Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
All the focus is on the Minnesota Vikings’ draft pick at No. 18 — and rightfully so. But this week, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the second draft pick of the event, and Minnesota currently holds the 49th selection.
Minnesota’s second-round outlook sparked a wide mix of predictions from the VikingsTerritory staff.
These are their formal predictions, with the draft 2.5 weeks away.
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The Prospects Who Stand Out for Minnesota at Pick No. 47
Which player do you think the Vikings will draft in Round 2?
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard goes through pregame warmups, preparing for action and working through routes ahead of kickoff Oct 11, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. Bernard focused on timing and movement as the Crimson Tide readied for a road matchup against the Missouri Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
1. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama
Predictor: Sean Borman
From a roster-building standpoint, getting a talented WR like Bernard with pick 49 makes sense. The Vikings just picked up Jordan Addison’s 5th-year option for 2027. While interim GM Rob Brzezinski said the team has budgeted for an Addison extension, picking Bernard not only adds a WR3 who can play immediately, but also provides insurance and leverage for future Addison negotiations.
2. Treydan Stukes | CB, Arizona
Predictor: Brevan Bane
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The kid could fit in Minnesota, playing corner (mostly in nickel) or even at safety, next to a potentially returning Harrison Smith or a replacement to be determined.
3. Logan Jones | C, Iowa
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Going to Minnesota will be Logan Jones, the center from Iowa (after a trade down in the 2nd). He fits their preferred details for the spot as a smaller option who is an excellent athlete.
4. Jadarian Price | HB, Notre Dame
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
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There are multiple reports that the Vikings are targeting an RB early in the Draft. Price is an explosive and patient runner who could also contribute as a kick returner. He also doesn’t have much mileage, as he was Jeremiyah Love’s backup in college.
5. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings need to inject some youth into their running back room, and Coleman is a player who can impact the game in all aspects, whether it be running the ball, catching passes, or blocking.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Cole Smith
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Smith aligns with the 49th overall pick on the PFSN Industry Consensus Big Board and was one of the nation’s most reliable tacklers in 2025. This gives the Vikings a young linebacker alongside Blake Cashman and allows Brian Flores to be even more creative with Eric Wilson.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eric Wilson will turn 32 this year, and the other starting off-ball linebacker, Blake Cashman, will be a free agent in 2027. Minnesota needs youth at linebacker.
Flores favors versatile players, and Hill perfectly exemplifies a do-it-all linebacker. While at Texas, he demonstrated the ability to rush the passer from the edge, play off-ball linebacker, and drop into coverage. This hybrid skill set is a mainstay among players who have thrived in Flores’s system, such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Metellus.
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t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds stands on the practice field during summer workouts, taking reps and sharpening technique Aug 5, 2025, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Ponds worked through drills with teammates as the Hoosiers prepared for the upcoming season and evaluated defensive depth in camp. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ponds thrives in zone-heavy schemes that feature nickel defenders. His awareness, quick reaction, and strong ball skills are best utilized in these systems. He is particularly effective in off-coverage and zone concepts, where he can quickly read the quarterback and react. He’ll be a Viking on Day 2 of the draft.
t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The biggest knock on Ponds is that he is undersized at only 5’9, 182 lbs, but he plays a lot bigger than that with his top CB vertical at the Combine at 43.5″, and ran a 4.31 40-time at his pro day. He has a nose for the ball and in (2) seasons at Indiana in the Big 10, he only allowed 1 TD, caught 5 INTs, and allowed a meager 52.4 passer rating to opposing QBs.
If he is there at pick #49, D’Angelo Ponds may be tough to pass on for the Vikings. If the Vikings don’t select a CB in the first round, the second round may be the last chance to get a potential starter for the future in this draft.
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t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Adam New
The Vikings need a big nose tackle, and Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter ticks that box. A 24-year-old rookie, he brings plenty of experience and should be able to make a big contribution in Year 1.
t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Tony Schultz
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter speaks with reporters during conference media availability, discussing preparation and expectations Jul 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hunter represented his program at Big 12 Media Days, offering insight into the Red Raiders’ defensive outlook heading into the season. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
After taking a starter and a player of need in round one, the Vikings can follow that up immediately in round 2. Safety, cornerback, center, or running back can be addressed in the first round. However, this may be a surprise pick at wide receiver or defensive tackle.
I say they take defensive tackle Lee Hunter over wide receiver Chris Brazzell because Brazzell has some driving violations. Sound familiar? Hunter would shore up the middle on run plays and has some push to collapse the pocket and make plays in the backfield. If his projection pans out, he, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez would make a formidable front.
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t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Wes Johnson
This pick is obviously based on what happens in the first round, but let’s assume the Vikings go safety — Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — with their first pick. Hunter fills a need for depth along the defensive interior and should help shore up the defense upfront in a division where they like to run the ball.
UEFA Champions League knockout round action moves into the quarterfinal stage with the first legs taking place on Tuesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 8. One of those quarterfinal matchups features Sporting CP from Portugal’s Primeira Liga taking on Arsenal from the English Premier League. These sides last met in the 2022-23 UCL Round of 16 and Sporting CP advanced, defeating Arsenal 5-3 on penalties in the second leg after the aggregate score finished at 3-3 in regulation across the two legs.
Kickoff from Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon is set for 3 p.m. ET and soccer fans can stream the action live on Paramount+. Arsenal are -130 road favorites on the 90-minute money line in the latest Sporting vs. Arsenal odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the hosts are +360 underdogs. A draw is priced at +280 while the total is set at 2.5 (Over -110, Under -115). Before locking in your wagers for Sporting CP vs. Arsenal in Tuesday’s UCL quarterfinal first leg, you should see what SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green is betting for the game.
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After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including Euro qualifying (+6.30 units), EFL Cup (+4.47), FA Cup (+3.07) and Champions League (+3.05), among others. Anyone who follows him could be way up.
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Here are Green’s best bets and analysis for Sporting CP vs. Arsenal on Tuesday, April 7.
Sporting CP vs. Arsenal best bets
Arsenal money line (-130): 1u
Viktor Gyokeres anytime goalscorer (+200): 0.5u
Arsenal should be too strong for Sporting Lisbon when the teams clash in the Portuguese capital on Tuesday. The Gunners finished at the top of the Champions League table after winning all eight of their group stage games. They beat elite rivals like Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, cementing their status as one of Europe’s best teams. Arsenal have had a wobble in recent weeks, losing to Manchester City and Southampton in cup competitions, but they should return to winning ways on Tuesday. They thumped Sporting Lisbon 5-1 on the road last season, which highlighted the gulf in quality between these teams.
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Raya’s return should boost Arsenal
Two weeks ago, pundits were debating whether Arsenal could complete an historic quadruple this season. The Gunners are nine points clear of Man City at the top of the Premier League table and they were going strong in three other competitions. However, those dreams have gone up in smoke. The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the EFL Cup final and they then lost 2-1 to Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal on Saturday evening. They are now chasing just two trophies, but they still have a strong chance of winning silverware this season. The Gunners are priced at -1400 with some sportsbooks to win the Premier League, and they’re still the outright favorites to win the Champions League too. Those defeats to Man City and Southampton had one common denominator: Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper plays in cup competitions and has endured a disastrous couple of weeks. He dropped the ball onto Nico O’Reilly‘s head in the EFL Cup final, gifting Man City a goal, and his distribution was poor throughout the game. He then delivered another error-strewn display against Southampton, making his defenders jittery throughout. Normal service should be resumed when first-choice goalkeeper David Raya returns to the starting XI against Sporting Lisbon. He’s vastly superior to Arrizabalaga, having won the last two Premier League Golden Glove awards.
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A homecoming for Gyokeres
Viktor Gyökeres was powerless to stop Arsenal thrashing Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League last season. The Swedish striker scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting, but he didn’t have much joy against Arsenal’s formidable defense. Yet the Gunners were clearly impressed, as they signed him for an initial fee of £55 million ($73 million) last summer. He hasn’t been quite as prolific for Arsenal but he’s starting to find his feet in England. Gyökeres has scored 17 goals in 43 games for Arsenal this season, and he was on target in their defeat to Southampton on Saturday. He also fired in four goals in two matches for Sweden during the recent international break, which should boost his confidence. He’ll now head back to his former club with a point to prove.
Gyökeres could be the man to put Sporting to the sword on Tuesday. They’ve regressed slightly since selling him and they currently trail Porto by five points at the top of the Portuguese league table. Sporting finished seventh in the Champions League group stage with five wins from eight games before beating Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the Round of 16. They lost 3-0 in Norway, but they won the second leg 3-0, and it went to extra time. Late goals from Maximiliano Araújo and Rafael Nel then clinched a famous 5-3 aggregate win. That should boost their confidence, but Arsenal still look superior to Sporting.
The Gunners were missing several key players against Southampton and manager Mikel Arteta should field a stronger starting XI on Tuesday. Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié and Noni Madueke could miss out, while Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino are definitely missing. Yet Jurriën Timber, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard could all return. Martin Ödegaard has also shaken off an injury, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli are all available in attack. Sporting are missing a few key players too. Fotis Ioannidis, Geovany Quenda and Nuno Santos are all injured, captain Morten Hjulmand is suspended and Luis Guilherme is doubtful. Luis Suarez and Trincão will be dangerous in attack but if Arsenal play anywhere near their best, they should get the better of Sporting.
With the advent of Easter, developers of Grow a Garden released a huge update, introducing new pets, plants, cosmetics, and events, among others. The Easter Bunny is one of 10 new critters that were released in the Easter Event 2026. It features an ability that will benefit players during this update, making it a decent grab for a limited time.
This article covers everything about the Easter Bunny, from its abilities to its acquisition in Grow a Garden.
What does the Easter Bunny do in Grow a Garden?
The Easter Bunny pet (Image via Roblox)
The Easter Bunny is a Divine rarity pet that was added to the game with the most recent update. This critter has a decent ability that makes it apt for the Easter Event:
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Egg Hunt: The Easter Egg hides an Easter Egg reward in a random spot at regular intervals. You will get rewards/positive effects when you find the Easter Egg.
Cosmetically, it is a reskin of a rabbit dressed in cyan, wearing a hat. It is also depicted holding a basket filled with blue and pink eggs. Speaking of value, the Easter Bunny is definitely a great alternative to its other variants, like Bunny, Black Bunny, and Pink Bunny.
How to get the Easter Bunny in Grow a Garden?
It is currently the second-best item you can obtain from the Golden Egg with a 1% drop rate. This Divine rarity item can be obtained from the Golden Egg Shop for 25,000 Choc coins. You can also acquire a Gilded Choc mutated version of this pet from the Gilded Choc Golden Egg that has a 0.5% chance of spawning from the Golden Egg.
To earn Choc Coins, harvest Easter plants and sell them off at the Easter Sell Stand to earn this time-limited event currency.
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FAQs on Grow a Garden
What ability does the Easter Bunny have in Grow a Garden?
The Easter Bunny has a special ability called Egg Hunt. At regular intervals, it hides an Easter Egg reward somewhere in the garden. Players who find the egg receive rewards or positive effects, making the pet especially useful during the Easter event.
How can you obtain the Easter Bunny in Grow a Garden?
You can get the Easter Bunny from the Golden Egg in the Golden Egg Shop for 25,000 Choc Coins.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Zara Shaw of Liverpool celebrates scoring her team’s first goal with teammates during the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter Final match between Charlton Atheltic and Liverpool at The Valley on April 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images)
Liverpool Women are through to the FA Cup semifinals after Zara Shaw scored the winning goal in extra time against Charlton Athletic Women.
Shaw, 18, came on in the 103rd minute and made an immediate impact, scoring the only goal of the game after a corner caused problems in the Charlton box. The ball had already hit the woodwork and been cleared off the line before she bundled it in.
The goal capped her return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in April 2025, the second ACL injury of her career.
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Liverpool had controlled most of the game but struggled to create clear chances. They also saw two goals ruled out, one for offside and another for handball.
Charlton defended well throughout and kept the game level deep into extra time, but could not hold on in the closing stages.
Shaw’s goal proved enough to send Liverpool through to the semifinals.
Oscar Schwartau climbed off the bench to fire Norwich to a 2-1 win over Millwall – and do their fierce rivals Ipswich a big favour.
The Lions, who started Easter Monday in second, had taken the lead through substitute Mihailo Ivanovic shortly after half-time.
But a long-range rocket from Pelle Mattsson and Schwartau’s winner condemned them to defeat to give the chasing pack – including Norwich’s East Anglian foes Ipswich – a major boost in the race for automatic promotion.
Oscar Schwartau’s goal may prove invaluable for Norwich’s rivals Ipswich (Adam Davy/PA Wire)
The Tractor Boys made the opportunity count as they came from behind and boosted their hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Birmingham at Portman Road.
The visitors stuck first through Carlos Vicente, before goals just before the break from Ben Johnson and Kasey McAteer delivered a win that took Ipswich into second, while still having games in hand over Millwall and Middlesbrough.
Ipswich leapt into second with victory (Getty Images)
At the opposite end of the table, Jordan Ayew’s late goal denied Sheffield Wednesday their first home win of the Championship season but it was not enough to drag Leicester out of the relegation zone as they drew 1-1 with the league’s bottom side.
With Wednesday’s demotion having been confirmed for months amid administration, their replacement in the Championship was confirmed on Easter Monday as Lincoln City sealed promotion from League One, returning to the second tier for the first time in 65 years.
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Blackburn, meanwhile, kept their third successive clean sheet as they were held to a goalless draw by fellow relegation battlers West Brom.
Following the earlier draw in the relegation dogfight between Portsmouth and Oxford, in which Andre Dozzell’s 87th-minute equaliser saved a point for 10-man Pompey, both sides knew a win would hand a significant boost to their survival chances, but neither were able to capitalise.
Andre Dozzell’s late equaliser saved Portsmouth a point (Getty Images)
There was a play-off boost to be had second-half goals from Jaydon Banel and Carlton Morris earned Derby a comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke to boost their own chances of a top-six finish.
But the same could not be said for Watford, with Charlton indebted to goalkeeper Will Mannion as his heroics helped them record a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road.
Charlton manager Nathan Jones revealed after the match that Conor Coady had been taken to hospital after being knocked out by taking Tom Ince’s shot straight to the head, which caused a lengthy stoppage.
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An inspired second-half performance from goalkeeper Radek Vitek helped Bristol City make it maximum points from two games under interim head coach Roy Hodgson with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Ashton Gate.
Roy Hodgson’s second game in the Bristol City dugout ended in another win (Getty Images)
And at Loftus Road, Thierry Small scored an unfortunate own goal to help Queens Park Rangers extend their unbeaten run to four games after a 1-1 draw at Preston.
The Championship’s two top sides are still yet to play later on Easter Monday, with Middlesbrough facing Swansea while leaders Coventry travel to fifth-place Hull.
In a stunner on the opening day of 2026 WNBA free agency, the Chicago Sky have traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for multiple first-round picks. The Sky will receive the Dream’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, while the Dream will also get swap rights to the Sky’s 2028 second-round pick.
Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, was named an All-Star in each of her first two seasons while setting rebounding records. She ended last season on poor terms with the Sky, however, and a breakup always seemed to be in the cards even though she told reporters in December that she planned to return to Chicago.
“Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond. We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”
Late last season, Reese came under significant criticism for an interview she gave to the Chicago Tribune in which she called out the front office, coaching staff and teammates. She eventually apologized, but was suspended for one half of a game. Between that suspension, a league suspension for accumulating too many technical fouls and a back injury, Reese missed the team’s final four games.
“I’m not settling for the same shit we did this year,” Reese said in September. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.
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“I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason. So it’s going to be very, very important this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best because we can’t settle for what we have this year.”
Now that the first major move of the offseason is complete, let’s grade the trade for both teams:
Dream grade: A
Atlanta receives: Angel Reese, 2028 second-round pick swap
The offseason has only just begun, and the Dream are already one of the big winners.
After making a number of big moves last winter, including signing Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner — both now free agents — and hiring Karl Smesko as their new coach, the Dream won a franchise-record 30 games and finished second in the league in offensive rating (108.2), defensive rating (98.9) and net rating (plus-9.3).
They were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Fever, however, and that defeat showed that they needed a bit more talent to move from great regular-season team to true playoff contender.
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Enter Reese.
While Reese has her weaknesses — interior finishing and turnovers, primarily — she is one of the most exciting young players in the league and made significant strides last season, when she averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals and once again led the league in rebounding.
It remains to be seen what the Dream will do in free agency, particularly in the frontcourt, where it’s hard to imagine both Jones and Griner will be back. Whatever happens, though, the Dream now have a core of Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Reese and Te-Hina Paopao, and they will add the No. 13 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
That’s an extremely dynamic group that is going to dominate on the glass and will be a nightmare for other teams to play against. Howard is coming off an All-Defensive Second Team honor and both Gray and Reese were borderline All-Defensive candidates last season.
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Plus, best of all for the Dream, they didn’t have to give up much to get Reese. Barring some sort of disaster, they’re going to be a playoff team for the forseeable future, so their 2027 and 2028 firsts will likely be in the teens. If that does end up being the case, that’s nothing for a player of Reese’s caliber.
Sky grade: F
Chicago receives: Dream’s 2027 first-round pick, Dream’s 2028 first-round pick
What do you even say about the Sky at this point? General manager Jeff Pagliocca’s process continues to be a disaster.
Ahead of last season, the Sky traded the No. 3 pick (Sonia Citron), a 2027 first-round pick swap and a 2027 second-round pick to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Ariel Atkins. Prior to the expansion draft, the Sky sent the No. 17 overall pick in 2026 to the Portland Fire for the No. 21 pick in 2026, and the No. 26 pick in 2026 to the Toronto Tempo in exchange for both expansion teams passing on their unprotected players. Now, they’ve sent Angel Reese and a 2028 second-round swap to the Dream for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028.
In: Ariel Atkins, No. 26 in 2026, Dream’s first-round pick in 2027, Dream’s first-round pick in 2028
That’s absurd. Especially considering that by trading Reese, it greatly increases the odds that they’re going to be worse than the Mystics this season and will have to swap first-round picks. By the way, Atkins is an unrestricted free agent and they don’t have the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft because they owed the Minnesota Lynx a first-round swap in the original deal to acquire Reese prior to the 2024 draft.
The Sky are a combined 23-61 in the last two seasons, and Kamilla Cardoso is the only productive young player they have to show for it. They’ll add the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, which will help, and 2025 first-round pick Ajša Sivka should come over this season, but she’s likely just a role player. Maybe Hailey Van Lith or Maddy Westbeld improve, but neither showed much during their rookie seasons. Unless the Dream fall apart unexpectedly, the firsts they got from Atlanta in 2027 and 2028 are unlikely to provide impact players. Plus, the Sky have not been a free-agent destination.
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The future looks bleak in Chicago, and there’s no reason to trust this front office to turn things around. Not only because of the moves they’ve made, but the way they handled the Reese saga late last season.
Reese was in the wrong when she made her comments to the Tribune. Even though she had some valid points, publicly criticizing everyone in the organization, including teammates, is never the right move. But the organization should have handled that situation in-house.
Releasing an over-the-top statement saying the franchise “values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player,” then suspending Reese for one half of a game was bizarre, especially while she was paying through a back injury, and seems to have permanently damaged the relationship with their best and most important player.
Now, just a few months later, the Sky have essentially dumped Reese for a few lottery tickets in the draft and dealt their own rebuild a significant blow.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior praised Barcelona star Lamine Yamal
2 min read Last Updated : Apr 06 2026 | 9:06 PM IST
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior praised Barcelona star Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.
Vinicius spoke Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticized the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.
Vinicius, a Brazil international, has been often subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.”
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said. “It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Blacks who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players “
In a Champions League match last month in Lisbon, Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.
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“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”
Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg between Madrid and Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
(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.)
Aug 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the second half of a WNBA game against the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Chicago Sky traded two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.
In exchange, Chicago receives Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 and the right to swap second-round picks in 2028.
Reese, 23, led the WNBA in rebounding in each of her first two seasons, averaging 13.1 per game in 2024 and 12.6 last season. Those are the two highest single-season marks in league history.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a release. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.
“We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”
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Reese has recorded 49 double-doubles in 64 career games.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”
The Dream finished 30-14 last season, setting a franchise record for wins.
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Drafted seventh overall out of LSU in 2024, Reese has averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals through her first two seasons.
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” said Dream general manager Dan Padover. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Reese expressed frustrations with the Sky during last season’s 10-34 campaign.
“I’m not settling for the same s–t we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune in September. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best.
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“… I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can.”
The Sky suspended her for the first half of their Sept. 7 game due to the comments deemed “detrimental to the team.” Reese ended up sitting out the final four games of the season, reportedly for a back injury. She later apologized to her teammates.
Raffaele Palladino was ‘satisfied’ with Atalanta’s 3-0 victory away to Lecce, which put them back in the race for the top four. ‘It was the first of eight finals, we’ll keep climbing that mountain.’
La Dea put themselves right back in the race for a top four finish and return to the Champions League, as they started the final sprint of eight rounds with a 3-0 victory away to Lecce.
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Giorgio Scalvini opened the scoring in the first half at the Stadio Via del Mare, followed by Nikola Krstovic and Giacomo Raspadori, while Marco Carnesecchi never really had a save to make.
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Palladino believes in Atalanta comeback
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Raffaele Palladino Atalanta BC head coach during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“This was a game with many hidden dangers, as the first after the break for international duty is always complicated to get everyone back together again,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
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“It wasn’t easy to prepare for this, the two teams also struggled with the heat as the temperature is changing, so that made the passing too predictable.
“We adjusted as time went on and did well to attack the space. I’m satisfied with the performance, another clean sheet also gives confidence to the defence.
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“It was the first of eight Finals, now we must continue our climb up that mountain.”
LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 06: Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on April 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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If Champions League football and a top four finish seemed improbable when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November, the situation is very different now.
Atalanta are within five points of fourth place after Como were held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese today.
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“We expected Lecce to be aggressive, as this was a decisive match for them, so I liked the maturity shown by my team in dealing with that early strong approach,” continued Palladino.
“We let them have their runs down the flanks with Banda and Pierotti, but blocked off the channels with quality, technique and dynamism.”
Having been eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Bayern Munich, Atalanta are still in the Coppa Italia semi-final, having drawn the first leg 2-2 with Lazio.
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“Now we have two head-to-head clashes coming up, plus the Coppa Italia semi-final, so I asked the team to raise the bar. Everyone is really involved in this fight,” continued the coach.
“Our DNA is to attack and defend together, the players know how much I care about everyone contributing to the two phases. We need altruism in the final third to find the player in the best position to score, I saw some of that today, and we could’ve won by a wider margin.”
It is not just Como’s draw that represented a boost for Atalanta, but Roma losing 5-2 to Inter also means La Dea are within a point of their former boss Gian Piero Gasperini in sixth.
“Obviously, those results were positive for us, I tried to keep the lads concentrated on our own path. I asked them to finish off this journey by giving their all, then we will see where we end up,” concluded Palladino.
An engaging tale lies behind Blue Door’s name, the talented debutant who conquered the Group 3 $250,000 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Blue Door, a filly by Stay Inside out of Notting Hill, owes her title to a revelation from owner John Singleton.
“My daughter, Jess, was living at Notting Hill in London and I went to visit here last year,” Singleton told Racing And Sports.
“I noticed all the doors in her street were painted blue and when Jess went out, I thought why not paint her door red.
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“But when Jess came home, she wasn’t happy and suspected it was me. So, I had to have the door painted blue again.”
At $4.40, Blue Door, raced alongside Singleton’s daughter, prevailed in a battle by half a neck against the fast-closing but unfortunate The Next Episode ($2.80 favourite), followed a length adrift by Under Focus ($5.50) in third.
The preparation by trainer Bjorn Baker stood out, as he opted for only one 900m trial before thrusting the filly into Group 3 company for her career opener.
“We don’t often ask a two-year-old to go straight into a stakes race on debut but she’s very good,” Baker said of Blue Door.
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“They don’t often trial like that, as the punters’ will know, and I like them to me there and have a raceday test, we make no secret of that, but the way she did it and the time she ran, she looked to have plenty left.
“She’s shown exceptional ability since we’ve had her. She was a great trial winner and great to win for Singo and the team.
“I’m not sure if he’ll shout the bar today, but I’m going to make the most of it.”
Blue Door earned high acclaim from jockey Rachel King, who sat outside the leader, dominated the straight, and withstood the challenge from The Next Episode, who recovered from last after missing the kick.
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“I was a little wary off only one trial, I know she was very impressive in her trial, but we would always like them to have two,” King said.”But her gallop on Tuesday was super so I knew she’d taken plenty of benefit from that trial,
“She tired late the last 50m, but she’s got a great attitude, she’s a real race horse, she wants to win. She’s very professional, she’s got that will to win and wants to find the line.”
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