Barcelona's next visit to Mestalla is set to carry a historic significance. If the stadium is eventually replaced or loses its role as Valencia's home for competitive football, owing to redevelopment, this meeting could be the final chapter of one of Spanish football's longest-running fixtures at the historic ground.
Few venues have provided such an evenly balanced setting for Barcelona.
Simply put, the two clubs have met at Mestalla 115 times across six competitions, with Barça narrowly ahead on 43 victories to Valencia's 42. The remaining 30 encounters ended level.
That near-perfect balance makes Mestalla one of the rare grounds where Barcelona have never enjoyed overwhelming historical dominance.
Recent history, though, has shifted in their direction.

#historic #recent #carry #significance

Moritz Seider has had an amazing start to his career while wearing the winged wheel for Detroit. He has captivated fans with his elite defensive play, and he has become more involved on the offensive side of the puck every year. He just recorded his best season yet in Detroit, posting career marks in goals, ***** ists, and plus/minus rating: 10 goals, 50 ***** ists, 60 points and a plus-15 rating in all 82 games. He hasn't even reached his full potential yet, and he is already one of the franchise's centerpieces.
During his time in Detroit, he has also learned how to quarterback our power play and be a shutdown force during penalty-killing situations. He put up a career-high 28 power-play points last season and led Red Wings defensemen with 180 blocked shots. He is also one of the defensemen Detroit turns to in overtime. Over the last five seasons in Detroit, he has averaged 23:51 of ice time, and last season's career-best 25:40 a night was the heaviest workload he has carried yet. Not to mention that he has never missed a game in the entirety of his NHL career so far, a streak that now sits at 410 straight.
Seider will look to continue his dominance on the blue line this season, which carries major significance as the Wings look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, after a 10th straight miss last spring. If Seider can maintain his superb career trajectory and the season he posted last year, Detroit's blue line and team will only get better. One statistic that really stands out is Seider's plus/minus rating. As Detroit's number one defenseman, Seider is regularly on the ice defending against the opposing team's top stars. Posting a plus-15 last season, his first positive rating in five NHL seasons, shows that he is one of the most valuable defensemen in today's NHL.
This is not hype or exaggeration of Seider's play; he is well respected by his peers and was just ranked as the ninth-best defenseman in the NHL right now by NHL Network, one spot behind Ottawa's Jake Sanderson, after finishing fifth in Norris Trophy voting. He is the Detroit blue line, and the extension that we had worked out to keep him here was, and still is, an absolute steal for the value of a player he is and will become in the future.
On Aug. 28, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Cale Makar to a record eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NHL history at a $20.4 million AAV and the first $20 million man the league has ever had. With this happening, elite defenders are going to see a skyrocket in not only what they are worth but what they are going to be paid. Now, when we look at the extension Seider signed on Sept. 19, 2024, seven years and $59.85 million at an $8.55 million AAV, that was an absolute steal for the player who will control Detroit's blue line for years to come. Seider is under contract with Detroit through the 2030-31 season and will be a key piece of Detroit's plans now and i

Bring on Monday Night Football.
After setting their 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad, the Denver Broncos are now fully focused on preparing for their Week 1 road showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 14.
Denver swept Kansas City last season, but Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes missed one of those games due to injury, and KC is considered a favorite going into Week 1.
"We know we're playing a really good football team, a divisional opponent, Monday Night Football," Broncos coach Sean Payton said after practice. "It's not like Andy [Reid] and I have to go in and give our teams a pep talk. So you really focus on the process leading up to the game and how you handle the unique week that's ahead with the weekend, and then the bonus practice day Monday, and then the lead in.
"With a Monday night game, I spend more time thinking about the schedule to make sure that we're ramping up to play our best and it doesn't get stale because we're not playing on Sunday, if that makes any sense. But our players will know the significance of the first game, and I think it's the process and the details."

#practice #denver #kansas

A 53-man roster isn't the only thing that NFL teams need to decide on this week. The league's cutdown deadline from 90 to 53 will come and go on Sunday afternoon, and on Monday it will be time for teams to begin ******* embling the other major piece of their rosters: the practice squad.
Over the last several years, this component of the roster has expanded greatly in significance. Not long ago, teams could carry a maximum of 8 players on the practice squad, but that number has gradually increased, now doubling to 16 (plus an additional 17th spot if a team signs a player with an international roster exemption). Furthermore, a player can be elevated from the practice squad to the active gameday roster a few times per year without a full promotion to the 53, making the unit a more functional squad of backups and injury replacements.
As a result, the NFL has expanded the eligibility rules for practice squads over the years as well. Now, a team can sign players with any level of experience to the squad. At least ten of the 16 spots must be taken up by players with two or fewer years of accrued NFL experience, but that leaves up to six slots that can be filled by players of any experience level.
Notably, teams cannot begin signing players to the practice squad until the league's post-roster cut waivers are processed. That will take place at 12 Noon Central Time on Monday, when waiver claims will be awarded. After that, any players who clear waivers become free agents and are eligible to sign with any team, either to a full 53-man roster spot or to a practice squad. Still, there will be reports during cutdown day on Sunday of players whom the Packers would like to bring back for the practice squad if they do clear waivers. Here, APC will keep track of those reports through Sunday, followed by the actual signings on Monday afternoon.
The Green Bay Packers have used the practice squad heavily in recent years as rules have changed, often promoting players to the gameday roster to fill in for injured players or to contribute on special teams. As such, today is an important day for general manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff, who will surely be working hard to bring back several individuals whom the Packers waived as part of Sunday's cutdown. Building out a deep squad can have a major impact on a team's ability to withstand challenges over the course of the season, and the quality of players on that unit could be the difference between the Packers going over or under their projected win total of 9.5, which is the current number on FanDuel sportsbook.

#practice #teams #years

It's such an exciting time here at SB Nation with our launch of a brand-new, free app!
You've probably seen the links at the bottom of your screen, with availability on both iOS and Android, but I want to explain a little about why the app is going to be a daily read for you. Firstly, the home screen, which is a rolling feed of everything you tell us you want to see. We understand fans, and that being hyper-focused on just your city is what a lot of you care about, so this strips out all the extra stuff to only show you what you want to see.
Conversely, some of you like a broader picture of the entire league. Here you can follow NFL as an entire community, where we'll break down stories with national significance and importantly, allow you to find like-minded, engaged sports fans who want to talk about the big stories in football every day. Community is at the heart of this, as we bring together our vast network of team sites and national coverage all into one place.
With the app you'll see fewer ads, which everyone loves, and it's also a snappier experience that makes swiping through all your favorite team sites a breeze. Easily one of my favorite features (and one I think you'll love too) are our "Game Chats." Here you'll automatically find live chats during every single game for the teams and leagues you follow, putting you in contact with every other fan in our network. We know open threads are a favorite part of everyone's team site, and they have been seamlessly integrated into the app to make it easy to jump in, fire off some comments, and get notified when another fan has replied to you. Celebrate together, cry together, experience together — that's the best part of sports.
For years the SB Nation motto has been "Come Fan With Us," and now with the SB Nation app that's going to be easier than ever.

#favorite

At some point, dominance stops being impressive and starts raising a different question: What is left to prove?
The Bulldogs opened the 2026 season Thursday night by doing something that would have been difficult to imagine two years ago: they walked into Pittsburg State, the site of their most recent loss, and dismantled the No. 4 Gorillas, 42-14. The victory extended Ferris State's winning streak to 31 games and immediately reminded the rest of the country why the Bulldogs entered the season ranked No. 1 in Division II.
The significance goes beyond the score.
Pittsburg State handed Ferris its last loss, a 19-3 defeat on Aug. 31, 2024. Since then, Ferris has not simply won; it has crushed opponents on its way to consecutive national championships. Thursday's victory was particularly emphatic, as the Bulldogs ran for 385 yards while holding Pittsburg State to just 44 rushing yards.
The Bulldogs finished 16-0 in 2025, defeating Harding 42-21 for their fourth national championship in five seasons. That made Ferris the first team in the modern era of Division I or Division II football to finish a season 16-0. The Bulldogs also scored 844 points, setting an NCAA Division I and II modern-era scoring record.

#ferris #state #victory #national

Trevor Story's Blunt Message After Dramatic Red Sox Return Silences Rehab Concerns originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Trevor Story did not need much time to remind the Boston Red Sox what they had been missing. Playing in just his second Major League game since undergoing sports hernia surgery in May, Story delivered two critical hits and drove in three runs during Boston's thrilling 9-8 victory over the Seattle Mariners in 10 innings Monday night at Fenway Park.
His biggest swing came with the bases loaded, two outs and the score tied in the bottom of the 10th. Story worked the count full before driving a sinker from Cooper Criswell off the wall in left-center field, allowing Eli White to score the winning run. Story tossed his bat aside, removed his helmet and disappeared into a celebration with teammates near second base.
For a player who spent more than three months watching the Red Sox from a distance, the moment carried additional significance.
"It means a lot," Story said. "We've been watching from afar for a while, just supporting the boys and just thinking about the times that we can get back on the field and contribute."

#trevor #nesn #second #message

A 53-man roster isn't the only thing that NFL teams need to decide on this week. The league's cutdown deadline from 90 to 53 will come and go on Sunday afternoon, and on Monday it will be time for teams to begin **** embling the other major piece of their rosters: the practice squad.
Over the last several years, this component of the roster has expanded greatly in significance. Not long ago, teams could carry a maximum of 8 players on the practice squad, but that number has gradually increased, now doubling to 16 (plus an additional 17th spot if a team signs a player with an international roster exemption). Furthermore, a player can be elevated from the practice squad to the active gameday roster a few times per year without a full promotion to the 53, making the unit a more functional squad of backups and injury replacements.
As a result, the NFL has expanded the eligibility rules for practice squads over the years as well. Now, a team can sign players with any level of experience to the squad. At least ten of the 16 spots must be taken up by players with two or fewer years of accrued NFL experience, but that leaves up to six slots that can be filled by players of any experience level.
Notably, teams cannot begin signing players to the practice squad until the league's post-roster cut waivers are processed. That will take place at 12 Noon Central Time on Monday, when waiver claims will be awarded. After that, any players who clear waivers become free agents and are eligible to sign with any team, either to a full 53-man roster spot or to a practice squad. Still, there will be reports during cutdown day on Sunday of players whom the Packers would like to bring back for the practice squad if they do clear waivers. Here, APC will keep track of those reports through Sunday, followed by the actual signings on Monday afternoon.
The Green Bay Packers have used the practice squad heavily in recent years as rules have changed, often promoting players to the gameday roster to fill in for injured players or to contribute on special teams. As such, today is an important day for general manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff, who will surely be working hard to bring back several individuals whom the Packers waived as part of Sunday's cutdown. Building out a deep squad can have a major impact on a team's ability to withstand challenges over the course of the season, and the quality of players on that unit could be the difference between the Packers going over or under their projected win total of 9.5, which is the current number on FanDuel sportsbook.

#squad #practice #sunday

The name Dolly Parton immediately conjures an image of a larger-than-life figure with big hair, loud makeup, dazzling clothes, enhanced features, and a personality as magnificent as the music legacy ******* ociated with it. This multi-dimensional visual is only fitting for a cultural icon who fashioned a persona so colorful that to honor Parton's amazing life as an artist would be incomplete without celebrating her unmatched style.
The Grammy-winning country singer, who died on August 25, 2026, of cancer, was a truly original fashion icon — even though she demurred at the notion of being considered one. Right from her girlhood days in Tennessee, where she grew up as a poor farmer's daughter who found creative ways to beautify herself, to her time as a globally beloved celebrity who, despite relentless lampooning, stayed true to her authentic tastes, Parton was a masterclass in catching every curveball and turning it into an opportunity for greatness.
The best part was that she refused to compromise. "It took me probably years longer to be taken serious, but I wasn't willing to change it, and I figured if I had the talent, it'd show up sooner or later," she told The Guardian. And she did; the industry could overlook a talent as exceptional as Parton for only so long. There have been few, after all, who could play perfect chords with extra-long acrylic nails. Here is the significance behind Dolly Parton's signature style and why she was never seen without it.
Read more: Things You Don't Know About Cote De Pablo
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

#life #icon #talent #grammy

Shubman Gill's presence added a special touch to the jersey launch of Fazilka Falcons ahead of the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League 2026.

The India captain, who will lead the Fazilka-based side, personally designed the team's jersey, while the kit was unveiled at an event in Chandigarh.

The jersey launch became a family moment with Gill's father Lakhwinder Singh Gill among those present for the unveiling. The design draws inspiration from Punjab's culture, traditions and heritage while giving the team a modern identity.
Fazilka Falcons owner Khushpreet Singh Aulakh said the involvement of Gill made the jersey particularly meaningful.

"Today is a very special occasion for Fazilka Falcons and for everyone ***** ociated with the team. Having Shubman Gill personally design the jersey makes it even more meaningful because it brings together cricket and the rich culture of Punjab. The design reflects the pride, traditions and spirit of our state, while also giving the team a strong identity of its own," he said.
The jersey was unveiled on National Sports Day, adding significance to an event celebrating sport and athletes. The Falcons will feature a combination of experienced players and young talent, with Gill leading the team in the inaugural season.

"For the people of Punjab, this jersey is not just a team kit, it represents our culture, our passion for cricket and the dreams of the young players who will be taking the field. We are proud to unveil it on National Sports Day and hope the people of Punjab connect with the jersey and proudly support the Fazilka Falcons throughout the tournament," Aulakh added.
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The Sher-E-Punjab T20 League will begin on August 30 and run until September 13 at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali, with six teams competing across 27 matches.

#jersey

While primary roster attention often centers on starting lineups, building a complete 53-man roster requires dependable depth. In the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason finale, running backs Lew Nichols III and Eli Heidenreich delivered standout performances, demonstrating the complementary skill sets necessary to fortify the team's backfield depth.
With protection issues surfacing across the offensive line, running back pass protection has taken on heightened significance in Pittsburgh. Nichols distinguished himself not only by leading the ground attack with seven carries for 40 yards (5.7 yards per carry), but also by executing textbook blitz pickups in pass protection.
"Lew Nichols, seven carries, 40 yards, continues to run hard," noted host Christopher Carter on his "Locked On Steelers" podcast. "He's not just a runner. He's really good in pass protection. I've seen him put defenders down in the dirt and let them know. And that's a big thing that you need, especially what we just got done talking about with the offensive line."
Meanwhile, Heidenreich provided efficient groundwork and finished off a key drive with a touchdown run, carrying the ball nine times for 35 yards. He showed decisive vision when given operational ******* e, adding a scoring threat to the rotated backfield reps.
"Also, shout out Eli Heidenreich," Carter said. "Nine carries, 35 yards, and a tuddy. I thought that he did a pretty solid job when he got the ball in his hands and he had some ******* e to run."

#nichols #protection #steelers

"Untouchable" defined the performance of Chris Sale, outdueling Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a battle of aces that lived up to expectations as the Braves won 1-0. Raising their respective games up to the occasion, Yamamoto and Sale made true on the standard **** umption that great pitching beats great hitting, operating as the two best players in the game. An early ambush from leadoff hitter Drake Baldwin proved the difference maker, homering in the bottom of the opening frame on the first pitch Yamamoto threw.
Facing the likes of Sale and Yamamoto, one cannot afford to get behind in the count, and it's with that thought in mind that both teams shared a similar approach early in the game. The Dodgers and Braves came out swinging early and often, trying to avoid any two-strike counts against pitchers with different paths to the same destination: one of utter domination.
In that approach, Atlanta was able to draw first blood when Drake Baldwin guessed right and crushed a not-so-well-located heater in the zone. While on a fundamental level it makes sense to be more willing to swing early as a team, the risks of it are fairly clear, and the Dodgers suffered from it. Aggressive swinging ensures you won't be capable of drawing out long at-bats, and you're a few lousy contacts away from allowing the opposing starter to go deeper into the game than he normally would, maintaining a low pitch count. And Sale did exactly that, with his first complete game shutout since 2019.
One of the rare Dodgers with success against Sale in this game was Mookie Betts, twice taking advantage of down-and-in off-speed pitches that didn't quite break enough. Still, without leaving the yard, Mookie was just a helpless spectator on the basepaths, which included getting stranded at second after a leadoff double in the fourth.
If players ever try to downplay the extra significance of certain moments, point to what we saw from Sale against Shohei Ohtani in the fifth inning as an argument against it. Hitting with one on and two outs, Ohtani was punched out by Sale on a 100 mph fastball up above the zone, Sale's fastest pitch in nearly a decade, giving Ohtani all it had and then some.

#sale #early #Dodgers #drake

Kyle Lowry gets the Raptors honor only Vince Carter has received originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kyle Lowry helped deliver the greatest moment in Toronto Raptors history. Now, his place in the franchise's history will become permanent.
The Raptors announced Thursday that Lowry's No. 7 jersey will be retired following Toronto's Jan. 10 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena. Lowry will become only the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Vince Carter, whose No. 15 was raised to the rafters in November 2024.
The opponent adds another layer of significance to the celebration. Lowry is a Philadelphia native and spent the final two-plus seasons of his NBA career with the 76ers.
Lowry officially closed his 20-year career earlier this summer. The 40-year-old signed a ceremonial one-day contract with Toronto on July 7, allowing him to retire with the organization where he spent the most successful years of his career.

#vince #toronto

The conversation surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles' offense usually begins with familiar names. Jalen Hurts is learning Sean Mannion's new system. DeVonta Smith is the unquestioned WR1 in the passing game. Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons.
Even Mannion himself has become a popular topic. Fans and **** ysts are attempting to determine what Philadelphia's offense will look like when the regular season begins. Meanwhile, one of the most important figures in that entire operation rarely becomes the center of the discussion. Ironically, he's the anchor of the offensive line.
Cam Jurgens spoke with reporters following the Eagles' final training camp practice on Wednesday, and one of the most encouraging developments of Philadelphia's summer had little to do with scheme, personnel packages, or play design. For the first time in a while, Jurgens feels healthy.
"I feel like every week it's been making improvements. I'm really happy with where I'm at. Heading into the season, I feel like I'm in a lot better spot than I was last year."
That statement carries more significance than it might appear. This time last year, Jurgens was attempting to build on a breakout campaign while managing the lingering effects of back surgery and the physical and obvious wear that followed.

#like #begins #time #feel

Seven weeks ago, Victor Wembanyama did his franchise a favor. The 22-year-old center and the Spurs agreed to a massive five-year contract extension, albeit one that will pay him about $50 million less than he might have received if he sought the largest contract allowed by the NBA.
The significance of that discount can be hard to process. After all, to a hard-working stiff, the gap between making $252 million and $303 million is a lot like the gap between taking a rocket ship to the moon and one to Mars. Most of us recognize there's a difference, but we'll never come close to experiencing it firsthand.
In the realm of NBA team-building, though, salary-cap savings of $10 million per year can turn losses into victories. Theoretically, signing Wembanyama at that lower price point could enable the Spurs to add an extra veteran once extensions for Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper kick in. It might allow them to keep De'Aaron Fox an extra year.
And if the Spurs play their cards right? Playoff trips that might otherwise have ended in the conference semifinals in 2028, 2029 or 2030 might turn into league championships, all because they had a little more flexibility to operate under the NBA's punitive luxury-tax aprons.
So it's possible to see how Wembanyama's sacrifice might pay off. In fact, they just lost in the NBA Finals to a New York Knicks team that benefited from a similar contract discount by their star player, Jalen Brunson.

#year #SPURS #contract #wembanyama

Meghan Markle has reportedly faced backlash over the timing of her latest "As Ever" announcement, which arrived just hours after Dolly Parton's passing. The ***** ss of Sussex, 45, promoted a new Spiced Apple ***** er for her lifestyle brand on Tuesday, August 25.
The announcement came less than five hours after Parton's family shared news of the country music icon's passing at 80, according to Radar Online. Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her passing in a video shared across the singer's social media accounts shortly before 11 a.m. PST. Soon after, celebrities, musicians, and fans flooded social media with emotional tributes to the beloved star.
Meanwhile, Markle continued promoting Meghan Markle "As Ever" products. Just before 3 p.m. PST, she shared an Instagram post advertising the new Spiced Apple ***** er. The timing quickly caught attention online. Some critics questioned whether the announcement had been scheduled in advance and wondered why the brand did not postpone it following Parton's death.
On Reddit, several users criticized the decision. One commenter argued that "no one cares about anything else" following Parton's passing. Another user pointed to the connection between apple ***** er and the American South, saying the timing made the announcement appear particularly insensitive given Parton's cultural significance.
However, there is no indication in the supplied report that Markle personally timed the announcement to coincide with the news of Parton's passing. A pre-scheduled social media post could explain why the promotion appeared when it did. Still, the timing created an awkward moment for Markle "As Ever", especially as tributes to Parton dominated the online conversation.

#ever #Apple

A former fan-favorite NFL event has been eliminated.
The Pro Bowl, formerly a tackle game, and more recently, a flag football and ***** orted competition event, will be discontinued, the NFL said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.
Instead of a flag football game, the NFL will try to elevate the status of what it means to be elected a Pro Bowler. There will be 88 players selected and no replacement selections with players, coaches and fans each continuing to account for one-third of the voting.
In recent years, it became increasingly common for the NFL's top names (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, among other stars) to decline their Pro Bowl invitations, resulting in players such as Tyler Huntley and Shedeur Sanders earning invitations to participate in the annual football game, which made the event feel less meaningful. Instead, the NFL plans to make the honor something worth celebrating again.
"By limiting the honor to the 88 players originally selected, the Pro Bowl presented by Verizon will return its focus squarely to recognizing the league's most outstanding performers, reinforcing the significance of an achievement held in especially high regard by players themselves," the statement continued. "As part of that focus, the NFL will no longer stage an AFC vs. NFC Pro Bowl game. Instead, the league will place greater emphasis on the moment a player is selected, the recognition that accompanies that distinction and bringing the Pro Bowl presented by Verizon class together to celebrate the achievement."

#instead #Event #Football #statement

Queen Camilla reportedly broke the ice with Prince Harry with one simple gesture during his July visit to Highgrove. The Queen was said to have offered her stepson a cup of tea, marking a seemingly cordial moment after years of tension, memoir revelations, and strained family relations.
The reported encounter came shortly before the Sussexes' rumored UK return and followed an apparently calmer private reunion between Harry, King Charles, and Camilla.
As per the Daily Mail, royal author Tom Bower stated that Prince Harry visited Highgrove last month. The royal biographer wrote that the atmosphere was "polite with no recrimination." Bower said Queen Camilla had a "fixed smile" and "offered tea" to her stepson. He also claimed the goodwill appeared to calm Harry's concerns about returning to Britain.
Meanwhile, InStyle reported that the July 10 meeting also included Meghan Markle and the children. The outlet said Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, joined their parents at Highgrove. It also reported that the visit marked King Charles' first face-to-face meeting with them in four years. The outlet described Camilla's tea offer as an "olive branch" after years of tension.
However, the history between them gave the seemingly simple gesture added significance. InStyle noted that Prince Harry once described Camilla as a "wonderful woman" in 2005, joking at the time that she was "not the wicked stepmother."

#queen #highgrove #reported #king

The Costellovan Steenis vs. JohnnyEblen rematch is the biggest fight in Professional Fighters League history, according to thepromotion's CEO.

In an interview posted by the PFL on X, John Martin reflected onthe rivalry between Eblen and van Steenis, revealing hisdisappointment with the injury that forced their scheduled rematchto be postponed. He also recalled the chaotic scene that followedEblen's interim ***** le victory over ImpaKasanganay.
After Eblen won his fight against Kasanganay, van Steenisunexpectedly entered the cage, setting the stage for a dramatictitle unification showdown. Martin's comments suggest the promotionstill sees the matchup as a major attraction.

"That was a skirmish in the cage afterwards when Costellounexpectedly climbed in," Martin said. "And I got a littlenervous." The PFL CEO also recalled Eblen telling him, "I'm goingafter him right now," before he replied, "Alright, please, becauseI'm the one that's going to end up getting hurt in this."

He then emphasized the significance of the rematch and the badblood between the two.

"That fight, when that happens, that is going to be the biggestfight in the history of the PFL," Martin added. "Those guys do notlike each other."

Eblen and van Steenis locked horns for the first time in July 2025,when the latter secured a late submission win, marking the lonedefeat of the former's career so far.

#recalled #cage #costellovan

Bengaluru: India's Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan, who are all in Sri Lanka for the ongoing Test series, are proof that selectors don't deny consistent domestic performers. India's domestic cricketers can draw inspiration from such journeys as they head into the Duleep Trophy, the curtain-raiser for the domestic season, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence from Sunday onwards.

The spotlight will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Bihar boy has already made his T20 debut after a stunning IPL 2026 season. There have been questions about whether the big-hitting batter has the patience and composure to play in the longer format. His 207 runs in eight first-class matches do not justify his skill set. At this juncture, the upcoming domestic seasons in red-ball cricket ******* ume greater significance.

#Bengaluru #auqib

Daizen Maeda of Ipswich Town is challenged by Granit Xhaka of Sunderland during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Sunderland at Portman Road on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Daizen signed for the Tractor boys in a £10 million deal last month, after a hugely successful four and a half year stint in the Hoops that saw him score 79 goals in 212 appearances, winning 10 major honours along the way.
Unsurprisingly the **** anese international was named in Gary O'Neil's starting line up, and despite a packed Portman Road roaring their team on in their Premier League return, it would have felt a million miles away from Daizen's last league appearance in a Celtic shirt, which saw him score a vital goal in a memorable last day **** le win over Hearts in front of 60,000 supporters.
Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts after scoring his team's second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Portman Road holds half that number, and despite doing their best to make it a great atmosphere, it pales into insignificance with what Daizen would have experienced at Celtic Park on a big match-day or under the lights for a European encounter, which he is highly unlikely to experience at Ipswich, with all due respect.

#road #town

There were fewer than 15 minutes remaining in Everton's Premier League opening-game win over Crystal Palace when supporters had one final reason to rise to their feet.
The stadium announcer at Hill ***** inson Stadium had just revealed that match-winner Thierno Barry would be leaving the field to be replaced by Beto.
As he made his way off the pitch, the 23-year-old Frenchman took a moment to soak up the acclaim from the blue half of Merseyside after delivering a performance of huge significance.
When he connected with Iliman Ndiaye's cross early in the second half to double Everton's lead - and all but end any hope of a Palace comeback - Barry was all smiles as he celebrated to cheers from the home support.
It was quite the contrast to the feeling towards him at the end of last year, when he endured a 14-game goal drought after arriving from Villarreal for £27m.

#barry #stadium #hill

Eighteen years ago, the Blue Jays traded Robinzon Diaz to the Pirates in exchange for Jose Bautista. At the time, the trade received little fanfare—even Bluebird Banter didn't cover it immediately. Only later did we discuss its significance. In hindsight, it became the best trade of J.P. Ricciardi's tenure.
The news did get into a post I did a couple of days later:
With Diaz sent to Pittsburgh to complete the Bautista trade, he comes off our top 11 prospect list. I wasn't sure how to feel about it. Diaz had struggled that year and J.P. Arencibia likely surpassed him, but I still thought Diaz was closer to being major league ready. Looking ahead, we'd need a catcher for next season—or risk a lot of passed ****** .
I missed that one.
The next day, I posted a poll about the trade: 48% of readers liked the move, while 52% did not. Amusingly, I had thought Bautista was a middle infielder back then.

#next #eighteen #robinzon

Jessica Alba and her eldest daughter, Honor, have found a meaningful way to mark an important transition in their relationship.
As the 18-year-old, who is her mother's lookalike, prepares to leave home for college, the mother-daughter duo recently got matching tattoos that symbolize their connection and the memories they have created together.
The matching ink comes at a particularly emotional time for Jessica Alba, who has openly reflected on the significance of watching her daughter reach this new stage of life.
Alba and Honor recently made their bond permanent with matching tattoos on their wrists. The designs feature an eye alongside a small infinity symbol, creating a sentimental reminder of their relationship as Honor prepares to leave for college.
The mother and daughter were photographed holding hands while displaying the artwork, which was shared by celebrity tattoo artist Winterstone.

#alba #jessica #prepares #mother

Former Real Madrid player, coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano has weighed in on Barcelona's signing of Rodri, arguing that the Spanish midfielder would have had an even greater transformative effect had he ended up at Real Madrid.
Speaking on Movistar Plus Deportes, Valdano offered an unusual way of ***** sing the significance of the transfer. In his view, Rodri undoubtedly improves Barcelona, but preventing Madrid from acquiring a midfielder with his particular qualities carries considerable value of its own.
"For me, Rodri's contribution to Barcelona is worth 35 million, and what remains for Real Madrid is worth 40 million," Valdano said.
It is a striking ***** sment, but one that speaks to the different needs of the two teams.
Barcelona already have a clearly established footballing identity under Hansi Flick, and Valdano does not believe Rodri's arrival will fundamentally alter the way the Catalans play. Instead, he sees the midfielder as someone capable of reinforcing the principles already in place.

#rodri #worth #million #former

Devdutt Padikkal's long wait for a breakthrough in Test cricket has finally turned into a statement innings, and KL Rahul believes the left-hander's success in Galle is the reward for years of quiet work behind the scenes. Padikkal produced a magnificent 167 in the first Test against Sri Lanka, his maiden Test century, as India posted 462 all out in their first innings on Day 3. The left-hander's marathon knock, his third Test appearance, stood out as India built a commanding total despite rain interruptions and a late fightback from Sri Lanka's spinners.

Speaking in a video posted by the BCCI, Rahul revealed that Padikkal had spent the last couple of years patiently waiting for his opportunity while working on his game.

"In the last couple of years he's been waiting for his opportunity and quietly toiling in the nets and trying to get better at some aspects of his batting," Rahul said.
Padikkal's preparation for the Sri Lanka tour began well before the first Test. He had represented India A in Sri Lanka and also scored a century in the warm-up game, giving him valuable exposure to the conditions. Rahul said those experiences, combined with their conversations, helped Padikkal understand what would be required once he got his chance at the highest level.

"He's someone who's come here before, scored some runs in India A as well. So just getting used to the condition, he scored 100 in the warm-up game as well. He's been amongst runs, he's someone who loves batting and scoring big runs," Rahul added.

Padikkal walked in after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early and gradually took control of the innings. He combined patience with elegant strokeplay, eventually reaching his maiden Test hundred and continuing all the way to 167, his highest score in the format. His innings included 15 fours and a six.
For Rahul, the significance of Padikkal's hundred goes beyond the numbers. He believes getting a first Test century early in a career can remove a major psychological barrier and allow a batter to play with greater freedom.

"I'm really happy that he could get the first hundred and that's really special for everybody and very important to get that early in your career so you can get that out of the way and then start enjoying your cricket and start enjoying your batting and take your batting to the next level," Rahul said.

"I think he's at a stage where he understands his batting really well and he's scoring lots of runs so I think he'll make that move into scoring bigger knocks for India and being more consistent," Rahul added.
India eventually finished on 462 in 116.4 overs, taking a substantial advantage into Sri Lanka's first innings. Padikkal was the star with 167, while Rahul contributed 82 and Dhruv Jurel added a valuable 51. Rishabh Pant made 39, while the lower order ensured India crossed the 450-mark despite Sri Lanka's late fightback.

Sri Lanka's spinners eventually made inroads, with Prabath Jayasuriya taking 4/109 and debu

Dean Huijsen enjoyed a special moment in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 on Sunday, scoring a goal and speaking about what it means to wear the club's famous number 4 shirt.
The young centre-back, who grew up admiring Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, admitted that taking on the number previously ***** ociated with his idol is something he had always hoped for.
Huijsen also found the net in the friendly, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his return after overcoming the issue that forced him to miss Belgium's final World Cup match.
Huijsen scored Real Madrid's second goal after meeting an Arda Guler corner with a header, but afterwards, his attention turned to the significance of the shirt number he now wears.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Huijsen explained why the number 4 holds such importance for him, saying,

#speaking

Texas A&M Hall of Famer Von Miller is getting to live out one of his childhood dreams. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the former Aggie great is expected to sign with the Dallas Cowboys, bringing one of football's most decorated careers back home to Texas.
For Aggies and Cowboys fans, this move has felt inevitable. There's been smoke around Miller's interest in Dallas for months, paired with Jerry Jones' desire to add another veteran pass rusher to the defense. The signing mirrors last year's addition of Jadeveon Clowney, another experienced edge presence brought in to bolster the pass rush.
But Miller's arrival carries deeper significance.
The eight‑time Pro Bowler grew up in Texas and starred at DeSoto High School, making this a true homecoming and a full‑circle moment in his career. After recording nine sacks last season with the Washington Commanders in a rotational pass‑rushing role, he now returns to the state where his football journey began.
Miller's rise started in College Station, where he became one of the most disruptive defenders in the country. His Texas A&M resume remains one of the strongest in program history:

#pass #famer #miller #adam

The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the absolute best in all of sports. No one denies this! At least they haven't in the past. Currently, it's a bit unclear what the heck is going on as the Wolverines starting quarterback and head coach are both out there downplaying the significance of The Game.
Kyle Whittingham, about to embark on his first year in Ann Arbor, admitted he doesn't hate the Buckeyes during Big Ten Media Days. Those comments caused him to clarify his position a bit.
"Do we have a better chance of winning if I hated them?" Whittingham asked. "I don't understand. Whatever gives us the best chance to win, I'm all for it. I want to beat them worse than anybody."
Look, the logical part of our brains should tell us that hating one's rival is not a prerequisite for success. Coaches on both sides of the Michigan-Ohio State battle have struggled to post victories even though they have carried a healthy hatred for the other side deep in their souls. Players who honestly didn't care about anything have become legends for their play on the field. Because ultimately, only the wins and losses matter.
Or so Michigan fans can keep telling themselves.

#michigan #whittingham

Meghan Markle sparked speculation by attending a recent showbiz event without her engagement ring. The timing drew attention as Prince Harry reportedly considers spending more time in the UK, raising questions about whether Meghan wants to signal her feelings about a possible return.
The **** ss of Sussex has previously used jewelry and fashion to highlight personal connections and significant moments, making her decision to skip the six-carat engagement ring particularly noticeable.
Meghan has often incorporated meaningful pieces into her public appearances. Before she and Harry announced their engagement, she was seen wearing delicate necklaces featuring the initials "H" and "M." She has also worn jewelry that once belonged to Princess Diana.
Meghan recently attended a high-profile entertainment event without the engagement ring she usually wears as part of her wedding jewelry. The missing ring quickly drew attention because of its personal and symbolic significance.
An insider told HeatWorld that Meghan knew her choice would spark a reaction. "There's no way Meghan wouldn't have known that stepping out without her wedding ring would create a storm of speculation," the source claimed.

#without #attention