Ronaldo and Durán powers Al-Nassr to the AFC Champions League Quarterfinals.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr defeated Iran’s Esteghlal 3-0 to advance to the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals. Missing the first leg’s 0-0 draw in Tehran, Ronaldo returned in style. Al-Nassr struck early when January signing, Jhon Durán capitalized on a loose ball, chipping a stunning shot past goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini for his first goal in the tournament. In the 27th minute, Sadio Mané won a penalty after being fouled by Zobeir Niknafs. Ronaldo confidently converted, scoring his seventh goal in six appearances. Esteghlal’s troubles worsened before halftime when Mehran Ahmadi received a second yellow card for an arm to Mohammed Al-Fatil’s face. Al-Nassr pressed for a third, with Durán hitting the crossbar before finally sealing the win with a low strike after an assist from Angelo. Ronaldo, now the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer with 18 goals, has netted more goals after 30 (464) than before and is just 73 away from 1,000 career goals.
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Ratcliffe makes shocking revelation about United’s finances amid cut-costing.
Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has claimed the club would have gone bankrupt by Christmas without the stringent cost-cutting measures implemented under his leadership. Since acquiring a 28.94% stake for £1.25 billion last year, along with a £232 million Investment pledge, Ratcliffe and INEOS have made tough financial decisions to stabilize the club, drawing criticism from fans amid declining performances. In interviews with the BBC, UK Telegraph, and club legend Gary Neville, Ratcliffe stressed that United had been financially mismanaged for seven years, consistently spending more than they earned. He revealed the club faced a severe cash shortage, necessitating drastic action. Despite concerns over debt, Ratcliffe insisted that was not United’s biggest financial issue. He defended his approach, stating that while unpopular, the cuts were essential to restoring the club’s stability. Committed to reviving United’s success, he declared: “My only interest here is returning Manchester United back to greatness again.”
Steph Curry accepts Assistant GM role at his alma mater, Davidson College.
Golden State Warriors star, Stephen Curry has taken on a new role as assistant general manager for Davidson College’s basketball programs, becoming the first active U.S. major professional athlete to hold an administrative NCAA position. In this role, Curry will offer guidance to both the men’s and women’s teams, working alongside general manager Austin Buntz. Curry, who played for Davidson from 2006 to 2009, will also help launch an eight-figure fund for the programs alongside his wife, Ayesha, and longtime Davidson supporters Don, Matt, and Erica Berman. Matt Berman, a former Davidson soccer player, will also serve as an assistant GM. Reflecting on his time at Davidson, Curry emphasized his desire to provide future student-athletes with similar opportunities. The Warriors legend, a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion, returned to Davidson in 2022 to complete his degree and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Now in his 16th NBA season, he continues to strengthen his alma mater’s legacy.
Barcelona open to discussing a new contract with Wojciech Szczęsny.
Since joining FC Barcelona in September as an emergency signing following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, Wojciech Szczęsny has impressed both the coaching staff and club management. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, initially coaxed out of retirement, has made a strong impact on and off the pitch, prompting Barcelona to consider extending his stay. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is open to discussing a new contract with Szczęsny, whose current deal expires at the end of the season. While Barcelona is in no rush to finalize negotiations, they are willing to hold talks in the coming weeks or months. Ultimately, the decision rests with Szczęsny, but the former Juventus and Arsenal star has expressed interest in staying at Camp Nou. Given his performances and growing rapport with the team, there is a strong possibility that he will continue beyond this season, providing experience and stability in Barcelona’s goalkeeping department.
Nikola Jokić fuels the Denver Nuggets to a 140-127 win over Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Denver Nuggets secured a 140-127 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, avenging their 24-point loss the night before. After a tight first half, the Nuggets erased a six-point halftime deficit and took control in the fourth quarter with a 24-12 run, building a 14-point lead. From there, they maintained their advantage to seal the victory. Jokić narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists. Jamal Murray added 34 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 17. Denver shot over 60% from the field and 56% from three, with nearly every player scoring in double figures. Lu Dort led the Thunder with 26 points and a career-high eight three-pointers, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 points. Despite the loss, Oklahoma City remains atop the Western Conference at 53-12, 11 games ahead of Denver. However, they lost Jalen Williams to a hip injury.