackle behind Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey. As for Onyedim, the former Aggies star should see rotational time after the departure of John Franklin-Myers. All told, it’s a draft that doesn’t have much wow factor, but provides short-term insurance and long-term upside.
For a team that didn’t have a first-round pick and then traded out of its spot at the end of the second, I actually think the Broncos did quite well. Tyler Onyedim was one of my favorite mid-round targets among interior defensive linemen. His explosiveness, lateral quickness, and pass-rush arsenal could make him a great replacement for John Franklin-Myers on the inside. Jonah Coleman, my No. 4 overall running back, maximizes blocking with great vision and has the contact balance to find extra yards. He could immediately be the short-yardage back in Denver’s backfield committee. Kage Casey should be useful depth at tackle, and I love the value of Justin Joly in the fifth round. As a good separator who can win contested scenarios and make plays after the catch, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that he becomes the “joker” Sean Payton hoped he was getting in Evan Engram last year. The lack of top-end talent impacts the grade, but the Broncos did well to find value throughout the draft.
Early in Round 3, the Broncos became the final team to make its first selection. They did not have a first-rounder entering the draft and moved out of Round 2 in a Friday trade. With the No. 66 pick, they refueled their already stout defense with lineman Tyler Onyedim, who will not fully replace Jonathan Franklin-Myers but adds a fresh body to that group.
All but one of Denver’s picks are Day 3 selections, and the first is a fun one. Jonah Coleman brings a lot of the same skills as R.J. Harvey, whom the Broncos selected a year ago, as a versatile running back with experience making electric plays as a receiver. Kage Casey and Justin Joly bring some edge protection with the latter also boasting the ability to stretch the field as a receiving tight end.
The final two picks of the draft belonged to the Broncos, and they used the last of them on Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, who is this year’s Mr. Irrelevant. He might not be so irrelevant, though. Edwards called him a “spark plug” and said he offers good value to end the draft, and it’s hard to disagree when you consider he is the FBS career record holder for forced fumbles with 17.
How do you feel about this draft class and the grades given? Fair or meh?
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn ImagesMarc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The Avalanche can become the second team to sweep the first round. The other matchup in the Central Division is tied at 2-2. Also the Pittsburgh Penguins survive another day and things are getting competitive between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 26.
Colorado Hockey Now
We saw the Carolina Hurricanes complete the sweep as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Avalanche will try to do the same in the West, in what will be the second matinee Sunday puck drop of the series.
The Avs finished Game 3 without Josh Manson. Will he play in Game 4? Head coach Jared Bednar shared thoughts about his status following Saturday’s practice.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap
Game 4 Recap — Hurricanes 4 at Senators 2 — (CAR wins 4-0)
The Ottawa Senators will have a lot of soul-searching to do in the offseason. This was a team many thought could be a problem for Carolina. Instead, they got dominated for most of the series and spent more time trying to start unnecessary fights and going for cheap shots I’m looking at you, Ridley Greig) than they did trying to win a hockey game.
Game 4 Recap — Stars 2 at Wild 3 OT — (Series tied 2-2)
For the second straight game, the Wild and Stars went to overtime. This one ended a lot quicker than the double OT thriller on Wednesday. And it was also Minnesota coming away with the victory to even the series.
It’s now a best out of three, with the next one shifting back to Dallas.
Game 4 Recap — Penguins 4 at Flyers 2 — (PHI leads 3-1)
The Penguins are still alive. They defeated the Flyers in Game 4 to bring the series back to Pittsburgh for Game 5.
Five key battles in Milan vs Juventus: Leao & Bremer to lock horns
The clashes between Milan and Juventus have often been associated with captivating duels between some of the biggest stars in the sport.
Unfortunately for the Calcio fanatics, the days of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Del Piero are long gone. Nevertheless, Sunday’s contest at San Siro will still witness some compelling battles between the two sets of players.
So let’s take a closer look at five anticipated player duels that are likely to ensue this evening, at least based on the expected starting lineups.
Strahinja Pavlovic vs Francisco Conceicao
Stahinja Pavlovic has now cemented himself as a protagonist for Milan at both ends of the pitch. Nevertheless, the presence of the in-form Chico Conceicao could prompt Max Allegri to pin back his Serbian defender, as the tricky Portuguese winger can be deadly when given space.
The one-on-one duels between these two will be enticing.
Alexis Saelemaekers vs Andrea Cambiaso
This should be a good old-fashioned battle between two wing-backs who excel in the attacking phase, but have a knack for committing mistakes at the back. These two should battle it out all along the touchline, and whoever prevails will give his team a big advantage.
Adrien Rabiot vs Manuel Locatelli
After playing side-by-side for three years, Rabiot and Locatelli will lock horns in what might be the most significant duel on the night. The Frenchman has been decisive for Milan with his goals, which often stem from his late runs to the box.
Therefore, the Juventus captain must place his old comrade under close surveillance to avoid costly errors at the back.
Luka Modric vs Kenan Yildiz
Calling this one a direct duel could be a stretch, but Kenan Yildiz could be entrusted with an important defensive duty: Pressing against Luka Modric.
Needless to say, the Turkish youngster is required to make a difference for Juventus in the attacking phase, but his defensive commitment could be equally important on this particular occasion.
Therefore, the key for the Brazilian is to avoid being dragged out of the box and getting isolated in one-on-one duels, as this is where the Portuguese attacker excels. Instead, Juve’s defensive trio must remain compact and close to one another.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Francis Mauigoa of Miami poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being is selected 10th overall by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Giants have themselves a day one starting offensive lineman in Miami’s FrancisMauigoa. Mauigoa, the Hurricanes starting right tackle for the past three seasons, was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Giants intend to let Mauigoa, known as SiSi, at guard while getting his feet wet in the NFL. The 6-foot-6, 320 pound blue chip from American Samoa played his prep ball at IMG before starting 42 games for the ‘Canes.
Much like with Rueben Bain Jr. in his All-22 Review, we’ll be using the Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State as the film basis of this breakdown.
All-22 Review of Francis Mauigoa vs. Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl for @TheStateOfTheU. The NY Giants OT lined up against future 1st rounders in Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese; future pro Caden Curry & FL native Kenyatta Jackson Jr. who returns at DE for OSU. CiCi locks down Curry pic.twitter.com/4SQUm8mtwy
Above– Mauigoa does almost everything well. He can be a POA run blocker, a combo-to-second level mover, he’s great in space on screens as well as inside and out in pass protection. Against OSU, SiSi lined up against CadenCurry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Sonny Styles, and Arvell Reese. The former two are future NFL players (Curry in ‘26, Jackson in ‘27) and the latter two are also 1st round picks in the ‘26 draft.
Early on Matt Patricia has Curry on Mauigoa's side of the ball and eventually flips Curry and Jackson. Curry has no chance against Mauigoa on this rep and gets rag dolled at the end pic.twitter.com/VZWxtD2l9E
Above– Buckeyes DC MattPatricia has Curry across from Mauigoa early on. Eventually he switches that match-up to Jackson which helps Curry as he’s better going against MarkelBell. Curry has no chance early here and gets rag dolled by SiSi.
Looping rushers is a lot different than straight pass pro. Here Curry and Jackson twist and Mauigoa doesn't over commit, keeps his outside leg in Curry's Jackson's midline. Excellent eyes from big SiSi and footwork to drop without width pic.twitter.com/CdXbbotXqs
Above– Curry and Jackson are on the same side of the DL here. Mauigoa is fantastic at keeping his eyes on the inside or most dangerous threat while never ignoring potential loopers or outside pressure.
Gap and hinge against Reese to wall him off and allow Mark Fletcher Jr. to cut back to his side. pic.twitter.com/2EavFInqB1
Above– Mauigoa uses a traditional gap-hinge blocking technique on the back side of the run. His dominance of Reese allows Mark Fletcher Jr. to cutback on the run and pick up positive yardage.
Mauigoa can be a dominant play-side blocker, but he's also great out in space. For outside zone (OZ) he's the help to 2nd level guy. You'll see the jab, and then he gets horizontal to block Sonny Styles, another 1st rounder. pic.twitter.com/xFrM7K3Fdv
Above– Big dudes like SiSi are always going to be dominant in POA blocking, ie base blocks and combos. Here he secures the gap on outside zone and then works horizontally to the 2nd level against Sonny Styles. Styles is a 1st rounder and 4.46 40 guy who is cutoff by Mauigoa.
Miami dials up "duo" a popular run concept over the past few years. Here Mauigoa works the combo to the 2nd level LB which is Reese, the 1st rounder. When his hands are on you, you aren't coming off to make a play. Nice compact punch pic.twitter.com/vxda9uiGT7
Above- DUO DUO DUO is like Marcia Marcia Marcia. All we hear about as ‘Canes fans (and NFL fans, and coaches) is “duo.” I like this TEmotion into Duo. The TE’s job is to pick up the 5-tech (DE) while Mauigoa and Anez Cooper combo the 2-tech (DT). Mauigoa works to the 2nd level which is Reese, and once SiSi’s hands are on you they aren’t coming off.
This sack isn't on SiSi it's on Beck. Mauigoa does a great job of controlling the pass rush and Beck runs directly into a sack, even with an open Malachi Toney on the mesh route. pic.twitter.com/xe8692zGIE
Above– This sack may be ‘credited’ to Mauigoa, but this is on the Arizona Cardinals new QB CarsonBeck. Beck has an open Malachi Toney on the mesh concept and he’s even looking at him. But Beck panics and tries to flip his hips and then escape. The timing is all off and SiSi can only do so much. He dominated this block against Jackson for the 3.2 seconds someone can ask for from an OT.
Here's the NY Giants 1st round OT dominating a 6-6 former Florida Gatorade POTY in Kenyatta Jackson Jr. I think Jackson can be a 1st rounder in '27. Completely shutdown by Mauigoa here- you can't bullrush a bull pic.twitter.com/SmCuADXsXe
Above– Mauigoa dominates Jackson on this rep. You can’t bullrush a bull and I think Mauigoa can handle the power of the DT’s in the NFL as much as the speed of the DE’s.
Another example of helping combo to the 2nd level and working in space. While Mauigoa's footwork gets off here, he is blocking a guy that ran a 4.46 40 at the combine while testing off the charts in every category. And what does Styles do? Nothing. pic.twitter.com/YsVVygg1iw
Above– Another example of Mauigoa combo’ing to the 2nd level. SiSi gets out in space against Styles and his hands do come off him but he did enough to stop Styles from making any effort at a play.
Our final clip is going to show Mauigoa out in space. It's a screen and he'll help inside before working out against Curry again who is in the flat. pic.twitter.com/lPBppue0ff
Above– As an NFL guard, Mauigoa will be asked to combo to the 2nd level and be a willing puller. We’ve seen him pull from RT and he’ll work in space in the NFL on screens as well.
The Wrap
The 2026 NFL Draft is by far Mario Cristobal’s best output in nine years as a P4 head football coach. Getting major talent like Bain and Mauigoa on campus, winning games in year four (three for those two players) and keeping them on campus has done wonders for the program. The removal of Aaron Feld from Cristobal’s world turned guys like Akheem Mesidor, Markel Bell andeven Jakobe Thomas from Day Three players into Day Two players.
Mauigoa will fit in well in John Harbaugh’s system which will look to grind the ball out with a dominating OL and defense. Mauigoa joins a Giants offense with young talent like Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers. SiSi is a day one starter at RG and will develop into a RT in the NFL, mark my words.
Official: Vlahovic returns as Juventus confirm 23-man squad to face Milan
Dusan Vlahovic is back in the Juventus squad as Luciano Spalletti reveals his 23-man roster to take on Milan in San Siro in Sunday night’s Serie A headline clash.
Vlahovic’s season has been derailed by injuries in 2025-26. The Serbian missed almost four months of action with an adductor injury between December and March, made an 11-minute appearance off the bench against Sassuolo on March 21, but has since missed the last two games with a new calf issue.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre Kalulu interact after the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Vlahovic is back in the matchday squad to take on Milan on Sunday afternoon, but it remains unlikely that he is thrown straight back into the starting XI. Spaletti is instead expected to turn to Francisco Conceicao, Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David to lead the Bianconeri attack.
Yildiz has also been struggling with a recurring pain in his knee, but is in the squad and is still expected to start on Sunday.
Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are the only two Juventus players unavailable through injury.
Kick-off this evening is due at 19.45 BST.
Confirmed Juventus squad vs. Milan
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Luciano Spalletti reacts prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 05: Kayla Harrison is seen on stage during the UFC 316 press conference at Prudential Center on June 05, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
Kayla Harrison continued her ongoing war of words with Ronda Rousey ahead of the UFC Hall of Famer making her return to action for a fight against Gina Carano on May 16.
Once friends and teammates while both were competing in judo, Harrison previously called Rousey a liar over a story she told about a particular training session when they were working in the same room together. Rousey eventually responded by trashing Harrison and repeatedly called her a “bitch” while touting the size and scale for her upcoming fight against Carano, which is also going to earn her a hefty payday with the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion getting “paid less now than I was 10 years ago.”
In response, Harrison believes Rousey’s anger really stems from jealousy and envy that somebody has taken her spot as the top women’s fighter in the UFC.
“I’m just going to go ahead and say I could be meaner,” Harrison said during the UFC Vegas 116 pre-fight show. “I think that it would be really hard, I can’t imagine what it would be like for someone to come in and beat everything I’ve ever done. That would be hard. I get it.
“Imagine hating me and I’m just over here in my backyard feeding chickens. It’s got to be rough.”
A repeated talking point for Rousey leading into her comeback fight has been the expected viewership for her showdown against Carano.
With the fight airing on Netflix with over 325 million subscribers, there’s a chance that Rousey vs. Carano goes down as one of the most watched events of all time.
That said, Harrison knows there’s a big difference between a fight that a lot of people will likely watch versus her planned matchup against Amanda Nunes, which could potentially crown the greatest women’s fighter in the history of the sport.
“I think that the part that bothers me most about Ronda is at one point she was a real athlete,” Harrison said about Rousey. “She was training for the Olympics. She’s an Olympic bronze medalist. She became a UFC champion. She was really trying to chase greatness. I will never take away the fact that Ronda is probably the most important female fighter. If it weren’t for her, for sure I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I wouldn’t have a job. But this fight is not the greatest fight of all time.
“It’s between someone who hasn’t fought in 10 years and is coming off two knockout losses and another woman, again another legend, another pioneer, but hasn’t fought in 17 years and is in her 40s. Don’t call it the greatest fight of all time. I’m chasing greatness. You’re chasing money. We’re different.”
While Rousey is preparing to face Carano in May, Harrison is recovering from neck surgery that delayed her fight against Nunes, which was originally scheduled for UFC 324 in January.
By all accounts, Harrison is healing well and she’s expected to return to action before 2026 is over.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 25: Aljamain Sterling prepares to face Youssef Zalal of Morocco in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
There were serious stakes in “Sin City.”
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion-turned Featherweight contender Aljamain Sterling delivered a dominant unanimous decision win over Youssef Zalal in the UFC Vegas 116 main event last night (Sat., April 25, 2026) inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
While the win keeps Sterling firmly planted in the Top 5 and alive in the exclusive two-division title hunt, things could have looked much different with a loss — in more ways than one.
In fact, Sterling admitted post-fight that retirement was very much on the table (again).
“I’m not going to lie, thoughts of retirement crossed my mind,” Sterling said on the UFC Vegas 116 post-show. “Depending on how I lost, if I were to lose, and just being realistic — it’s like if I can’t compete, then I don’t want to do this anymore. It’s not like I don’t want to do it because there is no future for it but if I can’t compete with these young guys, why am I sticking around and taking an ass-whooping for no reason?”
“Was it a passing of the torch type of fight?” Sterling added. “I’m just happy I passed the test with flying colors. I’ve got enough money, but you can also use some more. This sport hurts, man and no is trying to stick around and let these young bucks beat you up.”
Instead, “Funkmaster” proved he still belongs, using his grappling and fight IQ to control Zalal across five rounds. Now 3-1 at Featherweight, he’s right back in the mix for another crack at UFC gold.
Sterling called for a showdown with champion Alexander Volkanovski, though unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev — who holds a win over him — is likely next in line. If that’s the case, Sterling may need one more win to secure his shot.
A potential title eliminator against rising contender Jean Silva could make plenty of sense.
For complete UFC Vegas 116 results, coverage, and results click HERE.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Jake McCarthy #31, Brenton Doyle #9 and Troy Johnston #20 of the Colorado Rockies celebrate the win over the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 24, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Colorado Rockies defeated the New York Mets 4-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Any week that starts with a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers should generally be a pretty good one, and that’s just what the Colorado Rockies had.
The Rockies won three of their six games played against three different teams. They could have even won a fourth, which was in their sights on Thursday against the San Diego Padres before a ninth inning meltdown saddled them with a loss.
Even though that loss was frustrating—and probably gave some readers flashbacks to last year—it is still important to note just how much better the 2026 Colorado Rockies are compared to last season. With a record of 11-16 the Rockies are already over a full month ahead of their beleaguered counterparts from 2025, who didn’t win their tenth game until June 2nd and had already lost 50 games by that point.
The Rockies were also able to rebound quickly with a victory against the New York Mets on Friday to round out the week. Saturday’s game was rained out in Queens, but Sunday will feature a traditional double-header.
The Rockies are still not a great team. The offense has a lot of question marks when it comes to their “swing first and ask questions later” approach to hitting and inconsistent ability to win close games. However, most of the games are still close, the pitching has been shockingly solid—dare I say even good—and they’re keeping fans engaged. Our comments sections are proof positive of that!
With that being said, here’s what our staff here at Purple Row had to say this week:
Evan Lang had a chance to sit down with Rockies top prospect Cole Carrigg (no. 4 PuRP) to discuss his development, goals, and playing with your hair on fire! Check it out below.
Weekend Discussion Topics
The Rockies may still lose a lot of games, but a pleasant surprise is how many players are standing out with high quality performances so far this season. Antonio Senzatela appears to have revitalized his career, Tomoyuki Sugano has been pitching with consistent quality, and both Mickey Moniak and Hunter Goodman are clobbering the baseball. Who do you think is standing out the most? Who do you think quietly deserves more recognition? Let us know in the comments!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Arizona Wildcats players celebrate their 38 -24 win over the Oklahoma Sooners after the Valero Alamo Bowl game featuring the Arizona Wildcats and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 28, 2023 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It wasn’t the best team in school history in terms of wins, but what Arizona did during the 2023 season was truly historic. And, it’s turned out, quite professional.
Six members of that ’23 squad, which won 10 games including the Alamo Bowl less than two years removed from a 20-game losing streak, were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft over the weekend. That brings the tally to 12 players who suited up for the Wildcats that season who have been drafted.
In addition to defensive backs Treydan Stukes(2nd round, Las Vegas Raiders), Genesis Smith(4th round, Los Angeles Chargers) and Dalton Johnson(5th round, Raiders), all of whom finished their careers at the UA, three ex-Wildcats were also drafted. Cornerback Tacario Davis went in the 3rd round to the Cincinnati Bengals, running back Jonah Coleman went in the 4th round to the Denver Broncos and corner Ephesians Prysock was a 4th-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers.
Davis, Coleman and Prysock each transferred to Washington after beginning at Arizona, with Coleman and Prysock following Jedd Fisch to Seattle immediately after his hire and Davis joining them after the 2024 season.
Three Wildcats from the 10-3 team in 2023 were drafted the following spring, led by offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, a 1st-round pick of the Green Bay Packers. Also taken in the 2024 NFL Draft were receiver Jacob Cowing (4th round, 49ers) and tight end Tanner McLachlan (6th round, Bengals).
The 2025 NFL Draft saw another three UA players from that ’23 lineup get picked: receiver Tetairoa McMillan went ninth overall to the Carolina Panthers, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea went in the second round to the Miami Dolphins and kicker Tyler Loop went to the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th round.
Not bad for a program that, in the previous two drafts had zero selections. And the haul from 2023 could grow next April, when the 2027 NFL Draft is held in Washington, D.C.
Linebacker Taye Brown is the top pro prospect left in the program from that roster, and with a big senior year could end up like Stukes or Johnson in rising up draft boards. So, too, could tight end Tyler Powell if he’s able to come back from an injury suffered on the first play of the 2025 season and the same goes for a breakout 2026 from redshirt senior wide receiver Chris Hunter.
And if NFL scouts can overlook his size, quarterback Noah Fifita could sneak into the later rounds. Arizona has only had one QB drafted in the past 40 seasons, that being Nick Foles in the 3rd round in 2012.
As far as ex-Wildcats go, offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr., is heading into his redshirt senior season at Tennessee figures to be on 2027 draft boards. Defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (North Carolina) could also get picked a year from now.
Members of Arizona’s 2023 team to get drafted into NFL
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media after a game against the Miami Marlins where he became the first MLB player to have at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season at loanDepot park on September 19, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit a bit of a rough patch recently, dropping two consecutive series to division rivals in the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants.
Now, as they look to build up some momentum with a win against the Chicago Cubs, the team has also found itself in the crosshairs of an evolving debate about preferential treatment for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Los Angeles Dodgers At Center Of ‘Shohei Ohtani Rule’ Debate
“Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t the only person in baseball bothered by the rule that allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry an extra pitcher because of Shohei Ohtani’s designation as a two-way player,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote, following some outspoken complaints about the so-called “Shohei Ohtani rule” from Counsell. “Many in the game are fine with the accommodations made for Ohtani, the best and most unique player in the sport. Some, though, are frustrated that the rule allowing Ohtani’s team to carry a 14th pitcher extends his already outsized impact. Still, others view his ability to remain in the lineup as a DH once he is done pitching as an inequity all its own.”
The Dodgers have captured consecutive World Series championships since signing Ohtani, who has been everything the team could have hoped for in the batter’s box, on the mound and as a draw for lucrative advertising deals. But as the team pursues a third-straight title, critics of the special treatment he is afforded by the rule book are growing louder.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Proposes Change To Shohei Ohtani Advantage
Most recently, two-time Dodgers All-Star Justin Turner called for a change to the special rule.
“The solution is to get rid of the 13 x 13 rule for everyone,” Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a question about the rule posed by Dodgers Talk’s David Vassegh. “Let the teams structure their roster however they see best for them. It’s not about what the Dodgers get to do. It’s what the other 29 teams don’t get to do.”
Turner was referring to the standing MLB rule that allows teams to have a maximum of 13 pitchers in addition to 13 position players on their 26-man big-league rosters. Because Ohtani pitches and serves as the designated hitter, the Dodgers can, in a sense, carry a fourteenth pitcher on their roster because Ohtani is counted as one of the 13 position players that they are allowed.
If MLB were to eliminate the 13-pitcher maximum for all teams, that advantage would be lessened, which might satisfy the special rule’s critics. But it would also reduce the value Ohtani is bringing to the Dodgers, the team where Turner spent nine seasons.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Report: Liverpool could hijack move for Premier League defender
Transfer battle intensifies around Senesi
Tottenham’s careful planning for the summer window may yet unravel as Liverpool and Man Utd position themselves to disrupt a deal that once looked straightforward. Marcos Senesi, the Argentina international currently at Bournemouth, is at the centre of a three-way Premier League tug-of-war that reflects both opportunity and uncertainty.
Spurs have already moved early, agreeing terms in principle to bring Senesi in as part of a wider rebuild. However, their precarious league position has introduced a variable that rivals are ready to exploit. Should Tottenham fail to secure their top-flight status, the foundations of the agreement could weaken significantly.
According to the CaughtOffside, there is growing belief that both Liverpool and Man Utd are monitoring the situation closely and could act decisively. That possibility alone has altered the tone around the transfer, turning what seemed like routine business into a high-stakes contest.
Liverpool seek defensive depth with purpose
Liverpool’s interest in Senesi is neither reactive nor superficial. The club are actively exploring the centre-back market, aiming to reinforce depth while also planning for the longer term. Even with Ibrahima Konate expected to commit his future, there remains a sense that defensive reinforcements are required to sustain a title challenge.
Senesi fits the profile. He is experienced, tactically aware, and already familiar with Liverpool’s manager from their shared time at Feyenoord. That connection could prove influential if the race tightens.
As reported, “The Reds are exploring the centre-backs market as they’re really keen to add depth even if Ibrahima Konate stays and signs a new contract.” It is a pragmatic approach, rooted in squad evolution rather than emergency recruitment.
There is also the question of succession planning. With uncertainty surrounding the long-term role of certain defenders, Senesi offers both immediate cover and future reliability. Liverpool’s recruitment model tends to favour players who can integrate quickly while maintaining a high ceiling for development, and Senesi ticks those boxes.
Man Utd remain firmly in contention
Manchester United’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Like Liverpool, they are in the market for defensive reinforcements and have identified Senesi as a viable option. Their interest is not passive. It is calculated and aligns with a broader effort to stabilise the back line.
Reports suggest that United are tracking multiple targets, with Senesi among those under serious consideration. The appeal lies in his Premier League experience combined with international pedigree. He is not a gamble but a known quantity, which carries weight in a market often driven by potential rather than proof.
Crucially, United’s presence in the race increases the competitive pressure. Any hesitation from Spurs could be swiftly punished, particularly if either rival decides to accelerate negotiations.
Spurs face uncertainty over summer plans
For Tottenham, the situation is delicate. Their agreement with Senesi is real, but not yet secure. Much depends on their league status and the clarity it brings to their summer strategy. Until that is resolved, vulnerability remains.
It has been suggested that “Senesi is leaning towards Spurs if they stay up,” which underscores how pivotal the coming weeks will be. Stability breeds confidence, and without it, even agreed deals can drift.
Spurs have shown intent by lining up multiple signings, but intent alone is rarely enough in a market shaped by timing and leverage. Liverpool and Man Utd are clubs that move with authority when opportunities arise, and both recognise the value Senesi could bring.
In the end, this is more than a transfer story. It is a reflection of how quickly momentum can shift in modern football. One club’s uncertainty becomes another’s opening, and players like Senesi, poised between options, often hold the deciding power.
For now, the race remains open. Spurs may still complete the deal, but the presence of Liverpool and Man Utd ensures that nothing is guaranteed.
The New York Sirens couldn’t crack the scoreboard in their regular-season finale Saturday afternoon, falling 4-0 to the Boston Fleet at Tsongas Center.
Aerin Frankel set a new PWHL record with her eighth shutout of the season, and Boston scored four times in the third period to seal its 16th regulation win.
New York held a 24-8 edge in shots through the first 40 minutes, but failed to get anything past Frankel, who made 30 saves in 60:00. Boston tilted the ice in the third, outshooting the Sirens 16-6.
“I think the game today was a really good indication of our season,” Sirens coach Greg Fargo acknowledged postgame. “We’re playing well, we have the other team on the ropes, and couldn’t find a way to get that first one, or a second one. So you let a team hang around that that’s as good as Boston, and they’re going to make you pay.”
The Sirens finished the season in seventh place with 36 points (9-3-3-15); their 15 regulation losses ranked second-most in the League, behind only the Seattle Torrent (16). The Fleet improved to 62 points (16-5-5-4), tying the Montreal Victoire for first place, though Montreal earned the No. 1 seed via the tiebreaker.
Without any playoff or draft implications on the line Saturday, Sirens coach Greg Fargo turned to rookie goalie Callie Shanahan for her third start this season, and New York kept things in check early. Boston managed just one shot in the first period, completely neutralized by an aggressive Sirens forecheck.
But the Fleet broke through in the third, putting three past Shanahan to snap the scoreless tie. Former Sirens forward Jessie Eldridge deflected a long shot from captain Megan Keller just 2:53 into the frame to give Boston a 1-0 lead. Ella Huber extended the lead to 2-0 at 7:28, collecting the puck in the slot and quickly whipping it past Shanahan on the glove side. With the Fleet on a power play, rookie defender Haley Winn picked the corner on a long shot from the point, blasting in a one-time feed from Keller at 13:43 to make it 3-0.
Fargo pulled Shanahan to create a 6-on-4 advantage after a boarding penalty on Fleet defender Noemi Neubauerová at 14:29 of the third, but Jill Saulnier won a puck battle in Boston’s zone and scored the empty-netter at 14:56.
Keller, Eldridge, and Liz Shepers each notched two points apiece; Keller led all PWHL defenders in 2025-26 with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists).
“I thought we did a nice job at both ends of the rink getting first touches on pucks in the first 40 minutes of the game, and that led to a lot of offensive zone time. We had some chances offensively, and really limited their time and the quality of their looks,” Fargo noted. “I gotta give Boston credit, they certainly rolled up their sleeves a little bit in the third period and came at us. And credit to them for doing that, and the way they finished off the game.”
The Fleet won their 11th consecutive game against the Sirens, the longest winning streak in PWHL history between two teams. New York’s last win against Boston came on March 25, 2024, during the League’s inaugural season.
Key takeaways after Sirens cap off season with shutout loss to Fleet
Sarah Fillier — courtesy of PWHL
Sirens’ offense falls silent in final stretch
Despite strong shot totals, New York’s offense slowed to a crawl at the close of the 2025-26 season.
The Sirens averaged 1.6 goals in their final nine games after losing star rookie Kristyna Kaltounkova to a season-ending lower-body injury, scoring one goal or less in six of those contests. Saturday marked New York’s fifth shutout loss of the season after being blanked just once in 30 games last season.
Saturday followed a familiar script. The Sirens dictated play over the first 40 minutes, but had nothing to show for it. The power play floundered again, coming up empty on four opportunities.
New York’s offense leaned heavily on star forward Sarah Fillier and rookie center Casey O’Brien in the final month. Both delivered, but the Sirens’ thin attack proved difficult to sustain, especially against a run of red-hot goaltenders in Raygan Kirk, Gwyneth Philips, and Frankel.
The Sirens outshot opponents in six of their last nine games, and Fargo often praised the offensive process, but it’s a results-based business at the end of the day — and the results weren’t there when it mattered most.
Fargo ‘proud of growth’ from young group
Kristyna Kaltounkova and Casey O’Brien — courtesy of PWHL
At training camp in November, the Sirens set their sights on the first postseason berth in franchise history. For a third straight season, that goal eluded them.
“Being outside the playoff stings, for sure. That’s where we want to be. That’s where we set our goals to be at the start of the year,” Fargo stated postgame. “But at the same time, you’ve got to appreciate the growth of this group.”
That youth quickly became one of their greatest assets. Even after a major offseason overhaul, a new-look Sirens squad jumped out to a 7-0-0-3 start. That pace ultimately slowed, but New York’s rookies continued to impress.
The first-round tandem of Kaltounkova (No. 1 overall) and O’Brien (No. 3 overall) headlined a deep rookie class that paced the PWHL with 28 goals and 62 points. Kaltounkova scored 11 goals in 21 games before being placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), and O’Brien led all rookies with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists).
Fourth-round selection Maddi Wheeler (No. 28 overall) made an immediate impact in New York’s top six with her physical 200-foot game, and finished fifth in team scoring with 10 points (three goals, seven assists). Second-round pick Anne Cherkowski (No. 9 overall) wasn’t far behind with nine points (two goals, seven assists). Undrafted reserve defender Nicole Vallario worked her way into a consistent role in the Sirens’ defensive corps, logging consistent third-pair minutes after the departure of veteran blue-liner Jincy Roese.
“We’ve got a young team with a young core. And I just think we were able to make some really positive steps this year,” Fargo added. “There’s some parts of our game that we really like. Obviously, we’ve got to find ways to score.”
Outside of the rookies, second-year defender Maja Nylen Persson tallied a career-high 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 2025-26, and Paetyn Levis reached double-digit scoring (10 points) for the first time in her three-year PWHL career.
“I’m really proud of the growth of this group, this organization,” stated Fargo. “I think we’ve taken a lot of steps forward.”
Unfortunately for New York, keeping that young core together could be quite the challenge.
The PWHL has yet to release specific details, but all signs point to another batch of expansion teams joining the League this offseason. If last offseason was any indication, another roster overhaul could be in store for the Sirens.
“It’s unsettling,” Fargo stated, addressing an uncertain offseason. “We feel really good about the group we have in the locker room. It’s been a challenge to build a team since day one.”
Sirens coach Greg Fargo spoke to the looming threat of another expansion after New York's regular-season finale:
"It's unsettling because we feel really good about the group we have in the locker room. It's been a challenge to build a team since day one. And so I think if… pic.twitter.com/HEC5Qd2R04
Under last offseason’s rules, teams were allowed to protect three players whose rights they held. Once two players were taken in expansion, teams could then add a fourth player to their protected list. It’s unclear if this offseason will follow the same format, but anything remotely similar would result in major losses for New York.
“I think if there’s any way to keep a good number of the players and the staff in that room together, we feel really good about what we’re building. It’s just a matter of whether or not we can keep it together for a long period of time,” Fargo continued. “We know that there’s likely to be some obstacles in the way of that, but we’ll just do our best to try and adapt and put the best group together that we possibly can come next season.”
On top of expansion, the Sirens have 11 players set to become unrestricted free agents, including Kristin O’Neill, Taylor Girard, and midseason additions Clair DeGeorge and Křížová. General manager Pascal Daoust has his work cut out for him.
TOPSHOT - Kenya's Sabastian Sawe crosses the line to win the men's race in a new world record time at the 2026 London Marathon in central London on April 26, 2026. Kenya's Sabastian Sawe broke the two-hour mark for the first time in history on Sunday in winning the London Marathon. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / "Restricted to editorial use - sponsorship of content subject to LMEL agreement". | AFP via Getty Images
Sabastian Sawe lived up to his status as a pre-race favorite at the London Marathon, and then some. The 30-year-old Kenyan shattered the world record and became the first man to complete the 26.2 miles in under 2 hours.
When Sawe crossed the finish line on the Mall in central London, the clock showed 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds — a full 65 seconds than the times set by previous record holder Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
“I am feeling good, I am so happy,” Sawe said after rewriting the record books. “It is a day to remember.”
Sawe was not the only runner to break a barrier long considered unreachable. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished only 11 seconds down to Sawe in second place; third place went to Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimi, who finished just outside the two-hour mark at 2:00:28 but would still have bested Kiptum’s former world record.
The conditions were favorable all day. Starting with temperatures in the low 50s and a tailwind over the final few miles, the stage was set for a memorable day.
Sawe and Kejelcha were part of the leading group all day, and broke clear from their four companions including Kiplimi past the halfway mark. At that point, the world record let alone the two-hour mark did not look to be in danger. However, the leading pair picked up the pace.
Sawe, who finished the second half of the race in 59:01, broke free shortly before reaching the finish line.
“I think I was well-prepared because coming to London for the second time was so important to me,” Sawe told the BBC. “And that’s why I prepared well for it. And finally, what I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.”
Sawe’s was not the only record-breaking performance on Sunday, though. Tigst Assefa finished the women’s race in 2:15:41, winning a three-up sprint to secure the victory by 12 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and her Ethiopian compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei.
Proud Saints fans said it was a "disappointing result, but it was a good day" [BBC]
"We stuck at it, we scored probably the best goal of the game. So proud of the boys."
Southampton came very close to reaching another FA Cup final, as Finn Azaz gave Saints the lead against Manchester City with just 11 minutes to go in their semi-final on Saturday but late goals from Manchester City ended the game 2-1.
Despite the defeat, fans described the goal as "such a nice cherry on the cake" and that they "will not stop singing until we get back to Southampton".
Head coach Tonda Eckert said it had been "a fantastic moment" to see the fans and that they would "need that support and that connection again" as they focus on the Championship and their game against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
Saints fans erupted after Finn Azaz scored just 11 minutes before the final whistle [Reuters/Paul Childs]
More than 35,000 Southampton fans traveled to Wembley yesterday.
One man, who had watched games there a few times, said the team "put up a really good fight".
"We are still proud Saints," he said.
A woman accompanying him said the game "was emotional but it was good".
"It was just pandemonium, wasn't it? It was nice to score but it was a shame about the result.
"It was heartbreaking but we move on."
Fans said the team "put up a really good fight" [BBC]
Another fan, who had brought his granddaughter to a football match for the first time, described the scene after the goal as "mental".
"It's not our first time at Wembley, we've done this rodeo before so I enjoyed it," he said.
"My granddaughter was up cheering and going mad, she's just got into football, so a brilliant day for us."
This fan who brought his granddaughter to the match said it had been "a brilliant day" [BBC]
A group of fans said they were "so proud of the boys".
"We stuck at it, we scored probably a brilliant goal, probably the best goal of the game and at the end of the day, their quality shone through," one of them said.
Another one recalls she thought she "was going to faint".
"It was chaos because it was such a good goal," she said.
"To score the first goal, it was just such a nice cherry on the cake - disappointing result, but it was a good day."
This fan said they would "not stop singing until we get back to Southampton" [BBC]
"It's been incredible, our fans just sang from the beginning to the end," said a woman wearing the Saints colours.
"I've been shaking the whole time. It really felt like it was written in the stars after the 50-year anniversary but Man City are too good in the end.
"It's disappointing but we will not stop singing until we get back to Southampton."
Head coach Tonda Eckert said the Saints would "need that support and that connection again" from the fans as they focus on the Championship [Reuters/Paul Childs]
BBC Radio Solent's sports editor Adam Blackmore and former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem gave insights and analysis after the game.
"It's been a really proud, tough effort from Saints," Blackmore said.
"They have hung in against this mega-money, talented City-side and they have absolutely, under Tonda Eckert, got the pride back into Southampton, that is for sure."
Sofia Santana and the Golden Eagles head back to the Rocky Mountains to face Denver for the second time this season. | Credit: Marquette University
The 2026 women’s lacrosse regular season wrapped up for the Big East on Saturday, and as such, the four team conference tournament bracket is locked in place and ready for next weekend!
Denver is the #1 seed in the field, as they won the regular season Big East championship with a perfect 6-0 record. Georgetown secured the #2 seed by getting to the last game of the regular season with a 5-0 record before falling 11-5 to Denver in a game that settled these two seeds.
Spots 3, 4, and 5 in the Big East standings got a little bit messy with everyone that we’re talking about here today coming up with wins over both Xavier and Butler in the back end of the standings. Marquette, Villanova, and UConn all finished with a record of 3-3 in league play. All three also went 1-1 against the other two and oh-fer against both Denver and Georgetown. I’m not sure exactly what tiebreaker ended up settling out who made it into the tournament and who got left out at that point, but the end result was that UConn’s 12-10 win over Marquette on Saturday put the Huskies into the field as the #3 seed as the Golden Eagles had already secured a bid in the tournament. Villanova closed out their campaign with an 18-9 win over Butler, but they end up out in the cold.
All three games of the conference tournament will be hosted by Denver and played at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in Colorado. The semifinals will be played on Thursday, April 30, and the title game will be played on Saturday, May 2. All three games will get a streaming only broadcast on ESPN+.
2026 Big East Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
Semifinals
Game 1: #1 Denver vs #4 Marquette, 5pm Central Game 2: #2 Georgetown vs #3 Connecticut, 8pm Central
The 2026 NFL Draft is complete for the New Orleans Saints, as they made eight selections this year and were able to load up on the offensive side of the ball, while also adding some quality pieces for defense and special teams. While it may not have been as heavily defensive as many anticipated, the board fell well for the Saints, and they were able to really load up around Tyler Shough for the future.
One of the names they added was Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright, who had an outstanding 2025 season and looks to be a potential Cesar Ruiz replacement down the road, or maybe even sooner. Every Saints selection tends to send out a short video following their pick, giving fans some excitement and showing their thrill after being picked up.
Wright sent his out very rapidly following the pick, and it's safe to say he is very happy to be in New Orleans and have his name called on NFL Draft week. Take a look at the video below:
If you paid any attention to the social media beef between LSU and Ole Miss fans throughout the Lane Kiffin saga, you probably saw a few Ole Miss fans claim that Kiffin didn't like, didn't prioritize, or wasn't good at high school recruiting.
Kiffin earned the reputation of portal king at Ole Miss, and for good reason. Kiffin built elite rosters through the transfer portal, and he signed the No. 1-ranked transfer class after taking over LSU's program.
But just because Kiffin and Co. know how to use the portal doesn't mean this staff doesn't know how to recruit at the high school level.
Let's go back to Kiffin's first week on the LSU job. Kiffin began work just a few days before signing day -- there wasn't much time to keep LSU's recruiting class together. There were questions about whether five-star defensive linemen Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown would sign with the Tigers or wait until February. Kiffin and staff sealed the deal, inking both players in the Early Signing Period.
That was Kiffin's first big recruiting test as LSU's head coach and he passed without much drama.
The clock turned to the Class of 2027. LSU's 2027 crop only has four commits, but the Tigers' class ranks No. 10 nationally and the staff is gaining momentum with a handful of top prospects.
Royal isn't the only five-star prospect on LSU's radar. The Tigers are doing well with guard Albert Simien and linebacker Kaden Henderson.
Will LSU land of these top targets? Probably not. But all signs point to LSU signing a top-five class in Kiffin's first full cycle. That seems to discount the narrative from Ole Miss fans of Kiffin only focusing on the transfer portal, spiting high school recruits.
Kiffin made it clear when he took the LSU job that this was a place where coaches can recruit a bunch of elite high-school talent. Ole Miss doesn't necessarily have the recruiting history. Expect LSU to remain a force in the high school recruiting scene with Kiffin leading the way.
Roma Linked Defender ‘More Likely To Leave Inter Milan’ Than Barcelona Target Bastoni This Summer
Carlos Augusto looks more likely to leave Inter Milan than Alessandro Bastoni this summer, with the Brazil defender’s desire for guaranteed starts driving speculation over his future while Inter hold firm on their valuation of the Italy international.
According to L’Interista, Inter have made their Bastoni position clear.
No negotiations below €60-70 million, closer to €70 than €60.
Counter-offers involving players are not acceptable either.
The only names proposed so far have been attackers, and with Inter already well stocked up front, the question answers itself.
Carlos Augusto, however, presents a different scenario entirely.
Carlos Augusto Could Be Inter Milan’s Key Card In Deals With Roma & Atalanta
According to the reports, the former Monza man is unhappy with his role despite accumulating solid minutes this season.
Indeed, displacing Dimarco on the left is essentially impossible. Even if Bastoni were to leave, Inter would bring in a like-for-like starter rather than promote Carlos Augusto to the first team.
Furthermore, Inter would prefer to keep him. However, if he formally requests a transfer, the club would consider letting him go.
Both Roma and Atalanta monitor the situation closely, and that is significant for Inter beyond the transfer fee itself.
Therefore, Carlos Augusto could become a valuable bargaining chip in broader negotiations. Mancini, Koné and Palestra are among the players Inter want from clubs interested in the Brazilian.
Using him as leverage, rather than simply selling him, could help Inter unlock deals that pure cash negotiations might not.
Punjab Kings pulled off the highest successful run chase in IPL history, hunting down 265 against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. But for Karun Nair, it was a night of missed opportunities and visible heartbreak. Nair endured a difficult outing in the field, dropping Shreyas Iyer twice in the space of four balls, errors that proved decisive in the context of the game.
The first chance came on the final ball of the 15th over, when Vipraj Nigam induced a mistimed lofted shot from Iyer towards long-off. Nair settled under it comfortably but spilled what looked like a straightforward catch. The reaction said it all, Nigam dropped to the ground in disbelief, knowing a crucial opportunity had gone begging.
Just four balls later, Iyer got another lifeline. On the second ball of the 16th over, Kuldeep Yadav deceived him with a wrong’un. The ball took the top edge and ballooned towards long-on, but Nair, once again positioned perfectly, failed to hold on.
After the second drop, Nair appeared visibly shaken, almost on the verge of tears, as Delhi let the game slip further away. Iyer made the most of his reprieves, playing a match-winning knock of 71 off 36 balls to guide Punjab Kings home with seven balls to spare, sealing a historic chase.
Despite the costly errors, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came out in strong support of Nair, offering a measured perspective on his struggles.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said:
"Let me tell you about Karun Nair’s situation. When a player knows they aren't in the playing XI, they usually find out at least a day in advance. Players who are dropped or rested often hit the gym or do extra training on match days to stay fit, knowing the next day might be a travel day with late-night flights and limited practice time. So, maybe Karun Nair was mentally "switched off" though that’s probably the wrong word, but he might have been fatigued from training. I’m not making excuses, but for a substitute to suddenly step into the intensity of the game, these things can happen,'' Ashwin said.
— TheFakeFakeer (@TheFakeFakeer)
''He dropped one catch, and his confidence just plummeted after that. Karun is actually a fabulous fielder; I’ve seen him be very reliable in first-class and red-ball cricket, especially in close-in positions. I’ve rarely seen him drop catches like that, but today was just one of those days," Ashwin added.
Watford head coach Ed Still said the 5-1 defeat away at Middlesbrough was "really painful" for everyone.
The defeat is the Hornets fourth in a row and sees them drop to 16th in the Championship table.
"The result is really painful for everyone - myself, the fans, the club, the players," Still told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"There were two parts to it. As strange as it sounds, the first-half performance was a really, really good performance.
"The control we had in midfield, we caused them problems. We should have been 2-1 up.
"They've had a moment of brilliance with the free-kick, and the second goal sums up our patchy form in our defensive box.
"But the actual result isn't just based on this game, but the whole season. Not creating enough togetherness, not creating enough resilience, and that's what happens at the end of a season, unfortunately."
This time last year, Liverpool were thrashing Tottenham to win the Premier League, with Manchester City 18 points behind during a season in which they failed to win a major trophy.
Pep Guardiola pointed out his side did win the Community Shield but by his impeccable standards, the campaign had been a major disappointment.
City sealed qualification for the Champions League on the final day, which proved to be high point, as further dismay followed in the Club World Cup in the United States.
Established stars such as Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Ederson were allowed to leave in the summer, and there were questions marks over the rebuild with a cohort of younger players brought in.
Doubts only grew with a sticky start featuring two defeats in their opening three games this season, then starting 2026 with three consecutive draws, but the new blood appears to be flowing at the right time.
They got a taste of silverware by lifting the Carabao Cup and will be heavy favourites in the FA Cup final whether they face Chelsea or Leeds United, but regaining the Premier League may prove the toughest challenge.
City went top of the table on goals scored by edging to victory at Burnley on Wednesday but find themselves back in second and chasing Arsenal once more after the Gunners ground out a victory over Newcastle.
The Spaniard said: "Six games – if we win we will be there, if we lose it is over. People ask to define [City], how many Champions Leagues? How many this and that? To define the club, five Carabao Cup [wins] and playing four FA Cup finals in a row.
"You can always have a bad afternoon, a bad day with injuries and you cannot be there. In the Premier League, always we were there. We are in the final again, we have time to prepare with our fans. Now it is easy because it has been a tough week mentally and physically."
Former City defender Micah Richards said on BBC One: "When it looked like Manchester City were down and out, they found it from somewhere and that is what champions do.
"I still see some frailties in City's game on transitions, but at this moment in the season it is all about big moments, and they are taking the big moments."
Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to better position Windows 11 as a strong platform that people should want to use. Here's how it's going about that.
Welcome to the last week of April and this week's major release is based on a popular comic and animated series, but we'll let you figure out which one. The week kicks off with some big white trolls, followed by what is said to be a spiritual successor of Garry's Mod—for those of you that are old enough to remember that one—and a rat project that seems to involve magic. Next up we have a huge turn-based grand strategy game and we end the week with a new take on chess that somehow is a rougelike. Don't forget to check out the additional new release this week as well.
Invincible VS / This week's major release / Thursday 30 April
Invincible VS is a brutal superhero 3v3 tag fighting game set in the Invincible universe, where you can battle to the death as a team of fan-favorite characters in iconic locations. Unleash bone-breaking combos through fast combat and smart defensive tactics to leave a trail of blood and destruction. Land vicious Super moves and Ultimates to leave your opponents in a mess of blood. Steam link
You finish building this 3D-printed retro PC case in under 100 hours as long as you have all the right tools and materials. u/Potatozeng even included a PDF guide (with pictures!) to help you through the process.
Turtle Beach's new Command Series of peripherals features a lot of screens, and the most interesting implementation is seen in the MC7 mouse. The 2.25-inch LCD rests where your thumb will, while providing macros or glanceable information like your PC stats. The mouse otherwise has cutting-edge specs and will be available in July.
Radarito helps you discover high-quality online videos and track their performance in real time. Instead of random feeds, videos are surfaced by people who have skin in the game. Users pay to recommend videos because they believe they will gain traction. This creates a constantly updating, incentive-driven list of videos worth watching early.
Lock In League is a competitive accountability platform that ranks how consistently you execute. Join small divisions across arenas like Founder, Builder, Athlete, and Creative, and climb an ELO-based leaderboard by sharing proof of your work, training, and recovery. Connect wearables and tools like Whoop, Garmin, Oura, GitHub, Calendar, and Strava for higher verified scores, or self-report to start. Compete solo or in teams, run 24-hour or 7-day missions, and earn season badges and platform highlights while keeping raw data private.
AmaWaterways has introduced a new culinary experience offering guests hands-on cooking sessions with French grandmothers, according to a press release. The Cooking with Mamie program is available exclusively on the AmaDante and AmaLyra as part of the Paris & Normandy itinerary. “With Cooking with Mamie, we are bringing local traditions to life in a very...
Crew members will join the TUI Cruises’ ships that were stranded in the Middle East in South Africa, according to Crew Center. Set to welcome guests back in Europe in early May, the Mein Schiff 4 and the Mein Schiff 5 are currently sailing with reduced staffing. As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, only...
Cruise Tourism Southeast Asia Generates Ten Billion Dollar Economic Output, Boosting Regional GDP, Creating Jobs and Driving Port Development Across...
If you are using a Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra and are stuck in the One UI 8.5 beta program, good news might be on the way. We are already on Beta 10 in some regions, and many owners (including me) are wondering if Samsung is finally ready to release the stable version.
Based on multiple reports, rumors, and Samsung’s software rollout pattern, there’s a strong chance the stable One UI 8.5 could start rolling out as early as next week or Monday.
Samsung kicked off the One UI 8.5 beta program for the S25 series months ago, and it’s turned into one of the longest beta testing programs ever. Normally, Samsung does 7 or 8 builds before going stable, but this time the company pushed 10 beta builds.
The latest Beta 10 (or Beta 9 in some countries) came with useful fixes, new camera filters, better AirDrop-style Quick Share support for Apple devices, and a bunch of Galaxy AI tweaks.
Adding to the excitement, we have already checked the full stable version changelog earlier this week, which means the final build is ready.
On top of that, Samsung customer support has quietly confirmed to some users that the Galaxy S25 series should get the stable update starting April 30 in South Korea, with global markets (including India and the US) following around May 4. That’s basically next week for most of us.
Why the rush now? Samsung is already working on the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series. You can expect the public beta in late May or early June. To start the One UI 9 beta program early, Samsung first needs to finish the 8.5 beta program.
Of course, Samsung hasn’t made any official announcement yet, so these are still rumors based on leaks and support chats. But the pattern matches how Samsung usually works, once the changelog is out in public and betas hit double digits, stable is very close.
For any other device, Samsung will push you into May for sure. I will surely cover the possible timeline for the remaining Galaxy S-series and Foldables.
If you are on the beta, keep checking for the latest software updates in Settings > Software update. For everyone else waiting patiently, it looks like your wait is almost over.
RedMagic has already confirmed that it's working on the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, the company's next-gen gaming tablet. Recent reports have also shared some of the specs of the OLED tablet, and a new report now suggests the launch is around the corner.
Tesla has given up trying to shoehorn all the new features of its Full Self-Driving option into its older Hardware 3.0 vehicles. The lack of memory bandwidth means it will have to replace the whole HW3 kit, cameras included.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series started off with strong pre-orders in late March and held its prices for a while, but now the flagship trio has settled at a new normal.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is by far the most popular model of the three, in part due to having the unique Privacy Display, but also because of the inherent advantage of the Ultra model. Earlier this week, we published an S26 Ultra vs. S26+ comparison article. We have also compared the new Ultra with the S25 Ultra and pitted it against the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
...
Chelsea face off against Leeds United in the 2025/2026 FA Cup semifinal. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, location, kickoff time, and how to watch or stream the matchup in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Chelsea vs Leeds on US television and via legal streaming:
Chelseaarrives at Wembley in a state of crisis, with their season completely derailed and manager Liam Rosenior facing immense pressure. Having lost seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, theFA Cup represents their last and only chance to salvage a disastrous campaign. The urgency is palpable, as anything less than a victory could have significant consequences for the club’s direction.
In stark contrast, Leeds United travels to London brimming with confidence and momentum. Unbeaten in their last six games, they have already proven to be a difficult opponent for Chelsea this season, securing a win and a draw in their two league meetings. For a club that hasn’t reached an FA Cup Final since 1973, this match carries immense historical weight and the opportunity to cap a successful season with a statement win.
Tactical Analysis & Match Context
The trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Chelsea‘s season has collapsed, with their hopes of Champions League qualification extinguished amidst a string of poor results and scoreless performances. Conversely, Leeds has found its footing, pulling well clear of any relegation fears and building a reputation as a resilient, hard-working side under Daniel Farke.
The tactical battle will be a fascinating clash of styles: Chelsea‘s underperforming talent versus Leeds‘ relentless work ethic. The Blues have been outrun in every single one of their 34 Premier League matches this season, a statistic that highlights a severe lack of application. Leeds, who thrive on physical intensity, will aim to exploit this weakness, turning the vast Wembley pitch into a battleground where energy could triumph over technical skill.
For Chelsea, the motivation is simple: survival. A trip to the FA Cup final is the only thing that can bring a positive note to a season of turmoil. For Leeds, this is a golden opportunity. Knowing the fragile state of their opponent, they will see this as their best chance in decades to reach a major final and deliver an unforgettable moment for their supporters.
Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends
Recent history between these two clubs shows a remarkably even contest. Over the last five encounters, both Chelsea and Leeds have claimed two victories apiece, with a single match ending in a draw. This balance suggests that despite their differing form, this fixture is often unpredictable and tightly contested.
However, focusing strictly on the current 2025/26 season, Leeds has held a clear advantage. They have remained unbeaten against the Blues, first securing a dominant 3-1 victory at Elland Road before fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. This recent record will give Leeds a significant psychological edge heading into the semi-final.
Data from their latest matchups points towards an open and entertaining game. The last three meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net, and the last five fixtures have produced an average of 3.4 goals per game. This trend suggests that spectators should expect chances at both ends of the pitch.
Squad News & Projected Lineups
Chelsea is grappling with a severe injury crisis in attack, while Leeds heads to the capital with a relatively settled and healthy squad.
The Blues will be without several key players, most notably forwards João Pedro and Cole Palmer, whose absences create a massive void in their offensive strategy. With other attackers also sidelined, manager Liam Rosenior‘s options are severely limited, forcing him to rely on the out-of-form Liam Delap to lead the line.
Leeds is in a much better position, with only long-term absentees Anton Stach and Daniel James unavailable. Daniel Farke can field a lineup that is familiar with his system and full of confidence from their recent unbeaten run, giving them a major advantage in stability and cohesion.
Chelsea Projected XI (4-4-1-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Cucurella; Fernández; Delap.
With his primary goalscorers injured, Rosenior will likely deploy Enzo Fernández in a more advanced role to support lone striker Liam Delap. The midfield battle will be critical, where the energy of Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia will be needed to counter Leeds’ relentless pressure.
Farke is expected to trust the formation that has served him so well. The three-man defense provides a solid base, allowing wing-backs Jayden Bogle and Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson the freedom to join the attack. Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor will operate as creative forces behind the main striker.
More details on how to watch
You can watch the Chelsea vs Leeds live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and iOS and Android mobile devices.
In addition to the FA Cup, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. This includes coverage of leagues like Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers.
A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99/mo, offering incredible value for soccer fans who want to follow multiple competitions throughout the season.
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 Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.
The future of is currently up in the air but that hasn’t stopped one reigning world champion from calling out ‘Tank’ for a showdown. It’s been over a year since Davis was last in action, with that coming in March 2025 against Lamont Roach Jr. That bout ended in a controversial majority decision draw, but […]
bowed out on his own terms, shortly after defeating , but he nonetheless found it immensely difficult to hang up the gloves. Prior to retiring, Lewis had firmly cemented himself as an all-time heavyweight great, especially after outpointing Evander Holyfield for the undisputed crown in 1999. ‘The Lion’ would then lose to Hasim Rahman in […]
Fenerbahçe bugün kritik bir maça çıkacak. Derbide Galatasaray'a konuk olacak Fenerbahçe'de Başkan Sadettin Saran, derbi için RAMS Park'a giden taraftara bir not bıraktı.
Süper Lig'de bu akşam derbi heyecanı yaşanacak...Fenerbahçe derbide Galatasaray'a konuk olarak. Sarı-lacivertlilerin kazanmaktan başka şansı yok. Galatasaray evindeki mücadeleyi kazanırsa şampiyonluğa bir adım daha yaklaşacak. Fenerbahçe bu durumu engellemeye çalışacak.
NOT BIRAKTI
Öte yandan Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran Galatasaray derbisi için RAMS Park'a gidecek olan taraftarlara forma ile birlikte not bıraktı. Not da şu ifadeler yer aldı:
-Bugün susmak yok, bugün geri adım yok. Bu forma sahada, sen tribünde... Bu arma için, bu renkler için her zamanki gibi sonuna kadar. Dakika ne olursa olsun, skor ne olursa olsun, sesin hiç kesilmesin. Zaten sen, her şartta bu formanın arkasında duranlardansın. Son düdük çalana kadar omuz omuza.. Hep birlikte kazanacağız!
NBA play-off'larında City Thunder, Suns'ı 121-109 yenerek seriyi 3-0 yaptı.
Amerikan Basketbol Ligi (NBA) play-off'larında Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns'ı 121-109 yenerek seriyi 3-0'a getirdi.
Mortgage Matchup Center'da oynanan Batı Konferansı ilk tur serisi üçüncü maçında Suns'a konuk olan Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander'ın 42 sayı, 4 ribaunt, 8 asistlik performansının yardımıyla galip geldi.
Thunder'da Ajay Mitchell 15, Alex Caruso 13 ve Chet Holmgren 10 sayı kaydetti.
Suns'ta ise Dillon Brooks'un 33 ve Jalen Green'in 26 sayısı mağlubiyeti engelleyemedi.
Galatasaray'ın 10 numara transferinde favori adayı Bernardo Silva... Ancak Portekizli yıldız ikna edilemezse, ibre tamamen Leipzig Kulübü'nden Christoph Baumgartner'e çevrilecek.
Manchester City ile mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Bernardo Silva, kesin olarak takımdan ayrılacak. 31 yaşındaki 10 numara, istediği yere bonservis bedeli olmadan gidebilecek. Galatasaray çok uzun bir süredir Portekizli yıldızı ikna etmeye çalışıyor. Ancak Galatasaray haricinde çok sayıda talibi bulunuyor.
Bernardo Silva
İNANILMAZ BİR SEZON
Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın, tecrübeli oyuncuyu ikna edememesi halinde tamamen Christoph Baumgartner'e yöneleceği öğrenildi. 26 yaşındaki futbolcu, harika bir sezon geçiriyor. Avusturyalı yıldız, Bundesliga'da 30 maça çıktı. Sahada 2.523 dakika kaldı. 12 gol ve 8 asist üretti.
UCUZA BIRAKMAYACAKLAR
Leipzig Kulübü, 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi bulunan 1.80 boyundaki 10 numarayı ucuza bırakmayı düşünmüyor. Galatasaray'ın konuyla ilgili bazı sponsorlarla görüşmeler yapabileceği öğrenildi. Christoph Baumgartner'in peşinde Cim-Bom hariç şu takımlar bulunuyor:
Fenerbahçe geçen yaz Sporting'in sağ kanat oyuncusu Geny Catamo için 20 milyon euro önermişti. Portekiz ekibi bunu geri çevirdi. 2026 yazındaki beklentileri ise en az 30 milyon euro...
A Bola'nın haberine göre; Sporting Kulübü, geçtiğimiz yaz Aston Villa ve Fenerbahçe'nin 20 milyon euroluk tekliflerine rağmen bırakmadığı Geny Catamo için bu yaz en az 30 milyon euro bekliyor. 25 yaşındaki sağ kanat, bu sezon 24 lig maçında 1.665 dakika görev yaptı. 6 gol ve 3 asist üretti.
DORGELES NENE'NİN DURUMUNA GÖRE
Fenerbahçe'nin, Mozambikli futbolcu için tekrar devreye girip girmeyeceği merak ediliyor. Alınan bilgilere göre; bu hamle tamamen Dorgeles Nene'nin durumuna bağlı... Bazı talipleri bulunan Nene iyi bir fiyata satılırsa, Fenerbahçe'nin yeniden Geny Catamo için masaya oturabileceği belirtildi.
ÜLKESİ ADINA 15 GOL
1.72 boyundaki futbolcunun Sporting ile 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. 25 yaşındaki futbolcu bugüne kadar 42 kez Mozambik Milli Takımı'nın formasını giydi. Ülkesi adına 15 gol kaydetti. Şu anda bazı İngiliz ekiplerinin de Geny Catamo'nun durumunu takip ettiği öğrenildi.
Sərbəst güləş üzrə Avropa çempionu olmuş İslam Bazarqanov (57 kq) Albaniyadakı yarışla bağlı təəssüratlarını bölüşüb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, o, Azərbaycan Güləş Federasiyasının rəsmi saytına açıqlamasında bunları söyləyib:
“Hələ də inana bilmirəm ki, çempion olmuşam. Hisslərimi sözlə ifadə edə bilmirəm. Bu, mənim üçün çox prinsipial görüş idi. Dünya çempionatında Musa Mextixanova məğlub olmuşdum. Onun güləş üslubu mənə uyğun gəlmirdi. Köklənmək çətin idi. Allaha şükürlər olsun ki, qalib gələ bildim.
Məşqçilər heyətinə, Azərbaycan Güləş Federasiyasının rəhbərliyinə təşəkkür edirəm. Bu yarışa yüksək səviyyədə hazırlaşmaq üçün hər bir şərait yaradılmışdı. Kislovodsk və Bakıda ağır təlim-məşq toplanışları keçdik. Bütün bunların faydasını da yarışda gördük”.
Xatırladaq ki, İslam Bazarqanov (57 kq) Albaniyanın paytaxtı Tiranadakı qitə birinciliyində mübarizəyə 1/4 finaldan qoşulub. Təmsilçimiz belaruslu Aryan Tiutrin üzərində inamlı qələbə (9:4) qazanaraq yarımfinala yüksəlib. Yarımfinalda gürcüstanlı Roberti Dinqaşviliyə heç bir şans tanımayan (11:1) İslam karyerasında ilk dəfə böyüklər arasında Avropa çempionatının finalına vəsiqə qazanıb. O, finalda rusiyalı Musa Mextixanovla qarşılaşıb. Təmsilçimiz ötən il dünya çempionatındakı məğlubiyyətin revanşını alıb. Görüşə yaxşı başlayan Bazarqanov ilk hissəni 8:0 hesablı üstünlüklə başa vurub. İkinci hissədə rəqib fərqi azaltsa da, yekunda qələbə qazanan İslam olub – 8:6. Beləliklə, Tiranada himnimizi səsləndirən İslam ilk dəfə böyüklər arasında Avropa çempionu olub.
Azərbaycanlı hücumçu Nəriman Axundzadə ABŞ klubu “Kolumbus Kru”nun “Filadelfiya Yunion”a qarşı oyununda iştirak etməyib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda bu gün MLS-in növbəti turu çərçivəsində “Filadelfiya Yunion”un qonağı olub.
Oyun Ohayo təmsilçisinin qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb – 2:0. ABŞ klubunda 90 nömrəli formanı seçmiş Nəriman bu görüşü sonadək ehtiyat oyunçular skamyasından izləyib.
“Kolumbus Kru” MLS-in cari mövsümündə keçirdiyi 10 oyundan sonra 12 xalla Şərq Konfransının yarış cədvəlində 15 iştirakçı arasında 8-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Nərimanın komandası 10 oyunda 3 qələbə qazanıb, 3 heç-heçə edib, 4 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Nəriman Axundzadə bu ilin fevral ayında “Qarabağ”dan 2,5 milyon avro müqabilində “Kolumbus Kru”ya keçib. O, Ohayo ştatını təmsil edən klubla 3,5 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu MLS klubunun heyətində 4 oyun keçirsə də, fərqlənə bilməyib.
“Qarabağ”ın yetirməsi hesab olan Nəriman Axundzadə 2023-cü ildən Ağdam klubunun əsas komandasında çıxış edirdi. Sağ cinah vingeri “Qarabağ”ın əsas komandasında 127 oyuna çıxıb. O, bu oyunlarda 35 qola imza atıb, 17 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Azərbaycanın U-19 və U-21 yığmalarında da forma geyinmiş hücumçu 2023-cü ildə əsas millimizdə debüt edib. O, Azərbaycan yığmasının heyətində keçirdiyi 13 oyunda məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə diqqət çəkməyib.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de Antalyaspor'u 2-0 mağlup eden Göztepe, sonunda rahat nefes aldı. Maç sonu konuşan İzmir temsilcisinin teknik patronu; ''Avrupa hedefimize devam edeceğiz'' dedi
Trabzon'da Türk boksör Emirhan Kalkan ile Rus rakibi Sergei Gorokhov arasındaki şampiyonluk maçında çıkan gerginlik, onlarca kişinin karıştığı kavgaya dönüştü, mücadele yarıda kaldı.
Fenerbahçe, Victor Osimhen'in kolunda materyalin oyuncu sağlığını tehlikeye attığı gerekçesiyle TFF'ye başvurmuştu. Osimhen'in Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisinde forma giyip giyemeyeceği netleşti.
Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray derbisi öncesi deplasmana gidecek taraftarlarına hatıra çubuklu forma dağıtıyor; sarı-lacivertli futbolseverler formaları teslim almaya başladı.
Galatasaray'ın başarılı eldiveni Uğurcan Çakır, kalesinde güven veriyor. Milli file bekçisi Fenerbahçe derbisinde kendisini tekrar ispat etmek istiyor.
Sərbəst güləş üzrə Avropa çempionu İslam Bazarqanov (57 kq) qələbə təəssüratlarını bölüşüb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, qızıl medalçı Güləş Federasiyasının mətbuat xidmətinə açıqlamasında bunları deyib:
“Hələ də inana bilmirəm ki, çempion olmuşam. Hisslərimi sözlə ifadə edə bilmirəm. Bu, mənim üçün çox prinsipial görüş idi. Dünya çempionatında Musa Mextixanova məğlub olmuşdum. Onun güləş üslubu mənə uyğun gəlmirdi. Köklənmək çətin idi. Allaha şükürlər olsun ki, qalib gələ bildim.
Məşqçilər heyətinə, Azərbaycan Güləş Federasiyasının rəhbərliyinə təşəkkür edirəm. Bu yarışa yüksək səviyyədə hazırlaşmaq üçün hər bir şərait yaradılmışdı. Kislovodsk və Bakıda ağır təlim-məşq toplanışları keçdik. Bütün bunların faydasını da yarışda gördük”.
Sərbəst güləş üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin baş məşqçisi Xetaq Qazyumov Avropa Güləş İttifaqı tərəfindən ən yaxşı məşqçi seçilib. Msport.az xəbər verir […]
Fiorentina will have to do without both Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli in attack as the Viola host Sassuolo at the Stadio Franchi in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.
Paolo Vanoli’s side were held to a 1-1 draw away against Lecce last time out in Serie A, but despite a poor start to the 2025-26 season, they are now six matches unbeaten in the league.
Sassuolo beat high-flying Como 2-1 last weekend, a positive response following their 2-1 defeat against Genoa the weekend prior.
Fiorentina sit in 25th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining ahead of kick-off today. Sassuolo are in 10th on 45 points and are mathematically safe from relegation this season.
Vanoli will have to do without both Kean and Piccoli in attack, which means that Albert Gudmundsson leads the line with support off the flanks from Jack Harrison and Manor Solomon. Fiorentina are also handing a full Serie A debut to 20-year-old left-back Luis Balbo.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Albert Gudmundsson of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Sassuolo, meanwhile, are without Domenico Berardi, which means that Christian Volpato starts alongside Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Laurient in attack for the Neroverdi.
Kick-off is due at 11.30 BST.
Fiorentina vs. Sassuolo: Confirmed line-ups
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Uncertainty hit the XRP market recently after a huge$119 million transfer was sent to Coinbase. Moves like this often leave investors guessing what happens next. Subsequently, the XRP price prediction is underwhelming, and its price of $1.41 at the time of press is not expected to rise much.
This is why some investors are now looking at fixed income options that offer more stability. Varntix is a digital wealth platform that takes it further, offering structured returns and compounded growth. Having millions coming in after it opened its 24% income pool, it is clear that investors prefer smart money over relying on price swings.
XRP Price Prediction Shows Limited 4% Upside
Following the news of the whale transfer, XRP has registered a minimal jump of around 0.68% in the past week.
Elon Musk’s latest warning about the U.S. dollar and America’s debt burden has dropped straight into a market already waking up again. Bitcoin has regained ground and is trading around its highest point since early February, around $79,000, and there are new ETF inflows and positive risk appetite, putting the Bitcoin price prediction back on the spotlights.
When headlines turn this loud, holding Bitcoin can feel exciting, but excitement is not a strategy. That is exactly why Varntix stands out under these conditions. Instead of leaving returns at the mercy of sentiment, Varntix gives users a more structured path through fixed yields, clear terms, and income that is easier to understand, track, and plan around.
Why Bitcoin price prediction is getting louder again
The current Bitcoin price prediction narrative is being driven by two forces at once. First, Musk’s renewed debt and dollar warning has strengthened the long-running idea that hard assets and alternative stores of value could benefit if trust in fiat weakens.
Second, institutional demand has gone back to the market. Bitcoin has just shot to a post-February high, and U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reported robust April flows, which have put the bulls back on track following a lackluster March.
That does not promise a straight-line rally but it is the reason why traders are again taking a closer look.
Bitcoin Builds Hype, Varntix Builds Predicted Income
Bitcoin can still deliver upside, but for most investors, the real problem is simple: it does not produce predictable income on its own. You either wait for price appreciation or sit through volatility and hope the macro story plays out in your favor.
Varntix is a digital wealth platform built to help users earn fixed yields on their crypto through structured, crypto savings accounts. That makes it easier to treat crypto like part of a financial plan instead of a chart you keep refreshing every twenty minutes.
What makes Varntix stand out is predictability. Varntix offers fixed-term plans across 6, 12, and 24 months, with rates on its fixed savings page reaching up to 24% on USDT and USDC. Instead of depending on whether Bitcoin jumps next week, users can lock in a known return and follow a defined payout structure. That changes the conversation from “maybe” to “here is what this can generate.”
Then there is the structure. Varntix aligns itself with digital wealth, fixed savings, and tokenized bonds instead of pure speculation. It also emphasizes audited smart-contract infrastructure, on-chain transparency, proof-of-reserves reporting, account support, and flexible options to users who desire liquidity over a long lockup.
Why Leave $2,500 Waiting on Bitcoin When It Could Be Paying You Instead?
Here is a practical example: you have invested $2,500 into Bitcoin, and your result depends entirely on price movement. If Bitcoin stays flat, your cash yield is effectively $0. But the same $2,500 into a Varntix fixed plan at up to 24% APY, and the projected annual return is about $600, bringing the total to roughly $3,100. Even using a lower 12% return, that is still about $300 in projected earnings. Bitcoin offers possibilities. Varntix offers a clearer income case.
Conclusion
The latest headlines may keep getting louder as macro fears, ETF flows, and dollar anxiety collide. But noise is still noise. For investors who want crypto to do more than swing with the news, Varntix presents a far more structured alternative. Bitcoin may remain the headline asset, but Varntix is easier to frame as the income-focused move when predictability matters most.
Why is Elon Musk being linked to Bitcoin price prediction right now? Because his latest warnings around U.S. debt and pressure on the dollar have revived the argument that Bitcoin could benefit when confidence in fiat weakens.
Does Bitcoin generate fixed income like Varntix? No. Bitcoin’s return depends mainly on price appreciation, while Varntix promotes structured savings and fixed-yield opportunities.
What makes Varntix different from simply holding BTC? Varntix focuses on fixed returns, stablecoin-based income options, flexible plans, and more visibility around payouts, while BTC remains a volatility-driven asset.
Donal trump meme token TRUMP token fell nearly 20% to around $2.50 ahead of Donald Trump’s exclusive Mar-a-Lago crypto conference, wiping out about $161 million in market value. The token is now down around 96.5% from its all-time high.
Adding to the uncertainty, just hours later, Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a gunman opened fire outside the venue.
Trump Token Dropped by 20%
The TRUMP token dropped from $3 to suddenly below $2.50, a sharp 20% fall, just hours before Donald Trump’s exclusive Mar-a-Lago crypto conference. The event was promoted as a high-level gathering, limited to the top 297 holders, with the top 29 getting direct access to Trump.
A key reason behind the drop is the classic “sell the news” pattern. As the event approached, many investors chose to sell early and secure profits instead of holding through uncertainty.
After the fall, trading activity jumped sharply. Volume rose 111% to $618 million in 24 hours, showing that the move was driven by strong selling, not random price changes. This kind of high volume with a sharp drop usually points to large-scale selling.
Trump Escapes 3rd Assassination Attempt
Amid the recent market volatility, a serious security incident also happened. Donald Trump was safely evacuated after a reported third assassination attempt during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
WATCH: The moment President Trump was escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after loud noises were heard. pic.twitter.com/dMt46TGhlo
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 26, 2026
According to reports, a gunman tried to breach a security checkpoint while carrying multiple weapons. Security forces quickly responded and moved Trump to safety.
Along with him, JD Vance, Kash Patel, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Melania Trump were also evacuated without harm.
The incident added to overall uncertainty, which may have further affected sentiment around the TRUMP token.
Trump Token Down 96% from its Peak
The token has now fallen 96.5% from its all-time high of $75.35 reached in January 2025, wiping out approximately $18.1 billion in total market value since it launched around Trump’s second inauguration.
The technical damage was severe. The token broke cleanly below the key $2.85 support level on high volume, a breakdown that technically opens the door toward $2.48 as the next meaningful support, and $2.10, if that level fails.
A recovery back above $2.80 on real buying volume would be needed just to neutralize the current downtrend, let alone target a retest of $3.00.
Just as Arsenal fans thought their injury curses were finally lifting, the Premier League giants suffered another injury setback on Saturday.
The Gunners managed to grind out a nerve-wracking 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League table.
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However, those crucial three points came at a heavy cost. Both Kai Havertz and match-winner Eberechi Eze were forced off with worrying injuries, instantly turning the post-match celebrations into a nervous waiting game for Mikel Arteta and the fanbase.
The drama started early in the first half. After brilliantly assisting Eze’s stunning ninth-minute opener from a short corner, Havertz went down off the ball around the 33rd minute with what appeared to be a problem in his upper leg.
Kai Havertz suffered injury against Newcastle United
Following some on-pitch treatment, the visibly dejected German international was forced to hobble off down the tunnel accompanied by a club physio.
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He was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres in the 34th minute, an early indication that the medical staff weren’t taking any risks.
Eze, who had been electric after scoring the decisive goal, also went down with an issue and had to be swapped out for Gabriel Martinelli less than ten minutes into the second half.
For Havertz in particular, this is a bitter pill to swallow. His 2025/26 campaign has already been heavily plagued by stop-start physical setbacks, including a serious knee injury back in August that sidelined him for a staggering 32 games.
Naturally, the immediate concern shifted to how long the attacking duo might be out, especially with a monumental Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid looming on Wednesday, April 29.
Following the match, Arteta issues an update on Havertz, as reported by Fabrizio Romano:
“I don’t know how serious it is but should not be too bad. The action, the way he describes it, is not too sharp”.
Eze himself also eased tensions, telling reporters after the game that his substitution was mostly precautionary and insisting, “Yeah, I’m alright. I’m all good”.
The Gunners successfully ended a poor run of domestic form to get three massive points on the board, and with Bukayo Saka finally back in the squad, the attacking depth is slowly returning.
Now, all eyes turn to the medical room at London Colney. If Arteta can somehow patch up Havertz and Eze in time for the trip to Madrid, this nail-biting weekend might just end up being a minor speed bump on the road to a historic season.
Both Havertz and Eze are crucial for Mikel Arteta’s team and offer them versatility as well as depth in the attacking positions.
With Manchester City breathing down their neck, Arteta needs all his players fit to win the Premier League title.
LUCKNOW: After being in and out of the playing XI in previous seasons, securing a permanent role in KKR’s lineup has boosted Anukul Roy’s confidence sky-high, as the all-rounder appears more focused and eager to perform when his team is under pressure due to inconsistent results.
Roy said the continuity has made him feel good, adding that confidence grows when a player knows he is part of the team’s plans.
On KKR’s overall campaign, Roy admitted the team’s performance has not been up to expectations. He said the side has not been able to execute its plans at the desired level, though results in cricket can fluctuate.
He also said the team’s first win gave the squad a major confidence boost. According to Roy, the victory was important for morale, with players enjoying the moment after a difficult phase.
Roy added that the last few days, including two days off and practice sessions, have helped the team regroup as it looks to improve its performances in the matches ahead.
Speaking about his own approach, Roy said the key for domestic players is to stick to what has worked for them before and stay mentally clear. He stressed that performance improves when players remain calm, both on and off the field, and focus only on the team’s requirements.
Roy added that the idea is to avoid overthinking and give 100% in whatever role the team asks of them, as that helps keep the mind clear and allows players to perform better under pressure.
On Matheesha Pathirana, Roy said the Sri Lankan pacer is currently practicing with the squad, and a final decision on his inclusion will be taken at the toss. Pathirana, KKR’s Rs 18-crore signing, is in line to make his debut for the franchise and could strengthen an attack that has lacked penetration.
Wisconsin football class of 2027 target, defensive lineman Anitoni Tahi, will announce his commitment decision on Wednesday, April 29. He will choose from four schools: Wisconsin, Arizona State, Minnesota and Kansas State.
Rivals/On3 recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman broke the news on Friday.
247Sports currently lists Tahi as a three-star recruit. He's specifically ranked as the No. 1,164 overall player in the class, the No. 126 defensive lineman and the No. 25 recruit from Arizona. Kansas State insider Cole Carmody and mountain region analyst Blair Angulo both logged crystal ball predictions on Friday for the defensive lineman to choose the Wildcats.
Wisconsin's class of 2027 currently ranks No. 16 in the nation with nine players committed. While Tahi may be headed elsewhere, the program is off to a strong start to the cycle.
NEW: Chandler (Ariz.) Basha DL Anitoni Tahi has set his commitment date.
Tahi will announce Wednesday, April 29 and choose from four schools.
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‘That’s an understatement’ – Slot blown away by Woodman display
Liverpool’s hard-fought win over Crystal Palace may have been remembered for the goals, but Arne Slot made it clear afterwards that one key moment from Freddie Woodman defined the match.
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Our boss was full of praise for his third-choice goalkeeper after stepping in during an injury crisis, with the 29-year-old producing a crucial save that swung momentum firmly in our favour.
Slot highlights Woodman’s defining moment
Speaking via Liverpoolfc.com after the match, Slot didn’t hold back when asked if he was ‘delighted’ with Freddie Woodman’s performance.
“That’s an understatement. I think I’ve sat here many times telling you guys that we’ve created a lot of good chances and then the first one of the other team went in.
“Now, I cannot say that today, because they’ve had enough good chances and enough moments that they were really close.”
The Dutch head coach pointed directly to the save that kept us ahead at a pivotal stage of the game, underlining just how fine the margins were.
“But I think the moment of the game was, of course, the lead-up to our 2-0 where Freddie made a big save. Otherwise it would have been 1-1. And 10 seconds later it’s 2-0.”
That sequence summed up the Premier League perfectly, with Slot adding: “These are the current margins in the Premier League and today they were on our side and so many times they have been not on our side.”
Liverpool finally benefit from fine margins
It was a moment that changed everything at Anfield, especially in a season where we’ve often been on the wrong end of those decisive swings.
Woodman’s intervention denied Jean-Philippe Mateta at 1-0, and within seconds, Andy Robertson doubled our lead at the other end, completely shifting the tone of the game.
The former Newcastle academy product has had to be patient since arriving last summer, but with both Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili unavailable, he’s stepped up when we’ve needed him most.
The nature of Palace’s goal was debated after the game, with Mike Dean giving his view, and it was a cruel way to stop our ‘keeper from claiming a much-deserved clean sheet.
Given the context of our injury-hit squad, moments like that could prove crucial in securing Champions League football, and if we do get over the line, Woodman will have played a bigger role than many expected.
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli has reflected on his maiden grand prix win at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, describing it as the best day of his life and revealing the home reaction he received in Italy.
The 19-year-old driver converted his first grand prix pole position into his first win at the Shanghai International Circuit on 15 March. His win ended a 20-year drought for Italy, with him becoming the latest Italian driver to win an F1 grand prix since Giancarlo Fisichella won at the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.
"Being able to achieve one of my dreams and to get that first win. And the first one is always special because it happens only once. It was a very meaningful moment for me, for the team, for my family.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
"My dad was there, which was great. Unfortunately, my mum was not there because she had to take care of my sister. But I think it was a very great moment for everyone, and for myself, especially. Because, as I said before, I was able to achieve one of my dreams, and it was also a very emotional one. But it was super cool."
Talking about the reception when he got home, he added: "At the airport, there were journalists and stuff, a lot of excitement because the last one was 2006.
"Fisichella, Malaysia 2006. If I am not mistaken. So a long time. To bring back Italy on top was really cool and definitely created a lot of excitement, which was cool."
Antonelli heads into the Miami Grand Prix as the leader of the drivers' championship. He currently has a nine-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who sits in second.
"Two documentaries and one standard," said National Memorial & Museum President and CEO Kari Watkins. "We're thrilled — THRILLED in all caps — to be sharing this story with different audiences, different generations, through different storytellers."
ESPN, through its award-winning storytelling brand E60, will debut a moving new feature documentary "The Oklahoma Standard" at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 26, on ESPN. After its broadcast bow, it will be available for on-demand viewing on the ESPN App.
Chronicling the special bond between the OKC Thunder and the Oklahoma City community, which was devastated by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the E60 film will premiere one week after the 31st anniversary of the bombing and one week after the Thunder tipped off Round 1, Game 1 of its playoffs run.
"We're honored that two different groups wanted to share the story we're teaching in this museum," Watkins said. "They have a different reach, a different audience, both of them, and they're sharing the story with the world."
SGA, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and more are featured in the new ESPN documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard'
On April 19, 1995, in downtown Oklahoma City, a truck bomb parked outside the Murrah Building detonated at 9:02 a.m., leaving 168 people dead, including 19 children, and injuring more than 680 others.
In the days and years that followed the bombing, the consistent acts of compassion, generosity and neighborly support by Oklahomans in the wake of the tragedy became known as "the Oklahoma Standard."
“As a kid, growing up in the northeast, working on this documentary taught me things you can’t learn in textbooks. You can learn about the events from April 19, 1995 — but until you visit Oklahoma City, you can’t get a sense of the strength, resiliency, and warmth that resonates from the entire community, a beautiful thing born from such a tragic event," said David Seronick, director of E60's "The Oklahoma Standard."
"To then see the deep and true connection that exists between the city and the Thunder is such a remarkable thing to witness and makes this kid from Boston want to root for the Thunder. None of this would have been possible without the help of the Thunder and wonderful people at the memorial.”
Detailing the Thunder’s ties to Oklahoma City’s painful past, the emotional 48-minute documentary "The Oklahoma Standard" — designed to run in an hourlong time slot — is produced by Simon Baumgart with reporting by ESPN senior writer Baxter Holmes. A Choctaw Nation citizen who grew up in Oklahoma, Holmes previously explored the story in an ESPN.com piece published last fall, a few months after the Thunder won the NBA championship.
The ESPN documentary details the horrifying impact of the 1995 bombing, briefly covers the capture and conviction of the bombers and chronicles the building of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. It includes interviews with Watkins, current OKC Mayor David Holt, former Mayor Ron Norick and Thunder fans Kyle Genzer and Sara Sweet, who both lost parents in the bombing.
But most of the film is devoted to the Thunder's move to and success in OKC, delving into General Manager Sam Presti's search for the new NBA city's "origin story," his own initial experiences visiting the National Memorial and his decision to require all new Thunder players and staffers to tour the museum upon their arrival in OKC.
Along with footage of Watkins leading the team's first tour in 2008, plus photos and clips of subsequent players' tours, the film includes interviews with Hartenstein, reigning NBA and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star big man Chet Holmgren and Thunder legend Nick Collison.
It also features interviews with former Thunder stars Kevin Durant, who says he's "grateful to be an alumni of the Thunder," and Russell Westbrook, who says he was happy to see "the best fans in sports" get to experience last year's championship season.
"I think when it's done, people have a different outlook on their opinion of Kevin. This place, this story, has made an impact on players since 2008, and we don't always know exactly the impact," Watkins said. "We're thrilled that they remember their time here."
She noted that the ESPN documentary's debut on Sunday, April 26, will coincide with the main events for the annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, which brings thousands of runners, volunteers and visitors to downtown OKC for the "Run to Remember."
How is Isaiah Hartenstein's 'The Oklahoma Standard' documentary different than ESPN's film?
Although Hartenstein is included in both new documentaries titled "The Oklahoma Standard," the Thunder star was much more involved in the creation of the short film through his Hartenstein Foundation.
The new short documentary immediately immerses people in the chaotic terror of the April 19, 1995, bombing. Within the first 3 1/2 minutes, though, the archival footage shifts to images of Oklahomans delivering food, water and medical supplies, plus waiting in line for hours to donate blood.
The short film includes interviews with survivors, first responders and family members of those who died in the bombing as well as Hartenstein's first-person account of how his tour of the memorial and learning about the Oklahoma Standard changed his life.
"Coming here, I didn't really know so much about it, and it really helped change my perspective," Hartenstein told The Oklahoman. "That was our biggest goal, just educating people on the Oklahoma Standard, just helping people maybe change their views a little bit on giving back. That's definitely important to me, but then also just showing people how great Oklahoma City is."
Torino Vs Inter Milan – Serie A Showdown Promises To Showcase Sons Of Argentina & France Legends
Torino vs Inter Milan today carries the weight of history, with Marcus Thuram and Giovanni Simeone taking centre stage as two sons of Serie A legends look to write their own chapters in Italian football.
Their fathers, Lilian Thuram and Diego Simeone, faced each other in some of the great battles of 1990s Italian football.
Lilian wore the shirts of Parma and Juventus. Diego pulled on those of Inter and Lazio.
Today their sons stand on opposite sides of a fixture with enormous stakes, as noted by FCInterNews.
Torino Vs Inter – Thuram Chases Doblete As Simeone Leads Torino Fight
Marcus Thuram enters the match in the form of his season.
Four goals and three assists across his last three appearances have transformed Inter’s attack. After a difficult period, the smile is back, and so is the clinical edge.
Indeed, a double, Scudetto and Coppa Italia, would represent a triumph his father never achieved. That thought drives him.
Furthermore, his father Lilian follows both Marcus and Khephren closely as both sons build their careers simultaneously.
Giovanni Simeone, meanwhile, has made Torino his home.
Diego Simeone attended his son’s very first appearance in granata, a Coppa Italia match against Modena on August 18th. Cholito quickly embodied the club’s spirit.
Nine league goals this season, four under current coach D’Aversa, confirm his importance to Torino.
However, some injuries interrupted his rhythm. Each time, Simeone pushed hard to return, showing the determination that clearly runs in the family.
Tonight, two football dynasties collide once more. This time, the sons carry the story forward.
NEW DELHI: A bizarre off-field moment involving Abhishek Sharma grabbed attention during IPL 2026, as a fan interaction crossed the line and quickly went viral.
A young female fan, visibly excited on spotting the Sunrisers Hyderabad star, rushed forward and forcibly grabbed his hand.
While the gesture appeared driven by enthusiasm, it left the cricketer uncomfortable, with his reaction clearly suggesting that personal boundaries had been breached.
Security personnel at the hotel immediately intervened and escorted the player away as the situation threatened to escalate.
Watch:
— TATUPREM5555 (@TATUPREM5555)
The clip has since sparked debate online about fan behaviour, with many pointing out that admiration should not come at the cost of a player’s personal space.
On-field fireworks seal SRH win
While the off-field incident created a stir, the action on the field was equally dramatic in IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their winning run with a stunning five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Chasing a daunting 229, SRH showed no signs of pressure after an early setback.
Ishan Kishan (74 off 31) and Abhishek Sharma (57 off 29) turned the game on its head with a blistering 132-run partnership, dismantling the Royals’ bowling attack during the powerplay.
Despite losing both set batters midway, useful contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy ensured SRH crossed the finish line in 18.3 overs.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shines, but in vain
Earlier, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up the stadium with a sensational 37-ball 103, supported by Dhruv Jurel’s 51, powering Rajasthan to 228/6 in this IPL 2026 encounter.
However, their efforts went in vain as SRH completed one of the highest chases in IPL history, climbing to third in the standings with their fourth straight win.
British tight end Seydou Traore was a late-round pick in the NFL Draft along with Uar Bernard, a Nigerian yet to play a game of American football.
Traore is the first graduate of the UK-based NFL Academy to be drafted, having been selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 180th overall pick.
The 23-year-old has French-Algerian and Ivorian heritage and was born and raised in London, where he played for the London Warriors as a teenager.
He was part of the NFL Academy's first intake in 2019 and spent five years in college football in the USA before showcasing his talent through the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) programme this year.
Former Warriors player Efe Obada was the first IPP product to play in the NFL and he went on stage in Pittsburgh to announce the Dolphins' pick.
"This isn't just another name on a card, this is living proof that the dream is possible," said British defensive end Obada, who has witnessed Traore's development having helped the academy from its inception.
Traore became the third IPP product to be selected in an NFL Draft, after Australia's Jordan Mailata in 2018 and Britain's Travis Clayton in 2024.
Clayton was also part of the NFL Academy's first intake in London but only spent a brief period with the programme, now based in Loughborough, before coming through the IPP.
Traore completed the programme before moving to the US to play high school football in Florida.
He played college football for five years, earning a scholarship with Arkansas State in 2021 before transferring to Mississippi State in 2023.
Now 6ft 4in and weighing 244lb (111kg), he caught a total of 131 passes for 1,482 yards and 10 touchdowns from 48 college games, scoring five of those TDs last season.
"He's kind of a raw, athletic ball of clay, if you will," said Miami's general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. "He should only get better.
"He hasn't been playing football real long, so that was what was intriguing to us, especially at that value [fifth round].
"We felt he's a player who's ascending, whose best ball is in front of him, and who can be a problem for defences in time. We had our eyes on [him] for a while and he fell to us at the right value, so we took a shot."
Obada, who was born in Nigeria, returned to the draft stage near the end of the seventh and final round to say: "Pittsburgh, you are now witnessing history being made."
He then announced that with the 251st overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles had selected Bernard, making him the second player from this year's IPP class to be drafted.
The 21-year-old, who has been working as a personal trainer, has not yet played organised football but his potential was identified during NFL training camps in Africa.
He earned a spot on the IPP programme, where his athleticism astounded NFL scouts and thrust him into contention for a late-round pick.
"It's a dream come true for me because I've worked hard for this," Bernard said. "I've not played football, but I've gone through some drills that made me believe that I'm going to get better every day."
Bernard is 6ft 4in and weighs 306lb (139kg), and has been earmarked as a defensive tackle.
He is said to have just 6% body fat and in pre-draft tests he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds and had a 39-inch vertical jump - exceptional figures for a defensive player of his size.
Mailata had a similar impact on NFL scouts in 2018. The former rugby league player had also never played football, but the Eagles felt they could mould him into an NFL player.
Mailata spent two seasons developing on their practice squad before making his first start in 2020. He then helped them win the Super Bowl in 2025 and is now one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was willing to take on the challenge of doing the same with Bernard.
"We wanted to take the chance on the kid," he said. "We've had great success with that programme. We spent a lot of time with him, worked him out.
"For us, it was a passion project. He's got a lot of tools in his body. [We] understand it's going to take time. It was pretty cool. [It's] certainly unusual with that guy."
The clock in the corner of the ground was showing 3.35pm, and The Kop was in raptures as Liverpool's number nine was mobbed by his team-mates.
Some 236 days after joining the club, Alexander Isak's long wait for his first home Premier League goal for Liverpool was finally over.
Isak set his side on the way to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace with a shot into the ground that looped over goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the net.
For the first time in a long time, the man who cost a British record £125m was smiling again on a day of firsts for Isak and Liverpool.
This was the Swede's first goal of 2026, and the first time the Reds have won a home league game he started.
"Did anyone ever think we would say this, eight or nine months ago, that at the end of April, Alexander Isak scored his first Liverpool league goal at Anfield?" asked manager Arne Slot after the game.
"That sums up this season a lot - that an unbelievable striker has had such a long time with injuries.
"It's really nice that he has scored because when we signed him we knew he could score goals."
But will this goal mark a turning point for the player whose first season at Anfield has been overshadowed by injuries and a loss of form?
Prior to that he had been starting in place of Hugo Ekitike, who many fans thought deserved to be selected. There were suggestions Liverpool were struggling to fit Isak into their system.
Four months later, he is still a shadow of the player he was last season and has still to complete a full 90 minutes in a Liverpool shirt.
Against Palace he had 18 touches and registered one attempt, from which he scored, before being replaced by Ryan Gravenberch in the 79th minute.
He has now played 1,009 minutes for Liverpool - well down on the 3,319 he managed for Newcastle last season.
But Martin Keown, a pundit on Saturday's Match of the Day, believes there could be brighter days ahead for Isak.
"It's been a long time coming for someone who cost a British record transfer fee," said three-time Premier League winner Keown.
"But that feeling of celebrating with the home fans is something for him to build on. Isak showed us a little bit of what we thought we'd see from the start of the season.
"If Liverpool can get him fully fit and back to the form he showed at Newcastle, then clearly he's an outstanding player - and someone the club will still have big expectations for.
The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and there were no major trades over the weekend involving veteran players, much to the chagrin of San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.
At the conclusion of his post-draft press conference alongside head coach Kyle Shanahan, Lynch was asked about an update on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
"No new update right now," Lynch responded. "We’re available. Give us a call."
What's interesting is that when he said he and the 49ers were available, he held up his phone, indicating to other teams, specifically Aiyuk's rumored desired destination, the Washington Commanders, that he was open for business.
John Lynch says the 49ers are not planning to release Brandon Aiyuk anytime soon.
A report surfaced during the NFL draft from NFL insider Ian Rapoport regarding Washington's interest in Aiyuk and vice versa. It's not a secret, and it's why the 49ers have played hardball with the disgruntled receiver. They don't want to give him what he wants, despite saying he'd played his last down for the franchise.
"I think it's the prudent thing to do," Lynch continued. "He’s an extremely talented player. He’s been an extremely effective player in our league. The situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say that it can’t be rekindled somewhere else. And we’d be happy to do something with anyone, if the opportunity presented itself."
A trade is not happening. No team is taking on Aiyuk's contract, especially coming off knee surgery. Even if he proves he's 100% healthy, the contract remains a problem. Why would Washington give up anything of value for a player it knows the 49ers have to move on from before Week 1?
For now, this remains a standoff between the 49ers and Commanders. Ideally, Washington would want Aiyuk in the building this offseason to work with his new team, including his good friend, quarterback Jayden Daniels, and offensive coordinator David Blough. But, for now, Commanders GM Adam Peters remains content to let things play out.
Six Longhorns were taken in 2026 NFL Draft. But almost a dozen other UT players were hoping to hear their names called in Pittsburgh this weekend. Many of these Longhorns have already signed undrafted free agent contracts.
For the six former Texas football players drafted into the league this week, their lifelong dreams have come true. They are NFL players. Their future is still uncertain, but they are guaranteed a good salary and chances are all six will be on an NFL roster for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
But there are at least 10 other Longhorns that didn't get drafted. These include Travis Shaw, Ethan Burke, Cole Hutson and even Arch Manning's back up, Matthew Caldwell.
During the draft, the players' agents are working the phones just in case their clients fall out of the top 257 players. When the draft is over, most of the matches are already made and there's been a flurry of signings so far.
The Atlanta Falcons left the 2026 NFL Draft with six new players, including two potential starters, despite not having a first-round pick. After sitting out on Day 1, the team kicked off Day 2 by taking Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round.
Not only was Terrell a projected first-round selection, but is the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell. However, this wasn't some nepotism pick, and the Terrell brothers should be a force in Atlanta for years to come.
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham wasn't done yet, though. In the third round, the team drafted speedy Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick. From there, Atlanta started to shift towards finding versatile, athletic prospects.
After pulling off a trade to acquire an additional sixth-round pick, the Falcons took Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels, Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., and Ohio State offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, especially to the team's Day 2 picks. Here's how those around the NFL reacted to the Falcons' 2026 draft class.
AJ Terrell said Kevin Stefanski told him about three picks away that the #Falcons were probably going to take his brother. "I had to wait three picks before I could show some type of love to him. ... I feel like I'm living the draft again."
AJ Terrell said Kevin Stefanski told him about three picks away that the #Falcons were probably going to take his brother. "I had to wait three picks before I could show some type of love to him. ... I feel like I'm living the draft again."
Maurice Jones-Drew picked #Falcons LB Kendal Daniels as his most intriguing Day 3 pick.
“His ability to spy guys … he can rush, he can play LB, he can cover. To me, I was shocked he was still there in the 4th round.” pic.twitter.com/jOGq8mEnwQ
"I feel like we came out of this day with some good football players."
Ian Cunningham said the day started with everyone coming in and having the area scouts go through and give notes/speeches about the players still on the board that they were convicted on.
(This post will be updated as more grades become available.)
The legend of Dan Morgan might've grown this weekend.
Led for the third straight year by their president of football operations and general manager, the Carolina Panthers came and apparently conquered the 2026 NFL Draft. Their newest class, led by offensive tackle and 19th overall selection Monroe Freeling, features plenty of value from top to bottom and addresses a handful of the roster's most pressing needs.
So, what do some of the league experts think about Morgan and company's haul?
Here are their grades for the Panthers' full 2026 draft class . . .
Grades for the Carolina Panthers' 2026 NFL Draft class
NEWPORT, R.I. – We sat two miles away from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where artifacts from Andre Agassi are on display. You can push a button and watch him beat Roger Federer, his fist pumping and his smile soaking up the raucous crowd after match point.
But when I spoke with a collection of parents at St. Michael’s Country Day, a toddler-eighth grade independent school, I shared how Agassi really felt.
He hated tennis.
It’s a theme he repeats throughout his autobiography, “Open,” as his father made him hit ball after ball as a young boy in the Las Vegas desert sun. Tennis was force-fed to him. He became a professional tennis player because the sport is really all he felt he could do.
We want our kids to love what they play, but often we also want them to win, and to get to the highest notch on the “sports ladder.” We dig in if they’re especially good. But are we underestimating them?
"What somebody needs to do to be pro at 16 years old is crazy, right?” Agassi told USA TODAY Sports in 2024. “I mean, think about how you have to spend those years in order to do it. So the question now becomes, is that self-motivated, or is fear the driver? Is somehow somebody else's agenda the driver?”
Maybe it’s not what our kids want to do. As we got into our discussion about “Surviving Youth Sports,” I focused on 10 misconceptions we can have about their sports journeys. They are likely familiar to you.
Consider them as you go about your season, and your summer and into coming years. Understanding what’s behind them could be the key to unlocking a happy sports journey.
Winning matters, but not to the degree we think it does. Across multiple studies of kids who play sports – whether they are boys or girls, are teenagers or younger kids, or travel or recreational players – winning generally falls far down the list of factors about their sport that they find most fun.
In her groundbreaking study about youth soccer players, sports scientist Amanda Visek found that kids’ top three fun determinants were trying hard, positive team dynamics and positive coaching. She has had similar findings in studies of kids who play other sports, including basketball and tennis.
The fun part for many teams is getting to the top of the mountain. Working hard, being with your teammates and going after your goal is what makes sports most fun. Winning is a byproduct of those factors, and we can feel them even if we don’t win all the time.
Duke University professor Aaron Dinin has taught a class called “Learning to Fail.”
He gives students activities in which they’re destined to fall short, or he even intentionally gives them a poor mid-semester grade, to see how they react.
In the process, they gain information they can use to put themselves in a better position to be more successful in the future. If your son or daughter has a bad game, find a few things they did right, but also what they could improve upon. They might even tell you themselves.
“The most important thing is actually losing,” says Dan Soviero, who founded Signature Athletics, a youth sports platform that supports recreational and travel sports programs. “When you lose, you learn, when you win, you celebrate.”
3. It's always worth it to be on the 'best' team
In Newport, a longtime home of the America’s Cup located on an island at the Atlantic Coast, kids are taught to sail in fourth grade as part of a school program.
It’s a safe, non-competitive way to introduce a sport that everyone does together for enjoyment. It reminds me of how kids' sports are handled in Norway.
Norwegian kids aren’t sorted by ability until they are 13. They are allowed to learn to enjoy sports and play them as much or as little as they like. Think of the opposite of your local Little League draft, which can resemble an NFL war room.
Norway’s format fosters an embedded enjoyment of sports. Kids are eventually identified as the most promising ones, but the decision doesn’t seem to matter for the ones who aren’t.
“For the rest, that’s OK,” NBC commentator Mary Carillo says in her documentary on the country that ran during the Winter Olympics, “because most will look back fondly on their active childhoods and go on to live fit, healthy lives as adults.”
4. Kids play youth sports because they want to go pro or get a college scholarship
Most everyone in the audience laughed when I mentioned this one.
“Is it the parents that want to get a college scholarship?” I said.
Often, kids’ sports itineraries are driven by parents with an eye on the future. Kids tend to play firmly in the present.
A number of surveys, including a recent one by the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program on youth soccer players in New York City and North Jersey, have registered that having fun and playing with friends are top priorities for kids with sports.
In short, they want to play for social reasons. Even in competitive travel situations, friendship ranks higher than winning or scholarships. Working together and competing hard are part of the Amanda Visek “fun” model I mentioned earlier, so competition and winning can be bred organically.
5. The best athletes are that way from an early age
“I’m a late bloomer,” Laura Wheeler, a mom in the crowd who coaches her 12-year-old son in Little League, said when I read No. 5, drawing laughs.
Annika Sorenstam, who became a Hall of Fame golfer, told me in an interview last year that she used to “tank” the end of her junior golf tournaments so she would finish second and not have to speak publicly as the winner.
It made her angry to lose, though. Her dad coached her on a few things to say – “I do the talking with my clubs,” was one of them – and she gained confidence in front of crowds, learning from the experience.
Focus on fun when they’re young. The self-motivation will come from them.
6. If your son or daughter is excelling at a sport, it means they are enjoying themselves
Children are smarter than you think. They know if you’re forking out a lot of money, and they don’t want to let you down. There might be a certain amount of pressure that they feel to do well for you.
7. If you don't start travel sports at an early age, you will be 'left behind'
This is one that even former pro athletes worry about. I have struggled with the feeling, too. I think my kids would have been fine with their sports careers if I had waited a few years rather than starting them in travel baseball at 8 or 9.
Just because everyone else is doing a travel sport or other activity, it doesn’t mean it’s the right situation for your kid and your family.
Ask yourself: What are you trying to get out of travel sports? They have a purpose for college recruitment, but if that’s what you’re interested in, they don’t really ramp up until eighth or ninth grade.
His best memories of the Little League World Series, he says, are becoming good friends with kids from Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Find a situation that fits your family. If you’re not taking family vacations because of sports, ask yourself why? It may not be worth it.
8. When you take your kid to practice, it's a good idea to stay and watch
When I coached my two sons, who are now in high school, there was almost always a contingent of parents who watched practice. Some said things to their sons or daughters as we were going along. One mom even ran out and wiped her son’s nose at second base.
There is a balance. We really want to be there and to watch them, but let’s remember this is their time to be with their friends, to engage in something they love (or might grow to love), to learn to problem solve on their own and to find peace of mind.
Do you really want them thinking during practice, “Oh gosh, mom and dad are watching me, I had better do well.” They’ll be looking for your approval. You can give it to them by talking to them about what happened at practice afterward, but also by letting it be their time.
U.S. women’s soccer icon Abby Wambach is adamant about this point. Julie Foudy, one of her former teammates and now a soccer mom like Wambach, says her parents rarely even came to her games. It’s not because they didn’t love her. It’s just that they had other things they were doing.
9. In order to get on a college team, or a high school team, you need to specialize in a sport early
In this day of parents investing loads of money and time to make their kids better, you might need to focus on one sport when your son or daughter gets close to high school age.
Focusing on a sport, though, is not the same as only playing one sport. We can focus on one sport, for example, for two or three seasons, and play another in the fourth. Specialization can be a very personal decision, but if you do it before early or mid-high school, you risk injuries, and girls are at a higher risk than boys.
Don’t exceed a child’s age in the number of hours per week they play a particular sport.
The rate of organized to unorganized play should not be greater than 2 to 1.
10. We play an active role in our kids' sports development
Think of yourself as someone who puts your child in a situation to learn and to grow to find something they really like. Those discoveries need to come from your child, and they don’t have to be about sports. They can be about instruments or theater or academic clubs.
We can play an active role in facilitating without forcing things upon them. We don’t want them to get stuck on one track that they truly don’t enjoy. Give them options and watch them thrive when they find something they really want to dig into.
Take time to do things as a family away from sports. When there is too much focus on them, everybody gets burned out, not just the kids.
“I agree with a lot of what you have to say but, chances are, you’re gonna have a coach or you’re gonna be involved with other parents who believe in all 10 of these things,” Carolyn Hanigan, a mom whose 12-year-old son attends St. Michael’s, said to me at the end of my talk. “You have to learn to live with these people, too, and navigate like, ‘Can my kid come in and learn and play when you’ve got these full-on parents, and sometimes even spouses disagree.
“It’s too bad because it will eventually cause a shift of parents. My husband will be like, ‘I don’t care if he plays any sports. We have plenty of things we can do and we’re spending all this time together.’
“(Their son) just plays. He’d rather play with a group of younger kids and have a good time. I have to accept that. My husband said, ‘Those are your tapes. That’s the tapes in your head. That’s what you wanted from your childhood onto this child.’ ”
We don’t have to get sucked into the frenzied state of youth sports. It’s our job to push against the grain and find our kids’ passions.
Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His Coach Steve column is posted weekly.For his past columns, click here.
Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a column? Email him at sborelli@usatoday.com
Q: Ira, do you expect breaking news from Pat Riley on Monday? – Sandy.
A: I guess that comes down to your interpretation of what is news. I do believe Pat Riley will recognize and stress that change is coming, considering this is now matches the second-worst stretch of his playing/coaching/management career, only the second time his team has been limited to one playoff-game victory over a three-year span (he went without a playoff victory in the span of 2000-01, ’01-02 and ’02-03 as Heat coach, with just one playoff victory in the span of 2016-17, ’17-18 and ’18-19 as Heat president). So when it basically is as bad as it ever has been over his nearly 50 years in the game, the expectation would be something more than talk about staying the course. As the Heat continue to put him front and center as the face of the team, then his words seemingly would have to reflect the moment.
Q: How about Nick Arison do the media session? He’s the one pulling the strings. – Manny.
A: If Pat Riley opens that door or leaves that door open, deferring to Nick Arison on answers on Monday, then yes, further explanation would seem reasonable from the executive branch. Remember, this is not like seeking an owner for comment (of which many in the South Florida market have declined). Nick Arison is listed as CEO, above Riley, in the team’s hierarchy. Micky Arison is listed as managing general partner.
Q: I enjoyed your informative article about the trade assets the Heat have with their roster. Can’t the $17 million Duncan Robinson trade exception also be used until July 7, to allow them to send out that much less in salary than they take back? – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: Yes and no. Trade exceptions cannot be aggregated, therefore can’t be “thrown into a deal” to balance it under the cap. However, such exemptions can be used concurrently in a trade, to take in salary from a single player as part of the bigger deal. For example, should the Bucks demand Bobby Portis also be taken on by an acquiring team in a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, then Portis’ salary could be taken into the Robinson trade exception in a concurrent deal.
Mikel Arteta has bemoaned the decisions not to send Nick Pope and Abdukodir Khusanov in Arsenal’s last two games against Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Arsenal saw out a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday, but the scoreline could have been more emphatic if Nick Pope had been shown a red card in the 74th minute.
Pope charged out of his goal and missed the ball, before very deliberately bringing down Viktor Gyokeres to prevent him chasing it.
There was one Newcastle defender in the vicinity, but before Pope’s block it looked like Gyokeres was the closer player and able to reach the ball first. Yet the referee evidently disagreed, only showing a yellow card to Pope, rather than a red for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
“In my opinion, it’s a clear red card,” Arteta said of the incident. “I watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card.
“It’s the second time in two games because against Manchester City when Kai Havertz goes through and Khusanov fouls him at 1-1, the title is there. It is a red card, guys.
“I’m here to give my opinion. I’m someone who has been in the game for a long time, and you talk to any of the players because the trajectory, where the ball is, there’s no keeper there. If that were to happen the other way around, it’s a red card.
“I didn’t talk about it when we lost the game. I’m doing it when we won. It’s a red card today, it’s a red card in Manchester and the world is different. That’s it.”
“If Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick, then there is no doubt in my mind that the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity has clearly taken place, and that would have resulted in a red card for the Manchester City player,” Hackett said.
“On reviewing the video, I think the Manchester City player is rather fortunate not to have been dismissed.”
It’s certainly a shame to have two of these incidents in two consecutive matches, particularly when Arsenal fans will have no trouble calling to mind incidents like William Saliba’s red vs Bournemouth or Myles Lewis-Skelly’s vs West Ham, when the Arsenal player was given no such benefit of the doubt.
Arsenal fans will just have to hope the potential goals and points these red-card decisions cost the team don’t end up affecting the final positions in the standings.
Opta predict Liverpool Champions League chances after Palace win
Liverpool’s push for Champions League qualification has taken a major step forward following our win over Crystal Palace, with the latest data suggesting we’re now firmly in control of our own destiny.
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According to Opta, our chances of finishing in the top five now stand at 96.92%, a figure that underlines just how strong our position has become heading into the final stretch of the season.
The rise reflects not only our own results but also the struggles of the chasing pack, with the gap to sixth place now looking increasingly difficult for rivals to close.
When you compare the wider picture, it becomes even clearer how strong our position is, with only Arsenal and Manchester City rated at 100%, while we sit just behind Manchester United and Aston Villa in the projections.
That context shows we’re not just in contention anymore, we’re expected to get the job done.
Why Liverpool still need to stay focused
Despite the encouraging numbers, there’s still work to be done, particularly given the difficulty of the remaining fixtures.
As things stand, we’re level on points with Aston Villa and just ahead of the chasing group, meaning any slip-up could still reopen the race.
However, the trend is clearly in our favour, especially when you consider how results have gone since the international break, with wins over Fulham and Everton helping to build momentum at a crucial stage.
Those results have put us in a position where, realistically, a couple more victories should be enough to secure Champions League football for next season.
That could even come sooner than expected, with a strong run potentially allowing us to clinch qualification as early as the trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
For now, though, the message is simple, the job isn’t mathematically done, but with Opta giving us a 96.92% chance, we’re on the verge of securing exactly what we set out to achieve in these final weeks.
Barcelona on track to sign exciting Rayo Majadahonda talent
Barcelona are on a perennial hunt for young talent across Spain and the world in a bid to lure them to La Masia and further their development at the club.
After all, it requires early scouting and long-term planning to ensure that the prodigies of the academy develop to be compatible with the first team.
On that front, SPORT now bring to light that Barcelona have identified and are on the chase to sign a 2015-born player from Rayo Majadahonda.
One for the long haul
Indeed, Barcelona are now reportedly very close to signing Youssef Khanfri, whom the club’s scouts have closely followed in recent times.
Having seen his talent several times directly, the club are convinced that Khanfri has a special talent and that he can be incorporated into Barcelona’s under-12 team for the 2026-27 season.
Everything is on track to complete his signing in the coming weeks, and he is set to arrive at La Masia and join the junior team in the summer.
Khanfri is a dynamic and versatile player who flourishes primarily in two positions on the field – interior midfield and as a winger.
As it stands, however, it remains unknown as to where the Barcelona tacticians will place him. Given the academy’s relative overload in midfield talents, they may well see him as a player fit to develop as a winger.
Barcelona usually do not sign players from outside Catalonia in their academy until the player is in the under-13 category.
Khanfri, however, has formed an exception to that rule and will join still as an under-12 player as the club sees him to be too big a talent to leave on the market for one more year.
So far this season, the youngster has scored seven goals with Rayo Majadahonda’s under-12 side and it is clear that the Blaugrana value that aspect of his game.
Torino Vs Inter Milan – Brazilian Winger The Only Absence As Italy Starlet Prepares To Start For Nerazzurri
Luis Henrique misses Inter Milan’s trip to Torino on Sunday with a right adductor strain, the Brazilian winger’s injury making him the only absentee as Pio Esposito prepares to start alongside Marcus Thuram.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Cristian Chivu heads to Turin in near-full strength.
Bastoni returns to the back three. He lines up alongside Akanji and De Vrij.
Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson has found an NFL home. Thorson was not selected in the 2026 NFL draft, but he did manage to quickly agree to an undrafted free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings after the draft, per Ryan Fowler.
Thorson was an All-SEC selection in 2025. He recovered nicely from a knee injury that he suffered in the SEC championship to return for the Bulldogs during the 2025 college football season. Thorson ended up winning the Ray Guy award (nation's best punter) for his impressive 2025 season.
In 2025, Thorson averaged 45.2 yards per punt for Georgia. He had a season long punt of 66 yards and had half of his 42 punts downed inside the 20. Georgia fans love Thorson, who is from Australia, for his sense of humor and strong play on the field.
Thorson was not one of the two punters drafted despite his strong college career. One possible reason Thorson went undrafted is because Georgia uses quarterbacks to hold on field goals and not punters, which limited Thorson's experience at holding. Almost every NFL team has punters exclusively do the holding for field goals.
With the Vikings, Thorson will compete with NFL veteran punter Johnny Hekker for the starting role. Thorson has the talent to start in the NFL.
Eight Georgia Bulldogs were selected in the draft, which concluded on Saturday, April 25.
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Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan deserves a ton of praise for quietly building one of the best backcourts in the SEC since the transfer opened earlier this month, landing commitments from Kansas State transfer shooting guard PJ Haggerty, followed by landing former Samford/Radford sharpshooter Lukas Walls, and NBA G-League star guard Bryson Warren, who signed with the Aggies last week.
Combined with landing LSU transfer guard Jalen Reece last week, amid all the chaos surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft, McMillan and his staff secured their fifth transfer portal commitment. McNeese guard Tyshawn Archie, who has been a program target going back to this time last year, made things official after developing a strong relationship with McMillan and his staff.
This past season, Archie earned All-Southland first team and All-Southland Tournament honors for his breakout junior campaign, where he finished 2nd in the conference in steals, 9th in points, 9th in assists, 8th in FG%, 1st in BPM, 2nd in offensive BPM, and 5th in defensive BPM.
Bringing elite production to College Station, Archie 14.3 PPG, 2.9 APG, 1.9 RPG, and 1.7 STL, shooting 36.9% from three and 43.3% from the field, but before his McNeese career began, the now senior guard played at Tulsa, starting his career with PJ Haggerty.
During his first two seasons at Tulsa, Archie averaged 7.2 and 9.2 points, improving year to year, while Haggerty led the team with 21.2 PPG, becoming the star player for every team he's been on. This already established chemistry will help the rest of the backcourt gel this summer before the fall.
PJ Haggerty and Tyshawn Archie were teammates at Tulsa in 2023-24 and both made the AAC All-Freshman team.
Now they’re reunited at Texas A&M for their final year of college basketball 👍
A&M graduate assistant Ari Seals was also on that team.
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The Buffalo Bills selected former Wisconsin receiver Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft on Saturday.
The Bills made Bell the draft's No. 125 overall selection. Via UConn, he was the first former Badger selected.
Bell played for Wisconsin from 2021-23, appearing in 26 total games during that time. He tallied 755 yards and six scores on 69 receptions with the Badgers; his best season was a 30-catch, 444-yard, five-touchdown 2022 campaign.
The Watertown, Connecticut, native transferred to UConn following the 2023 season. He emerged as one of the top receivers in the sport during his two years with the Huskies, recording 151 total catches, 2,138 yards and 18 touchdowns. He headlined that stint with a 101-catch, 1,278-yard, 13-touchdown All-American 2025 campaign.
Bell joins a Buffalo Bills team that is still looking to break through with star quarterback Josh Allen at the helm. While the former Badger was a fourth-round pick, he should have a chance to contribute immediately.
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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton spoke with reporters via Zoom recently, sharing advice for the incoming rookie class from the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Trust your work (and) trust your process. Nothing happens overnight, especially (since) we've been accustomed – to being the best player on our teams and being able to play with quicksuccess and that doesn't always happen." said Bolton, "Being diligent in your work, being consistent and don't get bored with the details because as you continue to do those things, they show up when you need them the most."
Bolton was a college football standout for the Missouri Tigers and was selected by the Chiefs in the second round, 58th overall, in the 2021 NFL draft. Like many players selected on day 2 of this year's draft, Bolton has shown he has first-round talent, emerging in recent years as a leader of the defensive unit.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is hoping to hit it big again with this year's picks and the many undrafted free agents that will be looking to make an impression during minicamps.
The Sunshine State was well represented in the 2026 NFL Draft, with 11 players from Florida high schools selected in the first 65 picks.
Five players from Florida high schools were selected in the first round, led by No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza (Christopher Columbus High School graduate) is the first player from a Florida high school to be selected atop the draft since Tucker Frederickson in 1965.
The 2027 class is shaping up to be another strong one for players from Florida high schools.
While the draft is a year away and it's too soon to start penciling in names — few if any even had Mendoza as a potential first round pick 12 months ago — there are some players who have impressed and appear headed for the early round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Here are 10 names of former Florida high school stars to know for next year's draft:
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
High school: Chaminade-Madonna
The 6-foot-3, 223-pound Smith is a generational talent who almost certainly would have been the No. 1 wide receiver taken in the 2025 or 2026 drafts if he was eligible. Smith has caught 163 passes for 2,558 yards in two years and earned All-American honors both seasons at Ohio State.
Oklahoma DL David Stone
High school: IMG
Stone, a former five-star recruit, had a breakout season in 2025 when he recorded 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries. Stone (6-3, 315 pounds) started just two games last season and could shine with a bigger role in 2026.
LSU OT Jordan Seaton
High school: IMG
The 6-5, 307-pound Seaton was nation's No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal this past offseason. Seaton started 22 games in two seasons at Colorado. He was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 and a Freshman All-American in 2024.
Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV
High school: IMG
Robinson had an outstanding spring cut short by a high ankle sprain, but he's expected to make a full recovery before the season begins. The 6-0, 180-pound former five-star recruit was named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 when he tied for the SEC lead with four interceptions.
Oklahoma DL Jayden Jackson
High school: IMG
Jackson was a Freshman All-American in 2024 and had another strong season in 2025. The 6-2, 322 pounder recorded 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks in two years at Oklahoma.
Miami EDGE Damon Wilson II
High school: Venice
Wilson (6-4, 250 pounds) was a second-team All-SEC selection during his lone season at Missouri in 2025, when he recorded 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. A season working with Miami's defensive ends coach Jason Taylor, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, should enhance Wilson's draft profile.
Louisville RB Isaac Brown
High school: Homestead
The 5-9, 190-pound Brown is a true home run threat who can impact the game as a rusher or a receiver. A third-team All-ACC selection in 2025 and the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2024, Brown has rushed for 2,057 yards and 18 touchdowns and caught 43 passes in two years at Louisville.
Alabama S Keon Sabb
High school: IMG
Sabb, a member of Michigan's national championship team in 2023, started all 15 games for Alabama in 2025. The 6-1, 208-pound Sabb had 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception last season. Fellow Alabama safety Zay Mincey (Mainland) also is a player to watch for 2027.
Ohio State EDGE Kenyatta Jackson
High school: Chaminade-Madonna
Jackson is coming off a career season at Ohio State when he recorded 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and broke up two passes. The 6-6, 265-pound Jackson was the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida.
Indiana S Amare Ferrell
High school: Columbia
The 6-2, 205-pound Ferrell started 15 games for Indiana's national championship squad in 2025 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He had 107 tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his career.
Fourteen months into his time with Nashville SC, Qasem hasn't made the impact he likely envisioned when the club signed him for a reported $4.2 million transfer fee. The forward from Sweden has been in and out of the lineup during his time in MLS. He had two goals and one assist in 28 league games (12 starts) last season, and went scoreless in his first eight games (three starts) in 2026.
Not all of that has been Qasem's fault. For starters, he's only 22. He had little time to acclimate to his new home last year, arriving from IK Elfsborg just days before the season began, and had to compete for playing time on the wing, Nashville's most crowded position group. He also missed the final two months with an ankle injury.
Nashville's 4-2 win over Charlotte FC on April 25 at Geodis Park was a reminder of why general manager Mike Jacobs made Qasem the third-most expensive acquisition in club history. Qasem had his best game yet for Nashville (7-1-1, 22 points), scoring his first MLS goal since March 2025 and assisting on another.
"He's a young player, still developing, and we're going to continue to help him develop," coach B.J. Callaghan said. "I think he's doing really well tactically. He's really intelligent with the way he defends and the positions that he takes, and now offensively, I think he's starting to find where he can impact the game the most."
Qasem started on the left, the side from which he delivered a cross to Hany Mukhtar for Nashville's opening goal. But he drifted around throughout the night: His goal was a left-footed strike from the right edge of the 18-yard box. He also dropped into midfield on occasion to pick up the ball, which Callaghan thought opened up the game.
"Ahmed found really good spaces between the lines, something that I think suits his profile," Callaghan said. "I was really proud of him that once he got in between the lines, he turned and started running at the back line and being able to make those plays. We know he can make them, it's just about getting him on the ball."
Callaghan believes Qasem has taken substantial strides this season. Already a skilled dribbler and playmaker, he has gotten stronger, less liable to be pushed off the ball, and more experienced in dealing with the physicality of MLS.
Qasem gives plenty of credit to Mukhtar, who he described as a "big brother" to him. He and his wife often share meals with Mukhtar's family. Mukhtar has tried to help Qasem harness his intensity — he recently took him golfing, wanting to give him an outlet outside of soccer.
"He always talks with me to move forward, don't trouble so much, don't think so much," Qasem said. "Play, have fun. Don't go home and think about stuff, because I like to think a lot, I'm an over-thinker. He teaches me so much every day."
There aren't many minutes available in Nashville's lineup right now. Designated players Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza all have been playing at elite levels, and the versatile Warren Madrigal has had two goals and three assists in his first nine MLS games. Alex Muyl remains one of the club's most dependable options in midfield and on the wing.
Qasem wants to be a regular part of the starting eleven, and he believes that he will be if he strings together more performances like his two-point night against Charlotte. The challenge, of course, is going out and doing it.
"I’m not raised to go and complain to the coach, because I put in the work," he said. "I know that if I deserve to play, I play. If I don’t deserve to play, I don’t play."
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
Last year, patience was a theme of Mike Borgonzi's first Tennessee Titans draft class.
Back then, the general manager was OK with giving the keys to a rookie quarterback in Cam Ward. Or drafting a second-round project like Femi Oladejo, a traits guy who'd barely played edge rusher. Or spending a third-round pick on safety Kevin Winston Jr.'s recovering knee. These clearly were picks for down the road, not for the upcoming season.
He needed talent capable of helping transform this sorry team right now. So he spent the No. 4 overall pick on Carnell Tate, a productive and mature receiver, instead of the positional uncertainty of Tate's talented Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese. Borgonzi then traded up for each of the next two picks, giving up a little to ensure the defense could add serious SEC talent (at good value). Then he leaned toward experience on Day 3, in general.
What I dislike about this class
The Titans raised their floor these past three days. I'm not sure how much they raised their ceiling. Then again, I'm not sure how much any team did with a draft that was lacking in potential superstars at the top and was noticeably thin in the middle to late rounds. That is NIL's doing.
Best value pick
Faulk's value justified the Titans' trading back into the first round to land him at No. 31. ESPN's final mock draft had him going 20th, while The Athletic's Dane Brugler had Faulk as the draft's No. 15 overall prospect and fourth-best edge rusher.
On the draft's first night, the Titans were able to secure one of the draft's highest-rated edge talents in addition to the draft's best wide receiver. Not bad for two premium positions.
Worst reach
It was picking Carmona two spots into the fifth round. Borgonzi drafted him ahead of Kansas State's Sam Hecht (the draft's No. 2 center, according to Brugler) and Notre Dame's Billy Schrauth (Brugler's seventh-best guard). Both Hecht and Schrauth went soon afterward.
Brugler had Carmona as his 18th-best offensive guard. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had a seventh-round grade on Carmona, writing that "backup duty appears to be his ceiling." Ouch.
Biggest question
Did a fifth-round reach on a guard and a sixth-round pick of Coogan at center adequately address the Titans' needs on the interior of their O-line? Borgonzi noted how much experience Carmona and Coogan each logged in college as a hopeful predictor of readiness for the NFL. We'll find out soon.
Most likely to start Week 1
Tate. With Hill not far behind.
If a healthy Tate isn't one of this team's top two receivers in Week 1, there's a big problem. I'd expect Hill to play a lot as a rookie, too, because he's too talented to not contribute on a defense that needs to get much faster in 2026.
The Titans didn't improve enough at . . .
For anyone who thinks the Titans are stocked up enough at cornerback to not need any in this draft: Have you been paying attention to what happens every season to this team at that position?
By about Week 12 or earlier, injuries have piled up, and the Titans are running practice-squad claims and UDFAs out there to cover real-deal No. 1 NFL receivers. How's that been working out?
I'm higher than the experts on . . .
Marshall wasn't a lock to be drafted at all, but I liked the versatility, athleticism and effort in his highlights at Baylor. Nothing wrong with an upside play on a 293-pound defensive tackle who reportedly . . . returned punts in high school? What Marshall lacks, it seems, can be coached.
I'm intrigued by . . .
How many linebackers would be able to switch over to tight end in the SEC and catch 44 passes for 533 yards with one drop all season? Kanak had no business performing as well as he did as a pass catcher last season at Oklahoma. There's still a long way to go for him, obviously, at a relatively new position. But there's something worth watching with this guy.
Kanak is listed at 6-foot-2, 234 pounds, but doesn't look it. He looks more like an H-back or a slot receiver than a tight end. He has great hands, good feet, 4.52 speed and he's surprisingly sudden in acceleration, often making the first tackler miss. Not sure how the Titans will try to use this guy offensively, but he's exactly what a seventh-round flier should look like.
The one(s) that got away
After all the pre-draft discussion locally between David Bailey and Jeremiyah Love, we'll never know for sure who the Titans would've taken. They never had a chance with either, as Bailey went No. 2 to the New York Jets, and Love went No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals.
Bottom line
There's no quick fix here. The only way back to respectability for the Titans, far as they've fallen, is for Borgonzi to keep stacking quality draft classes to rebuild a roster decimated by years of horrendous draft choices. Last year, via early reviews, looks like a quality class. This looks like another.
Though, for once, you'd like to see the Titans manage to hit big on a pick in the late rounds. That is allowed. And this roster could sure use it.
Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.social
Today in Boston Celtics history, Bill Sharman was traded to the Celtics in 1951 from the then Fort Wayne Pistons (now the Detroit Pistons), who had acquired Sharman earlier that year in a dispersal draft from the now-defunct Washington Capitals.
A native of Abilene, Texas, Sharman played his college basketball at the University of Southern California before being selected by the Capitals in the 1950 NBA Draft as the 17th overall pick. During his ten-season tenure with Boston, Sharman won four championships and was selected for eight All-Star games, earning All-Star MVP honors in 1955, as well as being named to seven All-NBA teams.
He retired as a player in 1961 to go into coaching and became the first person in North American sports history to win titles as a player, coach, and executive.
Transactions
It was on this day that the 1952 NBA Draft was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Celtics taking Gene Conley with the 90th overall pick out of Washington State (there were many more rounds to the draft in that era). Conley played four seasons with Boston in two stints, the middle broken up with five seasons playing for the Milwaukee Braves baseball team, with whom he won an MLB national championship in 1957. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics in the second stint, between 1959 and 1961.
Speaking of Conley, on this day, the 1961 NBA Expansion draft was held to populate the roster of the newly-created Chicago Packers. They took the place of the defunct Chicago Stags, and would eventually become the Washington Wizards after several moves and rebrandings. Conley was selected from Boston’s roster as an unprotected player but never played for the Packers, instead electing to play baseball for the Boston Red Sox.
Birthdays
It also happens to be the birthday of Celtics short-timer Moritz Wagner, born this day in 1997 in Berlin, Germany. An alum of Michigan, Wagner was picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2018 NBA Draft. He played for that club and the Washington Wizards before he was dealt to Boston in a three-team deal in 2021 that sent Daniel Theis and Javonte Green to the Chicago Bulls. Wagner was cut that April but averaged 1.2 points and 2.1 rebounds while with the Celtics.
Wagner shares that birthday with Dwight “Red” Morrison, who was born in 1932 in Fresno, California on this date. An Idaho alum picked up by Boston with the 14th overall pick of the 1954 NBA Draft. Morrison played 142 games over two seasons with the Celtics before retiring to go into construction (yes, really!). He logged 3.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and an assist per game while with the team.
Gone too soon
This is also the date that Boston wing Al Lucas left us in 1995.
Lucas played his college ball at Fordham and spent his first four seasons as a pro playing for the (defunct) Sheboygan basketball club of the National Basketball League (NBL — a predecessor league of the NBA) before joining Boston for just 2 games in 1948. He recorded a point and an assist per game over that stretch — rest in peace.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to action on Saturday night, with UFC Vegas 116 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
In the main event, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling returned to action with a dominant performance against Youssef Zalal, earning a unanimous decision victory in an important featherweight contender bout.
The co-main event featured a women’s bantamweight bout, with Joselyne Edwards scoring an upset victory over Norma Dumont.
Ryan Spann, who scored a knockout victory over Marcus Buchecha, and Jackson McVey, who submitted Sedriques Dumas via D’Arce choke in Round 1, earned $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses.
Oct 5, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Ryan Spann (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Ovince Saint Preux (not pictured) during UFC 307 at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Davey Grant and Adrian Luna Martinetti each picked up a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus for their thrilling back-and-forth bout on the main card. Grant walked away with the decision win.
If you missed out on Saturday night’s event, we have you covered.
A full look at the UFC Vegas 116 results can be seen below.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said at his press conference on Saturday that the team remains undecided on signing former All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The comment comes despite the franchise bringing Beckham in for a workout on April 20.
"We worked him out. He looked good. We've just got to continue conversations with him. I really like him," Harbaugh said. "Odell and I are going to talk Tuesday night and kind of see where he is at, see where we're at, see what he's thinking, see what we're thinking now with the roster and the way it looks and see if it makes sense.
"I think if we do anything, just being honest about it. You know, it has to make sense for the Giants. It has to make sense for him. He's in a different place in his career, for sure. The thing I love about Odell is right now he's in such a good place in terms of, you know, his humility. He wants to be part of a team. He wants to contribute. He wants to help the young guys. That's what he's talking about doing.
"He still thinks he has some juice, and he looked good in the workout. You still got to be able to play. It's not going to be the old Odell. It's going to be a different version, the 2.0 Odell, I guess you would say."
Beckham Jr. impressed during his workout with the Giants and also underwent a physical with the team. The LSU product had met with coach Harbaugh at the annual league meeting earlier this spring, before his evaluation by the organization. He has cleared the assessments required to sign with a team, indicating that both parties are working toward a potential reunion.
The Giants selected the 33-year-old Beckham Jr. with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He played for New York from 2014 to 2018 and earned second-team All-Pro honors in consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2016. He won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2021 NFL season.
Beckham Jr. last played in nine games for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, recording 55 receiving yards.
I don't think Liam Rosenior was the biggest problem at Chelsea, although some of his decisions certainly did not help his cause.
I was at Amex Stadium on Tuesday, co-commentating on Rosenior's final game in charge, and the lack of effort some of the Chelsea players put in against Brighton was more damning on them than their manager.
Rosenior was right when he came out afterwards and said the performance was "unacceptable" but, sadly, when a manager is so critical of his players you know that is usually the end for him.
I hope Rosenior gets back into management soon and the state Chelsea are in is certainly not a reflection on him. The model the club's owners have gone for is part of the problem, as Rosenior's predecessors found out too.
It is left to Calum McFarlane to take charge for this game and we will have to wait to see who he has fit - and then which Chelsea side will turn up.
Leeds beat Chelsea at Elland Road in December and drew with them at Stamford Bridge in February.
Daniel Farke's side are not completely safe yet but they picked up another really good point late on against Bournemouth on Wednesday and they have got a lot about them. I am going for them to beat Chelsea at Wembley too.
The Ravens are adding a familiar name to their secondary.
Baltimore is signing undrafted free agent defensive back Lardarius Webb Jr., whose father Lardarius Webb Sr. played his entire nine-year career with the Ravens.
Webb Jr. had a long and winding road in college football. He initially committed to Nebraska out of high school but never played there, instead starting his college career at the junior college level at Jones College. He then went to Oklahoma State, then transferred to South Alabama, then finally transferred to Wake Forest for his final season of college football last year.
Webb Jr. can play both cornerback and safety, and he may help his chances of making the roster by playing special teams as well. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 168 pounds, he does not have prototypical NFL size and he'll have an uphill battle to make it in Baltimore, but he'll have plenty of Ravens fans rooting for him to become the second Lardarius Webb roaming their secondary.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - APRIL 24: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza (C), selected yesterday by the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, poses with Raiders general manager John Spytek (L) and head coach Klint Kubiak (R) after a news conference at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on April 24, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Fernando Mendoza going 1st overall was expected, but it’s now official. Now that Mendoza is with the Las Vegas Raiders, we’ll be breaking down his 2026 fantasy football outlook.
The Raiders have been searching for a franchise quarterback, and they may have just found one. Mendoza helped lead Indiana to a national championship, threw for 3,535 yards, and won the Heisman Trophy last year.
Despite all of these impressive accomplishments, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Mendoza is going to be a star in 2026 fantasy football.
Fernando Mendoza Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
As you would expect, the Raiders aren’t a great landing spot, since there's a reason they had the first overall pick. That said, they went out and made some big moves in NFL free agency.
The Raiders also signed Jalen Nailor, who could be a solid depth option. Nailor has never been dominant, but he’s had over 400 yards in each of the last two seasons. Keep in mind that Nailor never received a ton of volume, failing to cross 55 targets in either season.
As for players who were on the team last year, Ashton Jeanty is a good option to have out of the backfield, and he’ll take some pressure off Mendoza. As for the receivers, Brock Bowers is the top weapon for this team. Outside of Bowers, though, there’s not another elite receiver.
That said, there’s one more factor to take into account. Mendoza may not even start in 2026. The Raiders brought in Kirk Cousins, who’s set to make $20 million dollars in guaranteed money this season.
While this doesn’t have a long-term impact on Mendoza, this is a massive deal for his 2026 outlook.
Fernando Mendoza 2026 Fantasy Football Projection
With Mendoza being the number one overall pick, my expectation is that he’s going to start at some point in the 2026 season. Cousins hasn’t been great, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2025.
At the same time, it would also shock me if Mendoza didn’t play close to half of the season. I’m just not sure the Raiders would invest that kind of money into Cousins if the goal wasn’t for him to allow Mendoza to sit for a significant amount of time.
With that being said, this doesn’t sound great for Mendoza, at least for fantasy football. Fantasy managers would most likely drafting a quarterback who will be sitting on your bench for a significant part of the year, preventing you from making certain waiver wire moves.
Not only that, but fantasy football heavily relies on the rushing upside of a quarterback. Mendoza can move, but he doesn’t offer elite rushing upside.
In 2025, Mendoza had 276 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. It also needs to be noted that sacks count as negative rushing yards in college.
While it’s not bad, it doesn’t make up for the less than ideal situation he’ll be stepping into next year.
With that in mind, Mendoza is not a quarterback I’m going to be targeting in 2026 fantasy football.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
There were extra eyeballs on the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports pit box at Talladega Superspeedway. Assisting the pit crew throughout the race, was none other than Super Bowl LII champion and retired football star Jason Kelce. He was seen handing off fuel cans, working the pit sign, and even catching tires during the race.
And in the end, it was that same No. 17 going to Victory Lane at Corey Day secured his first career win in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Kelce was among those running out to the start/finish line to congratulate Day as he climbed from the car.
In the post-race press conference, Day revealed that Kelce joined the team for pit stop practice in the weeks leading up to Talladega, trying out the position of jack man, tire changer, and fueler. Day called him his "good luck charm" and hopes to see him at some more races in the future.
Kelce assisting with a pit stop
Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce is taking his career to New Heights, serving on a NASCAR pit crew today.
As part of the deal, the Eagles signed Greenard to a four-year, $100 million extension, including $50 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.
Making a huge investment in Greenard leaves the Eagles with less room to pay Smith. On the Eagles’ contract extension priority list, Smith ranks behind cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell and defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and could slip further if other young players continue to emerge.
By May 1, the Eagles have to make a decision on Smith’s fifth-year option, which goes into effect in 2027. His projected fifth-year option would cost Philadelphia $15.4 million. Smith would become a free agent after the 2026 season if the Eagles decline his option.
The Eagles could pick up Smith’s fifth-year option and let him play out 2027 before deciding on a long-term extension. But at this point, it seems unlikely that the Eagles would give Greenard a massive contract and later give Smith a big deal of his own.
“No,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Friday night when asked if Greenard’s acquisition could impact the futures of Smith and third-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt. “For us going forward, that was a lot of the conversation and a lot of the things we were talking about here in the last couple of weeks. Ensuring that we were still going to have the flexibility to sign our players, our young players on defense.”
Roseman downplayed the impact Greenard could have on Smith’s long-term future, but that’s not a situation he would be direct about. He does not talk openly about players’ contract situations, whether it’s good or bad.
Roseman mentioned that drafting three offensive players on the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft — USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell — will help the Eagles get younger on offense and allow them to spend more on defense.
However, the Eagles can’t realistically re-sign all of their young defensive players.
Seven Eagles defensive starters/key rotational defenders are 25 years old or younger — Carter, DeJean, Mitchell, Smith, Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Drew Mukuba and Jihaad Campbell. The 26-and-older group includes All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, Greenard and Davis, all of whom have received long-term deals.
Roseman won’t be able to pay Smith, Hunt, and Greenard all at the same time and also retain Carter, DeJean, Mitchell, among other young defensive players coming through the pipeline.
Roseman could be forced to choose between Smith and Hunt for a second edge-rusher contract, and right now Hunt has the advantage over Smith. Hunt is the same age (25) as Smith, has been more durable, has displayed more potential as a pass rusher, and also drops back into coverage and makes plays on the ball, including three interceptions last season.
Hunt has the higher ceiling, so if the Eagles end up paying another edge rusher, it would likely be him and not Smith. The Eagles could consider giving Hunt an extension next offseason. He amassed 6.5 sacks last season and could build on that number in 2026.
Smith is a fierce run defender, and having that reputation could help him carve out a long, successful career.
Edge rushers with dynamic pass-rush upside typically get paid more than those who are stronger against the run but lack consistent pass-rush production.
Smith recorded 6.5 sacks in 2024 and finished that year on a hot streak, recording four sacks during the team’s Super Bowl run. So he has shown the ability to get after the quarterback in spurts. He was a key contributor on Philadelphia’s championship defense that pummeled the Chiefs in the team’s Super Bowl LIX victory that year.
If Smith can regain that momentum and make bigger strides as a pass rusher during the 2026 season, he could make a strong case for why the Eagles should prioritize re-signing him in the same way they will with Carter, DeJean, Mitchell and potentially Hunt.
But Smith won’t be able to make that case if he continues to miss time due to injury.
Smith missed five games during the 2025 season due to a triceps injury. He managed three sacks and 33 total pressures in his 12 appearances, which ranked 64th among edge rushers in the league, according to PFF. He previously tore his triceps in Super Bowl LIX, which caused him to miss part of last year’s offseason program.
Smith is not the biggest edge defender at 6-2, 238 pounds, and his physical play style could lead to more injuries.
The Eagles drafted Smith with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and so far he has played like a first-rounder in spurts, but he hasn’t been able to put it together consistently and is now entering his fourth NFL season.
Without a clear picture of his ceiling, Smith’s future with the Eagles could be in jeopardy.
Smith’s workload in 2026 could be reduced to rotational snaps, and Greenard, whom the Eagles are very excited about, could be the reason he’s not on the field as much and gets fewer opportunities to prove himself in a bigger role.
“There wasn’t a game of his that we didn’t watch this year,” Roseman said about Greenard. “And what you see is a relentless player. Relentless player with physical tools. He can win in multiple ways. He’s hard to block. I know when we play Minnesota, we are worried about where he is at all times.”
“I said I wanted to kill him” – Pep Guardiola explains animated Tijjani Reijnders chat in Southampton win
Pep Guardiola was spotted in enthusiastic conversation with Tijjani Reijnders at Wembley
Dutch international was handed a rate start in Man City’s 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win
Man City’s midfielder has struggled for minutes in 2026, joined last summer from AC Milan
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had an animated conversation with Tijjani Reijnders in his side’s 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton at Wembley on Saturday.
Reijnders was one of eight changes Guardiola made to his starting XI from Manchester City’s midweek Premier League win over Burnley as the Blues came from behind to beat Southampton and record their sixth successive win in all competitions.
Despite making a fast start to life at the Etihad Stadium since joining from AC Milan last summer, Reijnders has struggled for minutes at Manchester City in 2026 and has seen game time limited to cup competitions in recent months.
“It’s been a long time without playing” – Nico Gonzalez reflects on Manchester City minutes after Wembley winner
City are pursuing a domestic treble and after avoiding a late scare against Southampton on Saturday, the Blues have reached their fourth successive FA Cup final as they also go head-to-head with Arsenal for the Premier League title.
I told Reijnders I wanted to kill him, says Pep
Cameras pointed to Guardiola having an animated conversation with Reijnders, who was taken off for Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva after 86 minutes, when Nico Gonzalez struck from distance moments after to complete the turnaround for the Blues.
Reijnders was neat and tidy in possession but often passed on the choice to test Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz in what was a rather frustrating evening personally for the Netherlands international.
Guardiola said: “I said I wanted to kill him because of how good he played, that is what I said! But Tijjani is another guy who hasn’t played in the last games and played really good, two or three chances, (Mateo) Kovacic the same. He made a really good (game) but at 1-1, I wanted a player more positional.”
While Guardiola refrained from outrightly criticising Reijnders, it can be easily read between the lines that the Manchester City manager wanted his midfield signing from last summer to be more risk-taking in the final third against a stubborn Saints backline.
Why hasn’t Reijnders played much for Man City in 2026?
Despite being a regular feature in the Manchester City starting XI in the first half of the campaign, Reijnders has seen minutes hard to come by since January.
“The guys who don’t play much” – Pep Guardiola admits to morale split in Manchester City dressing room
As has been the case with Phil Foden – the form shown by Antoine Semenyo since joining from Bournemouth in January, Manchester City’s reliance on Rayan Cherki to create as well as Nico O’Reilly’s emergence as an indispensable part of Guardiola’s lineup – have all contributed into increasing competition in midfield.
Reijnders has been hit and miss when handed a chance to start since January and as Manchester City pursue a domestic treble, the margin for error is as thin as it gets – leading to Guardiola leaning on the players whom he knows he can trust the most.
However, this is unlikely to be cause for much concern behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium as Reijnders enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and has all the materials to build on a stop-start debut year at City to grow his influence on the Blues in the years to come.
Ta’Niya Latson and Cameron Brink. | NBAE via Getty Images
From the Los Angeles Sparks playing the Nigerian National Team to Caitlin Clark making her return to the WNBA court with the Indiana Fever, there were storylines galore on the first day of WNBA preseason action.
Here are some of the most notable highlights from Saturday night’s five-game slate of preseason openers. In the comments, let us know what stood out to you, as well as what you’ll be watching for as preseason play continues.
Rickea Jackson shines in Sky debut
Rickea Jackson was traded this offseason from LA to Chicago and made her Sky debut against the Phoenix Mercury. Albeit in what became a 108-104 Sky loss, she was fine in her first showing, scoring 15 points.
Jackson got to the paint and to the line, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. Overall, she was her typical explosive self and played well. She also led the team in minutes played with 21. Considering that preseason results don’t matter, Chicago may have lost on the scoreboard, but Saturday was a win for the organization.
Gettin' straight to business 👏
Rickea Jackson cashes in her first bucket with the @chicagosky!
For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper was explosive, scoring 19 points on an efficient 7-for-12 shooting from the field. Kiana Williams also had a strong game, scoring 16 points, including five 3-pointers.
Is Cameron Brink’s offense developing for LA?
While LA made big offseason moves that focused on building a more veteran team around Kelsey Plum by bringing back Nneka Ogwumike and trading the aforementioned Jackson for Ariel Atkins, Cameron Brink was the Spark who stood out in their preseason game.
With Ogwumike sitting out, Brink got the start and scored 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting. She also had a pair of steals and blocks, showcasing her defensive dominance.
Cam said NOT on my watch. 🙅♀️
Cameron Brink holdin' it down on the defensive end (8 PTS, 2 REB, 1 BLK)
The Sparks dominated Nigeria, easily winning 89- 63.
Beyond Brink’s play, Kelsey Plum looked like herself. She scored 22 points and had a team-high plus-minus of +30. For Nigeria, two players were in double figures in this loss, with Pallas Kunaiyi scoring 11 and Uche Izoje with 10.
Caitlin Clark returns with rust for the Fever
It was a light day for Caitlin Clark in the Fever’s 109-91 win over the New York Liberty.
She played for 17 minutes, and her shot was off, going 2-for-10 from the field and only one 3-pointer. Again, this is preseason, so just getting some reps and coming out healthy is progress in the right direction. It’s clear Clark is an All-Star player, so no need to overanalyze an exhibition contest.
BACK LIKE SHE NEVER LEFT 🎯
Caitlin Clark splashes the three in her return to preseason action!
While Clark was rusty, Kelsey Mitchell was in midseason form. She had 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Rookie Raven Johnson also had a good debut, playing for 18 minutes and scoring six points on 3-for-3 shooting.
For the Liberty, Breanna Stewart was on fire. She had 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting, and Han Xu played well with 20 points on 60 percent shooting. Both of these teams showed signs of why they are early favorites to win it all.
Lauren Betts makes the best of her Mystics debut
It’s not regular-season play, but Lauren Betts made her WNBA debut for the Washington Mystics.
Offensively, she struggled, going 2-for-7 from the field. But, she still got her points thanks to promising free-throw shooting, as she finished 9-for-10 from the charity stripe.
Sonia Citron looked ready for Year 2. She scored 12 points, but the developing Mystics still lost to the Minnesota Lynx, 77-66.
Minnesota had a balanced atack with no players in double figures, but had a whopping 14 who scored. That’s something you won’t see once the games count.
The upside is high for young Storm stars
It was a tight contest late, but the Golden State Valkyries got the better of the Seattle Storm, winning 78-76. The game was even at 75 when Mariella Fasoula scored during the closing minute to secure the result.
While the Storm lost, they certainly look like a young exciting team. Flau’jae Johnson was an offensive flamethrower with 14 points.
Chelsea Starting XI vs Leeds: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Chelsea preparations intensify before Wembley showdown
There is a peculiar tension around Chelsea as they approach their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley Stadium. A season that has veered between promise and frustration now hinges on silverware, with upheaval in the dugout adding further intrigue.
Chelsea head into this fixture under interim leadership following a managerial dismissal earlier in the week. The reshuffle has injected uncertainty but also a sense of urgency, with players aware that this competition offers a direct route to redemption.
Training sessions leading into the match have focused on restoring structure and confidence after a heavy defeat in their previous outing. The tactical direction appears to be shifting again, with a return to a more orthodox system expected.
Photo: IMAGO
Confirmed team news and tactical shape
Chelsea’s confirmed team news suggests a likely 4-2-3-1 setup, a formation designed to bring balance between defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. The predicted XI reads:
This configuration signals intent. The double pivot of Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo provides defensive cover, allowing Enzo Fernandez to operate further forward in a creative role. It is a subtle but significant tweak that could dictate how Chelsea control possession in the middle third.
Up front, Liam Delap remains an option, but much depends on the fitness of Joao Pedro. The Brazilian’s movement and link-up play offer a different dimension, particularly against a Leeds side known for aggressive pressing.
The tactical emphasis will likely centre on quick transitions and exploiting space between Leeds’ lines. Width from Pedro Neto and support from full-backs could prove decisive.
Injury latest and player fitness updates
Injury latest updates remain pivotal to Chelsea’s prospects. Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer have both returned to training after recent setbacks, though final decisions on their involvement were left deliberately open.
Interim boss Calum McFarlane provided a cautious but optimistic assessment, stating: “Joao and Cole have trained. They’re in a good place. We don’t know yet. We’ve got another day tomorrow where we’ll look at that and make a decision. We hope they could both start.”
That uncertainty encapsulates Chelsea’s current state. Key attacking players are close to full fitness but not guaranteed starters, leaving room for late tactical adjustments.
Elsewhere, the injury list remains significant. Estevao has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, with McFarlane confirming: “Estevao unfortunately won’t play for us this season. He’ll be out for a little bit of time. But we’re here to support him.”
Longer-term absentees include Reece James, Levi Colwill, Filip Jorgensen and Jamie Gittens. Colwill, notably, is still building fitness with the Under-21s following a serious knee injury, underlining the defensive depth issues Chelsea have faced throughout the season.
Key players shaping outcome against Leeds
If Chelsea are to navigate this semi-final successfully, several individuals will need to deliver standout performances.
Cole Palmer, if fit, remains the side’s most inventive attacking force. His ability to drift between lines and unlock defences could be crucial against a compact Leeds setup. Similarly, Enzo Fernandez’s repositioning into a more advanced role places greater creative responsibility on his shoulders.
Defensively, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah must provide composure against Leeds’ high-energy forwards. Any lapses in concentration could be punished swiftly.
For Leeds, their intensity and willingness to press high will test Chelsea’s ability to play out from the back. This tactical duel may ultimately decide the contest.
Chelsea’s season has been defined by inconsistency, but cup football offers a reset. With confirmed team news shaping expectations and injury latest updates influencing selection, this semi-final represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Ryan Yarbrough #33 of the New York Yankees celebrates with Ben Rice #22 after defeating the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are rolling again, having won eight games in a row, and they stand in position to sweep another one of their long-term rivals from this era. The Astros may be down on their luck, having lost most of their pitching staff to injury and falling down to the bottom of the AL West, but that wouldn’t make it any sweeter to exact a portion of revenge for how thoroughly their playoff meetings went. With the offense heating up during this streak though, and the pitching still delivering, it sure feels like every day they take the field expecting to win.
While we await the finale of this series later in the afternoon, there’s a couple of things to look forward to this morning. Matt goes over the results from around the league last night, including the surprising first managerial change of the season with Alex Cora out in Boston. Then it’s a double-feature from John, first taking the time to wish the Captain a happy birthday and go over the incredible career that he’s built for himself already before launching into the weekly social media spotlight.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees at Houston Astros
Time: 2:10 p.m. EST
Video: YES Network, Space City Home Network
Venue: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
Questions/Prompts:
1. Are you a believer that Luis Gil has found his form, or does he need to deliver another strong outing today to prove himself?
2. Did you think Alex Cora was on the hot seat prior to his firing? What do you make of Boston’s odds now that they’ve cleaned house on the coaches bench?
BBC Sport journalist names 48-year-old who “cannot be ruled out” of the running for Chelsea job
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe can’t be ruled out of the running to become Chelsea’s next head coach according to journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHELSEA NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONTHE APP STORE
Chelsea are once again looking for another head coach after they sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday, with the 41-year-old lasting less than four months in the job.
Rosenior is the second head coach to leave Stamford Bridge this season following the departure of Enzo Maresca in January.
Eddie Howe can’t be ruled out of being next Chelsea head coach
Calum McFarlane has been placed in interim charge for the remainder of the season, and it’s believed Chelsea are going to take their time over making an appointment.
Marco Silva is believed to be a candidate, and there’s also been talk of Howe, and Kinsella has shared his thoughts.
“Chelsea’s ownership has made clear its preference for Premier League‑level experience when it comes to players and it would not be surprising if the same principle applied to the head coach,” he told BBC Sport.
“Howe cannot be ruled out and would sit in a similar bracket to options such as Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva.”
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In other news…
Calum McFarlane has spoken to the Chelsea players about team news leaks, with Marc Cucurella’s barber revealing Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro wouldn’t play against Brighton.
It was an issue earlier this season when the team was leaked ahead of both games against PSG in the Champions League, and Chelsea have got to stamp it out.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
MAINZ, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern München at MEWA Arena on April 25, 2026 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Be honest. This is a judgment-free zone…mostly.
Because let us face it: when Bayern Munich went down and things started to look flat, predictable, and maybe even a little lifeless, it would not have been shocking if some fans reached for the remote, checked their phones, or convinced themselves they had “better things to do.”
It happens. Even the most loyal supporters have their limits when a match starts to feel like one of those days.
But then came the twist.
The kind of turnaround that reminds everyone why you watch until the final whistle. Momentum flipped, energy surged, and suddenly Bayern Munich looked like a completely different side. Goals change everything — not just the scoreline, but the belief, the urgency, and the chaos that followed. What felt like a lost cause quickly turned into a statement win, the kind that fuels title runs and leaves opponents stunned.
And if you turned it off early? You missed the emotional payoff. The tension. The disbelief. The eruption.
That is the gamble every fan makes. Stick it out and risk frustration, or walk away and risk missing something unforgettable.
So what did you do?
Did you stay loyal, riding every frustrating minute until Bayern Munich completed the comeback? Or did you check out early, only to scramble back when the notifications started lighting up your phone? If you turned it off, when did you do it?
No shame either way — but if you left, you might want to think twice next time. Because this Bayern Munich team has a habit of reminding fans that the story is never over until it is truly over.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 25: (L-R) Davey Grant of England punches Adrian Luna Martinetti of Ecuador in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Better to be safe than sorry …
Following UFC Vegas 116 last night (Sat., April 25, 2026) inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, promotion officials confirmed to MMAmania.com that two fighters were transported to a local “Sin City” hospital for precautionary reasons after sustaining damage in their respective bouts.
The fighters were Adrian Luna Martinetti and Jafel Filho.
Martinetti (17-2) was transported for precautionary CT scans of his head and face following his Fight of the Night loss to Davey Grant. The 30-year-old also suffered a broken nose during the bout, which capped off a brutal three-round war. The defeat snapped his 15-fight win streak in his UFC debut.
Filho (17-5) was also transported for precautionary scans of his head and face following his upset loss to Cody Durden, where he entered as a massive -700 favorite. It was a tough setback for the Brazilian, who has now dropped two of his last three fights and sits at 3-3 inside the promotion.
At this time, the results of both fighters’ scans have not been disclosed.
It is normal for UFC to transport fighters to the hospital for precautionary reasons, especially if the fighters are involved in three-round battles that are full of damage or after suffering nasty knockouts.
Stick with MMAmania.com for the fighters’ health-related updates.
For complete UFC Vegas 116 results, coverage, and results click HERE.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Jonah Coleman #1 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Denver Broncos wrapped up their 2026 NFL Draft class with a total of seven picks, with six of those coming on Day 3. As General Manager George Paton had noted on Friday night, the middle picks would likely define their draft class. None likely more evident than their first pick in the fourth round; Washington running back Jonah Coleman.
When asked about the Coleman selection, Head Coach Sean Payton made a strong comparison of his running style to none other than J.K. Dobbins’ style noting that the comparison was a compliment.
“I think as you go through the reads on the runner [Jonah Coleman] for instance, both Jonah and then there was one other back we kept thinking… They were graded early in the third, end of the second,” Payton said. “That’s that tough scenario, ‘Will they make it to 108?’ It helped they were both available because we had discussed even climbing back. So Jonah came in for a visit. We spent a lot of time with him. I saw something that compared his running style, and I think the comparison was J.K. [Dobbins], and I think that’s a compliment obviously to the way Dobbins runs. He’s a physical runner. So we were real familiar with him.
Does this mean Coleman will emerge as the starter next season? I would guess the answer to that would be ‘absolutely not’, but what he becomes is what Denver lacked last season when Dobbins went down with injury — insurance. If they lose Dobbins at any time during next season, even if only for a game, they now have a backup who can come in and provide the offense the similar kind of run style.
Absent Dobbins, the Broncos offense languished badly once Bo Nix went down. If they had even just a little run game in the AFC Championship, maybe the outcome of the season is slightly different.
The New Orleans Saints built a strong 2026 NFL Draft class. Kellen Moore looks to improve on his first year as the team’s head coach. This group of rookies and a key trade may make a massive difference.
The New Orleans Saints are rallying around young quarterback Tyler Shough. They proved exactly that premise with their decisions in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What grades would I give each decision they made during this year’s draft?
Round 1, Pick 8: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Adding Tyson to this passing game makes a ton of sense for Kellen Moore. Tyson has all of the makings for a top WR in an offensive unit and Pro Bowl potential. The medical concerns clearly did not scare off New Orleans' contingency.
Shough now has two exciting wideouts with Tyson and Chris Olave. With the other selections in this class, the future at WR is really bright for New Orleans.
Miller is a physical defensive lineman who can immediately improve the run stopping aspect of New Orleans’ defense next season. He’s a toolsy player who has not reached his ceiling yet, and Brandon Staley can help him reach it in the future.
The Saints selected Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp with the 73rd overall pick in this year's draft. Delp is an ultra-physical offensive weapon who many believe can build on his lackluster college production with development in the pros.
Wright is an absolute mauler on the inside of the offensive line. His pass protection must improve, but he is immediate depth for the guard spots for the Saints. They needed that desperately after multiple injuries forced backups into the starting lineup in front of Tyler Shough and the rushing attack for the Saints.
GRADE: B-
Round 4, Pick 136: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Lance was not expected to make it to this point of the draft, and he provides some size that the WR has been lacking for the Saints. Awesome value. Lance can help Shoug hpush the ball downfield even more often going forward.
GRADE: A
Bryce Lance is a freakish athlete who will be an excellent complement to Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson pic.twitter.com/CCULFZhOY2
Round 5, Pick 172: CB Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
“As a senior, Styles was a starting nickel for the Buckeyes defense the majority of the time, and his athleticism flashed at times, but also but him with over aggressiveness leading to missed tackles. Styles put up a 4.27 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and will always be one of the better athletes on any team. A former track sprinter who will likely find his calling on special teams first in the NFL.” — A to Z Sports
Another depth player for the Saints secondary. He has elite speed and is the brother of Sonny Styles, who was drafted in the top ten.
GRADE: C
Round 6, Pick 190: WR Barion Brown, LSU
Another wide receiver is bold from New Orleans, but they saw Brown’s energetic value on special teams. He has been one of the best returners in college football during his career, and he’s explosive with the ball in his hands.
GRADE: C+
Round 7, Pick 219: CB TJ Hall Jr., Iowa
Gritty defensive back joins the Saints defense here. Hall is a great tackler and is not afraid of physicality in the secondary. His man coverage skills are still rather raw, but he makes sense as depth for Staley’s unit on the back end. Hall can also make plays on special teams.
GRADE: B-
Tyree Wilson trade
The Saints add a physically gifted piece who will try to prove he is better than he has shown so far in his pro career so far. As a former top ten pick, it’s clear that there’s physical ability in Wilson’s profile.
Given the price of the acquisition, I like the choice by New Orleans. Wilson gets a fresh start with DC Brandon Staley. It only costed a day three pick swap – and makes the Saints’ decision to not draft a pass rusher make more sense.
GRADE: B
All in all, this was a productive draft process for New Orleans. The Saints were clearly focused on helping Tyler Shough on offense and addressing defensive depth. Kellen Moore’s team will look to get back into the playoff hunt in 2026.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: Tanoa Togiai #73 of the Utah Utes and Caleb Lomu #71 walk towards the field for warm ups prior to a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Rice Eccles Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images | Getty Images
The NFL Draft is officially in the books. After entering the week with 11 picks, the Patriots ultimately used nine as a pair of trades up helped the team land offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the first two rounds.
The focus here on Pats Pulpit has been all draft talk. For anything that fell through the cracks, let’s clean out the notebook. Welcome to this week’s edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.
Priority on tackles
Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf knows how important offenisve tackles are — and how hard they are to come by.
In his first season as de facto GM in 2024, Wolf’s Patriots had a revolving door at both tackle spots. Free agent addition Chuks Okorafor lasted just one game before leaving the team. Third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace struggled to switch sides before starting just two games due to injury.
New England was primarily forced to rely on Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs, who was claimed off of waivers prior to the season, throughout the year. Guard Mike Onwenu also filled in at right tackle for multiple starts.
The results were as expected. The Patriots’ offensive line ranked among the league’s worst as the team won just four games.
“Very challenging,” Wolf said Saturday about finding quality tackles. “I would say most of my career, you always think you’re going to have enough once the training camp or preseason hits, and you don’t.”
The following offseason, Wolf and company attached the tackle spot. They signed Morgan Moses to a three-year deal in free agency before using the No. 4 overall pick on Will Campbell. New England also double-dipped at the position, selecting Marcus Bryant in the seventh round.
Even with improved results last season, the work was not done.
In the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Patriots traded up to select offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. The Utah product does not project to start with Campbell and Moses in place, but adds valuable swing tackle depth and a potential successor to Moses down the line.
“I’m really excited about this player,” Wolf said. He’s young, he’s experienced, he’s athletic, he’s a great kid. Frankly, I was a little surprised that he was still available, and that’s why we decided to move up a little bit.”
For the second straight year, the Patriots then double-dipped at the position in the draft, selecting Texas A&M’s Dametrious Crownover in the sixth round.
“It is a premium position in our league, the pool of players that can play the position is relatively small and you can never have enough depth I think there,” vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden said. “The emphasis we want to talk about or that we do talk about in protecting the quarterback, it starts up front.”
“Having obviously Caleb [Lomu], but having the opportunity to draft a guy with the experience of Dametrious Crownover at that point in the draft was pretty important to us,” Wolf added.
Lomu and Crownover will join a crowded offensive tackle room in New England. Beyond Campbell and Moses, Bryant and veteran James Hudson entered the weekend as the primary depth options.
The Patriots view that as a good problem to have.
“If I would want a room to be crowded, I’ll take that as being one room that’s crowded,” Cowden said. “We don’t ever know what’s going to happen tomorrow, the next day, so that’s why you stick to a concept of the best player available when you pick, even if it, today, looks crowded. That’s not going to maybe be the same in a week, two weeks or by the time we get the training camp.
“Those guys go in a room and compete. And when you take the best player, sometimes it may look crowded on the front end, but those tend to have a way of working out.”
No contact
Earlier this week, head coach Mike Vrabel announced he would not be with the team on Day 3 of the draft in order to seek counseling with his family. That came shortly before the New York Post released more photos of Vrabel with former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini from 2020.
While Vrabel was originally expected to have some sort of communication with the team on Saturday, they ultimately made the decision Friday night that Vrabel would not be in contact with the draft room.
“[Friday] night we kind of talked through things and made the decision that the time away really needs to be time away, so we were not in contact with Mike today other than some just, ‘Hope everything’s going OK’ kind of texts early this morning,” Eliot Wolf shared.
Wolf noted that things were “buinsess as usual” on Day 3, which is a big day for scouts to shine, while Ryan Cowden praised the team’s preparation in order to operate in a normal manner.
Kittle comp
At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds with a tremendous athletic profile, Eli Raridon has the makings to be a true in-line tight end during his career. That all-around skillset is one he takes pride in, especially as he models his game after perhaps the best three-down tight end in football.
“I’ve looked up to George Kittle a lot; just love how he can do both things extremely well, love the way he blocks, love his mentality of playing the game, and obviously he makes great plays in the passing game as well. And that’s someone who I try to embody my game after,” Raridon said.
Special teams boost
With Day 3 typically a place to round out the roster, an emphasis is placed on the kicking game. Among the Patriots final selections, linebacker Namdi Obiazor and pass rusher Quintayvious Hutchins project as impact special teamers.
“Our special teams coaches took a look and had a lot of positives to say about Namdi’s projections as a special teams player. And that’s important at the linebacker position,” Ryan Cowden shared.
As for Hutchins, a BC staff member described him as a “monster” core-four special teamer for the Eagles over the past few seasons. Eliot Wolf then noted Hutchins “stood out” on special teams while that part of his game was the first thing the 23-year old mentioned when asked to describe his greatest traits.
“You’re going to see a dynamic special teams player. My career started out with special teams,” he said.
Mike Smith’s impact
Patriots outside linebacker coach Mike Smith has been described as one of the more high energy coaches on staff. Wolf shared the coaches were “ecstatic” when they were able to select Gabe Jacas in the second round, which likely included Smith after he made a strong impression on the edge rusher during his pre-draft visit to the facility.
“Just fell in love with the coaching staff, especially coach Mike Smith, outside linebacker coach there,” Jacas said. “And just his philosophy and his mindset on just the position, I just loved it, and I knew this team, if they were to get me, was going to be the right fit for me.”
He later added: “I’m so glad that I have coach Mike Smith, someone that I just speak highly of because of the way he presented himself, which is – that’s like my type of guy, my type of coach.”
Smith was busy on the Pro Day trail this draft season as the Patriots biggest need came along the edge. That included a stop up the road at Boston College, where he ran through an on-field workout with the Patriots’ eventual seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins.
Scout shout
Three consecutive picks over rounds six and seven saw the Patriots take three players from Texas schools: OT Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M), LB Namdi Obiazor (TCU), and QB Behren Morton (Texas Tech).
With Eliot Wolf noting Day 3 is a big day for scouts, the trio of picks were likely influenced by Southwest Area Scout Alex Brooks. Wolf noted that National Scout Tucker Ingraham is the cross checker for that region, except for Texas Tech which was cross-checked by Casey Belongia.
“That was just kind of how it fell,” Wolf said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of good players in that part of the country, and we drafted three players from really good programs down there.”
Draft room
This draft marked the teams first inside their new draft room in the New Balance Athletics Center. The draft room featured more screens and technology in place of the old magnets, which made the process much easier for those in the room.
“First of all, the flow was great,” Wolf said. “The technology is unbelievable, compared to the magnets that we used to have. There were a couple times during the draft where we were kind of talking about different players later in the draft. ‘Should we draft this guy? Should we draft that guy?’ You can actually pull up the film, click on the guy’s profile, pull up the film right there, watch his pro day, watch some key plays and just try to hone in on the right decision for us. So, all in all, it was tremendous.“
Setting up the week ahead
With the draft in the rearview mirror, the Patriots rookie class will not be on the field in Foxboro until rookie minicamp on May 8 through May 10. The veterans will be back in the building this week to continue the voluntary offseason program, although the availability of head coach Mike Vrabel is not yet known.
The Patriots will also announce this year’s team Hall of Fame Selection on Wednesday. Rob Gronkowski, Adam Vinatieri and Logan Mankins were the finalists.
Casey D’Annolfo had a rare night this week, the kind of tossing and turning a coach experiences after a loss.
“Yeah, it hurt for sure,” D’Annolfo said, after his Tufts men’s lacrosse team’s winning streak ended at 42. “I didn’t sleep very well on Wednesday night because you do feel like you should win every game. So when you don’t win … even when you do win, you’re still pretty hard on yourself.”
D’Annolfo, who played at Conard High in West Hartford, where his father was a legendary multisport coach, is as conditioned to winning as any coach in collegiate athletics. Since taking over the program at Tufts, where he played from 2003-06, D’Annolfo’s record is 160-19 after a 21-11 victory over Middlebury in the New England Small College Athletic Conference quarterfinals Saturday. For reference, D’Annolfo’s winning percentage, .894, is even higher than Geno Auriemma’s .886.
“Geno’s got a few championships on me, though,” D’Annolfo said. But Tufts has won back-to-back NCAA Division III championships, and is now No. 2 in the country in NCAA Power Index, just leapfrogging by Bowdoin, the team that ended the streak with a 14-12 victory Wednesday. Wesleyan is third in the NPI.
“We had a successful regular season,” D’Annolfo said, “but we have to ‘level up’ each time we play. Your regular-season effort isn’t going to be good enough in the conference tournament. Your effort in the conference tournament isn’t going to be good enough to win at the national level. That’s what we’re trying to impress upon our team.”
D’Annolfo’s father, Frank, coached several sports during his long career in West Hartford, winning state championships in soccer (1970) and hockey (1985), in which he was instrumental in bring the no-fighting rules. This month he was inducted posthumously into the Connecticut High School Hockey Hall of Fame.
Casey, too, has a multisport background, playing football, basketball and lacrosse during his high school and collegiate career. At Taft School in Watertown, he coached football and girls basketball as well as lacrosse. So like his father, Casey coaches people, as much as he coaches a sport’s X’s and O’s.
“So I’ve coached a lot of sports, and the idea of coaching people is something I put a lot of value in,” he said. “I’ve been in different locker rooms, and I try to incorporate different drills and philosophies and strategies into what we do in lacrosse.”
D’Annolfo took over the successful program from Mike Daly at his alma mater in 2017 and has led the Jumbos to every NCAA Tournament played since. In 2023, Tufts was unbeaten until losing the NCAA final to Salisbury. In ’24, after losing in the NESCAC tournament, Tufts went on to win the national championship, beating RIT in Philadelphia. Last season, the Jumbos ran the table, completing their perfect season with a 25-7 victory over Dickinson at nearby Gillette Stadium.
“The first time, there was a lot of relief, honestly,” D’Annolfo said. “You know that what you’re doing is right. For me, the one thing is understand that because we are a spring sport, as soon as the championship happens, the guys go home. When we’re on the journey, we really try to relish the time together because when it’s over, it’s over.”
D’Annolfo identifies skilled players with maybe one trait separating them from the top Division I programs, “maybe a step too slow, or two inches too short or they are a late bloomer,” he said. “But they have an academic interest maybe some of those schools can’t fulfill.”
With its academic reputation, Tufts appeals to students from far and wide to it’s Medford, Mass., campus. The current roster has players from 20 different states, with a few from Connecticut. D’Annolfo got one, freshman Jules Capone, from his alma mater, Conard. The Jumbo’s starting goalie, Jack Old, prepped at Taft. The Jumbos have outscored their opponents, 266-142, as Jack Regnery (43 goals, 31 assists) and Brooks Hauser (46 and 14) lead the offense.
Tufts plays a free-wheeling style of lacrosse, behind-the-back slinging, for example, when that’s the most effective way to shoot or pass the ball, and high-energy on the sidelines.
“Our identity, we want to play fast, play hard and make people see that we’re having a lot of fun when we play,” D’Annolfo said. “Whether it’s the sideline celebrations that have gone viral or the flair that we play with, it’s a unique style and a pretty unique brand. The way we train is a little bit different, the guys have a lot of freedom to use moves that might be considered flashy, but we practice them so much, they’re not. It’s a flair for the dramatic, we play at a pretty intense tempo.”
D’Annolfo, his wife Sarah and their three children are settled near Tufts’ campus, and coaching D-III clearly agrees with him.
“It’s the most pure form of college athletics,” he said. “It’s not semi-pro. Kids come here, we put up a Venn diagram, with academics, location and competitiveness and we feel like we’re the only school across all divisions that can be in the center of that Venn diagram. We really do preach that balance of academics, athletics and social life.”
More for your Sunday Read:
Euro awards for former Huskies
Former UConn women’s basketball standout Dorka Juhasz, who sat out the last WNBA season, was the EuroLeague MVP, after averaging 12 points, shooting 52 percent from the floor, with eight rebounds, 1.3 assists and one steal per game for Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring, which is based in Istanbul, and reached the Euro finals. At 26, she is the youngest player to win the award.
She is expected to rejoin the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx this year. Another former Husky, Gabby Williams, was EuroLeague’s Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. She played for Fenerbahce Opet, also based in Turkey, and will be playing for Golden State in The W this season.
*Last December, former UHart baseball player Jackson Olson, now a viral sensation with the Savannah Bananas, posted a “boyfriend application” on TikTok. This week, Olson, a New Milford native, and Maggie Sajak of Wheel of Fortune fame, shared a photo of themselves at Disney World with the caption “applications closed.” … So are they “_N A R_LAT_ONSH_P?” … Buy a couple of vowels and solve the puzzle.
*Hartford Athletic keeper Antony Siaha is leading the USL in saves with 26 in seven matches.
*The UConn softball team won 11 in a row, and 14 of the last 16 games since March 27 to get back to .500 at 24-24. The Huskies are in the thick of the Big East race at 13-4 after beating Creighton on Friday for coach Laura Valentino’s 200th career win. No sophomore jinx for shortstop Cat Petteys, the Big East Freshman of the Year in 2025. After getting three doubles and four RBI vs. Creighton, she’s hitting .386 with 17 homers and 51 RBI in 48 games.
*Not surprising, CCSU men’s basketball is losing its top players in the transfer portal. Darin Smith Jr., 6 feet 7, the NEC Player of the Year, left New Britain for Rutgers, a few months after scoring 21 points in the Blue Devils shocking upset of the Scarlet Knights. “He fits the competitive mindset we’re building here,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. Point guard Jay Rogers left Central for Penn State.
*How did ballcaps with upside-down lettering become a thing? See ’em everywhere. Maybe the Mets should wear them in games as a distress signal. … At least the losing streak ended at 12 and their fans in Connecticut can avoid the interminable Whitestone Bridge backup and get to selected games at Citi Field by boat from Stamford starting this weekend, via Seastreak Ferries. A Mets game and a three-hour tour … what could go wrong?
*Jeff Hamilton, Yale’s all-time scoring leader, is coming back to Ingalls Rink. Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.
*At UConn last year, Caleb Shpur, a grad student from Litchfield County, led all Division I centerfielders in defensive runs saved (19.66). In over 241 collegiate games at D-III Endicott and UConn, he posted a .432 on-base percentage, stealing 136 bases with an 86.7 success rate. Though Shpur, 24, was undrafted and out of pro baseball, the Tigers, eyeballed those metrics, and signed him to a minor-league deal this week.
*The Doc Boisoneau Northern Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation is honoring 21 football scholar-athletes, and officials TJ Calabrese and Bruce Brenia, at its banquet on May 17 at AquaTurf in Southington at noon. They will also honor the life of longtime coach Jude Kelly, who died in February, namesake of the NFF’s Coach of the Year award. For tickets and information, contact chapter president Tim Feshler at tfeshler@avon.k12.ct.us
*The UHart vs. Western Connecticut baseball game at Dunkin’ Park Friday morning was played to a crowd of more than 5,000, which has to be the biggest crowd for a Division III baseball game this year, with help from the weather and kids attending the Yard Goats’ Baseball in Education program. “What better way to have college baseball players get a big ballpark experience?” Goats president Tim Restall said. The Hawks actually practiced with crowd noise to prepare, but WesCon won, 7-6.
There was once a fan at Wrigley Field who rode Cubs All-Star Ron Santo unmercifully day after day and it was having an effect. Manager Leo Durocher, as he related the story in his memoirs, arranged to speak with the fan privately and asked what he had against Santo. Nothing, the fan said. He loved Santo and the Cubs, wanted everyone to do well. “Then leave Santo alone,” Durocher urged. … I’m reminded of this story frequently in covering college athletics in the social media age. Sure, folks want players to come to their school, thrive at their school, stay at their school, then show their so-called “passion” by posting hateful things every time a shot is missed. The families usually keep the receipts, so maybe one should think before hitting that post button.
Westlake Chaparrals center Tamia King (15) drives to the hoop as Lancaster Tigers forward Arianna Davis (10) defends in the first half of the Chaparral’s game against the Lancaster Tigers in the Class 6A Division II UIL State Championship game, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Lancaster won 51-37. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Westlake's 40-0 run to the Class 6A Division II state championship game was the highlight of this year's Central Texas girls basketball season, but the Austin area enjoyed several programs making deep playoff pushes. The season wrapped up with two UIL state silver medals: Westlake and Glenn, plus a bronze medal for Cedar Park, a pair of regional finalists and five players making all-state tournament teams.
Westlake fell to Lancaster in the 6A DII final while Glenn lost to Denton Ryan in the 5A DI title game. Cedar Park, making its fourth final four appearance in the last five years, fell in the state semifinals.
Westlake Chaparrals Head Coach Vickie Benson catches an out-of-bounds ball in the second half of the Chaparral’s game against the Lancaster Tigers in the Class 6A Division II UIL State Championship game, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Lancaster won 51-37. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Westlake, Bowie, Glenn, Cedar Park and Lago Vista were regional finalists while six others — Vandegrift, Johnson, Hendrickson, Weiss, Pflugerville and Anderson — were regional semifinalists. A record 11 Central Texas girls programs advanced to regional tournaments.
Our 2026 All-Central Texas girls basketball team, as selected by the American-Statesman's high school coverage staff, honors 49 players on 21 different teams:
Player of the year: Tamia King
The District 26-6A MVP led Westlake to the Class 6A Division II state championship game, averaging 18.7 points and 14.4 rebounds while adding two steals a game. The 6-foot-1 forward will play for the Houston Cougars next season. The Chaparrals were the No. 1-ranked team in the state and were 40-0 until the title game loss. Finalists:Vandegrift's Maddie Broxterman, Hendrickson's Tiffany Jackson and Glenn's Libby Lee.
Leander Glenn Grizzlies post Jennah Lee (14) shoots a 3-point shot during the second half of a Class 5A Division I UIL state championship basketball game March, 7, 2026 in San Antonio. (Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-News)
Newcomer of the year: Jennah Lee
The Grizzlies freshman averaged 9.6 points and 7.8 rebounds this season and was a dominant presence in the paint for state-ranked Glenn. Finalists:Westlake's Geralynn Byer-Veal, Round Rock's Ally Heaton and Westlake's Peyton Hensle.
Coach of the year: Vickie Benson
Benson guided Westlake to a 40-1 record, the No. 1 spot in the state polls and a runner-up finish in Class 6A DII. She built the Chaps around one standout senior — King, our Central Texas player of the year — and four underclassmen who started, including a pair of freshmen. Westlake won 40 straight games before falling in the state final. Finalists:Glenn's Katina Flournoy-Walker, Anderson's Kaidence Glenn, Vandegrift's Tiffany Litton and Cedar Park's Jayci Morton.
Westlake Chaparrals Head Coach Vickie Benson embraces forward Geralynn Byers-Veal (30) after falling 51-37 to the Lancaster Tigers in the Class 6A Division II UIL State Championship game, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
All-Central Texas girls basketball team
First team
G: Ahnna Breiner, sr., Cedar Park — The key to the Timberwolves' veteran lineup, she was a clutch shooter who averaged double digits and played tenacious defense.
G: Libby Lee, jr., Glenn — The 2025 Central Texas newcomer of the year followed that up by averaging nearly 14 points, eight rebounds and five steals a game.
F: Maddie Broxterman, jr., Vandegrift — Returning All-Centex player averaged 18.7 ppg and shot 47% from the field.
F: Tiffany Jackson, sr., Hendrickson — Averaged 19.2 ppg and 8.3 rpg and finished her career with more than 1,400 points and 1,000 rebounds. She averaged 30 points per game in the playoff run to the regional.
C: Tamia King, sr., Westlake — Our Central Texas player of the year averaged a double-double for the Class 6A DII state finalists and earned District 26-6A MVP honors. She's headed to Houston.
Westlake Chaparrals center Tamia King (15) shoots over Lancaster Tigers forward Arianna Davis (10) in the first half of the Westlake Chaparral’s game against the Tigers in the Class 6A Division II UIL State Championship game, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Lancaster won 51-37. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
Second team
G: Geralynn Byers-Veral, fresh., Westlake — The 26-6A newcomer of the year and all-district selection averaged 10.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.6 spg for the state finalists.
G: Renee Stemmons, sr., Liberty Hill — All-district standout averaged 12.8 ppg and 10.2 rpg and was the Panthers' best defensive player.
F: Ryland Reeves, sr., Weiss — Led the Wolfpack to their best season in program history, averaging 22 ppg, 3 rpg and 3 spg.
F: Makiyah Lee, sr., Pflugerville — The 23-5A offensive player of the year averaged 12 ppg, 8 rpg and 2 spg and shot 35% from the field.
C: Jennah Lee, fresh., Glenn — Our newcomer of the year missed games with an injury, but was a dominant defensive and rebounding force that powered the Grizzlies to a district title.
Third team
G: CeCe Flournoy-Walker, sr., Glenn — The Grizzlies' lone senior averaged a steady 8.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 3.5 apg for the state finalists.
G: Kyndall Johnson, jr., LASA — Averaged 21.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 6.9 spg and 3.5 apg. Had 13 double-doubles and 4 triple-doubles.
F: Saania Khawaja, jr., Vandegrift — Had a stellar season for the district champion Vipers (19.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg).
F: Wynn Thorne, jr., Westlake — Chaps' defensive standout averaged 11.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.7 apg in an all-district season.
C: Brooklyn Eubanks, jr., Round Rock — Averaged 14.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2.2 apg, earning all-district honors.
Honorable mention
Anderson — Gabby Flores, sr.; Lucy Swanson, soph.; Austin High — Jillian Shirk, sr.; Evelyn Young, sr.; Bowie — Madison Corion, soph.; Grace Guzman, sr.; Danica Williams, jr.; Daniella Williams, jr.; Cedar Park — Hope Richardson, sr.; Caeleigh Rogers, sr.; Grace Slaughter, sr.; Cedar Ridge — Zahra Hill, jr.; Crockett — Lola Osaigbovo, sr.; Lauren Smith, jr.; Dream Turner, sr.; Del Valle — Jamya Tisdale, jr.; Georgetown — Jo Malik, sr.; Glenn — Ariel Goppy, jr.; Kinley Huberty, soph.; Lake Travis — Taryn Bussinger, sr.; Liberty Hill — Reagan Robbins, sr.; Falon Stroup, sr.; McCallum — Mary Briceno, sr.; Darryn Sorrells, so.; Sofia Villanueva, sr.; Pflugerville — Addy Ross, soph.; Round Rock — Ally Heaton, fresh.; Stony Point — Celeste Jackson, fresh.; Vandegrift — Lexi Augustine, soph.; Ella Welton, sr.; Vista Ridge — Nadia Adeleke, sr.; Weiss — Krystyna Dennis, soph.; Westlake — Molly Frazer, jr.; Peyton Hensle, fresh.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 26: Wesley Williams #DL62 of Duke participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We officially made it through the 2026 NFL Draft! On the final day of the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected edge Wesley Williams, tight end Tanner Koziol, wide receiver Josh Cameron, wide receiver C.J. Williams, defensive end Zach Durfee, and linebacker Paker Hughes with their six picks. Let’s take a look at some reactions, highlights, and more in response to day three.
One thing that really stands out about new Jaguars edge Wesley Williams: He blocked five field goals and punts in his last three years at Duke. That includes two blocked field goals in the 2023 season opener against Clemson.
My thoughts on Wesley Williams: high effort power guy, not ideal arm length or burst, but he is more of a winner on pass rush games. I would’ve been fine with Dani Dennis-Sutton here tbh
I KNEW the Jags would be interested in Josh Cameron. I’m a fan of the player in this range. Strong through contact, 10 1/4 inch hands, 33 1/8 inch arms. Special teams guy too
How do you feel about the Jaguars’ selections on day three? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Not following Big Cat Country on social media? You can find us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. You can find all of our draft coverage in our draft hub.
The New York Giants entered the NFL Draft with an abundance of capital at their disposal and they’ve taken full advantage. They landed Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa at Nos. 5 and 10 overall. The value can be fairly questioned, given the Giants allegedly plan to play Reese at off-ball linebacker and Mauigoa at guard, but there’s no denying they’ve added two elite talents to the roster.
Getting cornerback Colton Hood at No. 37 overall should replace Cor’Dale Flott in the lineup. Hood was a fringe first-round prospect who represented excellent value in Round 2. We had mixed feelings about wide receiver Malachi Fields with the 74th pick, but his size and vertical ability could pay dividends in an offense that needed another wideout.
Greg Cosell compares Malachi Fields to Michael Thomas
Hood had 72 pass attempts against as the primary defender in FBS without allowing a touchdown since 2023. That tied for second among all defenders, trailing only Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. That includes Hood’s time at Auburn, Colorado and Tennessee, where he was a third-team All-SEC selection this past season. It shows how difficult it was to beat Hood throughout his college career because of his sticky coverage.
Fields ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds at the NFL combine. That left questions about his speed and ability to create separation at the NFL level. But the Giants believe he plays faster. Coach John Harbaugh says the GPS trackers had him consistently running 21 miles per hour during games. That combined with Fields’ impressive catch radius made him a player the Giants “coveted.”
Which team’s class intrigues you the most through the draft’s first two days?
Ted Nguyen: The New York Giants added a lot of good players that fit the mold of what John Harbaugh is looking for in terms of tenacity. They said Ohio State’s Arvell Reese will play inside linebacker with Abdul Carter and Brian Burns playing edge. I like that Reese won’t play full-time edge, and it’ll be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson deploys him in pressure schemes. Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa solidifies their line. He can play inside and eventually kick to right tackle. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood adds a physical presence on their secondary. Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields is one of the best contested-catch receivers in the class and should give Jaxson Dart a big back-shoulder-fade partner to throw to.
37. New York Giants: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee. Hood has enormous potential, but he’s far from a polished prospect. The two-time transfer will be 21 for the entirety of his rookie season. At his best, he shows excellent man-coverage capabilities. Too often, he’ll also show poor technique and instincts, thus surrendering easy targets. He’ll enter his new situation with starter upside, but he needs time to develop and not quickly become a liability against NFL route-runners. Grade: C
74. New York Giants: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame. The all-star circuit can be hugely beneficial for a prospect. Case in point, Fields never became a dominant target during his time with the Fighting Irish. However, he was arguably the best player on the field during Senior Bowl week. Fields showed big play ability by overwhelming defenders with his size and body control. The near-6’5″, 218-pound target may not be the most explosive option, but he is more fluid in and out of his routes than his size indicates. Grade: B
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee. Corner was less discussed, but still a major need for the Giants entering the NFL Draft. Hood was among the draft’s risers. It’s somewhat surprising he was there in the second round. The Giants could have addressed the interior of their defensive line, but Kayden McDonald went one pick before. In Hood, the Giants get a physical, press-man guy with good ball skills. GRADE: B+
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame. Fields is big (6-foot-4), physical, contested catch maestro. His catch radius is different than what New York has in the room now. He was particularly impressive at the Senior Bowl, where general manager Joe Schoen said scouts told him he was the “best” receiver there. The one concern here is what the Giants had to give up to go get him. No. 104 and 145 are fine; it’s the 2027 fourth-round pick that’s noteworthy. That class is supposed to be superb. Most teams are taking all picks in that class off the table when it comes to trades. For the Giants to give one of those selections up … it’s not ideal. GRADE: C+
Harbaugh in 18 years with the Ravens never had the luxury of two top-10 picks in any draft. Heck, he had only one top-10 pick — No. 6 in 2016 — so he can be excused for seeming a bit giddy after these two selections were in the books. These two players are now officially the first draft picks for the Harbaugh Giants. He demanded strength down the middle in Baltimore and knew he needed it to establish his culture with his new franchise.
“It’s two picks that strengthen us down the middle,’’ he said. “Down the middle of our offense, down the middle of our defense. These are two, these are great players, these are two top-five players in this draft, in our opinion. You couldn’t do any better.’’
Bottom line: Harbaugh has not wavered from his plan to turn these Giants into fighters, coming off a 7-27 record the past two seasons.
Harbaugh has long since made something else clear, too: His mission is grander than just winning eight or nine games in a season instead of three or four. He wants to dethrone the Eagles in the NFC East. And every decision Harbaugh mapped out this offseason aimed toward accomplishing that lofty goal.
The projected fifth-year option for Banks in 2027 is $12.633 million, fully guaranteed if the Giants choose to exercise it. For a player who has basically busted and has been relegated to backup duty at corner and a returner on special teams, the Giants have no other recourse but to decline.
“We’re going to talk about that early next week,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said when probed about Banks’ option on Friday night.
The introduction of the unified memory architecture changed the course of the MacBook’s future forever, and while other chipmakers are playing ‘catch up,’ Apple continues to race ahead of the competition, taking advantage of the current memory crisis by refusing to charge a premium for its products. With this new design, the Cupertino firm is expected to jump several positions in the notebook market, reaching the number three spot by beating Dell. However, a research firm believes that one key decision from Apple enabled the latter to reach new heights, and that was the MacBook Neo release. The lower priced notebook market […]
DeepSeek V4 is out, bringing major optimizations, including up to 1.6T model sizes, and NVIDIA is ready with Day-0 support on Blackwell GPUs using NVFP4. NVIDIA Blackwell NVFP4 Architecture Delivers Major Speed-Ups In DeepSeek v4 With More Optimizations On The Way With the launch of DeepSeek V4, we saw some major optimizations in compute & memory requirements. The updated AI model uses just 27% of single-token inference FLOPs & 10% of the KV cache when running a one-million-token context window. Two new models were also introduced, one being a Pro model with a parameter size of 1.6T, and a Flash version […]
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Quang Tri Travel Awakening As Vietnam Hidden Green Paradise Draws Global Tourism Investment And Sustainable Luxury ExperiencesQuang Tri travel rises...
Tesla has given up trying to shoehorn all the new features of its Full Self-Driving option into its older Hardware 3.0 vehicles. The lack of memory bandwidth means it will have to replace the whole HW3 kit, cameras included.
The Honor 600 and 600 Pro were unveiled for the global market this week and they will launch in Malaysia and Europe first.
Memory
Honor 600
Honor 600 Pro
12/256GB
€650
-
-
MYR 3,100
12/512GB
€700
MYR 2,600
€1,000
MYR 3,300
Mind you, the European prices above are the MSRPs, but right now Honor is running a promotion so a 512GB Honor 600 costs €500 and the 512GB Honor 600 Pro is €800. The deal also includes a free screen replacement for the first 12 months. Also, the Pro model is paired with a free...
is willing to face a hard-hitting heavyweight veteran following his last outing, a methodical fifth-round stoppage victory over Jermaine Franklin. The 21-year-old showed his world-class potential last month, scoring a third-round knockdown before halting the typically durable Franklin with a thunderous uppercut. Since then, Itauma has been confirmed as the WBO’s mandatory challenger, placing him […]
Barcelona'nın hedefinde Victor Osimhen bulunuyor. Ancak La Liga temsilcisinin aşması gereken ekonomik durumlar var. Bu sebeple iki oyuncularını satış listesine koydukları öğrenildi.
Galatasaray'ın yıldızı Victor Osimhen, Avrupa'nın birçok dev ekibinin radarında bulunuyor. Bunlardan biri de Barcelona... La Liga temsilcisi, önümüzdeki sezona Osimhen'le başlamak istiyor. Ancak bu transferi gerçekleştirebilmeleri için bazı ekonomik problemleri aşmaları gerekecek.
FERRAN TORRES VE DANİ OLMO
Barcelona'nın bu sebeple Ferran Torres ve Dani Olmo'yu satış listesine koyduğu belirtildi. Olmo'yla Inter ilgileniyor. Ferran Torres'in adı ise bazı İngiliz ekipleriyle anılıyor. Eğer beklenen seviyede satışlar gerçekleşirse, Galatasaray Yönetimi'ne yüklü bir bonservis teklifi yapılacağı öğrenildi.
SATIŞ LİSTESİNDE DEĞİL
Galatasaray'ın satış listesinde Victor Osimhen yok... Sadece Nijeryalı forvet ayrılmak isterse durum değişebilir. Bu arada Real Madrid ve bazı Premier Lig takımları da 27 yaşındaki santrforun durumunu takip ediyor. 2026 yazında konuyla ilgili sıcak gelişmeler yaşanabilir.
Bayer Leverkusen'in 27 yaşındaki stoperi Edmond Tapsoba'yla Türkiye'den bir takımın ilgilendiği yazılıyordu. Alman basınına göre; isteyen kulüp belli...
Alman basınına göre; Türkiye'den bir kulüp, Edmond Tapsoba'nın mali şartlarıyla ilgili bilgi aldı. Bayer Leverkusen oyuncu için yaklaşık 30 milyon euro civarında bonservis talep ediyor. Burkina Fasolu savunmacının maaş isteği ise 7 milyon euro... Hangi takımın ilgili olduğu merak ediliyordu.
GALATASARAY DEĞİL BEŞİKTAŞ
Aynı haberlere göre; oyuncuyu isteyen takım Galatasaray değil... Sarı-Kırmızılılar bu yönde hiçbir hamlede bulunmadı. Beşiktaş'ın şartları zorlayabileceği ifade edildi. Edmond Tapsoba'nın, Bundesliga ekibiyle 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi var...
20 MİLYON EUROYA ALINDI
27 yaşındaki futbolcu bu sezon Alman Ligi'nde 26 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 2.306 dakika kaldı. 5 gol ve 3 asist üretti. 1.94 boyundaki stoper, skorer kimliğiyle dikkat çekiyor. Bayer Leverkusen, onu 2020'nin Ocak ayında Vitoria Kulübü'nden transfer etmişti. O dönemde 20 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler.
Beşiktaş yeni sezonda kanatlarda yerli havuzunu genişletmek istiyor. Sol taraf için düşünülen isimlerden birinin Fenerbahçe forması giyen Oğuz Aydın olduğu öğrenildi.
Oğuz Aydın, Fenerbahçe'nin gelecek sezon planlamasında düşünülmüyor. 1.83 boyundaki sol kanat konusunda devre arasında Trabzonspor ve bazı Rus ekipleri devredeydi. Ancak anlaşma sağlanamadı. 25 yaşındaki futbolcu için Beşiktaş'ın da harekete geçmeyi düşündüğü öğrenildi.
DERİNLİK YARATACAK
Oğuz'un Fenerbahçe'yle 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. Beşiktaş, sol kanat için yıldız bir yabancı takviye düşünüyor. Oğuz bu bölgede derinlik yaratacak. Sarı-Lacivertli ekibin, olası bir transferde gerekli kolaylığı yapması bekleniyor. Kartal'ın ana planı; oyuncuyu kiralamak...
SATIN ALMA OPSİYONLU
Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın, satın alma opsiyonlu kiralama teklifini hayata geçirebileceği belirtildi. Fenerbahçe, milli futbolcuyu 2024 yazında Alanyaspor'dan transfer etmişti. 6 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödendi. O dönemde Galatasaray'ın da oyuncuya bir ilgili vardı. Ancak günün sonunda Oğuz, Kanarya'nın yolunu tuttu.
Süper Lig'de bugün oynanacak Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe arasındaki karşılaşmanın VAR hakemi belli oldu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de 2025/26 sezonunun 31. haftasındaki dev maçta Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe Rams Park'ta karşı karşıya gelecek. Galatasaray, evindeki mücadeleyi kazanarak şampiyonluğa bir adım daha yaklaşmak istiyor. Fenerbahçe ise kazanarak şampiyonluk şansını sürdürmek istiyor.
DERBİNİN VAR HAKEMİ AÇIKLANDI
Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu, derbi öncesinde VAR'da görev alacak hakemleri de duyurdu. TFF'den yapılan açıklamaya göre Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisinin VAR hakemi Ömer Faruk Turtay oldu. Derbide AVAR'da ise İbrahim Çağlar Uyarcan ve Abdullah Buğra Taşkınsoy yer alacak.
Trabzonspor, 2025 yazında ilgilendi Viktor Tsygankov'u yeniden gündemine aldı. Ukraynalı sağ kanat oyuncusu konusunda hareketli gelişmelerin yaşanması bekleniyor.
Trabzonspor hem sağ hem de sol kanat için oyuncu arıyor. Gündeme gelen son ismin; Girona forması giyen Viktor Tsygankov olduğu öğrenildi. 28 yaşındaki sağ kanat, 2025 yazında da transfer listesindeydi. Ukraynalı yıldızın, İspanyol ekibiyle sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027 tarihinde bitiyor.
SATMAZLARSA BOŞA ÇIKACAK
Yani Viktor Tsygankov, 2026 yazında kontratının son senesine girecek. Girona onu yaz döneminde satmazsa, oyuncu önümüzdeki sezonun ardından boşa çıkabilecek. 1.78 boyundaki futbolcunun tahmini piyasa değeri 15 milyon euro... Ancak sözleşmesinin sonuna yaklaştığı için rakamın daha düşük olması bekleniyor.
5 MİLYONA ALDILAR
Viktor Tsygankov bu sezon La Liga'da 27 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 2.202 dakika kaldı. 6 gol ve 4 asist üretti. Girona onu 2023'ün Ocak ayında Dinamo Kiev'den transfer etmişti. O dönemde 5 milyon euro bonservis bedeli ödediler. Trabzonspor'un kısa süre içinde bu hamleyle ilgili ciddi adımlar atması bekleniyor.
Matteo Moretto'nun haberine göre; Napoli forması giyen Frank Anguissa'yı Türkiye'den transfer etmek isteyen kulüpler bulunuyor. Beşiktaş zaten Kamerunlu orta sahayı uzun süre yoklamıştı. Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe'nin de devrede olduğu belirtildi.
Beşiktaş geçtiğimiz yaz döneminde Napoli'den Frank Anguissa'yı almak için çok uğraştı. Ancak istenen sonuç elde edilemedi. Kamerunlu merkez orta sahanın Napoli'yle mevcut sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027 tarihinde bitecek. Yani 2026 yazında kontratının son senesine giriyor.
AYRILIK İHTİMALİ YÜKSEK
Özellikle İtalya kaynaklı transfer haberleri veren Matteo Moretto, Napolili futbolcuyu Türkiye'den isteyen takımların olduğunu söyledi. Beşiktaş'ın ilgisinin bitmediği biliniyor. Ayrıca Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe'nin de devrede olduğu belirtildi. 30 yaşındaki oyuncunun bu yaz ayrılma ihtimali yüksek...
DAHA DÜŞÜK OLABİLİR
Frank Anguissa'nın tahmini piyasa değeri 20 milyon euro civarında... Fakat mukavelesinin son senesine gireceği için rakamın daha düşük olması bekleniyor. Kamerunlu merkez orta saha bu sezon Serie A'da 17 maça çıktı. Sahada 1.226 dakika kaldı. 4 gol ve 2 asist üretti. Bu kadar az karşılaşmada oynamasının sebebi ise sezon içinde geçirdiği uyluk ve sırt sakatlığıydı...
Beşiktaş'ta Ersin Destanoğlu'nun sezon sonunda ayrılması bekleniyor. Onun yerine düşünülen isimlerden birinin Jankat Yılmaz olduğu öğrenildi. Eyüpspor'da kiralık oynayan 21 yaşındaki eldivenin bonservisi Galatasaray'da...
Beşiktaş'la kontratı bu sezonun ardından bitecek olan Ersin Destanoğlu'nun ayrılması bekleniyor. Yönetim kesinlikle kaliteli bir yabancı kaleci transferi yapacak. Ersin'in yerine ise yerli isimler düşünülüyor. Çünkü sadece kale bölgesinde 2 yabancı kontenjanının kullanılması pek mantıklı değil...
SON SENEYE GİRECEK
Konuyla ilgili Siyah-Beyazlı ekibin listesindeki isimlerden birinin Jankat Yılmaz olduğu öğrenildi. 21 yaşındaki file bekçisi, Eyüpspor'da çok iyi maçlar çıkardı. Genç eldivenin bonservisi ise Galatasaray'da... Oradaki sözleşmesi 30 Haziran 2027 tarihinde tamamlanacak. Yani yaz döneminde kontratının son senesine girecek.
BUNLARI KONUŞACAĞIZ
Jankat, Galatasaray'da devam edip etmeyeceği yönünde gelen bir soruya, "Bunları konuşmak için çok erken. Sezon sonunda konuşuruz" şeklinde yanıt vermişti. Eğer 1.93 boyundaki kaleci Beşiktaş'a giderse, Galatasaray'a bonservis ödenecek. Aslan'da yedek kaleci Günay Güvenç'in 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var. Fakat Gençlerbirliği karşılaşmasındaki performansı ciddi şekilde eleştirilmişti. Jankat konusunda çok ilginç gelişmelere şahitlik edebiliriz.
Beşiktaş'ın yaz döneminde en fazla uğraşacağı konu, kanat bölgeleri olacak. Birçok takviye planlanıyor. Mevcut kadrosunun sağ tarafında bulunan isimlerin kaderi büyük ölçüde belli oldu. Cerny önümüzdeki sezon yedek kalacak. Rashica ve Cengiz'le ise devam edilmeyecek.
Beşiktaş'ta senelerdir kanat problemi var... Çok sayıda isim transfer edilse de bir türlü beklenen katkılar alınamadı. 2026 yazında da Siyah-Beyazlılar en çok bu bölgeyle uğraşacak. Hem sağ hem de sol taraf için alternatifler değerlendiriliyor. Elbette mevcut kadroyla ilgili de bazı kararlar verilmesi gerekecek.
KULÜP ARANIYOR
Sözleşmesinin son senesine girecek Milot Rashica ve Fenerbahçe'den satın alma opsiyonuyla birlikte kiralanan Cengiz Ünder'in önümüzdeki sezon Siyah-Beyazlı formayı giymesi beklenmiyor. Rashica için kulüp aranıyor. Cengiz Ünder ise İstanbul'un Anadolu Yakası'na dönüş yapacak.
TARTIŞILMAYACAK BİR İSİM
Yönetimin, sağ kanada tartışılmayacak bir futbolcu getirmek istediği biliniyor. Bu durumda Vaclav Cerny, önümüzdeki sezon yedek pozisyonuna düşecek. 28 yaşındaki oyuncu, rotasyon amacıyla kullanılacak. Bu sezon başında alınan Çekyalı futbolcunun 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var.
Fenerbahçe yetkililerinin mayısın ilk haftasında Almanya'ya gideceği öğrenildi. Listedeki isim, Borussia Dortmund'un Gineli forveti Serhou Guirassy... Daha önce de temaslar vardı. Ancak bu kez işler daha da resmileşecek...
Devre arasında elindeki golcüleri gönderen Fenerbahçe, bu sebeple çok eleştirilmişti. Mevcut kadroda asıl yeri santrfor olan tek isim; Sidiki Cherif... 2026 yazında en az 1 kaliteli forvet gelecek. Duruma göre sayı 2'ye çıkabilir. Konuyla ilgili uzun süredir çalışmalar yapılıyor.
YOLA ÇIKIYORLAR
Fenerbahçe yetkililerinin, mayısın ilk haftasında Almanya'ya gideceği öğrenildi. Gündemdeki isim; Borussia Dortmund forması giyen Serhou Guirassy... 30 yaşındaki Gineli futbolcu, ayrılmak istiyor. 1.87 boyundaki santrforun, yaz döneminde devreye girecek 35 milyon euroluk bir serbest kalma bedeli de bulunuyor.
EL SIKIŞARAK DÖNÜŞ
Serhou Guirassy bu sezon Bundesliga'da 29 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 2.030 dakika kaldı. 14 gol ve 2 asist üretti. Fenerbahçe yetkilileri, Almanya'dan Borussia Dortmund'la el sıkışarak dönmeyi planlıyor. Oyuncunun ise yüksek bir yıllık maaşla ikna edileceği düşünülüyor.
Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'de yarın Fatih Karagümrük'ü ağırlayacak.
Beşiktaş, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında yarın sahasında Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük ile karşı karşıya gelecek.
Tüpraş Stadı'nda oynanacak mücadele saat 20.00'de başlayacak. Karşılaşmayı hakem Batuhan Kolak yönetecek.
Beşiktaş, Süper Lig'de oynadığı 30 maçta 16 galibiyet, 7'şer beraberlik ve yenilgi yaşadı. Siyah-beyazlı futbol takımı, topladığı 55 puanla 4. sırada yer aldı.
Fatih Karagümrük ise çıktığı 30 müsabakada 5'er galibiyet ve beraberliğin yanı sıra 20 kez sahadan yenilgiyle ayrıldı. Kırmızı-siyahlı ekip, 20 puanla 18. ve son basamakta bulunuyor.
Beşiktaş, ligde çıktığı son maçta deplasmanda Samsunspor'a, Fatih Karagümrük ise evinde ikas Eyüpspor'a 2-1'lik skorlarla mağlup oldu.
Devis Vasquez forma giymeye yakın
Beşiktaş'ın devre arasında kiralık olarak kadrosuna kattığı kaleci Devis Vasquez'in Fatih Karagümrük karşısında forma giymesi bekleniyor.
Kolombiyalı file bekçisi, teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'ın görev vermesi halinde ilk kez siyah-beyazlı formayı giyecek.
Beşiktaş'ta sarı kart cezalısı kaleci Ersin Destanoğlu, mücadelede görev yapamayacak.
Eksikler
Beşiktaş'ta Fatih Karagümrük karşılaşmasında üç oyuncu forma giyemeyecek.
Siyah-beyazlı ekipte sakatlığı bulunan Kartal Kayra Yılmaz'ın yanı sıra, sarı kart cezalısı Amir Murillo ile kaleci Ersin Destanoğlu, mücadelede formasından uzak kalacak.
Fatih Karagümrük'te ise Joao Camacho, Ahmet Sivri ve Moussa Kone'nin forma giymesi beklenmiyor.
Sarı kart ceza sınırındaki oyuncular
Beşiktaş'ta Fatih Karagümrük maçı öncesinde üç oyuncu ceza sınırında yer alıyor.
Siyah-beyazlılarda Emmanuel Agbadou, Rıdvan Yılmaz ve Salih Uçan, söz konusu karşılaşmada sarı kart görmesi durumunda gelecek hafta oynanacak Gaziantep FK maçında cezalı olacak.
Fatih Karagümrük'te sarı kart ceza sınırında bulunan Ivo Grbic ve Ricardo Esgaio ise Beşiktaş müsabakasında aynı durumu yaşadığı takdirde Gençlerbirliği karşılaşmasında cezalı duruma düşecek.
Ötən gecə keçirilmiş final oyunu ilə futbol üzrə Asiya Çempionlar Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün qalibi müəyyənləşib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici oyunda Səudiyyə Ərəbistanı təmsilçisi “Əl-Əhli” ilə Yaponiyanın “Maçida” komandaları üz-üzə gəliblər.
Oyunun əsas vaxtında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. Bu üzdən əlavə vaxta ehtiyac duyulub. Beləcə, 120 dəqiqə davam edən görüş ərəblərin qələbəsi ilə başa çatıb – 1:0. “Əl-Əhli”nin yeganə qolunu 96-cı dəqiqədə Feras Albrikan vurub.
Qeyd edək ki, “Əl-Əhli” ardıcıl ikinci dəfə Asiya Çempionlar Liqasında çempionluq sevinci yaşayır.
2025/2026-cı illər mövsümündə uğurlu çıxışı ilə diqqət çəkən “Arsenal” İngiltərə Premyer Liqasında yeni rekorda imza atıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, “topçular” buna Premyer Liqanın 34-cü turunda “Nyukasl”ı məğlub etdikləri (1:0) matçda nail olublar.
London təmsilçisi çempionatda künc zərbələrindən vurduğu qolların sayına görə rekord müəyyənləşdirib. Komandanın cari mövsümdə 17 belə qolu var.
Daha əvvəl “Oldhem” (1992/1993), “Vest Bromviç” (2016/2017) və “Arsenal” (2023/2024) bir mövsümdə künc zərbələrindən 16 dəfə fərqlənmişdilər. Amma London təmsilçisi özünün də şərik olduğu bu rekordu yeniləyib.
Xatırladaq ki, “topçular” hazırda İngiltərə Premyer Liqada 73 xalla vahid liderdir. Mikel Artetanın rəhbərlik etdiyi komanda 34 oyunda 22 qələbə qazanıb, 7 heç-heçə edib, 5 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk, Fenerbahçe derbisi öncesi oyuncularından 90 dakika boyunca savaşarak sahadan galibiyetle ayrılmalarını ve taraftara bayram yaşatmalarını istedi.
Beşiktaş, Premier Lig'den düşmesi kesinleşen Wolves'ten Kolombiyalı stoper Yerson Mosquera için devreye girdi. Sezon sonu sözleşmesi sona erecek olan başarılı stoper için siyah-beyazlılar elini hızlı tutmak istiyor.
İstanbul İl Emniyet Müdürlüğü, Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisinde önlemleri üst seviyede tuttu. Stadyum içi ve çevresinde 5 bin 800 polis hazır bulunacak. Ulaşım araçlarında, taraftarların ve takımların kullanacakları güzergâhlarda çok sıkı tedbirler alınacak.
Fenerbahçe Teknik Direktörü Domenico Tedesco, Galatasaray derbisi öncesi oyuncularına son uyarılarını yaparken, "Son iki maçta aldığımız sonuçlarla taraftarımızı üzdük. Şimdi ayağa kalkma zamanı. Kazanırsak yarış yeniden başlar" ifadelerini kullandığı öğrenildi.
Beşiktaş aradığı stoperi Bundesliga'da buldu. Oyun kurma özelliği ile dikkat çeken Danilho Doekhi, Sergen Yalçın'ın isteği ile takıma kazandırılmak için düğmeye basıldı.
Beşiktaş, Leeds United ile sözleşmesi sezon sonu sona erecek olan Fransız kaleci Illan Meslier'den yeşil ışık aldı. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'da bu transfere onay verdi.
Gelecek sezon transfer çalışmalarına başlayan Beşiktaş, Portekizli futbolcu Joao Palhinha'yı kadrosuna katmak için harekete geçti. Siyah beyazlı kulüp, Tottenham'da kiralık olarak forma giyen 30 yaşındaki...Devamı için tıklayınız
2021-2025 yılları arasında Fenerbahçe'de forma giyen ve geçen yıl yaz transfer döneminde Championship ekibi Birmingham'a imza atan Osayi-Samuel, sarı-lacivertli kulüpten ayrılık süreci ve Beşiktaş ile...Devamı için tıklayınız
Allan Saint-Maximin’in Avrupa’ya dönüş planları şekillenirken, yıldız oyuncunun Türkiye’de bir dönem formasını giydiği Fenerbahçe’nin ezeli rakibine transfer olabileceği iddiası ortaya atıldı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş'ta gelecek sezonun transfer çalışmaları başladı. Sol bek mevkisine hamle yapmak isteyen siyah-beyazlıların gündemine Utrecht'te forma giyen Souffian El Karouani'yi aldığı öğrenildi. İşte detaylar......Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş Teknik Direktörü Sergen Yalçın, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında oynanacak Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük karşılaşmasıyla siyah-beyazlıların başındaki 100. Süper Lig maçına çıkacak.Devamı için tıklayınız
Turkcell Kadın Futbol Süper Ligi’nde zirve yarışını yakından ilgilendiren derbide, Galatasaray yarın Florya’da lider Fenerbahçe’yi konuk ediyor; iki takım arasındaki kritik mücadele 27 Nisan Pazartesi...Devamı için tıklayınız
“Gəncə” basketbol klubunun baş məşqçisi Halil Atlı Azərbaycan çempionatında “Sabah”a uduzduqları oyundan sonra fikirlərini bölüşüb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis klubun mətbuat xidmətinə açıqlamasında bunları deyib:
“Komandama mübarizəyə görə təşəkkür edirəm, yaxşı oynadılar. Oyunu qalib gələ biləcəyimiz nöqtələrə də gətirdik. Amma indi söyləmək istəmədiyim səbəblərdən dolayı nəticəni xeyrimizə dəyişə bilmədik.
Ümumi mövsümə gəldikdə, basketbolçularımla qürur duyuram. Hər zaman yanımızda olan, dəstək verən rəhbərliyə təşəkkür edirəm. Mövsüm öncəsi çox az müddətdə hazırlıq keçməyimizə, bir çox texniki detalı irəlilədikcə yoluna qoyduğumuza baxmayaraq, hər zaman komandamızı inkişaf etdirməyə çalışdıq. Bunun nəticəsini də mövsüm ərzində gördük. Azərbaycan Kubokunu ikinci dəfə qazandıq, çempionatda yarımfinala çıxdıq. Ona görə xoşbəxtəm. Amma onu da deyim ki, komandanın əldə etdiyi uğurlar basketbol ictimaiyyətindən kifayət qədər diqqət görmədi. Buna görə üzgünəm.
Çempionatda yerli basketbolçulara ən çox oynamaq imkanı yaradan biz olduq. Mən bura ilk gəldiyimdə yerlilərə nə dəstək verə bilərəm deyə düşündüm. İki mövsümdə əlimdən gələnin ən yaxşısını etməyə çalışdım. Bu gün gəldiyimiz nöqtədə içim rahatdır. Azarkeşlərə minnətdaram. Onların dəstəyinin qarşılığında nəticə vermək üçün səy göstərdik. Hər kəs haqqını halal etsin”.
“Barselona”nın vingeri Lamin Yamal “Real”ın sabiq hücumçusu Kriştiano Ronaldonu geridə qoyub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, İspaniya millisinin üzvü La Liqada […]
Azərbaycan millisinin üzvü Nəriman Axundzadənin formasını geyindiyi “Kolumbus Kryu” MLS-də növbəti oyununa çıxıb. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, həmyerlimizin komandası “Filadelfiya […]
Jonathan David has made headlines in his first season in Serie A, but there’s another Canadian player attracting attention in the Peninsula: Sassuolo midfielder Ismaël Koné.
With six goals in 30 Serie A games this season, Sassuolo and Canada midfielder Koné has emerged as one of the most exciting players in Italy’s top flight.
The 23-year-old moved to the Mapei Stadium from Marseille in the summer of 2025, so this is his first season in Serie A.
Sassuolo had a turbulent start to the season marked by inconsistency, showing flashes of brilliance that were as thrilling and unpredictable as a high-stakes session at Rocketplay casino Canada. While the team struggles to find their rhythm on the pitch, fans can find much more reliable excitement and top-tier rewards by diving into the action themselves
However, the Neroverdi, coached by 2006 Italy World Cup winner Fabio Grosso, continued the campaign with some convincing results and performances, securing survival with several games to spare.
One of their best games was on March 1, 2026, when they beat Atalanta 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium.
PISA, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Ismael Kone’ of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on January 31, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Koné opened the account at minute 23, receiving praise from his coach at full-time.
“It was a crazy game. The lads wrote their names in the history books of this club,” Grosso told DAZN.
“We had been looking for the icing on the cake, and this was the icing with a big cherry on top. Our opponents were coming off the Champions League, but are also very strong. Our defenders were solid and determined; it’s not easy to keep that concentration for 90 minutes.
“We’re glad to have picked up some important points, and to achieve it with a performance like this.”
Juventus striker David has made headlines in both good and bad ways in Turin, as expectations for the ex-Lille striker were high when he moved to the Allianz Stadium on a free transfer last summer.
His compatriot Koné has been somewhat more consistent than the striker, even though the Sassuolo midfielder has undoubtedly faced less pressure than David has at Juventus.
Even after his goal against Bologna, David received mixed comments from Italian pundits.
“I think David was more involved in other games than in this one, but he’s well-liked by the group, and his teammates defended him,” said ex-Milan and Italy midfielder Massimo Ambrosini.
“Spalletti has said he needs a striker who can do different things, but he has improved. I don’t see in him the ruthlessness of a penalty-box killer, something he had before arriving here. He’s always done it throughout his career, but he hasn’t shown it here yet.”
It’s undeniable that Koné has made a name for himself in his first season in Serie A, not just with his goals, but also with the impressive stamina and quality he’s shown in the middle of the park at the Mapei Stadium. Watch out for him at the 2026 World Cup and prepare for a summer of transfer speculation on the ex-Marseille man.
Serie A referee chief Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for suspected sports fraud, and authorities believe a video proves the 52-year-old influenced VAR decisions during games.
Italian football is being shaken by another referee scandal involving referee designator Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rocchi will be heard in the Milan Prosecutor’s office on April 30, as he’s accused, among other things, of having influenced VAR decisions during matches.
A video from March 1, 2025, shows VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewing a potential handball incident inside Parma’s box during their away match against Udinese.
Paterna seems reluctant to impose a penalty because, he says, the Parma player’s arm didn’t make his body unnaturally bigger.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, at some point, Paterna suddenly turns to his right and asks, ‘Is that a penalty?’
According to investigators, Paterna turned towards Rocchi, who had knocked on the VAR officials’ door to say a pitchside review was needed.
This would violate VAR regulations, as decisions can only be made by the three VAR officials and the on-field referee without external influence.
Rocchi has now suspended himself, saying that he’s confident he’ll emerge “stronger than before.”
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Grande Torino.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Ché Adams of Torino FC during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Torino FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 21, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Napoli’s win over Cremonese on Friday means Inter can’t mathematically clinch the Scudetto this weekend, but the Nerazzurri are just four points away from winning the title.
Torino must cope without Zakaria Aboukhlal and Tino Anjorin. Inter have travelled to Turin without Lautaro Martinez and Luis Henrique. Italy international Alessandro Bastoni should start on the bench for the Nerazzurri as he’s still dealing with pain in his ankle.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As per Sky Sport and other Italian media, Pio Esposito and Thuram are favourites to start up front for Inter, while Yann Sommer is expected to return between the sticks after two consecutive appearances of second-choice keeper Josep Martinez.
Torino will look to Adams and Simeone in attack, while Cesare Casadei is favourite over Matteo Prati in central midfield.
Torino vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Alba, BBC Sport website, DAZN in the UK and Ireland, and Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
South Africa’s National Treasury has released a draft regulation that could force crypto holders to surrender their digital assets. The new draft allows officials to check phones for crypto apps and impose heavy penalties.
Violators could face a 1 million rand ($60,480) fine and up to five years in prison, raising serious concerns across the industry.
South Africa’s Draft Crypto Regulation 2026
The South African government’s Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations 2026 came into public view this week, and the reaction from the country’s financial and crypto industries has been immediate, sharp, and deeply alarmed.
The draft serves as the first wholesale replacement of South Africa’s exchange control framework in more than 60 years.
However, critics say the approach is outdated and not suitable for modern digital assets.
Farzam Ehsani, CEO of South Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchange VALR, called the proposal “alarming” and warned it could push crypto businesses and investors out of the country. He believes the rules treat crypto as a threat instead of an opportunity.
SA's Treasury releases draft regs that:
→ Force declaration of crypto holdings → Ban P2P trades above a threshold → Let officers demand keys at borders → 5 yrs jail for refusing
Financial expert Steven Sidley also criticized the plan, saying it uses old methods designed for a different economic system.
What the New Crypto Draft Proposes
One of the biggest concerns is the idea of “compulsory surrender.” This means the government could force people to sell their crypto assets and convert them into local currency.
This is not just a tax, it is forced selling. Meanwhile, people may have to give up their crypto and accept local money at a rate set by the same authority.
Under Regulation 4, the draft also gives authorities strong powers to search and seize assets. Ehsani said that this would “presumably include searching your phone for crypto-related apps at all airports and points of exit.”
Breaking these rules could lead to a fine of around 1 million rand, approximately $60,480, and up to five years of imprisonment.
Lack of Clarity Raises More Concerns
Another issue is the lack of clear limits. The draft does not clearly explain what level of crypto holdings would trigger these rules. Instead, it leaves the decision to government officials.
This uncertainty has made industry leaders uneasy, as users may not know when they are breaking the law.
Experts warn that these strict rules could harm innovation and push investors to other countries with better regulations. It may also affect tourism, especially for tech entrepreneurs and digital workers.
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The Blues are now on the lookout for a new manager and several names are being linked with the job, with one of them being former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
The Italian manager left the Premier League giants after disagreements with the club’s board over their transfer policy but he could now be in contention to take charge of the club again.
Chelsea are seriously contemplating a spectacular move to re-sign their former boss Conte, according to Calciomercato.
Chelsea target former manager Antonio Conte
Following the brutal dismissal of Rosenior, who oversaw the absolute worst domestic slump the club has experienced in 114 years, the Blues ownership are exploring the surprising idea of bringing the fiery Italian back to London at the end of the season.
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If you look at the absolute mess Chelsea currently find themselves in, pivoting back to a familiar face actually makes a lot of sense.
The boardroom reportedly views Conte’s relentless drive and intense winning instinct as the perfect, immediate antidote to rebuild their deeply fractured, underperforming squad.
Fans certainly haven’t forgotten his first highly successful stint in West London; he famously stormed to the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season before lifting the FA Cup in the 2017-18 campaign.
Right now, Chelsea desperately need a proven winner with an iron fist to whip the dressing room into shape, and there are very few managers on the planet who fit that exact description better.
However, pulling off this massive reunion won’t be a walk in the park. First of all, Conte is currently contracted to Napoli until the summer of 2027.
While he brilliantly led them to the Scudetto in his first season in charge, his second campaign has been a bit bumpier, fueling whispers that he might be eyeing an exit.
Blues may face competition from the Italy national team
But Chelsea aren’t the only ones aggressively knocking on his door. The Italian national team is heavily pursuing him for their vacant head coach role.
After Gennaro Gattuso recently resigned in the wake of Italy shockingly failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, Conte has emerged as a massive frontrunner to step in and save his country’s sporting project.
Bringing Conte back would require a monumental shift in strategy from the BlueCo ownership.
The Italian is notorious for demanding strict control and has historically refused to work under rigid corporate structures where he has little say on behind-the-scenes matters.
If Chelsea truly want him to transform them back into legitimate Premier League contenders, they will have to swallow their pride and give him the keys to the house.
For an INEOS-backed boardroom desperate to inject world-class, elite talent into the Old Trafford forward line, this is exactly the kind of market opportunity they have been waiting for.
Leao has been an absolute sensation in Italy, but the changing landscape at Milan means the winger is no longer considered completely untouchable.
The Rossoneri are reportedly ready to sanction a sale for a highly reasonable fee in the region of €60 million (£51.9m).
Given that Leao previously had a staggering €175 million release clause embedded in his contract, this heavily reduced asking price represents an absolute bargain in today’s inflated market.
His departure would allow Milan to confidently work within their financial guidelines and strengthen their squad elsewhere.
However, United won’t have a completely free run at the Portuguese maestro. Barcelona are also intensely monitoring the situation, setting the stage for a massive summer tug-of-war.
Interestingly, United hold a massive, secret trump card in this specific battle: Marcus Rashford.
With Rashford currently on loan at the Catalan club, Barcelona’s ability to fund a move for Leao heavily depends on whether they decide to trigger the buy option to keep the Englishman permanently.
If Barca invest their limited funds into keeping Rashford, it essentially clears the runway for Man United to confidently swoop in and secure Leao for themselves.
Bernardo Silva is set to receive a number of offers as he moves closer to exit from Manchester City, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
After nearly a decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Portuguese playmaker is preparing to move on, bringing an extraordinary chapter in his career to a close.
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During his time in Manchester, Silva collected an impressive list of honors, including six Premier League titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.
Manager Pep Guardiola has openly spoken about the emotional weight of Silva’s exit, describing it as losing a part of himself, a clear indication of just how important the midfielder has been to the team’s identity.
Juventus lead the race but plenty of suitors remain
With Silva set to become available, interest from across Europe has intensified. Juventus appear to be one of the most serious contenders at this stage, with reports suggesting the Italian giants have already been in regular contact with his agent, Jorge Mendes.
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The Turin club are believed to have proposed a three-year contract worth around €7 million net per season, with bonuses potentially pushing the figure closer to €8-9 million annually.
Juventus view Silva not just as a marquee signing but as a central piece in their tactical structure under Luciano Spalletti.
His ability to operate in multiple midfield and attacking roles makes him a perfect fit for a system that values technical precision and intelligent movement.
However, Juventus are far from the only club interested. Barcelona have long admired Silva, and the idea of playing in La Liga has reportedly appealed to the midfielder in the past.
Financial challenges, however, continue to complicate Barcelona’s pursuit.
Another emotional possibility is a return to Benfica, the club where Silva began his professional journey. Such a move would carry strong sentimental value, though financial considerations could make it difficult to match offers from Europe’s top leagues.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain remain quietly attentive to the situation. The French champions have not made a decisive move yet, as their transfer strategy currently focuses on strengthening other areas of the squad.
Despite that, Silva is widely believed to prefer continuing his career at the highest competitive level in Europe rather than making an early move outside the continent.
The video that landed referee chief Rocchi in hot water: ‘Is that a penalty?’
Serie A referee chief Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for suspected sports fraud, and investigators believe a video proves the 52-year-old influenced VAR decisions during games.
Italian football is being shaken by another referee scandal involving referee designator Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rocchi will be heard in the Milan Prosecutor’s office on April 30, as he’s accused, among other things, of having influenced VAR decisions during matches.
A video from March 1, 2025, shows VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewing a potential handball incident inside Parma’s box during their away match against Udinese.
Paterna seems reluctant to impose a penalty because, he says, the Parma player’s arm didn’t make his body unnaturally bigger.
PISA, ITALY – MARCH 2: General view of the VAR monitor inside the Arena Garibaldi stadium in Pisa during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Bologna FC 1909 at Arena Garibaldi on March 2, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, at some point, Paterna suddenly turns to his right and asks, ‘Is that a penalty?’
According to investigators, Paterna turned towards Rocchi, who had knocked on the VAR officials’ door to say a pitchside review was needed.
This would violate VAR regulations, as decisions can only be made by the three VAR officials and the on-field referee without external influence.
Rocchi has now suspended himself, saying that he’s confident he’ll emerge “stronger than before.”
Ve soruşturmanın merkezindeki görüntü. Videonun 50’nci saniyesinde görüldüğü üzere Paterna arkasına dönüp birine “Penaltı mı?” diye soruyor. https://t.co/2hP69rI1hu pic.twitter.com/dUiTNhJbDl
On Saturday night, Virat Kohli was sitting comfortably at the top of the Orange Cap standings after his match-defining 81 against the Gujarat Titans. But in a dramatic turn of events on Sunday, the leaderboard saw multiple shifts, pushing him down to fifth place by the end of the day.
The day began with KL Rahul storming to the top in the afternoon, courtesy of a sensational unbeaten 152 against the Punjab Kings. By evening, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi overtook him with his second century of the IPL. However, the final twist came at night when Abhishek Sharma claimed the Orange Cap with a match-winning 57 against the Rajasthan Royals.
Abhishek Sharma is the new Orange Cap holder in IPL 2026 after his match-winning fifty against Rajasthan Royals. In eight matches, he has amassed 380 runs at an average of 54.29 and an explosive strike rate of 212.29.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi now sits second on the list with 357 runs from eight matches. After his sensational century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has averaged 44.63 while maintaining a staggering strike rate of 234.87.
Interestingly, KL Rahul also moved to 357 runs following his unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings but is now third on the Orange Cap list. However, Sooryavanshi is ahead due to his superior strike rate.
Heinrich Klaasen is placed fourth with 349 runs at an average of 49.86 and a strike rate of 149.79. Virat Kohli rounds off the top five with 328 runs at an average of 54.67 and a strike rate of 163.18.
In a single day packed with extraordinary performances, the Orange Cap changed hands multiple times, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable IPL 2026 has become.
Kelvin van der Linde bounced back in Sunday's second qualifying after a retirement on Saturday, claiming his 10th career DTM pole at the Red Bull Ring.
The German-South African set a best time of 1m27.575s to put his Schubert BMW M4 GT3 at the front of the grid.
He benefited from a Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustment made in the morning, but his lap time was 0.172s slower than Maro Engel's lap record from the previous day.
The biggest sensation, however, was HRT rookie Finn Wiebelhaus. The 21-year-old Road to DTM winner from last year qualified second in his Ford Mustang GT3 Evo, just 0.085 seconds behind the polesitter.
Behind, Local hero Lucas Auer (+0.093s) was the best Mercedes-AMG driver, taking third place, with Saturday's unlucky drivers Jules Gounon (+0.105s) and Engel (+0.134s) ending up fourth and fifth respectively in their Winward-Mercedes.
The next surprise came in sixth place, with Land rookie Bastian Buus ending up just +0.137s off pole position. His team has been using the Porsche 911 GT3 Evo for the first time this season, having entered an Audi last year.
Porsche team Manthey, which secured the opening victory on Saturday thanks to local hero Thomas Preining, suffered a setback. Preining finished 14th, 0.491 seconds behind, while team-mate Ricardo Feller (+0.554) could only manage 16th place. Things went even worse for Lamborghini, which once again found itself at the back of the field with the new Temerario GT3.
Strasbourg predicted XI v Lorient: Gary O’Neil set to field weakened side
RC Strasbourg Alsace’s priorities have been clear in recent weeks. Their focus has been on winning one of the cup competitions in order to facilitate a European qualification for next season. One cup, the Coupe de France, slipped through their fingers earlier this week, when they were dumped out by OGC Nice at the semi-final stage.
Gary O’Neil is preparing his side for their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Rayo Vallecano. As a result, Sunday’s game against FC Lorient has become a low priority. It will therefore be a weakened side that will face Les Merlus at the Moustoir.
Strasbourg also have absences to contend with. Aaron Anselmino, Valentin Barco, Mathis Amougou, and Joaquin Panichelli also miss out due to injury, whilst Guéla Doué is out due to illness.
Strasbourg likely line-up v Lorient
Mike Penders; Rafael Luis, Yoann Becker, Lucas Hogsberg, Amadou Cissé; Maxi Oyedele, Junior Mwanga; Sébastien Nanasi, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Gessime Yassine; David Datro Fofana. (L’Éq)
Michael Scotto: Julius Randle on Ayo Dosunmu: “I didn't know he was that damn good. I ain't gonna lie to you. When I was in the East and he was in Chicago, that were those DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine teams, so I don’t know if the opportunity was there as much, but damn, I'm glad we got him.”
Nantes predicted XI v Rennes: Tylel Tati out and won’t feature again this season
FC Nantes’ Tylel Tati has injured his thigh and will therefore miss Sunday’s Breton derby against Stade Rennais.
Not only will Tati miss Sunday’s game, but he will also miss the run-in. It is a blow for Nantes, who are already up against it in their bid to stave off relegation to Ligue 2. Vahid Halilhodzic is also without Francis Coquelin, Fabien Centonze, and Kelvin Amian. The likes of Rémy Cabella and Louis Leroux are not expected to start the game. Abakar Sylla, on loan from RC Strasbourg Alsace, is not even expected to make the matchday squad.
A win against Rennes is almost a must. With four games remaining, Les Canaris are five points behind AJ Auxerre, who currently occupy the relegation play-off place.
Nantes likely line-up v Rennes
Anthony Lopes; Deiver Machado, Nicolas Cozza, Ali Yousuf, Frédéric Guilbert; Johann Lepenant, Ibrahima Sissoko, Mohamed Kaba; Matthis Abline, Mostafa Mohamed, Dehmaine Tabibou. (L’Éq)
JAIPUR: Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are among the most destructive forces in the IPL at the moment. On Saturday, they made a mockery of a daunting 229-run target, dismantling Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack with a blistering 132-run partnership off just 55 balls to help Sunrisers Hyderabad register a five-wicket win with nine balls remaining.
In a display of synchronised destruction, Abhishek (57 off 29) and Ishan (74 off 31) both brought up their fifties in 24 balls and with it, the pair spoiled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s party. Earlier in the evening, the 15-year-old had stunned the crowd with a magnificent 103 off 37 balls.
The chase was not without its moments of fortune. Abhishek enjoyed two massive reprieves in consecutive overs — first in the fourth over, when Shimron Hetmyer misjudged a flat chance at third man and then in the fifth when Ravindra Jadeja uncharacteristically put down a sitter at backward point.
Donovan Ferreira eventually broke the in the 10th over, bowling a full one that Abhishek lofted towards long-off, where Jofra Archer took a fine overhead catch.
But with SRH at 139/2, the dismissal did little to disrupt their momentum. In the 13th over, Ferreira dived forward to take a sharp catch off Archer, removing Ishan and leaving SRH 166/3. Heinrich Klaasen (29 off 24) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (36 off 18) then kept the chase firmly on track to steer SRH to victory.
Earlier, Sooryavanshi gave Royals a blistering start as he brought up his second IPL hundred in 36 balls, studded with 12 sixes and five fours. During the blitz, he shared a 112-run stand off 62 balls with Dhruv Jurel (51 off 35). Sooryavanshi was dismissed the very next delivery after reaching his milestone, missing an attempted scoop and being trapped lbw.
Royals were still well placed at 170/3 in 13.5 overs, but the momentum stalled after the teenager’s departure. On this surface, 228/6 proved short. Pat Cummins was the standout exception on a day dominated by bat, finishing with 4-0-27-1. Back after a long injury layoff, the SRH captain showed his class by remaining the most economical bowler on a surface that offered little sanctuary.
Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 228/6 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 103, Dhruv Jurel 51, Donovan Ferreira 33; Eshan Malinga 2/38) lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (Ishan Kishan 74, Abhishek Sharma 57, Nitish Kumar Reddy 36; Jofra Archer 2/34, Brijesh Sharma 2/44) by five wickets.
Sunderland were battered by Nottingham Forest on friday night, so joining us to help give us some perspective is none other than former Sunderland midfielder Gordon Armstrong! On today’s show…
It was intensely disappointing – what went wrong?
Credit to Forest, as they were brilliant
What did Gordon make of the way we conceded?
Perspective needed?
All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show.
Want to get in touch with us? You can drop us an email at HawayThePodcastSAFC@Gmail.com, or you can contact us via social media – we’re @RokerReport on almost every platform. For your daily SAFC fan-written content, head over toRokerReport.SBNation.com
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Celtic managerial target may be beyond reach, with another Scot possibly on the way to Serie A...
Celtic have set their sights on a move to appoint Thomas Frank but the former Tottenham and Brentford manager would need some convincing to come to Scotland. (Football Insider)
Bologna are stepping up their interest in Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, according to reports in Italy. (The Herald - subscription required)
Former Rangers player and coach Jimmy Nicholl reckons Rangers would be in safe hands with Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the 20-year-old heavily linked with a move to Ibrox. (Daily Record - subscription required)
The SPFL hope to make a call on the latest Old Firm away tickets row by Monday evening, with Rangers complaining after Celtic refused to hand over the 2,200 allocation for the 10 May derby unless the Union Bears ultras group are barred. (Daily Record - subscription required)
Aston Villa are ready to move for Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie, 31, who has one year remaining on his Bournemouth contract. (Scottish Sun)
Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon reckons the fact bookings from a league campaign are not wiped before the play-offs is "draconian" and "abysmal". (Scottish Sun)
It was a mystery who the Washington Commanders would select at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft all the way up until the team went on the clock Thursday night. Once the Tennessee Titans (No. 4) and New York Giants (No. 5) passed on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, it appeared the stars were aligned for a player that Washington coveted.
That's precisely what happened when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took the stage to announce the Commanders had selected the 21-year-old All-American defender. Styles was emotional. In a clip that Washington's social media team later aired, both sides were elated. As for Styles, he said in an ESPN interview after being drafted that he told Washington head coach Dan Quinn he'd see him again soon.
Styles was right.
Sometimes, when a player says he wants to be somewhere specific after he's picked, it's simply a case of saying the right thing, or what you want everyone to hear. Not Styles. He truly felt in his gut he'd be a Commander, even revealing as much on the morning of the draft as he sat down for a haircut.
Photo Special – Green Brigade’s ‘Spirit of 86’ Welcome to Paradise for Celtic team
The Green Brigade has spent to majority of this season locked-out of Celtic Park. They have managed through the outstanding comradeship of Celtic supporters clubs up and down the country to get tickets for away matches but there is little doubt that they have been missed at Paradise…
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Yesterday the Green Brigade were outstanding. So were Bhoys Celtic and incidentally the recent request for the club to join both sets of Ultras together for next season makes perfect sense in every regard.
Bhoys Celtic moved from the back corner of the North Stand/Jock Stein stand to the front Jock Stein curve next to the Main stand a few seasons ago. Moving then again to house all the ultras together in the North Curve surely is the way to go. Yesterday both sets of Ultras played their part, the welcome the team got was simply brilliant and they continued on throughout the early evening inside Celtic Park which for the first time in a while really did feel like Paradise.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
The supporters have parked the protest to concentrate on winning the title and the Scottish Cup and yesterday while Daizen Maeda deservedly got the Man of the Match ‘the 12th Man’ in the stands – 60,000 of us – could easily have picked up that award. Brilliant yesterday, more of the same to follow in the Glasgow Derby and the Trophy Day showdown with Hearts. We’ll be there to give the Bhoys a Cheer.
Spirit of ’86 – Celtic team’s welcome to Paradise. Saturday 25 April 2026. Celtic v Falkirk. Scottish Premiership. Photo Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Hats off to The Green Brigade and Celtic Ultras. Geo went along with his camera to capture the pre-match action – remains banned from Celtic Park, something that has to be addressed by the club if they want harmony to return after the dust settles on this turbulent season that could yet have a sensational ending, just like back in 1986…
The Athletic share how Levi Colwill fared as he completed 90 minutes for Chelsea’s under-21s
Levi Colwill is on course to return for Chelsea before the end of the season after playing 90 minutes for the under-21s against Middlesbrough on Saturday according to The Athletic.
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The England international hasn’t featured this season after suffering an ACL injury before the start of the campaign.
The 23-year-old started in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Middlesbrough with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell in attendance as well as club legend John Terry.
The Athletic have reported the initial plan was for Colwill to play 60-70 minutes and see if he wanted to come off, but he chose to complete the game.
The report adds Colwill headed down the tunnel with a smile on his face, and the Blues will now gauge how his body reacts to playing a full game.
The Athletic state he may play again for the under-21s against Tottenham on Friday, but his chances of making a first team return before the end of the season are on track.
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In other news…
William Gallas has urged Chelsea to snub Cesc Fabregas and appoint Diego Simeoneas their new head-coach.
Chelsea are said to have admiration for Fabregas, whilst there haven’t been any links to Simeone, but he’d certainly command respect in the dressing room.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
“Not acceptable” – Bremer unsatisfied with Juventus campaign, hails ‘top’ Liverpool star
Juventus defender Gleison Bremer insists that the club cannot be content to compete for a spot in the Champions League, but must aspire to return to the very top.
The Bianconeri are closing in on another Top-four finish, thanks to an impressive run that saw them leapfrog Como and Roma.
In the three previous rounds, the Old Lady prevailed over Genoa, Bologna, and Atalanta. Therefore, a victory over Milan on Sunday should realistically seal the deal, and would also see them catch up with the Rossoneri in third place.
Ahead of the big San Siro showdown, Juventus kept the recent trend going by entrusting media duties to one of their players instead of Luciano Spalletti.
This time, it was Bremer’s turn to address the press, and the defender explained that the lighter schedule has helped the manager implement his ideas, which prompted their recent improvements.
“The team is improving step by step as the season goes on, and you can see it on the pitch. Playing once a week gives us more time; the coach insists on our quality,” said the 29-year-old in his pre-match press conference via IlBianconero.
“When the coach arrived, he didn’t have time to implement his methods. Playing once a week means we’re working more, and defensively we’re communicating better, training well, and it’s helping. To win, you need a solid defence.”
Bremer recalls Allegri’s stint, desperate to restore Juventus glory
Bremer will cross paths with his former head coach, Max Allegri. The centre-back was asked about the difference between the Milan boss and Spalletti.
“They are two great coaches. When Max was here, it was great. We started winning again. With him, I learned a lot defensively.
“Mr Spalletti wants his teams to dominate and control the game, and that’s what we’re trying to do.
“The whole team is aware of this: understanding space, checking your surroundings, following the coach’s advice. It’s something he works on with the entire squad, not just me.”
Bremer described this season as a disappointment, even if Juventus manage to finish in the Top Four.
“The club decided to extend Spalletti, and when he arrived the team changed a lot. At Juve, we’ve been treading water for six years. That can’t happen. I feel good here, but it’s important to get back to winning. To be considered a top player, you have to win, and I want to win.
“Six years of just staying afloat at Juve isn’t acceptable. You can’t just aim for the Champions League; you have to win.
“Yes, we could have done better. It hasn’t been a positive season; the minimum objective is the Champions League. In some matches, we could have done more, progressed further in the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. Now we have to focus on the present and keep going.”
“Alisson is a top goalkeeper, but so are Mattia Perin and Michele Di Gregorio, who’s back in form. It’s up to the club, not me.”
Finally, Bremer opened up on his post-ACL tear experience, while revealing the support and advice he received from Alessandro Del Piero and Giorgio Chiellini.
“Coming back from an ACL isn’t easy. I spoke with Alessandro Del Piero and Giorgio Chiellini, and it helped. They told me to stay patient.
“People say that when you return from an ACL, you’re not the same—and it’s true, it takes time. I’m working on it, not just at Juve, but also at home. I feel much better now, though I’m still missing something. It’s a long process that doesn’t really end.”
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Fans of FC Bayern München celebrate the Championship title the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bayern Munich’s 6-4 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League (yes, it is still so sweet) saw the Bavarians overcome their rivals for the first time in 12 years and sees the club move on to the semifinals, where they will face Paris Saint Germain in a bid to win the entire competition.
Yet the victory over Los Blancos did not come without cost. Two photographers were crushed against the advertising boards and injured by celebrating Bayern ultras, something that prompted the VDS (Association of German Sports Journalists) to send a letter to UEFA, demanding an investigation against Bayern.
UEFA investigated Bayern for four different allegations and Munich based news site Abendzeitung reports on (as captured by @iMiaSanMia here and here) the result of these investigations:
UEFA has imposed a €40,000 fine on FC Bayern for ‘violation of the inner area regulations’ against Real Madrid at Allianz Arena. An additional €14,000 fine was levied for blocking public aisles. UEFA also issued a further €5,625 for throwing objects. There’s another €30k fine for disseminating a message deemed “unacceptable for a sporting event.” So in total, the club will have to pay €89,625. There’s no fan ban.
It is another fairly hefty fine for the club, but the club can deal with it well. A fan ban for the first leg of the PSG tie would have been a lot worse for the club, so it is fortunate that the Bavarians escaped that specific punishment.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Ireland were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half as their bid for a historic win fell short [Getty Images]
Ireland headed to Clermont with hopes of a historic first win on French soil, and with one eye on revenge.
France had eight straight wins over Ireland, who were closing the gap even if their last meeting led to a narrow World Cup quarter-final exit.
The Irish players had spoken beforehand about owing France one for that defeat, and the belief that is so often kept within a group was on full display.
However, at the end of it all, they left France empty-handed, beaten 26-7 as they were made to pay for not taking their chances.
"I'm really proud of the girls. We showed what we are capable of and what we are trying to do. It's just fine margins out there," Ireland captain Erin King said.
"We fired shots and we are so capable. We put pressure on France and we could see it in that first half especially.
"We've showed that we can compete with the top four in the world, so it's about getting it over that line."
After the big talk in the build-up, Ireland blew France away in the opening 40 minutes but, largely, were left unrewarded for their efforts.
Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald crossed for Ireland but had two efforts chalked off, while Brittany Hogan and Fiona Tuite were also denied first-half scores.
France, who are tipped to meet England in a Grand Slam decider on the final day of the Six Nations, showed a clinical edge and moved clear after the restart through Carla Arbez, Anais Grando and Lea Champon, while Ireland could not back up their first-half performance and fell short.
Under head coach Scott Bemand, Ireland have moved up to fifth in the world and stunned New Zealand and Australia in 2024, but the elusive Six Nations scalp goes on.
England had too much on the opening day, when a slow start was punished, and defeat by France shows there is still work to be done.
"In these kinds of Test matches the margins become finer, so we're after finer margins than we were," Bemand said.
"Nail your kick to touch and nail your exit - they are the type of things that don't let France in.
"We will keep going after the finer margins and keep trying to get better. I've got a group who is up for that."
'Ireland will channel frustrations'
Ireland back row Edel McMahon, sidelined though injury, said on the Ireland Rugby Social that there would be frustrations the team came up short.
"The England game was a missed opportunity, they will feel, because that was probably a poor England performance but they were too late starting into the game," McMahon said.
"They made a fast start against France, but we didn't get the tries on the board or the scores.
"It didn't go Ireland's way and that was extremely frustrating when we were there confrontationally."
Former Ireland prop Lindsay Peat felt the introduction of five players off the bench in the 47th minute was a "momentum killer" when "we still felt in control".
Peat singled out the withdrawal of hooker Moloney-MacDonald and said the number of changes so early in the game can "unsettle a team".
"I just felt like everyone fed off her energy," Peat said.
"That was a statement performance and I think she had another 10 minutes in her."
Peat and McMahon also pointed out small moments, such as the missed penalty and missed touch from the otherwise impressive Dannah O'Brien when Ireland were chasing the game, and the lack of a review on the opening French try from Ambre Mwayembe, which looked to be held up by Aoife Wafer but went unchallenged.
After all the hype and build-up about taking the game to France, Ireland will now have to wait another year to have another go at toppling Les Bleues.
For McMahon, she says the "frustrations will turn to focus" before the final two games of the Six Nations.
After a week off, Ireland will host Wales in Belfast and Scotland in Dublin to round out their tournament, and the aim will now be to consolidate third position.
"They are a steady group and they will turn that type of emotion into focus and a want to be better," McMahon said.
"You don't need to worry about the battle of, 'oh, do we need to hype the girls up?'.
"They will use the frustrations in the right channels to make sure they are better."
Eberl on going Kompany over Flick and refusing to sign Jackson permanently
Speaking in an interview with ZDF last night, Max Eberl revealed how Bayern Munich went about recruiting Vincent Kompany for the vacant head coach role.
“We spoke with Nagelsmann, Rangnick and Glasner. Some wanted to bring Flick back. Kompany was always on the list. I didn’t dare approach Vincent first.
“He is a fantastic person and coach (…) We only received positive feedback about him, also from Pep Guardiola. I told Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: ‘Call Pep.’ That was the door opener. Then we signed him," he said.
Regarding the squad itself, the Bavarian club's director of sport confessed they “will not trigger the option for Nicolas Jackson” before discussing the futures of Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer.
“For us, there is not a second of thinking about it [selling Michael Olise this summer]. He is developing excellently.
“He [Manuel Neuer] is a legend. We will sit down and talk calmly. If Manuel feels ready for it, I wouldn’t know what would speak against him doing it for one more year," he said.
The 52-year-old was then asked about his early days at the German record champions – a time when he seemed under pressure and constant scrutiny in areas of the media.
“I was under the microscope. At one point, I would have liked a bit more protection. But I know how big Bayern are. You cannot prepare yourself for Bayern. You have to dive straight in," he said.
As Chennai Super Kings prepare to host Gujarat Titans at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, the biggest talking point isn’t just the clash, it’s the continued suspense around MS Dhoni’s return.
CSK head into this encounter on the back of a dominant performance against the Mumbai Indians. In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, CSK secured a massive 103-run victory, underlining their growing confidence. A stunning century from Sanju Samson powered CSK to a formidable total, while the bowling unit delivered a clinical performance to dismantle MI’s batting lineup with ease.
This comprehensive win not only boosted CSK’s net run rate but also reinforced their credentials as serious contenders this season.
During that game, CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey had given a status update on Dhoni. “He is progressing really well. He has been really pushing hard to get back as quick as he possibly can. I know all the fans would like to see Dhoni out there playing as well. We are hopeful, maybe in the coming few games. Even we want him as quickly as he possibly can as well. But obviously, he needs to be closer to 100 percent fit, ready to give his best. He has been batting really well in the nets, he looks good in the nets, just need him running hard between the wickets too,” he said.
For nearly four weeks, Dhoni has been out of action due to a calf injury. While the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has completed rehabilitation and even passed a fitness test, his absence from the playing XI has raised eyebrows. However, this isn’t a case of lingering injury concerns. According to the Indian Express, Dhoni is match-fit but has consciously delayed his comeback. The reason? He doesn’t want to disturb a combination that has started to click for CSK.
On Saturday, head coach Stephen Fleming still maintained that Dhoni is being closely watched. “He’s progressing well. He’s on the road to recovery and doing everything that’s being asked of him,” Fleming said without revealing much about when Dhoni is expected to take the field.
CSK vs GT at Chepauk
The upcoming fixture promises to be a compelling contest between two sides navigating different phases of their campaign. CSK return to their fortress in Chennai after back-to-back away fixtures, carrying confidence and rhythm. Their batting unit has found form, and the bowling attack especially the spinners looks well-suited to Chepauk conditions.
On the other hand, GT, led by Shubman Gill, are still searching for consistency. While they possess a strong squad on paper, their performances have fluctuated, making this clash crucial for regaining momentum. The Chepauk pitch is expected to assist spinners, which could tilt the balance slightly in CSK’s favor. With both teams hovering around the mid-table region, this game could play a pivotal role in shaping their playoff ambitions.
Inter in the thick of it?! Serie A rocked by refereeing scandal
In Italy, the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating a potential referee scandal in Serie A since today, in which Inter Milan may also be involved.
Serie A and B referee appointments chief Gianluca Rocchi and VAR head Andrea Gervasoni resigned yesterday out of nowhere. Before that, Italian media had reported on possible match-fixing involving Rocchi.
The accusation: for the league matches Bologna vs. Inter and the Coppa Italia match Inter vs. Milan, he is said to have deliberately selected referees who favored Inter. All of the matches concerned took place last season. Rocchi is also said to have influenced the league match Udinese vs. Parma.
The Nerazzurri have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. According to “Gazzetta dello Sport,” however, they are surprised by the accusations, especially since they lost both of the matches in question.
Rocchi is expected to be questioned about the allegations on April 30.
Rennes predicted XI v Nantes: Arnaud Nordin absent, Valentin Rongier returns
Stade Rennais will be without Arnaud Nordin for the Breton derby against FC Nantes on Sunday afternoon, however, they will be able to count on the return of Valentin Roniger, who missed last weekend’s comfortable win over RC Strasbourg Alsace (0-3) due to suspension.
Rongier will return to captain the Rennes side, but Franck Haise has a decision to make regarding who partners him in the midfield. It is a toss-up between Mahdi Camara and Sébastien Szymanski. L’Équipe understands that it is the former who is expected to be given the nod at Roazhon Park on Sunday afternoon.
Rennes are also without Jérémy Jacquet and Przemyslaw Frankowski. The Poland international has returned to first-team training but is not fit to face Les Canaris.
NEW DELHI: There are days in IPL history that live forever. Days when the game exceeds itself, goes somewhere it has never been before, and leaves you wondering whether you actually witnessed what you think you did. Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was unquestionably one of those days.
After KL Rahul’s staggering 152 not out had already redrawn the boundaries of what seemed possible in a scorching Delhi afternoon, Punjab Kings walked out to chase 265. Not 200. Not 220. Two hundred and sixty five. And they got there with seven balls to spare and six wickets remaining. Let that settle.
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya made sure the chase never felt like a tall order. From the very first ball, this was not a team operating under the weight of an impossible target. This was a team that had simply decided the target was irrelevant. Prabhsimran (76 off 23b; 9x4, 5x6), in particular, was something otherworldly. He played an innings that was viscerally violent.
Priyansh Arya (43 off 17b; 2x4, 5x6), at the other end, was no passenger. Together they crashed 116 runs in the Powerplay, nine fours and ten sixes between them, reducing what should have been a fortress total into something that felt negotiable. It was the second highest Powerplay score ever in the IPL.
Then came the wobble. Axar Patel removed Arya, Kuldeep Yadav trapped Prabhsimran lbw, and Cooper Connolly fell too, bowled by a Kuldeep googly. In the space of 16 balls, Punjab had gone from 126 for none to 145 for 3, and suddenly Delhi sensed something. A game that had felt over began to breathe again.
Enter Shreyas Iyer. Calm. Precise. Completely unruffled.
Iyer’s unbeaten 71 off 36 balls (3x4, 7x6) was not the flashiest innings of the day. But it was, arguably, the most important. With Shashank Singh providing sensible company at the other end with 19 not out off 10 balls, Iyer guided Punjab home by six wickets as if the whole exercise was a mere formality.
With this win, Punjab Kings now hold the record for the highest successful run chase across all men’s T20 cricket, not just the IPL.
Earlier, KL Rahul (152* off 67b; 16x4, 9x6) scripted an innings that felt less like a return to form and more like a reclamation of identity. Rahul didn’t just score a breathtaking ton for Delhi Capitals — he dismantled, dictated and, at times, dazzled with a freedom that has often eluded him in the shortest format.
For the longest time, Rahul’s T20 career has resembled a man dragging a heavy suitcase of strike-rate anxieties. But that was not the case on Saturday, as Rahul decided to abandon the suitcase.
It could have been very different though. Rahul began with a couple of crisp boundaries off Xavier Bartlett; however, the defining moment came when Shashank Singh spilled a chance at deep square leg off Arshdeep Singh. It wasn’t a sitter, but it was one of those opportunities that, when missed against a batter of Rahul’s calibre, tend to echo through the rest of the innings. Punjab would spend the next two hours chasing that moment.
If Rahul’s early strokes were about timing, Nitish Rana’s were about intent. Rana set the tempo, taking on the bowlers, especially Bartlett, whose one over went for 28 and shifted the momentum irreversibly. Rana’s 91 off 44 balls (11x4, 4x6) ensured Delhi never dipped after losing Pathum Nissanka early to a miscued pull off Arshdeep Singh’s bowling, as wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh grabbed an easy catch behind the stumps.
What followed was a partnership that will be spoken about in IPL folklore. Rahul and Rana stitched together 220 runs for the second wicket — the second-highest stand in the league’s history, only behind the 229-run blitz by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in 2016.
Rahul’s half-century came in just 26 balls; and after reaching the milestone, he just went into overdrive. There was a clarity in his shot selection, an absence of the tentativeness that has crept into his T20 game in recent years. He took apart Arshdeep for 20 in an over, then reached his hundred off 47 balls against Marco Jansen. Each phase of his innings felt like a shedding of layers — from caution to control, and finally to complete command.
For a player often critiqued for pacing his innings too conservatively in T20s, this was Rahul unburdened. He accessed all parts of the ground, not with reckless abandon but with calculated authority.
Rana, meanwhile, played the perfect co-author. His innings ensured Punjab never got a foothold. When he fell, dismissed by Bartlett, it brought an end not just to a monumental stand but had effectively broken the spirit of the Punjab bowlers.
Rahul, though, was far from done. He surged past 150, finishing unbeaten on 152 — the highest individual T20 score by an Indian and the third highest in IPL history, behind Chris Gayle’s 175* and Brendon McCullum’s 158*.
At half-time, Bayern fans would have been rubbing their eyes when they saw the score, checking other websites to verify. It couldn’t be! But it was true: FC Bayern were 3-0 down after 45 minutes at Mainz 05 – and deservedly so. Another 45 minutes later, everyone in Munich colours was hugging each other. Nicolas Jackson, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane had in all seriousness turned this Bundesliga contest on its head into a 4-3 victory, which more than anything acts as a psychological boost for the Champions League semi-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. “I love this mentality,” stated head coach Vincent Kompany afterwards. “The boys celebrated like we’d saved ourselves from relegation.”
Worst half of the season
But before they could celebrate, Bayern endured their worst half of the campaign so far. With a much-changed line-up, including a first start for 18-year-old Bara Ndiaye, it was only in the first quarter of an hour that the visitors managed to show something resembling the dominance everyone had expected. Mainz were then rewarded for a disciplined display, in which they countered with speed and purpose: a loss of possession in Bayern build-up and suddenly it went in the other direction. “What went wrong in the first half? Everything!” Kompany responded in the post-match press conference. “It felt like it could’ve been four or five before the break.”
What Mainz did particularly well: with just a few touches of the ball, they bypassed the complete pitch and got their attacking players into clear shooting positions. “We kept managing to escape by being brave in our passing. We made correct, good decisions and were dangerous again and again,” praised coach Urs Fischer. The stats were clearly in the 10th-placed hosts’ favour, with 11 attempts on goal to two. Three of those ended up in the back of the net, while Bayern were not up to the mark at times, too passive, too uninspired – and clearly shocked by the goals conceded. Not a single Munich shot was on target. “We didn’t get into the penalty box – we had a lot of possession, lots of short passes but didn’t get in on goal,” criticised Kompany. “That can happen sometimes, but then you shouldn’t concede.”
Granted, maybe falling behind was almost understandable in the current period, with Bayern juggling routine Bundesliga matches in between securing the title last weekend, reaching the DFB Cup final and with an eagerly anticipated Champions League semi-final coming up. Nevertheless, the visitors were disappointingly 3-0 down at the break – for only the fourth time in this millennium. What happened next was described by Mainz playmaker Nadiem Amiri as “absolutely shocking”. His coach, Fischer, added: “It’s still hard to find the right words. But it’s easy to summarise: we played a top first half and then almost stopped in the second half.”
Morale, will to win, team spirit
The strength of Bayern’s character, will to win and team spirit was revealed in the second half in a remarkable, unique and unforgettable way. Kompany certainly found the right words in his loud half-time team talk and brought on three goalscorers in Kane, Olise and later Musiala. “The quality that was unleashed after that – you can’t defend against that. It’s the best example of why Bayern are the best team in the world at the moment,” continued Amiri.
The 05ers may have had the first shot on goal of the second half, but it was virtually one-way traffic after that. The lively Olise in particular was a constant menace for the hosts, as Bayern’s passing game became more and more accurate, the gaps in the Mainz defence became bigger and the potential counter-attacks were quickly snuffed out by FCB. “We spoke at the break about not retreating, not thinking about just defending the 3-0 lead – but that’s exactly what happened,” bemoaned the Mainz boss. “Bayern are just too good this season, too strong.”
The consequence: Jackson quickly reduced the deficit with his seventh league goal of the season, sparking hopes of a historic comeback. Even the mighty FC Bayern had only once before come from 3-0 down to win: against VfL Bochum in 1976 (final score 6-5). When Olise stroked the ball into the net in his own inimitable way with his magic left foot, and the brilliant Musiala levelled the score at 3-3 just minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Everyone could see the energy that these goals released in Musiala’s unrestrained celebration, in the look of pure joy on his face. “The celebration, the smile – when an attacking player shows that, everything’s released,” said Kompany. “Then everything’s all right. It’s the first time that Jamal is feeling this freedom again.”
Only the Bayern fans could still be hard at the MEWA Arena, the Mainz supporters – like their players – were in a state of shock. A win, which would have been the fifth in the last six home games against Bayern, would have secured their top-flight status. But the inevitable happened: the tireless Musiala set up Kane to complete a sensational 4-3 win with his 33rd Bundesliga goal of the season. “We were given a fair dressing-down at half-time and then we showed again what makes us strong,” summarised Leon Goretzka. “In life you can get setbacks and in a football match you can be behind, but it always comes down to how you react to it. We again proved today that we have a very special team.”
Three goals in ten minutes – including Kane’s fifth from the bench this season, another statistic that the goal-getter leads. Overall, Bayern’s 18 goals scored by substitutes has never happened before in Bundesliga history. “Bayern just completely took us apart in the second half with their quality,” admitted Mainz midfielder Dominik Kohr. “The fact we still have the hunger to turn the game around, to celebrate as if we’d won the title, is a good feeling,” commented a delighted Musiala. “We need this feeling for the coming weeks if we want to win more.”
With a view to Tuesday’s first leg in Paris, it was an incredible victory that is likely to have a much greater psychological impact – and be far more valuable – than the three points earned from a dominant, uneventful away win of the sort we’ve seen so often this season. “If we’d lost, I would’ve said: No problem, we can separate these matches. For me, one match is never an indication for the next match. However, you always have to collect the moments of success in a season. In the end, they give you the right to believe you can achieve everything,” summarised Kompany.
And so his team presumably departed Mainz with the best feeling of being unbeatable, and the loud, jubilant chants from the away end still ringing in their ears. “We're going to win the championship – and the European Cup – and the cup,” they sang. And after this, who’s to doubt that?
Record-breaking numbers are expected at the start line in Greenwich, with more than 59,000 people gearing up to race in warm sunshine.
Temperatures are forecast to reach the high teens, with participants taking on the 26.2-mile course advised to stay hydrated ahead of the marathon and wear lightweight clothing on the day.
Organisers are hoping to beat last year's Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a marathon, with 56,640 participants making it to the end.
About 55.7 per cent of participants registered for this year’s race are male, while some 44.2 per cent are female and 0.15 per cent non-binary.
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is running the TCS London Marathon in aid of The Kings Trust and Shameless Fund (PA)
It is set to be the most inclusive London Marathon in history, with more than 1,900 people with a disability registered to take part, organisers said.
Oscar-nominee Erivo, who ran in 2022, will race for The King’s Trust and Shameless Fund while former Arsenal captain Adams is racing for the first time, in support of the Forward Trust.
Speaking on the Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara podcast, Erivo said: “A win is if we get there and it’s less than 3.35 (her 2022 run time). If we get 3.20, that’s the win, that is the practical side.
“The other side is actually getting to this weekend and getting to the start line tomorrow is a huge win, because it’s been a really long, wild process.”
She added: “The fact that we’ve got here and, come rain or shine, I’m getting to the finish line… that will be the win to me.”
Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams will take on his first London Marathon in support of the Forward Trust (PA)
Former England cricketer Sir Alastair Cook will race for the second year running, in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, while children’s TV’s Daddy Pig, from hit show Peppa Pig, will take part alongside “The Body Coach” Joe Wicks.
In a specially-designed costume, Daddy Pig will run for the National Deaf Children’s Society after a Peppa Pig storyline revealed George Pig is moderately deaf.
Among those to race costumed is Jordan Adams, who plans to strap a fridge to his back “because we are all carrying something. And we don’t have to carry it alone,” he said in a statement released through mental health charity Mind.
Mr Adams was diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia in 2018, a disease which his mother died of two years before.
Elite runners for the men’s field include Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who placed first in his category last year, while Rafael Botello Jimenez, from Spain, will be among the top participants in the men’s wheelchair field.
Former England cricketer Sir Alastair Cook will run the London Marathon for the second year running (PA)
Last year’s fastest woman, Tigst Assefa, from Ethiopia, will hope to retain her crown, while Mauritia’s Noemi Alphonse will be among the top competitors in the women’s wheelchair field.
The oldest participants to cross the start line will be Harry Newton, 88, and Maria Rivera, 86.
Celebrating their 18th birthdays on marathon day, Olivier Smythe, Khadija Khalfaoui and Molly Bull-Diamond will be the youngest racers.
Some 76 participants are hoping to break 73 GWRs, including Jennifer Ferris, 40, who will attempt to run the world’s fastest marathon with a double mastectomy in aid of Breast Cancer Now.
Mark Goulder, 35, hopes to break the record for the fastest marathon blindfolded (tethered), inspired by his younger brother Bobby, who was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease – a rare, genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss.
Royal Marines Commando veteran Simon Fannon will attempt the record for longest scarf knitted while running a marathon while Ben Spencer, 52, will attempt the fastest marathon in a non-racing wheelchair (male).
Last year, the event raised a record £87.3 million, bringing the cumulative total raised since the first race in 1981 to £1.4 billion, according to organisers.
Marie Curie, the event’s charity of the year for 2026, hopes to raise £2 million to fund care for those at the end of their lives and support for their loved ones.
This year, the event’s estimated 800,000 spectators will be encouraged to sign up to give blood as part of the Blood, Sweat and Cheers campaign.
Fabrizio Romano provides new update on future of €65m rated Chelsea ace
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has confirmed the German champions won’t activate the €65m buy option on Nicolas Jackson.
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Jackson joined Bayern on a season long loan on deadline day last summer, but has played second fiddle to the likes of Harry Kane and Luis Diaz for the majority of the season.
The 24-year-old has scored ten goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, but only 13 of those have come as starts.
Fabrizio Romano on Nicolas Jackson future
Jackson will return to Chelsea at the end of the season, where a decision will then be taken on what to do next.
Arsenal now wants to add Bundesliga speedster to their squad
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Karim Adeyemi ahead of the summer transfer window, as they look to return next season with an even stronger squad. The Gunners are expected to be active in the market as they aim to build on the progress made during the current campaign.
This season, Arsenal have benefited from the signings made last summer, and the club remain determined to strengthen whenever opportunities arise. Improving squad depth and adding more quality could be central to their plans for the next term.
Adeyemi Emerges as Arsenal Target
The Gunners believe continued investment in top players will help them maintain high performance levels, and Adeyemi has reportedly become the latest name on their shortlist. The German forward has developed a strong reputation across Europe for his pace and attacking threat.
According to Sports Boom, Arsenal view Adeyemi as a player capable of revitalising their attack during the summer window. His speed, direct running and versatility would offer additional options in wide and central areas.
Summer Move Could Appeal to Forward
Arsenal’s interest suggests they are searching for players who can immediately improve the current group. With domestic and European ambitions growing, adding proven attacking quality could become a priority once the season ends.
Adeyemi is reportedly content at Borussia Dortmund, where he continues to play an important role. However, the possibility of a move to Arsenal could still be attractive if the opportunity develops in the coming months.
A transfer to North London would present the chance to compete in one of the world’s most demanding leagues and become part of a side aiming for major honours. It could also offer the attacker a fresh challenge at a crucial stage of his career.
For Arsenal, securing a player with Adeyemi’s attributes would represent another statement of intent as they seek to strengthen for next season. Whether formal negotiations emerge remains to be seen, but his name is clearly one to watch ahead of the summer market.
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Barcelona set to restore utility man to right-back role against Osasuna
With the La Liga title race entering a decisive phase, Barcelona are preparing for an important clash against Osasuna and manager Hansi Flick is expected to make notable adjustments to his starting XI.
According to recent reports from AS, the changes are not entirely by choice but driven by circumstances, most notably the absence of Jules Kounde.
The French defender picked up a yellow card in the previous outing against Getafe, which means he will miss the Osasuna fixture due to suspension for accumulated bookings.
Before addressing Flick’s solution, it is important to recognise Kounde’s importance in the system.
He has been a consistent presence at right-back, offering both stability and tactical intelligence. His absence, therefore, presents a challenge at a crucial point in the season.
So what now?
In response, Flick is expected to turn to one of his most reliable utility players, namely, Eric Garcia.
The Spaniard has already been deployed in the right-back role on multiple occasions this season and has proven capable of adapting to the demands of the position without disrupting the team’s structure.
Eric Garcia will return to the right-back spot against Osasuna. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
While there are alternative solutions available, such as shifting Ronald Araujo to the flank or repositioning Joao Cancelo on the right while introducing Alejandro Balde on the left, Flick is unlikely to experiment too much.
With so much at stake, the preference is expected to be continuity and trusting players who have already delivered in similar situations.
It must be noted that against Osasuna, Barcelona will not just be playing for three points; they will be aiming to seal the La Liga title while keeping an eye on Real Madrid’s result.
In such scenarios, managers tend to rely on familiarity and tactical discipline rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Much-needed rest
It must be remembered that Kounde’s suspension against Osasuna effectively ensures that he will be fully fit and available for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on 10 May.
Interestingly, as far as Garcia is concerned, having already served his own suspension recently, he is now fully available, giving Flick additional flexibility.
The key question heading into the Clasico will be how he is utilised, whether as a defensive midfielder, where he has occasionally operated, or alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence.
Serie A: Torino vs. Inter – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV
Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to partner with Marcus Thuram in the Inter attack for an away game against Ché Adams and Giovanni Simeone’s Torino.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Stadio Grande Torino.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Ché Adams of Torino FC during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Torino FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 21, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Napoli’s win over Cremonese on Friday means Inter can’t mathematically clinch the Scudetto this weekend, but the Nerazzurri are just four points away from winning the title.
Torino must cope without Zakaria Aboukhlal and Tino Anjorin. Inter have travelled to Turin without Lautaro Martinez and Luis Henrique. Italy international Alessandro Bastoni should start on the bench for the Nerazzurri as he’s still dealing with pain in his ankle.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As per Sky Sport and other Italian media, Pio Esposito and Thuram are favourites to start up front for Inter, while Yann Sommer is expected to return between the sticks after two consecutive appearances of second-choice keeper Josep Martinez.
Torino will look to Adams and Simeone in attack, while Cesare Casadei is favourite over Matteo Prati in central midfield.
Torino vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Alba, BBC Sport website, DAZN in the UK and Ireland, and Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Juventus XI vs AC Milan – Predicted lineup and team news
Juventus face AC Milan on Sunday night in an important Serie A showdown, with both teams pushing to secure a top-four finish.
Milan are currently third with 66 points from 33 matches, while Juventus sit just behind in fourth on 63. The race remains tight, as Roma trail Juve by two points and Como are five points further back in sixth.
Juventus come into the game in strong form, unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. They’ve won their previous three games without conceding, most recently beating Bologna 2-0 at home.
Juventus team news
Luciano Spalletti is dealing with several squad issues. Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal are ruled out due to muscle injuries.
There are also doubts over Dusan Vlahovic, who has travelled with the team but is expected to start on the bench because of a calf problem.
There is some good news, though, as Kenan Yıldız has returned to full training and is likely to start alongside Jonathan David in a 3-4-3 formation.
In defence, Pierre Kalulu is set to feature against his former club, joining Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly in the back three.
Juventus still have a strong midfield, with Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram expected to play key roles in breaking up Milan’s play in what could be a tight and tactical contest.
Juventus predicted lineup
Possible Juventus starting XI: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 26th April.
How to watch AC Milan vs Juventus?
In the UK, the match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.
Guardiola not getting carried away by domestic treble talk
Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City are still ‘far away’ from a domestic treble despite reaching the FA Cup final.
City came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday evening, as goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez saw off the Championship side, who had opened the scoring through Finn Azazz.
The Citizens won the League Cup last month after beating Arsenal at Wembley, and will return to face either Chelsea or Leeds in the FA Cup decider. City are also involved in a tight title race with Arsenal, opening up the prospect of a domestic treble.
It’s a feat achieved only once previously in the history of English football, by Guardiola’s side during the 2018/19 campaign.
Despite reaching a record-breaking fourth successive FA Cup final, Guardiola said he is focusing only on the next game.
“Before the final and before the Aston Villa game, then I will tell you it’s a chance. Now it’s far away.
“Now it’s important we have three days off for the players and I tell them don’t think about football and rest.
“Now we start the season of five games plus the final of the FA Cup.
“Now I would say the Premier League is almost gone. We are back second. Then we will see how we arrive.”
Guardiola praised the performance of opponents Southampton at Wembley, admitting he did not underestimate the Saints despite making mass changes to his team.
“They were 19 games unbeaten, so I never thought it would be easy,” he said.
“So the energy we had in the second half from Jeremy and Savinho [helped, but], if they started from the beginning they would not have this energy.
“Because Jeremy, especially when you play three days, three days, three days, the risk of getting injured is so massive. The players [who started] deserved to play, they helped us.
“The first half was not bad. We didn’t concede much. In the second half, we played at the level we played in Burnley but unfortunately we arrived in the 18-yard box, and we were not clinical enough.
“You have to wait for the holding midfielder to score an outstanding goal. And Jeremy with the first. How many times in the second half did Southampton cross the halfway? One. And what a goal.
“Football is unpredictable. Big credit for the way they defend, the way they play.”
Manchester City: Gonzalez says semi-final winner might be best career goal
Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez has said he can’t remember scoring a better goal than his semi-final winner against Southampton.
Gonzalez blasted Manchester City into the FA Cup final with a stunning strike to seal a 2-1 win over Southampton at Wembley. City had fallen behind on 79 minutes to the Championship side, when Finn Azazz curled a brilliant effort beyond James Trafford.
Despite that late setback, Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort brought the teams level, before Gonzalez’s moment of the magic. The Spaniard smashed home from distance for only his fourth goal for the club.
“I don’t remember to be honest, maybe last season, but it wasn’t that good to be fair,” Gonzalez said when asked if the goal was the best he had ever scored.
“It’s amazing to score at the end. It’s been a long time without playing. And being here, in this amazing stadium, with this atmosphere, it’s an amazing feeling.
“I think I had a few chances to shoot because they were defending so deep. We were playing really good in the second half and making them be in their own area.
“I was waiting for the chance and I had it, so I gave it everything, I shot with everything and it went in.
“It’s a dream to win trophies. I’ve had the chance to win three trophies in my life. But this one would be amazing to win here again like against Arsenal [in the Carabao Cup]. I really hope we get the chance to win.”
OGC Nice predicted XI v Marseille: Dante and Tanguy Ndombélé on the bench
OGC Nice have been contending with an injury crisis throughout the season, but as the end of the campaign approaches, it is abating. As they prepare to head to the Vélodrome to face rivals Olympique de Marseille in the Mediterranean derby, only two regular first-choice options, Moise Bombito and Mohamed Abdelmonem, are absent.
Claude Puel is not short of options in defence. It means that Dante, who will retire from professional football at the end of the season, is not expected to start for Le Gym. Meanwhile, Tanguy Ndombélé has earned more gametime in recent weeks and has even started, but he is expected to begin the match against OM from the bench. Les Aiglons are expected to opt for a 3-5-2 formation as they look to build the gap to the relegation play-off spot.
Nice likely line-up v Marseille
Yehvann Diouf; Kojo Peprah Oppong, Juma Bah, Antoine Mendy; Melvin Bard, Morgan Sanson, Hicham Boudaoui, Charles Vanhoutte, Jonathan Clauss; Elye Wahi, Mohamed-Ali Cho. (L’Éq)
AC Milan vs Juventus – Predicted lineup and team news
AC Milan take on Juventus in a key Serie A clash on Sunday night, with both sides aiming to strengthen their grip on a top-four finish.
Milan sits third in the table with 66 points from 33 games, while Juventus are fourth on 63 points. The gap is tight, with Roma just two points behind Juve and Como five points back in sixth.
The Rossoneri recently snapped a poor run—where they lost to Napoli and Udinese—by edging past Hellas Verona 1-0. However, three defeats in their last five matches have ended their title hopes, shifting the focus to securing Champions League qualification.
AC Milan team news
Milan head into this fixture at San Siro with no injury concerns, giving manager Massimiliano Allegri plenty of options.
Adrien Rabiot, who previously played for Juventus, is set to face his former club after scoring the winner against Verona.
The hosts are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 system, with Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic forming the back three.
In midfield, Modrić’s experience alongside Fofana and Rabiot should provide balance.
Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi are likely to operate on the flanks, while Pulisic and Leao lead the attack.
With a full squad available, Milan will look to make the most of their home advantage.
AC Milan predicted lineup
Possible AC Milan starting XI: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 26th April.
How to watch AC Milan vs Juventus?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.
AC Milan vs Juventus – Match preview and team news
AC Milan face Juventus in a crucial Serie A fixture on Sunday night as both teams will look to solidify their top-four position.
AC Milan are currently in third position in the league table with 66 points from 33 matches while Juventus are fourth in the standings with 63 points, just two points ahead of fifth-placed AS Roma and five points ahead of sixth-placed Como.
AC Milan vs Juventus – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 26th April.
Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
Venue: San Siro, Milan.
AC Milan team news
AC Milan enters this high-stakes clash at San Siro with a remarkably clean bill of health, providing Massimiliano Allegri with plenty of tactical flexibility.
Former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is expected to feature against his old side after netting the decisive goal in Milan’s recent victory over Hellas Verona.
The Rossoneri are likely to stick with their 3-5-2 formation, anchored by the defensive trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic.
In midfield, the experience of Luka Modrić paired with the energy of Youssouf Fofana and Rabiot should offer a sturdy platform for the attack.
Out wide, Saelemaekers and the young Bartesaghi are expected to provide the width, while the creative burden falls on the star duo of Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao.
With no major injuries or suspensions, Milan looks poised to exploit their home advantage.
Juventus team news
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is navigating a series of selection headaches due to a thinning squad.
The Bianconeri will definitely be without Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal, both of whom are sidelined with muscle injuries.
There is also significant concern over star striker Dusan Vlahovic; while he travelled with the squad, a nagging calf issue means he will likely start on the bench.
On a more positive note, Kenan Yıldız has returned to full training and is set to start alongside Jonathan David in a 3-4-3 setup.
Defensively, Pierre Kalulu returns to his former stadium as a vital part of the back three alongside Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly.
Despite the absences, Juve’s midfield remains robust with Locatelli and Khephren Thuram tasked with disrupting Milan’s rhythm in what promises to be a cagey tactical battle.
Form
AC Milan
After losing back-to-back matches against Napoli and Udinese, Milan bounced back with a win against Hellas Verona (1-0) in their last outing. They have lost three matches in their last five matches which hampered their chase for the title and now Milan will look to keep their top-four spot as the season is approaching its end.
Juventus
Juventus have been in excellent form in this final stretch of the season and they are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have won their last three matches while keeping clean sheets in all of them. Their most recent success came against Bologna (2-0) at their home.
Serie A: Milan vs. Juventus – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV
Milan will look to Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao in attack, while Kenan Yildiz is expected to start for Juventus in the big match of Serie A Round 34.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.
Only three points divide the Bianconeri (63) and the Rossoneri (66) in the Serie A table, and Roma’s 2-0 win over Bologna has put further pressure on both sides in the race for a Champions League spot.
Juventus must cope without Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik, but Dusan Vlahovic is expected to be called up to start from the bench.
Yildiz seems to have recovered from a minor fitness issue, so he’s favourite to start over Jeremie Boga with Jonathan David once again deployed as a sole striker.
As reported by Sky Sport and other media outlets in Italy, Milan will look to Leao and Pulisic in attack, and the only change to Massimiliano Allegri’s ideal XI will be on the left with Pervis Estupinan starting and Davide Bartesaghi on the bench.
Milan vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will be among the accredited media at San Siro and will provide live updates via a liveblog.
We’re almost there, folks. Almost at the end. Not the polished, finished article we all hoped to see on the pitch – just the end of a season that looks exhausted, frayed and ready to be cast into the bin of disappointment.
All any of us want now is for this sorry campaign to be over. The latest tepid, football‑by‑numbers, lifeless corpse of a performance against already‑relegated Rotherham United was turgid in the extreme.
They were down, checked out, the dictionary definition of “on the beach,” and we still couldn’t muster a win. Next weekend brings Blackpool, who are also on the beach – quite literally – and it promises to be just as soulless, if not worse.
But that’s how it has felt for most of the season. Empty. Hollow. A matchday experience stripped of jeopardy, thrill, tension or even the faintest spark of expectation. I still love my club – that never changes – but the soft, fluffy sentiments have withered away. There are no flowers to hand out.
What’s been missing is that sense of growth, of watching something fragile turn into something beautiful. This season’s chrysalis never even twitched. It died before it had a breath of life.
This is on the manager
And in my opinion – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – this is down to Leam Richardson. Whatever vision he has for this football club, it’s not one I’ve felt any connection to. Not once. Not all season.
Yes, we won games. Yes, we briefly touched the playoff spots. But there was no momentum, no sense of a team galvanising, no feeling that we were becoming more than the sum of our parts. It was a numbed existence:
Win game. “Does it feel any better?”
No.
Win game. “Are we improving?”
No.
Lose game. “Did we learn from it?”
No.
Because of that lack of progression, going to games has regressed into something else entirely: a social outing. A reason to get out of the house, breathe some air and share the shared grief with friends and family.
The side dish has become the main event. The football – the whole point of being there – has become an afterthought. That’s how un‑fun this season has been.
Nobody wants a manager to fail initially. But fans are now at the point where failure feels academic. Six months into his tenure, it already feels like Richardson has reached the point of no return. The rot has set in, and quickly.
Nothing he does seems to land. His tactics, regardless of the opposition’s state – even relegated opposition – are restricted, unimaginative and dull. The players have tuned out. They’re playing well beneath their capabilities. The switch to auto‑pilot was flicked months ago and Richardson hasn’t noticed the flashing red warning light.
The fans have mirrored the apathy. We don’t see the effort. We don’t see the spark. We don’t see the intent to make wins happen, so the fans have responded in kind.
I have always believed fans react to players doing something exciting – not the other way around. It’s their job to get us off our seats. It’s the manager’s job to inspire them to do so. Neither has happened.
Then there are the injuries. Endless injuries. Season‑long knacks, repeat issues, setbacks upon setbacks. There seems to be little investigation or recovery in sight. It’s only got worse.
Take Jack Marriott’s hamstring. Why was he risked against Cardiff City when he clearly wasn’t fully fit? Hamstring injuries reoccur – we all know this – yet the dice were rolled anyway, despite the playoff maths being stacked against us. The risk‑reward ratio was absurd. And yet he played. Make it make sense.
And then the academy. With all these injuries, surely there was scope to involve more than a token handful of youngsters?
Emmanuel Osho got a deserved call‑up and played 12 minutes. Sean Patton, five. Luke Howard travelled, warmed up, sat down. David Hicks travelled but wasn’t selected. What are they learning from that? What’s the point of being involved if involvement means sitting on a bus and watching a dead rubber unfold?
The saddest part
At this point, the manager is so afraid to lose that he’s stopped even trying to win. And that’s the saddest part of all. When the football becomes this risk‑averse, this joyless, this devoid of intent, it drags everything else down with it – the players, the atmosphere, the matchday, the fans’ belief.
The only thing Richardson managed this weekend was to drain whatever was left of our patience. The faith has gone. The flame of belief, if there ever was one, has been extinguished. The fire has never been there.
Six months in, and it already feels like we’re watching a relationship where everyone hates each other and they want out, both sides going through the motions because nobody wants to be the one to say it out loud first.
Next weekend will come and go. The season will finally end. And maybe – hopefully – that’s when the real work begins. Reading fans aren’t asking for miracles. We’re not even asking for playoffs. We’re just asking to feel connected again.
The manager is the glue that unites players to the fans and vice versa. Right now, the only sticking point is Richardson himself.
Minnesota Frost forward Kelly Pannek officially captured the PWHL's 2025-26 scoring crown as the regular season came to a close on Saturday.
Pannek set a new single season PWHL scoring record with 33 points in 30 games played.
She also led the league in goal scoring recording 16 goals this season.
The Frost alternate captain had 10 power-play points, most in the PWHL, and her eight multi-point games and three multi-goal games were both tied for the league lead.
Pannek's totals were a 22-point increase over her scoring totals from last season. This year only 13 players league wide scored 22 points or more.
Minnesota teammate Taylor Heise finished second in scoring with 30 points. Through three seasons in PWHL history, Pannek and Heise are now the only players to reach the 30 point mark.
Along with Natalie Spooner from the league's inaugural season, the Minnesota duo are also the only players to score more than a point per game across the season.
Jessie Eldridge (Boston) and Rebecca Leslie (Ottawa) tied for second in the PWHL in goals with 14.
Pannek will be recognized at the PWHL Awards, to be held at a date and location still to be named in June.
Kelly Pannek highlights
The Minnesota Frost were one of four teams to qualify for the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup playoffs.
His voice cracked. He became choked up. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch struggled to put into words how he felt about Donte DiVincenzo’s season-ending injury in Game 4 against Denver on Saturday.
DiVincenzo attempted to chase down the rebound off his own missed shot fewer than two minutes into the game. But as he attempted to get going, he looked back at where he started his movement in seeming disbelief of the non-contact injury before falling to the floor.
He shook off Jaden McDaniels’ attempt to lift the guard to his feet and immediately waved trainers over.
“You could just see the look in his eye when it happened,” Finch said. “You kind of knew.”
DiVincenzo tore his Achilles tendon in the opening minutes in Minneapolis.
“I feel completely devastated for Donte,” Finch said. “He’s the heart and soul of so many things that we do.”
It was a cruel twist of fate for a man who was just one of 18 NBA players to play in all 82 regular season games this season. He left his soul on the floor in each of those affairs. Minnesota’s effort was inconsistent this season, but DiVincenzo’s was night. He was the example of intensity his teammates could aspire to match.
“Donte is probably the heart (of our team),” Wolves forward Naz Reid said. “People don’t really notice it, but he plays so hard.”
They started to seem to pay attention in these playoffs. After leading the Wolves in net rating throughout the regular season, DiVincenzo paced Minnesota in plus-minus in each of the club’s first three playoff games. It’s hard to miss the one guy who’s constantly flying all over the floor in a time of year where effort doesn’t go unappreciated.
If there was a winning play to be made, DiVincenzo would deliver.
“He literally put his body on the floor for this team,” Wolves guard Ayo Dosunmu said.
DiVincenzo noted after Game 3 that playoff basketball is “something you dream of as a kid.” And he was making the most of his latest opportunity, right up until disaster struck.
“When you go to war with somebody every night and you watch somebody compete the way Donte competes, prepares himself. … He’s just the ultimate competitor,” said Wolves forward Julius Randle, who was also DiVincenzo’s teammate in New York. “To see that happen to him was tough. It’s tough. It was just hard to watch. Somebody that’s been through some serious injuries myself, I understand the road he has coming up, but I know he’ll be fine. I know he’ll battle through it and he’ll come back better for it.
“Especially at this point in the season, it’s tough to see that happen.”
As trainers helped DiVincenzo off the floor, the guard made his way up to his head coach, who embraced the 29 year old. Yes, DiVincenzo’s absence hurts Minnesota’s prospects of making a deep playoff push. While Anthony Edwards could potentially return later this postseason, DiVincenzo’s season is over. His 2026-27 campaign is in jeopardy. There are major financial implications possibly at play with the injury for DiVincenzo, who has just one more year remaining on his contract with the Wolves.
But the tender moment between coach and player was about far more than any of that.
“We just love him,” Finch said. “From the moment he’s gotten here, he’s kind of bounced around a little bit. I think he came here with some scar tissue, but he’s our guy. We love him.
“From day one, I knew he had that type of moxie and toughness that I love in a player. You can see that everywhere he’s ever been. So we’re going to really miss him. It’s really hard.”
The Google Pixel 10a is one of the best budget phones you can buy, according to our testing, and it's now available for its lowest-ever price on Amazon.
Think of DRAM, but in a NAND-like structure, that's the basic concept of 3D X-DRAM, a revolution for the memory markets, bringing higher densities for AI. 3D X-DRAM Is Now Closer To Reality, An HBM-Replacement That Offers Higher Densities For AI In 2023, US-based NEO Semiconductor announced its brand new project called 3D X-DRAM, which was going to address the DRAM capacity bottleneck by leveraging a 3D NAND-like architecture. The company also unveiled two 3D X-DRAM cells, which will be integrated into memory solutions based on 3D X-DRAM. These include 1T1C and 3T0C DRAM cells, offering up to 512Gb, a […]
Perelo helps families manage schedules, shopping, and gift planning in one secure hub. Its Control Center unites a shared calendar, shopping list, wish lists, and important details like sizes and allergies so everyone stays in sync. Invite your family, quickly add events, see birthdays, claim gifts to avoid duplicates, and update lists on the go. One subscription covers the whole household and keeps daily life simple and coordinated.
Scaling New Heights Safely: Vietnam Introduces Landmark National Standards for Adventure Tourism in 2026Vietnam introduces TCVN 14602:2026, a landmark safety...
Recently, Samsung released the 10th One UI 8.5 beta with bug fixes and system improvements; unfortunately, it also marks the return of a lock screen issue.
This beta update has added new AI features such as call screening and real-time audio eraser. Besides, it fixed issues on the call screen and the proximity sensor, video recording, Bluetooth, and touch features. After the installation, we’ve found that the software is running smoother than beta 9. However, the lock screen has a random frame lag issue in certain scenarios.
For example, when you tap on the Now Brief notification from the Now bar, the screen lags, then transitions to the AI-generated summary. Sometimes, the same happens for the notifications, when you open the notifications, and the screen either skips a frame or stutters before asking you for authentication. I first noticed this issue in beta 5, and beta 7 worked as a fix. However, Beta 10 has brought it back.
One thing to confirm is that the frame lag is random and only appears when you don’t use the phone. This doesn’t break any lock screen feature or interrupt the interactions. Still, even random frame lags could disrupt the user experience?
We’re almost at the end of the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series, and the next update should mark the conclusion. In that regard, we can expect the phone maker to patch all loopholes with the final release. We also ask you to stay connected with Sammyfans to receive updates on the upcoming rollout.
The Morefine G2 is a new eGPU that sports both Thunderbolt 5 and OCuLink interfaces. It features the desktop Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which is paired with a capable cooler. The pre-order price is $1,099.
Jarrell Miller beat Lenier Pero this weekend in Las Vega to keep his dreams of a world champion alive, though he may first look to settle a long-running feud outside of the title picture The controversial American heavyweight beat Olympian Pero over the distance, throwing an incredible amount of punches on his way to a […]
In two weeks, Fabio Wardley puts his WBO Heavyweight world title on the line against Daniel Dubois in an all-British battle that has the ingredients to be the division’s most thrilling bout of the year. It will now, however, be the only heavyweight action on the card following a late cancellation. Wardley was elevated from […]
Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında yarın deplasman sınav verecek.
Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında yarın deplasmanda TÜMOSAN Konyaspor ile karşılaşacak.
MEDAŞ Konya Büyükşehir Stadı'nda saat 20.00'de başlayacak karşılaşmayı, hakem Halil Umut Meler yönetecek.
Ligin son 2 haftasında Corendon Alanyaspor ve RAMS Başakşehir ile berabere kalarak şampiyonluk yarışında yara alan bordo-mavili takım, Konya deplasmanından galibiyetle ayrılarak zirve mücadelesini sürdürmek istiyor.
Bordo-mavililerde Batagov ve Okay Yokuşlu'nun sakatlıkları bulunuyor. Uzun süreli tedavisi tamamlanan Visca'nın ise hazır olmaması nedeniyle kadroda yer alması beklenmiyor.
Fenerbahçe'nin eski futbolcusu Bright Osayi-Samuel, sarı-lacivertli takımla ilgili açıklamalarda bulundu.
Fenerbahçe'nin eski futbolcusu Bright Osayi-Samuel kariyerine dair dikkat çeken açıklamalarda bulundu. Libero TV'ye konuşan Osayi, Beşiktaş'a gitmeme sebebini açıkladı.
Osayi Samuel'in açıklamaları şöyle:
-Türkiye'de birçok gazeteci dikkat çekmek için hikayeler uyduruyor ama benim için ve kulüp de biliyor ki, ben asla sözleşme istemedim. Olan şu ki, sezon başında Mario Branco bana bir sözleşme teklif etti, kabul ettik. Ancak o sırada menajerimi değiştiriyordum. Çünkü sezon öncesinde twitterda bir gazetecinin benim para istediğimle ilgili bir tweet attığını hatırlıyorum ve bundan haberim yoktu, hiçbir şey bilmiyordum. Sonra eski menajerimden, arkamdan gazeteciyle bunu konuştuğunu gösteren bir mesaj gördüm ve bu beni gerçekten sinirlendirdi. Bunu görünce menajerimden ayrılıp yeni bir menajerle anlaşmak istedim. Ama onunla anlaşma imzalamak istemedim çünkü paranın bir kısmını veya herhangi bir şeyini almasını istemedim. Mario Branco ile yeni bir menajer bulduğumda anlaşma imzalayacağım konusunda anlaştık ve sanırım söylentiler de buradan başladı.
-Bence bunu olabildiğince görmezden gelmeliydim çünkü Türkiye'de her zaman böyle hikayeler duyarsınız ama bu beni gerçekten etkiledi. Çünkü Fenerbahçe'de oynadığım için bile minnettarım, bu yüzden asla böyle saçma bir miktar istemezdim. Bence bu sadece futbol ve bundan ders çıkardım.
BEŞİKTAŞ İTİRAFI
-Beşiktaş ile yapılan anlaşma eski menajerimle yapılan bir anlaşmaydı. Bunun benimle veya babamla hiçbir ilgisi yoktu. Babam çok koyu bir Fenerbahçe taraftarı, gerçekten çok koyu.. Beşiktaş'a imza atmak istesem bile babam asla gitmeme izin vermezdi.
-Beşiktaş eski menajerimle görüştü ve gelmemi istedi. Ben istemedim, Beşiktaş'a saygısızlık etmek istemem ama eve dönmek istedim. Ya Fenerbahçe ya da eve dönmek.
-Fenerbahçe'ye ligde yapılan adaletsizlikleri takıma gelirken duymuştum. Ancak sonra İsmail Kartal'ın olduğu sezon, gerçekten de 'Tamam, kulübün ne dediğini kendim de görebiliyorum' diye düşünmeme neden olan sezon oldu. Bir kulübün 99 puan alıp sadece bir kez mağlup olup ligi kazanamaması gerçekten anlaşılması zor bir durumdu. Sanırım bu daha önce hiç yaşanmamıştı. Başkanın ve kulübün, hakemler ve sistem hakkında ne dediklerini anlayabiliyordum. Ama oyuncular olarak bir şeyi değiştiremeyeceğimiz için oynamak zorundaydık. Benim futbolumu etkilemedi ama kulübün ne dediğini anlayabildim.
Fanatik Fenerbahçeli Kerim Rahmi Koç, Galatasaray derbisini yerinde izlemek istiyor. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetim ise kendisine yer vermedi. Loca sahibi Galatasaraylılar ise Kerim Rahmi'yi onur konuğu etmek istediklerini Ali Koç'a ilettiler.
Derbi öncesi stat kontenjanı ve protokol tribünü listesi hareketli saatlerin yaşanmasına neden oldu. Galatasaray yönetimi Fenerbahçe heyeti için 15 kişilik kontenjan belirledi.
Maçı Rams Park'ta izlemek isteyen diğer yönetim kurulu üyeleri (özellikle Futbol AŞ) ve camianın önde gelen isimleri için alternatifler aranıyor.
Ali Koç’un oğlu Kerim Rahmi Koç da derbiyi yerinde izlemek istiyor. Kerim Rahmi'nin de aralarında yer aldığı bu isimler için protokol tribününe en yakın noktalardan yer ayarlanmaya çalışılıyor.
Gelen bilgiler ise Galatasaray camiasından bazı isimler Kerim Rahmi'yi localarında "onur konuğu" olarak kabul etmek istediklerini Ali Koç'a ilettiler.
Galatasaray'ın forma satışında 1 milyonu yakalaması durumunda kasasına 40-50 milyon euro'luk ekstra bir gelir girecek. Fenerbahçe derbisinin kazanılması durumunda eksik 55 bin formanın bir gecede satılmasına kesin gözüyle bakılıyor.
Galatasaray'ın kasasına ekstradan 40 milyon Euro girdi, girecek... Başkan Dursun Özbek, Nisan ayı itibarıyla bu sezon 945 bin forma satıldığını açıkladı. Toplam ürün satış adetinin 4.9 milyona çıktığını açıkladı.
Bu açıklama Beşiktaş Başkanı Serdal Adalı'nın geçtiğimi günlerde yaptığı açıklamayı akıllara getirdi:
- Geçtiğimiz sene 230 bin! Ben de 700 bin forma garantisi versem, rakipten daha çok gelirim olur. Bizim 250 bin garantimiz var, 700 bin garanti edersek, %30 fazla alırdık.
55 BİN FORMA BU GECE SATILIR
Galatasaray'ın anlaşma kapsamında Puma'ya "en az 700 bin forma satış" garantisi verdiği biliniyor. Bunun üzerine sarı-kırmızılıların elinde 1 milyon forma satışının üzerine çıkarsa 40-50 milyon Euro'yu kasasına koyma hakkı var.
Bu akşam Fenerbahçe karşısında alınacak zafer ve 26'ncı şampiyonluğun kazanılmasını garantilenmesi durumunda 55 bin formanın satılma hiçten bile değil.
40-50 MİLYON EURO GELEBİLİR
Her ne kadar "1 milyon satışa ulaşıldığında Puma'dan ek bonus alınacak" şeklinde dedikodular dolaşsa da yönetici Hakan Sarıöz işin gerçeğini açıklamıştı. Resmi bir "satış adedi bonusu"ndan ziyade, 1 milyon rakamının getireceği telif ve ticari kar payının 40-50 milyon euro'luk bir gelir oluşturacağını resmi olarak açıklamıştı.
TOPLAM DEĞER 97.5 MİLYON EURO
Galatasaray, Puma ile olan sözleşmesini 2035-2036 sezonuna kadar uzatarak Türkiye tarihinin en büyük anlaşmalarından birine imza attı. 10 yıllık yeni dönem için toplam 83 milyon Euro net garanti ödenecek.
Sportif başarılara (Şampiyonluk, Avrupa kupaları vb.) dayalı toplamda 14,5 milyon Euro tutarında ek prim sistemi mevcut. Başarı primleriyle birlikte anlaşmanın toplam değeri 97,5 milyon Euro.
Daha önceki yıllarda Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray cepheleri rakip taraftarları kafese kapatır sonra da karşılarına hoparlör koyarak işkence ederdi.
Sadettin Saran yönetimi bu uygulamayı kaldırdı. Dursun Özbek de bu akşam aynı incelikle cevap verecek.
Sezonun ilk yarısında 1 Aralık 2025'te oynanan derbiden hemen önce ısınma bölümünde Fenerbahçe kalecisi İrfan Can Eğribayat taraftara "üçlü" çektirmeye gitmek istedi.
Victor Osimhen tepki gösterdi. Bu durum iki takım futbolcuları arasında kısa süreli bir arbedeye ve tribünlerdeki tansiyonun yükselmesine neden oldu.
SÜPER KUPA ÖNCESİ KAVGALAR
Galatasaray taraftarı, derbi öncesinde takımdaki ciddi eksikler nedeniyle (Ismail Jakobs, Kaan Ayhan, Berkan Kutlu gibi sakatların yanı sıra bahis soruşturması nedeniyle ceza alan oyuncular) maça endişeli bir atmosferde girdi.
10 Ocak 2026'da Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı'nda oynanan Süper Kupa finali öncesi olaylar çok daha sertleşti. Maça saatler kala stat çevresindeki üç farklı noktada taraftarlar birbirine girdi. Taş ve meşalelerin kullanıldığı olaylara güvenlik güçleri müdahale etti.
TARAFTARA SORUN ÇIKARILMAYACAK
Ligin ilk devresinde Saracoğlu'nda çok iyi karşılanan Galatasaray yönetimi, aynı nezaketi göstermeyi planlıyor. Ayrıca deplasman tribündeki taraftarlar için zorluk çıkarılmayacak ve içeri girişler daha iyi yapılacak. Daha önceki yıllarda rakip takım taraftarları kafese kapatılır ve karşılarına dev hoparlörler konularak işkence çektirilirdi.
Süper Kupa'da yaşanan yağmurluk krizini unutturmak isteyen Galatasaray yönetimi bu akşam Fenerbahçe derbisinden önce oldukça kaliteli kumaştan yapılan 50 bin bayrağı dağıtacak. ultrAslan da derbiyi "sıradan bir lig maçı" olarak belirledi. Koreografi yapmama kararı aldı.
Fenerbahçe'nin Galatasaray'ı 2-0 yendiği Süper Kupa derbisine "yağmurluk" krizi damga vurmuştu... sarı-kırmızılı yönetim "çöp poşeti" yakıştırması yapılan yağmurluklar yüzünden istifaya bile davet edilmişti. Bu akşam sarı-kırmızılılar derbide bir kez daha ezeli rakiplerini konuk edecek. Dursun Özbek yönetimi ise bu kez işi sıkı tutuyor.
Serhan Türk: "Galatasaray tribünlerinden derbide bayrak şovu ve bir hazırlık bekleniyor." pic.twitter.com/2rgC0NWFWs
Rams Park tribünlerinin tamamına sarı-kırmızı bayraklar dağıtılacak. Yönetim bu kez malzeme kalitesi konusunda oldukça titiz davrandı. Bayrakların "oldukça kaliteli" kumaşlardan özel olarak hazırlandığı gelen bilgiler arasında.
Koreografi yerine 50 bin bayrakla görsel bir şölen yaratmayı hedefleyen tribünler, maçın başlama düdüğüyle hareketli ve canlı bir atmosfer yaratacak.
SIRADAN LİG MAÇI
Bu arada ultrAslan derbiyi "sıradan bir lig maçı" olarak nitelendirdi... koreografi hazırlığı yapmama kararı aldı. Grubun bu tür organizasyonların derbi heyecanının önüne geçmemesi gerektiğini düşündüğü ve odak noktasını tamamen 90 dakikalık saha içi desteğine çevirdiği belirtildi.
Gençlerbirliği mağlubiyetinden sonra Fenerbahçe maçının değeri bir kat daha artarken Okan Buruk derbiyi kazanmak adına konsantrasyonu kaybolmasın diyerek kendisini Kemerburgaz tesislerine kapattı.
Son 3 sezonun şampiyonu ve geçen sezonun "duble" şampiyonu Galatasaray bu akşam oynanacak Fenerbahçe derbisine " 3 puanı al. İşi bitir" parolasıyla hazırlanıyor.
Gençlerbirliği'ne elenip Türkiye Kupası'na veda eden Okan Buruk elinde kalan son dayanak Süper Lig şampiyonluğu için tam konsantrasyon sağlamış durumda.
Gençlerbirliği mağlubiyetinin ardından tam gün mesaiye geçen Buruk derbiye Kemerburgaz’da yatıp kalkarak hazırlandı. Yasin Kol tartışmalarının etkilememesi için futbolcularıyla yaptığı toplantıda net mesajlar verdi.
- Hakem ile değil topla oynayın. Burada hakem konuşulmasını istemiyorum.
Resmi bir kamp kararı olmamasına rağmen, Buruk ile birlikte bazı oyuncular da geceyi tesislerde geçirdi.
Galatasaray'ın 50 bin kaliteli kumaştan bayrak hamlesine Fenerbahçe'den deplasmana gidecek her taraftara çubuklu forma giydirme kontrası geldi.
Galatasaray yönetimi bu akşam oynanacak Fenerbahçe derbisi öncesinde "yağmurluk" faciasını unutturmak için oldukça kaliteli kumaştan üretilmiş 50 bin bayrağı Rams Parkt ribünlerine bıraktı.
Sarı-lacivertli yönetim ise Süper Kupa finalindeki kaliteli yağmurluk işini biradım daha yukarı taşıdı. Bu akşam bileti olan ve derbiye gidecek taraftarların tamamına çubuklu forma dağıtılacak.
Tribünde görsel bütünlük sağlanması için düşünülen kapsamda, formalar bugün saat 11.00 ila 15.00 arasında Maraton Alt Tribün 29-30-31 nolu girişte dağıtılacak.
Sadettin Saran yönetimi Süper Kupa'da yakalanan üstünlüğü bir adım daha yukarı taşımak amacında. Meseleyi bir hediye vermekten çıkarıp, "Tribünde Sarı Duvar" konseptine çevirmiş durumda. Bayrak sallamak ile deplasman tribününde her taraftarın çubuklu formayı giymesi arasında çok ciddi bir görsel fark olacağı düşünülüyor.
Derbide 10 numara Yunus Akgün'le başlama kararı aldı... nedeni ise Victor Osimhen'le en iyi bağlantı oyuncusu olması.
Galatasaray'da hedef Fenerbahçe derbisi öncesinde "yen işi bitir" üzerine kurulu... bu yüzden Okan Buruk her ne kadar tam hazır olmasa da Victor Osimhen'i sahaya sürmenin planlarını yapıyor.
Osimhen de hırsı ve enerjisiyle derbi öncesi yapılan idmanların en fazla dikkat çeken ismi. Antrenmanlardaki yüksek enerjisiyle dikkat çeken Nijeryalı, sadece bireysel performansıyla değil, saha içindeki liderliğiyle de takım arkadaşlarının moralini yukarı çekti.
Osimhen, derbi öncesi Okan Buruk'un takıma aşılamak istediği özgüvenin merkezinde. Buruk, derbi taktiğini de Osimhen merkezli kurguladı. Son taktik idmanda Buruk’un, yıldız golcüyle bağlantı oyununda en yüksek uyumu gösteren isim olan Yunus Akgün'e as takım yeleğini verdi.
Dev maçın taktiği "sıfır hata" üzerine kurulu. Hücum varyasyonlarında Osimhen’in bitiriciliği ve bağlantı oyunundaki etkinliği Okan Buruk'un en büyük kozu olacak.
Son 2 Sami Yen deplasmanında harikalar yaratan Fred'e Tedesco ekstra bir görev vermek istiyor... maça her ne kadar 11'de başlatmayacak olsa da Alman teknik adam sambacıdan oyunun kilitlendiği anlarda mutlaka yararlanmak istiyor.
Fenerbahçe teknik direktörü Tedesco'nun Galatasaray derbisi öncesinde en büyük silahı, orta saha direnci... İsmail Yüksek, Kante ve Guendouzi ile rakibin Sara, Lemina ve Torreira'dan kurulu üçlüsüne fiziki olarak üstünlük kuracaklarından emin.
Ancak Alman teknik adamın kafasında üçüncü bir plan daha var... o da son iki Sami Yen deplasmanında harikalar yaratan Fred'den bu gece yararlanmak. 11'de başlatmayı düşünmese de sambacı oyuncuyu derbinin kilitlendiği anlarda sahaya atmak istiyor.
Fenerbahçe ile Galatasaray'ın arasını bu kez de Osimhen'in zırhı açtı... sarı-lacivertliler, Nijeryalının çelikten 5 kat güçlü ateli için "silah" yorumu yaptı. Galatasaray'ın "geçen sezon Dzeko da kullandı" iddiasına cevap verdi. "İkisinin alakası bile yok
Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe bu akşam Rams Park'ta karşı karşıya gelecek... maç öncesinde en çok tartışılan konu Victor Osimhen'in "çelikten 5 kat sert" ama dışı "neopren"le kaplı olduğu için oynamasına engel olmayan "zırh" tabir edilen ateli.
Gençlerbirliği'nden sonra sarı-lacivertliler de IFAB Kural-4 üzerinden Osimhen'in ateline itiraz etti. Ancak TFF, FIFA'nın da kabul ettiği inceleme sonrasında Nijeryalı oyuncunun derbide oynamasına onay verdi. Son karar yine de Yasin Kol da.
Bu arada Galatasaray cephesi Osimhen'in ateli ile geçen sezon benzer bir sargıyla sahaya çıkan Dzeko'nun alçısının aynı olduğunu savundu. Ancak durum çok farklı.
Osimhen için hazırlanan atel karbon fiber "zırh" niteliğinde. Karbon fiber, çelikten 5 güçlü ama çok hafif bir malzeme. Osimhen’in kolundaki atel kırığı dış etkilerden izole eden sert bir kabuk.
Dzeko’nun kullandığı sargı daha çok medikal atel destekliydi. Dışı yumuşak bandajlarla kaplı ve Osimhen'inki kadar "sert bir dış kabuk"u yoktu. Daha çok eklemi sabitlemeye yönelikti.
Dzeko’nun sargısı, kırığın kaynama aşamasında olduğu ve sadece stabilizasyonun yeterli görüldüğü bir dönemde kullanıldı. Bu yüzden "tehlikeli ekipman" sınıfına girmedi ve maçlarda sorunsuz kullanılabildi.
Osimhen’in sakatlığı sonrası hazırlanan aparat sahaya erken dönmesini sağlamak için tasarlandı. Bu aparat o kadar sert ki, rakipler için bir "silah" gibi algılanma riski taşıyor.
Okan Buruk, Florya Kuran Kursu öğrencilerinden bu gece oynanacak Fenerbahçe derbisi için dua istedi... Galatasaray camiası için dualar oldukça sık gündeme gelir.
Galatasaray teknik direktörü Okan Buruk dün yapılan son idmanın ardından derbi öncesi Florya Kuran kursu öğrencileriyle bir araya geldi. Bir öğrencinin "Okan abi kazanacak mıyız derbiyi?" sorusuna, "dua ederseniz…" diye cevap verdi.
Okan Buruk, derbi öncesi Florya Kuran kursu öğrencileriyle bir araya geldi.
— Forza Cimbom (@forzacimbom) April 25, 2026
FATİH TERİM DÖNEMİNDEN GELME
Galatasaray'da "dua istemek" yeni değil... Fatih Terim, 2000 yılındaki Arsenal ile oynanan final öncesi ve sırasında, Türkiye’nin dört bir yanından gelen duaların kendileri için itici bir güç olduğunu sık sık vurgulamıştı.
Belgesellere yansıyan konuşmalarında, maçlara başlarken manevi bir bütünlük oluşturulması adına dua edilmesine önem verdiği bilinir.
CENGİZ'İN DUASI UNUTULMAZ
Merhum başkan Mustafa Cengiz, sağlık sorunlarıyla mücadele ettiği ve kulübün zorlu davalarla uğraştığı dönemlerde, Galatasaray taraftarının dualarının kendisini ayakta tuttuğunu defalarca dile getirmişti. "İnna lillahi ve inna ileyhi raciun" (Şüphesiz biz Allah’tan geldik ve yine O’na döneceğiz.) duası kendisiyle özdeşleşmişti.
Özellikle şampiyonluk yürüyüşlerinde, camianın bir bütün olarak "kalben ve duayla" takıma destek vermesi gerektiği Dursun Özbek sık sık iser.
Galatasaray'ın 2-0 öne geçtiği maçta 2-2'lik beraberliği 1 gol ve 1 asistle sağlayan Fenerbahçe efsanelerinden Valbuena ve sarı-lacivertli taraftarların bir dönem çok sevdiği Pelkas derbi için açıklamalarda bulundu.
Fenerbahçe bu gece Rams Park'ta Galatasaray'a konuk olacak... derbi öncesinde sarı-lacivertli kulübün eski yıldızlarından destek meseajları geldi.
Kısa süre sarı-lacivertli fomayı giyen Mathieu Valbuena'nın mesajı:
- Galatasaray'ı yenersek şampiyon olabiliriz. Bu maçı kazanmak için oyuncuların karakter koyması gerek. Unutmayın, en büyük Fenerbahçe.
Valbuena, Fenerbahçe formasıyla Galatasaray'a karşı toplam 4 resmi maça çıktı. Bu maçlarda Fenerbahçe hiç mağlubiyet almadı. Valbuena'nın hatırlanan derbi performansı, deplasmanda 2-0 geriye düşülen maçta takımı ayağa kaldırdığı maç. Önce penaltıdan gol attı Sonra Andre Ayew’in golünde asisti yaptı. 2-2'lik dönüşün mimarı oldu. O maçtan sonra "Artık insanlar tarafından gerçek bir Fenerbahçeli olarak görülüyorum" demişti.
Dimitris Pelkas'ın sözleri:
- Merhaba Fenerbahçe taraftarı. Bu derbinin sizler için ne kadar önemli olduğunu biliyorum. Eğer maçı kazanırsak ilk sıraya çok yaklaşacağız. Hep birlikte kazanmak için, yaşa Fenerbahçe!"
Pelkas, Fenerbahçe kariyeri boyunca Galatasaray'a karşı toplamda 3 maçta süre alabildi. Bu maçlarda gol veya asist katkısı yapamadı.
Fenerbahçe derbisinden önce, "provoke edici olaylar olabilir" diyen Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek taraftarı uyardı. Yasin Kol'un tartışmalı kararlarından sonra taraftarın sahaya müdahale etmesinin kulübe ceza olarak dönebileceği uyarısı yaptı.
Galatasaray bu akşam "şampiyonluk" maçında Fenerbahçe'yi ağırlayacak... Başkan Dursun Özbek dev derbi öncesinde taraftara mesaj verdi. Provokasyon uyarısı yaptı.
- Çok önemli bir maç. Her zamankinden daha yoğun şekilde sahadaki aslanlarımızı destekleyeceğimizden eminim. Bunu yaparken itidali korumak zorundayız. Son haftadaki gelişmelere bakınca, provoke edici olaylar olabilir. Bunların hiçbirisine gelmememiz lazım.
BAŞKAN ÖZBEK ASLINDA NE DEMEK İSTEDİ
Yasin Kol'un derbiye atanması krize neden oldu. Her kararı yarın akşam derbi sırasında "operasyon" olarak nitelendirilecek.
Özbek, hakemin olası tartışmalı kararında taraftarın sahaya müdahale etmesinin (yabancı madde vb.) şampiyonluk yolunda telafisi imkansız cezalara yol açabileceğine inanıyor.
Başkan Özbek aslında, "provokasyona gelmeyin" derken, aslında "saha dışı oyunlarla bizi kaosa sürükleyip şampiyonluğu elimizden almalarına izin vermeyin" demek istedi.
Bu akşam 11'nci kez Fenerbahçe'ye rakip olacak Okan Buruk, ezeli rakibe karşı geçen 10 maçın 5'ini kazandı. Sadece 2 kez kaybetti.
Galatasaray, Süper Lig'de son 3 sezonu şampiyon tamamladı. Okan Buruk'la 4'üncü şampiyonluğa koşan sarı-kırmızılılar derbilerde de başarılı performans ortaya koydu.
Galatasaray'ın başında olduğu süreçte 52 yaşındaki teknik direktör, Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş'a karşı çıktığı 18 resmi müsabakada 9 galibiyet, 4 beraberlik ve 5 yenilgi yaşadı. Sarı-kırmızılı takım söz konusu 17 karşılaşmada 25 kez rakip ağları sarsarken 20 golü kalesinde gördü.
Galatasaray'ın teknik direktörlüğünde Fenerbahçe'ye karşı 7 Süper Lig ve 2 Süper Kupa ile 1 Türkiye Kupası müsabakasına çıkan Buruk, bu maçlarda 5 galibiyet, 3 beraberlik, 2 mağlubiyet yaşadı.
Sarı-kırmızılılar, bu maçlarda 15 kez rakip fileleri havalandırırken (3'ü hükmen galibiyetten), kalesinde 6 kez golü gördü.
200'ÜNCÜ MAÇINA ÇIKACAK
Okan Buruk bu akşam Galatasaray’ın başında 200. maçına Fenerbahçe karşısında çıkacak. Bu süreçte 142 galibiyet, 28 beraberlik ve 29 mağlubiyet yaşadı. Okan Buruk, Galatasaray’daki görev süresinde toplam 5 kupa kazandı.
Galatasaray taraftarları bu gece Fenerbahçe forması giyecek olan eski kaptanları Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nu psikolojik olarak yere sermek için pek çok plan yaptı. Kerem ise yeni takımının taraftarına kendisini kabul ettirebilmek için varını yoğunu sahaya sürecek.
Kaptanlık pazubandını taktığı ve "Galatasaray kaptanı olmak, bu büyük camianın tarihine adını yazdırmak tarifsiz bir duygu. Sadece sahada değil, saha dışında da bu armaya layık olmaya çalışıyorum" dediği eski takımına karşı Kerem Aktürkoğlu bugün ilk kez Fenerbahçe formasıyla Rams Park'a çıkacak.
TARAFTAR BASKI KURACAK
Sarı-kırmızılı taraftarların Kerem'i nasıl karşılayacakları eski futbolcularına karşı nasıl bir turum sergileyecekleri henüz net değil.
Ancak Galatasaray taraftarı, Kerem’in duygusal ve eleştirilere karşı hassas yapısını çok iyi biliyor. Bu hassasiyeti kullanarak üzerine baskı kurmak için ellerinden geleni yapacaklar.
KENDİNİ AŞMAYI DENEYECEK
Bu derbi, Kerem'in Fenerbahçe taraftarının kalbinde yer etmesi için en büyük fırsat. Deplasmanda atacağı bir gol veya sergileyeceği direnç, onun sarı-lacivertli kimliğini kanıtlamasını sağlayacak.
Süper Kupa sonrası gördüğü tepkilere karşılık, "buradayım ve hala en iyisiyim" deme güdüsü de yıldızı oyuncunun Galatasaray'a karşı kendini aşmasını sağlayabilir.
Beşiktaş derbisinde sol diz ön çapraz bağında gerilme ve ödem tespit edilen Marco Asensio bu akşam Galatasaray derbisinin maç kadrosunda yer alacak... ancak 11 başlayıp başlamayacağı maç saatinde netleşecek.
Beşiktaş derbisinde Oh ile çarpışan ve sol diz ön çapraz bağında gerilme ve ödem tespit edilen Marco Asensio bu akşam Galatasaray derbisinde forma giyecek mi?
20-22 Nisan tarihleri arasında matador takımdan ayrı, kendisi için hazırlanan özel bir bireysel program dahilinde çalıştı. Dizindeki ödemin inmesi için yoğun bir tedavi süreci uygulandı.
DÜN İLK KEZ TAKTİK İDMANDA
23 Nisanda İspanyol yıldızın durumunda ciddi bir iyileşme gözlendi. Sahada hafif tempoyla çalışmalarına başladı. 24 Nisan'da Asensio sakatlık sürecinin ardından ilk kez takımla birlikte antrenmanlara dahil oldu. Bu durum Galatasaray derbisi öncesi teknik heyeti sevindirdi.
DURUMU BUGÜN NETLEŞECEK
Dün takımla yapılan son taktik çalışmada yer aldı. Matador derbi kadrosuna dahil edilecek... Ancak maç eksiği ve risk faktörü nedeniyle Tedesco'nun kendisini ilk 11'de mi başlatacağı yoksa oyunun gidişatına göre mi şans vereceği bugünkü son toplantıda netleşecek.
Beşiktaş, Leeds United ile sözleşmesi sezon sonu sona erecek olan Fransız kaleci Illan Meslier'den yeşil ışık aldı. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'da bu transfere onay verdi.
Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray deplasmanında sahaya çıkacak. Sarı-lacivertlilerde teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco'nun planı netlik kazandı.
Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe derbisine rotasyon, özel taktik plan ve motive edilmiş kadroyla hazırlanarak galibiyetle şampiyonluk yolunda avantajını artırmayı hedefliyor.
Joao Palhinha, kiralık olarak formasını giydiği Tottenham'ın küme düşmesi halinde Bayern Münih'e dönecek. Beşiktaş, durumunu yakından takip ettiği oyuncu için sezon sonunda hamle yapacak
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında futbolseverleri heyecanlandıran dev derbide, lider Galatasaray sahasında en yakın takipçisi Fenerbahçe'yi ağırlayacak. Şampiyonluk yarışının kaderini büyük ölçüde belirlemesi...Devamı için tıklayınız
Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisine saatler kala dikkat çeken gelişmeler yaşanıyor. İşte 2 takım arasındaki mücadelede öne çıkması muhtemel 10 istatistik... | Son dakika Galatasaray Fenerbahçe haberleriDevamı için tıklayınız
Yeni sezon planlamalarını sürdüren Galatasaray'dan flaş bir hamle geldi. Sarı kırmızılılar, İtalyan devi Juventus'ta forma giyen sürpriz bir ismi kadrosuna katmak için harekete geçti. İşte o yıldız ve...Devamı için tıklayınız
Türk futbolunun en köklü ve en çekişmeli rekabetlerinden biri bir kez daha sahne alıyor. Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe, 117 yılı aşan "Zıt kardeşler" rekabetinde yarın 406. kez karşı karşıya gelerek tarihe...Devamı için tıklayınız
Beşiktaş, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında 27 Nisan Pazartesi günü sahasında Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük ile karşı karşıya gelecek.Devamı için tıklayınız
Bu gün dünyanın yaşıl meydanlarında futbol oyunları keçiriləcək.
Futbolpress.az qarşılaşmaları canlı yayımlayacaq telekanalların siyahısını təqdim edir:
İtaliya, A Seriyası
14:30 Fiorentina – Sassuolo (Futbol 1)
17:00 Cenoa – Komo (Futbol 1)
20:00 Torino – İnter (Futbol 1)
22:45 Milan – Yuventus (Futbol 1, Matç TV)
Rusiya, Premyer Liqa
15:00 Pari NN – Spartak Moskva (Matç Premyer)
18:00 Dinamo Moskva – Soçi (Matç Premyer)
18:00 Krasnodar – Dinamo Mahaçqala (Matç TV)
20:30 Zenit – Axmat (Matç Premyer, Matç TV)
Türkiyə, Super Liqa
15:30 Gənclərbirliyi – Konyaspor (beİN Sports 1)
21:00 Qalatasaray – Fənərbağça (Futbol 3, beİN Sports 1)
Azərbaycan, Premyer Liqa
16:00 Şamaxı – Kəpəz (CBC Sport)
19:00 Neftçi – Qarabağ (CBC Sport, İdman TV)
İspaniya, La Liqa
16:00 Rayo Valyekano – Real Sosyedad (İdman TV)
23:00 Vilyarreal – Selta (İdman TV)
Braziliyanın Fos-du-İquasu şəhərində boks üzrə keçirilən Dünya kubokunda yarımfinal mərhələsinin döyüşləri başa çatıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Azərbaycan millisinin 3 idmançısı bu mərhələdə qələbə qazanaraq finala yüksəlib.
50 kq-da Sübhan Mamedov Anvarjan Xodjiyevlə (Qırğızıstan) üz-üzə gəlib. Boksçumuz rəqibini 4:1 (30:27, 30:27, 30:27, 30:27, 28:29) hesabı ilə məğlub edib. O, finalda İssam Bensayarla (Mərakeş) döyüşəcək.
Səidcəmşid Cəfərov (75 kq) da komanda yoldaşının uğurunu davam etdirib. O, finala gedən yolda Qabriel Quidi Rontani (İtaliya) üzərində inamlı qələbə qazanıb – 5:0 (30:27, 30:26, 30:27, 30:27, 30:27). Cəfərov həlledici görüşdə Tauan Silva (Braziliya) ilə gücünü yoxlayacaq.
Məhəmməd Abdullayev (+90 kq) yarımfinalda da rinqdən qalib ayrılıb. Boksçumuz bu dəfə Omar Şinaya (Norveç) gücünü göstərib – 5:0 (29:28, 30:27, 29:28, 30:27, 29:28). Milli üzvü finalda Davit Çaloyanla (Ermənistan) qüvvəsini sınayacaq.
Nəbi İsgəndərov (70 kq) isə yarımfinalda Kaian Reisi (Braziliya) ilə döyüşüb və rəqib finala yüksəldiyi üçün boksçumuz bürünc medal qazanıb.
Qeyd edək ki, Dünya kubokuna aprelin 26-da yekun vurulacaq.
Bu gün Türkiyə Superliqasında İstanbul derbisi keçiriləcək. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, “Qalatasaray” öz meydanında prinsipial rəqibi “Fənərbağça”nı qəbul edəcək. Görüş […]
“Real”ın və Braziliya millisinin müdafiəçisi Eder Militaonun zədəsi gözlənildiyindən daha ağır olub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, öncədən 28 yaşlı futbolçunun […]
“Çelsi”nin baş məşqçi vəzifələrini icra edən Kalum Makfarleynin Pro kateqoriyası yoxdur. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, o, mətbuat konfransında bununla bağlı […]
Milan will look to Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao in attack, while Kenan Yildiz is expected to start for Juventus in the big match of Serie A Round 34.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro, Milan.
Only three points divide the Bianconeri (63) and the Rossoneri (66) in the Serie A table, and Roma’s 2-0 win over Bologna has put further pressure on both sides in the race for a Champions League spot.
Juventus must cope without Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik, but Dusan Vlahovic is expected to be called up to start from the bench.
Yildiz seems to have recovered from a minor fitness issue, so he’s favourite to start over Jeremie Boga with Jonathan David once again deployed as a sole striker.
As reported by Sky Sport and other media outlets in Italy, Milan will look to Leao and Pulisic in attack, and the only change to Massimiliano Allegri’s ideal XI will be on the left with Pervis Estupinan starting and Davide Bartesaghi on the bench.
Milan vs. Juventus – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, DAZN and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will be among the accredited media at San Siro and will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Rocchi under investigation for sports fraud: ‘He picked referees wanted by Inter’
Calcio, another shock
The designator accused by the Milan Prosecutor: ‘I’ll suspend myself.’ Gervasoni is involved too. Nerazzurri surprised: ‘We lost two trophies in those matches.’
‘Pressure to VAR’ and Bastoni’s foul against Verona
Abodi: ‘It’s serious.’ Commissioner? It will be a battle.
Controversies and fights, a former assistant makes everything shake
Roma heat Milan-Juventus up
Gasp beats Bologna and goes -2. Superchallenge for the Champions League at 20:45.
Simeone and Thuram: our fathers sent us.
Corriere dello Sport
Rocchi investigated
Smashed
‘Pressure to VAR and referees liked by Inter.’
On Thursday, the interrogation in Milan. Accusations concern 2025: prosecutors scrutinise Udinese-Parma and Bologna-Inter’s choice of Colombo. Everyone starts with a report from ex-assistant Rocca. Gervasoni, VAR supervisor, investigated too.
Roma sprint: Malen’s guarantee
11th goal in 14 matches for the Dutch striker. El Aynaoui levels the score. Gasp surpasses Como: now he’s -2 from Juve
Milan-Juve worth 60m
Leao returns to San Siro after the boos. He hasn’t scored for 55 days. Yildiz is chasing the 11th goal. Spalletti can catch Allegri in third.
Lobotka and Spina target a renewal.
Tuttosport
‘Referees liked by Inter.’ Is it a new Calciopoli?
The hypothesis of the accusation is the same as that which led to the 2006 earthquake. The 2024-25 season is at the centre of investigation. Conditional choices and pressure on VAR. The FIGC Attorney asks for documents from Milan’s Prosecutor. The designator suspends himself, Minister Abodi warns: ‘There will be consequences.’ Going towards a commissioner.
Bremer shakes Juve
The Brazilian defender: ‘Enough floating around, I want to win!’
The centre-back’s tackle: ‘I don’t know if we’ll be worthy of the title, I’m 29, and I can’t wait.’ Yildiz tries for the Champions League push. Allegri praises him: ‘Congratulations to those who raised him in the NextGen.’ Conceiçao’s brother: ‘Chico at his best with Spalletti. Now he must avenge our father; he was not the problem of Milan.’
Gasp wins on the pitch, too
Malen scored a goal and assisted in the week of the Ranieri case. ‘Fourth spot? We must believe.’ Rossoblu booed.
D’Aversa: ‘It’s the game of courage.’
The Granata coach: ‘I want the opposite of what I saw in Cremona. Renewal? No signals.’ Chivu is four points away from the Scudetto: ‘Did you see Bayern-Real? The best defence no longer wins.’
Jadon Sancho’s time in the Premier League could be coming to an end in the summer.
As the 26-year-old winger prepares to become a free agent, the rumour mill is already working overtime.
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According to Sky Germany, Sancho has clearly communicated his willingness to pack his bags and return to his ultimate safe haven: Borussia Dortmund.
With his current loan spell at Aston Villa set to conclude simultaneously with his Old Trafford contract, he has been completely free to negotiate with foreign clubs since January 1.
Jadon Sancho to move back to Dortmund?
Now, a massive third stint in the famous Black and Yellow jersey is starting to look like a very concrete reality.
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Sancho’s return to English football simply hasn’t gone according to the script.
After joining the Red Devils for a massive £73 million fee back in 2021, he struggled to consistently replicate the elite, world-class form that originally made him a superstar in Germany.
This season hasn’t exactly been a redemptive fairy tale either. Shipped out on loan to Aston Villa for the 2025/26 campaign, the 26-year-old has managed a disappointing return of just one goal and three assists across 33 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the Man United boardroom is absolutely desperate to finally wipe his reported £300,000-a-week wages off their financial books.
The club has decided they won’t even trigger his one-year contract extension option just to try and desperately squeeze a transfer fee out of his departure.
To prove just how eager he is to make this happen, he is even prepared to take a significant salary cut to push the move over the line.
The ball is currently sitting firmly in Dortmund’s court. While current head coach Niko Kovac has already given the massive green light to reintegrate the winger into his squad, the final call comes down to the boardroom executives.
Sporting director Ole Book and managing director Lars Ricken are currently heavily weighing the pros and cons of bringing him back for a third spell.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly held talks with Manchester City over becoming the successor of manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard is being linked with an exit from Man City in the summer and a number of managers are now being linked with the job at the Etihad Stadium.
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While the legendary Catalan still has a year left on his current contract, there is a rapidly growing expectation that he will finally call time on his glittering ten-year reign in Manchester this summer.
Naturally, the City hierarchy isn’t waiting around to be caught off guard.
Man City involved in talks with Enzo Maresca
According to talkSPORT, the Premier League giants have already initiated high-level talks with their preferred successor, former Chelsea boss Maresca.
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To understand why Maresca is sitting firmly at the top of City’s wishlist, you have to look at his deep roots at the club.
The Italian tactician is incredibly well-regarded by the City boardroom. He originally worked as the under-23s coach before being promoted to work directly under Guardiola.
During City’s historic, treble-winning 2022/23 season, Maresca served as Pep’s trusted assistant, helping to mastermind their triumphant Champions League campaign.
Maresca has impressed in his short managerial career
Maresca’s managerial stock has skyrocketed. He brilliantly led Leicester City to the Championship title in 2024 before taking over the chaotic reins at Chelsea.
His first season at Stamford Bridge was wildly successful, culminating in UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
With Maresca now a free agent, talkSPORT reports that he is completely clear to sign for any club this summer.
Replacing an era-defining genius like Guardiola is an almost impossible task, just look at the struggles Manchester United faced after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Manchester United are gearing up for a massive summer rebuild, and it looks like their midfield is getting the most attention.
With veteran Casemiro ready to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, the Red Devils are actively hunting for a long-term replacement.
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Although other positions in the squad also need attention, it is the midfield that will be the biggest focus of the club in the summer transfer window.
Man United target move for Atalanta midfielder
According to talkSPORT, Man United have added Atalanta’s dynamic Brazilian midfielder, Éderson, to their summer wishlist.
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Éderson has been an absolute standout for Atalanta since joining them back in January 2022. He’s a relentless, box-to-box presence who excels at breaking up play and driving the ball forward.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is reportedly a massive admirer of the Brazil international and is closely monitoring his situation.
The financial timing makes a lot of sense, too. Éderson is rapidly approaching the final 12 months of his current contract, which is set to expire in June 2027.
Because of this, Atalanta are naturally looking to cash in, slapping a valuation of around €40m to €50m (£35m-£45m) on their star man.
Interestingly, Atlético Madrid previously agreed on personal terms with the player, but the Spanish giants simply refused to meet Atalanta’s hefty €45m asking price.
There have even been wild whispers floating around about a potential summer swap deal that could see Joshua Zirkzee head to Italy in exchange for Éderson.
With Manuel Ugarte struggling for minutes and potentially facing the exit door via a sale or loan, the Old Trafford hierarchy is casting a wide net.
Other prominent names heavily featured on their radar include Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
If they can successfully outmaneuver their European rivals and negotiate a fair fee with Atalanta, the Brazilian enforcer could be the exact profile they need to finally anchor their midfield in the post-Casemiro era.
Egyptian reports suggest Salah may never play for Liverpool again
Liverpool’s victory over Crystal Palace should have been a moment to build momentum, but concerns around Mo Salah have quickly taken centre stage after an update from Egypt suggested his season could already be over.
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The Egyptian forward was forced off midway through the second half at Anfield, immediately clutching his hamstring, and the reaction at the time hinted this wasn’t a minor issue.
Now, reports via FikGoal have added further concern, although it’s important to approach them with caution given the lack of official confirmation from the club.
Citing Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt’s national team director, the report claims: “Mohamed Salah’s injury is a muscle tear and he will be out of action for 4 weeks.”
Salah injury update raises Liverpool concerns
If that timeline proves accurate, it would rule the 33-year-old out of most, if not all, of our remaining fixtures this season, with just four Premier League games left to play.
That would be a major blow not only in our push for Champions League qualification, but also emotionally, given this is set to be the forward’s final campaign at the club.
There is, however, reason to remain cautious when interpreting the report, because muscle injuries require detailed scans and club-led assessments before any definitive timeline can be confirmed.
There was a genuine sense around Anfield that we could have been watching his final appearance at the stadium, especially with only two home games remaining this season.
He looked distraught as he left the field, taking his time to acknowledge the crowd, and that reaction alone told its own story about how serious he feared the injury might be.
While the suggestion of a four-week absence doesn’t completely rule him out of returning before the end of the campaign, it would leave him in a race against time to feature again.
For now, we wait for official confirmation, but the fear remains that one of our greatest-ever players may already have played his final game in a Liverpool shirt.
PREVIEW: Hearts and Hibs clash in huge Edinburgh Derby
Scottish Premiership leaders, Hearts, will travel across Edinburgh this afternoon to take on Hibernian in a massive Edinburgh Derby.
Hearts still maintain full control of this title race; if they win every one of the remaining five games, they will lift the title come May 16th… however, that’s the same for Rangers and Celtic too. Hibbs remain firmly in the race for European football next season, currently in fifth, just three points behind Motherwell, who travel to Ibrox this afternoon.
There have already been three meetings between these two sides this season, Hearts won both clashes at Tynecastle 1-0, whilst Hibbs came out 3-2 winners at Easter Road back in December. Hearts haven’t won away at Hibbs since December 27th 2023, drawing one and losing two of their three visits since.
A whopping 19 points currently separate the two sides, meaning Hearts are guaranteed to finish above their rivals this season after last term’s disappointing outcome that saw them finish 7th, or top of the relegation group, depending on how you choose to look at it.
Hearts head coach, Derek McInness, has spoken with the media ahead of this afternoon’s clash. “The important thing for me is the start of the game. You don’t need to be brilliant for 90 minutes, but you do need to be competitive in the Scottish Premiership, particularly in a derby game.
“I just thought we gave Hibs too much encouragement [last time they played], too much of a lift, and made it far too easy to play against us in that first half. I thought we were better in the second half and we nearly got something from the game.”
The game kicks off at 4:30pm (UK time) this afternoon.
Manchester United Women Under 21s seal trophy success
It has been a relatively successful season for Manchester United’s women’s teams.
Senior side
The senior side are currently battling for a Champions League spot next season, with three league matches left to play.
They also made history by reaching their first-ever League Cup final, but were defeated 0-2 by Chelsea.
United also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in their first-ever season but were eventually beaten 3-5 by Bayern Munich on aggregate.
Youth success
Success at academy level is something which runs through the lifeblood of the club, and United’s Under-18 male side have made it to the final of the Youth Cup against Manchester City.
They also lost on penalties to Crystal Palace earlier this week in the Premier League Cup final.
Under-21s success
The club’s official website reports that, “Manchester United Women’s Under-21s have won the Professional Academy Plate after beating Durham 2-1 in this year’s final.”
Both goals were scored by Martha A and Sienna Wareing. The latter’s afternoon was even better, as she was awarded the Player of the Match award.
United have found success at this level before, as they vanquished Arsenal in the 2024 final.
Speaking about the victory, Director of Women’s Football, Matt Johnson, claimed, “playing in finals is an important part of the players’ development and it was great to see them perform so well and win silverware.”
The women’s Under-21 side will next be in action when they take on the same opponents, Durham, in the league on Wednesday 6th May.
The Red Devils currently sit second in the table, with six wins from nine matches and one point behind Aston Villa.
Layla Drury and Jessica Anderson have both graduated from the youth teams to the senior side this season, and many of the cup winners will be hoping to follow in their footsteps in the coming months.
Zion Young’s Mindset Shift Fueled His Breakout Season
Every prospect has a turning point—and for Zion Young, it came when the future got real. Coming off a 6.5-sack season, Young was asked what clicked for him. His answer wasn’t about technique or scheme—it was about urgency.
“Of course, my pass rush, but hey, if I wanted to play in the NFL or not, you know what I mean? At the end of the day, it was coming into my last season. So, I felt more so like, the production has to go up. It has to be more of me increasing my play. Of course, when guys are starting to draft guys, when they look at their boards, they look at more so the upside and how are guys getting better and what's the upside looking like?”
That awareness shows maturity. He understood what evaluators were looking for and responded with production. It wasn’t accidental—it was intentional.
Baltimore just added a player who knows how to flip the switch when it matters most.
The Washington Commanders entered the offseason with plenty of holes to fill. General manager Adam Peters did an outstanding job in free agency of filling Washington's needs, but there was more work to be done. When the 2026 NFL Draft began on Thursday, the Commanders held six picks, including the No. 7 overall choice.
It was a mystery what Washington would do at No. 7, in part because of the mystery in front of them. The Commanders were hopeful that either Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles would fall to them. One of two wasn't bad, as Styles became Washington's first-round choice and new defensive leader.
The Commanders would use the rest of the draft to fill holes or build depth. How many starters will come out of this draft? Washington hopes that Styles and wide receiver Antonio Williams become immediate starters.
So, how did the Commanders fare compared to other teams? We've graded every Washington pick, but now let's take a look at how others viewed the Commanders' entire draft, compared to the other 31 teams.
Here's how everyone else graded Washington's draft class:
LB Sonny Styles, the seventh overall pick, is the headliner of a light class … and should be creating quite a few headlines for years into the future as the man in the middle and new face of this defense. A freakish athlete and multi-dimensional weapon who used to play safety, Styles’ mind might ultimately be his greatest asset, especially given the likelihood cerebral stud Bobby Wagner likely won’t return. Third-round WR Antonio Williams has a chance to crack the rotation early. And don’t forget that GM Adam Peters spent a package of picks, including this year’s second- and fourth-rounder, in 2025 in order to obtain Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil … as much good as it did QB Jayden Daniels last season.
The Commanders have their Von Miller replacement. The veteran linebacker remains a free agent, and selecting the best player at his position in the draft suggests Washington is content to let him walk. There is always a positional value discussion when it comes to taking inside linebackers in the first round, but Styles has been widely considered a top-10 talent since his remarkable showing at the combine.
Washington also identified a couple new weapons for Jayden Daniels. With Terry McLaurin returning as the only sure thing in the receiving corps, the Commanders needed to come out of this draft with a plus receiver to inject some young excitement into the group. They got that in Antonio Williams, who played in the slot at Clemson and will get open at a high rate in this offense. And at running back, Kaytron Allen was one half of a dynamic Penn State duo for four years and now brings some bully-ball tendencies to Washington.
There was some thought the Commanders would be in play for Jeremiyah Love in the early first round, but instead they waited until Saturday to take Allen.
They also took a quarterback on Saturday -- one in Athan Kaliakmanis, who brings some mobility as a backup but, according to Edwards, is a low-ceiling prospect.
With the Chiefs trading up to take cornerback Mansoor Delane off the board at No. 6, Washington selected Styles over his former Ohio State teammate, safety Caleb Downs. Styles should step into the middle of Dan Quinn's defense without an issue, but only time will tell if he was the best prospect available at No. 7. The Commanders' original second-round pick was part of last year's trade for Laremy Tunsil, who needs to stay healthy and help fuel a Commanders playoff run this year to pay off that deal. Williams was a very good value in the third round at a position of need, because he's quick and stronger than you'd think at his size.
Washington's original fourth-round pick was the last one dealt for Tunsil. Josephs' length should make him an effective back-up edge rusher as a rookie, with the possibility that he could be more in the future. Allen was a very good value in the sixth round as a north-south runner who can take over for Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez. Don't be surprised if the steady Gulbin is the team's starting center by the end of his rookie season. The Commanders failed to add a cornerback in the draft despite losing multiple veterans in the spring and Trey Amos coming off injury.
Styles: Styles had an excellent season at Ohio State, earning 85.0-plus grades as both a run defender and coverage defender, and then he tested the way he did at the combine. The positional value argument will come up with Styles, but he has the potential to quickly become one of the better players at the position in the NFL. It’s a much-needed infusion of talent for a Commanders defense that ranked 31st in EPA allowed per play last season.
Williams: Williams is a quick, precise slot-only receiver with strong separation metrics but a low average depth of target. His special teams experience helps support his projection as a depth receiver.
The Commanders had a well-rounded draft, filling critical needs on both sides of the ball. Styles landed in an ideal spot, getting to work with coach Dan Quinn, who has a reputation for unlocking vast skill sets of hybrid players. The Ohio State product can patrol the middle of Quinn’s defense before finding his footing as a chess piece. Entering the draft, Washington lacked depth at the skill positions. Now, it has two new weapons for Jayden Daniels: Williams, who can contribute from the slot, and Allen, who can block and make plays with his excellent vision.
The Fina name is back in Buffalo a quarter-century later.
The Buffalo Bills are signing Duke offensive tackle Bruno Fina as an undrafted free agent. Fina is the son of former Bills offensive lineman John Fina, who was selected by Buffalo with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft.
John Fina played 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the Bills and started 131 of 155 career games. He was part of Buffalo's Super Bowl teams in 1992 and 1993 and now co-hosts the Overreaction Buffalo podcast.
Bruno Fina played two seasons at Duke after transferring from UCLA. He appeared in 44 career games with 38 starts and started all 14 games at left tackle for Duke in 2025.
Fina helped Duke's offense set program records for total touchdowns and points. He protected quarterback Darian Mensah, who set Duke single-season records for passing yards, completions and touchdowns. The Blue Devils' offense had a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver for the first time in school history.
The 6-foot-5, 299-pounder also had a strong academic career. He earned Academic All-District honors three times and was a Second Team Academic All-American in 2024. Bruno Fina graduated from UCLA with a degree in economics and has a master's degree from Duke's business school.
Football runs deep in the Fina family. Bruno Fina's younger brother, Roman, also plays on the offensive line at Duke. John Fina is in the University of Arizona Athletic Hall of Fame.
EFL Championship title winners Coventry City will host Wrexham on Sunday for a matchup that could have major implications on the table.
Coventry officially won the 2025-26 title on Tuesday with a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth, marking the club's first championship in 25 years. With this achievement, the Sky Blues have also secured a promotion to the Premier League. While the pressure is off, Coventry will still want to secure a win this weekend to further their points tally.
Meanwhile, Wrexham is in line to finish sixth in the table, but only if they're able to win their next several fixtures. The Red Dragons recorded back-to-back victories over Stoke City and Oxford United recently, keeping clean sheets with both fixtures. Can they keep momentum going while on the road?
Here's everything you need to know about Coventry vs. Wrexham, including TV channel and streaming options for the EFL Championship match.
This game is available exclusively via Paramount+.
EFL Championship matches throughout the season are available on Paramount+.
Paramount+ gives subscribers the ability to watch basketball, football, golf and soccer, and they won't have to break the bank in order to follow along with the latest sporting events.
What time does Coventry vs. Wrexhamkick off?
This clash takes place at CBS Arena in Coventry and kicks off on Sunday, April 26 at 12 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date
Kickoff time
Eastern Time
Sun, April 26
7 a.m.
Central Time
Sun, April 26
6 a.m.
Mountain Time
Sun, April 26
5 a.m.
Pacific Time
Sun, April 26
4 a.m.
EFL Championship fixture schedule this week
Sunday, April 26
Coventry vs. Wrexham (7 a.m. ET)
Tuesday, April 28
Southampton vs. Ipswich Town (2:45 p.m. ET)
Saturday, May 2
Blackburn Rovers vs. Leicester City (7:30 a.m. ET)
Bristol City vs. Stoke City (7:30 a.m. ET)
Derby County vs. Sheffield United (7:30 a.m. ET)
Hull City vs. Norwich City (7:30 a.m. ET)
Ipswich Town vs. Queens Park Rangers (7:30 a.m. ET)
Millwall vs. Oxford United (7:30 a.m. ET)
Portsmouth vs. Birmingham City (7:30 a.m. ET)
Preston North End vs. Southampton (7:30 a.m. ET)
Sheffield Wednesday vs. West Bromwich Albion (7:30 a.m. ET)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 25: Aljamain Sterling reacts after a victory against Youssef Zalal of Morocco in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Last night (Sat., April 25, 2026), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned home to Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC Vegas 116. In the main event, former Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling looked to take a step closer to Featherweight gold by turning away red-hot rising star Youssef Zalal. The co-main event was another potential title eliminator, as Norma Dumont aimed to extend her winning streak to six opposite Panamanian finisher Joselyn Edwards.
Let’s take a look back over the best performances and techniques of the evening:
Aljamain Sterling, Cage General
On the whole, Aljamain Sterling didn’t really show anything new while dominating Youssef Zalal. The 36-year-old brought his usual mix of tools to the Octagon: punishing kicks, wide overhand swings, outstanding cage wrestling, and debatably the sport’s best back triangle. He didn’t bring any surprises to the table, and yet he still won the vast majority of the fight in impressive fashion.
Sterling’s cage generalship and Fight IQ were the real takeaways here. He managed to win the first two rounds without ever putting his foot on the gas in a serious way. He tried a few takedowns, but if Zalal was in good position to defend, he didn’t force it. He would simply bide his time and try again a minute later, and if given an inch, Sterling would take a mile.
Round Four was the memorable moment. After nearly getting guillotined in the third — the only real moment of trouble for “Funkmaster” in 25 minutes of combat — Sterling stormed out of the gate and genuinely surprised Zalal with his sudden outburst of strength and aggression. Zalal didn’t exactly wilt, but he gave up the subsequent takedown in a state of shell shock. With that moment of unprecedented explosion, Sterling wrapped up the win on the judges’ scorecards, allowing him to once again take his time in the fifth.
He won that round too, by the way.
Like in the Petr Yan rematch, Sterling demonstrated that he can play the game masterfully here. He’s so experienced against elite competition that he’s able to take a break or ramp up the intensity without paying the price. He’s a very cerebral fighter, able to make these decisions on the fly and reap the rewards.
I’d like to see him fight Jean Silva in a bona fide title eliminator next.
A Doomed Division
The two women’s Bantamweight fights did not inspire hope in the division’s future.
Dumont did not look like the next contender opposite Edwards. She’s known as a counter fighter, but Edwards gave her relatively few easy openings. As a result, Dumont didn’t do much of anything! After some early grappling exchanges, it was a low-volume kickboxing match in which neither woman really did much to capture the momentum. Edwards was a bit more active and pushed forward more, resulting in a unanimous decision victory.
Nobody is calling for a “La Pantera” title shot even after five straight wins.
Earlier on the “Prelims,” former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva suffered her fifth consecutive loss to Michelle Montague in yet another uninspired performance. It’s hard to believe she was favored to win gold just two years ago! Montague was able to wrestle her way to victory, looking both very physically talented and very green in overall MMA skill. Montague’s kickboxing is scarily wooden, and one wonders if the 32-year-old up-and-comer can fix that issue in the years to come.
Either way, the divisional future is grim. What’s left after Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison is rebooked?
A Dangerous Debut
UFC matchmakers must have very high expectations for Adrian Luna Martinetti.
Why else match him with “Dangerous” Davey Grant? The Englishman may be 40 years old, but Grant has repeatedly proven himself a top-notch Bantamweight over the last five years. Aside from one robbery, he’s only lost to top prospects and rising contenders this decade. He’s far better than most of the division, and Martinetti found out the hard way.
Grant was surgical in chopping up the lead leg early on. Attacking inside and outside, Grant chopped away at the calf. He hid his calf kicks behind stance switches and linear leg kicks, punishing Martinetti’s boxing-style head movement. Just a few minutes into the fight, the Ecuadorian prospect’s lead leg was severely hampered, limiting his ability to build combinations.
Credit to Martinetti, he’s tough as they come. He continued to press through the kicks, though he walked into some wide overhand swings. He tried to adjust by attacking with elbows then was forced to fight Southpaw due to the low kicks. He did well to try to adjust his way to a comeback win, but Grant had too much experience and grit for him to pull it off.
Martinetti looks like a gifted prospect, but Grant in his debut was a step too far.
Additional Thoughts
Ryan Spann defeats Marcus Buchecha via second-round knockout (highlights): Spann raised eyebrows a couple of days ago by showing up to weigh-ins at 264 pounds despite his former Light Heavyweight career. Fans wondered if too much weight gain would negatively affect his performance — nope! Spann looked really solid here, shucking off a lot of Buchecha’s takedown attempts and forcing him off the legs with that dangerous guillotine choke. He maintained a fairly high pace too, catching Buchecha off-guard with a lovely 3-2 combination midway through the second that landed with enough pop to send the Brazilian flying. Spann might have a Heavyweight ranking sooner than later!
Jackson McVey defeats Sedriques Dumas via first-round d’arce choke (highlights): “The Moose” scored his first UFC win in style … against perhaps the worst fighter on the roster. After some early wrestling attempts, McVey stepped back while Dumas was still trapped on the fence. In nearly their first real exchange, McVey timed a Southpaw uppercut as Dumas ducked, flooring him. Dumas hung tough through some ground strikes, but he offered no real defense when McVey locked up the front choke finish.
For complete UFC Vegas 116 results and play-by-play, click here.
The South Londoners were poor defensively, especially Chris Richards, who had a shocker on the right side of the three-man rearguard.
The American international (36 caps) won only 4/14 duels and lost possession 13 times. To make matters worse, he also missed an excellent chance.
Palace had kept 12 clean sheets in the Premier League before yesterday, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the English top flight, but they seemed to wilt.
Jaydee Canvot and Maxence Lacroix were also guilty of losing too many duels in a game where they needed to be strong.
Richards, in particular, will view this as a rare off-night rather than a sign of anything deeper.
He has been one of Palace’s most reliable defenders all season, combining physicality with composure in a backline that has largely kept the club competitive.
Performances like this happen, especially against elite opposition, but they do not erase months of consistency. What matters now is the response.
Glasner will demand a quick reset, and Richards has shown enough across the campaign to suggest he can deliver exactly that.
Palace will need the 26-year-old back to his commanding best as they prepare for a crucial Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.
With four league games also remaining, the Eagles are still pushing for a top-half finish.
If Richards rediscovers his usual level, this blip will quickly fade into irrelevance.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 22: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates following the team's victory and qualification for the final after the DFB Cup semifinal match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München at BayArena on April 22, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
If you are a Bayern Munich fan, you will notice that every current Bayern shirt (apart from the third, or Champions League shirt) is flocked with the words “FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN” on the back, above the players’ names and numbers.
However, that will now change from the upcoming season. According to the good people at Footy Headlines, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, the club’s printed name on the shirts will be changed from “FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN” to simply “FC BAYERN.” As per the tweet from @iMiaSanMia, the change reflects how the club is most commonly referred to in its homeland. Indeed, most Germans refer to Bayern Munich as FC Bayern, or just Bayern.
This will likely be the first time that the city’s name of Munich will not be featured on the back of the shirts. From the 1970s, the club always featured the name “BAYERN MÜNCHEN” on the back of the shirts, all the way up to the 2017/18 season. From 2018/19, the letters “FC” were added to the name, and it stayed that way for the next eight seasons.
That said, in Europe, due to kit regulations, the kits will most likely just feature the traditional name + number combination, without the club name altogether.
The fans will get to see this new design in action for the first time in May, when the new home kit is released.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
“It’s been a long time without playing” – Nico Gonzalez reflects on Manchester City minutes after Wembley winner
Nico Gonzalez’s outrageous strike from distance has sent Man City to fourth FA Cup final in a row
Spaniard scored on 87 minutes to complete thrilling comeback for Pep Guardiola and co
Southampton took a late lead and nearly pulled off a scare against domestic treble chasing City
Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored a vital winner in a 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win against Southampton at Wembley on Saturday evening.
The 24-year-old has struggled for minutes in recent months as Rodri returned to his best form after foregoing his injury troubles amid Manchester City‘s pursuit of a domestic treble.
City are fighting Arsenal tooth and nail in the Premier League title race and having lifted the Carabao Cup trophy at Wembley in March, the Blues have also entered the FA Cup final after coming from behind to beat Southampton in Saturday’s semi-final.
Jeremy Doku levelled for the Blues after Finn Azaz‘s stunning opener but Gonzalez stole the show with a long-range effort to extend Manchester City’s winning run to six games in all competitions and to set up a fourth FA Cup final date in a row.
Match Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Southampton (FA Cup Semi-Final)
It’s been a long time without playing, admits Nico
In a post-match interview with BBC Match of the Day, Gonzalez went on to admit that he had been awaiting an opportunity to start in midfield in place of the injured Rodri, having only made the bench against Burnley in midweek.
The Spain international said: “It’s been a long time without playing and being here, being with this amazing stadium, with this atmosphere – it’s an amazing feeling!”
Manchester City were piling on the pressure on a resilient Saints side after Doku’s equaliser and it took a moment of magic from Gonzalez to break down the EFL Championship side’s resistance.
Gonzalez added: “I was waiting for the chance and I had it, so I gave it everything, I shot with everything and it went in!”
Nico: We didn’t think we’d be in this position
Manchester City have turned around their season with six wins in the last five weeks, piling huge pressure on Arsenal in the title race and going on a perfect run in the domestic cups to keep their hopes of a domestic treble well and truly alive.
“It’s been a really important week, it’s been amazing – three wins and we are alive in the league which was something that maybe one month ago we didn’t think we would arrive here with this chance,” Gonzalez said.
“But it’s amazing to arrive in another final; this is my second season and my second final in the FA Cup and I hope we can win it!”
While Manchester City and Pep Guardiola will be desperately waiting for Rodri to return to full fitness, Gonzalez will be hoping to retain his place in the starting XI in the FA Cup final against whoever between Chelsea and Leeds United win Sunday’s other semi-final.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 08, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona will have to cope without Jules Kounde next time out against Osasuna as the Frenchman will miss out due to suspension.
The Frenchman will therefore sit out Barca’s next game but will be available for the following match which is the Clasico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick will therefore have to make changes to his backline but will have Eric Garcia available after he missed the Getafe win due to suspension.
Ronald Araujo is another option at right-back for the German coach for the game at El Sadar on Saturday night in La Liga.
Barcelona will head into that game 11 points clear and aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table even further. Real Madrid play a day later when they take on Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
‘Quality of output has been missing’ – Newcastle must upgrade Murphy this summer after another uninspiring display vs Arsenal
Newcastle United suffered a cruel 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, leaving the Magpies in 14th place in the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe will believe his side deserved more from the tie, but it was not to be for the Toon Army as their winless streak continued.
Newcastle weren’t effective enough in attack. William Osula, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, and Jacob Murphy were uninspiring.
However, Murphy was particularly poor, offering little in the final third when his side desperately needed inspiration.
The Newcastle star failed to connect with any of his three attempted crosses and won only 2/6 duels.
Murphy lost possession eight times, failing to record a shot or key pass before being substituted in the second half for the more direct Harvey Barnes.
On-loan Barcelona star determined to stay despite club’s hesitation – Romano
The future of Marcus Rashford at Barcelona is hanging in the balance, with fresh updates suggesting a clear divide between the player’s intentions and the club’s current thinking.
According to the latest information from Fabrizio Romano, Rashford is keen to remain in Catalonia and believes he can deliver a much stronger campaign next season.
The English forward is said to be confident that, with more continuity and rhythm, he can justify the faith shown in him. However, the final call does not rest with the player.
What’s the story?
Barcelona are yet to make a definitive decision regarding the €30 million buy clause included in his deal, and internal discussions are still ongoing.
What once looked like a straightforward opportunity is now far more complicated.
To understand the hesitation, it is important to look at how Rashford’s loan spell has been evaluated internally.
When he arrived, Barcelona saw him as a versatile attacking option, someone capable of operating across multiple roles in the frontline, especially during periods of absence for key players like Raphinha.
Yet, that expectation has not been fully met.
Expectation and reality
Rashford’s future is uncertain at Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Despite flashes of quality, the club’s technical staff believe Rashford has not consistently taken advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
His overall impact has been viewed as underwhelming, particularly given the trust placed in him during crucial moments of the season.
A recent goal against Getafe offered a glimpse of what he can bring, and it did not go unnoticed by manager Hansi Flick.
Speaking after the match, Flick acknowledged the forward’s contribution and the importance of his performance.
“Marcus made the most of the spaces. I’m delighted with his goal. It will be important for him and for us.”
While the goal provided a timely boost, it is unlikely to be enough to sway the club’s overall decision on its own.
Financial considerations also play a crucial role. Although €30 million is relatively modest in today’s transfer market, Barcelona continue to operate under strict economic limitations.
Despite this, though, Rashford’s desire remains unchanged. He wants to stay, prove his worth, and play a bigger role moving forward.
Why Real Madrid cannot afford to gamble on Alvaro Arbeloa any longer
There is a growing sense within Real Madrid that a decisive summer lies ahead, and at the centre of it all is the future of Alvaro Arbeloa.
What once appeared to be a transitional appointment with potential has quickly turned into a situation that now demands serious reflection at the board level.
While Arbeloa has undeniably improved relationships within the dressing room, especially when compared to the turbulence seen under Xabi Alonso, results remain the ultimate currency at a club of Madrid’s stature.
For a brief period, it seemed like Arbeloa had found the right balance.
March offered a glimpse of what this team could be under his guidance, and despite a crippling injury list that sidelined key names, Madrid produced a run of five consecutive victories.
During that stretch, the team looked organised, disciplined, and committed to a clear tactical structure.
High-profile wins, including eliminating Manchester City and securing victory in the derby, suggested that Arbeloa might have been building something sustainable despite adversity.
Everything changed in a month
However, that optimism has since faded dramatically, as April has exposed the fragility of that progress.
Real Madrid cannot continue with Alvaro Arbeloa. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
With several key players returning, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, expectations naturally rose.
But instead of building on March’s momentum, Madrid regressed. The team lost its structure, intensity, and clarity, raising serious concerns about the manager’s ability to handle a fully fit squad.
Out of six matches played in April, Madrid have managed just one win. ONE. That is not only unacceptable, but it is also just sad to see Real Madrid in a state like this.
In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich, losing both legs.
In La Liga, dropped points against Mallorca, Girona, and Betis have effectively ended their title hopes.
Perhaps even more concerning than the results is the manner in which they have come.
Performances have lacked cohesion, urgency, and tactical clarity. Even their lone win, a narrow victory over Alaves, came without conviction, despite the presence of their biggest stars.
As things stand, Arbeloa’s position looks increasingly untenable, as Real Madrid are already exploring alternatives for the 2026/27 season, fully aware that they cannot afford another campaign defined by inconsistency.
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling moved up to the featherweight division in 2024 to try and make a run at a second UFC divisional title. He took a step closer to his goal on Saturday defeating Youssef Zalal in the UFC Vegas 116 main event.
Sterling largely dominated Zalal. Since moving up a weight class, "Funk Master" has gone 3-1 with his one loss coming to top contender Movsar Evloev via decision. In his post-fight Octagon Interview, Sterling called for a title shot and stated his case.
"Movsar, I'm coming for that a** next. [Alexander] Volkanovski, you know I'm coming for that a**," Sterling said.
"I bring something different to this table, man. None of these guys can do it the way that I do it. I mix it up well. I'm a hard guy to stop for takedown. I've got veteran experience. I know when to push, take my foot off the gas and put it in their a**.
"Give me my shot now. I've worked so hard for this. I've been in this company 12 years. That was my 23rd UFC fight. I've only fought three unranked guys since I got signed to this company. My third fight in the UFC was a guy ranked sixth in the world and I haven't looked back since. So, put some motherf**king respect on my name when I say I'm next in line for that motherf**king title shot."
Andy Robertson Offers Hope on Mo Salah Injury as Liverpool Close In on Champions League Return
Late season push gathers pace
There are moments late in a season when results matter, but context matters more. For Andy Robertson and Mo Salah, Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace felt like both progression and reflection.
Liverpool moved closer to securing a top five finish, needing just six points from four games, yet the mood was shaped as much by uncertainty as optimism. Salah’s second half withdrawal, with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, cast a shadow over an otherwise controlled performance. His reaction suggested concern, and with his future unresolved, the possibility lingered that Anfield may already have seen his final act.
Robertson’s perspective brings encouragement
Robertson, who marked the occasion with a goal, spoke with the clarity of a player aware of the closing chapter. His words, though measured, offered encouragement regarding Salah’s situation.
“Unbelievable. There are only four games. Two left at home and I want to enjoy every minute the manager gives me on the pitch.
“It was a great moment for me. I’m sure the next two home games will be special for me and Mo and at least we can leave with the club in a great position.”
Photo: IMAGO
There was no definitive update, but there was enough to suggest that Salah’s season may not yet be over. In a campaign shaped by inconsistency, his presence for even one more appearance would carry both sporting and symbolic weight.
Control, composure and crucial points
Liverpool’s performance itself was largely assured. They dictated play, created chances, and responded well after conceding what Robertson described as a “strange goal”.
Looking back, he said, “We were in control, then we go and conceded a bit of a strange goal. You hope the right result comes and we are the ones who go and score the next one and the three points stay with us.”
That control reflects a side rediscovering rhythm at a critical stage. The table now shows Liverpool in fourth, with momentum building at precisely the right time.
Personal moments amid collective ambition
Robertson’s goal, a sharp finish that doubled the lead, carried its own narrative.
“It was like a striker’s finish, wasn’t it. Maybe I need to sit Alex [Isak] and Hugo [Ekitike] down after that! Delighted I could score and get 2-0 up. It’s always nice scoring, especially at home.”
Yet even in celebration, there is an awareness of what lies ahead. Departures, transitions, and uncertainty hover over the final weeks.
“When you’re reigning champions, we believe we had a squad to compete and when you don’t, there’s always going to be noise. This football club belongs in the Champions League so it’s important we put a run together to achieve that.”
For Liverpool, the objective is clear. For Salah and Robertson, the remaining games carry something deeper, a chance to shape the closing lines of their story at Anfield.
Diego Simeone rues Atletico Madrid injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash – “Life makes it difficult for us”
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid host Arsenal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, but they are set to do so without the services of one of their key players. Star midfielder Pablo Barrios was forced off during their victory over Athletic Club on Saturday, and barring a miracle, he will miss that match at the very least – the return leg is London could also be difficult for him to feature in.
Barrios has suffered multiple muscle injuries this season, and the blow he sustained during the Athletic match is in a similar mould. He was making his first start since returning to action, but another spell on the sidelines appears to be ahead of him again.
As per Diario AS, Atleti head coach Diego Simeone rued the incident with Barrios when he addressed it after Saturday’s match.
“I haven’t seen him yet. The doctors will inform us what injury he may have. Life often makes it difficult for us and they are doing it with him this year, with respect to injuries. He has to take it as a learning curve, with the strength and willingness to learn from what is happening to him. He must be strong and work. Before the game I told him that I trust him a lot, he is very important for us and we are waiting for him. Hopefully the injury is as small as possible and he can be with us at the end of the season.”
Atleti will know more in next 24 hours
The extent of Barrios’ blow should be known before the end of the weekend. He’s very unlikely to be involved against Arsenal on Wednesday, but if it is a minor issue, he could have chances to travel to London the following week for the second leg, but that is likely to be the best case scenario for both he and Atleti.
Egyptian journalist shared worrying Mohamed Salah update after Liverpool injury blow
Salah hamstring concern clouds Anfield outlook
There are moments in football when a single image tells a broader story. Mohamed Salah trudging off the pitch, head slightly bowed, has become one of those snapshots that stirs unease around Liverpool. Now, reports emerging from Egypt have added fuel to an already simmering uncertainty surrounding both his fitness and his future.
According to Sayed Nabawy, who broke the update on social media, “Mohamed Salah’s journey with Liverpool has come to an end…” before adding a crucial clarification. “According to Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt’s national team director, Salah is suffering from an injury that will keep him out for a month, but he is expected to join the Egypt national team for the World Cup.”
The mention of a hamstring issue immediately sharpens focus. For a player whose game relies heavily on explosive acceleration and sharp directional changes, even a minor muscle strain carries weighty implications. Salah has built his Liverpool legacy on relentless availability and elite physical conditioning. A setback now, at a potentially transitional moment, feels particularly significant.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool future speculation intensifies
In elite football, injury updates rarely exist in isolation. They often intertwine with contract narratives, tactical evolution, and long-term planning. The suggestion that Salah’s Liverpool chapter “has come to an end” has understandably triggered debate, even if the claim itself remains unverified beyond its original source.
Liverpool’s attacking structure has revolved around Salah for years. His output, both in goals and assists, has been foundational to their domestic and European success. Removing that pillar, whether through injury or departure, would represent a seismic shift.
Yet timing matters. A hamstring injury that sidelines him for a month could disrupt rhythm, delay decisions, and complicate any potential negotiations. Clubs rarely rush into definitive calls when a key asset is recovering. At the same time, international commitments loom large, particularly with Egypt expecting Salah to feature on the global stage.
Injury timeline and World Cup implications
The projected recovery window places Salah in a delicate position. A month on the sidelines is not catastrophic, but it demands careful management. Hamstring injuries, if mishandled, have a notorious tendency to recur.
Egypt’s national team will be monitoring closely. The expectation, as outlined in the original report, is that Salah will be fit in time for World Cup duty. That introduces a familiar tension between club and country priorities. Liverpool would prefer a measured reintegration, while Egypt will be eager to have their talisman operating at full capacity.
For Salah himself, the equation is straightforward yet demanding. Regain fitness without compromising long-term durability. Maintain sharpness without risking aggravation. It is a balancing act that has defined the careers of many elite forwards, particularly those approaching the latter stages of their peak years.
Legacy considerations at Liverpool
Beyond the immediate injury concern lies a broader narrative. Salah’s Liverpool journey, whether nearing its conclusion or not, has already secured its place in the club’s modern history. His numbers are extraordinary. His influence, undeniable.
However, football rarely allows for static appreciation. It is a sport driven by momentum and forward planning. If this hamstring setback coincides with a genuine transition, then Liverpool must confront the challenge of evolving without one of their most consistent performers.
Equally, Salah’s own perspective will shape the next chapter. Does he view this period as a temporary interruption or as a natural point of departure? The answer may not be immediate, but the context provided by this injury adds another layer to the conversation.
For now, the focus remains on recovery. The hamstring issue is the immediate obstacle. The wider questions around Salah’s future will follow soon enough, shaped by form, fitness, and the ambitions of both player and club.
Report: Manchester United keen on £42m Serie A midfielder
Manchester United Eye Ederson as Midfield Overhaul Begins
Manchester United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, with fresh reporting from TalkSport revealing that Atalanta midfielder Ederson has emerged as a key target. It is a move that speaks to both necessity and ambition, as Old Trafford prepares for a significant reshaping of its engine room.
Midfield Reset Signals New Direction
There is a quiet inevitability to this story. Casemiro’s impending exit and the expected departure of Manuel Ugarte have forced United into action. Recruitment, in this sense, feels less like luxury and more like repair work.
“Manchester United have added Atalanta midfielder Ederson to their list of summer transfer targets,” and that addition feels calculated rather than speculative. Ederson, valued at £42million, represents a player in his prime, a midfielder shaped by intensity, tactical discipline, and consistency.
His “bustling displays in the middle of the park” have become a defining trait, a phrase that captures both his energy and his reliability. United, for too long, have oscillated between control and chaos in midfield. Ederson offers a different rhythm, one built on balance.
Transfer Battle Brewing Across Europe
Yet this is not a straightforward pursuit. “The Brazilian has already agreed terms to join Atletico Madrid in the summer.” That detail complicates matters significantly. Atletico’s delay in agreeing a fee with Atalanta has opened the door, but only slightly.
United’s interest suggests opportunism, but also intent. They are willing to compete, even when the path is crowded. It reflects a club attempting to rediscover its authority in the market.
Jason Wilcox’s admiration for the player adds further weight. His influence in shaping this shortlist hints at a more coherent recruitment strategy, something United supporters have long demanded.
Options Expand Beyond Ederson
Ederson may be prominent, but he is far from the only name under consideration. Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton all feature in a wide-ranging search.
Photo IMAGO
Each profile tells its own story. Anderson offers youthful promise, Tonali proven pedigree, Baleba untapped potential. Yet Ederson sits somewhere in between, established but still evolving.
“United plot midfield summer spree,” and that phrase feels accurate. This is not a single signing to plug a gap, it is a broader attempt to redefine how the team functions.
Ederson Profile Fits Tactical Need
Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Ederson has developed into a dependable presence. With 176 appearances and a Europa League triumph in 2024, his pedigree is quietly impressive.
There is substance to his rise. “He has established himself a key player in a hugely successful period for the club,” and that consistency is precisely what United have lacked.
His international recognition, including three Brazil caps, reinforces that trajectory. Even in a 4-1 defeat to Argentina, his inclusion signals trust at the highest level.
United’s interest, then, feels grounded. This is not a gamble, it is a calculated step towards stability.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United perspective, this report feels both encouraging and slightly familiar. The idea of a midfield rebuild has been discussed repeatedly over recent seasons, yet execution has often fallen short.
Ederson looks like a sensible addition. He brings energy, positional awareness, and durability, qualities that United’s midfield has lacked when games become stretched. Supporters will appreciate that he is not purely a defensive shield or an attacking luxury, but something in between.
There will be concerns, though. The note that “the Brazilian has already agreed terms to join Atletico Madrid in the summer” raises questions about United’s pull in the current market. Too often, the club has appeared reactive rather than decisive.
Fans may also question the volume of targets. A long list can suggest thorough scouting, but it can also hint at uncertainty. Identifying the right profile is one thing, securing it quickly is another.
If Casemiro and Ugarte both depart, the pressure increases. This cannot be another window of partial fixes. It needs to be decisive, coherent, and aligned with a clear tactical identity.
For supporters, Ederson represents hope, but also a test. If United truly want to compete again, these are the deals they must win.
Here’s everything you need to know about the London Marathon 2026:
When is the London Marathon 2026?
The 2026 London Marathon is on Sunday, 26 April. The race starts in Blackheath and Greenwich, with the finish near Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Road, opposite St James’s Park.
London Marathon start times
All times BST
08:50am Men’s and women’s elite wheelchair races
09:05am Elite women’s race at 9:05am.
09:35am Elite men and first mass participation wave (championship wave)
Regular additional waves through to 11:30am.
How to watch the London Marathon 2026
You can follow the elite races and mass participation race with Independent Sport and our live blog. While the race will be on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Coverage starts at 8:30am on BBC One. But live coverage will move to BBC Two at 2pm. While a second live stream will afford family and friends to spot runners at Tower Bridge from 10:30am and the Finish Line from 12:30pm on BBC iPlayer. Highlights with Gabby Logan will air on BBC Two at 6:00pm.
The London Marathon finish line with Buckingham Palace in the background (PA Media)
London Marathon 2026 Elite fields
Women's Field
Tigst Assefa 2:11:53
Joyciline Jepkosgei 2:14:00
Hellen Obiri 2:17:41
Degitu Azimeraw 2:17:58
Magdalena Shauri 2:18:02
Eunice Chebichii Chumba 2:20:02
Catherine Reline Amanang’ole 2:20:34
Balemelay Shumet 2:21:59
Rose Harvey 2:23:21
Florencia Borelli 2:24:18
Eilish McColgan 2:24:25
Jessica Warner-Judd 2:24:45
Fadouwa Ledhem 2:25:50
Marta Galimany 2:26:14
Lucy Reid 2:26:35
Julia Paternain 2:27:09
Louise Small 2:27:48
Verity Hopkins 2:31:19
Men's Field
Sabastian Sawe 2:02:05
Jacob Kiplimo 2:02:23
Deresa Geleta 2:02:38
Amos Kipruto 2:03:13
Tamirat Tola 2:03:39
Amanal Petros 2:04:03
Geoffrey Kamworor 2:04:23
Joshua Cheptegei2:04:52
Shunya Kikuchi 2:06:06
Mahamed Mahamed 2:07:05
Philip Sesemann 2:07:10
Hassan Chahdi 2:07:30
Adam Lipschitz 2:08:54
Patrick Dever 2:08:58
Peter Lynch 2:09:36
Tim Vincent 2:09:40
Weynay Ghebresilasie 2:09:50
Tewelde Menges 2:09:58
Liam Boudin 2:10:28
Jake Smith 2:11:00
Jack Rowe 2:12:31
Andrew Fyfe 2:13:20
Alex Milne 2:14:03
Peter Le Grice 2:14:45
Sean Hogan 2:14:51
Christopher Thomas 2:14:55
Chris Perry 2:14:57
David Bishop 2:15:16
Charlie Sandison 2:15:38
William Mycroft 2:15:54
Yomif Kejelcha Debut
Hagos Gebrhiwet Debut
Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi Debut
Alfie Manthorpe Debut
What is the prize money?
Men’s and women’s elite races
1st place - $55,000
2nd place - $30,000
3rd place - $22,500
4th place - $15,000
5th place - $10,000
6th place - $7,500
7th place - $5,000
8th place - $4,000
9th place - $3,000
10th place - $2,000
11th place - $1,500
12th place - $1,000
Additional bonuses
Elite men
2:02:00 - $150,000
2:03:00 - £100,000
2:03:30 - $75,000
2:04:00 - $50,000
Elite women
2:15:00 - $150,000
2:15:30 - £100,000
2:16:00 - $75,000
2:17:00 - $50,000
Elite men
First and men’s course record (2:01:25) - $25,000
First and men’s world record (2:00:35) - $125,000
Elite women
First and women’s course record (2:15:50) - $25,000
First and women’s world record (2:15:50) - $125,000
Elite men’s wheelchair
First and men’s course record (1:23:44) $5,000
Elite women’s wheelchair
First and women’s course record (1:34:18) $5,000
How can I run London Marathon 2027?
The ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon opens on Friday, 24 April 2026, the race itself takes place on Sunday 25 April 2027.
The ballot opens from 09:00 (BST) on Friday 24 April until 16:00 on Friday, 1 May. It is completely random who wins a place in next year’s race, with the results announced in early July.
Next year’s race could be a one-off two-day London Marathon, too, with a second London Marathon on Saturday, 24 April 2027, though permission from the authorities must be granted first.
All ballot entrants will be automatically entered into the ballot for both the Saturday and Sunday events (though they would only be able to take part in one). The idea would be for more runners to secure a place for the 2027 TCS London Marathon than is currently possible.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic and inclusive sporting events in the world and anyone can be part of it. Everyday heroes can stand shoulder to shoulder on the same Start Line as the fastest marathon runners on the planet, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets of London. It is a day like no other when humanity comes together with community, unity and purpose. Entering the 2027 TCS London Marathon ballot could be the first step towards becoming part of something truly life changing.”
An army veteran who has needed a wheelchair since being injured while serving intends to become the first Manx wheelchair user to complete the London marathon.
Although not the first Manx person to take on the feat, with an unsuccessful attempt in 2013, Mike is hoping to be the first to complete the distance.
"I'm anxious about it. I know I will have to go to a really dark place to complete it, but once I cross that finish line, I will feel like I am invincible," he said.
Mike was injured while serving in the Royal Engineers in the 1990s.
Mike's legs were fractured in about 140 places. Complications during surgery damaged nerves and meant he needed to use a wheelchair.
Last year, he completed a challenge which saw him cover the distance of the Parish Walk, 85 miles (137km) on a hand crank machine.
"I had always wanted to run the London marathon, but then my injuries put an end to that and I thought that's never going to happen now," he said.
"Then during the Parish Walk challenge last year, I thought to myself, endurance is good, fitness is good, mindset seems good, so I thought I could give it a good crack.
He also hoped it would show people what those with disabilities are able to do.
'Strong mind'
"I love the idea that somebody with a disability who thinks their life is pretty doomed can see something like this, and it just gives them that little push to do something for themselves," he said.
Raising money for local mental health charity Isle Listen, he said: "I'm a big believer that you can have everything going for you, but mental health can crush all of that."
"I have PTSD from the military, and I see that as my biggest disability.
"There's a slope that goes to my front door, I have accessible vehicles, and yet I still have trouble going out and doing everyday stuff because of the problems I deal with daily with my PTSD," he said.
"So I think it is so important to keep your head health good," he added.
He said completing the feat "shows myself I am still able," adding, "it helps me to conquer my mental health issues, because you can't do London marathon in your house, so it involves getting outside and conquering obstacles".
"Should I get toe the finish line, I will have the very first wheelchair marathon record for the island," he continued.
Despite being unable to train due to injury, he said: "One way or another I will get to the finish line."
"I'm hoping that this strong mind of mine, that doesn't quit, will keep me going," he added.
Chelsea’s only positive from recent weeks compares today’s game to Bayern Munich matchup
Jorrel Hato has been one of the few bright spots for Chelsea in recent weeks, and he’s been speaking about today’s game.
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It’s been an utter nightmare supporting Chelsea in recent weeks. One of the very few positives (and you really have to squint for it) is Jorrel Hato, who has got better as the season has gone on, and under Liam Rosenior climbed to starting centre back while Trevoh Chalobah was out injured.
He spoke to the club’s official website about the FA Cup game today and how much it means to him, and what he expects from the fans.
Hato on Wembley experience and the potential atmosphere
“Now it’s a special one. It’s a semi-final in the FA Cup at Wembley, so I expect the same from the fans, like they have done the whole season.
“It’s crazy to imagine, we played at the Allianz Arena with 70,000 fans [against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League], and now we play in a stadium with 20,000 more.
“As a footballer, you can only get excited for these games and for those people you play for. So for me as well, I’m getting excited for it.”
It’s nice to hear from someone who genuinely seems excited about playing for Chelsea right now – we wish we had seen more of that on the pitch in recent weeks.
In other news…
Wesley Fofana is likely to line up in defence tomorrow, and also has spoken about how much he wants to get a win at Wembley.
Calum McFarlane has a lot of work to do to impress Chelsea fans – but tonight is the perfect chance.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
NEW DELHI: A breathtaking clash in IPL 2026 delivered both individual brilliance and a thrilling chase, but it was young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who stole the spotlight and even earned admiration from Pat Cummins.
Despite Rajasthan Royals ending up on the losing side, Sooryavanshi’s explosive 37-ball 103 was the standout performance of the match.
The teenager displayed remarkable confidence and power, dismantling the opposition bowling attack with ease.
His innings helped Rajasthan post a commanding 228 for 6 after being asked to bat first.
Praising the young 15-year-old batter, Cummins said after the match, “Yeah, I think he's my new favourite player. He hits the ball so hard, it's great to watch. It's good fun.
"You've got to be right on the money as bowler. Because if you're not, it's going a long way. He's impressive.
"He's had a great start to his career. I love the way he plays. It takes the game on.”
Watch:
— IPL (@IPL)
Sooryavanshi found solid support from Dhruv Jurel, who contributed a brisk 51 off 35 balls.
The duo added 112 runs for the second wicket, setting a strong platform. Later, Donovan Ferreira chipped in with a quick 33 to push the total past 200.
However, Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning chase. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 74 off 31 balls, while Abhishek Sharma added 57 from just 29 deliveries.
Their aggressive approach ensured SRH reached 229 for 5 in just 18.3 overs, sealing victory with nine balls to spare.
Cummins, returning as captain, made an immediate impact by guiding his side to a memorable win.
While the result didn’t favor Rajasthan, the emergence of Sooryavanshi signals a bright future, one that already has global cricket stars taking notice.
Betis star hits back at Real Madrid manager after explosive refereeing rant: ‘Not surprised’
Tensions spilled over following the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Real Betis, with the post-match comments shifting from the result itself to a heated debate over refereeing decisions.
At the centre of it all was Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who did not hold back when assessing the officiating.
Clearly frustrated with how the game unfolded, particularly Betis’ equaliser, Arbeloa voiced his concerns in a manner that immediately caught attention across both camps.
It must be noted that Real Madrid had just dropped crucial points in a game they needed to win, and emotions were running high.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa openly questioned the referee’s understanding of the game, stating,
“It’s a clear foul on Mendy for Betis’ goal. The problem is that the referees need to understand football, but sometimes they don’t understand it.”
Diego Llorente’s response
Such remarks were always going to provoke a reaction, and it did not take long for voices from the Betis dressing room to respond.
The first to address Arbeloa’s comments was defender Diego Llorente, who adopted a pointed tone.
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw against Betis. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Llorente made it clear that he viewed such complaints as part of the game rather than something extraordinary.
However, he also acknowledged the tendency of teams to defend their own interests while pushing back against Madrid’s stance.
“I’m not exactly surprised. Everyone looks out for their own interests and makes the claims they see fit.
“We also saw a play by Brahim that could have been a handball. Everyone has the right to complain,” he said.
Llorente did not stop there, as he also took the opportunity to highlight Betis’ performance, emphasising that his side deserved more credit for how they approached the game.
“Madrid might seem out of the game, but they have players capable of hurting you on any transition.
“After the first 20 minutes, we were very organised and created many chances. Lunin made several important saves. The goal was deserved,” he explained.
MLS outfit cool their interest in Barcelona forward amid lack of clarity
There is a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski and his future at Barcelona, with the latest developments suggesting that a potential move away from Spain is far from straightforward.
According to recent reports from The Athletic, Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire have taken a step back in their pursuit of the experienced forward.
Earlier in the year, the MLS outfit had shown strong intent, even initiating contact to explore the possibility of signing the Barcelona striker once his current contract reaches its final stages.
Before this shift, Chicago Fire were believed to be seriously evaluating Lewandowski as a marquee addition, a player capable of bringing both goals and global attention to the club.
However, the situation has now changed.
What’s the story?
As reported by the outlet, the American side has decided to pause their efforts, reassessing their priorities heading into the next phase of squad planning.
This decision marks a notable change in direction, particularly given how aggressive their approach had been just months ago.
Lewandowski is yet to make a decision. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
In fact, the club’s hierarchy has now shifted focus towards alternative targets and this effectively places any move for Lewandowski on hold, at least for the time being.
The change is not necessarily a complete withdrawal, but rather a pause amid uncertainty surrounding the player’s situation.
There remains a possibility that the veteran striker could extend his stay at the club, especially if both parties agree on revised terms.
That uncertainty has made it difficult for Chicago Fire to commit fully to a move.
Notably, despite the cooling interest from MLS, opportunities elsewhere remain. Clubs in Serie A are reportedly monitoring his situation, offering alternative pathways should he decide to leave Spain.
For now, though, the situation remains open, and the Barcelona forward is expected to take his time before deciding his future.
Celtic 3-1 Falkirk – Atmosphere made all the difference in vital victory
Saturday evening football in a sun-kissed Celtic Park, brought out the best in the players, and supporters alike as we beat Falkirk 3-1 courtesy of a Daizen Maeda brace, and a terrific Kieran Tierney strike to record a vital and much needed victory in the first post split fixture…
Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park Stadium on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
The Green Brigade who unfurled an impressive Tifo celebrating the soon to be 40th anniversary of the dramatic last day league triumph at Love Street, were instrumental as were the entirety of the Celtic support as collectively they turned the notch up on the atmosphere, something that’s has badly and sadly been lacking in Paradise for quite some time.
A banner under the Tifo read ‘sprit of 86’ in homage to Davie Hay’s side who snatched an unlikely title on the last day of the campaign, after a thumping 5-0 win over St Mirren, coupled with title favourites Hearts going down to Dundee at Dens Park, which resulted in one of the most iconic title wins in the club’s history.
We will need some of that belief if we are to register yet another title win, and the supporters more than proved that they can certainly make a significant difference. You can expect even more in the next two home matches against the Rangers in the Glasgow Derby then Hearts on Trophy Day.
Kieran Tierney of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
To a man, woman, and child, the Celtic support never stopped backing the players on the park, who in turn reacted well, despite a few shaky moments to deservedly win the match and record a vital three points, which will put pressure on our title rivals who both play later today, with Hearts facing a dangerous trip to their capital rivals Hibs who will be desperate to win this one, whilst the Rangers will be at home to Motherwell who have shown that they are a very decent team this season.
Of course both may well win today and we will end up back in third place in the title race with four games left to play, but all we can do is win, and win we did as we kept our title hopes alive and well heading into next week’s tough away clash with Hibs at Easter Road.
Players of Celtic acknowledge the fans following the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park Stadium on April 25, 2026 (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
That and the trip to Fir Park are the two games that will be crucial to Celtic’s chances. Take six points on the road and there’s a very good chance we’ll head into the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline as Champions.
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Mason Murphy #76 of the Auburn Tigers looks on during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the NFL Draft winds down, clubs are contacting undrafted players to let them know they want them if the draft ends and they are left without a team. Oftentimes, it benefits a prospect to go undrafted so they can pick their team from several suitors rather than being drafted to a situation they deem as a long shot to make a roster.
The UDFA signing frenzy will see players and their agents prematurely sharing information before a contract is signed, so don’t assume these are new Chicago Bears until they officially reveal their class.
We’ll keep track of all the reports and rumors surrounding the Bears’ UDFA class and their rookie camp invitees in the tracker lists below.
If my math is correct, the Bears have 68 veteran players on the roster; they just added 7 draft picks, which leaves 15 spots for UDFAs on the 90-man offseason roster. In the last two years, they received an international roster exemption in the offseason for punter Tory Taylor, and if they are eligible for it again, they’ll have a 91st spot.
Keep in mind that some of the players reported to have signed as a UDFA may only be try-out invitees, so stay tuned for the official announcement from the Bears, which we’ll share here at WCG as soon as possible.
Chicago Rookie Camp Invites
Dain Walter, OL, University of Wisconsin La Crosse (link)
EVERETT, Wash. — The Seattle Mariners farm system has drawn a lot of praise from various analysts and sources over the past several years.
The Mariners have had as many as eight top 100 prospects in the last three years. Currently, the organization has six top 100 prospects currently, per MLB Pipeline.
Before the season began, Seattle had several other minor leaguers identified as potential top 100 players, and one of the most common players identified as potential top 100 prospects was catcher Luke Stevenson.
The Mariners originally picked Stevenson out of North Carolina with the 35th overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round-A portion of the 2025 MLB Draft.
The former Tar Heel saw 22 games of action with the Single-A Modesto Nuts the summer after he was drafted and impressed in his brief stint in the minors. He slashed .280/.460/.400 with an .860 OPS with Modesto and hit four doubles, a triple and a home run with 14 RBIs.
Seattle was impressed enough with Stevenson (No. 8 team prospect, per MLB Pipeline) to extend him a non-roster invite to spring training.
While with the major league camp in spring, Stevenson got to learn from defending American League finalist and former Platinum Glove-winning catcher, Cal Raleigh.
"Being around that clubhouse, being around guys like Cal, just learning from there, it was a really good spring," Stevenson said before a game between the High-A Everett AquaSox and Spokane Indians on Friday at Funko Field in Everett, Wash. "A lot of good things to take away. ... (My biggest takeaway) was just the consistency of the guys up top. The Cal's, the (Julio Rodriguez's), they're the same guy every day. They show up to the field, they know what they need to do. They don't steer one way or the other. They know what they need and they do it day in and day out."
Coming out of spring, Stevenson jumped a level within the organization and was assigned to the High-A AquaSox. And so far, Stevenson is taking the lessons he learned in the spring with him.
Stevenson has slashed .319/.468/.511 with a .979 OPS in 14 games with Everett this season. He's hit six doubles and a homer with seven RBIs.
Luke Stevenson takes some close pitches to bring the count to 3-1, and then unloads in a hitters count on this absolute BOMB. No-doubter. Comp A selection of the Mariners in 2025, first home run of the year pic.twitter.com/DWIvfcGt3s
Beyond his performance at the plate, Stevenson has also made his stamp behind the dish.
The former North Carolina backstop spoke in his introductory Zoom interview after being drafted about wanting to be a servant leader to the pitching staff.
In 10 games at catcher this season (the other four at designated hitter), Stevenson has caught four runners stealing in 22 attempts. He's newfound familiarity with the pitching staff has also yielded solid results. The AquaSox are third in the six-team Northwest League in ERA (4.03) and first in bullpen ERA (2.80).
"This whole entire staff I know," Stevenson said. "I know who they are, where they're from. I know a lot about them — not just their arsenal. And it makes calling games a lot easier. It makes the clubhouse a really good environment. We have Zoom calls that we talk about how we do things around here. ... Sometimes when you're fresh off the draft, you don't know what you don't know. Being in the (organization) a little bit longer, I've learned a lot from the higher-ups, from players, from teammates that have helped me have this season go as smoothly as possible."
Due to Raleigh's stature as the best catcher in baseball and his long-term deal with the M's (extended through 2030 with an option for another year in 2031), it will likely several years before Stevenson can show his collection of lessons and experiences at the major league level consistently. He's projected to make his major league debut in 2028, per MLB Pipeline.
However, Stevenson's approach to the game, both in his skillet and mentality, bears striking resemblance to Raleigh. Even if the two's demeanor is slightly different.
Stevenson has also fully adopted the Mariners way of thinking and organizational mentality. Even if takes some years to get there, that bodes well for his future with the organization.
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The Blues have endured a run of five successive Premier League games without scoring - their worst run in 114 years - and will need to prove less toothless in front of goal if they are to see off Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds meanwhile are still on a hot streak after snatching a last-gasp draw at Bournemouth, which took them to the all-important 40-point barrier in a huge boost to their Premier League survival bid.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Chelsea v Leeds?
Chelsea face Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26 April, with kick-off at 3pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with coverage from 2pm BST.
Team news
McFarlane confirmed that Estevao is out for the season after scans showed the extent of his hamstring injury. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are both “in a good place” after training but will face a late fitness test to see if either can be involved.
Leeds are without Ilia Gruev after he sustained a meniscus injury that has ruled him out for the season. Farke is hopeful that Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Anton Stach will be included in Leeds’ semi-final plans.
Official: Augsburg sign attacker from RB Leipzig U19
FC Augsburg completed the signing of Germany youth international Faik Sakir from RB Leipzig. The 18-year-old will join the club on a free transfer when his Leipzig contract expires at the end of the season. Sakir signed until the end of the 2029-30 season with the Bavarians.
“Faik Sakar is a very good fit for our sporting and strategic approach, as he is a young player with a great deal of potential,” said sporting director Benni Weber. “He has chosen us because we were able to present him with a clear plan for his development into a Bundesliga player.”
Sakar was handed his Bundesliga debut at the age of 16 by the future Bournemouth coach Marco Rose. However, he hasn't been able to play for Leipzig’s first team in any competition this term. He featured for Germany up until the U17 ranks, while he can also opt to represent Turkey, France or Cameroon in the future because of family ties.
“Augsburg offer young players the perfect environment to develop step by step. There are plenty of examples of that. I’m convinced that this is exactly the right step for my development, so I’m very happy to be an Augsburg player starting from this summer,” said Faik Sakar after signing his contract.
Man United vs Brentford: Three storylines to sink teeth into
Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Monday night, with Champions League football within touching distance for next season.
United have a surprisingly balanced record against Brentford, with 11 wins in 22 matches.
They have also lost eight times and drawn three times between the two sides.
Here are three plotlines to look forward to ahead of another crucial Premier League match-up.
Man United record vs Brentford
United in poor form against Brentford
As their historical record suggests, United have had trouble with the Bees in recent years.
They have lost their last two consecutive matches against Brentford, but both defeats came at the Gtech Community Stadium.
They went down 3-4 last season and lost 1-3 this September, with Benjamin Sesko scoring his first goal for the club.
The BBC report that Brentford are looking to do the league double over United for the first time since the 1936-1937 season, which saw United relegated from the old First Division.
Monday feeling
United will once again be in action on a Monday rather than at the weekend.
The game against Brentford will be the club’s sixth match of the season to be played on a Monday.
This is the most they have played since the 1995-1996 season, when they were also in action on six occasions.
The Red Devils played more in the 1992-1993 season, when they were made to play seven times on a Monday evening.
Bruno Fernandes inching closer to record
After another assist against Chelsea last time out, Fernandes finds himself just two short of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s assist record of 20.
The Portuguese star has been incredible this season and needs three assists from five matches to break the record.
He would dearly love to grab another at Old Trafford tomorrow night as United look to seal a spot in next season’s Champions League as early as possible.Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
Just when it appeared Liverpool had endured enough setbacks this season, another significant blow arrived earlier this month.
Hugo Ekitike sustained a serious Achilles rupture during the Reds’ clash with Paris Saint-Germain, an injury that is set to have long-term consequences.
Current expectations suggest he will miss the remainder of this season, the upcoming World Cup, and a substantial portion of the next campaign.
Initial projections indicate a recovery period of around nine months. It represents a major setback not only for the player, but also for a Liverpool side already struggling for consistency.
Ekitike had been one of the few bright sparks since arriving at Anfield. Among the club’s recent additions, he adapted the quickest, registering 23 goal contributions in his debut season. That return is particularly impressive given the team’s struggles this season.
In a relatively short period, he established himself as a central figure in the squad and quickly became a fan favourite, admired for both his impact and potential.
His absence now leaves a significant gap in Liverpool’s attacking structure. Arne Slot will have to navigate the coming months without one of his most reliable offensive outlets.
Focus will inevitably shift to the rest of the squad, as Liverpool search for internal solutions. The challenge now is clear: someone must step up and help compensate for the loss of a player who had become so influential in such a short time.
For Ekitike the focus will be on a swift return back to the squad. He's still young and there is a lot of time and patience for him to recover.
This kind of achilles rupture is an injury that some players have managed to bounce back from and others not so much.
Understandably there has been trepidation among Liverpool fans about what Ekitike will come back like, and whether this could signal the end of his career.
Fortunately, the Frenchman seems to be in good spirits and he's definitely surrounded by the right kind of people to ensure that he gets the best possible environment and conditions for his recovery.
Adam Pope has covered Leeds United for the city's BBC radio station for more than 20 years. Here he speaks to Whites fans to find out what being back in the FA Cup semi-finals means.
Almost 40 years without a semi-final appearance in the most prestigious of domestic cups is a footballing barren land. More so when the club that have trudged across it for nigh on four decades were responsible for an iconic moment in the cup's 1972 centenary edition.
Since Billy Bremner lifted the FA Cup, headlines around Leeds' association with the competition have been largely corrosive for the club's reputation.
The tone was set in the 1973 final, when second division Sunderland shocked Don Revie's side beneath Wembley's Twin Towers.
There are others too, and that is why being back at Wembley for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea matters.
"It's massive," says long-standing supporter Gareth from Morley. "I'm old-school. Never seen us in the final and only one semi-final.
"The FA Cup, for me, is the best club competition in the world. I can remember the '70s and '80s finals - the build-up on both channels. In the team hotel. The interviews. It was brilliant."
The cup is not Leeds' only concern as the season reaches its conclusion, as they continue their for survival in the Premier League.
"Forget survival v cup final," says Gareth. "Just do both. We need to get to remembering that football is about winning. Not taking part or surviving. Winning!"
Fellow fan Tony, who like Gareth is in his 50s, has a slightly different take.
"It's a weird one," he says. "I always want to win, but Premier League survival is all I think about."
With 40 points on the board, Leeds may already be safe. After facing Chelsea they welcome relegated Burnley to Elland Road on Friday.
"Sunday is a free hit," says Tony. "I'd take beating Burnley over beating Chelsea."
Pragmatism for some, then, but pomp for others.
Steve, from Kirkheaton, is travelling first class on the train to the semi-final - and plans to take his 90-year-old mum to the final if they make it.
"It'll be a great day out and we have a chance," he says. "Chelsea were shocking against Brighton."
Elsewhere, Kate and her brother Will are making it a family affair with dad John.
"Getting to go to Wembley and see us play in a semi-final is just crazy," says Will, from Huddersfield.
"It's our first time going as a full family," adds Kate. "Unlike my dad, it's the first time my generation has had a chance to do it. It's really exciting. There's a real buzz about the club. I feel there's definitely an opportunity for us there."
John agrees Leeds have a "really good chance", but memories cast a long shadow he hopes this trip can banish.
"I can remember the debacle of the 1970 FA Cup final, when Chelsea took us to a replay and we had all that scrapping on the field, so to get one back on them would just be fantastic.
"It marks the return of the club to our former glory. It's brilliant for me as an old fella to see us back up challenging for silverware again."
Some fans will be heading to London to both create and watch sporting memories.
Adam, from Leeds, will see his son Josh run the London Marathon before heading to Wembley.
"I want to win it now, for sure," he says. "We're probably safe in the league so it would be mad not to."
Jack, from Rastrick, has flown in from the Middle East, where he is a member of the Dubai Whites. He is doing the London Marathon and Wembley double and will meet up with his dad Paul, who inspired him to pound the streets to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
"I was praying [the cup semi-final] was going to be on the Saturday so I didn't have to crawl there," he says. "But how often do you get the chance to do two things like this? I just had to do it."
Then there is Molly, who follows the Whites home and away with her dad.
"Hopefully this is just a rehearsal before the final," she says. "From Yeovil to cup semi-finals, that's why you do it."
And what does it mean to be there with her dad?
"So much," she says. "I could cry. I'm sure I will be... walking down Wembley Way with him."
Andy Reid says he wants to inspire other people with disabilities or injuries [PA Media]
An Army veteran, who is bidding to become the first triple amputee to complete the London Marathon, has said he wants to show others with a disability or injury what can be achieved "with the right mindset and the right support network".
Former corporal Andy Reid, who lost both legs and his right arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2009, expects it will take him 12-13 hours and 80,000 steps to complete the 26.2 miles.
The 49-year-old, from St Helens on Merseyside, said he would also be walking the route in honour of seven friends in his regiment who died.
"I'm still here despite my injury, so I've got to make the most of life," he said.
Reid was on patrol with the 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment when he was injured.
He said he was taking on this challenge "to show other people with a disability or injury what can be achieved with the right mindset and with the right support network around them".
Reid said he had started training on New Year's Day, adding: "I've put the hard work in."
He said he had previously climbed Kilimanjaro and knew "what kind of mental strength these things take when it gets a bit tough, where you've got to dig in".
Reid is raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund and for his own charity – the Standing Tall Foundation - which supports veterans [PA Media]
Reid added: "I know why I'm doing it – to hopefully inspire some other disabled people and because some of my friends didn't come home from Afghanistan unfortunately, so out of respect for them.
"I'm still here, so I think it's only right to try and do these things and remember them guys and girls as well who paid the ultimate sacrifice."
The veteran is hopeful he will complete the marathon quicker than expected "with the crowd there and the atmosphere", which he said will be an improvement on "walking round and round in circles or up and down the local bypass" on his own during training.
His wife will be cheering him on alongside people from the Army Benevolent Fund, which helped him after his injury.
Near the finish line, the former corporal plans to pay his respects at the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial in Victoria Gardens.
Oscar Piastri says Formula 1 drivers must focus on “not obvious” data points to maximise their qualifying laps with the new cars, as he explained how they require an entirely different approach to reach peak performance.
The McLaren driver echoed the overall frustration of wrestling the new cars and rules in qualifying trim, when lifting off throttle and deploying energy at different parts of a lap, even if it means going slower, adds up to the fastest overall lap time.
The biggest complaint has been it denies or even punishes drivers who push flat-out in qualifying, one of the attractions for drivers’ and fans’ alike, meaning finding the ultimate performance from the new era of cars isn’t always possible over one lap.
Piastri, who qualified fifth in Australia and fifth in both the sprint and grand prix in China plus third in Japan, went into detail on how drivers must study the data differently compared to previous ruleset in F1 as well as working with his engineers using new methods.
“It's been a lot of energy, I think mainly because you're looking in such unexpected areas,” Piastri explained about adjusting to the new rules.
“We're working out the optimal points of when we should get to full throttle starting a qualifying lap, which we've never had to worry about before. How you get back on the throttle in a certain corner sequence and depending on the speed of that corner, the battery and the power unit behaves differently here [one corner] to how it does here [another corner]. You're trying to work out all those things which we've never had to do before.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
“They're not obvious things you look for. For us, we're going to try and brake a bit later here or all the normal things a driver would do. It's taxing because it's not like just pushing a car to the limit, feeling the tyres or something like that where it's almost instantaneous the feedback you get and it's a very physical sense.
“All this stuff you have to trial and error it to know if you're doing it right or not. It's been tough and a lot of energy spent on that, but that's pretty much the bulk of the lap time at the moment.”
While the Australian would prefer to be able to push flat-out in qualifying, he accepts the new approach is the only way to be successful in qualifying.
However, with rule tweaks installed in time for the Miami Grand Prix next weekend, which sees the energy harvesting limit dropped from eight to seven megajoules, Piastri hopes it can go some way to resolving the issue.
Less energy harvesting will mean the 2026 cars will be slower, but it reduces the need for both lift-and-coast and super clipping. But the key gain from it is that it should help to make qualifying more on the limit.
“Hopefully with these tweaks it means we don't have to focus so much on that kind of stuff,” Piastri concluded.
Man United want £70m star with “extraordinary technical and physical quality”
Manchester United are looking to bring in a quality defensive midfielder, and they have identified Aurelien Tchouameni as a target.
The 26-year-old has been an important player for Real Madrid this season, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Manchester United. They need a replacement for Casemiro, and the French international will help them tighten up at the back and control games from the deep.
Tchouameni has four goal contributions this season and could also help create opportunities for his teammates.
Man United eye Aurelien Tchouameni move
According to a report from The Guardian, Manchester United are keen on him, and he could cost £70 million. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United is prepared to pay up for him.
There is no doubt that they have the financial resources to afford him. However, the transfer might come down to whether they can convince the player. He’s already playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he has no reason to leave Real Madrid. He will be hoping to win major trophies with them.
Manchester United are still in the midst of a period of rebuilding, and there is no guarantee they will be able to compete for the title next season. At Real Madrid, he is better-placed to fight for major honours.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba recently heaped praise on the Real Madrid star and labelled him as a player with “extraordinary technical and physical quality“. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal done.
De Zerbi must drop Kolo Muani after ineffective display in Tottenham win over Wolves
Tottenham Hotspur claimed a needlessly difficult 1-0 win over relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to a late goal from Joao Palhinha.
Tottenham still needed a brilliant save from Antonin Kinsky to secure all three points. Spurs remain in the relegation zone but will take confidence from their first win of 2026.
However, Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi will be disappointed with his attacking line, especially Randal Kolo Muani.
The Frenchman was unimaginative and visibly off the pace against Wolves, and should be dropped for subsequent games.
His two attempted crosses did not find their target, and apart from winning 6/10 of his duels, he barely influenced play for Tottenham.
On his performance, a media outlet wrote, “Powered an early shot wide of the right-hand post. Offered very little else, with some underhit passes, and was hooked at half-time. 3.”
Mathys Tel came on for the France international and was miles better and more impactful.
Kolo Muani has started all three games under the Italian tactician and has not managed a single goal or assist.
De Zerbi needs to consider starting Tel ahead of the ineffective Kolo Muani for the remaining four league games of the season.
Tottenham’s season hinges on the coming games, and Spurs cannot have another passenger, especially in the attack.
Tel hasn’t exactly set the world alight, but he is more intent on making a difference whenever he comes on. That enthusiasm should earn him the starting berth.
Kolo Muani has been dreadful for Tottenham this term, and finding a worthy replacement for him and Richarlison has to be one of the club’s top priorities.
The market isn’t exactly buzzing with top under-23 striking talent, so Spurs might be forced to gamble on a young forward who can develop into a force in the league.
St-Etienne’s Lucas Stassin and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia are two young, exciting strikers who can explode under De Zerbi at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Premier League defender forgets about Barcelona move as contract agreement nears
Barcelona have plans to sign a new central defender during this summer’s transfer window, and numerous targets have been identified. Alessandro Bastoni is the favourite of head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, but if they are not able to match the demands set by Inter, they will have to consider cheaper options.
One of said options has been Marcos Senesi, who will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season when his contract expires. Numerous clubs have set their sights on the Argentine centre-back, although it has been reported that his preferred destination would be the Spotify Camp Nou.
But with Barcelona going all-in on Bastoni, this has meant the option of Senesi has fallen by the wayside. As such, Senesi is no longer waiting for the Catalans to make their move, as reported by Sky Germany (via Sport).
Senesi agrees to join Tottenham Hotspur – on one condition
Senesi is instead set to stay in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. He’s agreed a pre-contract with the London club, although this will be pulled if Roberto De Zerbi’s side were to be relegated this season – they are currently two points adrift with only four matches to go.
Even if Senesi’s agreement with Spurs gets cancelled, Barcelona are not expected to emerge as an option. There are reports that a move to Italy would be his alternative, which is bad news for Atletico Madrid, who have also shown interest in the Bournemouth defender over the last couple of months.
In the event that Barcelona fail to sign Bastoni this summer, it’s believed that Jon Martin would be their backup option, now that Senesi appears to be off the table. The Real Sociedad defender’s representatives have already met with Deco in recent weeks, as the Catalans continue work on their transfer plans.
The France international has caught the eye of the top brass at Anfield, bagging 19 goals and 29 assists in all competitions this season.
Liverpool are preparing for the departure of their Egyptian talisman in June and have set their sights on Olise, who has been sensational since moving to Germany.
However, the Bavarians will not simply let Olise leave and join Liverpool. Sporting director Max Eberl was adamant that they will not be selling him this summer.
When asked if the Liverpool target would remain at the club, he said to ZDF (via Florian Plettenberg), “Absolutely.
“For us, there is not a second of thinking about it. He is developing excellently.”
There are not many right-wingers who can replace Salah’s production on the right flank, and none are available on the market.
Besides Olise, Liverpool are reportedly considering Yan Diomande, another winger taking the Bundesliga by storm this season.
He is a natural left-winger who has been dazzling on the right, but it remains unclear if the Reds will be willing to meet the €100 million asking price after one excellent season.
Salah’s output is not just elite. It is system-defining for Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
His goals, assists, availability, and decisiveness cannot be replicated by a single signing in this market.
Liverpool must instead think laterally. That means recruiting two high-level wingers, one on each flank, capable of sharing the creative and scoring burden.
Two new wingers, plus Alexander Isak and a firing Florian Wirtz, will need to step up to the plate.
Spreading responsibility across multiple attackers is the only realistic way to soften the blow.
Kerys Harop is now a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton [University of Wolverhampton]
Footballer Kerys Harop said it was a "real privilege" and an honour to be inducted into the Women's Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame.
The former England and Birmingham City defender was named as one of the newest inductees, along with Casey Stoney and late Liverpool manager Matt Beard, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women's football.
Harop made over 180 appearances in the WSL and held the competition's all‑time appearances record until after her retirement.
"I never thought I would ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so it is a brilliant celebration of my career at Birmingham and Tottenham, and the great times I had throughout my career," she said.
While at Birmingham City, Harop helped secure victory in the 2012 Women's FA Cup and played in the UEFA Women's Champions League 2014, before later joining Tottenham Hotspur Women.
After retiring from football, she completed postgraduate study, including a PGCE, and is now a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, teaching within sport‑related degree programmes.
Speaking of her fellow inductees, Harop said: "I looked up to Casey as a fellow central defender as she was a great leader on and off the pitch.
"Matt was so well thought of across the whole women's football community and helped push the game to new levels."
She added it was a "real honour" to be inducted alongside the pair and was looking forwards to the awards evening in May.
The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon is already open ahead of next year’s race.
An incredible 1,133,813 people entered the ballot for this year’s marathon, a new world record, shattering last year’s total of 840,318. It represents a 36% increase year on year and nearly double the applications for the 2024 race (578,304).
The ballot for next year’s event opened on Friday 24 April and is open for one week, until 4pm (BST) on Friday 1 May. The results will be announced in early July.
There is the prospect that next year’s event could take place over two days. As it stands, the race will take place on Sunday 25 April, 2027. However, there could be a one-off two-day event, taking place on Saturday 24 April, 2027, as well. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: “Entering the 2027 TCS London Marathon ballot could be the first step towards becoming part of something truly life changing.”
Here’s everything you need to know about how to enter:
How can I enter next year’s race?
You can secure a place in the 2027 London Marathon by entering the ballot via the official website.
The ballot opened at 9am (BST) on Friday 24 April and closes at 4pm (BST) on Friday 1 May. The results are compeltely random and will be announced at the start of July.
A two-day marathon event, over the weekend of 24-25 April 2027, is being explored. Should permission be granted for an event on the Saturday as well as the usual Sunday, applicants will be entered for both days, significantly increasing their chances of success.
The cost of a place in the London Marathon for successful UK participants is £79.99. You do not have to pay your entry fee at the ballot, but UK residents can opt to donate their entry fee to the London Marathon Foundation no matter the outcome of the ballot.
You will receive a confirmation email when you apply and you’ll also receive a payment receipt, if you have donated your entry fee. The results of the ballot will be emailed to all entrants in July.
Your entry fee, should you get a place through the ballot, is reduced from £79.99 to £49.99. If you live in the UK and didn’t opt to donate your entry fee when applying, you’ll need to pay the full entry fee of £79.99.
If you don’t get a place in the main ballot, you are automatically entered into a second ballot and that will at least double the chance of getting a place through that second draw. If you are successful in either ballot, your entry is prepaid and confirmed.
The London Marathon could take place over two days in 2027 (PA)
If you are unsuccessful in both ballots, you’ll receive a free hydrartion vest worth over £100, as consolation.
The ballot is performed at random, while alternative options include applying for a charity place while you wait for the results of the ballot – if you end up gaining a ballot place and a charity place, you can return your place to the charity and still raise funds for them as an own-place runner.
When is the 2026 London Marathon?
The 2026 London Marathon is on Sunday 26 April.
Next yeat’s event is set for Sunday 25 April, with the potential for an additional day on Saturday 24 April, 2027.
What time does it start?
8.50am – Elite wheelchair men’s and women’s races.
9.05am – Elite women’s race.
9.35am – Elite men’s race followed by mass start.
The wheelchair races are the first to get underway at the London Marathon (Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the London Marathon live on the BBC, with extensive television coverage and online streaming available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
What is the weather forecast?
Sunny temperatures are expected on Sunday, around 15C, with a gentle breeze, with conditions expected to be cooler than last year’s toasty (at least for April) 21C marathon-day peak temperature.
What is the route?
The London Marathon route (Supplied)
The London Marathon tends to follow a largely unchanged route since it was first run in 1981. Covering 26.2 miles, the course begins in Greenwich, dropping down from the high point of the race to follow a largely flat course, first heading east to Woolwich before doubling back on itself and follow the Thames to Bermondsey.
From there, the runners cut across London Bridge and turn right to take in Canary Wharf and London’s old Docklands, before a U-turn to track through central London, running along the Embankment until another right turn at Westminster Bridge towards St James’s Park.
The route takes in many famous London landmarks, from the Cutty Sark (mile six), Tower Bridge (mile 12), the Tower of London (mile 22) the London Eye and Big Ben (both mile 25) before its iconic finish line on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
What is the prize money on offer?
The 2024 race was the first to offer equal prize money to the elite wheelchair races alongside their able-bodied counterparts.
The winners will receieve $55,000 (£40,700) each, the runner-up $30,000 (£22,200) and third-place $22,500 (£16,665).
There are also $150,000 (£111,000) bonuses on offer for running sub-2:02 for the men and sub-2:15 for the women, $125,000 (£92,600) for setting a new world record, and $25,000 (£18,500) up for grabs in the elite men’s and women’s races for a new course record.
Football fans will get the chance to take a look at some iconic memorabilia before it goes under the hammer in the summer.
Pele's 1958 World Cup winner's medal, awarded to him when he was 17, will be on display at Amber Galleries in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, alongside the shirt worn by goalkeeper Peter Shilton at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Other items include Shilton's cap, recognising his appearances during the qualifying stage for that World Cup and the competition itself.
Legends Peter Reid, who also played for England during the 1986 World Cup, and Norman Whiteside, the youngest-ever World Cup player, are due to take part in a live Q&A session at the event on 8 May.
Whiteside played for Northern Ireland at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, appearing first against Yugoslavia as a 17-year-old.
Other items on show will include an unworn spare England shirt allocated to Martin Peters for the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany.
The event is being hosted by Budds auction house, with a second event due to be held in Stratford-upon-Avon on 15 May before the items are auctioned in May and June.
Fans of the Detroit Red Wings will have to wait another year for their beloved franchise to play beyond the 82nd game of the regular season.
Unfortunately, the Red Wings unraveled in the month of March once again, losing what was a comfortable playoff cushion and eventually being eliminated from contention in the 80th game of their centennial campaign.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have already punched their ticket to the second round of the postseason thanks to a clean four-game sweep of Detroit's Atlantic Division rival, the Ottawa Senators.
In doing so, they matched an impressive mark set by the Red Wings in 2009 that had not been repeated until now.
The Hurricanes became the first team since the 2009 Red Wings, who swept the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Western Conference Quarterfinal, to never trail at any point during an opening-round series.
Talk about staying ahead of the game 🏃♂️💨
The Canes are the first team to never trail in a game in the first round series since the Red Wings vs. the Blue Jackets in 2009 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YiUboBdkFN
Detroit was matched against the Blue Jackets, who were making their very first playoff appearance.
Just like the Hurricanes did to the Senators, the Red Wings proved to be simply too much for the Blue Jackets to handle.
The only competitive game of the series was Game 4 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, a wild back-and-forth affair that ultimately resulted in a 6-5 victory for Detroit.
Johan Franzen scored the game-winning goal with 46 seconds left in regulation after an ill-advised bench minor penalty assessed to the Blue Jackets for too many men on the ice.
Detroit would then go on to enjoy a thrilling seven-game series win over the Anaheim Ducks, followed by a five-game series win over the Chicago Blackhawks to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season.
However, it would be the Pittsburgh Penguins pulling off a stunning upset, winning the series in seven games and skating the Stanley Cup on Joe Louis Arena ice.
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Real Madrid icon sparks serious storm with cryptic message for Arbeloa after title blow
The mood around Real Madrid continues to grow increasingly tense, and the recent 1-1 draw against Real Betis may well have been the final blow to their fading La Liga ambitions.
With Barcelona pulling clear at the top, Real Madrid’s collapse has become impossible to ignore.
Naturally, the focus has shifted towards Alvaro Arbeloa, whose tenure is now being judged not just on results, but on the overall direction of the team.
It is in this context that club legend Iker Casillas entered the conversation, and not in a subtle way.
In today’s football landscape, social media has become a space where former players can instantly influence stories, often without saying much at all.
At a time when criticism of the manager was beginning to intensify, he wrote, “Don’t kick a man when he’s down.”
This was not a random observation, as it came immediately after a result that all but ended Madrid’s title ambitions.
As expected, the message quickly became a talking point among fans.
What adds further fuel to the fire is the well-documented history between Casillas and Arbeloa.
Their relationship has never fully recovered from the turbulent period under Jose Mourinho, when loyalties inside the dressing room were divided.
Arbeloa was strongly in Mourinho’s plans, while Casillas found himself on the opposite side of that divide.
Yet beyond speculation, the reality is far simpler and far more worrying for Madrid.
The team is trailing Barcelona by a whopping 11 points, and if the next result does not go their way, they will be traditionally bound to give Barcelona a guard of honour at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will have to wait in pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward – Romano
As Barcelona gear up for the summer transfer window, one of their priorities is to secure the services of a new frontman.
Julian Alvarez has emerged as the undisputed choice. But there have been conflicting reports on the Argentine’s future at Atletico Madrid.
Recent reports suggest Alvarez is already looking for a house in Barcelona. But negotiations with Atletico Madrid are bound to be difficult, with the Spanish giants keen on keeping hold of the Argentine.
Barcelona must play the waiting game
According to Fabrizio Romano, nothing has changed as far as Alvarez and the Barcelona transfer saga is concerned.
Despite recent reports, the former Man City starlet is currently focused on the Champions League, where Atletico Madrid will take on Arsenal in the semifinal.
Julian Alvarez remains focused on the Champions League. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The UCL, after all, remains the only real title-winning opportunity for Alvarez, who is used to winning trophies and failing to do so may impact his future at the club.
Barcelona, for their part, have not given up yet. Despite the high cost of operation, the club remain determined to sign the forward.
Romano adds that all roads are open as far as Alvarez’s future is concerned. However, a decision will not come now and is only expected after Atletico Madrid’s fate in the UCL is sealed.
That means Barcelona will have to play the waiting game, which could be a blessing in disguise as it gives them additional time to sort out their finances.
The Catalans, after all, require some big name departures in order to be able to afford Alvarez. Him waiting until the very end at Atletico this season could greatly help Barça.
Marcus Smart established himself as the Los Angeles Lakers' X-factor during the regular season, but he has gone above and beyond that so far in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets. In the three games played so far, he's averaging 20.3 points on 52.9% field-goal shooting and 50% from 3-point range, 8.3 assists, 3.7 steals and 1.7 blocks a game.
He was pivotal in the Lakers' 112-108 overtime Game 3 win. With just under 30 seconds left in regulation and his team down by six, he stole the ball from Jabari Smith Jr. in the backcourt, got fouled while attempting a 3-pointer and made all three of the resulting free throws. He then scored eight points in overtime and finished with 21 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
That made Smart the first player in the Lakers' storied history to have at least two playoff games in a row with at least 20 points and five steals. He had tallied 25 points and five steals in L.A.'s 101-94 Game 2 victory.
Marcus became the FIRST player in franchise history to have back-to-back playoff games with at least 20 points & five steals. pic.twitter.com/vpa9Btg0OH
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injury, Smart is one of several players who have stepped things up offensively to make up for all the point production Los Angeles has been missing with both stars out.
The team can knock the Rockets out of the playoffs with a sweep when Game 4 takes place in Houston on Sunday.
All the ways to watch Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026 live streams online and from anywhere, including for FREE, as favorite Tadej Pogačar goes for three in a row.
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Lider Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasındaki derbide Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek. Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe maçı ne zaman, saat kaçta ve hangi kanalda canlı yayınlanacak? Detaylar haberimizde...
Lider Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasındaki derbide Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek. RAMS Park'taki maça ezeli rakibinin 4 puan önünde çıkan sarı kırmızılılar, kendi sahasındaki müsabakadan galip ayrılarak sezonun bitimine 3 hafta kala şampiyonluk yolunda dev bir adım atmak istiyor. Fenerbahçe ise Galatasaray'ı mağlup ederek şampiyonluk şansını devam ettirmek istiyor.
GALATASARAY-FENERBAHÇE MAÇI NE ZAMAN, SAAT KAÇTA VE HANGİ KANALDA CANLI YAYINLANACAK?
26 Nisan Pazar günü RAMS Park'ta oynanacak ve saat 20.00'de başlayacak müsabakayı hakem Yasin Kol yönetecek. Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe maçı beIN Sports 1'den canlı olarak ekranlara gelecek.
Fenerbahçe, derbi müsabakasına tek eksikle çıkacak.
Sarı-lacivertlilerde sakatlığını atlatan ancak maç eksiği bulunan Edson Alvarez'in kadroda olması beklenmiyor.
ASENSIO DÖNÜYOR
Fenerbahçe'de yıldız futbolcu Marco Asensio, derbide kadroya dönecek.
Yaşadığı sakatlık nedeniyle bir süredir takımdan ayrı kalan tecrübeli oyuncu, sakatlığını atlattı ve hafta içinde bireysel çalışmalar gerçekleştirdi.
Teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco'nun Galatasaray karşısında İspanyol futbolcuyu sahaya sürmesi bekleniyor.
OSIMHEN FORMA GİYECEK
Galatasaray'da Nijeryalı Victor Osimhen, derbide forma giyebilecek.
UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki Liverpool müsabakasında kolu kırıldığı için ameliyat edilen Osimhen'in karşılaşmada kolundaki özel koruyucu aparatla oynaması bekleniyor.
Osimhen'in forma giymediği Trabzonspor maçını kaybeden sarı-kırmızılı ekip, Göztepe ve Gençlerbirliği'ni yenerken, Kocaelispor ile berabere kaldı.
Osimhen, hafta içinde Gençlerbirliği'ne 2-0 kaybettikleri Türkiye Kupası maçının son bölümünde süre aldı.
CEZA SINIRINDAKİLER
Galatasaray'da milli oyuncu Eren Elmalı, sarı kart sınırında bulunuyor.
Bu sezon ligde 3 sarı kart gören Eren, derbide de cezalandırılması durumunda 32. haftadaki Samsunspor maçında forma giyemeyecek.
Fenerbahçe ise derbi müsabakasına sarı kart sınırında 7 isimle çıkacak.
Sarı-lacivertlilerde Nelson Semedo, Dorgeles Nene, Archie Brown, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Mert Müldür, Anthony Musaba ve Matteo Guendouzi derbide kart görmeleri durumunda RAMS Başakşehir karşısında forma giyemeyecek.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin yarımmüdafiəçisi Vüsal İsgəndərli Albaniyanın “Partizani” komandasının heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda Albaniya çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 33-cü turu çərçivəsində “Tirana” ilə qarşılaşıb.
“Partizani” səfərdə baş tutmuş bu oyundan məğlubiyyətlə ayrılıb – 1:2. İsgəndərli start heyətdə meydana çıxdığı bu görüşün 71-ci dəqiqəsində əvəzlənib.
“Partizani” 33 turdan sonra 45 xalla 10 komandanın mübarizə apardığı Albaniya çempionatının yarış cədvəlində 5-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Sözügedən komanda 33 oyunda 12 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 12 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Vüsal İsgəndərli Albaniya klubuna 2025-ci ilin yayında Türkiyənin “Boluspor” komandasından azad agent kimi keçib. Hücumçu “Partizani” ilə 1+1 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb. O, indiyə qədər bu komandanın heyətində 33 oyuna çıxıb, 6 qola imza atıb, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Vüsal daha öncə “Şamaxı”, “Zirə”, “Sumqayıt”, “Ankara Keçiörengücü”, “Eqnatiya”, “Boluspor” və “Simurq”da da forma geyinib. 2019-cu ilin noyabrında Azərbaycan millisində debüt etmiş 29 yaşlı hücumçu meydana çıxdığı 7 oyunda 1 qola imza atıb, 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 29-сu turunun növbəti oyunları keçiriləcək.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə də iki qarşılaşma baş tutacaq.
Günün ilk oyunu “Şamaxı” ilə “Kəpəz” arasında keçiriləcək. Şamaxı şəhər stadionunda təşkil ediləcək görüşə saat 16:00-da start veriləcək. Oyunun baş hakimi Rəşad Əhmədov olacaq.
Turun mərkəzi oyununda isə “Neftçi” əzəli rəqibi “Qarabağ”la üz-üzə gələcək. “Neftçi Arena”da baş tutacaq görüşün start fiti saat 19:00-da səslənəcək. Oyunu Tural Qurbanov idarə edəcək.
Premyer Liqa 29-cu tur 25 aprel
“İmişli” – “Sumqayıt” 0:2 Qollar: Aleksandr Ramalinqom, 35; 85. Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Elşad Abdullayev, Pərvin Talıbov, Alik Yunusov. VAR: Elvin Bayramov. AVAR: Müslüm Əliyev. Hakim-inspektor: Anar Salmanov. AFFA nümayəndəsi: Eldar Məmmədov. Quba Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 16:00.
“Qəbələ” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” 1:1 Qollar: Ömər Buludov, 75-öz qapısına – İssuf Paro, 82. Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Namiq Hüseynov, Vüsal Məmmədov, Ruslan Quliyev. VAR: Vüqar Həsənli. AVAR: Əkbər Əhmədov. Hakim-inspektor: Orxan Məmmədov. AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elçin Məmmədov. Qəbələ şəhər stadionu, 18:30.
Türkiye'de nefesler tutuldu, milyonlarca futbolsever bu akşam RAMS Park'a kilitlendi! Süper Lig tablosunda 4 puan farkla liderlik koltuğunda oturan Galatasaray, kendi sahasında şampiyonluk yolundaki en...Devamı için tıklayınız
Altın piyasasında hareketli bir hafta geride kaldı! Ons altındaki dalgalanmaların iç piyasaya yansımasıyla birlikte gram altın yeni rekor seviyelerini test ediyor. 26 Nisan Pazar sabahında kuyumcular ve...Devamı için tıklayınız
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici oyunda Səudiyyə Ərəbistanı təmsilçisi “Əl Əhli” ilə Yaponiyanın “Maçida” komandası üz-üzə gəlib. Görüş ərəblərin qələbəsiylə başa çatıb – 1:0.
Yeganə qolu Feras Albrikan vurub.
“Əl Əhli” ardıcıl ikinci dəfə Asiya Çempionlar Liqasının qalibi olub.
After suffering a devastating playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Azzurri will officially miss out on the 2026 World Cup, marking their third consecutive absence from football’s biggest stage.
That unthinkable failure prompted the immediate departure of manager Gennaro Gattuso.
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Now, as the Italian Federation desperately looks to pick up the shattered pieces, an absolute bombshell name has emerged.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester City’s mastermind, Pep Guardiola, is genuinely open to taking on the monumental task of rebuilding the Italian national team.
The Spanish tactician actually has some incredibly deep ties to the country.
Pep Guardiola to become the new Italy boss?
During his playing days, Guardiola had stints with Serie A sides Brescia and Roma.
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He already speaks the language fluently and has never shied away from his long-term ambition to eventually manage a national team at a major tournament like the World Cup or European Championship.
Pep is currently tied down to a lucrative Man City contract that runs until June 2027.
There is also a massive, elephant-sized financial hurdle. Guardiola earns around €24.8 million gross at City, a figure that wildly exceeds Italy’s traditional wage structure.
Within the Italian camp, the excitement is already bubbling. Historic defensive legend Leonardo Bonucci recently went on record at the Laureus Awards, stating that if Italy truly wants a “radical change,” Guardiola is the absolute perfect man for the job.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is scheduled to hold massive presidential elections on June 22.
Interestingly, current executives reportedly want to make contact before that date in order to present Guardiola as the definitive leader of their new sporting project.
While the finances and timing make it a massively complicated deal to pull off, the sheer prospect of “Operation Guardiola” is finally giving brokenhearted Italian fans a glimmer of hope.
Man United ‘have made contact’ over £43m move as Arsenal join hunt
Manchester United are looking to sign the Brazilian midfielder Ederson Dos Santos during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have made contact with the 26-year-old central midfielder’s representatives. He could cost around €50 million in the summer, and Manchester United need someone with his skill set.
Man United could use Ederson
They need to control games better, especially now that they are expected to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. Ederson will add control and composure to the team. He can help out defensively and create opportunities for his teammates as well. The 26-year-old has all the tools to develop into a complete central midfielder, and regular football in the Premier League could help him fulfil his potential.
The opportunity to move to England will be exciting at this stage of his career. He is entering his peak years, and he will look to fight for trophies regularly. Manchester United have shown significant improvement in recent months and could be pushing for trophies next season. They are likely to be an attractive destination for the player.
Ederson could end up replacing his compatriot Casemiro at Old Trafford. The Brazilian International has decided to move on, and Manchester United will need to bring in a quality alternative. Although Ederson has a slightly different skill set from that of Casemiro, he could be the ideal acquisition for the club.
Jacobs has further revealed that Arsenal are also interested in the Brazilian midfielder. Manchester United should look to move quickly in order to win the race for his signature. They have the resources to pay €50 million, and Ederson would be a solid investment for them.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes have won the first overall pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, securing the right to draft generational defender Caroline Harvey.
Instead of a lottery system like the one the NHL uses, the PWHL determines its draft order using the “Gold Plan.” Adopted in the league’s first season, the alternative system sees teams ranked based on how many points they accumulate after being eliminated from the playoffs.
The Seattle Torrent got a head start as the first team eliminated from PWHL playoff contention on April 14, but the team still had to win its way to the No. 1 pick, as the Vancouver Goldeneyes were also eliminated just a few days later.
With a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday, the PWHL’s final day of the regular season, Vancouver won the Gold Plan after collecting a total five draft order points. Seattle, which lost to the Montreal Victoire 2-1 in a shootout late Saturday night, finished second with five points; Vancouver won the tie-breaker with more regulation wins after elimination. The New York Sirens and Toronto Sceptres were third and fourth.
Montreal, Boston, Minnesota and Ottawa all clinched spots in the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs, which begin on Thursday, April 30 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass. Montreal clinched the No. 1 seed in the league standings and will now have a 24-hour window to select its semifinal opponent – choosing between the third- or fourth-place teams. The selection will be unveiled on Sunday, followed by full playoff schedules, according to the PWHL.
The league’s full entry draft order – between non-playoff teams and potential expansion franchises – is still to be determined, but the league has confirmed the winner of the Gold Plan will earn the No. 1 pick.
Vancouver now has a chance to add a transformational player to its roster after an inaugural season of struggles. Harvey, 23, is the No. 1 prospect on The Athletic’s PWHL prospect ranking, and already a bonafide star in the women’s game.
This season alone, Harvey won an Olympic gold medal, Olympic MVP, the Patty Kazmaier Award – which is given to the top player in women’s college hockey – and her third-career NCAA championship. As a senior at the University of Wisconsin, Harvey led all defenders in the nation with an absurd 64 points in 33 games; her 1.94 points-per-game finished second in the nation behind only Abbey Murphy, a forward. She also co-led the 2026 Olympic women’s hockey tournament in scoring with nine points in five games – the most ever scored at the Olympics by an American defender.
Harvey is a dynamic offensive defender, with deceptive puck skills and playmaking ability, but it’s her skating that really sets Harvey apart.
“I haven’t seen a player with Caroline’s speed at the blue line,” said longtime Wisconsin associate coach Dan Koch in February. “Then her ability to add the offensive side too is really unique. It’s hard to compare her to anyone else in the past.”
Toronto Sceptres, Minnesota Frost, Vancouver Goldeneyes, New York Sirens, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Seattle Torrent, Boston Fleet, NHL, Women's Hockey
LEVERKUSEN FC Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer during the DFB Cup semi-final match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munich at the BayArena on April 22, 2026 in Leverkusen, Germany. BART STOUTJESDIJK / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) | ANP via Getty Images
Earlier this week, Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had not yet communicated a decision to Bayern, but there also that there was growing optimism among the club’s front office that the veteran keeper was going to wind up staying for another year.
On Friday, Abendzeitung journalist Maximilian Koch reported that Neuer and Bayern Munich are in agreement on a deal that would keep the captain in Bavaria for another season.
If everything goes as the club’shierarchy is hopeful it will and Neuer extends for another season, the plan would be for Neuer to remain as the number one keeper at the club, but to take on more of mentorship type of role to Jonas Urbig, who would presumably start to get more minutes next season, naturally. Behind Urbig, it’s expected that Sven Ulreich would serve as the number three keeper for another season with youngster Leonard Prescott being fourth on the depth chart.
For keeper Alexander Nübel, who is on loan at VfB Stuttgart, he has stated himself that there’s a possibility he could be playing alongside Urbig at Bayern next season, but that would only be if Neuer decides to leave the club in the summer. With Neuer still in the picture, Nübel does not really see a future at Bayern, especially since Urbig has been there and has gained very valuable experience with all of the times he’s filled in for Neuer.
As for Sven Ulreich, there is a chance he could decide to extend his contract for another season as well. If not, Ulreich is expected to start working at Bayern Munich’s campus as a coach.
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