INDIA CLINCH T20 SERIES AGAINST ENGLAND AMID SUBSTITUTE

Harshit Rana claimed three wickets in his debatable appearance as a concussion substitute to help India to a series-clinching 15-run victory against England in the fourth T20 International on Friday.

Photos: Reuters

Put into bat, India overcame Saqib Mahmood's three-wicket burst to post a competitive 181-9 following half-centuries by Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

England were 166 all out with two deliveries left in their innings as India grabbed an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

All-rounder Dube was hit on the helmet by a Jamie Overton bouncer and seamer Rana replaced him despite it not being a like-for-like replacement as concussion substitute rules mandate.

"When Dube came back, two overs into the chase, I was told (about being the concussion substitute)," Rana told the broadcasters.

"I have been waiting for this moment to prove myself," he said of his "dream debut".

England captain Jos Buttler was not happy with India being allowed to field primarily a seamer for a batting all-rounder, who rarely bowls.

"It's not a like-for-like replacement," Buttler told reporters.

"Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25mph with the ball, or Harshit has really improved his batting.

"It's part of the game. I still think we should have gone on to win the match but yes, we disagree with the (substitute) decision."

Earlier, England fast bowler Saqib impressed on debut as he began with a three-wicket maiden over to rattle India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium.

India opener Sanju Samson fluffed his pull shot, number three Tilak Varma perished at deep third leg and captain Suryakumar Yadav was caught at short mid-on prolonging his lean patch in the series.

Abhishek Sharma (29) and Rinku Singh (30) propped up India before the left-right combination of Dube and Pandya counter-attacked during their 87-run partnership.

Pandya and Dube smashed identical 53s but India managed only three runs from the eventful last over from Overton losing three wickets in the process.

Phil Salt (23) and Ben Duckett (39) milked 32 runs from the first three overs of India's seam bowling prompting Suryakumar to employ spin from both ends.

Thanks to their unbridled aggression, England were 62-1 after the first six powerplay overs compared to India's 47-3.

India struck back through spin as Ravi Bishnoi (3-28) dismissed Duckett and Buttler in his successive overs, while Axar Patel removed Salt.

Harry Brook (51) hit Rana for back-to-back sixes en route to a 25-ball fifty but Varun Chakravarthy turned the match on its head claiming two wickets in his final over.

Brook fell attempting a scoop shot against the spinner and, two balls later, Brydon Carse was snared at deep square leg as India tightened their grip on the contest.

Mumbai hosts the fifth and final T20 Internationals on Sunday, which will be followed by three one-dayers between the sides.

- Reuters, Pune

SIX NATIONS SHOULD REMAIN ON FREE-TO-AIR TV, SAYS ENGLAND CAPTAIN MARO ITOJE

Itoje says ‘rugby needs more eyes on it, not less’. Photo: PA

Maro Itoje leads England into what could be the final Six Nations shown on terrestrial television with a call to organisers to prioritise the game’s reach when considering the next broadcast deal.

The BBC and ITV have shared the TV rights since 2016, but their contract ends after the current tournament and TNT Sports has confirmed it is considering bidding for 2026 onwards.

For the first time the game’s biggest draw outside the World Cup faces the prospect of going behind a paywall, but Itoje insists it must remain free-to-air.

“The Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible,” said the England captain ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.

“I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV. The fact that it’s been on free-to-air…I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less.

“Obviously I’m not involved in the finances of the deals, but even though international rugby is massive, the sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite.”

Saturday’s Aviva Stadium showdown promises to be a blockbuster start to the rivals’ title bids, with the outcome setting the tone for the remainder of their campaigns.

Ireland enter as strong favourites and are out for revenge after they were edged 23-22 in dramatic circumstances at Allianz Stadium last year. Few are backing England to cause an upset, but Itoje insists that only adds to the motivation.

“When people write you off it always gets the juices flowing a little bit, whether that’s in sport or when my teachers predicted me to get lower grades than I eventually got!” Itoje said.

“It always gives you a little bit of extra motivation and a bit more anticipation for what you can do and what you can achieve.

“You definitely have to give Ireland respect. You see their strength and acknowledge where they are good.

“But when you play any team, you don’t put them on a pedestal. We believe in our team, we believe in what we can do. It’s just our job to go and do it.”

England enter the Six Nations on the back of a poor 2024 which produced only five wins in 12 Tests, although on three occasions they fell to late defeats to New Zealand, while also losing narrowly to France and Australia.

“What last year has shown us is that, despite the results not going our way, if you were to watch the games, most people would see the potential of the team,” Itoje said.

“As players, we believe in what we’re doing, we believe in what we’re about and now our part of the bargain is to get over the line.

“We put ourselves in positions to win most, if not all of the games, but for varying reasons we didn’t.

“Ultimately we didn’t take our opportunity when it arose. Our job is to make sure that when those moments come, we take them.

“In games you have a finite amount of chances. If you don’t take your chances then you’re not going to win.”

- DUNCAN BECH

ENGLAND LINE-UP VS. IRELAND

 

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MARCUS RASHFORD EXIT COULD OPEN FOUR TRANSFERS FOR MANCHESTER UNITED

Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United has taken another turn ahead of the January transfer window closing

Marcus Rashford in action for Manchester United at Aston Villa (Image: Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford started the day thinking his options away from Manchester United had disintegrated but may well end it with a new potential opportunity.

MEN Sport reported this morning that Barcelona were unlikely to agree to a deal in the January transfer window and would instead be interested in waiting until the summer to complete a Rashford deal. However, a twist was to come from The Athletic who report on Friday evening that Aston Villa have entered talks to sign the winger.

It is unclear whether Villa would want to sign him on loan or permanently but they will have some money to spend soon with Jhon Duran set to join Al Nassr. Should Rashford now leave before the January transfer window closes, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the deals that could be opened up for completion in the aftermath.

It is unclear whether Villa would want to sign him on loan or permanently but they will have some money to spend soon with Jhon Duran set to join Al Nassr. Should Rashford now leave before the January transfer window closes, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the deals that could be opened up for completion in the aftermath.

Patrick Dorgu

Lecce's full-back is on the cusp of joining United but the Reds are looking to complete another exit before green lighting that through. The exit to allow Dorgu's arrival was believed to be Tyrell Malacia but in the short-term, should Rashford depart first, then the Serie A wide man can arrive.

That would be seen as a big bonus for United considering Ruben Amorim's desire to strengthen the left-side of his squad this winter.

Mathys Tel

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be pushing incredibly hard to sign Tel before the deadline on Monday but reports from Germany suggest the winger is currently uninterested in a permanent move to North London. A loan switch is thought to be more favourable for Tel at present and United are apparently willing to offer him that.

With Rashford gone, the Reds could advance their negotiations with Bayern and perhaps sign a very exciting young talent in the process.

Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Geovany Quenda

Last year, the Manchester Evening News reported that Sporting's Geovany Quenda was an option for the end of the season. If Rashford were to leave, United could loan in Tel until the end of the season before making a permanent move for Amorim's former player in the summer.

That would perhaps be the best of both worlds considering that Tel may potentially decide his permanent home is not in the Premier League.

Viktor Gyokeres

Ultimately, a permanent sale of Rashford to Villa, Barcelona or another club would be used to help the Reds sign a centre-forward. Gyokeres remains Amorim's guy and having stuck to his word of not pursuing him in January, you feel it is only a matter of time before seeds are sown to sign him in the summer.

The Swede will not come cheap so any money that United can recoup from Rashford's sale willbe used, at least in part, to sign Gyokeres.

- Jack Flintham

ARSENAL STILL HOPE TO MAKE OLLIE WATKINS' DREAM TRANSFER COME TRUE AFTER CUNNING PLAY

Arsenal remain interested in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

Arsenal tried and failed to sign Ollie Watkins after submitting a bid of just £40million this week, which was swiftly rejected by Unai Emery’s side.

Sources have stated that Villa were furious with Arsenal’s offer, firstly because it was far below his valuation, and secondly as it came shortly before a crunch Champions League game against Celtic.

The bid has been viewed by Villa as an attempt to unsettle Watkins and try and convince the 29-year-old to push for a move.

Watkins ultimately started and scored in the 3-2 win over Celtic and today (Friday), Emery has made it clear that Watkins isn’t looking to leave before the winter transfer window closes.

“Some players prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here and commit to Aston Villa and compete for our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins,” Emery said in a press conference.

Some have suggested that Arsenal could try again with an improved bid for Watkins in the coming days but Villa have zero intention to sell him, regardless of how much the London side put on the table.

That is partly because Villa are set to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £64million and Emery is not willing to offload another top striker in the final days of the window.

Arsenal grant Watkins’ ‘dream’ in the summer 

Sources close to Arsenal have suggested that their bid for Watkins this month was made to put them in a good position to make a summer approach for the forward.

Watkins will remain a target for the Gunners and a move may be more viable at the end of the season, as Villa will have time to find and sign a potential replacement.

The England international has been highly professional throughout the saga and put in a good performance against Celtic, despite the speculation surrounding his future.

Despite Emery’s comments about Watkins wanting to stay with Villa, sources have reiterated that he would be open to a move to the Emirates if the timing is right.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, but it’s a long shot – that’s a long-term goal of mine,” Watkins said back in 2020, and we understand that his feelings haven’t changed.

But Watkins is just one of several elite strikers on Arsenal’s shortlist. They still want to sign one in the coming days, but could bring in a stop-gap solution and sign a bigger name in the summer.

As we have consistently reported, Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak is the Gunners’ dream target but he is valued in excess of £100m.

Newcastle are expected to sit down with Isak at the end of the season to try and convince him to sign aa contract extension, and if he agrees he will be untouchable even in the summer.

Arsenal view Watkins as a cheaper alternative and while signing him in the winter window is off the cards, there is every chance they could return for him in a few month’s time.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are among the clubs interested with Mathys Tel and could make a late play for the Bayern Munich striker, although rivals Tottenham are pushing to complete a deal.

- Fraser Fletcher

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: REAL MADRID TO FACE MAN CITY IN KNOCKOUTS FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Manchester City completed a comeback victory against Belgian side Club Brugge, while Real Madrid achieved a convincing 3-0 win over French club Brest. In a repeat of their fierce rivalry, the Champions League knockout phase draw on Friday has paired these two European giants against each other once again.

Kyle Walker and Vinicius Junior fight for the ball. Image: AP

Defending champions Real Madrid will reignite their Champions League rivalry with 2023 winners Manchester City in an exciting knockout phase playoff tie, following the draw held in Nyon on Friday.

Both teams were unable to secure automatic qualification to the last 16, finishing 11th and 22nd, respectively in the new league-phase format. Teams placed ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to earn a spot in the last 16.

This match-up marks the fourth consecutive year that Real Madrid and Manchester City will face each other in knockout rounds, having met in four previous ties since 2020.

- FP Sport 

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WHAT ARSENAL DID IN MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY APPEAL AS MICHAEL OLIVER COMMENT REVEALED

Latest Arsenal news and gossip as details from the FA have emerged about the Gunners' successful appeal for Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card against Wolves

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly reacts after being sent off against Wolves (Image: PA)

Details have emerged over Arsenal's successful appeal against Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card against Wolves.

The Gunners defender was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver in the 1-0 win at Molineux in the Premier League last weekend. Riccardo Calafiori scored the decisive goal of the game for Arsenal to maintain their six-point gap behind leaders Liverpool in the title race.

Oliver's decision to send off Lewis-Skelly was confirmed by a VAR check but was met with plenty of controversy in the days that followed. Arsenal launched what proved to be a successful appeal against the dismissal, with the defender now available for the forthcoming Premier League fixtures rather than serving a three-match ban.

With Lewis-Skelly now available for Arsenal's clash against Manchester City, details have emerged about their successful appeal against last week's red card. The FA have published their report of the appeal, which includes the evidence the Gunners put forward for their case.

The report includes a statement from Oliver, who confirmed the reason for handing a red card to Lewis-Skelly.

“I have to report that I, as the Referee sent off Lewis-Skelly, Myles Anthony of Arsenal FC Under Law 12 section: S1," wrote Oliver in his official report to the FA.

The report goes on to list the evidence that Arsenal put forward to support their case that the red card for Lewis-Skelly was undeserving. One piece of evidence included several angles of the tackle from the Gunners defender in slow motion.

More evidence included footage of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes receiving a yellow card by Oliver for a similar challenge in the same game against Arsenal. Gomes would receive two bookings and also be sent off in the clash at Molineux.

Arsenal then went on to provide two previous cases involving Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister. The evidence involved incidents where both players were shown red cards in their respective matches, with the decisions subsequently overturned by the FA following an appeal.

As part of their appeal, Arsenal also provided evidence written by their associate general counsel, Mr Patrick Camerer Cuss. The document provided to the FA outlined why, in the club's opinion, the decision to give Lewis-Skelly a red card and a three-match ban was "excessive".

- Mark Wakefield

SIX MEMBERS OF BOSTON SKATING CLUB ARE AMONG THOSE KILLED IN PLANE CRASH

Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 30, 2025. | Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

NORWOOD, Mass. (AP) — Two young figure skaters, two of their parents and two highly-regarded Russian figure skating coaches were among those killed after an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday night and crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac River.

Doug Zeghibe, the chief executive at the Skating Club of Boston, said Thursday that skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane were among those killed, along with coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

“This will have long reaching impacts for our community,” he said during a news conference where he was visibly emotional.

U.S. Figure Skating previously confirmed that several skaters, coaches and family members were on the commercial flight after attending a development camp that followed the national championships, which wrapped up Sunday in Wichita, Kansas.

“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.

“Figure skating is more than a sport — it’s a close-knit family — and we stand together.”

The Kremlin also confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov were aboard. They were were well-known skaters in their own right after winning the pairs world title in 1994 in Chiba, Japan. They moved to the U.S. and became coaches, first at the International Skating Center in Connecticut and since 2017 at the Skating Club of Boston.

Among their students is their 23-year-old son, Maxim, a former U.S. junior champion. He has finished fourth at senior nationals the past three years, narrowly missing the podium Sunday while his parents watched at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on the American Airlines flight and three soldiers aboard a training flight on the Blackhawk helicopter. There was no immediate cause of the collision, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

“We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital, said in an update Thursday morning. “We don’t believe there are any survivors.”

The Skating Club of Boston, which is set to host the world championships in March, is among the best-known clubs in the world, producing numerous Olympic and world champions. Among them have been two-time Olympic champion Dick Button, Olympic gold medalist Tenley Albright, two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie.

Jimmy Ma, who finished fifth at the U.S. championships on Sunday, is among current athletes from the Skating Club of Boston.

This is the second time a plane crash has rocked the figure skating community.

On Feb. 15, 1961, a Boeing 707 traveling from New York to the world championships in Czechoslovakia crashed on approach in Brussels, Belgium, killing all 72 people aboard. That included all 18 members of the American team heading to worlds, along with 16 family members, coaches and skating officials that were on their way to support them in Prague.

Among those killed in that crash were former U.S. champion-turned coach Maribel Vinson-Owen and her daughters, 16-year-old Laurie Owen and 20-year-old Maribel Owen. Two weeks earlier, Laurie had won her first women’s title and Maribel won her first pairs title at the national championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. They also represented the Skating Club of Boston.

The world championships were canceled that year out of respect for the American team killed in the crash.

The European championships are taking place this week in Tallinn, Estonia. They were expected to continue as scheduled.

“The International Skating Union and the global skating community are deeply shocked by the tragic accident involving an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C. We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” the ISU said in a statement. “We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time.”

- DAVE SKRETTA

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F1 ANNOUNCES LOUIS VUITTON TO TITLE SPONSOR 2025 SEASON-OPENING AUSTRALIAN GP

Louis Vuitton will title sponsor the 2025 Australian GP - Credit: F1

Formula 1 has announced that Louis Vuitton has become the sport’s latest partner in a deal which will see the brand sponsor the 2025 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Louis Vuitton’s increased presence in the paddock this season was revealed last October through the news that LVMH would become a partner to F1 on a 10-year deal.

But alongside prominent trackside branding, Louis Vuitton will also now title sponsor the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, which will be the curtain raiser to the 2025 campaign.

The round at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne will host the season-opener for the first time since 2019 on March 16 to commence another 24-round calendar.

“We are thrilled to welcome Louis Vuitton as Title Partner for our first 2025 race,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.

“This is a partnership between two global icons linked first and foremost by their great passion for innovation, excellence and creativity, which makes them two exceptional timeless stories.

“The entry of Louis Vuitton not only enhances the experience of our sport, but celebrates the union of luxury, craftsmanship, and the highest expression of automotive competition.

“2025 will be an epic year for Formula 1 and I am proud to start it with our passionate partners at Louis Vuitton.”

Louis Vuitton’s connection to F1 pre-dates the recent development as the French House has designed the trophy that the race winner at Monaco has received since 2021.

Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO, Louis Vuitton, added: “I am immensely proud of this partnership between Louis Vuitton and Formula 1 with our shared ambition to always strive for innovation, craft, and precision.

“The synergy of our two worlds is echoed in the savoir faire of our ateliers and garages, artisans, and engineers, while celebrating the outstanding performance of champion drivers around the world who embark on a journey of excellence with every race.”

- Motorsport Week

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THUNDER'S SHAI GILGEOUS-A LEANDER MAKES FRANCHISE HISTORY IN LOSS TO WARRIORS

The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a disappointing 116-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, but they saw their superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander record a historic performance.

In the game, Shai scored 52 points, but unfortunately for the Thunder it was not enough to take down the Warriors as they lost just their ninth game of the season. This is now Shai's second 50-point game of the season and of his career.

With his incredible performance, Shai also made franchise history. With his second 50-point game of his career with the Thunder, he joined Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant as the only three players in Thunder history to record multiple games with 50 or more points.

Oct 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Of course, Westbrook leads the way for the Thunder with five games of 50 or more points followed by Durant who recorded four 50-point games during his time with the franchise. With how Shai has been playing this season, it is likely that he will continue to add to this list and possibly make a run at Westbrook's franchise record before his time in Oklahoma City ends.

This is just another impressive performance out of Shai this season and a major reason why he was named as a starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and is also the frontrunner to win his first MVP award. This season, Shai is averaging 32.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 52.8% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range.

With Shai leading the way, the Thunder currently have a 37-9 record, which is the second-best in the NBA behind the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, and they will look to bounce back after their loss to the Warriors on Saturday when they host the Sacramento Kings.

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- Nathaniel Holloway Athlon Sports

BREAKING | YOUNG ICE SKATERS' FEARED DEAD AS AT LEAST 19 DIE IN US CRASH

A total of 64 people, four crew and 60 passengers, were onboard the jet with a number of young Russian ice skaters feared to be among the dead

Nineteen bodies have been recovered from the scene of a crash involving a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter in Washington DC.

The collision occurred while the American Airlines flight was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

All take-offs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point near the airport along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport.

A total of 64 people, four crew and 60 passengers, were onboard the jet with a number of young Russian ice skaters feared to be among the dead.

Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter which was on a training exercise.

President Donald Trump was briefed, his press secretary said, and Vice President JD Vance encouraged followers on the social media platform X to “say a prayer for everyone involved”.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the mid-air collision occurred around 9pm local time when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into a military Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to an airport runway.

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter: “PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight,” in reference to the passenger aircraft.

“Tower did you see that?” another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

The tower immediately began diverting other aircraft from Reagan.

In a post on social media, American Airlines said it was aware of reports that one of its flights was involved in the incident and said it would provide more information once available.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Centre shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

The airport said emergency personnel were responding to “an aircraft incident on the airfield”.

The incident recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.

No other details were immediately available.

- Lolita C Baldor and Eric Tucker, Associated Press

REAL MADRID MISS TOP EIGHT AND WILL FACE MAN CITY OR CELTIC

Real Madrid must go through the Champions League play-offs and a tie against either Manchester City or Celtic after failing to finish in the top eight despite comfortably beating Brest.

A Rodrygo double and Jude Bellingham's strike secured a win for the reigning champions, who needed a win in France to stand a chance of an automatic place in the round of 16.

But results elsewhere mean Carlo Ancelotti's side must play an extra two-legged tie if they are to defend their title.

Brest also go into the knock-out play-offs in their debut Champions League campaign.

After a slow start, Madrid assumed control in Guingamp and deservedly took the lead after 27 minutes through a fine goal from Rodrygo.

The Brazilian, who now has 10 goals in as many matches, cut inside a defender on his right foot, before shimmying back onto his left and striking a low effort in off the far post.

Madrid suffered a mighty scare as Ludovic Ajorque squeezed home a shot deflected off Aurelin Tchouameni, only to be determined narrowly offside following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Instead, Bellingham made it 2-0 after 57 minutes when he finished from Lucas Vazquez's cutback, and Rodrygo added a third by turning in the rebound from a Marco Bizot save.

Victories for Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa meant it was mathematically impossible for Madrid to reach the top eight no matter their result.

Instead the European champions finish 11th, and will face one of Manchester City or Celtic in the play-offs with the draw to be made on Friday.

Brest come 18th, and will face Benfica or Ligue 1 rivals Paris St-Germain in the next round.

Madrid made to pay for slow start

Rodrygo (left) has scored 10 goals across his last 10 Real Madrid matches

Madrid have been in fine form of late, and have now won their last five games while scoring 20 goals in the process.

But their slow start to this Champions League campaign, in which they lost three of their first six matches, has ultimately cost them automatic progress to the round of 16.

Their vaunted attack in particular has found their touch too late - Rodrygo is now scoring at will, but only after going two and a half months without a goal.

Similarly Mbappe now seems to have adapted to his Real role as a central number nine, but the teething problems that were so evident earlier this campaign - such as the damaging loss at Liverpool - have still cost Madrid in the end.

It means Madrid must now go through an extra two play-off games in order to defend the title they regard as their birthright. While they will be well fancied to reach the last 16 and go further, it will be a sore point for Europe's most successful side that they have to take this road at all.

Brest, by comparison, will be thrilled to have reached the knockout stages of their first ever Champions League campaign.

The French side made a blistering start by going unbeaten in their first four league stage matches, but four winless games in the back half have cost them a top eight finish.

Eric Roy's side did have a tough draw - they are the first debutants to lose to Real Madrid and Barcelona in the same Champions League campaign since Leeds in 2000-01.

- Emma Smith, BBC Sport journalist

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LEWIS HAMILTON CRASHES FERRARI IN PRE-SEASON TESTING

Hamilton crashed the Ferrari on his second day of running at Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton has crashed his Ferrari during the team's pre-season testing programme in Spain.

The seven-time champion was unhurt after losing control of the team's 2023 car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Wednesday.

Ferrari declined to comment on the incident, which happened on Hamilton's second day of running at the Spanish track, where he is sharing the car with team-mate Charles Leclerc.

The incident happened as Ferrari seek to embed Hamilton into the team as effectively as possible before the start of the season at the Australian Grand Prix on 14-16 March.

Ferrari regard the crash as nothing abnormal as Hamilton learns the characteristics of an unfamiliar car after 12 years with Mercedes, within the significant restrictions imposed on testing in F1.

Ferrari are running a limited programme in the 2023 car, the most recent model Hamilton is allowed to drive.

F1's testing restrictions dictate that current race drivers can complete a maximum of 1,000km (621 miles) of what is known as TPC (testing of previous cars) running.

Hamilton completed 30 laps at the team's Fiorano test track on 22 January before he and Leclerc moved on to this week's three days of running at Barcelona, home of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ferrari are giving no details of the test, where Hamilton is learning Ferrari's procedures and working methods and building an understanding with race engineer Riccardo Adami and the rest of the engineering group.

Ferrari will launch their 2025 car at Fiorano on 19 February, the day after F1's season launch event at the O2 in London.

Ferrari will give Hamilton further testing miles before the launch in a Pirelli-run tyre test.

The team will run for two days next week, also at Barcelona, on 4-5 February in a 2025 car modified to reflect the effect of the new regulations being introduced for 2026.

McLaren are conducting a similar Pirelli test at Paul Ricard in France this week as the Italian company seeks to define its 2026 product.

- Andrew Benson 

10 BIGGEST BRITISH TRAITORS IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

 

LE MANS H24EVO HYDROGEN RACER SWITCHES TO LIQUID STORAGE

The latest demonstrator car that could help pave the way for hydrogen-fuelled machinery at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will now store the element in liquid form rather than gas.

Mission H24, a project backed by Le Mans organiser the ACO, has been exploring hydrogen fuel as a low-emission solution for endurance racecars since 2018.

The H24EVO is the third car to be built under the initiative; its technical details were first announced without a car name in October 2023 and the vehicle design was publicly unveiled at Le Mans last year.

The initial plan for the LMP3-based H24EVO was for it to run on hydrogen stored in gas form, like its predecessors the LMPH2G and the H24. It was to have two storage tanks with a combined capacity of 7.8kg.

The gas was to be injected into a fuel cell stack, where an electrochemical reaction would generate electrical energy that the single, rear-mounted motor could use to power the wheels.

Now, the hydrogen will be stored as a liquid, with the car’s developers targeting 11-14kg of fuel on board.

This, they estimate, would enable the H24EVO to run for 40 minutes: more than the half-hour duration projected when the concept was launched over a year ago.

One major reason for switching from gas to liquid storage is that the latter has a greater power density, meaning increased power from the same size of fuel cell.

The liquid density of 71kg/m3 at 1bar is close to atmospheric pressure, whereas hydrogen gas is compressed to 40kg/m3 at 700bar.

However, a challenge of storing the hydrogen as a liquid is that must be kept at extremely low temperatures, around 254degC, compared with 20degC for gas. The liquid also needs to be evaporated to be used as a gas in the fuel cell.

The cell is set to generate electrical energy in the way that was first announced. It will contribute some of the generated energy to the motor, but a 400kW, 3.4kWh battery will help the car reach its stated 650kW (870bhp) maximum output through regenerative braking.

Mission H24 is targeting a track debut for the H24EVO in the first half of 2026, which is a year later than originally planned.

The car’s functions will be controlled through a McLaren Applied VCU and it will run on Michelin tyres that will soon be adopted by the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA Sportscar Championship’s top classes.

‘We’re facing a pioneering and sustainable challenge to create zero-emission automobile racing and the mobility of the future, with the deployment of the hydrogen solution,’ says Bassel Aslan, Mission H24 technical director.

‘After demonstrating the potential of gaseous hydrogen, we’re embarking on a new challenge: introducing liquid hydrogen into racing.

‘With an experienced partner in the field of on-board liquid hydrogen storage, and with all our partners, we are starting an exciting and promising collaboration.’

The supplier for the liquid hydrogen storage tank is to be confirmed. OPmobility, formerly Plastic Omnium, was down to supply the gas tanks but was not listed as one of the project’s partners in a recent press document about the updated car.

The ACO is set to welcome different types of hydrogen technology to Le Mans, including fuel cell cars and vehicles that run on hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines.

‘After introducing gaseous hydrogen to the racetrack, MissionH24, with the H24EVO, is now embarking on a crucial new phase with a dual challenge: to engage liquid hydrogen in competition and to rival the competition from conventional combustion engines,’ says ACO president Pierre Fillon.

‘This mission is essential to achieve zero CO2 emission in motor racing.’

- Daniel Lloyd 

FIA DROPS JOHNNY HERBERT AS F1 STEWARD DUE TO 'INCOMPATIBLE' MEDIA ROLE

Johnny Herbert has left his role as one of the Formula 1 driver stewards after the FIA concluded his work as a media analyst was “incompatible” with the role.

Herbert, who raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000, intimated that he would be continuing in his position just last week, giving his thoughts on the opening round in Australia – which he believed he would be stewarding – to Casinoutanspelpaus.io.

But the sport’s governing body has confirmed Herbert, who also previously provided analysis for Sky Sports F1 until 2023, will not maintain the role, which he has held since 2010.

A statement from the FIA read: “It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward for the FIA.

“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role. However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible.

“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Public Verstappen criticism cast doubt on Herbert’s authority

Herbert’s outspoken nature had previously put his role as a steward under scrutiny, with questions raised about impartiality.

After the Mexico City Grand Prix, Herbert criticised the driving ethics of Max Verstappen after the World Champion received two 10-second time penalties for two incidents with Lando Norris.

Max’s father Josh took offence to Herbert’s remarks, telling Dutch outlet De Telegraaf: “The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.

“From former drivers, for example, who have more sympathy for certain drivers or [teams].”

Herbert rebuffed such criticism, saying: “I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times, who expresses what he thinks,” Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk

“When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions.

“Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the race track?

“The race track has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the race track I will say so. It is not just Max. I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.

“I understand it from Jos’s point of view because it is his son. Is there any bias? No, of course not. I wasn’t the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too.

“When I do speak to people on a Monday or Tuesday that is outside my stewarding responsibilities.”

- Jack Oliver Smith

ONE MONTH TO GO! | THAILAND | MOTOGP 2025-26

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES | MATCH DAY 8 | IRISH TIME ZONE

 

MISTERY: HAS BONGANI SAM LEFT KAIZER CHIEFS?

Former Orlando Pirates defender Bongani Sam joins Kaizer 

Bongani Sam’s Kaizer Chiefs future seems shrouded in mystery with no clarity from any parties. Did he make a deadline-day move?

OWEN DA GAMA COY ON SAM SIGNING

Magesi coach Owen Da Gama has confirmed his interest in Kaizer Chiefs left-back Bongani Sam but still hasn’t clarified whether a move went through. It’s a case of ‘watch this space’ in the coming days.

“I cannot reveal that because there’s a lot of negotiations carrying on,” said Da Gama

“And they’re trying to finalize the issues. So how quickly they’ll be able to do that, and whether they can do that, it’s a very difficult question to answer.”

CONFIRMED ARRIVALS AT KAIZER CHIEFS

27-year-old Glody Lilepo arrives to bring versatility and a surprise factor to the Chiefs attack. 30-year-old Tashreeq Morris brings experience and physicality up front after leaving SuperSport, while Thabo Cele’s midfield mastery should take the Chiefs engine room to the next level. The 27-year-old has five Bafana caps and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya

CONFIRMED EXITS

Utility attacker Christian Saile has joined SuperSport on loan while playmaker Mduduzi Mdantsane will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan with Richards Bay. Chiefs are yet to confirm Sam’s exit on loan to Magesi.

WILL ANY OF CHIEFS’ NEW PLAYERS FACE ORLANDO PIRATES?

Cele is severely lacking match sharpness after playing his last competitive outing in November. He’ll need a couple of weeks to accustom himself to the pace of South African football. Meanwhile, Morris is suspended after a dismissal in his last match for SuperSport. He sat out the Free Agents clash in the Nedbank Cup and must sit out one more match. Glody Lilepo has the best chance of the three to start the Soweto Derby but that hinges on the Congolese star getting a work permit approved.

Soweto Derby H2H stats favour the Buccaneers

Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30.

Derby Day. Enough said. Image: Orlando Pirates website

- James Freemantle

LUIS DIAZ SONG | LIVERPOOL

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JAKE PAUL VS. LOGAN PAUL IN MARCH? WHY FANS SHOULDN'T GET HOPES UP DESPITE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Jake Paul vs. Logan Paul?

The brothers jointly announced it Tuesday on social media, describing it as “the moment you’ve waited a decade for.”

But there’s mounting speculation − and good reason to believe − this will not be an actual boxing match. Posts from the Paul brothers indicate the event will be streamed March 27 on Max, which falls on a Thursday.

More information is expected this Thursday that likely will clarify the nature of the event.

A Paul brothers fight is not listed on BoxRec, which charts sanctioned professional and amateur bouts. BoxRec does not list exhibitions.

A prospective fight between Logan Paul and Conor McGregor has failed to materialize and Jake Paul has yet to announce his next fight since beating Mike Tyson on Nov. 15 by unanimous decision.

It’ll be hard to top the numbers from Paul’s blockbuster bout against Tyson. That fight, held in front of 72,300 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, generated more than $18 million at the live gate – more than any boxing event in the U.S. outside of Nevada, according to Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul.

Netflix said its broadcast of the fight peaked with 65 million concurrent livestreams, including 38 million in the U.S.

- Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports

CHIEFS, BILLS SET AFC TITLE GAME RECORD WITH 57.4M VIEWERS

Mahomes vs. Allen is the gift that keeps giving for CBS and the NFL, as their latest scrap notched an all-time ratings high.
PHOTO BY JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

After conspiring to deliver the biggest regular-season ratings for a Sunday NFL game this season, the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs reconvened last weekend for what would prove to be the most-watched AFC championship game on the books.

According to Nielsen live-plus-same-day data, Kansas City’s 32-29 win over the Bills in the conference title tilt averaged 57.4 million viewers on CBS, edging last year’s short-lived record (55.5 million, Chiefs-Ravens). The nail-biter in Arrowhead Stadium now stands as the third-biggest NFL semifinal of the modern Nielsen era, trailing only the 2010 NFC championship game (Vikings-Saints, 57.9 million viewers) and the 2012 Giants-49ers broadcast (57.6 million), both of which aired on Fox in a time before out-of-home impressions sweetened the TV ratings pot.

The rivalry between two of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks has been a godsend for CBS ever since Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes first met up in the 2021 AFC championship game. While that Chiefs’ 38-24 victory averaged a respectable 41.8 million viewers, that broadcast was only the beginning, as the following year saw the two foes scare up 42.7 million viewers in the divisional round, an overtime-enhanced figure that would be topped two years later in another divisional-round showstopper (50.4 million).

In a tune-up for Sunday’s playoff clash, the Bills and Chiefs teamed up in Week 11 to deliver the strongest non-Thanksgiving numbers of the regular season, as Buffalo handed KC its first loss of the 2024-25 campaign in front of a national TV audience of 31.1 million viewers.

While the class of the AFC had America on the edge of its collective seat during the primetime window, the early Commanders-Eagles game on Fox suffered from a comparable lack of suspense. Philly’s 55-23 deconstruction of Washington averaged 44.2 million viewers, marking the NFC’s lowest turnout since the Rams-Saints 2019 title game drew 44.1 million. Oddly enough, that earlier game was a relative barnburner, as Los Angeles fought back from a 13-0 deficit before matters were settled by a 57-yard field goal in overtime.

Per Nielsen, 58% of all U.S. TVs that were in use while the Commanders-Eagles game was underway were tuned to Fox.

Fox faced particularly rough comps with last season’s analogous broadcast, which featured the Detroit Lions’ first trip to the NFC championship game in 32 years. The Lions’ quixotic quest for a Super Bowl date scared up 56.7 million viewers, and now stands as the fourth most-watched Championship Sunday on record.

All told, deliveries for the 12 NFL playoff games were down 8% versus last season’s lineup, as the league’s media partners averaged 35 million viewers per window, which works out to a net loss of 3.1 million impressions per game. The league’s regular-season ratings held up better, with slippage confined to a 2% dip.

Of the top 20 most-watched AFC/NFC championship games on the books, seven were played after Nielsen began blending the out-of-home ratings impressions with its vanilla TV data in the fall of 2020. That more inclusive method of counting the house should give Fox a leg up on Super Sunday; not only have OOH deliveries over the last five years accounted for about 20% of all Super Bowl impressions, but the upcoming Chiefs-Eagles clash is expected to get a further boost care of Nielsen’s expanded OOH panel.

While Nielsen has yet to confirm that it has beefed up its legacy OOH reporting system beyond the 44 media markets it currently monitors, bringing its coverage from approximately 65% of all users to an even 100%, an official announcement is expected to land shortly before Super Bowl LIX kicks off in New Orleans on Feb.

- ANTHONY CRUPI

KOBE | THE MAKING OF A KING | NEW DOCUMENTARY OUT

‘Kobe: The Making Of A Legend’ documentary part one premieres today 9/8c only on #CNN

A new series “Kobe: The Making of a Legend” traces the story of Kobe Bryant from his childhood in Italy to his athletic superstardom and provides an intimate look at his post-NBA aspirations as a storyteller and as a father.

 #WhatWeWatchin #KobeBryant

ARYNA SABALENKA ROCKS STYLISH BLACK & BLUE FIT FROM NIKE 24.7 COLLECTION DAYS AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN HEARTBREAK

Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, is sponsored by Nike for her sportswear requirements. Sabalenka has been wearing Nike for a very long time and has been promoting the brand across several social media platforms. Sabalenka has also been featured in several ads for Nike, with the most recent advertisement surfacing on January 12, just before the start of the 2025 Australian Open.

Nike dropped its latest apparel collection, ‘24.7’, on January 25. The athletic wear is designed to meet the daily requirements of an athlete’s life.

Evolve/Instagram 

The collection unveiled two innovative materials used in the apparel — ImpossiblySoft, a Spacer-Knit fabric — that enables four-way stretch and gives a luxurious feel at the same time, and PerfectStretch which gives a polished feel. The collection consists of various clothing pieces, like half zips, crew necks, joggers, pleated skirts, and woven shirts.

The three-time Grand Slam champion donned the new collection and rocked the blue and black fit. Sabalenka sported white shade sunglasses and a classic black fanny pack which complimented her attire. Sabalenka earned praise for her look on the internet.

Evolve/Instagram 

Notably, Naomi Osaka-owned talent agency company, ‘Evolve,’ manages Sabalenka. They posted Sabalenka’s stunning pictures in the new outfit which gained a lot of traction.

The Nike 24.7 apparel collection will be available globally at retail locations from January 30 onwards.

Evolve/Instagram 

After missing out on a 'three-peat' at the 2025 Australian Open, Sabalenka is most likely to play the Middle Eastern swing in Qatar before Indian Wells and Miami Open in March. Sabalenka has been playing the Dubai duty-free tennis championships since 2017 and has not missed a single season. But she is yet to win the tournament in her eight attempts. Her best outing at the event remains three quarterfinal finishes. The World No.1 will aim to change that this time around.

The last time Sabalenka played at Doha was in 2022, till then she had played it three times in a row and even won the title in her debut season at the tournament in 2020. She had defeated Petra Kvitova in the final in straight sets. The 2025 Australian Open runner-up is expected to participate in the tournament and come back after three years.

Evolve/Instagram 

The Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 begins on February 9 and Dubai championship begins on February 16. The Polish superstar, Iga Swiatek will look to defend her title in Doha, as her race to regain the World No.1 position will continue.

- Prem Mehta

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MUSIC MOGUL DR. DRE WITH HIS KOBE BRYANT PAINTING

Music icon DrDre posing with his Kobe Bryant painting painted by artist John L Hill. 

EUROSPORT CLOSING MIGHT JUST BE THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR PRO CYCLING IN THE UK

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This might sound hyperbolic, but with the Tour de France also disappearing from ITV, it feels like a golden era is over

Two short years ago, we had never had it so good as pro cycling fans in the UK. There was GCN+ at our fingertips, for under £10 a month, with essentially every bike race you could ever wish for, live and on-demand, without ads. There was Eurosport, if you were someone who liked to watch cycling on your TV old-school, with endless adverts for Renault and river cruises on the Danube. During certain races, most pertinently the Tour de France, there was also live coverage on ITV4, and highlights for other events too.

We didn’t know how good it was. Those halcyon days are now behind us, and becoming ever more distant. GCN+ closed at the end of 2023, bringing an end to two great years; ITV4 will lose the rights to showing the Tour de France at the end of 2025; and as of next month, Eurosport will be no more. Cycling fans in the UK (and Ireland) will have to pay more than ever to watch cycling on TNT Sports, from small events like the E3 Saxo Classic to the biggest, like the Tour de France. When I say more than ever, it is a 344% increase on current monthly fees for Discovery+ subscribers - from £6.99 to £30.99. If you’re someone who just watches Eurosport through your current package, that’s a subscription that you’ve never had to pay for before.

It might sound hyperbolic, but I think this puts professional cycling in serious danger in the UK. Judging by the comments under our original article, and across social media, people are not prepared to pay that much a month to watch cycling. Without people watching, arguably, sport struggles for meaning. People might read race reports more - good news for me - but taking it behind an even bigger paywall feels like a backwards step, especially when it was so good before.

TNT’s argument is that fans will have access to more sport through their regular channels, and that this way, football, rugby or UFC fans will also cross over: viewed from that perspective, cycling could grow its audience! However, cycling is not football, rugby or UFC it’s a smaller, more niche sport, and this decision hints that it will become even more of a non-entity in the UK. Their other argument is that young people don’t watch TV any more, which might be true, perhaps TikTok and YouTube are king, but when the step to the live experience is so prohibitively expensive, it does not seem like many will ever be converted into dedicated fans.

In my experience, cycling fans are not always general sports fans. They are not people who are going to be excited by the opportunity to watch an array of mainstream sports, but people who just want to watch the Critérium du Dauphiné without interruption, at a similar cost to before. Sure, there are exceptions - I love cricket and football - but I don’t have an expensive TNT or Sky Sports subscription for these, and they are more readily available, whether down the pub or on the radio. Try walking into your local and asking for Dwars door Vlaanderen on the big screen.

Whilst an inconvenience for fans, the end of accessible TV coverage could spell disaster for the future of our sport. If fewer people are watching cycling in the UK, fewer people are going to be inspired to ride (or even race) bikes. Sure, the next British Tour de France winner might come from a house with TNT, but the chances are smaller, the opportunities to discover cycling smaller. We are creating an even more middle class sport.

If this really is the epoch-ending event for cycling on TV in the UK that it seems, then this will have a huge impact on the races themselves, on sponsors who rely on airtime, ultimately on the action. Cycling might seem like an attractive sport for those buying rights this time around, but what about in the future? Will we ever have it so good again? Right now, it seems unlikely.

I expect fewer people are going to be watching cycling in the UK and Ireland from the end of next month. Let's hope it isn’t time for the last rites for the sport.

- ADAM BECKET