Dayot Upamecano lauds Bayern Munich teammate Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich’s German defender #04 Jonathan Tah celebrates scoring his team’s third goal 3:1 with Bayern Munich’s French defender #02 Dayot Upamecano during the UEFA Champions League, league phase – day 6 football match between Bayern Munich and Sporting CP in Munich, southern Germany, on December 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Jonathan Tah hit the ground running at Bayern Munich ever since making the switch from Bayer Leverkusen. The 29-year-old has usurped Kim Min-jae from the starting berth and made it his own, which earned him praise from his defensive partner Dayot Upamecano.
“Jonathan is an experienced player because he has played in the Bundesliga for many years,” Upamecano said (as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia). “He communicates with all the players on the pitch. He can communicate in German, English, and French. Jonathan is a very good player. I can learn a lot from a player like him.”
Upamecano recently extended his contract at Bayern to 2030 as the Vincent Kompany World/European domination project at Bayern continues to exceed expectations. Tah meanwhile continues to be the first choice center back while Upamecano and Kim compete for the other starting center back position. There’s also Hiroki Ito and Josip Stansic as emergency cover.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dayot-upamecano-lauds-bayern-munich-063000990.html
BlueCo appear to deny negative banner into Strasbourg game at the weekend
BlueCo appear to deny negative banner into Strasbourg game at the weekend
Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, appear to have denied a negative banner into the Strasbourg stadium at the weekend.
BlueCo also own Strasbourg of course, and they played at home last night against Lyon, a game that they impressively won actually.
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But Strasbourg fans have not been impressed with their new owners at all really in the last two or three years, a lot like many Chelsea fans have not been impressed with them either.
But Strasbourg fans, or at least a large section of them, have been consistently vocal against many things that the owners are doing at their club, and it’s been a lot more toxic than it has been at Chelsea.
Banner denied
Strasbourg’s Stade de La Meinau (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images)
Foot Mercato report that anti-Chelsea messages are not welcome in Strasbourg. A banner from the Ultra Boys 90, which said, “Chelsea doesn’t decide what happens at Racing,” was refused entry to the Meinau stadium on Sunday evening.
It’s a bit wild that they seem to be rejecting banners like this at their home games. They should be free to voice whatever opinions they have as long as they aren’t offensive, which this one clearly is not. This kind of thing just does not sit well with me I’m afraid. It’s a bit controlling.
In other news today
Liam Rosenior was understandably disappointed by Chelsea’s performance in the game yesterday, as he explained to Chelsea TV.
Pedro Neto got an assist yesterday, but Chelsea’s attack in general disappointed as they failed to capitalise more on their periods of dominance.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/blueco-appear-deny-negative-banner-063000320.html
Rushine De Reuck scores as Steve Barker's Simba secure league win
Rushine De Reuck scores as Steve Barker’s Simba secure league win
De Reuck on target for Barker’s Simba in crucial league victory
Photo: Simba SC @ X
Rushine De Reuck found the back of the net as Simba SC beat Tanzania Prisons 2-0 in the NBC Tanzanian Premier League on Sunday.
Selemani Mwalimu, who’s on loan from Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, continued his rich vein of form in front of goal as he broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.
The South African defender doubled the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime to ensure his side claims maximum points.
Simba climbed to fourth on the log standings, having amassed 22 points in nine league outings this season.
Notably, Steve Barker’s men have seven games in hand over log leaders JKT Tanzania, as they were competing in the CAF Champions League, where they crashed out in the group stages.
Meanwhile, De Reuck has now scored three goals in 18 matches since joining the Reds of Msimbazi in July 2025 after mutually parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Foot Africa reported a fortnight ago that the 30-year-old stalwart is on the verge of putting pen to paper on a new deal at Simba.
Barker’s team will return to action with a clash against third-placed Pamba Jiji on Wednesday afternoon.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rushine-reuck-scores-steve-barkers-054500520.html
Duke’s Falls At Clemson, 53-51, Win Streak Ends At 17
CLEMSON, SC – FEBRUARY 22: Duke Blue Devils forward Toby Fournier (35) looks to take a shot during a women’s college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Clemson Tigers on February 22, 2026 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All good things must end and so Duke’s remarkable win-streak came to a close at Clemson as the Tigers won, 53-51.
The streak, which started on December 4th, grew to 17th before the Tigers broke it – not that it was easy.
Duke had a 39-30 lead going into the fourth quarter, but Clemson erupted in the last period, outscoring Duke 23-12.
Even then, it wasn’t decided until Hanna Kohn hit an open three-pointer from the top of the key with 3.1 left on the clock.
Those were her only points of the game.
Toby Fournier played well again with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and a steal.
Riley Nelson was the only other Blue Devil in double figures with 10.
With the win streak broken, Duke is now 20-7 and 15-1 in the ACC. With two games left in the regular season – FSU at home and UNC in Chapel Hill – the Blue Devils are still in first place, with only Louisville (14-2) able to catch them. If Duke beats Florida State (9-19/4-12), they’ll win the regular season since the Blue Devils beat Louisville.
TIGERTOWN TRAGEDY: No. 9 Duke women’s basketball falls 53-51 to Clemson, blemishes perfect ACC recordClemson upsets No. 9 Duke, ends Blue Devils’ 17-game win streakClemson earns signature win in thriller upset over No. 9 Duke, 53-51WATCH: Clemson women’s basketball celebrates upset of No. 9 Duke, highest-ranked win of Shawn Poppie eraClemson women’s basketball stuns Duke for a massive Senior Day winHannah Kohn’s Dagger stuns No. 9 Duke in “Program-Changing” Senior Day upsetKohn’s 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds helps Clemson upset No. 9 Duke 53-51Watch: Late 3-pointer gives Clemson WBB signature win vs. No. 9 DukeNo. 9 Duke Falls at Clemson Sunday, 53-51Box ScorePostgame NotesPhoto Gallerys
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-falls-clemson-53-51-053531217.html
49ers picked as top fit for CB from NFC West rival in free agency
The San Francisco 49ers lost cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency last offseason, and while they added a couple of veterans and a rookie to try to replace him, their secondary was still lacking in 2025.
Heading into 2026, San Francisco is set to return their entire cornerback room, with Chase Lucas being the only restricted free agent of the group.
Still, the 49ers should be looking to add at cornerback this offseason, which is why Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently picked the team as the best fit for Tairq Woolen in free agency.
“The rival San Francisco 49ers could not only bolster their own secondary, but also knock their NFC West rivals down a peg by luring Woolen away this offseason,” Kay wrote. “The Niners have struggled at the outside cornerback position and could benefit heavily by adding a 6-foot-4, 210-pound playmaker into the mix.
“Woolen has racked up 12 interceptions and 53 pass defenses during his first 64 career games and still has plenty of tread left on his tires at the age of 26, making him an excellent option for San Francisco to sign to a long-term deal.”
Kay predicted that Woolen will sign a four-year, $55 million contract this offseason. That may be a bit rich for the 49ers right now, as they have Deommodore Lenoir on a massive five-year, $88.88 million deal.
However, having Lenoir, Woolen, Renardo Green and Upton Stout as their top four cornerbacks would definitely be an improvement over the group that included Darrell Luter okaying 25% of the snaps in 2025.
More 49ers: NFL analyst suggests 49ers trade Mac Jones to fill huge need
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL free agency: 49ers picked as top fit for Seahawks CB Riq Woolen
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/49ers-picked-top-fit-cb-053011633.html
Slumping Clippers get 37 points from Kawhi Leonard but fall to the Magic
The Clippers, who are 4-5 since Feb. 2, get 37 points from Kawhi Leonard but lose to the Orlando Magic.
Slumping Clippers get 37 points from Kawhi Leonard but fall to the Magic
Kawhi Leonard dribbles past Orlando guard Anthony Black in the second half. (Etienne Laurent / Associated Press)
Desmond Bane scored 36 points and Paolo Banchero added 16 points and eight assists as the Orlando Magic held on for a 111-109 victory over the Clippers on Sunday night at Intuit Dome.
Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points and 14 rebounds and Tristan da Silva scored 13 for the Magic, who improved to 5-2 since Feb. 5.
Kawhi Leonard shrugged off an ankle injury to score 37 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Clippers, who are 4-5 since Feb. 2. Mathurin missed a three-point attempt to win the game at the buzzer.
Jordan Miller had 14 points for the Clippers (27-30).
Leonard exited Friday’s loss against the Lakers with an ankle sprain. Mathurin was playing in his fifth game for the Clippers after he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Indiana Pacers.
Orlando won despite going eight of 23 from three-point range, two games after setting a franchise record with 27 three-pointers in a victory at Sacramento. Jalen Suggs missed his second consecutive game for the Magic with back spasms.
In a tight game throughout, Leonard gave the Clippers a 107-105 lead with 3:03 remaining on a jumper from the top of the key. The Magic took charge from there as Bane hit a jumper to tie the score and then made a layup with 1:28 left for a 109-107 advantage.
As the Clippers missed four consecutive shots, Orlando went up 111-107 on a fast-break dunk from Banchero with 40 seconds left.
Bane tried to pad the Magic’s lead with eight seconds remaining but had his shot blocked inside by rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser. Mathurin then raced down the floor only to miss a 25-footer as time expired.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/slumping-clippers-37-points-kawhi-052618361.html
Dodgers' Dave Roberts makes major Shohei Ohtani Spring Training announcement ahead of WBC
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts makes major Shohei Ohtani Spring Training announcement ahead of WBC originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the last two World Series and could very well be on their way to a third straight title. Los Angeles continues to dominate the offseason as well, signing top-tier free agents in three consecutive years. The Dodgers added Kyle Tucker after their bats went cold in the last two World Series.
“The Dodgers batted .203 in the World Series, the worst mark by a champion since 1966. Over the last 2 seasons, they have batted a combined .204 in the World Series and won both years,” Jesse Rogers of ESPN wrote.
One notable name who hasn’t fully found his rhythm in those two World Series is Shohei Ohtani. The superstar has been a hitting machine during the regular season for Los Angeles, but the postseason has not always been as kind. Last season, Ohtani broke Dodger Stadium’s single-season home run record.
“Shohei Ohtani just broke his own record by hitting his 29th home run at Dodger Stadium this season. The previous record was the 28 homers he hit in his first year with LA. Shohei Ohtani is putting the finishing touches on another unanimous MVP,” DodgersNation’s Doug McKain wrote.
The World Baseball Classic is taking place during Spring Training, and Ohtani is set to play for Japan, the reigning champions. He has been participating in camp with the Dodgers, but as of Sunday, he will leave to compete in the WBC.
“Dave Roberts said today was Shohei Ohtani’s last day in camp. He’ll be leaving for the WBC tonight/tomorrow,” California Post’s Jack Harris wrote.
The Dodgers will continue preparing for the season without Ohtani in camp, while he gives his full attention to Team Japan. Ohtani is expected to pitch for the Dodgers later in the season, though not for Japan during the tournament.
With Ohtani away, Los Angeles will likely turn more focus toward offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker. Meanwhile, Ohtani will look to capture his second consecutive WBC title as he represents his country on the international stage.
More MLB news:
Phillies urged to part ways with $10M All-Star, former top prospect, Rookie of the Year runner-up
Braves’ Walt Weiss makes major Ronald Acuna Jr. announcement as future $300M decision looms
Braves predicted to poach 2-time World Series champion from Padres to solve rotation crisis
Braves’ Walt Weiss hints at rotation plans amid Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep injuries
Dodgers’ $162M 9-time All-Star makes future with LA very clear in revealing comments
Braves reportedly relying on $2M in-house rebound arm to fill void left by early rotation injuries
Braves predicted to replace Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep with $38M All-Star, Cy Young arm
Mets blockbuster trade idea lands $100M Gold Glove winner to pair with Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr.
Braves predicted to trade for $131M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner to salvage depleted rotation
Dodgers could break baseball with ‘bulletproof’ trade for $100M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner
Phillies predicted to trade for $100M Gold Glove winner, 2-time All-Star to pair with Bryce Harper
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-dave-roberts-makes-major-052531335.html
Winter Olympics 2026: Mike Tirico's sign-off from Milan Olympics will leave you inspired
Winter Olympics 2026: Mike Tirico’s sign-off from Milan Olympics will leave you inspired originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Mike Tirico may be the hardest-working person at NBC Sports. From his first Super Bowl in San Francisco to hosting NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage in Milan, it’s certainly a dedication. It has been an incredible month for both Tirico and NBC Sports, and his performance was outstanding as usual.
Following the final moments of the hockey Gold medal game between Team USA and Team Canada, Tirico was praised for his monologue, which will certainly inspire the next generation of athletes.
“Our country loves sports and it brings us together unlike anything else.”
Mike Tirico wraps up a HISTORIC #WinterOlympics for Team USA. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dRnOWTQk4M
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 22, 2026
Reactions from broadcasters across the country poured in, including Dave Pasch and Doris Burke. Analysts like Vic Lombardi from Altitude TV labeled it simply the best finish.
“It’s one of the all-time great closes to a sporting event I’ve ever seen. It resonated deeply with the audience. If he did that off the top of his head, crown him now. Wow.” Lombardi said via X.
More Olympics news:
This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNLMikaela Shiffrin just broke the OlympicsMegan Keller’s childhood dreams culminate in a dream come trueU.S. women’s hockey star’s brothers go viral at OlympicsEileen Gu responds to hate only way she knows howA dog stole the show at the finish line of cross country skiing
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/winter-olympics-2026-mike-tiricos-044830568.html
Welsh Open 'should be in south Wales, 100%' – Page
Jackson Page made his Welsh Open debut at the age of 15 [Getty Images]
Jackson Page has questioned the location of the Welsh Open, saying it “should be staged in south Wales”.
The 2026 tournament, from Monday 23 February, will be the fourth-straight year in which the week-long event has been held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno in north Wales.
Since the move to Llandudno, the Welsh Open has been won by an English player each year, with Mark Selby, Gary Wilson and Robert Milkins lifting the title at Venue Cymru.
And while the 24-year-old praised the venue, he said a move to south Wales would benefit the Welsh players on the tour.
“I like the place and the venue but I don’t think it is where the Welsh Open is staged,” said Page.
“I feel like it should be in south Wales, 100%. Just because there is no player from north Wales, every pro on tour is from south Wales.
“So it doesn’t really feel like a home event for us in all honesty.”
Page, who reached the quarter-finals last year in Llandudno, added that he is looking forward to the tournament despite its location.
“It is a great venue, I like playing there and there should definitely be an event there, a big event, I just don’t think it should be the Welsh Open,” Page added.
“It is still in Wales, so the fans still get behind you so I am looking forward to it, but it is a bit gutting for us south Walians that there is nothing down here for us to play in.
“Hopefully there will be more tournaments coming soon and we get something down here.”
‘I owe him one’
Luca Brecel won the World Snooker Championship in 2023 [Getty Images]
Page’s quest for Welsh Open glory was ended by former world champion Luca Brecel in 2025.
The Welshman was beaten 5-2 by the Belgian in the quarter-finals, ending his best run in the competition to date.
And the pair now meet in the first round of the 2026 Welsh Open, with Page eyeing revenge against the 30-year-old.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Page.
“Luca beat me in the quarter-finals last year, so I owe him one in a way.”
Page came to prominence in the Welsh Open as a 15-year-old in 2017, beating Jason Weston and John Astley before losing to Judd Trump in the third round.
And while Page says he is yet to reach the heights he had dreamed of as a teenager, he still believes he can turn things around.
“I’ve done alright but I’m nowhere near where I want to be, I want to be the best and I still think I can do it,” said Page.
“I’ve had a pretty bad season, it’s not been very good, so I need to kick on.
“Obviously last year was a great year, so I’m trying to turn it around to get confidence in myself and perform like I know I can.
“I’m sure I’ll get there.”
The 2026 Welsh Open
The 2026 Welsh Open begins on Monday, 23 February, with the tournament running until the final on Sunday, 1 March.
Matches are available to watch on the BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and live on BBC Two Wales – with the final shown on BBC One Wales.
There is also highlights from the best of each day’s action on BBC Two Wales every evening.
All matches are best-of-seven frames until the quarter‑finals, at which stage the games become best-of-nine.
The semi‑finals will be the best-of-11, and the final will be best‑of‑17.
The winner will scoop a top prize of £100,000, with the runner-up winning £45,000.
Selected first round matches:
Mark Selby [1] vs Jiang JunWu Yize [10] vs Ben MertensLei Peifan [26] vs Dylan EmeryMark Allen [8] vs David GraceMark Williams [5] vs Michael HoltJak Jones [16] vs Liam HighfieldNeil Robertson [4] vs Michal SzubarczykKyren Williams [3] vs Liu HongyuRyan Day [32] vs Bulcsu ReveszJohn Higgins [6] vs Liu WenweiStuart Murphy [7] vs Chang BingyuJackson Page [30] vs Luca BrecelXiao Guodong [9] vs Long ZehuangZhao Xintong [2] vs Fan Zhengyi
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/welsh-open-south-wales-100-043414394.html
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