Mbappe Addresses PSG’s Champions League Success Since His Departure
Since Kylian Mbappe left PSG for Madrid, the Parisians have recorded two Champions League titles, whereas Real Madrid have failed to win it. The French superstar was asked about that phenomenon during his latest interview with L’Equipe.
Unexpected Shift in European Fortunes
The narrative surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid has taken an unforeseen turn. According to the timeline presented, the French capital club has claimed a pair of Champions League trophies in the wake of his exit, while the Spanish giants have come up short in Europe’s premier competition over the same period.
Superstar Confronts the Narrative
Mbappe faced direct questions about this striking reversal of fortunes in his most recent conversation with L’Equipe. The interview provided the forward an opportunity to respond to the statistical anomaly that has emerged since his transfer, a storyline that has captivated football observers across the continent.
The discussion arrives at a pivotal moment for both clubs, as PSG seeks to establish a new era of continental dominance and Real Madrid aims to reclaim the European crown they have made their own in recent decades.
FIA Formula 3 Madrid Qualifying: Kato Claims Maiden Pole in Q1, Taponen Dominates Q2
The opening day of FIA Formula 3 action at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya delivered a split qualifying result, with Taito Kato securing his maiden series pole position in Qualifying 1 and Tuukka Taponen topping the timesheets in Qualifying 2. The session also shuffled the championship picture, as title contenders Ugo Ugochukwu and Freddie Slater experienced contrasting fortunes across the two 20-minute segments.
Qualifying 1: Kato Edges Clerot by 0.012s for Historic Pole
Kato, driving for ART Grand Prix, produced a stunning lap of 1:50.535 to snatch the top spot from Rodin Motorsport’s Pedro Clerot by a mere 0.012 seconds. The Japanese rookie’s performance marks his first pole position in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Taponen qualified third for ART Grand Prix, ahead of championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu in fourth for PREMA Racing. Enzo Deligny rounded out the top five for Rodin Motorsport.
Sprint Race Grid Set by Reverse-Order Q1 Results
Because the Saturday Sprint Race grid is determined by reversing the top twelve finishers from Qualifying 1, the front row will feature a dramatically different look. James Wharton (PREMA Racing) inherits reverse pole position, with Campos Racing’s Theophile Nael joining him on the front row. Wharton’s teammate Alex Powell will start from third place.
Qualifying 2: Taponen Denies Ugochukwu First Career Pole
The second qualifying session saw Ugochukwu appear destined for his maiden Formula 3 pole position before Taponen unleashed a blistering 1:49.750 on his final run. The Finn’s benchmark eclipsed Ugochukwu’s best effort by 0.021 seconds.
Clerot recovered from his narrow Q1 defeat to claim third, despite making contact with the barrier at the final corner on his closing lap. Kato followed in fourth, while Mattia Colnaghi completed the top five for MP Motorsport.
Championship Implications: Ugochukwu Gains Ground on Slater
The weekend is shaping up favorably for Ugochukwu in the drivers’ standings. The American driver secured a strong P2 in Qualifying 2 to go with his Q1 fourth place, positioning him well for both the Sprint and Feature Races. In contrast, title rival Freddie Slater (Rodin Motorsport) endured a difficult opening session, qualifying 17th in Q1 before recovering to eighth in Q2.
Saturday Schedule: Sprint Race at 11:05 Local Time
The first race of the Madrid round—the Sprint Race—is scheduled to begin at 11:05 local time on Saturday morning. The Feature Race will follow on Sunday.
Mercedes Leads Long-Run Pace in Spanish GP Friday Practice
George Russell set the benchmark during Friday’s practice sessions for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, posting the fastest long-run average with a heavy fuel load. Max Verstappen remained the closest challenger, trailing the Mercedes driver by just 0.13 seconds per lap after adjustments for tyre compounds and stint lengths. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli slotted in third, though he was 0.55 seconds per lap off Russell’s pace.
Ferrari and McLaren struggled across the board in race simulations. Both Ferraris were approximately nine-tenths of a second per lap slower than Mercedes, while Oscar Piastri’s long run was 1.51 seconds per lap adrift. Lando Norris was unable to complete any long runs due to technical issues.
Mercedes Sandbagging Pattern Raises Eyebrows
The competition may be particularly concerned by a look back at last weekend in Italy. There, Mercedes was level with Ferrari in long runs on Friday, while McLaren was two-tenths of a second off the pace. On race Sunday, however, the Silver Arrows were ultimately eight-tenths per lap faster than both teams. Mercedes therefore traditionally appears to show less on Fridays than the competition, which could be a bad omen for the rest of the weekend. However, caution is also required, as the track in Madrid is new. Larger setup changes can therefore be expected for Saturday.
The competition also appears closer over a single lap. If the fastest sector times of each driver are added together, Charles Leclerc could theoretically have set the fastest lap with a 1:33.478. Of the top six drivers, however, only Arvid Lindblad was able to combine all of his best sector times into a single lap.
The question remains where Mercedes’ advantage comes from, particularly in the long runs. The answer appears to be clear: the competition is losing too much time in the final sector. Mercedes was already able to set the fastest time in the third sector during qualifying simulations, but with a lot of fuel on board, the team can apparently extend that advantage even further.
Looking at the telemetry data, it is noticeable that Mercedes appears to use less battery power in the first sector, yet is still only marginally slower than the competition. In the final sector, however, Mercedes has a clear top-speed advantage, which appears to pay off particularly in the long-run mapping. While Mercedes excels in the final sector, Ferrari can score points in the first sector, while Max Verstappen and Red Bull are very strong in the fast second sector. McLaren is the only team that is consistently too slow across all three sectors.
Ferrari appear to be off the pace of Mercedes. Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Midfield Shake-Up: Haas Emerges as Surprise Package
Racing Bulls once again made headlines in the midfield on Friday – and for two reasons. Firstly, Arvid Lindblad finished fourth in the second practice session, just 0.228s off the pace. Shortly afterwards, however, he caused a heavy crash that resulted in a red flag. As a result, Racing Bulls was unable to complete any truly representative long runs. Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was also running a different programme and completed his qualifying and race simulations in a single stint, probably with a low fuel load.
That meant Haas actually recorded the best long-run pace in the midfield. Esteban Ocon was just 0.92s per lap behind Mercedes’ Russell during his stint, putting the Frenchman practically on Ferrari’s level. Alpine (+1.60), Audi (+2.20), Williams (+2.58), Cadillac (+4.00) and Aston Martin (+4.33) followed behind, with some considerable gaps.
Racing Bulls had a strong Friday. Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
However, caution is also required here given that this is the Madrid track’s debut. There is still plenty of potential for setup changes to alter the picture.
Tyre Degradation Debate: “Six Stops” vs. One-Stop Predictions
The performance of some teams was not the only surprise on Friday. The behaviour of the tyres was also unexpected. As a street circuit with what is essentially a smooth asphalt surface, high tyre degradation was not initially expected. However, that may now be changing.
“At the beginning it was tricky because the track has so much grip, even though it is completely new asphalt,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained to Sky. “And interestingly, we have the opposite problem to what we expected. We can’t quite get the tyre up to temperature. It takes a lap and then it gets a little better. But of course, the tyre degradation is incredible, because of the grip.”
When asked more specifically, Wolff spoke of “eight tenths of degradation per lap” in the first free practice session.
“We’ve never seen that before,” said Wolff. “Our strategy chief said six stops. But I think in the end it will be one stop.”
Toto Wolff warned about tyre degradation in Spain. Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Nevertheless, degradation in the second free practice session was also around three-tenths per lap during the long runs. At the moment, that points more towards a two-stop race than a one-stop strategy. However, more running should bring more grip to the track, which could reduce tyre degradation over the course of the weekend.
Just how unclear the tyre situation still is can also be seen in a contrasting statement from Pirelli’s motorsport chief Dario Marrafuschi, also speaking to Sky:
“The grip of the asphalt is really good, so we will most likely have less degradation than expected.”
The further course of the weekend in Madrid will show who ultimately gets their prediction right.
Pakistan staged a remarkable fightback on day three of the third Test at Edgbaston, posting 449 in their second innings to set England a target of 130 runs to complete a 3-0 series clean sweep.
Centurions Lead Pakistan Recovery
Captain Shan Masood, premier batter Babar Azam, and debutant Razaullah all recorded half-centuries as the tourists turned a precarious position into a commanding total. The trio’s contributions anchored an innings that shifted the match momentum decisively.
Debutant Razaullah Shines
The highlight of the day belonged to Razaullah, whose aggressive stroke play on debut provided the impetus Pakistan needed. His counter-attacking innings not only entertained the Edgbaston crowd but also ensured the home side would face a challenging fourth-innings chase.
England Target Series Whitewash
Needing just 130 runs for victory, England are heavy favorites to seal a 3-0 series triumph. The pitch at Edgbaston has offered assistance to bowlers throughout the match, meaning the target is by no means a formality, though the hosts’ batting depth suggests they will back themselves to finish the job.
Pakistan Set England 130 to Win Third Test After Razaullah Heroics at Edgbaston
Pakistan have set England a victory target of 130 runs in the third and final Test at Edgbaston following a remarkable all-round performance from 21-year-old Razaullah. The youngster first claimed four wickets in England’s first innings before producing a blistering knock of 81 runs from just 63 deliveries with the bat.
Razaullah Stars With Ball and Bat
Razaullah announced himself on the international stage with a match-defining contribution across both disciplines. His four-wicket haul helped restrict England’s first-innings total, before his explosive counter-attacking innings swung the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor. The left-handed batter struck boundaries at will, dominating the bowling attack and accelerating the run-rate to build a defendable lead.
England Face Tense Chase
Chasing 130 for a series-clinching victory, England will need to navigate a potentially tricky fourth-innings pitch against a Pakistan bowling attack buoyed by Razaullah’s earlier exploits. The target is achievable but far from guaranteed, setting up a compelling final chapter to the three-match series.
The match remains finely poised, with both sides having realistic pathways to victory in what has become a thrilling Test contest at Edgbaston.
Our expert betting writers have revealed their top selections for the Qualifying session at the Madring. The analysis identifies the key drivers and teams to watch as the grid order takes shape.
The preview covers a range of betting markets, offering insight into the strongest contenders and potential value plays for the upcoming session. For detailed reasoning behind each pick, explore the full expert breakdown.
Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has backed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to become a younger world champion than Max Verstappen, citing the Italian’s rapid development and exceptional maturity.
Historic Monza Victory Extends Championship Lead
Antonelli delivered an incredible performance at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, driving from 19th on the grid to victory in front of his home crowd. The 20-year-old became the first home driver to win at Monza in 60 years, extending his championship lead over his team-mate George Russell to 66 points ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Croft Draws Parallels With Verstappen’s Early Career
During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Croft compared Antonelli’s current trajectory to that of Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17, won his first race at 18 and his first championship at 24.
“12 months ago he was at Monza and was just coming out of a very difficult period where, from the podium in Canada, things had started to go wrong and he wasn’t happy,” Croft explained. “He was working really hard with Bono [Peter Bonnington] to try and put things right and then went on a really good run towards the end of the season.
“It’s almost like he’s growing up with less experience than Max. Max had that experience with Toro Rosso for a season and then a couple of races before he went up to the Red Bull team.
“He’s doing things earlier than Max. He’s going to be a younger world champion than Max was. He is a younger polesitter. He is a younger grand prix winner. He’s getting everything done very, very early indeed and showing a lot of maturity with it.
Emotional Control Marks Generational Talent
Croft emphasized that Antonelli’s emotional control distinguishes him as a generational talent, noting visible improvement in the youngster’s racecraft.
“I’ve seen and heard signs on the track this year where he’s controlling his emotions. He’s calming down. He’s keeping a lid on things that might have got the better of him 12 months ago.
“That is why people are saying this man is a generational talent because it’s one thing to have an ability, it’s another to have that controlled ability and to start being very mature at an age where I think all three of us can agree we certainly wouldn’t have been capable of doing anything near what Kimi Antonelli is doing.”
Record-Breaking Season Underway
Antonelli took the lead of the standings after back-to-back wins in the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. He went on to secure four more victories before the summer break and his win in Italy was his seventh F1 win.
For context, Sebastian Vettel became the youngest F1 champion in history, claiming his first title in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
A robot made a surprise appearance at a basketball gym, entering while singing as Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry looked on with a smile. The unusual entrance created a scene far removed from the typical practice environment of the NBA’s all-time three-point leader.
Machine Meets Marksman on the Court
After its musical arrival, the robot positioned itself next to Curry and began taking shots alongside the four-time champion. The impromptu shooting session blended elite athletic skill with advanced robotics, drawing enthusiastic cheers from students in attendance who celebrated every attempt by the mechanical visitor and the basketball icon.
Viral Moment Highlights Sports-Tech Crossover
The encounter underscores the growing intersection of professional sports and interactive technology. While Curry is accustomed to defenses designed to stop him, sharing the floor with an autonomous, singing robot presented a novel challenge—one that delighted the audience and highlighted the entertainment potential of humanoid robotics in mainstream sports settings.
The first two games of the 272-game NFL regular-season slate are officially in the books, with a pair of NFC West powerhouses asserting early dominance. The Seattle Seahawks dispatched the New England Patriots 13-10 without starting quarterback Sam Darnold for all but one drive, while the San Francisco 49ers rolled past the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams 27-7 during the league’s historic debut in Australia.
Suffocating Defenses and Offensive Rust Set the Tone
While both defensive units showcased suffocating prowess, low-scoring affairs defined the opening window across the board. NFL offenses battled early-season rust, exacerbated by the lack of playing time for starters during the preseason. The trend underscores a growing strategic shift where teams prioritize health over preseason rhythm, leaving quarterbacks and offensive lines to find their footing under the brightest lights.
Historic Statistical Anomaly: Top Two MVP Finishers Flounder
According to historical records, this week’s struggles delivered an unprecedented statistical anomaly: this is the first time in NFL history that the top two finishers in the previous season’s MVP voting each saw their respective teams score 10 or fewer points in the season opener.
Matthew Stafford finished the night with just 155 passing yards, his lowest output since Week 11 of last year, along with zero touchdowns and one interception. On the opposing sideline, Drake Maye managed 178 passing yards, one touchdown, and, mirroring his struggles from the previous Super Bowl, tossed three interceptions against a fierce Seattle secondary.
Contrasting Recent MVP Title Defenses
Such opening-week turbulence starkly contrasts with how recent MVP award winners fared to begin their title-defense campaigns. Looking back at recent history, Josh Allen opened his post-MVP slate in 2025 by delivering a legendary 424 total yards of offense (394 passing, 30 rushing) and four touchdowns in an epic comeback win against Baltimore.
Prior to that, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes historically experienced varied opening results following their MVP crowns, with Mahomes launching his 2023 campaign throwing for 226 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit.
History Suggests Patience for Stafford and Maye
As Stafford and Maye look to bounce back, history proves that early offensive slumps rarely define a true superstar’s trajectory over a grueling 17-game season. The sample size of one game remains statistically insignificant, and both quarterbacks have demonstrated the resilience and talent to correct course as the season unfolds.
Thomas Meunier Reveals Why He Chose Sunderland Over Dream Moves to Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid
Sunderland’s new signing Thomas Meunier has opened up about his decision to join the Black Cats this summer, admitting he would have preferred transfers to European giants Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Free Transfer from Lille
The 34-year-old right-back arrived at the Stadium of Light on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with French side Lille. Despite harbouring ambitions to play for one of Europe’s elite clubs, Meunier explained that Sunderland’s approach ultimately convinced him to accept the move.
Black Cats’ Persuasion Proved Decisive
According to Walfoot, the Belgian international stated that the Black Cats’ approach convinced him to accept the move, turning down the possibility of waiting for offers from his preferred destinations.
