Manchester United signed Memphis Depay for £25million over a decade ago now and the forward made barely 50 appearances, scoring just seven goals, before leaving
Memphis Depay received a telling off from a Corinthians coach after being caught using his mobile phone on the substitutes bench during their match against Flamengo.
The former Manchester United player started the match but came off midway through the first half after grimacing earlier in the game. Memphis went down the tunnel to their dressing room before later reemerging and sitting in the dugout.
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During the final few minutes of second-half added-time, he was looking down at a phone in his hands. A staff member soon came over and animatedly spoke to Memphis, who quickly put the phone away.
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The player claims he was using it to communicate with medical staff in the Netherlands after sustaining an injury. Memphis said on X afterwards: “Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was purely to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment.
“I came outside to show support to my team, while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury. I’m upset with the result of the game as well. We keep working for better days.”
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Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman said Memphis had a scan on Monday and was awaiting the results. He said at a press conference on Monday: “He can still travel over, but it doesn’t look good.
“We might bring him in later, perhaps for the second match, but if that’s not feasible, then there’s no need.” The Netherlands face Norway in a friendly on Friday, followed by Ecuador four days later.
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Memphis remains a regular for the national team 18 months after moving to Brazil following short spells with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Erling Haaland was the only player to manage more than his eight goals in the European section of World Cup qualifying.
That is one more than Memphis managed during his entire United career. All seven strikes came during his first season, when he made 45 appearances across all competitions.
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However, after Jose Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal, the former PSV player featured just eight more times before being sold to Lyon midway through his second season in England. Memphis rediscovered his form across the Channel, scoring 76 goals over 178 games and earned a dream move to Barcelona.
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He scored 13 times during his debut season, but, like at United, left midway through his second for Atletico. Four goals in nine games from January onwards did not translate over his first full season, however, scoring nine in 31 before departing and eventually joining Corinthians.
Memphis has made 76 appearances across three seasons in Brazil, scoring 20 times, but just once so far this season. His contract with Corinthians is due to expire this year.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV is set to take place in just two weeks’ time. The Stamford-based promotion held Backlash this weekend, and will air another special event soon, in what will be a stacked calendar.
The show will take place at Fort Wayne, Indiana, just a week before the roster travels to Europe for Clash in Italy, the next premium live event after Backlash. So far, no matches have been announced for the upcoming edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
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However, there have been several hints about the potential card based on the recent booking decisions made by the company. With that in mind, here are our predictions for the match card.
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#5. Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca
Big Time Becks is set to have a program with Sol Ruca, after the NXT star’s full-time move to the main roster was confirmed last week on RAW. With Ruca signing a contract and having Lunch as her first feud, a title match doesn’t seem too far away.
Real Reason why Jacob Fatu lost at Backlash – Check Here!
In fact, it could happen as soon as Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV, if the tension between them reaches a breaking point within the next two weeks. While the title changing hands is unlikely since Lynch only just defeated AJ Lee to reclaim it at WrestleMania 42, it might still put Sol Ruca over with a dominant performance.
#4. Oba Femi Open Challenge
After defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 and sending him into retirement, Oba Femi has been hosting an open challenge on RAW. The Ruler has defeated Grayson Waller and Otis on the Monday Night Show so far, and his open challenge will likely continue over the next few weeks.
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Perhaps the former NXT Champion could have a special edition of his open challenge at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV. Instead of having another member of the WWE main roster answer it, someone from NXT or even TNA might make a surprise appearance.
To shock the fans even more, WWE could bring back Omos to feud with Oba Femi, considering the former is only working AAA for the time being. Their match could end in a no contest, marking the beginning of a new feud.
#3. WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne
Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence have quickly become a major problem for Rhea Ripley on SmackDown. As part of the main roster call-ups after WrestleMania 42, the faction is already feuding with three former world champions in Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Ripley.
Jayne seems poised to get a shot at Ripley in the near future. And by the looks of things, she might not have to wait till Clash in Italy to get her chance. Perhaps the title match could be made official for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV in two weeks, setting up The Eradicator’s first title defense since dethroning Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. However, the chances of it happening depend on how the storyline is booked in the coming weeks on SmackDown.
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#2. Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Ethan Page
Ethan Page was called up to the main roster on RAW after WrestleMania 42 and immediately made it clear that he had his eyes on the Intercontinental Championship. Page defeated Ethan Page in his first night on the WWE main roster, and has made a significant case to challenge Penta for the Intercontinental Championship.
All Ego could be given his shot at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV, and he could face the luchador in a singles match for the Intercontinental Title. Despite Penta being one of the most popular stars on RAW, he might be booked to lose the title after a decent reign.
It would benefit Page more and build him up as a credible heel, and on the other hand, Penta doesn’t need the title anymore to retain his credibility and connection with the fans. As a result, a shock title change could happen at SNME in two weeks with Page possibly winning his first singles main roster title.
#1. The Vision vs. Seth Rollins and the Street Profits
Bron Breakker convincingly defeated Seth Rollins in his first match back in WWE in months at Backlash. The former Intercontinental Champion has had the upper hand against his former teammate throughout the build-up to their match, and was able to overcome him at the PLE as well.
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Now, Breakker might involve his faction, with Logan Paul and Austin Theory helping him beat up Seth Rollins on RAW. The Street Profits could come out to neutralize The Vision, potentially leading to a six-man tag team match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIV.
Despite having friction, the Street Profits and Seth Rollins could put aside their differences to battle a common enemy. They could join forces to battle the faction, with the Profits getting the win in the main event.
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In the final El Clasico of the 2025–26 season, Barcelona (BAR) beat Real Madrid (RMA) 2-0 at Camp Nou on Monday thanks to brilliant goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona, with the win, took their points tally to 91 and have already sealed the 2025–26 La Liga title with three games to spare.
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The last time the La Liga title was decided in an El Clasico game was back in the 1931–32 season, when Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Barcelona to seal the title.
Dominant Barca thrash Real to lift the title
FC Barcelona produced a commanding display to beat Real Madrid CF 2-0 in El Clasico and clinch the 2025–26 La Liga title in front of their home supporters.
Real Madrid made an energetic start through Brahim Diaz and Vinicius Junior, but Barcelona quickly settled into the contest and took complete control through their midfield dominance and sharp counter-attacking play. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a stunning curling free-kick after Ferran Torres was fouled on the edge of the penalty area.
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Barcelona doubled the lead nine minutes later through Ferran Torres following a slick attacking move. Joao Cancelo’s cross found Dani Olmo inside the box, and the Spaniard’s clever touch released Ferran, who calmly finished from close range.
Madrid attempted to fight back and created openings through Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham. Gonzalo missed a clear one-on-one chance in the first half, while Bellingham saw his second-half goal ruled out for offside. Joan Garcia also made an important save to deny Vinicius after a defensive error from Pau Cubarsi.
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Barcelona continued to create the better opportunities throughout the second half, with Thibaut Courtois producing several important saves to prevent further damage. Tempers flared on multiple occasions as both sides exchanged heated confrontations, but Barcelona comfortably managed the closing stages to seal a famous Clasico victory and confirm themselves as La Liga champions.
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, our writers discuss the future of LIV Golf’s star players and the upcoming PGA Championship at Aronimink.
Jack Hirsh, Associate Equipment Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): That LIV is on the ropes. I think we knew this already, but nothing O’Neil said would do anything to convince me otherwise. It seemed like O’Neil was acting more reactionary than anything, which means he didn’t see the PIF pulling funding. That’s not a death sentence, but the next time the media hears from him, he’s going to need to come up with a more concrete plan about how LIV was going to survive. It didn’t sound like he knew how that would happen yet.
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Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): As expected, it feels like everyone is trying to figure out what’s next or if there is a next for LIV Golf. O’Neil didn’t offer many specifics on what funding they might get or how a 2027 season would look. I thought Jon Rahm saying that the players would need to make “concessions” to keep the business alive was telling. What does that look like? Who is interested in doing that? Still a lot of unknowns.
Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): LIV as we know it is over. That’s already been true — the original vision was a marriage of Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan and had nearly blank-check access to the Saudi PIF reserves — but it was even clearer this week, as O’Neil explained that the plan is to make a new plan and players spoke of concessions and unknowns.
One looming question is the future of Bryson DeChambeau, whose contract is up at the end of this year and who said last week he could focus on growing his YouTube channel and playing “tournaments that want me” if it doesn’t work for him to return to LIV or the PGA Tour. How valuable is Bryson to the future of the PGA Tour? And who holds the leverage in Bryson’s future?
Hirsh: There’s no doubt Bryson is super important to the PGA Tour from the standpoint of how many eyeballs he can draw to it that wouldn’t otherwise watch. That said, people are going to see right through his bluff. Bryson is entertaining, no doubt, but if he’s not playing competitive golf, then some of that really goes away. What is to differentiate him from any other YouTuber? I think his viewers hold the greatest amount of leverage in his future. Maybe I’m wrong and people would continue to watch him if he stopped playing any competitive golf once his exemptions ran out. But if I’m not and he loses his command on his viewers, you’re going to see he come back to the PGA Tour with his tail tucked.
Schrock: Bryson has value to the PGA Tour. If you’re just looking at a spreadsheet of who brings in eyeballs and whose presence would translate into dollars and cents, Bryson would be in the green. But the PGA Tour is doing good without him and I don’t think he’s doing himself a lot of favors by saying the PGA Tour is struggling and complaining about the policy regulating players’ social media content creation at tournaments. It will be fascinating to see what a return would look like for Bryson, should he want to come back. He was the lead plaintiff in the antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour in 2022, which members had to pay to defend. He disparaged the PGA Tour on his way out and worked to recruit players to LIV. Basically, everything Brooks Koepka didn’t do, he did. Bryson had all the leverage in negotiations when Koepka ditched LIV. With the PIF no longer involved, he has lost that leverage and now it’s up to the PGA Tour to decide if and how he returns. Playing YouTube full-time is a good headline but, as Jack noted, eventually the exemptions run out. They don’t hand those out for breaking 50 with Steph Curry.
Dethier: They each really stand to benefit from an enthusiastic partnership. They’ll also each survive just fine without the other. There’s some risk in trying to force something that neither side fully buys in on; to Bryson’s point, he should only play the PGA Tour if he wants to and if they want him to.
While appearing on The Rich Eisen Show last week, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said he’s interested in doing whatever makes the PGA Tour better when it comes to player reintegration, but “we need to balance that with the interest of our current golfers.” How does Rolapp go about improving his Tour while also not irking current members who never left in the first place?
Hirsh: Oh man! Isn’t that the million-dollar question? I don’t think there’s a scenario where the PGA Tour product vastly improves for the fan, but the majority of Tour pros (especially guys ranked from like 75-125) aren’t irked. Personally, I’m not a fan of the proposed two-tier Tour, but I can see how that would make it easier for the casual fan. As for reintegration. I say guys who wouldn’t otherwise be exempt need to take the Patrick Reed route. Sorry, not sorry.
Schrock: When someone finds the answer to this question, let me know. I do think we’re really only talking about a handful of players and the real questions revolve around Bryson and Rahm. Feels like the second-tier bucket — the Tyrrell Hattons and Joaquin Niemanns — can take the Patrick Reed route back via the DP World Tour and most of the membership wouldn’t bat an eye. But how Rolapp constructs a punishment and way back for Bryson and Rahm, two players who have irked membership in a way Brooks Koepka didn’t, will be a fascinating tight-rope act.
Dethier: I think we’ve seen versions of these reintegration programs with Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed — but those guys returned voluntarily, while LIV was still in existence. This version is far more complex. Especially with Bryson declaring that he’ll be with LIV as long as LIV exists, and that he wants to watch out for the league’s young would-be stars and their futures, too. I don’t see a simple fix.
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The second men’s major of the year has arrived, as we head to Aronimink outside of Philadelphia for the PGA Championship. What’s your top storyline for this year’s event?
Hirsh: That more golf tournaments need to be in Philly. I’m biased, but come on, we only get a golf tournament in the Philly metro every four years (the next one on the schedule is the 2030 U.S. Open at Merion). There are dozens of outstanding tournament-quality venues within 90 minutes of the airport. Not to mention it’s the best food city in the northeast (I said what I said). I think the Philly crowds are going to show out in force this week and show everyone exactly why we need to have a regular event. I’m sure the Cobbs Creek project will be highlighted and hopefully, soon, that might be the host of a tournament in Philly.
Schrock: I feel like every PGA Championship has the same top storyline, which is: So, what’s the identity of this major? Ever since the move to May, the PGA Championship has been adrift. It’s a major, but doesn’t really have the major juice we will get at the U.S. Open, Masters or Open. It’s almost Chevron-esque in that you’re telling me it’s a major but I’m not seeing it. Going to Valhalla and Quail Hollow hasn’t helped. I’m bullish on Aronomink giving us a major feel we’ve been missing at this event but we’re still looking for an identity for the fourth major.
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Dethier: Jordan Spieth hunting the career Grand Slam, fellas! [Returns to earth] Honestly, for me it’s the ongoing Scottie-Rory major hunt. To Schrock’s point, as the PGA continues to hunt for an identity, its strongest virtue is that yeah, it’s a major! These are the ones that we really keep track of. I can’t wait.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have won four of the last five majors, with McIlroy already taking the Masters this year. Which player do you like better heading into the PGA?
Hirsh: Rory just won one. Scottie has finished second his last like bajillion events. I more likely see him defending his title than Rory getting halfway to the slam.
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Schrock: Rory won at Augusta with his B- game. Scottie has been playing with his B- game for like the last two months and barely finishes outside the top five. I feel like Scottie’s floor is Sunday contention and a to -five, whereas Rory could win or bomb out early. I’ll take Scottie.
Dethier: Scottie’s the best golfer in the world and continues to play like it, so I’ll take him at an old-school major championship test over anyone. But I think Cameron Young might win, and I also think these three could end up 1-2-3 in some order, like they did at Augusta National.
Alex Fitzpatrick wasn’t a PGA Tour member until he teamed with his brother, World No. 4 Matthew Fitzpatrick, to win the Zurich Classic last month. But in his first two starts as a Tour member, Alex tied for 9th at the Cadillac Championship and now 4th at the Truist Championship Sunday. Has his play been the biggest surprise of 2026? If not, what has been?
Hirsh: Yeah, and I don’t think anything will top it. To go from having zero status to winning a team event with your brother and finishing top-10 in the next two Siggies? Now he’s playing in his second major. Quite the whirlwind.
Schrock: In a year of surprises, from Brooks Koepka’s return to Rory’s second jacket and a freakin’ Gary Woodland win, I think Alex Fitzpatrick’s last month, namely how he has played post-Zurich, is the biggest surprise. I would like to throw in Brandt Snedeker winning in Myrtle Beach today, which was his first win in almost eight years and first since he had experimental surgery on his sternum. He had five top-10s in six years coming into this week!
Dethier: The biggest surprise of 2026 is what Sungjae Im did from that bunker on the weekend. Other than that, though? Yeah, I’d say the Brothers Fitzpatrick take the cake, with a nod to some epic, inspiring wins from the trio of 40-somethings (Rose, Woodland, Snedeker). Also, did you see what happened on the Euro Tour this weekend? Golf is full of glorious, unexpected surprises. Maybe another one this week.
David Benavidez is being linked to a host of major names after his latest win, and his father and trainer has dismissed the chances of his son losing to one of those in-demand contenders, believing the fight would not see the third round.
Ever since, Benavidez has had a number of options suggested for what could be next, including a mammoth showdown with Dmitry Bivol, a move up to heavyweight and a potential scrap with Jai Opetaia – deemed to be Benavidez’s biggest cruiserweight threat.
“Don’t get me wrong, Jai Opetaia is a good fighter, but he doesn’t have a chin. In all of his fights he gets hurt. I don’t think that he has a good jab, I don’t think that he has good defence, I don’t think that he has a good body shot, I don’t think that he has a good uppercut; he is just a good fighter.
“He is a fighter that is disciplined, I see the discipline, I just don’t see that talent.”
Benavidez Sr then went on to lay out his prediction for the contest if it were to go ahead, believing that his son would run through Opetaia ‘in one or two rounds’.
“Everybody thought that the weight of Zurdo and the power was going to be a big difference. Opetaia… I think that David would stop him in one or two rounds.”
It remains to be seen whether the move to Zuffa will prevent Opetaia from fighting contenders that are not signed with Dana White’s promotional outfit, as fan pressure and demand for that bout continues to increase.
Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona successfully defended their La Liga title on Monday after beating/drawing Real Madrid in the final El Clasico of the 2025–26 season at Camp Nou by 2-0.
With this, Barcelona have closed the gap on Real Madrid for the most La Liga titles won. The Culers now have 29 La Liga titles to their name compared to Los Blancos’ 36 titles.
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This is also only the second time in La Liga history that the title has been decided during an El Clásico game. Before this, Real Madrid drew 2-2 against Barcelona on the final matchday to win the 1931–32 season of La Liga.
Full list of La Liga winners and runner-ups:
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Season
Winners (Points)
Second Position (Points)
2025–26
Barcelona (91)
Real Madrid (77)
2024–25
Barcelona (88)
Real Madrid (84)
2023–24
Real Madrid (95)
Barcelona (85)
2022–23
Barcelona (88)
Real Madrid (78)
2021–22
Real Madrid (86)
Barcelona (73)
2020–21
Atlético Madrid (86)
Real Madrid (84)
2019–20
Real Madrid (87)
Barcelona (82)
2018–19
Barcelona (87)
Atlético Madrid (76)
2017–18
Barcelona (93)
Atlético Madrid (79)
2016–17
Real Madrid (93)
Barcelona (90)
2015–16
Barcelona (91)
Real Madrid (90)
2014–15
Barcelona (94)
Real Madrid (92)
2013–14
Atlético Madrid (90)
Barcelona (87)
2012–13
Barcelona (100)
Real Madrid (85)
2011–12
Real Madrid (100)
Barcelona (91)
2010–11
Barcelona (96)
Real Madrid (92)
2009–10
Barcelona (99)
Real Madrid (96)
2008–09
Barcelona (87)
Real Madrid (78)
2007–08
Real Madrid (85)
Villarreal (77)
2006–07
Real Madrid (76)
Barcelona (76)
2005–06
Barcelona (82)
Real Madrid (70)
2004–05
Barcelona (84)
Real Madrid (80)
2003–04
Valencia (77)
Barcelona (72)
2002–03
Real Madrid (78)
Real Sociedad (76)
2001–02
Valencia (75)
Deportivo La Coruña (68)
2000–01
Real Madrid (80)
Deportivo La Coruña (73)
1999–2000
Deportivo La Coruña (69)
Barcelona (64)
1998–99
Barcelona (79)
Real Madrid (68)
1997–98
Barcelona (74)
Athletic Bilbao (65)
1996–97
Real Madrid (92)
Barcelona (90)
1995–96
Atlético Madrid (87)
Valencia (83)
1994–95
Real Madrid (55)
Deportivo La Coruña (51)
1993–94
Barcelona (56)
Deportivo La Coruña (56)
1992–93
Barcelona (58)
Real Madrid (57)
1991–92
Barcelona (55)
Real Madrid (54)
1990–91
Barcelona (57)
Atlético Madrid (47)
1989–90
Real Madrid (62)
Valencia (53)
1988–89
Real Madrid (62)
Barcelona (57)
1987–88
Real Madrid (62)
Real Sociedad (51)
1986–87
Real Madrid (66)
Barcelona (63)
1985–86
Real Madrid (56)
Barcelona (45)
1984–85
Barcelona (53)
Atlético Madrid (43)
1983–84
Athletic Bilbao (49)
Real Madrid (49)
1982–83
Athletic Bilbao (50)
Real Madrid (49)
1981–82
Real Sociedad (47)
Barcelona (45)
1980–81
Real Sociedad (45)
Real Madrid (45)
1979–80
Real Madrid (53)
Real Sociedad (52)
1978–79
Real Madrid (47)
Sporting Gijón (43)
1977–78
Real Madrid (47)
Barcelona (41)
1976–77
Atlético Madrid (46)
Barcelona (45)
1975–76
Real Madrid (48)
Barcelona (43)
1974–75
Real Madrid (50)
Real Zaragoza (38)
1973–74
Barcelona (50)
Atlético Madrid (42)
1972–73
Atlético Madrid (48)
Barcelona (46)
1971–72
Real Madrid (47)
Valencia (45)
1970–71
Valencia (43)
Barcelona (43)
1969–70
Atlético Madrid (42)
Athletic Bilbao (41)
1968–69
Real Madrid (47)
Las Palmas (38)
1967–68
Real Madrid (42)
Barcelona (39)
1966–67
Real Madrid (47)
Barcelona (42)
1965–66
Atlético Madrid (44)
Real Madrid (43)
1964–65
Real Madrid (47)
Atlético Madrid (43)
1963–64
Real Madrid (46)
Barcelona (42)
1962–63
Real Madrid (49)
Atlético Madrid (37)
1961–62
Real Madrid (43)
Barcelona (40)
1960–61
Real Madrid (52)
Atlético Madrid (40)
1959–60
Barcelona (46)
Real Madrid (46)
1958–59
Barcelona (51)
Real Madrid (47)
1957–58
Real Madrid (45)
Atlético Madrid (42)
1956–57
Real Madrid (44)
Sevilla (39)
1955–56
Athletic Bilbao (48)
Barcelona (47)
1954–55
Real Madrid (46)
Barcelona (41)
1953–54
Real Madrid (40)
Barcelona (36)
1952–53
Barcelona (42)
Valencia (40)
1951–52
Barcelona (43)
Athletic Bilbao (40)
1950–51
Atlético Madrid (40)
Sevilla (38)
1949–50
Atlético Madrid (33)
Deportivo La Coruña (32)
1948–49
Barcelona (37)
Valencia (35)
1947–48
Barcelona (37)
Valencia (34)
1946–47
Valencia (34)
Athletic Bilbao (34)
1945–46
Sevilla (36)
Barcelona (35)
1944–45
Barcelona (39)
Real Madrid (38)
1943–44
Valencia (40)
Atlético Madrid (34)
1942–43
Athletic Bilbao (36)
Sevilla (33)
1941–42
Valencia (40)
Real Madrid (33)
1940–41
Atlético Madrid (33)
Athletic Bilbao (31)
1939–40
Atlético Madrid (29)
Sevilla (28)
1935–36
Athletic Bilbao (31)
Real Madrid (29)
1934–35
Real Betis (34)
Real Madrid (33)
1933–34
Athletic Bilbao (24)
Real Madrid (22)
1932–33
Real Madrid (28)
Athletic Bilbao (26)
1931–32
Real Madrid (28)
Athletic Bilbao (25)
1930–31
Athletic Bilbao (22)
Racing Santander (22)
1929–30
Athletic Bilbao (30)
Barcelona (23)
1929
Barcelona (25)
Real Madrid (23)
La Liga winners (last five seasons):
FC Barcelona (2025–26)
Barcelona retained their La Liga title in the 2025–26 season after edging out their arch-rivals Real Madrid with three games still to go in the season. Barcelona needed one point to win the title in match 34 against Real Madrid, and they went on to win the game by 2-0.
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FC Barcelona (2024–25)
Barcelona returned to the summit of Spanish football by winning the 2024–25 La Liga title with 88 points. The Catalan side produced a consistent campaign built around attacking football and crucial victories in the second half of the season to finish ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid CF, who ended with 84 points. Atlético Madrid secured third place with 76 points after remaining in contention for much of the season before falling behind in the closing weeks.
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Real Madrid CF (2023–24)
Real Madrid enjoyed one of their most dominant La Liga campaigns in recent years during the 2023–24 season, finishing with 95 points to comfortably secure the title. Madrid maintained remarkable consistency across both halves of the campaign and created a sizeable gap over second-placed Barcelona, who finished on 85 points. Surprise package Girona FC ended a memorable season in third with 81 points after emerging as one of the league’s most entertaining teams.
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FC Barcelona (2022–23)
Barcelona captured the 2022–23 La Liga title with 88 points in a season marked by defensive solidity and consistency. The club regained domestic supremacy after finishing ahead of Real Madrid, who secured second place with 78 points. Atlético Madrid completed the top three with 77 points after a strong finish to the campaign. Barcelona’s ability to grind out narrow victories and maintain one of the best defensive records in Europe proved decisive in their successful title run.
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Real Madrid CF (2021–22)
Real Madrid comfortably won the 2021–22 La Liga title after collecting 86 points and staying ahead of the chasing pack for most of the campaign. Led by several match-winning performances throughout the season, Madrid finished 13 points clear of Barcelona, who took second spot with 73 points. Atlético Madrid ended third with 71 points. Real Madrid’s balance between attack and defence helped them control the title race from an early stage.
Barcelona’s dominance in the 21st century
While Real Madrid lead Barcelona in overall La Liga wins, the Culers have completely dominated the Spanish league in the 21st century.
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Since 2000, a total of 27 La Liga seasons have been played, out of which Barcelona have won 14 titles. Real Madrid hold the second spot with nine title wins, while Atlético Madrid and Valencia are joint third with two titles each.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts during practice at training camp in Eagan, Minnesota. On Aug. 3, 2024, O’Connell continued overseeing preparations for the upcoming season while guiding Minnesota through another competitive summer camp filled with roster battles, quarterback development, and installation work on both sides of the ball. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The summer isn’t far away for NFL teams, and this go-round, the Minnesota Vikings will have a wee bit of drama. It’s the nature of the beast.
Minicamp starts the process. Training camp will later deliver some answers.
They will have minicamp in June, training camp in July and August, and three preseason games thereafter.
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Minnesota’s Summer Questions Start with QB Stability
The suspenseful items around the bend for Minnesota.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws a pass during second-quarter action against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on Nov. 19, 2023. Murray continued working his way back into rhythm after returning from injury during the 2023 campaign, showcasing his mobility, arm talent, and playmaking ability as the Cardinals evaluated their long-term direction at quarterback. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports.
1. Will There Be a Real QB Battle?
Minnesota inked Kyler Murray in March, and based on his skill set, resume, and reputation, he should start in Week 1, almost no matter what. Still, the Vikings will advertise a quarterback competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy, the third-year pro who battled injuries and erratic performance last season.
The dramatic aspect here is whether McCarthy makes this a real fight — or if it just becomes so obvious that Murray is the starter that training camp serves as a coronation.
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Some fringe thinkers believe McCarthy could score the upset. If so, training camp will be ultra-suspenseful.
2. Is There Any Malarkey with Christian Darrisaw’s Knee?
Darrisaw is likely on track for Week 1, and while that remains the reasonable expectation, the Vikings need concrete confirmation. “Probably fine” isn’t enough for a franchise left tackle.
Minnesota added some protection two weeks ago by drafting Northwestern tackle Caleb Tiernan in Round 3. This move doesn’t scream panic; instead, it simply provides the Vikings with a fallback plan should Darrisaw’s recovery encounter setbacks or take longer than anticipated.
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Darrisaw tore his ACL in late October 2024, and the Vikings shut him down in December 2025 because his recovery wasn’t progressing as hoped.
3. Who Gets Extensions?
One, some, or all of these players can reasonably ask the Vikings’ front office for an extension this summer:
Jordan Addison (WR)
Blake Brandel (C)
Blake Cashman (ILB)
Jordan Mason (RB)
Brian O’Neill (RT)
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
Jay Ward (S)
So, we ask, who gets locked down for the long haul?
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill celebrates with running back Cam Akers after a touchdown during fourth-quarter action against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Dec. 16, 2024. O’Neill remained a stabilizing presence on Minnesota’s offensive line, helping lead the blocking effort as the Vikings generated momentum late in the divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
A to Z Sports‘Tyler Forness noted on O’Neill in March, “O’Neill has been a very solid player for the Vikings in his nine seasons, but the extension will start in his age 33 season, which is going to somewhat limit what he gets. Plus, it’s highly unlikely that O’Neill gets paid more than his teammate, Christian Darrisaw, who is the seventh-highest-paid offensive tackle.”
“Looking at the top right tackle contracts, which is how O’Neill will be judged with his extension, it’s very likely he will be a top-five paid right tackle. Will he be paid more than Lane Johnson, who is being paid an average of $25 million? I doubt it, especially since O’Neill isn’t better than Johnson, who might be the best offensive tackle to have ever played football.”
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4. Harrison Smith, in General
For about four months, Vikings fans have pondered a single question: Will Harrison Smith stay, or will he go?
With May’s arrival, the conversation has shifted. Now, the fundamental question is whether Smith will come back. The prolonged silence makes it easy to wonder if he’s already gone for good.
The Vikings did add Miami safety Jakobe Thomas in Round 3 of the draft, but that acquisition didn’t feel like a direct replacement for Smith. While Minnesota passed on other notable safeties — including Dillon Thieneman, whom many expected to be the Vikings’ pick, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — the draft didn’t yield a definitive successor. This suggests that if Smith was indeed waiting to see the Vikings’ draft moves, no one definitively stepped in to claim his job.
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Many likely assumed Smith would have retired by now if that had been his plan this offseason. However, Smith has previously quipped that his retirement would go unnoticed, precisely because he wouldn’t make a grand announcement.
Perhaps that quiet departure is unfolding right before everyone’s eyes.
5. Caleb Banks and His Foot
The best-case scenario is that Banks will be fully cleared by training camp, ready for a usual summer workload.
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Conversely, the Vikings might exercise extreme caution with him, a move that wouldn’t surprise anyone. Minnesota is known for its cautious approach to injuries, particularly with players in whom they have a significant investment, and Banks certainly fits that description.
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks participates in a drill during spring football practice at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on April 1, 2023. Banks entered his Florida tenure with intriguing size and athleticism, developing into a disruptive defensive front presence while building his profile for future NFL consideration. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun.
His draft stock plummeted after he broke his foot at the NFL Combine. Foot injuries are a major concern for teams, especially with large offensive and defensive linemen, causing Banks to go from a projected 1st-Round lock to a ‘maybe Round 2’ prospect almost overnight.
The Vikings, however, remained unfazed, selecting Banks in Round 1 just two weeks ago and betting that the injury would not be a significant long-term issue. It’s a ginormous bet for a team that hasn’t drafted well in the last half-decade.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Barcelona secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick’s side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season.
Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-placed Los Blancos with three matches remaining.
This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.
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Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training-ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.
Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side’s comfortable triumph.
The German opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.
The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.
Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre.
Torres doubled the hosts’ advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.
Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois.
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Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca’s high defensive line.
Stem the bleeding
Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Madrid battled to stem the bleeding.
Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.
Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through.
Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona’s net but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior as Madrid threatened.
Barca fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d’Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere.
Courtois saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage.
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Flick’s side remains on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining.
Meanwhile Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return.
What is clear is that for now president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick’s and Barca’s domestic domination.
Marcus Rashford’s excellent goal helped Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the La Liga title against their biggest rivals at Camp Nou
Marcus Rashford helped fire Barcelona to the La Liga title as the Catalan giants secured the championship with an El Clasico win over Real Madrid. Rashford scored an outstanding free-kick to hand Barca the lead at Camp Nou after just nine minutes.
The forward, on loan from Manchester United, has grabbed a title-winning moment in what has been a successful spell in Spain. Having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim as United finished 15th last season, Rashford has been rejuvenated by his move to Catalonia and marked his stay by lifting a trophy.
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There can be few more memorable moments than recording such a win against your biggest rivals. While Los Blancos have seen incidents of infighting heading into the clash, Barcelona have remained focused on claiming their win and coasted to victory on Sunday evening.
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Former Manchester City star Ferran Torres doubled Barca’s lead to help Rashford’s dreams come true. The United academy product had a plan upon joining the club last summer that was successfully completed.
“I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,” Rashford said at his official unveiling. “You see, with the team last season, they have a young, ambitious team, and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team and help them win.”
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Rashford was mobbed by his team after netting against Real Madrid, and his celebrations took him towards the dugout of Hansi Flick. The 28-year-old has always been clear that he would like to extend his stay in Barcelona.
The La Liga champions have the opportunity to make his stay permanent for £26 million, though whether that move will go through appears to still be up in the air. Barcelona could yet prioritise other moves as they target the likes of Julian Alvarez.
Rashford has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 outings during his stay with the Catalan side and has impressed boss Hansi Flick. Barca could yet be interested in a cheaper transfer or another loan, with Rashford’s salary proving problematic.
Rashford is also said to be willing to reduce his salary by almost half, and tonight’s iconic impact could also tug on the heartstrings of those keen to see him extend his stay. Regardless, his outing will be good news for Manchester United.
His impact could boost his chances of Barca activating their option to sign him permanently, and if not, he has certainly put himself in the shop window. A year on from not being involved with United’s squad, he has had a full season of making an impact that could boost any transfer fee his parent club can achieve.
The only remaining drawback is that Rashford has just a year left on his contract.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Alex Fitzpatrick’s hopes of a first individual win on the PGA Tour were dashed as Kristoffer Reitan claimed a maiden victory at the Truist Championship on Sunday.
England’s Fitzpatrick went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Reitan but his Norwegian rival secured a two-shot victory at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 28-year-old fired a two-under round of 69 to reach 15 under overall, with Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard and American Rickie Fowler tied for second.
Fitzpatrick was a shot further back after a round of 73, which began with a bogey and double bogey inside his first three holes.
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The 27-year-old recovered to level par with his fourth birdie on the 13th hole, giving him a share of the lead.
There was a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard on the back nine but while others faltered, Reitan stayed steady to win on only his 15th PGA start.
Fitzpatrick won the Zurich Classic with his older brother Matt last month, which earned him a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
He then finished in the top 10 at the Cadillac Championship and was one stroke behind Reitan before his second double bogey of the day on the par-three 17th.
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Compatriot Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth on 11 under after closing with a two-under 69.
Fitzpatrick, the world number 120, told Sky Sports: “It’s still very surreal [to be in contention]. It’s crazy to feel disappointed but I still am.
“I’m happy for Kris, he deserves it, and hopefully it’ll be mine another time.”
World number four Matt Fitzpatrick finished on one-over after a final round 72 while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy bounced back from a 75 on Saturday to finish with a 67 on five under.
May 10, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Joc Pederson (3) reacts after hitting an RBI double during the fourth inning as Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) looks on at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Jacob deGrom struck out 10 batters over seven scoreless innings, and Evan Carter belted a two-run homer, fueling the Texas Rangers to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
deGrom (3-2) scattered three hits — two to Nico Hoerner — and did not walk a batter to record his 99th career win.
It marked the second double-digit strikeout game of the season for the two-time Cy Young Award winner; he also struck out 10 batters in the Rangers’ 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 23.
He rebounded on Sunday after yielding six runs on seven hits — including two homers — in a 7-4 setback to the New York Yankees last Tuesday.
Texas’ Josh Jung collected three of his team’s seven hits and scored two runs, one day after he had three hits in a 6-0 victory over the Cubs.
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Jacob Latz relieved deGrom and retired the side in order in both the eighth and ninth innings to secure his fourth save of the season.
Chicago’s Ian Happ went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts to see his career-best 30-game on-base streak come to a halt.
Jameson Taillon (2-2) permitted one run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings for the Cubs, who were shut out in consecutive contests following their second 10-game winning streak of the season.
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The Rangers scratched for a run in the fourth inning, as Jung was deemed to have beaten the tag of catcher Carson Kelly following the throw home by Chicago first baseman Michael Busch. The play was upheld after the Cubs challenged the call.
Jung led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on Joc Pederson’s double before coming home on a fielder’s choice by Alejandro Osuna.
Texas provided insurance in the eighth inning.
Jung had a two-out single for his third hit of the day, and Carter deposited a 3-2 slider from Daniel Palencia for a two-run homer. Carter’s homer was his fifth of the season.
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