Ademola Lookman will hope to make Nigerian football history when he steps onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium tonight as Atlético Madrid face Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.

The first leg in Spain ended 1-1, leaving both teams with everything to play for as Atlético chase their first Champions League final appearance since 2016.

Lookman now has the chance to become the first Nigerian player since John Obi Mikel to reach and possibly win the final of Europe’s biggest club competition.

Mikel achieved the feat in 2012 when he played every minute as Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in the final. Before him, Nigerian legends Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu also reached the final with Ajax in the 1990s.

The Super Eagles winger has enjoyed a strong start to life at Atlético since joining the club in January. He has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 18 matches.

Lookman was one of Atlético’s best players in the first leg. He caused problems for Arsenal’s defence throughout the game and created several chances, although he could not find the net.

Atlético manager Diego Simeone is expected to set his team up to defend deeply and attack on the counter, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will likely rely on possession football at home.

Lookman’s speed and direct style could be important for Atlético on the break. He is also expected to face a difficult battle against Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka on the flank.

Interestingly, Lookman has never scored or provided an assist in six previous matches against Arsenal during his time with Everton, Fulham, Leicester City, Atalanta and Atlético Madrid.

However, his recent form has given Atlético supporters hope that he can finally make his mark against the Gunners on one of the biggest nights of his career.

The winner of the tie will book a place in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.

The second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs continued Tuesday with two more Game 1s. The top seeds in the East and West both pulled away for victories. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 111-101, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away from the Los Angeles Lakers for an 18-point win.

OKC has yet to lose this postseason, and the Pistons are up 1-0 in a playoff series for the first time since 2008. Let’s take a look at the big winners and losers from Tuesday night’s action. 

Winner: Clutch Cade Cunningham

Pistons guard helped Detroit pull away late

When Cade Cunningham went to the bench with 6:32 to play in the fourth quarter, the Pistons, who at one time had led by 18 points and hadn’t trailed since 7-6 in the opening minutes, were clinging to a five-point lead. Less than 90 seconds later, Cleveland had tied the game. 

JB Bickerstaff probably wanted to give his superstar a bit longer rest, but you could sense the game swinging to the Cavs, and he had to bring Cunningham right back in. Cunningham went to work right away, not as a scorer, but as a facilitator. He was spoon-feeding Jalen Duren for three straight dunks. 

For everything that transpired over the first 40-plus minutes, those three possessions decided this game. The Cavs never got closer than four the rest of the way. Duren was dominant in his own right. He didn’t score in the first round against Orlando the way he did in the regular season, but he was super defensively and as a rebounder. 

Same deal on Tuesday, when Duren finished with just 11 points and had just one field goal prior to those three dunks but tallied 12 boards (seven offensive) and two blocks. He was a beast on defense and the glass down the stretch and finished off Cade’s creation in the clutch, which was the predominant formula for his 19.5 PPG in the regular season. 

Let’s give an additional shoutout here to Daniss Jenkins for his play late (he had some huge boards and a big-time pull-up jumper to put Detroit back up six with a little over three minutes left en route to 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench), and Tobias Harris was once again a rock with 20 points and eight boards. 

Duncan Robinson buried five 3s on his way to 19 points. Ausar Thompson added 11 and was a defensive monster, as usual. Detroit no doubt loved its box-score balance in this game, with eight guys contributing at least six point and six in double figures.  

But again, all of that was about to go out the window before Cade checked back into the game and created those three Duren dunks. The Cavs had all the momentum. And when push comes to shove, the Pistons are almost entirely reliant on Cunningham to create offense. He saved Detroit with 107 points in three elimination games vs. Orlando, and he clutched up again on Tuesday to give Detroit its first lead in a playoff series since 2008. 

Loser: James Harden’s (and Cavs’) turnovers

Cleveland’s veteran creator coughed it up seven times

Turnovers were a major reason why the Cavs were forced to go seven games to beat the Raptors in the first round. They committed 121 of them in the series. James Harden was responsible for 36 of those, and in Game 1 against Detroit, he coughed up seven more. All told, the Cavs committed 20 turnovers that led to 31 Pistons points (a number of these were at least dead-ball turnovers, but still, it was too sloppy). 

On the flip side, Detroit committed just 12 turnovers for 16 Cavs points. That’s a 15-point turnover swing to the Pistons in what wound up a 10-point game. You do the math. 

As for Harden, he once again had more turnovers than made baskets (he went 6 for 15 from the field and 1 of 7 from 3 for 22 points). It marks the third time (in eight games) Harden has done that in these playoffs, in which he has now amassed 43 turnovers though eight games. 

Over 181 career playoff games, Harden has now tallied at least as many turnovers as baskets 45 times, and more turnovers than baskets 22 times. 

Harden has had the ball in his hands, on average, probably more than any single player in playoff history, so a certain amount of turnovers are going to be part of his equation. But he doesn’t score at the level he once did to offset those giveaways. This has to improve, or else Donovan Mitchell is going to have to take on more of the creative responsibilities for Cleveland.

Winner: Chet Holmgren’s matchups

OKC’s center took advantage of mismatches all night

You could just as easily give the nod to Jared McCain for his fourth-quarter shooting barrage. He’s playing for his long-term postseason minutes, whereas Holmgren is obviously secure in that respect.

But Holmgren was tremendous tonight in a way that bodes very well for the Thunder moving forward. The Lakers tried switching defensively early in the game. Holmgren took advantage of the mismatches to rack up a bunch of easy points early. When the Thunder get Jalen Williams back, they won’t need that much actual creation out of him. That’s what they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for. If he can just punish mismatches as he did in Game 1, he takes switching off of the table for Thunder opponents.

He has, at this stage, more or less secured the title of best defender in the NBA not named Victor Wembanyama, blowing up Laker actions left and right and finishing the game with three blocks and a steal. The Lakers scored just 40 points in the paint in Game 1. With the 3s not falling and the Thunder a near lock to win the transition battle every night, this series is hopeless for the purple and gold if they can’t get to the rim. Holmgren was dominant on both ends in an easy Oklahoma City victory.

Loser: Austin Reaves as a 1A option

The Lakers guard had a night to forget in Game 1

Winning this series without Luka Dončić is an unrealistic goal for the Lakers. Really, this matchup is about evaluating their own players. Who matches up well with the Thunder? Who’s ready for the moment? Who can they trust moving into next year, when they presumably push more assets into the center of the table in an effort to contend?

No player in this series has more to prove than Austin Reaves. Had he not gotten injured earlier in the season, he would have been an All-Star. But he’s fairly athletically limited, and there are real questions about how he matches up against the sort of elite, physical defenders he’d expect to see in the postseason. Well, this is his fourth game against the Thunder this season, and he’s yet to reach 20 points or make more than six field goals. In this one, he shot 3-of-16 for eight points.

Now, Reaves isn’t at full strength. He came back from a Grade 2 oblique strain last round and likely isn’t at or near 100%. He wasn’t against Minnesota last year either. But he’s about to become a free agent this offseason, and while the Lakers almost certainly won’t let him go for nothing, how close they’re willing to get to the max and how untouchable they deem Reaves in future trade talks likely depend, to some extent, on their belief in him in this specific matchup. Winning a championship in the years to come probably means beating the Thunder, and at least in Game 1, Reaves didn’t look up to the task.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are finally set to meet, presuming they each come through low-risk warm-up fights unscathed.

Now, Francis Ngannou, who has faced both men, has updated his prediction ahead of the biggest fight in British boxing history.

Ngannou made his boxing debut against then reigning WBC heavyweight ruler Fury in October 2023, and the former UFC heavyweight champion impressed as he knocked ‘The Gypsy King’ down in the third round, before losing a controversial split-decision.

That performance earned the Cameroonian a shot at Joshua, but ‘AJ’ was less forgiving and displayed the difference between a multi-disciplined fighter and an out-and-out boxer, brutally dispatching of ‘The Predator’ inside two rounds.

Although, despite the nature of those defeats, Ngannou was unsure on how Joshua-Fury would play out, when asked on the potential fight a few weeks ago.

“I think it’s a great fight. How it’s going to go? It’s the fight game – nobody knows what will happen.

“They are both elite fighters, but we all know how tricky Fury can be. He’s managed to be very hard to beat.”

However, now that fight rumours have turned into a signed agreement, Ngannou gave a more analytical prediction to Sky Sports Boxing, believing that Fury has a better chance the longer the fight lasts.

“At this level, I think it is very close, everybody can win. It depends on how the fight goes. I think, if it is going to go to a decision, I will pick Fury. If it is like a knockout, I think that Joshua has a chance early in the rounds [fight], but as far as the fight goes, it is going to be more in Fury’s favour.”

Joshua returns to the ring on July 25, against Albania’s Kristian Prenga, whilst Fury is also seeking a ‘tune-up’ of his own ahead of their long-awaited showdown.

Mikel Arteta said he trusted his “gut” when he decided to select the same XI from the win over Fulham at the weekend for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Atletico Madrid.

A tap-in from captain Bukayo Saka just before halftime and a ninth clean sheet ⁠in this season’s competition gave Arsenal a 2-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.

They now face either holders Paris St Germain, who knocked them out in last season’s semi-finals, or Bayern Munich in the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30 – a week after they hope to have sealed a first Premier League title for 22 ⁠years.

“Did you see my iPad with all the different line-ups I’ve done it, ‘what about this, freshness, the possible subs’…” Arteta laughed. “In the end it was my gut feeling. It’s painful to leave important players out but you saw the finishers, how much they helped the team.”

Arteta, who had sprinted onto the pitch at the ​final ⁠whistle to hug his players and then ran to the home fans for a series of oles, said it had been an “incredible night”.

“I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody ⁠that is involved in this football club,” Arteta told reporters. “We have all been so aligned on ​the ⁠desire and ambition that we had.”

The victory ‌means Arsenal have also equalled their club record for most wins in a single season, according to Opta. They have now won 41 games across all competitions, matching the 55-year-old record set in ‌the 1970-71 campaign.

Arteta said he had never experienced such a ‌raucous build-up and atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium during his time at the Emirates, and that his side now had the bit between their teeth again.

Arsenal’s season appeared to be faltering a few weeks ago but having overcome Atletico ⁠and seen Premier League title rivals Manchester City stumble the previous night, the North London side are within touching distance of a first English title since 2004 and potential European glory.

“It’s great. Everybody can feel a shift in energy and belief in everything,” Arteta said.

“Let’s use it in the right way and understand that the margins and the difficulty of what we are trying to achieve is huge, but we have the ability and conviction today, that is for sure.”

Arsenal’s midfield engine, Declan ‌Rice, also said the side had regained their momentum.

“We have kind of turned a corner ​again. We went through a stage where we weren’t performing at our best. We ‌were a bit sloppy in our play, ⁠but we have found a new way to play again,” Rice told Amazon Prime.

“When you ⁠have got confidence in football it is everything. I know everyone is focused.”

Rice also underscored the longer-term progression Arsenal have made ‌and the importance of their ​league game against his former side West Ham ‌United at the weekend.

“We have kept building – we ​have kept pushing each other. This competition and the Premier League. We have gone full throttle,” Rice said.

“Sunday now is a massive one.”

additional reporting by Reuters

Kylian Mbappe responded to a fresh wave of criticism in Spain, insisting on Tuesday he remains fully committed to recovering from his latest injury.

The Real Madrid and France forward is sidelined by a left hamstring issue which is casting doubt about his availability for Sunday’s clásico in Barcelona, the biggest match in Spanish soccer.

During his time off, Mbappé reportedly traveled to Italy with actress Ester Expósito last weekend, prompting criticism in Spanish media that he may not be taking his rehabilitation seriously. 

Madrid fans have questioned why the league’s best striker was on holiday ahead of the clásico. An online petition made by fans urging Real Madrid to get rid of Kylian Mbappé has garnered over 4.2 million signatures.

Mbappé denied any wrongdoing through a statement from his representatives sent to The Associated Press.

“Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team,” the statement read.

Unhappy Real Madrid supporters believe Mbappé is saving himself for the World Cup that begins in five weeks.

He also drew criticism earlier this season when he couldn’t play because of a knee ailment.

Madrid has little to play for in the final stretch of the season. 

The club has been eliminated in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and is virtually out of contention in La Liga as it trails Barcelona by 11 points with four rounds remaining. 

Barcelona could clinch on Sunday.

Madrid has yet to say whether Mbappé will be fit and available for the clásico. 

Spanish media say Mbappé went to Madrid’s training center on a day off to continue his recovery.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Kyler Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March, and most expect him to win the QB1 job this summer somewhat handily. But not so fast, says Bleacher Report.

Minnesota’s QB1 mystery now headlines a deeper summer competition.

The Vikings will feature a Top 10 roster battle this summer at training camp, according to Kristopher Knox, which will make for must-see television if J.J. McCarthy has taken the next developmental step.

The Murray-McCarthy Battle Gets National Attention

Murray or McCarthy. Who you got?

BR: Vikings Have a Top 10 Summer Roster Battle

Knox revealed the 10 most intense summer camp battles around the bend, and the Vikings’ quarterbacks were mentioned.

He wrote while ranking Minnesota at No. 6 on his list, “McCarthy missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery and only had occasional moments of good play in 2025. As is the case in Atlanta, McCarthy will have to beat out another former first-round pick if he hopes to establish himself as the Minnesota Vikings’ franchise quarterback.”

“The Vikings added 2019 first overall pick Kyler Murray, who was cut by the Cardinals early this offseason. He was a Pro Bowl quarterback early in his career, but despite having tremendous dual-threat potential, he failed to bring stability to Arizona’s QB position.”

Vikings players and coaches have spoken as if Murray is the QB1 frontrunner, though not long ago, the team put all its eggs in McCarthy’s basket.

Knox continued, “While Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz are also in Minnesota’s quarterback room, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has made it pretty clear that he expects a battle between McCarthy and Murray.”

“Players like Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones Sr. — not to mention the quarterback-friendly offense of Kevin O’Connell — are why Murray has a real chance to revitalize his career with the Vikings. If he doesn’t do that, maybe he’ll push McCarthy to become a dependable starter.”

Murray as Heavy Frontrunner

Listen, Murray didn’t sign with the Vikings to be somebody’s backup quarterback. There’s a popular misnomer that Murray’s career is flailing, as evidenced by widespread comparisons to Baker Mayfield before his relationship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and to Sam Darnold with the Vikings.

The problem? That comparison just doesn’t hold water. From 2019 to now, Murray has far outshone anything that Mayfield or Darnold did before their careers stalled. The Cardinals just made a strange decision to get rid of him after no playoff wins in seven seasons.

While McCarthy could, in theory, score a summer upset, you should interpret Murray as the firm and absolutely frontrunner to be Minnesota’s QB1 in 2026.

Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson said two weeks ago about the impending quarterback competition: “It’s really good to get some good talent in the room to give a little spark in that room to see a competitive edge and from those guys to really lock in and to do what we’re expecting them to do, which is to come in and to be that guy. And we need that one guy for this team.”

“So I’m definitely excited for that room, excited to see what those guys have in store for us in training camp.”

McCarthy Cannot Be Ruled Out

There is a world, however, where McCarthy quietly worked on his mechanics all offseason, arriving at training camp this summer ready to effectuate his 1st-Round draft stock from two years ago. That happens — players taking a bit longer than usual to develop.

In this scenario, Murray would have to waltz into Eagan with some degree of nonchalance, expecting to be the QB1 while McCarthy just looks too good to be left on the bench. An injury could also rattle the summer festivities, promoting McCarthy by default, with fans hoping he’s ready for the regular season.

It’s worth noting that life will always be easier for the Vikings if McCarthy stays healthy and balls out. It would make the original 2024 plan look wise and non-faulty.

The Other Vikings Camp Battles

As always, Minnesota will have more than one camp battle, and if one buys that Murray will win the QB1 title outright, the quarterback battle may not be much of a thing by the time August arrives.

Still, these roster battles will unfold:

• OLB3: Bo Richter vs. Tyler Batty vs. Free Agent Signing
• Center: Blake Brandel vs. Michael Jurgens vs. Gavin Gerhardt
• Safety: Theo Jackson vs. Jay Ward
• NT: Domonique Orange vs. Levi Drake Rodriguez
• Punter: Johnny Hekker vs. Brett Thorson
• RB3: Demond Claiborne vs. Zavier Scott

And, depending on the outcome of summer free agency, the Vikings could have a veteran wide receiver to compete with second-year speedster Tai Felton at WR3.

Training camp is less than three months away.