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UWCL first-leg defeat to Bayern shows Manchester United must narrow the small margins

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Fool me once? Shame on you. Fool me twice with a near-carbon copy pass in-behind to Bayern Munich Women’s top goalscorer, this season’s second-top scorer in the Champions League…? 

For a long period in United’s 2-3 quarter-final first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich, Manchester United seemed capable of defying the inevitable answer. Twice, they rallied, centre-back Maya Le Tissier’s converted penalty restoring parity after Bayern striker Pernille Harder’s opening goal after 98 seconds, and full-back Hanna Lundkvist heading home a second equaliser five minutes after Harder restored Bayern Munich’s lead in the 71st minute with another ball in behind United’s backline. 

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But once is hard, twice is Harder and third is Japan forward Momoko Tanikawa with a third sneaking into goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s far corner because Jess Park wasn’t looking over her shoulder and Ziggioti Olme was too late to clock her run into the box. So Bayern return home with a goal-advantage and the away fans are singing “football’s coming home” in Old Trafford’s away section.

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How you square this depends on your United orientation.  

This was not a tactical masterclass, but it was not a disaster-class either. United looked best when they relied on short passing and tight connections, as was the case when Leah Schuller won United’s penalty following a short, sharp sequence between Park and Hinata Miyazawa. A few times United used Bayern’s shape to regain possession. Once Melvine Malard put Bayern’s defence on their backside after United realised Miyazawa couldn’t be the only outlet for attack. 

Yet, multiple times United’s defensive line was pulled apart because Harder ran one way, then another. The fullbacks kept forgetting space is left when they vacate it. Of United’s 46% possession, they registered 15 touches in Bayern’s box compared to Bayern’s 24 in theirs. For the third successive match, the final third became a Bermuda Triangle for decision-making. At full-time, Bayern head coach Jose Barcala described United’s possession as a time that his side didn’t “suffer”. “We were still comfortable in the uncomfortable,” he said. 

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Twice, though, United recovered. Despite defensive naivety. Despite Harder. That resilience – not least after 98 seconds – deserves lauding. 

But here is where your orientation of United is required: Whether you see United as an ongoing rendering of resilience, an underdog in a new ecosystem keeping the heartbeat of a precarious tie still very much beating.

Or Manchester United, the Gary Neville-voiced version. The version that doesn’t win just one of seven matches against their top four Women’s Super League (WSL) rivals in all competitions this season (three of 16 if stretched to last). The version that should not keep finding itself on the wrong side of the Big Game Margins.

Champions League quarter-finals are all about margins and in them Bayern were simply more. More robust, more physical, more savvy, more secure. Bayern have graced this stage before. Eight times in fact, seven more times than United for those counting. At which point the time arrives to mention the default qualifier: That the last time there was a Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford (the men’s tie against Barcelona in April 2019), United Women were in their first season of existence since their 2005 disbandment, rampaging through England’s second-tier. Bayern Munich were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Harder was scoring 31 goals for Wolfsburg, reaching a Champions League quarter-final and winning the Fraun-Bundesliga.

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And yet, there comes the gnawing. Because it’s difficult to keep making excuses. To keep reminding oneself of the distance travelled when, in the quiet spaces between, lurks the inkling that perhaps even greater lengths might have been travelled if there’d been just a little more investment, a little more care, a little more time to be on this stage and not forget that Harder — a two-time UEFA Player of the Year and 2019-20 Champions League Forward of the Season — is good at running in behind and making you bleed. Just a little more more from the people capable of providing it. 

Instead, for successive seasons, United are staring down a defining juncture with a squad at breaking point. Defender Dominique Janssen and January signing Ellen Wangerheim joined full-back Anna Sandberg, forward Leah Galton and midfielder Ella Toone on the sidelines this week. So winger Fridolina Rolfo is playing left-back. Lisa Naalsund is trying to cover midfield. Miyazawa, who returned to Manchester after lifting the Asia Cup with Japan in Australia (a 24-hour flight and an 11-hour time difference) on Tuesday, is waltzing back into the starting XI the next day. Striker Elisabeth Terland, the only real attacking option on United’s bench, is unavailable because she’s exhausted and league leaders City await on Saturday in a match that could see United’s one-point lead over third-place Chelsea in the WSL table wiped out.  

All of which beckons memories of the final weeks of last season, when United – still in the running for a second-place finish in the league and an FA Cup trophy – failed to win any of their last five matches and slipped to third in the league, starting with a goalless league draw away to West Ham before unravelling into 0-1 to Chelsea, 2-2 against City and 3-4 to Arsenal in the league and 0-3 to Chelsea at Wembley. 

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The second leg will take us to the depths,” said United head coach Marc Skinner in Wednesday’s post-match press conference. “But if there’s anything I know about this team, it’s that that’s almost where we’ve had to live this year.”

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There are congratulations in order for making it this far. A first-ever quarter-final in a debut European season. A tie that is still very much alive against one of Europe’s best. Still second in the WSL. But what is the plan to ensure United make it here next season? And further after that? Or, maybe, just to not have the team living in those depths perennially? 

“I love this team, but we also are progressing at a speed where we’ve got to keep catching teams that have already had many years on us,” said Skinner. “I honestly think we aren’t too far away. I know the plan. We’ve talked about it internally. We have to recruit the right players to make sure we have the depth in these areas to go toe-toe with the best in Europe.

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“City, Chelsea, Arsenal won’t stop. So if you pause for a second, you lose ground. We know that’s the way forward is to recruit better players for more experience. It’s the experience they get you over the line.”

The next two matches will be critical in doing so.  

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Manchester United, Women’s Soccer

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Roman Reigns retains world heavyweight title, warns Jacob Fatu after Backlash

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Jacob Fatu put an exclamation point on his desire to win the World Heavyweight Championship even as he was pinned in a loss to Roman Reigns at Backlash on Saturday night.

Fatu got that crazed look in his eye after Reigns pulled off the victory. Fatu was shocked and enraged as Reigns’ hand was raised in the win to retain his title. But Fatu made clear that his pursuit of gold and glory wasn’t going to stop at the premium live event.

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Jacob Fatu wrestling Roman Reigns in WWE Backlash match

Jacob Fatu wrestles Roman Reigns during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE/Getty Images)

The “Samoan Werewolf” took his frustrations out on Reigns, Raw general manager Adam Pearce and some of the producers who came out to stop his post-match assault. The attack included Fatu going after the referee, putting the Tongan death grip on Reigns and super-kicking anyone who got in his way.

Reigns got the last word in as he walked up the entrance ramp following the vicious assault.

“This is why we shoulda never let Jacob in this company,” Reigns told Cathy Kelley as he walked to the back. “You don’t belong here, Jacob. There is no order with you. This is your last night here.”

Jacob Fatu celebrating over Roman Reigns in a wrestling ring

Jacob Fatu celebrates over Roman Reigns during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images)

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Reigns and Fatu battled throughout the night with a lot of the “Tribal Chief’s” damage seemingly being ineffective throughout the match. But one key mistake ultimately cost Fatu.

Fatu had Reigns in the Tongan death grip toward the end of the match. Reigns clung onto the referee and exposed a turnbuckle in the process. Reigns was able to thrust Fatu into the exposed turnbuckle and hit a spear.

Reigns pinned Fatu for the win, but it sparked the chaotic scene.

Roman Reigns entering the wrestling ring at WWE Backlash in Tampa, Florida

Roman Reigns enters the ring during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

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Fatu was last seen holding the World Heavyweight Championship over Reigns, who was sprawled out on the mat. The first battle may have ended between the two, but the war is far from finished.

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NBA player prop picks, odds: Model reveals three best 2026 NBA Playoffs prop bets for Sunday, May 10

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The Timberwolves have lost two straight after upsetting the Spurs in Game 1, and forward Julius Randle has struggled on the offensive end of the floor, posting 12 points in each of his past two games. Randle’s recent performances mean he could be a focal point for NBA prop picks on Sunday. Randle finished with 21 points in Minnesota’s victory on May 4, and his over/under for total points scored against San Antonio in Game 4 is 17.5. The SportsLine Projection Model projects he’ll exceed that total against the Spurs, predicting he’ll finish with 20.1 points, and identifies it as one of Sunday’s top NBA player props and NBA best bets today. 

For Game 4 of Knicks vs. 76ers, SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein is high on Knicks forward Mikal Bridges to be an effective scorer. Bridges finished with 23 points in his last outing against Philadelphia, and his over/under for points in Game 4 is 15.5. Before locking in Sunday’s NBA prop picks and other NBA bets on betting sites like FanDuel, be sure to check out top picks from the proven computer model and team of experts at SportsLine.

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 the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 26-9 roll (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at online betting sites and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Top NBA player prop picks on Sunday

  • Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points
  • Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists
  • Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points

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Mikal Bridges, Knicks, Over 15.5 points

“Mikal Bridges looks like himself, and has been thrust into a role where his touches and shot attempts are up significantly for the Knicks,” SportsLine NBA expert Doug Kralstein said. “With New York leading 3-0, I doubt they have OG Anunoby play, and Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to stay on the floor due to foul trouble. Bridges has served as the scoring complement to Jalen Brunson, the latter of whom will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Sixers defensive adjustments in Game 4.”

Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks, Over 5.5 assists

“We are going to continue riding Karl-Anthony Towns’ assist prop as he is hitting it even in games in which he plays limited minutes due to foul trouble,” SportsLine expert David Bearman said. “KAT has 46 assists over the last six games, an average of 7.7 per game. He has 20 in 3 games in this series, not playing more than 27 minutes in any of the games, due to one blowout and two games with foul issues. Dating back to April 1 (13 games), he is averaging 6.3 a game, hitting 5+ in 9 of the 13 games.”

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Julius Randle, Timberwolves, Over 17.5 points

Randle is coming off back-to-back disappointing performances on offense, scoring 12 points in each of his past two outings against San Antonio. Randle made just 25% of his field goals in the Game 3 loss, but the SportsLine Projection Model is expecting a bounce-back performance on Sunday. Randle averaged 21.1 points per game during the regular season, and scored 21.2 points per game at home. SportsLine’s model projects he’ll finish with 20.1 points on Sunday, easily exceeding the posted total of 17.5. 

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Pride Of Jenni storms to victory in 2026 Hollindale Stakes at Gold Coast

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Two jockeys sprint toward the finish on galloping horses, the leading horse wearing a green saddlecloth with number 9; bright screens and flower barriers rise in the background.

Echoing the excitement of her remarkable 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory, Pride Of Jenni produced a frontrunning masterclass to dismantle her Hollindale Stakes foes and notch up a superb win.

In Saturday’s premier event at the Gold Coast, the mare unleashed her signature bold style, opening up to roughly 16 lengths clear entering the final 800m and fending off the chasers.

Birdman ($4.20) rallied strongly from midfield to go down by three-quarters of a length to the favourite Pride Of Jenni ($3.30), with She’s A Hustler ($4.60) 2-1/4 lengths adrift in third.

Half Yours ($3.80), winner of the Melbourne Cup, closed well for fourth and ran with plenty of promise.

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Ciaron Maher, the mare’s victorious trainer, was full of praise for Pride Of Jenni after opting to freshen her following fifth in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick a month ago, building on her Melbourne near-misses in the All-Star Mile (1600m) and Australian Cup (2000m).

“I was mindful she had three very tough runs and given how well she went first-up, the only thing you can do is over-train her,” Maher said.

“We’ve just kept her fresh and when she stepped well, you know pretty quick whether you’re on. I thought, oh, that was nice, we might be on today.

“The track – you’d think the Gold Coast would suit her style – and it certainly did.”

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The trainer also lauded jockey Declan Bates for his expert navigation of the eight-year-old, establishing rhythm upfront and preserving her well.

“She is sprinting flat out from the 1000. She is used to doing that, being off the bridle a long way out, but super from ‘Dec’ (Bates),” Maher said.

“She is just a marvel. Have a look at her, she is just a beautiful mare, and she’s got a great constitution.”

During last winter’s Queensland campaign, Pride Of Jenni competed once, fading in the Doomben Cup (2000m).

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According to Maher, that Group 1 is targeted once more, with sharper condition anticipated.

“She looks in better form this year,” he said.

The Hollindale Stakes (1800m) continues to signal Doomben Cup prospects effectively, evidenced by Antino’s double last year and Zaaki’s in 2021.

Discover competitive racing odds on betting sites for the Hollindale Stakes and future events.

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Was Wardley vs Dubois stopped too late? Bloody duel reveals controversial truth

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In rare heavyweight fights like Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, all the traditional safety measures can get lost in the drama and savagery of the night.

The corner, the referee and the doctors are ringside in boxing to make sure the fighters leave the ring healthy. But on Saturday night on the outskirts of Manchester, close to midnight at the Co-op Live arena, 18,212 fanatics played their part in an unforgettable fight that crossed several of the sport’s boundaries.

It was a bloodthirsty Saturday-night crowd, and they packed the new arena in anticipation of something special, something memorable, and something brutal – they got all three. The WBO heavyweight title was just a trinket attraction.

Wardley was rescued after 28 seconds of the 11th round, and Dubois was hauled away to celebrate the win; it was the end of a fight that took both men to the very extremes in a boxing business where total sacrifice does happen. Wardley against Dubois on Saturday had that feeling very early. It was not always easy to watch, but it was also impossible to look away.

The raw statistics are impressive enough, but they fail to tell the whole story; Dubois was down after 12 seconds of the first round, and again in the third. He survived on stiff legs and with petrified eyes. Wardley started to take a beating from about round six; the referee, Howard Foster, called the doctors up onto the ring canvas to inspect him at the start of the ninth and 10th rounds.

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Wardley dropped Daniel Dubois twice in the first three rounds
Wardley dropped Daniel Dubois twice in the first three rounds (Reuters)

Wardley’s corner looked worried, but still he walked out at the start of each round for more. Wardley was cut, hurt, staggered repeatedly, and both eyes were closing – and still he kept swinging; Wardley has come back in fights he was losing before. That is his trademark, his signature in the boxing rings.

Saturday, however, was different. It was a lost cause and he was too damaged for a fairytale finish. Dubois was smart, accurate and hurtful. And still the crowd roared louder when the medics gave Wardley a clear to continue sign. That is raw, that is fanatical. Yes, it did feel Iike a barbaric fight to the end.

It is far too easy and convenient from the safe side of the ropes to condemn the brutality, too easy to find flaws with the outcome. In the boxing business, the fighters make those ridiculous sacrifices and people get dragged in – the corner, the ref, the doctors, the opposite team, and the wild-eyed paying public.

A ringside doctor (left) and referee Howard Foster checked on Wardley before rounds nine and 10
A ringside doctor (left) and referee Howard Foster checked on Wardley before rounds nine and 10 (Getty)
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On a calmer night, with less at stake, the fight would have ended earlier. On Saturday night, it finished only when Wardley was close to collapse, helpless in defence and still resisting. It was a stunning last stand and that is how some of our greatest fights end.

Nobody in boxing needs to make apologies for what they signed up for; this business is total. In the ideal world of sport, Wardley would have been rescued earlier, but Saturday’s glorious fight was not part of that “ideal” world; it was part of our heartless, savage, addictive and crazy sport.

Wardley was ultimately stopped in round 11
Wardley was ultimately stopped in round 11 (Getty)

The Independent’s Alex Pattle – also ringside in Manchester – admitted to feeling equal amounts of intrigue and discomfort in the later rounds. “The boxing fan in me wanted to see more action; the human side wanted an earlier, merciful end for Wardley.”

Working six feet from the canvas for Five Live with Richie Woodhall, we both wanted it stopped in about round nine, but we still urged the pair on as they fought for six more minutes and 28 unforgettable seconds. At 2am, I found Wardley’s blood splatters on my shirt; boxing is like no other bloody business.

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Paul Lee gets form back in Magnolia win ahead of playoffs

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Paul Lee Magnolia vs Meralco PBA

Magnolia guard Paul Lee is being guarded by Meralco guard Aaron Black during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After playing sparingly in Magnolia’s crucial win over TNT the last time out, Paul Lee got his rhythm back after helping the Hotshots handle the Meralco Bolts on Sunday.

Lee has coach LA Tenorio to thank for reminding him to take all the rest he needed before Magnolia’s final game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.

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“I just took some rest and it was a big thing that after last game, we had a couple days of rest so I just took advantage,” he said after the 93-76 rout of Meralco.  “I give credit to coach LA because he always reminded me to rest.”

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Lee was shaken up during a rebound play against the Tropang 5G, exiting the game after just 23 minutes of action and finishing with only four points.

Against Meralco, the veteran guard posted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists as Magnolia extended its winning streak to three games.

Thanks to Lee’s efforts, Magnolia locked up the fifth seed and will face either Meralco or Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.



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Warriors NBA Draft Lottery Odds Ahead of Potential Franchise-Altering Night Revealed

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The NBA Draft Lottery will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago on Sunday, as the Golden State Warriors hope for some good fortune. With the team in need of change, their draft position could significantly shape the franchise’s future, making this a crucial night for Golden State.

An X (formerly Twitter) user deliberated over their position in the draft on Saturday, claiming the Warriors would likely receive the first four picks.

“They’re so obviously getting a top 4 pick tmrw,” the handle wrote.

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The remark came in response to Steve Kerr signing a two-year extension, as the franchise aims to complete a quick rebuild and contend for another title during Stephen Curry’s tenure.

However, while the fan suggested Kerr’s extension could coincide with favorable lottery luck, the reality is not that straightforward.

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Having qualified for the play-in tournament, the Warriors were part of the postseason picture, which limits their lottery odds. They hold just 14 combinations, giving them a 2% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Their odds increase only marginally for the next three selections, resulting in a maximum 2.8% chance of securing a top-four pick.

Based on the probabilities, the Warriors are most likely to receive the 11th pick, with a 77.6% chance. However, the Dallas Mavericks landed the No. 1 overall pick last year despite having just a 1.8% chance, proving that while the odds are slim, it is not impossible.

The draft lottery will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT and will be televised on ABC, while viewers can also livestream the event on the FUBO TV app.

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Warriors could trade lottery pick if they land a top-four selection per reports

The Golden State Warriors’ failure to reach the playoffs earned them a spot in this year’s Draft Lottery, as the team hopes for favorable odds. While landing a top-four pick would be the best-case scenario for Golden State, reports on Saturday suggested the team could trade the pick to secure a stronger deal elsewhere.

Danny Emerman was the first to raise this possibility, explaining the Warriors’ plans to make an aggressive push to build around Steph Curry.

“Golden State could consider flipping the pick in a blockbuster trade for a proven star,” Emerman wrote. “A top-four pick would instantly become both the franchise’s juiciest trade asset and its best chance at bridging the end of this era with whatever comes next.”

The Warriors are in desperate need of a rebuild, but will require some luck in the lottery for things to go according to plan.