Manchester City had big ambitions in Europe after winning the Champions League but look set to fall well short again.
Manchester City bosses were determined to make their Champions League victory in 2023 a beginning rather than an ending. Talks with Pep Guardiola in Abu Dhabi concluded that while their Istanbul triumph had completed their collection of trophies, the ambition was to use it as a springboard for more European success: having bent English football to their will, why not the whole continent?
It was a team on the wane though, and while they were still good enough the following year to make history with a record fourth English league title, they lost at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final to miss out on the opportunity to move towards a third final in four years. It wasn’t disastrous, but what has followed since has been.
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The expansion of the tournament to include more teams and more games is supposed to make more money for teams, and part of the money being weighted towards the UEFA coefficient (aka performances over recent years in Europe) and TV money depending on national splits put City in an even stronger position. Their performance on the pitch, however, saw them waste that advantage last year and the same appears true for this season.
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Having claimed around £116m in prize money for winning the Champions League in 2023, City took home just £65m last year. Their payment for ‘value’ to the competition was second only to eventual winners PSG, but an awful performance in the group stage was followed up by an exit at the hands of Real in the play-off to mean they only mustered £10.7m for performance – a third of what Liverpool got for lasting just one more round and even less than Celtic.
An improvement this season meant they claimed around £71.6m from the group stage alone and will be rewarded for a top-eight finish as well as participation in the last-16. But as they stare at another last-16 exit with a 3-0 deficit heading into their second leg with Real, City face losing out on considerable sums again.
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UEFA hand out €12.5m to any team reaching the quarter-finals, €15m more for semi-finalists, €18m more for making the final and an extra €6.5m for winning the competition. That is an extra £44.9m (€52m) alone that will add to the reputational pain of another early exit from a club that expects so much more.
City announced a loss of £9.9m in their annual report that was published recently and there are a lot of transfer arrivals that will be added to that over the next financial year. Some of that can be offset by player sales but the lack of extra Champions League revenue will hit City’s books; it is no coincidence that their greatest years for revenue came when they won the most.
There is nothing that can be done now, just as there is little that can change about drawing Real every year. However, barring a miracle next week at the Etihad, the consequences for City’s poor performance in Europe will go well beyond not meeting their personal ambitions.
Oscar De La Hoya has weighed in on the drama between Zuffa Boxing and the IBF, which Jai Opetaia unfortunately finds himself in the middle of, and has sent some serious accusations the way of Dana White.
Opetaia looked set to defend his IBF cruiserweight world title in his debut for the new promotion against Brandon Glanton, but the sanctioning body withdrew its backing just two days before fight night, citing the inaugural Zuffa belt and its legitimacy as a key factor.
“So, Jai Opetaia fought over the weekend for what he thought would be an IBF title … only to find out at the press conference that he was lied to by none other than Uncle f***ing Fester and Zuffa.
“So, let me explain. We all know the Zuffa belt is like a participation trophy that’s given to a nine-year-old at the end of a soccer game. It has the significance of a haemorrhoid on my f***ing ass. And that’s all they agreed it would be in order to get the IBF to participate in the Opetaia fight, until last week at the press conference when Fester and his friends surprised everyone and announced the Zuffa belt as a world title belt.
These motherf***ers violated rule number five of the IBF. After that, the sanction was pulled. Zuffa has no intention of following the IBF rules and used that deception to humiliate them. So [the IBF] said f**k this and they pulled out. Zuffa lied to everyone the entire time and poor Jai Opetaia suffered because of it.”
White has hinted at legal action off the back of the IBF’s decision, and there are early reports that suggest that process may have already begun, though there has been no word from Opetaia himself, or his close representatives.
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation at this summer’s men’s football World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US.
Infantino, the head of world football’s governing body, said earlier this week that during a meeting with Trump at the White House they had discussed the “current situation in Iran.”
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” he wrote after the meeting on Tuesday.
Infantino in December created a FIFA peace prize and awarded it to Trump.
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His comments were the first time the football chief has acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) and Minnesota Vikings safety Joshua Metellus (44) tackle Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
As the expensive Phase 1 of free agency winds down, the Vikings have been busy with player contract restructures, cuts and a few new player signings and re-signings while awaiting the Kyler Murray decision and trying to find a new center, punter and reinforcements in the secondary, on the defensive line and at wide receiver (via free agency or next month’s draft).
Across the entire NFC North, there haven’t been any splashy signings or trades. Since the entire division finished last season with winning records, it’s not a shock to see the Vikings, Bears, Lions, and Packers proceeding with caution compared to losing teams such as the Raiders and Titans overspending in early free agency.
That will change for the Vikings when they likely get Murray signed during or shortly after his visit this week, when they hope to agree to a one-year contract and have Murray pass his physical (after the foot injury that kept him out for most of last season).
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Several Key Roster Questions Still Face the Vikings
The Vikings lost a couple of key players, with third wide receiver Jalen Nailor heading to the Raiders and punter/holder Ryan Wright signing with the Saints. The good news was the re-signing of linebacker Eric Wilson, who proved to be a great fit in Brian Flores’ defense with a career year in 2025 (6.5 sacks, 115 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, and four forced fumbles). The 31-year-old Wilson stays on an affordable deal (three years, $22.5 million).
We’ll see how the Vikings’ signing of James Pierre (two years, $8.5 million) plays out for a corner coming from the Steelers (he played 26% of their defensive snaps last season). He should be an upgrade over Jeff Okudah, who didn’t pan out last season. And I still see the Vikings drafting a corner in the first three rounds to compete with Pierre for the No. 3 corner position.
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Beyond the most important move of adding a veteran quarterback, there are several areas of concern with the current state of roster building for the 2026 Vikings. Included are:
Center: The Vikings must have been disappointed to see several top centers sign with other teams this week. Heading that list was Tyler Linderbaum, who left Baltimore for a $27 million per-year overpay by the Raiders (the previous highest paid center was Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs at $18 million per year, with Cowboys guard Tyler Smith the previous highest paid interior O-lineman on his $24 million per year deal).
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Among other highly-rated free-agent centers, Connor McGovern re-signed in Buffalo, Cade Mays went to Detroit, Tyler Biadasz went to the Chargers, Elgton Jenkins wound up in Cleveland after the Packers cut him, and Carolina signed Luke Fortner.
Lloyd Cushenberry is available after the Titans released him, but he’s coming off a down year so the Vikings may have to look to the draft for a center with one of their early round picks (the Vikings picked up an additional third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Sam Darnold so they have a first [No. 18]), a second and two third-round picks along with five later round picks. I don’t see the team counting on Michael Jurgens to be the starting center, and Blake Brandel is better suited as a backup guard and tackle.
Punter: Despite a strong season for Ryan Wright, it was somewhat surprising to see him leave for New Orleans on a four-year, $14 million contract. The Vikings could look to free agency or the draft for their next punter, and that punter also must have the ability to hold well for Will Reichard. All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaolo was re-signed, so that is good news on the special teams front.
Safety: The Vikings are keeping the door open for Harrison Smith to return, and after his strong finish last season, Kevin O’Connell and Flores likely want him back. The Vikings have to be looking at signing a vet safety (beyond Tavierre Thomas, who was re-signed, though he’s more of a special-teamer) and drafting one in the early rounds, with Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson under contract, but both have their limitations.
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Defensive Line: With the release of vets Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the team needs to add some veteran help on the D-line to play alongside the surging Jalen Redmond and two recent draftees who also have shown promise — Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
I think it would be a mistake to trade Jonathan Greenard, as has been rumored. He is an elite pass rusher and forms a great trio of Edge/OLBs with Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner (and Flores can get all three on the field together in passing situations).
Running Back and Wide Receiver: I like that the Vikings will have Aaron Jones back after he accepted a reduced 2026 contract. He and Jordan Mason are a solid pair of backs, but I see the team drafting an explosive, speedy back who can become a dual threat, and they could use one of their early draft picks for such a player.
A wide receiver to challenge for the third WR spot is also a strong possibility in free agency or the draft, especially if O’Connell is not sold on last year’s third-rounder Tai Felton to take over that role.
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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) pushes forward with the football during first-half action on Sep 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jones tested Atlanta’s defensive front early as Minnesota attempted to establish balance on offense in the Week 2 contest. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Stay tuned — there are plenty of potential bargain players for the Vikings to sign in the next phases of free agency, and with nine picks in the upcoming draft, they have the opportunity to add a few quality starters and lots of depth, but they have to do a much better job of drafting compared to recent years.
Around the NFL free agency/trade observations
1. Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Bears have downgraded at center by trading for ex-Viking Garrett Bradbury after Pro Bowler Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement. The Bears are also weaker at wide receiver after trading D.J. Moore to Buffalo. And they lost quality corner Nahshon Wright (five interceptions last season) as he signed with the Jets.
Green Bay’s leading receiver last season — Romeo Doubs — has left the Packers for New England (after the Pats cut ex-Viking Stefon Diggs for cap relief). Starting DE Rashan Gary was traded to the Cowboys, and former first-round LB Quay Walker (who led the Packers with 128 tackles) has signed in Las Vegas. Also, the team lost its No. 2 QB, Malik Willis, to Miami. The Packers added former Gophers corner Benjamin St-Juste, who played for the Chargers last season.
The Lions lost a fine back in David Montgomery in a trade with Houston (ex-Chief Isiah Pacheco was signed to replace him), and starting linebacker/defensive leader Alex Anzalone has signed with Tampa Bay.
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So, all of the Vikings’ NFC North rivals have lost some key players in free agency and via trades.
2. Quite the wild situation with Maxx Crosby: Baltimore’s trade of two first-rounders to the Raiders for their Pro Bowl DE was called off after he failed the Ravens’ physical. Baltimore quickly pivoted to sign top DE Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals (for $28 million per year).
If the 31-year-old Hendrickson stays healthy (he missed 10 games last season with a hip injury) and returns to his 2024 form when he led the league with 17.5 sacks, it will wind up as a great deal for the Ravens, who don’t lose any draft picks with the Hendrickson signing.
November 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate after an interception by Hobbs against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Now the Raiders have a problem with Crosby’s return: Can he be happy in Vegas, or can they still trade him and get a decent return? It clearly won’t be two No. 1 picks.
3. I think the Rams are a team that has improved significantly at their weakest position — cornerback — through the trade for Trent McDuffie and the signing of Jaylen Watson, who both are coming to L.A. from Kansas City. Darnold threw for 348 yards and three TDs in the NFC title game against the Rams’ secondary, so this was a major area of concern entering 2026 for the Rams.
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4. Despite coming off a torn Achilles, Daniel Jones is a big winner in free agency as he signed a two-year, $88 million contract with the Colts that could be worth $100 million through incentives.
I’ll have more next week on the Vikings’ free agency moves, including the QB situation and reactions to other signings around the NFL.
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
Cameron Norrie believes his playing style can sometimes make life difficult for Carlos Alcaraz as the two prepare to meet at the Indian Wells Open.
Norrie has been in strong form at the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set. Despite facing the world number one, he appears relaxed about the challenge ahead.
Speaking to Tennis Channel, the Brit joked about suggestions that he could be the favourite.
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“I feel like you’re making me feel like the favourite,” Norrie laughed. “He’s completely destroyed me maybe four times in bigger tournaments!”
Still, Norrie explained why he believes his style can cause problems for Alcaraz.
“I always play well when I play him. We always have crazy matches. I think I’m a tricky guy to play against, and I’m there every single point. Sometimes he can struggle with this.”
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He admitted that beating Alcaraz will require a near-perfect performance.
“I’m gonna have to fight off multiple break points most games, and I’m gonna have to run a lot. I’m gonna have to be really solid and unpredictable to have a chance with him.”
Norrie also praised the Spaniard’s mindset on court.
“He’s playing well and enjoying his tennis more than ever. He just looks so relaxed in his matches and it’s fun to watch. I’m going to try and enjoy it just as much.”
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The British player revealed that a long practice session with Jannik Sinner helped set the tone for his strong run in the desert.
“We had the centre court and it was meant to be two hours, but we were both having an unreal practice,” Norrie said.
“He was like, ‘Come on man, let’s keep going’. I had something to do for the tournament and he had a photoshoot, but he told me to cancel it. We ended up playing about three hours and 20 minutes.”
Norrie believes that the session helped sharpen his game ahead of the tournament.
Shivam Dube emerged as one of the unsung heroes of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph. Dube had already played a key role in India’s run to the title in 2024, but his contribution was even greater in 2026. Dube slammed 235 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 169.06, playing crucial cameos in nearly every game. Following India’s tournament victory, he revealed that captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir had made his task simpler by sending a clear message regarding his role in the team.
“My role was simple and communicated a long time ago by coach Gautam Gambhir and Surya bhai; keeping the strike rate high. If I’m asked to bowl, keep a tight line and keep the runs down,” Dube said, speaking to the Indian Express.
“During the last World Cup too, I had a similar role but that time I had only a couple of big knocks. This time, I told myself that I won’t think too far ahead and take things match by match,” he added.
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Dube’s best knock came in India’s final group stage match, when his 31-ball 66 saw India recover after a stuttering start. But his cameos in the Super 8 stage, semi-final and final were arguably even more pivotal for India.
Dube was India’s highest run-scorer in the disappointing defeat to South Africa in the Super 8. He then hit two crucial boundaries in the penultimate over in the do-or-die match against West Indies, a contribution that Gambhir said was equally important to Sanju Samson‘s match-winning 97.
The left-hander then walked in at No. 4 to hammer 43 off 25 in the semi-final against England. In the final against New Zealand, Dube once again made an impact, smashing 26 runs off just 8 balls to help India post a gigantic total of 255.
Dube also praised the dressing room environment fostered by Suryakumar and Gambhir.
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“They plan well and back us. They don’t panic in any situation. There is clarity in their communication and they tried to pick the best playing XI for each game. The dressing room environment is great,” he said.
Dube is one of only eight Indian players to win both the 2024 and 2026 editions of the T20 World Cup.
Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) before the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with $5 million guaranteed, NFL Network reported Thursday.
Mitchell joins Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh after playing his first three NFL seasons under former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
Mitchell, 24, rushed for 767 yards and three touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 184 yards in 26 career games (two starts) from 2023-25.
He adds depth and special teams experience to a Chargers roster that includes running backs Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson.
Novak Djokovic congratulated Jack Draper after their encounter at the Indian Wells Open, where the British star secured a hard-fought victory.
The match was a tightly contested battle in the California desert, eventually decided by a third-set tiebreak, with Draper overcoming the 24-time Grand Slam champion in an intense three-set clash.
Despite the defeat, Djokovic was quick to praise his opponent both in his post-match press conference and later on social media.
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“I mean, he’s been playing at a great level, actually. I have watched him a little bit, had some highlights in Dubai that he has played there a few matches,” Djokovic said.
“And here, obviously defending champion, he really likes the conditions, suiting his game, and you could see that. I mean, he’s playing really well. I mean, he’s confident and he was always confident and physically very fit. You know, just overall a great player, great guy. I wish him all the best for the rest of the tournament.”
Djokovic later shared a message on Instagram, once again acknowledging Draper’s performance.
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“A tough night in the desert. Respect to @jackdraper, you deserve it. Great to see you back on court fighting fit. Keep it going.”
He also thanked fans who supported him during the tournament.
“And to everyone who supported me here this week, thank you for the energy. No place like tennis paradise. See you soon.”
Valverde’s first half hattrick gave Real a 3-0 lead in the 1st leg against City
1 min read Last Updated : Mar 12 2026 | 11:29 AM IST
There was an uncertainty among Real Madrid fans before their Champions League match against Manchester City.
It has a new and untested coach, recently lost two league games in a row, and last weekend required a last-minute deflection to beat Celta Vigo.
Federico Valverde dispelled their doubts in a scintillating first 45 minutes, scoring a sublime hat trick that put the home team in the driver’s seat for this much-awaited last 16 tie.
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Valverde completed a quick counterattack and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a deft touch to score the opener after 20 minutes.
He ran on to a pass from Vinicius Junior and then fired home a low shot with his weaker left foot seven minutes later to make it 2-0.
The Uruguay midfielder saved the best for last, taking Brahim Diaz’s clever chip and then knocking it over the outstretched leg of Marc Guehi before volleying past Donnarumma to make it 3-0 three minutes before halftime.
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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A potential NBA Finals preview headlines Thursday’s NBA schedule as the Boston Celtics visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. Boston (43-22) is second in the Eastern Conference standings but is coming off a 125-116 Tuesday loss to San Antonio. OKC (51-15) has the league’s best record, is riding a six-game win streak and most recently knocked off Denver, 129-126, on Monday. Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Derrick White (knee) are questionable for Boston, while Jalen Williams (hamstring) is out for Oklahoma City.
Tipoff is at 9:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. This is the teams’ first matchup this season, while the Thunder swept last year’s series. The latest Thunder vs. Celtics odds from DraftKings Sportsbook have OKC as 6.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is 217.5. Before making any Celtics vs. Thunder picks, check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered Week 21 on a sizzling 42-19 roll on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
After 10,000 simulations of Thunder vs. Celtics, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (216.5). The total has been very much one-sided in recent matchups between these two teams. Across their last nine meetings, the Over is 8-1. Six of their last seven matchups have far surpassed Thursday’s NBA spread as those six have all seen at least 230 combined points. Additionally, both teams surpassed the O/U in their most recent games this season.
Both squads rank in the top five in offensive rating thanks to elite efficiency. These two teams commit the fewest turnover per game as most possessions end with shot attempts rather than turnovers. Each team is projected to allow at least 4 more points than its season average due to the caliber of the opponents they’re facing. That allows the teams to combine for 225 points, per the simulations, as the Over is reached 60% of the time.
Rashid Khan, the Delhi-based stalwart, fired a superb six-under 66 on the opening day to take the early lead in the Rs 2.7 crore Indorama Ventures Golf Championship on Thursday. The 35-year-old professional, a winner of 14 titles including two on the international stage, put together seven birdies and a lone bogey in the opening round to move one stroke ahead of Jhared Hack, the American who won the season’s first event. Jhared carded a five-under 67 in the opening round, registering six birdies against a lone bogey at the Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club.
Five golfers including Arjun Prasad, Brijesh Kumar, Saptak Talwar, Manav Bais and Kartik Singh occupied the tied-third place as they returned scores of four-under 68.
Rashid made two birdies and a bogey on the back-nine. The veteran golfer, looking to end his seven-year title drought, then produced five birdies on the front-nine to make his way to the top of the leaderboard.
“The course is playing great, different from last time and the pin positions were tricky. But I came up with some good shots and putts and created chances for myself by placing the ball in the right places. I don’t have any expectations and just want to give it my best from here on,” said Rashid.
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Besides Jhared, the other foreign players who enjoyed a good outing in round one were Frenchmen Clement Sordet and Pierre Pineau as well as Austrian Christoph Bleier, all of whom shot scores of three-under 69 to be tied eighth.
Among the Ahmedabad-based professionals, Aditya Raj Kumar Chauhan had the best opening round as he fired a 70 to be tied 15th.
Pre-tournament favourites Veer Ahlawat (71) and Yuvraj Sandhu (73) were placed tied 22nd and tied 41st respectively.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
 "Valverde's first half hattrick gave Real a 3-0 lead in the 1st leg against City")
